M I CHI G A N'FARM &WS THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FAF. EAU Vol. 48, No. 12 -1919-50 Years of Service to Michigan Farmers-1969- December 1, 1969 It is the gentle, twinkling kind of .snow ... The blaze of stars, through interlacing Dawn's flaming touch upon a frost-swirled window boughs :0.t..barren trees ... City streets, roofed with evergreen and The solemnity of midnight service,. midst a radiance colored constellations of light of music and me(lo~ candlelight ... The wind, lashing in vain at a home 50 many things ... seen and unseen ... descending buttoned up snugly against the cold . upon the world like gentle snow, twinkling The silver fire of moonlight on ice-fringed eaves . through the \\5i1e~t ~ .. Holy ... Night." Notes From 1970 Michigan Farm Truth in Capitol Report ON THE INSIDE: page 4 All Over page 5 Bureau Policies pages 7-14 Lending Law page 17 TWO December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS EDITORIAL ... PRESIDENT'S COLUMN Public Relations Problems Marketing a Tough Job - (Editor's note: President Smith de- It's inventory time again. As we reflect back voted a" major part of his annual ad- on 1969 and the major subjects discussed at dress to the delegate body of the 50th agricultural meetings, we are reminded of the annual meeting to the problems we need for "better public relations for farmers." face in marketing and bargaining. Almost without exception speakers have said Policies adopted reflect the import- that consumers need to be reminded that farm- ance of solving these problems. This ers subsidize inexpensive food and fiber ... month's column will feature excerpts that the farmer is not receiving a fair portion from the address plus comments on of the food dollar ... that consumers are lucky new policies.) to have such abundance ... and that farmers The 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting of need to unite because they are a political Michigan Farm Bureau is past history. It was minority. a successful meeting, a productive meeting. It would be fine indeed if consumers did Voting delegates were prepared to handle the know all of these things. Certainly consumers business at hand in an organized and orderly take agricultural abundance for granted. manner. I appreciate the outstanding job per- formed by the state policy development com- Farmers mayor may not receive a fair price mittee, who did research and preliminary work for their produce. !vlost farmers are inde- preparing the proposed resolutions for presen- pendent and try to charge whatever the market tation to the entire house of delegates. will bear for the product of their investment . Farmers are moving into the market now to and labor. That the market won't bear supply meet directly with processors and distributors. and demand flexibility however, is a separate \Ve are tooling up our market machinery for problem to which neither consumers or farmers effective bargaining. This has to be done care- have given enough critical thought. Believe fully so as not to force buyers to switch to it or not, there are still many farmers who con- substitutes and synthetics, or to have them tinue to plant crops or raise animals without raise. their own crops. vVith this in mind the knowing who is going to buy them, at what voting delegates adopted many.carefully writ- price, or even if they will be sold. And there ten policies pertaining to marketing and bar- are a good many consumers to whom buying gaining. I would urge that you turn to page 7 food and clothing is about the same as buying of this Farm News and completely read all of electricity or water. \Vhen consumers become the policies. (The policies can be pulled out concerned about the business of water, elec- and preserved for future reference.) tricity or gasoline, then they might also become You will immediately recognize the import- critical about the business of food and fiber. ance placed on orderly marketing and bargain- How many consumers or farmers really ing programs as you study policies relating to realize how agricultural markets and thus farm these subjects. A portion of one such policy business is controlled by federal bureaucrats? reads as follows: To be sure the management and control of agri- "vVe will support and work for legislation culture is the result of various Acts of Congress that will enable a producers' association sup- over the past 36 years, so it would appear on ported by a referendum vote of 51% of the the surface that they are popular, accepted and growers with two-thirds of the production of a proven national agricultural policy. This is commodity or representing two-thirds of the not so! growers with 51 % of the production of a com- The Acts of Congress were, and are, clearly modity, to bargain "for and be supported by labelled "temporary", "emergency", or "adjust- all producers of that commodity. This legisla- ment" legislation. They are designed to solve tion should provide for a periodic rehearing or specific problems in specific sectors at a spe- referendum to assure that the association is cific time. BUT ... if all the plans of agri- adequately serving the industry. cultural planners failed, it wasn't their fault, "vVe will support legislation to provide that it' was the fault of the farmers who wouldn't purchasers of farm products, through negoth~- work togethe.r, who wouldn't support the pro- tions, shall state their buying price, or a form- grams, who wouldn't be controlled. ula for determining this price, at or before the time of delivery." In a nutshell, that's the public relations prob- \Ve live in a business and political world. lem we face in agriculture. \Ve've got to change Experience has proved that we will not get that concept in the consumers eyes ... or a fair price just because we deserve it. Like- change the planners viewpoint. Farm Bureau wise in politics \}'e will not have good laws is currently working on both problems. The just because we desire them. Our policies success of each depends on the individual, yet therefore not only state the desires of the combined efforts of our membership. \Ve can members, but guide the direction of officers tell our story to consumers about the price of and staff who have been charged with the job food. \Ve can prove that the cost price squeeze of carrying these wishes out. affects us t},e same the consumers, but the big Delegates are well aware that if Farm Bu- job is conv ncing Congress that the farm pro- reau doesn't get the job done, somebody else grams we are living with are NOT in the best will try to do it for us. Orderly marketing of interest of farmers and must, therefore, be produce is essential if we are to retain present changed. markets, or expand to new markets. \Ve are attempting to answer marketing It ~leans the Same problems of low prices and lack of markets. Through research and development we plan If you were walking down the streets of Vi- new programs. County Farm Bureau leaders elma, you would be greeted with the glad ~" have expressed a need for many programs. words, Froeliche \Veihnachten! In Paris they MICHDGAN _FARM NEWS To-date marketing programs encompass a would exclaim, Joyeux Noel! In Stockholm, THe ACTION PUBLICATION 0 .. THIE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU numher of commodities indllding grain and God Jul! while down in Rio it would be Feliz The ~lICHIGAX F AR~I :'\EWS is DIRECTORS: Distri<:t I. Arthur published monthly, on the first day. beans, eggs, wheat, apples, aspar~g\;s, vegeta- Natal! b,' the Michigan Farm Bureau. at its Hailey. Sl'hoolcraft: District 2. Dean pllhlication office at 109 X. Lafayette Pridg:~on. ~fontgolllel)'. R-I: District 3. bles, grapes, cherries, and our newest pro- Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-I; Dis- In Rome, the word passed along with infec- 'treet. Greenville. ~Iichigan. trict 4. Elton R, Smith. Caledonia, R-I: gram, feeder pigs. Farm Bureau Services co- Editorial and general officl"s at 4000 tious good cheer is Buon Natale! In Copen- Xorth Grand River Avenue, Lansin~. District 5. David ~forris, Grand Ledlte. ordinates many of these programs through the ~Iichigan 48904. Post Office Box 960. R-3: District 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City. hagen, it is Glaedelig Jull and in Rotterdam, Telephone. LansinJ: 485-8121, Exten- R-3: District 7. Kenneth Bull. Bailey, Michigan Elevator Exchange Division and Egg it is Hartelijke Kerstgroetcn! sion 317. Suhscription '"ear . price, 50f per R-I: District 8. Harvey Leuenherger. Marketing Division. Saginaw, R-6: District 9. Eu~ene Rob- . Estahlishcd January 12. 1923. Sec- erts. Lake City, R-I: District 10, Additional commodity marketing activities Yet, there is no mystery at" all about these ond Class PostaJ:e paid at Greenville, Richarrl Wieland. Ellsworth, R-I; Dis- are under study and will be started IF it can ~Iichi~an, exchanges. On one day in the year - Decem- EDITORIAL: Editor. Evan J. Hale: trid II, Franklin Sl"hwiderson. Da ftt'f , be determined that a definite need exists. The Associate Editor. Vern ~1. Bullt'n: Ad- ber 25th - language presents no barriers. In ,"ertising ~Ianager, Carl P. Kentnl"r; DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter Michigan Farm Bureau Market Development Frahm. Frankenmuth; James L. Sayre . the world's universal state of glee, all speech ..\rtist. Xomlan Goodling:. 8t'llevillt': Calvin Lutz. Kalt""a. Division is constantly conduding research proj- OFFICERS: ~Iichigan Farm Bu- is reduced to a common denominator in the reau; President. Elton R. Smith. Call'" WO~fEX OF FAR:\f BUREAU: Mrs. ects and working closely with spedal producer donia. R- I; Vice President. Dean Jerold Topliff. Eaton Rapids. R-I: happy greeting of the season. In English, they Prid!!eon, Montgomery. R- I: Secretal)'- F,-\R~f BUREAU rOUXG FAR~IERS: committees in developing new marketing ac- all mean Manager, Dan E. Reed. Lansinlt. Carl Howard. Mllrl('tte. tivities. These 'are ACTION programs that are POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, 4000 N. MERRY CHRISTMAS Grand River, Lansing, Michigan 48904 paying off to the memhership in higher net Second class postage paid at Greenville, Mi,higan earnin,gs and expanded markets. Evan Hale Elton Smith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 THREE Reflections ... Webster's dictionary has many definitions for the word 'reflection', let's look at some of them. The first one being "an image:' What kind of image do we as farmers' wives have of the work of the Farm Bureau Women in our own county? As I look over the pro- grams and projects you have carried on this year, it looks as though you have been busy on some very worthwhile activities, but you know as we look in a mirror at our image we can also see the things behind us and occassionally there is a shadow. Let's look at that shadow a minute: did we really do a good job of evaluating our county women's committees? Are we really trying to involve more women? How about those ladies who do not belong to a ~ community group, did we really try to get any of them active in our activities, or did we just shrug it off saying, "they just aren't inter- working, not waiting' . ested," did we really ask them? Did we ask our county board mem- bers to suggest any names of ladies from out-of-touch areas in the Women's Program Mrs. Topliff -.._-~ county? Let's always remember we are a committee of, not an auxiliary to, the county board so let's ask their help and guidance Resounding Success Re-elected Chairman to make our total Farm Bureau even better than it is, and our image clear and bright. Some of those other objects around our image we can look at too, .. there's our district council and spring and fall district meetings, are there any shadows around these, did we plan the best meeting we 19 FARM BUREAU 1969 could? Did we really encourage all our officers to go to the council meetings? Did we really invite and encourage Farm Bureau \Vomen other than committee members to go to the district meetings? Did !l!SIlI @Il/ "t ~TURl we encourage our officers to attend the workshops held throughout the state? Did we go to the state institute? These meetings are carefully planned to give us some tools to take back home to use as we work with our members for a well rounded county program. Reflection means "likeness:' Many of our Farm Bureau members are also home demonstration members, many of our goals for our home and community are the same. The Cooperative Extension Service and many other women's organizations work together to plan "College Week for Women" each year. This is a week of learning for women, some of us attend, more of us should go. Sen. N. Lorraine Beebe, a member of Mich- ~1rs. Jerold (~1axine) Topliff), Eaton Rapids, Reflection also means, "the fixing of the mind on some sllb;ect," igan's State Legislature, talked 'woman to wom- was re-elected to head the Michigan Farm yes, as a result of fixing our mind on the sub;ect, namely our Marge an' at the MFB 'Vomen's luncheon. She, as Bureau 'Vomen's Corninittee at their annual Karker Farm Bureau Scholarship, we now have our goal of 88000.00 a mother, former teacher, counselor and now meeting held on Monday. Mrs. Richard (Doris) on deposit at Michigan State University. The interest from this each as a member of several state committees study- 'Vieland of Ellsworth was elected vice-chair- year will be used .for our scholarship. Another fixing of the mind ing youth and their problems, said, "Young- man. project is a holiday camp conducted by two of our districts. sters need our support, need our love and un- Reflection is "serious thought," and I'd like to present some Nearly 700 Michigan Farm Bureau 'Vornen serious thoughts to you. Some of us recently attended a three day derstanding, and regardless of what they seem and guests heard Senator N. Lorraine Beebe meeting, "Michigan Women's Conference of Traffic Safety," held to say, need and ,vant discipline. Are any of tell about ""Tomen's Role in Today's Society" right here in Kellogg Center. A new organization was fanned at us aware of what our youngsters are exposed to and watched the style review presented by 35 this meeting, namely «Michigan Women for Highway Safety." Spme today? Go through the newsstands ... watch county Farm Bureau 'Vornen. The ladies mod- serious facts given us at this meeting like - one accident 'every television ... read the papers. 'Ve immunize eled costumes made by them in county needle- one-minute-43-seconds, one person killed every three-hours~O-min"" them tlgainst all diseases bllt how much effort utes, which means 61h persons a day die in traffic accidents in craft contests. 1'\eedlecraft of other types were are we as parents putting forth to immunize Michigan for a total of 2,388 persons killed in 1968. In the United on display around the room. them against the corrupting forces such as States last year around 55,000 people lost their lives in traffic drugs? printed filth? etc. Let's do something Michigan Farm Bureau President Elton Smith accidents, and did you hear a single march or moratoriam against today ... not tomorrow ... and a good place thanked the ladies for their participation in killing our own neighbors, friends and citizens on our highways? I think we need to give this some serious thought and act when to begin is in the home where you ladies set Farm Bureau programs and voiced approval of asked to do so. Let's support our policemen, not tear them apart. the pace." their many projects. Let's do our part to set a good example in our driving, go the extra mile or turn the other cheek. go anYWhere in Michigan Reflection - "the turning of thought back upon past experiences," let's do that a moment and make it a pleasant experience. Farm Bureau Women can claim our Michigan Mother of 1969 as one of us. Of the 15 merit mothers this year, five of them are our own Farm Bureau members, this being in additio~ to Mrs. Oxender, who is the Michigan Mother. We are very proud of all of you, we know we have many good mothers in our membership and are lor a nickel- a-minule. happy. the other organizations of our state are learning it too. This truly has been a pleasant experience and our congratulations go to each of you. Now, to you counties, why don't you look over your members again this year and nominate some more of your good mothers. Another pleasant and learning experience was our multi-state workshop, held in Peoria, Illinois. This is an exchange of ideas with states whose structure is similar to ours. By working together for two days, you also can appreciate the common goals and con- cerns shared by other state Farm Bureau Women's committees. At meetings like this you soon realize how important it is to overcome the idea that our own ideas are best, how important it is to listen and consider many other ideas, before you start a project. You have to remember that you are one cog in a big wheel, and only when we all work together do we get the job done. Reflection can be "contemplati01l" and contemplation is «the act of looking forward to expectation." This to me says let's make our programs and projects for 1970 just the very best we can. Let's ask our county presidents for any specific tasks or projects to make our county Farm Bureau program the best ever. Let's involve as many women as possible, both community group and non-community group. Better yet get more community groups formed to involve more people. Let's continue to promote Michigan and Michigan r.c; r Ij , products, commodity promotion is fun, you ought to try it. If we are proud of Ollr products, let's tell people we are, if we are proud o For a nickel, Zl ~L- {~' .. calls dialed direct, of Ollr Farm Bureau and it's women work, let's set our goals high we'll carry your voice ""- and to operator-handled and provie it in Ollr achievements. I'd like to leave YOllwith this a long distance. -, .~ ~ . calls where Direct Distance little poem written by Paul Gilbert, titled, "Your Own Version." o You pay just $2 a month, Dialing is not yet available. You are writing a Gospel, and from 10 at night till 7 in the morning, o Call our Business Office and ask you can direct dial calls to anyplace in for Nickel-a-Minute service. It's a nice A chapter each day, By deeds that you do, Michigan. For a Nickel-a-Minute. way to get out of town in a hurry. By words that you say, o You can call your kids away at Men read what you write, school, relatives across the state, or Whether faithless or true; Say, what is the Gospel According to you? friends living anywhere in Michigan. o Nickel-a-Minute service applies OJ onl) to station-ta-station @ Michigan BeD - Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff " FOUR December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS addition, made it impossible to owners and also those who rented raise it without another constitu- property. The average credit tional amendment. It was further against the individual state in- amended to tie into the Constitu- come tax has been $49. This tion the additional three mills amount would be higher for most that might be raised by local pur- farmers. However, the credit was poses, which would guarantee only given to those who had a that each mill would be worth great enough income to be pay- the same amount of money ing a state income tax. The throughout the state. In other theory is that such credits are words, a mill raised in a poor no longer needed if the property district would be guaranteed as tax rates for school operations much money per mill as that are reduced to the recommended raised in a wealthy district. If limitations. On most farms, the SJR 'Q" were passed in this form, credit represents approximately it would be a major breakthrough three mills. in the curbing of school property A tentative state aid proposal taxes. for next year's' school operation Final passage of this resolution has been passed. Final passage will be a first order of business will depend on whether there is enough money to fully fund it. Action Aplenty-legislative and Policy Development on the Senate's return in De- cember. Another joint resolution on One other educational reform proposal passed the Senate. This property taxation for schools, was SJR "p" which, in its original form, would have abolished the by Robert E. Smith "W", is also pending before the Senate. This was introduced by State Board of Education and" Senator Levin (D-Berkley) and replaced it with an appointed nine other Democrats. It would State Director of Education. The permit the Legislature to estab- Senate, however, amended the There has been plenty of ac- nated the industrial processing Farm Bureau's letter to all resolution to make the State lish the property tax for school tion this fall, both in the Legis- exemption. Senators pointed out that to sub- Board of Education an appointive operations at any level up to a laoue and in the Policy Develop- On checking around the Capi- ject most of the agricultural cost body in five members, appointed maximum limit of 20 mills on ment process within Farm Bureau. tol, it became apparent that with of production to the sales tax non-residential property. Higher by the Governor with the advice The two processes can be con- the bills on the calendar there would be an unfair "added tax and consent of the Senate, with rates could be established for non- sidered together inasmuch as ac- was a possibility that there were burden" and •• would further de- residential property, such as in- not- more than three members of tivity in both areas has been of a enough votes to pass them on the press farm income and be a di- the same political party. The dustrial and commercial. It is concurrent nature. following Monday night. Begin- rect burden on income essential Board would then appoint a Su- assumed that agricultural land The activity of County Farm ning Friday noon, Farm Bureau for family living needs." The perintendent of Public Instruction. may be considered for this pur- Bureau Policy Development Com- put the Telephone Grid into ac- letter further pointed out that This method is fully in line with pose as commercial property, mittees, togethe~ with county an- tion, \\-hich reaches all County "farmers are already paying a far Farm Bureau policy and would which could mean a considerable nual meeting policy decisions, re- Farm Bureau Legislative Com- larger portion of their income for be cOI)sistent with some other increase in farm property taxes. sulted in another record number of mittees and, in turn, all Minute- taxes than others, property taxes Departments of state government, recommendations to the State This resolution would also per- men in the Community Groups. alone average 17 % of net in- such as Agriculture, Conservation Policy Development Committee. It is theoretically possible to mit a $3,000 assessed valuation come." USDA data was attached and Highways. SJR "P" would The nearly 500 elected voting reach nearly every member with exemption on residential property. to the letter. require a vote of the people. delegates that attended the state this method. However, additional Additional property tax could be It was further pointed out that levied under this resolution as Other education reform legisla- annual convention also made de- efforts were made which resulted "farmers need tax relief, not ad- tion, such as replacement of In- "provided by law." cisions on a record number of poli- in the alerting of each state Farm ditional oppressive taxation," and termediate School Districts with cies that wiII guide Farm Bureau Bureau Director, every County that necessary additional tax Both proposals would limit Regional Districts, reorganization in the coming year. (See the pull- Farm Bureau President, every revenues "should come from the propertY tax for county and town- of K-12 districts, assessment and out section on the state policies member of a Countv Farm Bu- only equitable tax - the income ship purposes to eight mills in a testing of students, etc., is pres- that were adopted for 1970.) reau Board, plus the Women's tax." 15-mill county and to 11 mills in ently dormant and has not moved All this activitv, interest and Committees and the Young Farm- an 18-mill county. Both would even though there have been One Farm Bureau member, a concern no doubt' results in large ers' Committees. In addition, all also cut the present 50-mill total hearings on some of the issues. fruit grower, largely family oper- measure from the educational re- ~1ACMA Committees were alert- limitation in the Constitution to There seems to be so much con- ated, went to some lengths to 25 mills. form and finance proposals now ed, as were all State Farm Bu- show in graphic form the effect fusion on the entire school reform under consideration in the Legis- reau Commodity Committees. that the elimination of the sales The Senate also approved a issue that it is possible that no- lature, the increasing labor issues Other associations were alerted, tax exemption would have on his bill for one year that would re- thing of consequence will happen. facing agriculture and the threat such as the Machinery Dealers, family's living. He went through move the property tax credits that It would be extremely unfortun- of the loss of some farm tax ex- Michigan Milk Producers Associ- his Telfarm records for the years became law in 1967 as a part of ate if this is the case, as it may be emptions, such as the agricultural ation, Livestock Exchange, etc. 1966-67-68 . and found that in the state income tax proposals. the last opportunity for some time sales tax exemption, personal It was felt that communications 1966 the additional 4 % sales tax Such credits were on a sliding to come to achieve major cuts in property, etc. The following is a needed to be made with all Sen- would have taken, in reality, scale and applied to property property tax for school purposes. summary of some of these current ators over the weekend. Farm nearly 7 % of his family's income. issues: Bureau members reacted to this In 1967, he had a net farm loss with a strong, united voice, recog- of over $1,700, so the additional AGRICULTURAL SALES TAX nizing the importance of the is- sales tax expense would have sue. substantiaJIy increased that loss. EXEMPTION As this is written, these two In 1968, as he said in the letter, Fann Program - Hearings are commodities to refuse to negoti- The possible loss of this ex- bills (S. 969 and S. 971), are still was a "much better year," but now in progress on a national ate prices and other terms of emption has been a threat for the on the calendar to be acted upon even then the additional expense farm program. Michigan's Con- contracts at reasonable times and past three years or more. Dur- when the Senate returns Decem- according to his family's income gressman Elford (AI) Cederbert, places with agricultural bargain- ing that time, "there have been ber 2 after its recess. However, it would have been nearly 4 %. representing the 19 counties of ing associations. bills introduced in the Legislature appears that the farm exemption Another larger grower figured the 10th District, is now one of will be left intact. The Act of 1967, strongly sup- to remove all or a part of the sales this out on his operation and the 43 House sponsors of legisla- There has been confusion on ported by Farm Bureau, has tax exemption on farm machinery, found to his dismay that the per- tion that would carry out Farm this issue in the newspapers and been helpful in preventing dis- equipment, seeds, feeds, fertilizers centage of his income that would Bureau's farm program proposals. over the radio. One thing that crimination against producers by and other supplies. Two of these have been required to pay the This brings to a total of six has created confusion is the fact handlers and processors because bills were introduced in the Senate additional sales tax would have Michigan Congressmen support- that. there were also two other of membership in an association last April by Senator Bowman {D- been even higher. ing this approach. The others bills reported out of the Senate of producers. The Act of 1969 Roseville) and Senator McCaulty are Congressmen Guy Vander- Taxation Committee that tighten- School Finance and Educa- will take an additional step in (D- Wyandotte), who are also on Jagt, Wm. S. Broomfield, James ed up several sales tax exemptions, tional Reform - The Legislature protecting the rights of agricul- the Senate Taxation Committee. Harvey, Edward Hutchinson and including agriculture. In these adjourned on November 13 and tural producers to bargain through Suddenly, late Thursday, No- Charles E. Chamberlain. two bills (S. 1092 and S. 1093) will reconvene on December 2. their associations. vember 6, the bills were voted On the Senate side, 20 Senators one word, "directly," was added However, in spite of the recess, are now sponsors of farm program Railroad Rates - Farm Bureau out of committee bv a 3-2 vote. to the agricultural exemption sec- plenty of activity is going on. legislation in line with Farm has asked the Interstate Com- \Ve became aware ~f this action tion. \Vhile no one seemed to Negotiating committees are be- Bureau recommndations. Michi- merce Commission to suspend a the next morning. know exactly what this word ing set up between the two houses gan's Senator Robert Griffin is proposed 6(,1, increase ill rates The bills voted out were S. 969 might mean totally, it was esti- and the two political parties to sought by U. S. railroads and to included in that number. and S. 971. Thev would elemi- mated that it would result in at negotiate possible final versions investigate thoroughly the need nate all of the agricultural sales Farm Labor - The House least $2 million of increased sales of educational reform along with Labor Subcommittee has deferred for any increase. tax exemption with the exception taxes on agriculture. The Senate new methods of finance. of seeds, fertilizers and spray ma- hearings on farm labor unioniza- Rural Affairs - President Nix- finallv amended the two bills and Farm Bureau's policy strongly tion. In the Senate, the Labor terials. This means that all ma- supports new financing and indi- on has established a Rural Af- remo~ed the word "directlv" bv Sub~ommittee is now holding chinery, equipment and other a vote of 26-8. " cates that property taxes must be fairs Council at the Cabinet level. supplies, including gasoline used hearmgs on this important issue. The Council will include the Vice ~Iany people do not understand limited, either by law or through Farm Bureau has presented testi- on the farm, would become sub- the agricultural sales tax exemp- the Constitution, and should not President, the Secretaries of Agri- mony. ject to the 4 % sales tax. \ Vhile tion. Some, believe it or not, exceed 12 mills for school oper- culture, Interior, Commerce, it was not determined for sure, Agricultural Marketing - Farm Housing and Urban Development. think it applies even to a farmer's ating purposes. Bureau has testified before a it appears that livestock purchased living expenses, such as food and Health, Education and \VeHare, The Govemor's program recom- Senate Agricultural Subcommittee for feeding purposes would also clothing. It cannot be repeated Labor, and the Directors of mended 16 mills of property tax. endorsing passage of the Agri- be subject to the sales or use tax. too often that the exemption only However, the Senate, in a last O.E.O. and the Bureau of the ~ultural ~tJarketing and Bargain- Budget, plus the Chairman of the It is estimated that passage of applies to the machinery, tools minute action before adjourn- mg Act of 1969, which would Council of Economic Advisors. these bills would increase farmers' and supplies actually "used or ment, amended the constitutional amend the Agricultural Fair Prac- The ('hallenge is to help "rural costs by somewhere between S15- consumed" in the production of proposal, SJR "Q" on property tices Act of 1967 to make it un- America once again become an $20 million. The bills also elimi- food and fiber. taxes down to 12 mills and, in lawful for a handler of farm area of opportunity." MICHIGAN FARM. NEWS December 1, 1969 FIVE of the American Medical Associa- AFBF 50th Anniversary tion, were the speakers. Joining them in a question - and - answer Celebration in Washington, o.c. period were representatives of a number of supermarket chains . The session was arranged by Os- NOTES FROM AllOVER. •• car Mayer and Co. ~nd Super Smith and Pridgeon Re-elected - Elton Smith, Caledonia, Celebration of the 50th an- address the marketing conference Market Institute. was re-elected president of Michigan Farm Bureau at the or- niversary year of the American on December 9, on the subject Farm Bureau Federation will be 000 ganization meeting of the Board of Directors, November 20. "Agricultural Marketing from the climaxed at the Federation's an- Mr. Smith begins his sixth term as head of the state's largest Point of View of a Consumer and Campbell noted that although nual meeting Dec. 7-11, in Wash- a member of Congress." food prices are up, they have been general fann organization. ington, D. C., with 1969 mem- trailing the cost of living, not bership predicted to reach "Pesticides and Public Health:' Also re-elected was Dean Pridgeon, vice president and David leading it. He pointed out that 1,850,000 families, a new record will be discussed at the natural Morris as third member of the Executive Committee. Re- the amount of disposable income high, and an increase of 50,000 resources conference by Dr. Wil- appointed was Dan E. Reed, Secretary-Manager, William Beat- spent for food continues to de- over 1968, according to organiza- liam T. Durham, scientist director, tie, Treasurer and William Wilkinson, Assistant Secretary and crease. At 16 to 17 per cent, it tion officials. Farm Bureau is the division of pesticides, Public is the lowest in the world. Legal Counsel. largest general farm organization Health Service, Department of in the nation. Roger Fleming, Health, Education and Welfare. He also explained that many Voting Delegates named for AFBF Meeting - The MFB secretary-treasurer of the Feder- housewives who complain about Board of Directors has designated the following members as Other conferences scheduled their larger costs at the super- ation, said the new membership on December 9 include: dairy, voting delegates at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting figure will represent the largest market neglect to separate the livestock, poultry, horticulture in Washington, D ..C.: Elton Smith, Dean Pridgeon, Harvey numerical gain registered by the food and non-food items in their crops, Young Farmers and Ranch- shopping carts. At least 25 per Leuenberger, Calvin Lutz and Andrew Jackson. They will organization since 1953. ers, Farm Bureau Women, Safe- cent of every supermarket dollar represent the membership of Michigan Farm Bureau cis new Key issues expected to be dis- mark, and organization. goes 'for non-food items. policies are adopted to guide the AFBF during 1970. cussed at the Washington meet- The 50th anniversary celebra- ing include future direction of tion on Tuesday night, December Other reasons for higher food Survey Reveals Age Groups - A recent survey conducted farm policy, pesticides, farm ex- 9, will feature, the popular young prices may be the size of the fam- by the MFB Membership Records Department reveals some ports, farmer marketing-bargain- ily and its ages; how much enter- interesting findings concerning the ages of new Farm Bureau singing group, "Up With People." taining is done; and what kind of ing, and government monetary members in Michigan. Percentage of members 30 and under is: and fiscal policies. Fleming will make his annual foods you buy. 35%; 31 through 45, 28.6%; 46 through 55, 17;2%; 56 through report as secretary-treasurer of He predicted a stabilization of Secretary of Agriculture, Clif- the Federation, 63, 13.6%; 66 and over 4.6%. Monday after- food prices for the immediate ford M. Hardin, will address the noon, December 8. convention Monday morning, De- future with a picture of plentiful We often hear the cry that there are no young farmers to cember 8, following the annual Rev. Edward L. Elson, chap- supplies for the distant future. carry on the farming task and to take leadership positions in address of Charles B. Shuman, lain, United States Senate, will Best bargains right now, he said, Farm Bureau. This survey should dispel that feeling. president of the Federation. Shu- be the speaker at the Sunday are fruits. . man is a grain and livestock afternoon, December 7, Vesper farmer from SuJJivan, Illinois. Services of the convention. DEMAND SERVICES Policy resolutions will be con- Dr. Brunk of Cornell thinks A recent Michigan Department of Labor announcement Attendance at the Washington sidered by the voting delegates that the added services demanded indicates that the recent amendment to the Hittle Juvenile meeting is expected to set a new of the member state Farm Bu- by today's food purchasers have Employment Act now exempts high school graduates 17 years record as State Farm Bureaus reaus on Wednesday, December the greatest effect on prices. He of age or over from work permit requirements and employment are planning group plane trips to 10, with final adoption on Thurs- attributed the keen sensitivity to restrictions of the Act. ~e nation's capital. More than day morning, December 11. food prices to the fact that "food 6,000 are expected to be on"hand is .the largest single and most Barry Brown, the Department's director said the first group for the observance of the 50th necessary item in the household to be affected will be those graduating from summer school anniversary year celebration. budget." Headquarters of the convention will be the Washington Hilton food Prices But he thinks that we will con- this year. Any 17-year-old graduates will now come under the provisions of another Act prohibiting all female employees tinue to demand more food, bet- from working more than 10 hours a day. hotel with all general ana busi- ness sessions to be held there. Trail Cost-ot-Living ter food and more services. Agree- ing that food prices are high, he Other top U. S. Deparbnent of By JANET ODELL pointed out that a man works Agriculture officials who will ad- Women's Editor, fewer hours to buy a pound of Michigan lost an outstanding educator and leader with the dress special conferences of the bacon than at any time in the past. passing of Dr. Leroy Augenstein. Dr. Augenstein was a convention include: Dr. Thomas This wiH not change in the future. modem-day explorer ... he contributed to our well-being as THE PONTIAC PRESS K. Cowden, assistant secretary of 000 a scientist, educator and public official in every means avail- agriculture for rural development A panel of high-powered speak- able to him ... much of it at his own expense. His chief goal and conservation; Clarence D. ers turned on the ammunition re- The supermarket owners point- ed out that the consumer is the was to awaken all of us to our problems. He wanted us to see Palmby, assistant secretary of ag- cently in Chicago in an effort to riculture for international affairs convince the nation's food editors boss in the long run. If she does new relationships, especially to examine our values in making and commodity programs. Cow- that food is still a bargain. not like the food or prices in one decisions. Dr. Augenstein was a moral and ethical personage den will speak at the natural store, she can and should shop and his passing will be felt in every community in Michigan. resources conference, and Palmby J. Phil Campbell Jr., Under- in another one. They all insisted A book by him. "Come, Let Us Play God," discussing current secretary of Agriculture; Dr. Max that the wide selections of foods at the field crops conference, scientific, legal and moral issues was published ,in July. Tuesday, December 9. E. Brunk, professor of marketing is the best way to keep prices at Cornell University; and Dr. down and that stores must meet Congresswoman Catherine May, Philip L. White, secretary of the competition. Careful plalllling on from the state of Washington, will Council on Foods and Nutrition our part will save pennies. The U. S. House of Representatives defeated by a vote of 198 to 171 a bill establishing a National Potato Promotion Board to promote the sale of potatoes and potato products and to carry on research in the use of potatoes. Had it passed, it would have been the first government promotion program of one food product against competing foods. Farm Bureau con- tended that this was an improper use of federal governmental authority and that it would establish a precedent for producers of other food crops to seek the same privilege of having the government collect funds for research and promotion activities. Farm Bureau Services and Farmers Petroleum Cooperative will join forces December 16 and 17 to host their annual meet- ings at the Lansing Civic Center. Farmers Petroleum Business Meeting will be held Tuesday the 16th. More than 80 displays of FPC's products will be set up in the Exhibition Hall showing the numerous motor, hydraulic and transmission oils, filters, information on diesel fuels and types of machinery maintenance. Farm Bureau Services will hold their annual policy-making session, \Vednesday at 10 a.m., open to stockholders and in- terested Farm Bureau members. A complimentary luncheon will be served both days. The two organizations will host a banquet Tuesday evening fea- turing guest speaker Dr. Dale Hathaway. Head of ~fSU's Agri- Fifty years ago farmers from throughout he nation assembled at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago to culture Economics Department. He will speak on "The Chal- officially organize the American Farm Bureau Federation. From that humble birth has grown the lenge of Change." largest general farm organization in the nation with over 1,850,000 members in 49 states and Puerto Rico. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. each day. SIX December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS '",-proved Inspection of Tw() Retirement of reward that such investments Q. How much can I put into the plan? entail, funds are invested in a Migrant Labor CalTlps P/tlns Ann()unced portfolio of selected securities through Bank of Lansing facilities. A. A sole proprietor or a major partner, with an interest of more Slated for 1970 Pressed on one side by spiral- 3. Combination Plan ... ing inflationary trends and by portion of funds purchase the a than 10% of the business, can set aside 10% of his earnings or By M. J. Buschlen, Manager larger tax bites on the other, Mich- guaranteed security of life in- $2,500, whichever is less, each Michigan Agricultural Services Association igan's agricultural community is surance and annuities, the re- year. No overall life-time limit becoming increasingly aware of mainder are invested in the selec- is set. ' Further infonnation has become available about what oper- the necessity for sound financial ted securities portfolio. Associations presently partici- Q. Must regular employees be ators of migrant labor camps in ~lichigan can expect in 1970 retirement planning. Two more leading Michigan pating in similar Keogh Retire- included? from inspections of their camps. This was the result of a meeting held recently at the Mich- agricultural associations are now ment Plans are Michigan Milk A. Yes, if they've been em- preparing tax-free retirement Producers Association (MMPA) ployed with you for more than igan Department of Public Health in Lansing. Attending the plans for their membership and Michigan Live Stock Ex- three years, and are full time meeting were representatives of the ~lichigan Employment through the facilities of Farm change (MLSE). MMPA began employees, not seasonal help. Security Commission, the U. S. Department of Labor and the Bureau Insurance Group. enrolling members in the retire- Michigan Department of Public Health. About 1,600 Michigan Agri- ment plan last December. MLSE Q. How about voluntary con- Purpose of the gathering was to review inspections and camp cultural Cooperative Marketing participation began in September tributions? conditions as they existed throughout the state in 1969 and Association (MACMA) members this year. - With such financial innovation, A. Yes, if you have employees discuss ways to implement an improved joint program for and some 450 members of the included in the plan, you may inspections of migrant labor camps next year. Michigan Potato Industry Council many questions arise. Here are voluntarily contribute up to the It was emphasized during the meeting that the federal and (MPIC) will have the opportunity the answers: limit of your regular contribution. to pmticipate in a tax-free Keogh Q. Who is entitled to enroll in state rules for migrant labor camps are identical except for the Retirement Program in time to a self-employed retirement plan? Q. How can a retirement plan phase-in period for showers allowed by Michigan officials. obtain tax benefits for 1969. be set up? After January 1, 1971, showers with hot and cold water under MACMA and MPIC retire- A. Generally, any participat- pressure will be required under ~1ichigan law. ment plan participants may make ing association member with an A. Your plan must be set up According to Norman Papsdorf, Chief of the Agricultural payments on an annual or semi- earned income who is self-em- by you, the individual owner, or Labor Unit of the Division of Engineering, ~fichigan D~part- annual basis to the Bank of Lan- ployed. \Vhether your farming the partnership. If you're self- ment of Public Health, inspections by his sanitarians in 1970 sing, acting as the trustee for the business is conducted as either a employed only part-time, you can and interpretations and recommendations will be made on the plan. In setting up his personal sole proprietorship or a partner- still establish a retirement plan basis of the rules adopted in 1969. retirement program each member ship, with or without employees, from your part-time earnings. He did point out, however, that enforcement of the rules will chooses one of three investment you are entitled to participate in This part-time self-employed re- opportunities: a retirement plan. tirement plan can be set up by be stepped up in 1970. Also, the budget request by the Mich- you, even though you are covered 1. Insurance Account ... a Q. Is there an age limit? igan Department of Public Health for the 1970 program will as an employee under another guaranteed investment in life in- A. For setting up the plan ... include a request for six additional summer staff members. qualified employee benefit plan. surance or annuity contracts no. But business owners and The department has six year-round sanitarians in the program through Farm Bureau Insurance major partners must begin re- and has had six additional summer employees. If approved, Q. Who do I contact? Group. ceiving benefits under the plan . this request would result in a total of 12 summer staff members. 2. Common Trust Account ... not later than the year they reach A. Your nearest Farm Bureau In addition, Mr. Papsdorf said that arrangements wiII be with both the risks and possibility age 70 and one-half. Insurance Group office. made for joint inspections for "standardizing" purposes between U. S. Department of Labor, MESC and MDPR field personnel. As a matter of course, he said, Department of Labor personnel conduct some spot checks of camps in Michigan and other states using its services. A second meeting is scheduled between key administrative TO ME, personnel in the three government agencies to iron out inter- pretations of the rules. This will be followed by a third meeting of inspectional staffs to pass on the interpretations and de- IT'S PLAIN..... cisions made along with instructions on procedures to follow. Mr. Papsdorf said that information will be disseminated to growers through selected news media as well as in meetings. In this manner it is hoped that growers will be kept informed about changes in the rules and inspection procedures for the coming year. As for the shower requirements, state health department of- ficials said that they will provide technical assistance and plans for showers wherever they are desired. Also, sanitarians will be available throughout the winter and early spring to discuss the inspection program and its requirements. The year 1970 is the fifth year that the migrant labor camp inspection program will be in operation in Michigan. In 1969 there were 2,172 camps licensed by the Michigan Deparbnen of P"blic Health. HOUGHTON COUNTY gram is designed to reward volun teer mem bership workers fo FIRST WITH '70 GOAL taking part in th~ growth of Farm Houghton County President, Bureau. And at the same time Leonard Ollila, presented a check injecting a bit of fun and com to President Elton Smith for his petition into this all importan county's 1970 goal during the job. The awards program is co opening moments of the ~1FB operatively conducted and fi ~an investment in 50th Annual Meeting. This is nanced by the County Farm Bu the earliest any county has made reaus, Michigan Farm Bureau goal in recent years. \Vith Hough- Farm Bureau Insurance Group ton leading the parade, member- Farm Bureau Services and ~[A ship chairmen and committees C~1A. Another demonstration 0 FARM BUREAU across the state are preparing for the Farm Bureau familv workin an early membership victory in together to build a stronger or ganization and to serve the mem is an investment in 1970. To begin with a flourish, cam- paign managers from 50 counties ber better! If you are interested in bein The future of farming is bright my farming future! will attend the American Farm eligible for the many valuabl - as long as farmers maintain Bureau Golden Anniversary Con- prizes that will be offered, a a strong, effective agriculture by A st~ong. farm organization helps protect your vention in \Vashington, D. C. well as having a grand time, con working together for their com- farming Investment. FARM BUREAU works for December 7 through 10. \Vhat tact "our county secretarY. mon good. ~armers in the legislature - 'in marketing - in better way is there to get under- \ V~rking on' a Farm' Burea Impor!ant economic services aimed at raising standing and gain enthusiasm? membership drive can be you farm Incomes. FARM BUREAU is an investment These key people, upon their contribution to a stronger, mor which pays big dividends I return, will spark their county effective voice of agriculture, a FARM BUREAU membership teams toward the ul- well as being a personally grati every county a goal fying experience. timate ... buster! MICHIGAN FARM BUREAu >- STRENGTH -thru GROUPACTION BOGUS BUCKS < l> ~ 1818 1988 50 11 ([ ~ m ([ i:: 20 Most counties will again be D w 11 offering this year the popular 2 and effective Bogus Buck mem- bership awards program. The -< FARM Bl.JREAlJ "'SURA~~1 Bogus Buck auction award pro- •• ~B.-~~~' •••~.~~.~. ",~.~ ••~~~~ ••••&.&.~.~"'_&&"'&a_- ~ __" __~~",."" ••••• ,•••••••• ~••~••~.~ .- '1:, MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 SEVEN 1970 State Farm Bureau Policies Adopted by the Board of Delegates of the MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU 50th Annual Meeting - East Lansing - Nov. 10-12, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU PREFACE Our Farm Bureau is a farm organization. It must be an aggressive organization geared to serving commercial farmers with bold and imaginative programs. The build- ing and maintaining of this bold and aggressive farm organization depends heavily on attracting the best in farmer leadership. This leadership must be active at all levels of the organization, from Community Groups through state officers. The organization must maintain the best tYPe of employees to carry out the wishes of the members . . While programs should be geared to serving com- mercial agriculture, membership opportunity should be provided for all people interested in agriculture. Ap- propriate safeguards must be maintained to limit the .voting rights to committed farmers. The distinction be- tween regular and associate members must be made clear and concise. County Boardc; must observe the spirit of such a definition which should be carried in their bylaws. FOREWORD In this our fiftieth anniversary year, we reflect with pride on a half-century of service to member farm fam- SENATOR GARY BYKER, 23RD SENATORIAL DISTRICT .•• presented HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 260 ... A Concurrent ilies. Our success comes with our concern for the total a copy of the Senate Resolution No. 141 to Michigan Farm Bureau Resolution for the Golden Jubilee of the Michigan Farm Bureau, community, of which agriculture makes up an important president Elton Smith at the MFB annual banquet. The Resolution was presented to the organization by Rep. Dennis O. Cawthorne at part. Faml Bureau leaders are community leaders. We was introduced in the Senate and was in "tribute to the Michigan the annual banquet. Other Representatives offering the Resolution get understanding of our problems in agriculture when Farm Bureau on the Fiftieth Anniversary of its founding." The were Edson V. Root Jr., Robert C. Stites, Russell H. Strange, Quincy we are concerned with community problems. Senate (in part) "recognized Farm Bureau and its individual members Hoffman, William S. Ballenger, Raymond C. Kehres, Wayne B. Our success in feeding America is unequalled any- for their great contribution to all the citizens of Michigan through Sackett, Dale Warner, Stanley M. Powell, Michael A. Dively, George where. There has been a dramatic decrease in the cost their production of foodstuffs." A. Prescott, Joseph P. Swallow and William P. Hampton. of food to American families. Today, the average con- sumer spends only 16.5% of his disposable income for - Prevention of inequities arising from special assess- 3. Amendments to various dairy laws, including in- food - an accomplishment that is unequalled and the ments on property that receives no benefit from the crease of indemnity payments for tuberculosis and envy of the world! This remarkable story can be best project. brucellosis. told to our consumer friends by us, the members, in our involvement and relationship with consumers in com- 4. Updating of the "Horton Trespass Law" to extend The balancing of Michigan's tax structure should result munity functions - P.T.A., political parties, service clubs, its provisions to fishing, snowmobiling and to in every citizen paying his fair share toward the support and at other opportunities. privately-owned, fenced wildlands. of his schools and other iocal and state government It's nice to spend time reflecting on the past, but we 5. Reflectorization of license plates and other traffic services. who make the decisions of the present are going to be safety legislation. judged on our contribution to the future. Our role is to 6. Improvement in the state school aid formula. AGRICULTURAL LAND ASSESSMENT establish policy for 1970 that carries out our 50-year 7. Appropriations to continue research on fruit and heritage and insures 50 future years of greater service. Certain characteristics of a growing industrial state vegetables, pesticides, mastitis, beef cattle - for- such as ~lichigan create strong economic pressures forc- \Ve work har.d at finding out what our farmer members age, white wheat, sod production, mechanical ing agriculture to move to other states that offer greater need and desire in our policies and Farm Bureau pro- harvesting, pl'ach tree life, cattle and swine in- competitive advantage. grams. County annual meetings were held during t}w fertility, fruit 'and vegetable weather adaptability month of October at which thousands of our members and bean plant research. ~Iany Michigan leaders are becoming increasingly con- discussed problenls facing agriculture today. Our mem- 8. Several election law amendments. cerned with the rapid disappearance of good agricultural hers are most concerned about problems concerning our land. Future leaders may look back at the folly of our 9. Amendmenl'i to hunting laws to help control unwise land use. A proper tax structurl' can be an ef- country, recognizing that our growth and development woodchucks and raccoons and provide hunter in agriculture depends upon a stable economy, responsive fective method of saving the better farm land for future safety measures. food needs and also meet the need for water conservation government and a continuation of our heritage of free- dom. They put this concern into more than 1,000 resolu- 10. Advancement of marketing legislation. and the preservation of "open spaces" for aesthetic and tions adopted at county annual meetings and forwarded \Ve commend the Governor and the Legislature on recreational values. to the State Policy Development Committee. The com- passage of these and several other measures we have }'Iany progressh'l' states (20 or more) have taken ac- mittee memhers spent six long days to familiarize them- supported which arc important to agricultme and to the tion to allow assessment of farm land on the basis of its selves with our members' concerns, and transformed these economy of the State of }'lichigan. \"c also appreciate value for agriculture rather than for non-farm uses. The concerns into recommendations to the delegate body of the fact that much proposed legislation not in the hest voters in some states have approved such legislation by our annual meeting, representing our more than 55,000 interest of agriculture was not adopted. large majorities. member families. \Ve further appreciate the special Senate and House For instance, the }'Iaryland law. states expressly that The result of all of the discussion of proposals com- Resolutions and the Governor's Proclamation commemo- it is "in the general public interest that farming be fost- promises and amendmenl'i is contained in this, our 1970 rating Farm Bureau's 50th Anniversary. ered and encouraged in order to maintain a readily avail- report. able source of food and dairy products close to the Dean Pridgeon, Chairman metropolitan areas of the state, to encourage the preserva- TAX REFORM tion of open spaces as an amenity necessary to human MFB Policy Development Committee Farm Bureau Policies have supported total tax reform welfare and happiness, and to prevent the forced conver- for several years. Much has been accomplished begin- sion of such open space to more intensive uses as a RECOMMENDATIONS ON NATIONAL AND ning with the new Constitution and continuing with each result of economic pressures caused by the assessment INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS session of the Legislature since that time. Michigan's tax of land at a rate or level incompatible with the practical The recommendations on National and International structure now contains the major elements of a "balancl'd use of such land for farming." Affairs adopted by the voting delegates have been for- tax structure." This is becoming an increasingly serious problem in warded to the Ameri('an Farm Bureau Federation for However, tax reform is a complex and continuing Michigan. We recommend legislation that will protect use by the National Resolutions Committl'e, which is process. We call attention to the fact that further re- prime agricultural lands and require assessors to consider made up of representatives of every Stat(' Farm Bureau. forms are needed. Taxes on property continue to carry only agricultural factors in assessing land used for that Michigan's recommendations will also serve as a guide an unfair share of the total tax burden. Property is no purpose. To prevent misuse it may be necessary to have for our voting delegates to the forthcoming Annual Con- longer a good measure of wealth or the ability to pay. a "roll-back tax" feature in the legislation. vention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. For example, a 1965 study re,'ealed that in urban areas The National and International Polici(~s adopted at property taxes as a percenta~e of family income ranged AGRICULTURAL LAND USES our National Convention will serve as the policy for all from a high of 4.1 % to a low of 2.9%. An updated State Farm Bureaus. This is essl'ntial in order that then' study released in 1969 indicated this range is presently \Ve recognize that the projected population growth may be effective harmony and unanimity among Farm 3.3% to 4%. In sharp contrast, U.S.D.A. data shows will make demands for all kinds of land for a ,'arietv of Bureau organizations throughout the Nation. that farm real e:-t.'lte taxes as a percentage of net farm public and private uses. \Ve believe that thl' need' for Michigan's recommendations on i\ational and Inter- income are four times higher. food is as important as any other need and we know that national Affairs are available to County Farm Bun'aus \Ve, therefore, continue to support further tax reform certain areas are much more productive than others. and believe that the following will lead to greater equity Therefore. We recommend that alJ alternativ('s he given and others upon Tt~qucst. every possible consideration b('fore productive farm land of taxation: is taken for such purposes as reservoirs, research, indus- - New sources of revenue for local units of govern- trial and housing developments and roadways. \Ve be- PART 1- POLICIES ON STATE AFFAIRS ment in order to rl'lieve property taxes. lieve that township, county or state planning and zoning - Improved assessment and equalization procedures. may be tools which can help in solving the problems of APPRECIATION land use. The first session of the 75th Michigan Legislature - Permit assessment and taxation of new property for has cllrt'ady acted favorably on several Farm Bureau school purposes the first year it is built. TAXATION OF MOBILE HOMES policies, some of whieh include: - New methods of financing schools with strict limi- 1. Further tax reform measures, induding the re- tations on property taxes for school purposes. Prf"Sf'ntly, mobile homes in trailer parks pay. in lieu (Iuircment that notice be given to. I?roperty own.ers of property taxes, a fee of 83 per month. Two dollars of assessment increases. and requmng that zonmg - Use of the income tax as a major source of funds to of this amount goes to the school, 50t to the township and existing use be ('omidt,Tt,cJ in determining finance schools. and 50; to the countv. This fee system enacted in 1959 property valuation 'i. - Assessment of awicultural land as farm land as is no longer realistiC.. The increased valuf' of trail(>r 2. Advanccment of JeJ.,rislationon assessment of farm long as it is so used instpad of on its possihlt. po- homes is not Tl,f]ected nor do they contribute a propt'r land. t('ntial value. share of the costs of s(,'hools and local gon'mment. PULL-OUT SECTION: 1970State FarmBurea~ Policy Statements EIGHT Decem bar 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS POLICIES REFLECT: The Voice of the Membership \Ve urge that legislative action b(' taken to increase - Reorganization of K-12 districts should continue to in vocational centers and community colleges. \Ve urge the fee to a level in relation to the property t \Ve fully support these programs and believe that the often reload. obsolete and do not have the capacity to expand to meet ultimate goal should be to develop and implement ef- \Ve recommend: the increasing needs nor arc they a good measure of fective occupational programs in all regions of the state. Such training opportunities should, wherever feasible. - Any needed increase in revenues be met through ability to pay. "user taxes" rather than a return to the old system include "on-the-job" training for school credit in cooper- It is interesting to note that new studies show that dur- of taxing property to build roads. ation with local businesses. ing the seven years between 1961 and 1968 the average millage rates on property for school, increased 570/c 'Ve urge the Legislature to adequately finance con- - Present matching requirements for local roads (17.89 to 28.05). However, during that same period of struction of vocational education centers wherever needed should be decreased. (Most local units of govern- time, if, beginning in 1961, an income tax for schools and operation of all such programs; also for the trans- ment are financially unable to increase their con- had been levied with $600 exemptions at 4.19% ratt', portation of students.' Local property cannot hl' expected tributions.) the rate could have remainl'd unchanged during the seven to assume this additional tax burden. - Local roads serving recreational areas should be year period and yielded S20 million more than the actual maintained without local matching funds. yield of the property tax despite the> 57% increase that AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION occurred in the property tax rate. During that period - Local bridge replacement and reconstruction match- of time assessed valuations also increased at an alarm- The demand for more teachers of vocational and tech- ing should be eliminated or suhstantially reduced, ing rate>, which multiplied the tax burden. This is ampll' nk-al agriculture continues with the advent of specialized as they f('present a specific problem and are ex- proof that income taxes can keep pace with increasing programs on both secondary and post-secondary levds tremely costly. needs and property taxes cannot. Increasing voter reicction of millage proposals through- out the state dearly indicate..; tl1l' need for new ap- proaches to school finance and for e>ducational reforms. ',"e recommend: - Property taxes for all 1\:-1:2 school pllTpoS<'s be strictly limited by law (should not exceed l~ mills). - Thl' income tax he used as one of the maior source, of funds for our schools. - A ft'asonable state aid formula be de>veloped to assist school di"tricts in meeting the cost of huild- ing need facilities. - Sufficient funds should he appropriated to pay in full all state aid formulas. - Legislation to require each taxpayer to identify his school district on his income tax form. EDUCATIONAL REFORMS \Ve believe the time has come for substantial reforms in our educational system. \Ve recommend that: - The present State Board of Education should be replaced by a bipartisan, odd-numbered Education C<.mmission appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commission in turn to employ the Director of Education. - The regional concept be> followed if intermediate districts are reorganized. However, there should be a policy-making regional board. represe>nting all local boards of education. More than 500 delegates, representing Michigan's County Farm Bureaus met .In t h e auditorium on the Michigan State University - Statewide testing and assessment of studt'nt progn'ss campus November 10-12 to cast t~e,~~...vote~ )'?;H~~IY(~early 100 proposed policies during Michigan Farm Bureau's Annual meeting. and total evaluation of education should be irnpit-d~.(1-' " The policies approved by the delegines '\},.ere sUbmitted by the count,.es, given . careful study by the 20 m b I' committee mented as soon as possible. and submitted for approval at the state annual meeting. em er po ICY MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 NINE POLICIES REFLECT: Policies for All Members - Federal highway aid should be increased for County LAW ENFORCEMENT RURAL POVERTY and local needs inasmuch as the Michigan inter- state system is near completion. It is obvious that there is a lack of respect for law Writers in the public press tend to dwell on the pr~b- and law enforcement agencies in our society. We urge lems of poverty in the urban areas and fail to recognIze - State and Federal highway authorities should rec- the restoration of authority and respect for our law en- the increasing problems of rural poverty. ognize these spiraling costs of maintenance and forcement officers for their protection as well a'i for The report of the President's National Advisory Com- equipment and make proper provisions in mainte- protection ot the general public. mission on Rural Poverty, published in 1967, pointed out nance contracts \vith County Road Commissions. that there are more than "14 million rural poor." This We urge: - Consideration be given to counties with large areas 1. Proper respect be shown officers of the law by figure would be much larger had there not been a steady of public recreation lands, not only because of the _ all citizens. migration to urban areas. Unemployment and under- heavy financial burden placed on such counties, employment are major problems in rural America. but adequate roads can also be part of an effective 2. Courts to follow through in the convictions and punishment of lawbreakers after apprehension and Poverty in rural areas is often more serious than in safety program. urban areas. Many of the costs of living may be higher; due process of law. - That no alterations be made in the distributions educational cultural and many recreational facilities are 3. Citizens to carry out their responsibilities in help- not readily' available; many public and private assistance formula of the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund until ing law enforcement officers by offering pertinent such time as the current Highway Needs Study is programs are not available; distances and transportation information and assistance. are added problems. completed. It is estimated that some three-quarters of a million - There should be no further increases in weight, FIREARMS CONTROL people in rural Michigan live under poverty conditions. width and length limitations of trucks using any Unfortunately most of the poverty resources have been road system. Most systems are inadequate to carry We believe our laws should place more emphasis on the crime and the criminal rather than on the gun. siphoned olf into urban areas. Society's responsibility is even the existing loads. just as important in rural areas as in urban areas. - Routes be chosen to avoid diagonal highways and 1. We oppose further expansion of registration of firearms .. We believe that there are presently sufficient agencies, the use of productive agricultural lands where public and private, to deal effectively in a coordina~ed fea:;ible. 2. We would support mandatory imprisonment for manner with these problems. One of the most effective any person convicted of a felony involving use of agencies with long-time experience in helping people We endorse the current Highway Needs Study; how- firearms. ever, the special problems of county and local road sys- to help themselves is the Cooperative Extension Service. tems should be carefully considered. SNOWMOBILES We believe that the Extension Service can provide valuable services in helping to solve this pro~lem. Ex- Due to the increased number of snowmobiles and the pansion of such services should be properly funded DEDICATION OF HIGHWAY FUNDS damage done by trespassing snowmobile operators to and should not result in a diminution of present services. We re-emphasize our well-established position that crops, young trees and fences on private property, we revenues derived from the taxation of motor vehicles urge that snowmobile operators observe safety regulations and trespass laws. Snowmobiles should continue to be WELFARE .and motor fuels should be used exclusively for highway purposes. Michigan's new Constitution contains an anti- registered. Welfare costs have been rising at an alarming rate. diversion provision. However. it does state that highway In Michigan, last year alone, the cost was $537,650,000 purposes shall be "as defined by law." NONRETURNABLE BOTTLES to the State, $288,100,000 Federal, and $17,800,800 to the Counties. We believe that weHare programs should The Legislature should not distort the intent of that The nonreturnable bottle is a nuisance and a hazard. be redirected. A new welfare program should include: provision by providing for the expenditure of highway It is more than just "litter." revenues for any purposes which are not directly related 1. Incentive to become productive. WeHare benefits Farm implement tires, auto and truck tires, livestock should not be reduced by 100% of earnings until to the construction, maintenance, or financing of modem and crops are being damaged or destroyed by broken and adequate highway facilities. earnings exceed the established minimum. glass, most of it in the form of throwaway bottles. 2. Local administration. Motor vehicle owners, in addition to specific highway Time lost as a result of damage to a tire can mean use taxes, contribute millions of dollars annually to the 3. Retain County, State and Federal financial rela- many dollars of crop loss. tionships. State General Fund through sales and use taxes on the purchase of vehicles, accessories, etc. These additional The seriousness of the problem has been recognized 4. Job training and placement programs should be funds should be adequate to finance highway-related throughout the state. related to the eligibility programs. programs. The nonreturnables are thrown away where emptied 5. Food stamps to welfare recipients should be in- We do not believe that further diversion of highway and are not picked up for salva~e because they have cluded as a method of insuring a percent of the funds for marine purposes should be permitted unless no return value. Our county and local roads and ad- welfare payments bein~ spent on food. factual studies prove they are justified. joining fields and woodlots are favored spots for beer parties and rubbish dumps. 6. Federal administration should be through Social Security l.'Ontracting with State Government, to We have worked for several years to obtain establish- enable all assistance program payments to be co- RELOCATION PAYMENTS ment of a mandatory return value on beverage throw- ordinated and paid to recipients in one monthly The Federal Aid Hi~hway Act of 1968, passed by aways. Legislation has been introduced but has not yet welfare check. Congress, provides for relocation payments for farms and been adopted. 7. Day care programs should be included to enable farm buildings of up to a maximum of $25,000 for actual We will continue to seek relief through: welfare mothers to work. reasonable moving expenses. Other payments are pro- 1. Use of p1astic-type decomposable containers; or vided for displaced individuals, families and businesses. Welfare should be considered as an emergency, or 2. A required return value on glass beverage con- "last resort," program and should not be allowed to be- We urge the Legislature to pass the necessary enabling tainers; or come a way of life. legislation to fully implement this act. 3. A tax being placed on the manufacturers of these bottles to help cover the cost of cleaning. them up COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONS from our roadsides. The Board of County Road Commissioners is a unit of local government responsible for maintenance and LITTERING construction of most roads within a county. The three- Littering is a costly nuisance and much of it is thrown member Board have six-year staggered terms and are, in on Michigan's farm lands. Clean-up of highway litter most cases, appointed by the County Board of Super- is costly to taxpayers. Over 18,000 truckloads of bottles, visors. cans, paper and other filth will be picked up by hand We believe this system has insulated the jurisdiction on State highways alone during the present year, the of our county road systems from direct politics and has Michigan State Highway Department estimates. resulted in efficient highway management throughout The recently-passed Anti-Litter Law can help in the years. We continue to support the Road Commission curbing littering. The judge may levy a fine and costs concept and oppose any effort to shift control of county and may require the offender to pick up litter along a roads to some other agency. However, liaison between specified mileage of highway. Commissioners and citizens is sometimes poor and we It is difficult to apprehend and identify litterers. believe that citizens should have a direct procedure for Citizens must be willing to aid police officers in this complaint and corrective action. difficult job. We must not permit local political influ- ences to hamper enforcement. HIGHWAY SAFETY We urge the use of signs posted along State and County highways and in parks, stating the maximum Accidents on highways take many lives each year; fine for littering. If "It Pays to Advertise," let's use many people are injured and much property damage this tool. occurs. To help reduce auto accidents, we recommend: We also support legislation to make the owner of a 1. The front and rear center clearance Ii~hts on school vehicle responsible for litter thrown from his vehicle. buses should be blue to distinguish them from B. Dale Ball, Director, Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, received one of We commend television and radio stations and other Michigan Farm Bureaus' Distinguished Service Awards to Agriculture trucks. media for their efforts to help "Keep Michigan Beautiful." at the annual banquet. Mr. Balls' award was based on local, state 2. Hard-top roads should be marked. with. center. l~nes and national service to agriculture. and side lines as an aid to safer mght-hme dnvmg. HEALTH CARE 3. STOP AHEAD signs should be placed the required distance from every STOP sign. Adequate health care facilities, technicians and doctors 4. County Road Commissions clear roadsides ~nd are essential to our greatest resource, healthy people. intersections of anything that obstructs .the vIew We are concerned about the shortage of doctors, nurses of motorist ... and medical technicians in Michigan. Rural areas are 5. We oppose the erection of rigid signs within the experiencing difficulty attracting and maintaining enough travelled lanes of any highway. At locations where qualified medical personnel. \Ve support efforts to edu- signs are necessary, we believe that they should be cate a greater number of people in health care vocations. flexible and of breakaway type. HEALTH SERVICES UNINSURED MOTORIST FUND We ask for a review of the Medicare and Medicaid We feel that the $1 fee which is charged auto owners programs to eliminate excessive use and abuses. and which is put in the uninsured motorists fund should be eliminated. If the fund needs money, charge the JUVENILE VANDALISM uninsured enough to cover the costs of the program. We are concerned about the extensive and malicious destruction of road signs, mail boxes and other property INTOXICATED DRIVERS by young people in many communities. No operator of a motor vehicle makes our highway Not only does it create an expense to property owners more hazardous than the person who drives under the and the county, but it also reflects unfavorably on all influence of an intoxicant. Measures must be taken to young people of today. increase the effectiveness of our laws in preventing this \Ve urge parents to teach their children responsibility, practice. the importance of avoiding the destruction of the prop- , . We urge our State Legislature to update our implied erty of others, and the necessity of obeying law enforce- Stephen Nesbit Jr. accepted a Distinguished Service Award for service consent law to meet the established federal standards. ment officers. \Ve recommend stronger penaltil's on to agriculture for his father, Stephen Nesbit Sr. who is in Florida and If we do not conform with these standards, we could offenders and that parents be held responsible for the not able to be present. MFB president Elton Smith made the jeopardize Michigan's share of federal highway funds. damagestttln~£).ved jn such actions. presentations. t • f' • TEN December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS AGRICULTURAL MARKETI!,;G AND \Ve recommend that all processors anel handlers offer- POULTRY BUYER BONDING BARGAIl'\Ii\G ACT ing contract'i to producers for the production of vege- ~Iarkding alternativ('s fo~ produccrs of live poultry in- tables be requin'd to file a copy of the contract offered, clude hoth state and out-of-state bll) l'rs. ~Iodern roads \Ve shall develop and support an Agricultural ~Iarkct- including contract terms and financial rating of <-:on- ing and Bargaining Act to define and clarify the rights amI v(.hicles enablc buyers to travel I.ong distances from tractor \\,ith ~tichigan Department of Agriculture hdore proc('ssillg plants to ohtain poultry from produc.ers. A and limitations of bargaining associations. offering contracts to producers. large percentage of ~Iichigan-prodlJ('(.~1 pOll~try IS hall- Provisions of this legislation should: dkd bv out-of-state processors. I)t'almg WIth unkown 1. Define an agricultural bargaining association. DRY EDIBLE BEAN MARKETING pOllltry' buyers increases the potential for serious finan- cial loss to producers. 2. Provide standards for recognition of bargaining as- The production and sale of dr} edible heans comprises sociations by buyers of agricultural products. \Ve strongly urge legislation to rcquire buyers of Mich- an important part of ~lichigan agriculture. Hapid igan-produced poultry to post a.dequa~e bond .for the 3. Provide that failure of a buyer to negotiate in good changes in farming and the bean industry have resulted protection of poultry producers tr1 theIr markctmg op- faith with a recognized bargaining association shall in fewer and larger buyers and more specialization by erations. constitute an unfair trade practice. growers. Producers have fewer market outlets and arc 4. Improve and strengthen marketing rights and the forced to make marketing dl'cisions w~thout adequate definition of agricultural fair practices. information. ~Iany commercial growers recognize that MIDWEST EGG PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE 5. Re-dcfme and broaden th(' rights of bargaining as- there is an urgent need for producers to have a greater Commercial egg producers have experienced severe sociatiom under antitrust Jaw. voice in price determination and other marketing con- price fluctuations in recent years. The lack of a responsi- ditions. ble voice for all egg producers has contributed to this This approach would provide the necessary legal frame- As the largest farm organization in the state, we are problem. Egg producers now have the opportunity to work on which farmers can build their own effective concerned about bean marketing problems faced by benefit from a united voice. \Ve commend the activities marketing and bargaining programs. members. An extensive study of the need and feasibility of Midwest Egg Producers Cooperative Association and W(. will support and work for legislation that will of statewide organized marketing has'been conduded by the United Egg Producers in promoting the orderly mar- enahle a prochlc('rs' association supported by a r('feren- the ~lichigan Farm Bureau in conjunction with the keting of eggs. We urge poultry producers to consider dum vote of 51 % of the growers with two-thirds of the County Farm Bureaus in bean-producing counties. joining the Midwest Egg Producers Cooperative Asso- production of a commodity or representing two-thirds of We stand ready to assist bean producers with organiz- ciation. the growers with 51 % of the production of a commodity. ing and operating marketing programs when such efforts to bargain fOl and be supported by all producers of that will benetit Farm Bureau members to an extent that POULTRY MEAT IN SAUSAGE commodity. This legislation should provide for a periodic justifies the expenditure of Farm Bureau resources in Recent amendments to Federal meat and poultry in- rehearing ar referendum to assure that the association is such activities. spection regulations provide for the inclusion of poultry adequately serving the industry. in cooked sausage products. Present Michigan law does \Ve urge: \Ve will support Il'gislation to provide that purchasers not permit the addition of poultry meat in sausage prod- 1. All bean producers to participate in marketing ac- ucts. We urge Michigan Farm Bureau to seek legis- of farm products. through negotiations, shall statl' their tivities that are based on realistic economic ap- huying price, or a formula for determining this price, at lative changes to our comminuted meat law to permit the proaches to solving marketing problems and im- addition ot poultry meat in accordance with USDA or before the time of delivery. proving producer income. standards .. 2. County f ann Bureaus in the bean producing area MARKETING ORDERS to evaluate and assist members with the develop- ment of effective bean marketing programs. MEAT INSPECTION Federal and state marketing orders are acceptable marketing tools through which groups of producers of 3. Greater unity of effort among cooperatives in- Congress passed the \Vholesome Meat Act of 1967 re- perishable and specialty agricultural commodities can volved in bean handling and marketing. quiring all state meat inspection programs to meet fed- work to improve farm income through industry-operated, 4. The Michigan bean industry study the feasibility eral inspection program criteria within two years. Mich- market-oriented programs. Marketing orders have specific of establishing a marketing system utilizing pro- igan Meat Inspection Law presently requires ante-mor- and limited application. They are not a substitute for duction contracts and advance pricing concepts. tem and post-mortem inspection. The necessary changes effective producer marketing associations. in our meat inspection law to meet the federal require- ments are as follows: Marketing orders should be designed to provide for PRICE ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Provide for re-inspection of meat (at the processing orderly marketing, establish quality standards, generate plant) being used for processed meat products. market information and dispose of unanticipated surplus At times, fruit and vegetable growers have had to de- commodities. Orders should not be used to control pro- liver produce to processors without the benefit of know- 2. Change current escalating license fee requirements duction directly. establish closed markets, or maintain ing what price the processor is going to pay and later to a flat rate annual ft;e. artificially high prices. Money collected under marketing find that the prices paid by the processor are unrealistic. We favor Michigan Department of Agriculture carry- orders should be used only for administrative cost'i, \Ve urge the Michigan Legislature to enact legislation that would require fruit and vegetable processors to post ing out the federal program on a cooperative bao;is. \v'pen marketing research. market development, or for advertis- federal standards are met (with the cooperative F eder~ Ie ing and promotion if it is clearly evident that advertising prices to be paid for fruit and vegetables a reasonable length of time prior to the beginning of the delivery date State program requirements), meat inspected under .tP1s and promotion expenditures wiII increase producers' net program should be qualified for interstate shipment .. as. 1 t incomes. of the products for which the price would apply. The posted prices should include the date on which the prices present federally-inspected meat. .f' \Ve believe that any marketing order should meet the are effective. If new prices are subsequently posted following criteria: which are lower than the previous prices, the new prices PESTICIDES 1. Be market-oriented; used to maintain and expand should not apply to any produce delivered or contracted The American consumer has been subjected to an markets. before the ppsting of the new prices. insidious barrage of propaganda claiming that he and his 2. Provide opportunity for new producers to enter environment are being systematically poisoned by pesti- production. PAYMENT FOR PRODUCE cides, fertilizers, herbicides and other modern chemicals. It L" seldom that the information that is circulated is 3. Contain provisian for periodic .eview. We deplore the practice by some independent fruit balanced or objective. Farmers in general and Michigan 4. Allow a minority to petition for rehearings or a and vegetable processors of operating on growers' money farmers in particular, have heen singled out as a target new referendum. due to delayed payment for product delivered. Some- by irresponsible agencies and private organizations such 5. Include products produced for the same general times this period extends for as long as a year or more. as the Environmental Defense Fund, headquartered in market irrespective of production area. Growers must pay farm workers immediately after work New York. - is performed and are required to pay for their other Pesticides have been one of the major reasons for ag- 6. Be administered by an advisory committee with the Secretary or Director of Agriculture having au- costo; of production within a set period of time along riculture's phenomenal ability to produce abundant and ,(\ the standards of normal business practices. \Ve urge the high quality food. Pesticides have al..o helped rid t~r thority only to make sure the law is properly car- ried out. Michigan Legislature to enact legislation that would re- world of plagues, and continue to control disease. Farm- • t quire processors who purchao;e fruit<; and vegetables Orders for commodities produced for processing should ers, 111 general, have used them judiciously, and only in from growers to make full payment within 30 days of not require processor approval when confined to raw the quantity necessary to assure control of disease, and the date of purchase unless other provisions are made by agricultural products (e.g. cherries). written contract. pests that affect agricultural product ... Many of the pesticides under attack have been used little in recent \Ve support amendments to the Act to authorize orders years. for additional agricultural commodities whenever pro- MARKETING ASSOCIATION FEE COLLECTION -We heli(>ve that every effort must be made to properly ducers demonstrate a need for such programs. An increasing number of farmers are joining cooper- inform the American public of the fact that pesticides. 1 Farm Bureau should be keenly aware of producers' are suhject to international. national and state regulai' marketing needs and take leadership in meeting these ative marketing associations to improve their income and hecome better informed ahout marketing. With the ex- tions. Authority. for national regulations has been eSfi'lb- needs. Farm Bureau should: Iished by Congress, and stringent regulations are determ- pansions of marketing activities into previously unorgan- 1. Provide evaluation and information to affected ized commodities by MACMA, there is need for a system ined hy the U. S. Department. of Agriculture and the producers. of marketing service fee payment that will provide ade- Food and Drug Administration within the Department 2. Obtain a "feedback" of ideas from producer-mem- quate and sound financing of the association. of Health, Education and \Velfare. Further restrictive bers in developing a program in line with Farm regulations and statutes are enforced within the state Although some processors have recognized the value and are carried out hy the Department of Agriculture Bureau policy. of marketing services and information provided and and other departments and agencies. Surveillance and 3. Take leadership, where an order is appropriate, in have cooperated with MACMA in the collection of mem- monitoring programs arc heing expanded substantially. developing a program in line with Farm Bureau bers' marketing service fees upon the association's and policy. members' request, other processors have refused accom- \Ve commend the Michigan Department of Agriculture modation even though they purchase members' com- for effective and necessary control of pesticides and 4. Hold special producers' meetings or conferences. their courageous efforts to prevent the Japanese Beetle modities. A uniform system of collecting marketing 5. Submit recommendations at hearings. service fees at time of sale could provide a simple, ef- infestation in Michigan. We urge continued and inten- 6. Provide information to producer-members prior to ficient procedure that would benefit the association, the sified research on this subject at the MSU Pesticide referendum, including recommendations developed members and the processors. Center. by special Farm Bureau evaluation committee. \Ve favor legislation requiring processors and other PUBLIC \V ATERS 7 . Follow through to gain appoinbnents of responsihle buyers to deduct marketing service fees from cooperative producers to advisory committees. marketing association members' receipts upon official \V(> oppose permitting county drains. private ditches 8. \Vork for needed changes. notification by the association verifying that such growers and private ponds ht>ing included in tht> definition of "public waters." are members of the association and have voluntarilv con- sented to the deduction. These deductions need' to he EXPANDING MARKETS FOR DAIRY PRODUCTS made promptly and then forwarded to the association WATER AND AIR POLLUTION The production and marketing of high quality dairy within a reasonable length of time. The legislation The present public concern for water and air pollution products represents a dynamic segment of Michigan agri- should be similar in principle to the l'\ew York Agri- is commendahle' .. Sources of pollution ar(' not w~.lllJlldf'f- culture. Dairy substitutes continue to challenge and com- culture and !o.larkets Law in regard to d('dlldion for stood and iclentifi(.cl. To mak(. sound pnH!n"" (oward pete with dairy products in the market place. We com- payment to cooperatives. the solution of our water pollution prohlems. we O(.(.d mend the dairy industry for developing and financing to know the source of pollutantc;. strong promotion programs to expand the market for VOLUME MEASUREMENT OF CHERRIES \Vhile we believe agrkulture is not a major source of dairy products. \Ve also commend the efforts of the in- water pollution, We ask research laboratories of our dustry to remove some of the legislative barriers re- \Vhereas conversion factors for volume measurement public and private institutions to assist us in minimiz- stricting markets for dairy .products. The Michigan dairy of cherries have varied considerably and, whcn'as the ing any leaching and runoff of plant foods and agricul- industry will benefit from these accomplishments. \Ve costs of adding standardized tanks to the list of equip- tural chemicals. Good soil conservation practices, mini- will continue working together with dairy organizations ment owned by cherry producers would bc prohihitiw mizing erosion, can he one of agriculture's most impor- in determining and seeking solutions to the competitive to many growers. \Ve support polkit>s. against compulsory tant contrihutions to pollution clean-up. problems facing dairymen. volume mea<;urement of cherries .. We commend the Michigan \Vater Research Commis- \Ve urge continued research and collection of data on sion for the important contribution it mak(.s toward the' FILING PRODUCTION CONTRACTS volume measurement. clean-up of Michigan's surface and underground walc'r. We commend the Governor of Michigan and the Cov- Michigan ranks high as a producer of processing vege- SUPERPOOL SUPPORT ernors of the other Creat Lakes States for their n'alistic tables. This important segment of Michigan agriculture and aggressive approac:h to tl)(' prohlem of the pollution should be expanded. Two of our ma.ior competitiors, Effort .. by !\fichigan dairymt>n to develop a strong of th(' Creat Lakes and their watc'rslll'ds. \V(. urge th(' \Visconsin and r\orth Carolina. have le~rislation which re- Superpool have contrihuted much to the ('conomic \\'cll ~Ii(:higan L(.gislatllf(' and tlw fiv(' State Governors to quires processors to file proof of financial responsibility being of our dairy indlllitry. The continued cooperation ma~e e.very effort to provid(' study programs and neec1(.d and contract terms with the Department of Agriculture. of dairymen is essential to rt>tain the economic benefits legIslation that \\ill encouracc' homeownl'rs municipal- In both states, fanners, processors and the industry have available through the Superpool. \Ve strongly urge all ities and others to join ~Iichigan farm Pl~pl(' in thl'ir benefitted from this requirement and the industry has Michigan dairymen to support the Superpool through f'ffort to makt> wise' and (:areful ust> of thest' essential grown .. 1_ t) J .... .J 411 dl"lht6h",'J their dairy organizations ..• lV£). chemicals .. 1._ • MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 ELEVEN SEDIMENTATION AND EROSION CONTROL . Farm people ha,ve w?rked ha~d ov.er the ):'ears adopt- 1II~ good. sod conservation practices m an effort to pre- v('nt eroslOlI and watt'r run-off from their properties be- cause' the .,oil IS the basis of their future, as weIl as their C\l~rc~lt incom('. T~lis is not t~e case with highway and hUlldmg constructIOn compames and run-off from their work areas has made a sedimentation problem in our rivers and lakes. \Ve ur~e th~ enactment of legislation that will require constructIOn fll ms and state and local municipalities to control run-off from their work sites. RACCOON SEASON Excessive population of r~ccoons and damage to crop continues to be a problem In some areas. We favor an extension of the present four-month season. FEEDLOT REGISTRATION Presently, state law prohibits all cattle over 18 months of age from being returned to a farm from a market for further feeding. Cattle 12-18 months of age are per- mitted to return for fattening under permit from the Michigan Department of Agriculture. All calves under 12 months ot age may go back without a permit. We believe that livestock producers should be per- mitted to feed the older cattle under a voluntary regis- tration system. Such permission should require regis- tration of those feedlot .. wishing to handle older cattle. In this manner, the possibility of disease outbreak could be eliminated. ANTmIOTICS Eighteen year old Jane Ross of Marlette, Sanilac county, was chosen David Farley, 1970 Discussion Meet winner will represent Michigan The use of antibiotics is essential to efficient modern- the 1970 Michigan Farm Bureau queen, competing in a field of 25 at the AFBF Discussion meet in Washington, D. C. December 7-10. day animal husbandry. Traces of antibiotics in farm contestants. Jane, a freshman at MSU, is a brown-eyed blonde Mr. Farley, lives in Albion, has a 500 acre nursery, is a Kellogg products are usually the result of misuse. In case of in- and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Ross. Young Farmer and active in many civic activities. jectable antibiotics, government authorities have threat- ened to deny their use to farmers if residues show up in meat products. - Disease control in turf. MINIMUM WAGES We urge all farmers who use antibiotics to follow - Vegetable variety development. Adjustments in the state minimum wage should take directions carefully and be judicious in their use. - Research to aid our cherry industry. into consideration many factors that are often unknown - Continued pesticide research. or are ignored. Most farm wage rates are well above the CALFHOOD VACCINATION - Cereal Leaf Beetle research. present minimum. It should be recognized, however, that many employees have gravitated to farm work be- The present law in Michigan for official calfhood vac- We also support further intensive research to develop cause they are denied job opportunities in other seg- cination against brucellosis (Bang's Disease) calls for varieties of fruits and vegetables and crop cultural prac- ments of the economy, either through a lack of skills or age limits of four months through eight months. Prior tices to accommodate mechanical harvesting. because they cannot meet production norms, health or to September 1, 1969. the ~fichigan law conformed to \Ve ask the Legislature to appropriate adequate funds other standards set up as conditions of employment. the Federal law for calfhood brucellosis vaccination. On for the work of the Agricultural Experiment Stations. Agricultural employment differs in many respects September 1, ] 969, the age limit under Federal law for from industrial employment, ~uch as occasional employ- calfhood vaccination against brucellosis was changed to ment, family employment, substantial fringe benefits in three to eight months. DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME addition to Social Security and Workmen's Compensa- Scientific evidence now indicates that vaccination at \Ve continue our support for Eastern Standard Time tion (e.g. housing, utilities, transportation costs, loans, three months confirms as solid an immunity as does vac- for Michigan on a year-round basis. etc.), minimum supervision and payment of wages by cination at four months. It is al ..o well known that the piece rate. older a calf is at the time of vaccination the greater the FARM LABOR Minimum wage provisions must be flexible to fit chance of a blood titer showing up later, these varying situationS and differences. Piece rate pro- In light of this knowledge and the change in age limits We are encouraged by the current arousing of social visions are essential to provide employment opportunities for calfhood vaccination under Federal law, \Ve recom- conscience and public awareness with regard to special for workers who have handicaps which may prevent mend that the Michigan law' h~' changed' to require of- problems related to seasonal farm workers. In the past, them from other employment and at the same time pro- ficial calfhood vaccination between the age of three these special problems have been recognized only by vide proficient workers 'much higher earning opportu- months to eight months. their farmer-employers. Farmers have for years carried nities than do hourly rates. the burden for providing not only jobs for these people, Farm commodities produced in Michigan must com- but even while their own families are forced to live on pete with commodities produced in other areas of the CROP REPORTING 75% of parity, have tried to provide housing and im- U. S. and the world. Michigan minimum wage rates \Ve recognize that crop forecast .. and estimates may proved living conditions during the work period. They should not exceed the federal minimum wage for agri- be u~~d to advantage by either buyers or sellers in the have increased farm wages at a faster rate than most cultural workers, as many states do not have state mini- market place, depending upon the market conditions. other wage rates even as net farm incomes have de- mum wage laws applicable to agriculture. However, both bUYt'rs and sellers require accurate crop creased. In addition to increased wages many farmers pay transportation costs for workers from their home Farmers themselves are at a serious disadvantage be- estimates in order to establish realistic terms of trade. ing the victims of ever-increasing costs and low prices. \V e support the Crop Reporting Service as an unbiased states to the work state and provide loans and pay ad- vances to support workers who reach the work area dur- Unlike other segments of the economy, farmers are not party in making these crop and livestock estimates and in a position to readily pass increased costs on to the in reporting market prices. ing times of a work shortage. consumer . Since thlc; is presently our only source of crop report- . Even with the recent gains farm employers have pro- ing, we urge farmers to cooperate in making these es- vided for seasonal employees, there are still problems inherent in migrating from state to state each year, par- EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE ON FARMS timates accurate. ticularly for a group with a low general educational \Ve are concerned about re~lations by the Secretary We urge the Crop Reporting Service and the Statistical level and when a language barrier is sometimes prt'sent. Repo'tting Service to continue developing and using of Labor to prohibit the hiring of young people under more reliable methods of estimating crops and livestock In light of these facts: sixteen }'ears of age to operate tractors, climb ladders, and in giving market price reports. 1. \V l' commend leaders in government and civic etc. The people involved in agricultural production are In addition to present reports, we urge the Crop Re- organizations for realizing the presence of these aware of the need for safety in all areas of their work. porting Service in Michigan to make official annual special problems. However, we view these regulations with grave concern reports of fruit trees planted, hearing, and removed from at a time when our nation is plagued by restless youth 2. \Ve encourage members of the Legislature and with little opportunity to develop work habits. production - each by variety and general location. leaders in agencies of government to be informed In order to provide young people with the opportunity of the tOle agricultural labor sihmtion so that for healthful and gainful employment and discourage MICHIGAN ST ATE UNIVERSITY understanding, reason and knowledge of the farm idleness and juvenile delinquency, we urge farmer- labor system and the agricultural situation will employers to utilize programs that are available through We commend Michigan State University and its Board guide the development of legislation and imple- of Trustees on the selection of the new President, Dr. 4-H and F.F.A. tor training Illinors to work on farms. mentation of programs dealing with farming and Clifton R. \Vharton. farm labor. We appreciate the continued support of the College of CHILD LABOR 3. 'Ve caution these leaders against reactionary ap- Agriculture and l'\atllTal Resources and its programs. proaches to emotion-packed allegations by certain \Ve believe that children should not be deprived of \Ve would point out tIll' nt'l'd for a new facility for pressure groups that would lead to the establish- educational opportunitit's. However, during the summer the Departml'nt of Crop and Soils Science. The research ment of costly and unwise programs that would vacation when regular schools are not in session, we be- demands and opportunities for this nt'\\' del~artr~wnt he of little value to sl>asonal farm workers whilt' lieve it is desirable that children be allowed to work. must be fulfilled if we ;lS a State, are to mamtam a causing unnecessary hardships on farm families. except at those occupations which have been declared competitive position in agriculture. hazardous by the Secretary of the {). S. Department of 4. \Ve encourage state and federal regulatory agencies to work toward simplified interstate recruitment Labor. We oppose any attempt to bring agriculhue un- AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH procedures so that workers will be encouraged to der the Hittle Juvenile Employment Act. have employment arranged before they leave their AgricultllTal [('search is t'ssential to maintain the ef- hom!' states. WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION f~l'i('nl'Y of agricultural production. ~('w problems co~- tlllllously arise in the produetion and markl'ting of agn- Employers of farm worKers in ~lichigan are having cultural erops (an example of this is the blight and root FARM LABOR HOUSING difficulty adjusting to the provisions of the 'Vorkmen's rot prohlem in th(. 1969 Michigan dry edihle bean crop) Compensation Act as it applies to agricultural workers. and in thl' field of farm management. Solution of these Agricultural employers are in a unique position among the major employers of lahor. For many years, farmers \Vithout a broad base of experience, this inflexible law prohl('ms must he supplied through basic and ap?lied imposes a financial hardship upon farm employers and n's('arch. This research can hest he don(' by cducational have carried the financial hurden of providing housing for their employees. causes a decrease in the number of a\'ailable farm iobs. institutions such as ~1ichigan State Univt'rsity. We should continue to work for fair and equitable ar- The agricultural research facilities of our land grant The expenditures for new and improved housing are rangemenlc; for fanners under the \Vorkmen's Compen- institution havl' clone much for consunwrs as well as reliably estimated to he between 8750,000 and $1 mil- sation Act. farlllC'rs. lion each vear for the last five years. These expenditures have hee~ made in face of an economic squeeze which, Insurance rates for this coverage can be lowered by ~hc following are among the research projects in in many cases, results in a reduced income for farmers. reducing farm accidents. whll'h W(' have concern: Social action groups often insist upon standards for \Ve recommend that Farm Bureau and its affiliates migrant housing which are desirable but economically continue to work toward improving farm safety programs. - Various proiects in advancing food science. - Dry t'clihle h('an research in areas of blight, root unfeasible. Sodety as a whole should bear a portion of rot and mt'chanical damage to quality. the responsibility for' providing housing that meets thest. WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION RATI~G standards. This responsibility should he discharged in - Infertility in livC'.;tock. the form of a 50% cost sharin~ by the State Government Bec:ause of th«:-accumulation of two years of experieJ'\(.'(' - Alfalfa \Ve(:vil, potatO<.'s and swcC't corn. with the farm employer for improvements in present under the a~icultural workmen's compensation pro- - BC'ef cattle and forage. housing or the construction of new facilities; and, furtht'r, visions in Michigan, \\"(' recommend that rating associa- - Mastitis prevention and control research. that migrant labor housing should be exempt from prop- tions review job cL"lsSand rating of farm workers to al'- erty taxation. complish a realistic and eqUitable insuranl't' cost. I' - Improvement of Michigan soft wheat varieties'I' , TWELVE December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM" NEWS UTILITY PIPELINES FARM BUREAU WOMEN There is increasing construction of utilities across The Farm Bureau Women's Committees have repre- private lands. Many landowners are unaware of their sented a very active phase of our Farm Bureau program legal rights and are seldom informed of a utility route and we commend them for this leadership. until land leasing or purchasing has begun. Present laws, We urge County Farm Bureau Women's Committees rules and regulations are designed primarily for safety to provide for active participation of women of all mem- with little consideration of land conservation or for land- ber families in activities, projects and programs of Farm owner rights. Bureau. We also urge Farm Bureau Women to continue \Ve recommend that legislation be enacted to protect to relate their efforts to the furthering of the total pro- all the rights of landowners, including protection from gram of the Farm Bureau at local, county and state levels. land deterioration, vegetation destruction and tile line We encourage action on the part of Farm Bureau and open drain interruption. Regtllations are also needed Women which would strengthen, reinforce and vitalize to require utility companies to file public notice of im- action programs on the part of County Farm Bureaus. pending projects and their routes. COMMENDATION OF FARM BUREAU WOMEN UPPER PENINSULA EXPERIMENT STATION We commend Farm Bureau Women for 25 years of Agricultural and timberland enterprises in the U.P. dedicated efforts and their record of accomplishments. have progressively changed since the establishment of Farm Bureau men are appreciative of the gentle, but the Experiment Station at Chatham. The Experiment insistent, prodding by our women to get on with the job Station can continue to effectively serve the U.P. farmers and maintain a positive course. and timberland owners. Women have frequently been the best possible spokes- \Ve need the leadership that one experiment station men for agriculture and we are proud of our women in in the central part of the U.P. can furnish in the further the outstanding manner in which they have filled these development of agriculture and timber management. assignments. Some of the research projects needed under U.P. con- ditions include: 1. More test trials in small grains on disease resistance COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenn lake of Michigan Milk Producers Association presented a framed certificate to MFB, honoring the Farm organization for and production. Community Farm Bureaus are the cornerstones of their service to agriculture. MFB president Elton Smith accepted 2. AHalfa and trefoil variety development. Fanp Bureau and every effort should be made to build the certificate. and improve this important part of our organization. 3. Beef breeding and feeding. The advancement and maintenance of Community Farm 4. Field demonstrations in potato, rutabaga and other Bureaus should be a top priority project. In order to RURAL MANPOWER CENTER cash crops. immediately move forward in the growth of community group programs for the good of the total Farm Bureau, We continue to support the operation of the Rural We urge that the Chatham Experiment Station be Manpower Center as a part of the College of Agriculture .maintained. we recommend the following: and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. 1. That County Farm Bureau Boards give emphasis \Ve should evaluate the program of the Rural Manpower to the group program by appointing and develop- Center and suggest to the Center research and activities ing active, enthusiastic County Community Group that will be of value to Michigan agriculture. Committees. This will require that the Board PART II - OUR FARM BUREAU work with the committee in formulating county NEWS MEDIA SUPPORT goals for strengthening existing groups and organ- izing new community groups. The committee We are grateful td Michigan news media for their FARM BUREAU MEMBERSHIP should then take the initiative in sponsoring ac- continued support, understanding and recognition of tivities to achieve the mutually accepted goals. agriculture. \Ve are most appreciative of those special Our Golden Anniversary year, 1969, has been one of 2. Most community groups are having new group services provided farmers - such as market reports and accomplishment for our Michigan Farm Bureau. For officers assume their responsibilities September 1, honest news reporting. the first time in the history of our organization, every at the present time. Therefore, we urge all com- \Ve are aware of continued attempts to expand gov- county experienced a gain in membership. Sixty-four munity groups to have elections in the spring or ernment "guidance" within the news media industries, County Farm Bureaus surpassed their membership goal. summer so that group officers may receive their and compare these attempts with similar interference by As a result of the outstanding work done by volunteer material and a~sume their office at the September government within the agricultural industry. workers throughout the state, our membership in- meeting. This system will improve the opportunity creased by over 2,000 families. We commend those In both cases, we believe the least amount of gov- to coordinate state, county and local community ( people whose efforts strengthened our Farm Bureau. ernmental intervention is best. group activities. Farmers oppose further government control of the The effectiveness and financial well-being of our 3. An officer training school should be held in each news media industry just as we oppose further supply- organization depends greatly on the number of dedicated county in October or November, or as soon as management schemes for agriculture. However, we note families. If Farm Bureau is to remain the voice of the all community groups have elected new officers. that in both cases the best defense for such attacks is Michigan famler, it is important that a majority of the farmers be a part of Farm Bureau. 4. Establish a special program of organizing young the acceptance of self-responsibility and self-discipline. farmers into new community groups. The future prosperity for farmers, we believe, depends \Vith this in mind, we approve the 1970 membership strongly upon our success in working together to develop goal of 55,560 Farm Bureau families. We further en- .farm programs and facilities through which we can co- courage each county to accept its proportionate share LOCAL AFFAIRS , ordinate production with demand, rather than allow this of the 485 member increase. privilege to pass to government. People support best those things which they help build. County Farm Bureau officers and leaders are In similar fashion, we believe the news media must MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY therefore urged to provide "building opportunities" for work together to maintain accurate reporting and qual- members by encouraging them to become involved in ity business standards, and the acceptance of public- \Ve have in Farm Bureau a very democratic organiza- the work of Farm Bureau. interest responsibilities - both for the sound growth of tion with the right to participate in making recommenda- their own industry and as' the best assurance that they An opportunity to serve on ax) action committee is tions and decisions. This opportunity to participate is welcomed by many members. It allows them to build will be allowed to continue to operate with minimum available to us by attending Community Group Meetings, government interference in the future. their organization. Care should be taken by County County Annual Meetings and the State Annual Meeting. Boards to see that many people are involved. New We are pleased that our members take this responsibility members should be given committee assignments in line UNDESIRABLE MATERIALS ~ND PROGRAMS seriously. with their interests. American youths and adults are exposed to a mounting \Ve would point out that this right to participate Once establi~hed, a committee should be given strong flow of pornographic publications and programs - in carries with it the responsibility to support the decisions support and guidance from the County Farm Bureau the movie theaters, on the newsstands, in the bookstores, of the majority. This requires a sense of organization Board. It should be given important tasks to do and and, to some extent, on television. \Ve believe this is a discipline which can only be self-imposed by the member. budget, if needed, to do them. There should be regular contributing factor to immorality and delinquency. \Ve encourage our members to discllss, disagree and reports and action deadlines. The committee should call \Ve do, hawever, commend movie theater operators recommend changes in the policy when these actions upon the County Information Committee to promote for the use of the G-M-R-X rating system as an aid in are appropriate. \VE ALSO REQUEST THAT MEr-.f- and publicize its work. identifying films inappropriate for younger age groups. BERS GIVE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO ALL Because the strength of Farm Bureau springs first \Ve believe the general public can be effective through r-.fATTERS OF FARM BUREAU POLICY AFTER from the strength of its local membership, much of the personal contact or letters to theater owners, movil.' pro- THEY HAVE BEEN PROPERLY APPROVED. work should be done by these members, locally. It is duction companies, publishers, newsstand operators and suggested that a "Local Affairs" committee be ap- television stations and networks, as well as any sponsors pointed and made active in each county, with these of such programs, in asking their support and coopera- SERVICE TO MEMBER PROGRAMS committees charged with the responsibility of involving tion in controlling this danger to our nation's well-being. The Michigan State University survey of farmer at- Farm Bureau in local affairs and problems. titudes establishes that farmers are most strongly moti- This committee should study local issues, including DRAINAGE LA'V vated to join a farm organization through the provision those of a controversial nature. It should assist in re- of tangible economic benefits. Our Farm Bureau experi- search work on such things as zoning and bonding \Ve urge that }'lichigan drainage laws be recodified. ence has been that strength of membership has bene- issues. It should involve itself in local road, school, Future legislation should emphasize understandable fitted through the offering of some services of this health, safety and finance matters. It should work general provisions rather than specific legislation fitted kind in the past. closely with the County Information Committee to bring to special situations. such things to public attention. Lands owned by public agencies, such as School Dis- \Ve feel that it is important for the Michigan Farm tricts and the Department of Natural Resources, often Bureau to promote and develop specific new programs which will provide services to Farm Bureau members CITIZENSHIP receive direct benefits from drainage projects which are financed and paid for by adjOining landowners. only. We must preserve to the fullest degree possible those service-to-member programs which fulfill the needs Good citizenship consists of rights and responsibilities. We support legislation to provide for assessment and of present and future members. \Ve direct the Annual It involves being INFORMED on issues, willingness to collection of drainage benefits to publicly-owned lands. ~feeting Committee to allow more time for discllssion work and courage to act in our two-party politcal system of policies in our three.day annual meeting. of government and enterprise. SOIL CONSERVATION AND Michigan Farm Bureau will continul' local training SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS and incentive programs to encourage Farm Bureau FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS people to become active in the political" party of their Responsibility for the use and improvement of land choice. Members should pay particular attention to and water resources rests on all citizens, urban as well \Ve commend County Farm Bureau Young Farmer voting records of incumbents at both the state and as rural. Cities are dependent on rural lands not only Committees for continued development and implementa- national levels, and should make every effort to support for food, but for most of their water supplies. tion of the Young Farmer program. Dedicated leadership and elect candidates who will support Farm Bureau The annual increase in our population places a definite can only be developed by a series of rewarding and policies. responsibility on agriculture and the nation to safeguard successful experiences. Young Farmers must be in- volved in meaningful activities and placed in leadership Members should also make regular contacts with their our needed future food production facilities. Farm owners Senators and Representatives to inform them of the and fann renters, as well as our urban population, must roles. importance of issues which affect fanners and agri- be aware of the need for intelligent use and conSf'rva- The program is one of building for the future, which culture, and should not fail to thank them, in writing, tion of our lands. an organization must do if it is to survive. Effective for support which the Legislators give to agriculture's The Soil Conservation Districts now organized in and meaningful participation requires that Young Farm- cause. Michigan are efficiently operated by elected farmers ers become a part of - not apart from - Farm Bureau. Thr~u.gh the years, Farm Bureau has provided op- serving without salary and are effective units of soil- This means activation and participation in all phases of portumtles for members to gain information on citizen- saving activity. Farm Bureau. The Young Farmer program should con- ship matters. Activities sllch as Legislative Seminars, We commend the Legislature for its action in pro- tinue to provide opportunities for leadership develop- Meet ,and .. Measure the Candidate Meetings, Young viding part-time assistance to aid these volunteer of- ment training to inform, equip and motivatl' Young People s Citizenship Seminars and Freedom Conferences ficers. We favor the appropriation of adequate state Farmers for active participation in all phases of Farm have been part of keeping our members informed and funds to provide a district aide for each Soil Conservation Bureau. This program must have a high priority in tht> should be continued. ' total Farm Bureau program. District. The use of part-time or full-time aides would \Ve urge that activitit's Ilt' <.'onducted at the Michigan provide greater efficiency. \Ve misuse our resources by \Ve urge Young Farmers to accept their individual Farm Bureau and County Farm Bureau levels to moti- requiring trained conservationists to do routine office responsibility to make both agriculture and Farm Bu- v~~e members to accept their responsibilities as good paper work. reau even greater in the years ahead. CItizens. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 THIRTEEN COUNTY COOPERATIVE COUNCILS Cooperatives have been organized to serve farm people. In many instances, members amI leaders of one COoper- ative know very little about other coope>ratives. Several counties have organized cooperative councils, made up of leaders from all cooperatives whieh operatc in the counties. The purpose of this council is to create an understandin~ of all organizations, an opportunity for leaders to become acquainted and a vehicle to solve> problems involving cooperatives. We encourage County Farm Bureaus to take a leader- ship role in operating and promoting County Cooperative Councils. MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS BY AFFILIA TE COMPANIES Farm Bureau affiliate companies have been or- ganized to serve Farm Bureau memb('rs. The rapid growth in programs has shown that these companies have moved aggressively in this direction. Growth in programs is sometimes more rapid than understanding. \Ve are concerned that members may not know of services available to them from their com- panies; understanding is the first step to participation. This understanding must be created with constant in- formation as well as advertising. We urge Farm Bureau affiliate companies to utilize all existing Farm Bureau information programs to build a stronger communications network to inform members of the available programs and services of their organi- zation. ELTON SMITH WAS RE-ELECTEDPRESIDENT- of Michigan Farm Bureau at the November 20 Board of Di- PRODUCTION AND MARKETING PROGRAMS 'rectors meeting. Other members of the Board are, seated, left to right, Carl Howard, Sanilac county, Young Farmer Representative; Dean Pridgeon, Vice-President, Dist. 2; Mr. Smith; David Morris, 3rd Member, We believe that farmers should act through their own Executive Committee, Dist. 5; Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff, Women's Committee. Standing, I. to r., Andrew initiative to solve the problems confronting them today. Faced with the faet of low farm pric('s, the need for Jackson, Dist. 3; Arthur Bailey, Dist. 1; Richard Wieland, Dist. 10; James Sayre, Director-at-Large; John large amounts of capital to operate their farming enter- laurie, Dist. 6; Walter Frahm, Director-at-large; Eugene Roberts, Dist. 9; Calvin lutz, Director-at-large; prises, the threat by corporate farming, the rapid changes Frank Schwiderson, Dist. 11; Kenneth Bull, Dist. 7 and Harvey leuenberger, Dist. 8. in agricultural technology, and the interference of the Federal government in agriculture, we accept the challengt> to shapt> tht> future to the benefit of the family AGRICULTURAL MARKETIl\\G issues facing specific commodities. Farm Bureau market- fanner. We, therefore, support and (>mlorse the efforts ing activities directly serve the economic interests of of the affiliate companies' of ~fichigan Farm Bureau to Agricultural marketing is of great concern to farmers. We recognize the need to improve our present marketing members producing those commodities for which market- provide production and marketing programs for members. ing programs have been developed. MFB Commodity As the largest and leading statewide farm organization, methods if we are to receive a more equitable net income. Advisory Committees represent the specific commodity we have the responsibility to establish standards for \Ve are proud of our efforts in the area of marketing. interests of members throughout the state and play an production and marketing programs to assure that thE'Y Since the forming, the Michigan Agricultural Cooper- important role in guiding Farm Bureau commodity work directly for the benefit of farmers. Farmer,> work- ative Marketing Association ( MACMA), operational policies and activities. ing through their own organization, the ~fichigan Farm marketing programs have been established for six com- To strengthen the representation of specific commodity Bur~H1 and its affiliate companies (~fACMA and Farm modity areas. \Ve recommend that similar marketing interests of members, we should: Bur~au Services) are utilizing curn>nt marketing tools, programs be developed for other commodities. such as contract production of crops amI livl'stock, Members are urged to become informed of the work 1. Continue to expand commodity activities, especially ownership of processing facilities and bargaining. Use being done by ~fAC~IA. \Ve must recognize that the affiliated commodity marketing programs. of the<;e tools can be helpful in assllfing a successful services of ~IACMA are available to any commodity 2. \Vork closely with the many commodity organiza- future for the family farm. group. Producers must express substantial interest and tions in the state. willingness to finance before a marketing program can 3. Recognize and award County Farm Bureaus that ORIENT ATION OF EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS be developed. conduct exceptional commodity and marketing ac- ~fAC~fA programs are farmer-controlled. These must tivities in their counties. The employed representatives of thf' Michigan Farm lw based on sound economics, selling products at realistic Bureau and all of its affiliated companie.<; represent Farm We urge all County Farm Bureaus to: prices to the best advantage of the producer. Marketing Bureau, in general, when contacting memlwrs around information and market expansion are also necessary 1. Designate high priority to commodity and market- the state, and the public-at-Iarge. parts of such a program. ing activities in county programs. Uninformed or misinformed employees or agents may \Ve ask that marketing continue to be given high 2. Identify each member's commodity interest through contribute to a poor or weak imag<.>of Farm Bureau, priority in the expanded program of the Michigan Farm a complete survey of the membership. ('ither in answers given to questions or statements madl' Bureau. This increased emphasis on marketing should 3. Appoint advisory committees for commodities of to other people when the information involves companies be directed towards the expansion of ~IACMA or other major importance in the county. other than their own. A lack of information shows a appropriate affiliate. 4. Assign commodity advi,>ory committees specific weak inten'st on their part toward Farm Bureau gener- I projects and require committees to make periodic ally when inquiries are made. FARM BUREAU WHEAT MARKETING PROGRAM reports to' the county Board of Directors. \Ve feel that all persons. employees or agents repre- 5. Cooperate with the ~Iichigan Farm Bureau on senting ,Farm Bureau and all of its affiliates who contact \Ve approve the idea of farmers bein~ more involved marketing exploratory studies. people in the field should be given intensiv(. and regular in the marketing of their own products. The Farm orientation regarding philosophy, programs. services and Bureau \Vheat Marketing Program is a step in the right 6. Promote participation of members in Farm Bureau operations of the Farm Bureau and an otl1(>raffiliates. direction. \Ve commend the efforts of Michigan Farm marketing programs. Real progress has heen accomplished in this area. 0\11' Bureau and the participating members for organizing membership gains are in part attrihutahle to this team and supporting this marketing venture. REGIONAL FARM BUREAU AND spirit among the employees of our affiliate companil's. \Ve urge all wheat producers to consider the merits of DAIRY COOPERATIVE COMMITTEE Farm Bureau members can be most grateful for tll(' marketing their wheat through this orderly marketing Farm Bureau has a long history of working with dairy support and understanding our employees give to the program. We believe that the program could be of organizations at the state and national level to help memhership organization and its programs. even greater benefit if it was f:'xpanded to include soft solve marketing problems. A similar united effort to We feel that organization-wide meetings to orient and wh(';\t grown in other states. \"e therefore urge that solve regional or multi-state dairy marketing problems enthuse personnel would be worth the time and expense th(~ feasibility of a multi-state, coordinated wheat market- can also benefit dairymen. \"e urge the American Farm involved by all companies, and we request that managers ing program be pursued with the oth('r State Farm Bu- Bureau and Midwest state Farm Bureaus to explore the of the Farm Bureau and all affiliatf' companics plan to reaus in the major soft wheat producing states. development of a Farm Bureau - Dairy Cooperative hold joint meetings designed to present a well-grounded Committee to discuss and cooperatively seek solutions and united front by all personnel before an people. FARM BUREAU MARKETING STUDIES to dairy marketing problems. Farm Bureau affiliates are engaged in many successful CONTINUE DEVELOPING A~D RESEARCHING MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL SERVICES marketing programs. Part of thl' reason for sUC!'t'ss has ~EW AND I~IPROVED WAYS OF ASSOCIATION (M.A.S.A.) h('('n that these programs were ealled for hy memhers. ~IARKETING LIVESTOCK Anotlwr reason has Iwen that proper ft'searl'h has 1)('('1) ~1il:higan farmers havt' lOJlJ.!he('Jl cone't'rned with Ihe p,rohlc-ms of hirin.!! and J"('taininJ.! eapahlt' t'lllploy('(',;. done prior td (.stahlishing tht' st'rvice. Thi .. rl',('an.'h ".c are pleased that our ort!anization has moved into Ii\'(.,tol'k markding. \\'l' shollld continut' to t'\:plore Ill'\\ ",aeh ycar the gap 1)('(\\ e('11 farn1l'r< lH'ed.. alld tht' includt's lwed. economic feasibility ilnd allt-rnati\'(' mt'thod.; of opNation'\. alld impro\'(.d nwthod, of lIIarkdint! Iin.,tock. t!i\ int!: n,lIIl1ht'r of a\'aiJahl(. \\illill!! \\ orkt'r.; ha.; gro\\ n wid(.r. ('oll...idt'ration to contral'!ural at.:rt.t'lllt'nt... direl'! mo\('- 1'.;Ich year Illl' t'ompditioll for .;killt.d \\.ork('r from \lellllH'rs are lIrt!l'd to look to their Farm BUTt'all to improv(' tht'ir markdill;! opportllnitil ..... l.Ollllty Farm 1I\\."t of Ii\'est(h.-k frolll farm tll pal'kl'r thf(lu~h markl'tin~ 111l .. 1I\t'......illdll ..lr\" alld ,l!!ricilltlln' ha .. 1)('('0111(' JllIln' ('\'('1"1', Burt';Iu Boards should 1)(' infornwd of th",t' 1Il,(.tk .t!!f'IIl'i('" cluill!! tIlt' ,ellill!!. Toda~ .... farm' ('l1Iployt'r !lI1I"( not ollly ('OIll/WIt' for till' a~.ail;d)I(. Iahor "'l1pply. 111' i.. fal'('d with a nllnpln COUllt\ Board.; ,llOuld (11\'11 rl'qllt ....t tIlt' a, ...i,tall('(' of tile \Iil'hican Farm BUrt'au in ...('t'killt! 'olutioll'" to tht'''(' IWl.()..., FOWL ~f:\RKETI~G ,1'1 of la\\ '. rt'gllbtioll'; and pr.tdil'l" \\ hich defint' ht'" h(' \\ ill cOlllpdt. ill hiring alld rt'!aillill!.': till' t~'Pt' of ('111- \\'t' a.;k the Board of J)irel'!ors of tht. \tithi1.!,lIl Tht' av!'ra!!t. prke of ftm I Ita, declined ...harply ill plll\ (.t.... hI' 1I1'('d... J 101l .. ill!! ..talldank l11illillllllll \\ agl' Farm BlIrt'au to cOlltinul' markdin1.! ,tutlil'" a'" 111'('(1 ... II Tt'llt ~('011'''. A, a hy-prodlll t of comml.rcial ('t!:!! pr(l- alld IIIJlJrla\\ .., SOt'ial ~t'('lIril\. \\.orkllll.II ....(:oIllIH'II...atiulI. ari ...l' and J"('SOl1lCl"pt'rmit. duetinll. Icm' fo\\'1 priC(', illert'a"'e the llt'l'd for hic:lll'r I'!!!! h:vardoll" O(.(:lIpation.... 1I11i('lIli/atJOIl. ill","raIH't'. illilllll'- prit.(,...to comlw" ..at(' for tlie tlt'pn'l'iation of layint.: hell . (lOll'>. ,trik(.,. bo\('oth, contrad 1H't.:(llialioJI", r,'t'ord,. PHOCESSI~G PEACH. PEAR \Iodt'nr trallsportatioll ..y...km, and qnalit~ . .;tandanl ... child labor and .;IIti-discriminatioll Ia\\ s an' all part of A~D PLliM ~IAHKETI~G have rl'lllovl.d tIll' harriers to intl'r-regional compl tition today's farm labor scclle. in markdinl! fowl. \\'e recommend that a feasihility study hl' Illldertakt'n Tht' \tASA organization has hCt'1I ht.lpflll ill rt'cruiting to ddl'rmint' the \'iahility of a markdin~ proJ.!ram for ""(' IIrg(' that the Anwrican Farm Bureau cooperak \aho.r. and providin,!!; a lahor managt'IIwnt information processing lwac!ws. pC'ars and plums. Should the study with tht' state Farm BurC'au.. in Ollr four- ..talt> arl'a to ~t'rvJt.(. for \fASA memb('rs. Aetllal t'.\lwri('I1l'l's gailled indicate that such a marketing program could he sdf- disl'ovl'r po'\sihiliti('s for strengthl'ning fo\\'1 marketing. III probkllls faced by agrk\lltural Iahor and their em- supporting, we recommend that the Board of Directors ploycrs "aye bcen communicated to It.gislativ(. amI establish the marketing program. POTATO INDl'STRY STl'DY n'gulatory hodil's 011 hehalf of tIlt' \tic:higan Farm Bu- \\'e recommend that the' ~Ikhil!an Farm Bureau rl'a~l to create all understandillg of prohll'ms faced and FARM BUREAU CO~IMODITY ACTI\'ITJES Potato \Iarkt'ting Study hl' continued ~nd that an\' :\.-\\1:\ actlOIJS tak('n to solvt' them. \IASA al ..o provides t'X- multi-stall' potato markt'ting prograllls Ill' supported hy pert testimonv t'rs \\.ho ('mploy lahor and County general farm organization, is s('fving the specific ~'Om- \\.(' regret the discontillllanl'e of any "sef\'kl' to nll'lll- h\fm B\lreaus should sllpport \IASA aJl(l its lIt.\\.:-ldkr modi tv intt'rests of its ml'mlH'rs. ~1udl of the I' arm l)('r" programs. Tht' dl'cision of tIlt' Roard of Din'ctors program. Burea;1 It.gislatiw effort nse involved. any such director or officer against any liability he ordinances on odor and other mibanl't' problems. This would be subject to by reason of willful misfeasance, service should be valuable to prodlll'ers \\'ho are con- Another activity which will he curtailed is the Farm Bureau Record Keeping Program. This a<:tivity has had faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of fronted with legal complaints. the duties involved in the conduct of his office. The been carrit'd on for the past four y(~ars. It has not been operating on a financially sound basis. Therefore. the foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive MFB STATE STUDY COMMITTEE program will be continued on a direct-mail basis between , of other rights to which any director or officer may be members and tht' Iowa Farm Bureau, which has done entitl(>d as a matter of law. Said indemnity shall also At the 1967 Annual ~Ieeting of the ~Iichigan Farm inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and admin- Bureau. the delegates asked that ,1 study be made of tht' proct'ssing of records. istrators of such person. Faml Burl'ilu. They suggested that a State Study Com- The Committee expressed concern over the prospt'ct mittee be appointed to review the prt'sent programs. of a deficit budget for Farm Bureau. The members of projtoct Il('eded programs and recommend alternativt' the Committee recognized that tht' maior problem faced ml'thods of adt'quatcly financing Farm Bureau. hy Farm Bureau is that of inflation. Costs haw increased \VE COMMEND FOR UNSELFISH SERVICE The Committee was appointed and spent a total of in the neighborhood of 5% a year for the last two years. They recognizcd that Michigan Farm Bureau docs have Many of our fellow farmers are serving agriculture thirtcen days studying Farm Bureau in ~lichigan. To and our state as members of hoards, commissions, com- begin the study, the group asked tlm'e qlll'stions. a reserve. The liquid portion of this rt'serve is equal to about a half year's operation. The Committee felt mittees and advisory groups on which agricultural repn'- These were: 'ientation is important to all of us. that this was not adequate. ]. '\'ho shoul$l Farm Bureau serve? The Committee felt that more income must be gener- Often this service is rendered without any reimburse- 2. \\That types of programs will be net'ded to ser\'(' ated for Farm Bureau. A proposed subsidy by affiliate ment for time and expenses involved. members? . companies was considered. This was rejected. The Com- \Vithin our own organization are also many who give 3. How should these programs be financed? mittee adopted the philosophy that Farm Bureau should of their time and talent to make Farm Bureau the l'ff('c- be a dues-financ('d organization. tive voice of farmers. It was agreed that Farm Bureau must remain a farm organization. It must be an aggressive organization and The Committee recommended that tht' bvlaws of ~lichigan Farm Bureau b(' amended to allow 'for a 85 \Ve commend these people and recognize them for servl' commercial farmers. By comnll'rdal farmers, tll(' their unselfish service to agriculture. the Committee meant those people who rec('in' a sizablt' dues incr('ase in 1971. This 85 increast' would be portion of tlwir income from agricultural production. divided: 84 to ~1ichigan Farm Bureau and 81 to tht' County Farm Burt'au. The Committee felt, ho\\'en'r. that membership oppor- tunity should be available to all persons interested in 'Ve applaud the members of the State Study Commit- AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION agriculture. Safeguards must be maintained to limit the tee for their dedication and willingness to serve their ANNUAL CONVENTION voting rights to committed fanners. The distinction organization and agriculture. In doing so. we accept and agree with the (maior) principles established in the Currently, the American Farm Bureau Federation An- behn'en regular and assodate members must he dear nual Convention is held in early December. State Farm and concise. report of the Committee. Bureaus must therefore conduct their annual meetings To build and maintain a strong Farm Bureau organi- in Non'mher. This causes hardship, as active farmers zation. the best in farmer It'aclt'rship is Ill't'clcd. TIlt' BYLAWS AMENDMENT - ANNUAL DUES are engaged in crop harv('st at that time. Committee felt that steps must be hlken to altrad the RESOL "ED, that Article X, Section 1 of the Byla\\'s \Ve ask that consid('ration be given to the necessary hest leaders throughout thr state. Programs must Iw of thb corporation shall he amended to fl'ad, as follows: action to change tIlt' AFBF annual meeting dates to drveloprd to provide mt'mhrrs with opportunity for ('arly January. involvement and leadership dl'velopmeut. "Section 1. Annllal dllcs. Except as to life memlwr- ship contracts heretofore issued or undertaken by tll(' All programs of the organi7.~ltion we're reviewed. The association, the annual dues required to be paid hy Committee noted that somt' hn'nty-ninl' separate pro- members of this association shall be 825 effectiVt' with grams ""Ne carried on hy ~lichigall Farm Burt',ll\. This STATUS OF PREVIOUS POLICIES the 1971 memhership y,ear, and such dues shall be numher equaled or surpassed all other Statl' Farm Bu- distributed between this association and the ft'spcctive reaus. In fl'vit'wing each program. tIlt' COlllmittt,(, asked The policies adopted at the four previous annual County" Farm Bureaus as determined hy the Board of meetings are hereby reaffirmed except insofar as they why the program ""as started, \\'hat its value is prt'sently. Dift,ctors, and shall include the annual dues of tlH' have I)('('n modified or supplemented hy later polid('s. and is the program needed for the future? Aml'rican Farm Bureau Fecll'ration and an annual suh- including those adopted at this annual meeting. All The Committee made fl'commendations for minor ad- scription to the ~Iichigan Farm ~e\\'s. ~othing heft'in other policies shall be df'('nH'd to have lapsed except justments in many programs. It was felt that several contained shall prev('nt any Coullty Farm Bureau from insofar as the Board of Directors may specifically find programs needl'd to he gin'n increased emphasis. St'\'eral ,'oting add!~ional local dues to he used for local pur- that such a prior policy provides the only hasis for programs should be curtailed slightly. poses only. action on a curn>nt problem. TWO SPACEMEN, COMPLETE WITH SPACE SUITS - distributed special certificates MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU'S 1969 QUEEN - Diane Traver placed the crown to the 71 Farm Bureau County presidents attending the 50th Anniversary an- on the head of the 1970 queen, 18 year old Jane Ross of Sanilac county. nual meeting banquet at Civic Center November 11. Farm Bureau stoff mem- Looking on was Miss Sally Johnson, Rosebush, Isabella county, who was bers Norman Goodling and Ron Jensen were the spacemen. runner up in the queen contest. J MEMBERS OF THE TOP TEN CLUB- were honored at the President's banquet and received special plaques from MFB president Elton Smith. Standing I. to r., C. Agle, Manistee; C. Conant, Antrim; E. DeWitt, Chippewa and T. Kopaczem- SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICES- were an impressive part of the November 11 ski, Arenac. Seated, I. to r., D. Stevens, Muskegon; D. Block, Gladwin; H. Gosen, ann~al meeting pro~ram. A full-dress, color-guard from the U. S. Marine Corp, Saginaw. Not present were F. Perschinski, Mackinaw-Luce; F. Wilson, Montcalm Lansmg led the service at 11 a.m. In the detail were 1st Sgt. W. H. O'Keefe, and T. Wieland, Charlevoix. Gy. Sgt. F. E. Cavey, S. Sgt. T. l. Flager and PFC S. W. Premer .. ( .. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 FIFTEEN AlUt#at 'lteetUetJ ~~~U FILL IT Dill Rt Christmas-Time At Christmas-time, these are Another Michigan Farm Bureau Annual ~Ieeting is now ast history. \V~thout a .doubt the hundreds of people that attended the b~mess SessiOns, Commodity programs, the Farm ft1AI L IT BACK the things I know: Fragrance of pine; air-frosted, keen with snow; laughter of children, raised in ureau \Vome~ s p~ogram and luncheon, Young Farmer pro- glad surprise; breathless expec- , the President s banquet and the evening banquet, will tancy; the smiling eyes of friends with gifts 'white clad and ribbon gree that the 50th Anniversary observance was indeed a tied; odor of good things cook- ucccss. ing ... There abide the dearest Two new members were elected to the Michigan Fann things I know in all the earth; ureau Board of Directors at the 50th Annual meeting. Arthur home, and loved ones, friendship, Bailey, Kalamazoo county, replaced Harry Nye, St. Joseph song, and mirth. unty, repre.~nting the First district and Frank Schwiderson Holly gracing windows, sprigs hi~pewa county, will represent the Eleventh District (Uppe; of mistletoe hanging in the door- emnsula). Clayton Ford, Cornell, was the fonner Director. ways, colored lights aglow. Other members of the Board of Directors are Dean Pridgeon Friendly voices calling mes- fontgomery, Dist. 2; Andrew Jackson, Howell, Dist. 3; sages of cheer, "Merry, merry Christmas, and Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, Dist. 4; David Morris, Grand Ledge, a gay and glad New Year:' Dist. 5; John Laurie, Cass City, Dist. 6; Kenneth Bull, Bailey, All the world is wishing peace, Dist. 7; Harvey Leuenberger, Saginaw, Dist. 8; Eugene Roberts, goodwill to men, Lake City, Dist. 9 and Richard Wieland, Ellsworth, Dist. 10. Since the Christmas spirit is in Other Directors-at-Large are Walter Frahm, Frankenmuth and our hearts again. ames Sayre, Belleville. -Enola Chamberlin Calvin Lutz, Kaleva, was re-elected as a Director-at-Large or a two year term and Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff, re-elected chairman ofthe Farm Bureau Women's Committee. .chard (Doris) 'Vieland was elected vice-chairman, replacing Mrs . .JANUARV~97D Mrs. Clare (Florence) Carpenter. Farm Bureau Young Fanner Representative on the Board of Directors for 1970 is Carl oward of Sanilac county. Blonde, brown eyed Miss Jane Ross of Sanilac county was hosen to wear the 1970 Michigan Fann Bureau queen's crown. 1iss Ross competed with 25 contestants, from as many counties, No census takers are to be hired for the 1969 Census of Agri- or the title. Jane is the daughter of Mr. and ~'lrs. Kenneth culture, according to the u. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau Ross, Afarlette. She graduated from high school in 1969 and of the Census. is now enrolled at ~fichigan State University. The agriculture census will be conducted entirely by mail in David C. Farley, Albion nursery stock grower and whole- January of 1970. Every operator of a fann or ranch will receive saler. won the Discussion ~feet contest held during the annual a census form by mail in early January and will be asked to neetin~. Afr. Farley, 30, presented the winning discussion fill it out and mail it back. n the snbjt"Ct "Can Farm Bureau Survive Another 50 Years?" Six county Farm Bureau 'Vomen's committees also were The decision to use the mail out-mail back method, reached. lOnored at the Ladies Annual luncheon held in the Big Ten after tests showed a high percentage of response, is the latest Room at Kellogg Center. The three first-place winners were in a series of plans designed to gain in efficiency and economy hippewa county, ~frs. Carolyn Wilson, chairman; Isabella by using the mails to the greatest possible extent in conducting ounty, Afrs. Lillian 'Vonsey, chairman and "'ashtenaw county, all censuses. The Census of Business and the Census of ~Ianu- Mrs. Lawrence Boettner, chairman. factures are now conducted entirely by mail. The 1970 Census Second place winners were 'Vexford county, Mrs. Julia of Population and Housing will be on a mail basis in most city emike, chairman; Montcalm county, Mrs. Barbara Hansen, delivery area~ with enumerators being used in TUral areas and hairmao and Kent county, l\1rs. Evelyn Rodgers, chainnan. in some parts of the inner cities. In addition to the number and acreage of farms, the agricul- Shuman Outlines Need ture census will ask fanners for an estimate of the value of land and buildings, the amount of cropland harvested, acreage of for New Farm Program irrigated land, acreage in major crops, the number of fann operators by age, value of farm products sold, the amount of time farm operators worked at off-fann jobs, and the number lhe near record crops of wheat~ com and feed grains har- of autos, trucks, tractors, combines and com pickers. rested this year again demonstrates the impossibility of con- oIling production by individual crop acreage controls," Char- The completed questionnaire for each farm, ranch or other es Shuman~ president of American Farm Bureau told ~lichigan agricultural operation will be completely confidential. The I ann Bureau members at the Fiftieth Annual ~Ieeting, East information obtained, without names or clues to identity, will ansing. be grouped in statistical totals and published by counties and At 1.5 billion bushels, this year's wheat crop is estimated to States as well as for the entire nation. the fourth largest on record, he reported. This is in spite of e fact that acreage allotments have been cut two years in a ow and wheat acreage seeded for harvest this crop year was he lowest since 1963. He added that the 1969 wheat carryover s estimated at 51.6 percent over 1968. - 'Vheat prices, Shuman pointed out, hit a 27-year low this ummer. Similarly, he said the government's feed grain pro- am has failed in its stated objective of reducing production, spite of acreage euts. The 1969 estimated production is 168 lillion tons, slightly above the 1968 output and 10 million tons ver 1966, the first year of operation of the Food and Agriculture ct of 1965. In light of these dismal experiences, "it seems incredible that nyone would propose a eontinuation of the same program that ot liS into this mess - yet that is what a few memhers of Con- ress arc>sUAAcsting," Shuman said. "Some even want to make the Food and Agriculture Act of 965 a permanent program with only a few minor amendments. hi~ would mean a life sentence of low prices and restricted mar- Ns and opportunities for farmers producing controlled crops. "Even the Xixon Administration seems to be considering a atched-up version of the Act of 1965. Fanners will not accept is cmore of the samc' approach. It is timc for change and Fann,. Ureau has the only new approach that has been offered in onwess," Shuman said. The national farm leader outlined Farm Bureau's program t has heen introduced by 40 members of the House and 20 enators. Farm Bureau's proposal, he said, would redirect gov- fDment farm policy so it helps, rather than hinders, farmprs their efforts to improve per family farm income. MORE THAN 290 ATTENDED- Macomb County's Annual ,meeting held in October. Charter mem- Under the Act of 1969, farmers would he protected against bers cutting the special cake are I. to r., John A. Rinke, Warren; Jack Harvey, Utica; Harry e government dumping of surplus stocks on the market. Green, Washington; Allen Rush, Washington and Ray PO"s, Waldenburg. .3 ., .rt~ . 'X ~ SIXTEEN December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS UNABLETO SELLTHEIR HARVESTTHIS FALL- fruit growers in the West Central president, unloaded the first truck load of prune plums, cling peaches and Region had just about decided to let the fruit stay on the trees. But they apples to Isabella County Farm Bureau Members. Fruit picked that morning reckoned without their wives. They knew that this meant a loss of money to all. in Oceana county was also delivered that same day to buyers in another part Form Bureau ladies in the eastern part of the region wanted fresh quality fruit of the West Central legion. Bob Hukill, Oceana county fruit grower, also at reasonable prices. So ... by means of telephone ... the Oceana County delivered fresh fruit and later in the day, Farm Bureau members were able to Farm Bureau secretory contacted the Chairman of the Women's Committees in buy fresh fruit at Farm Bureau Services Elevator in Mt. Pleasant. All a matter Clare, Osceola and Isabella counties. Just two days after the initial phone call, of cooperation and working together. A characteristic that has made Farm a \\member to-member service" became a reality. Francis Hawley, President, Bureau "click" since the organization began. Oceana County Farm Bureau and Bud Gilmore, Isabella County Farm Bureau Young Farmers' and Ranchers' Convention Plans Announced The next half century in Farm Bureau will be highlighted during portions of the American Farm Bureau Federation's Colden Anniversary annual meeting in 'Vashington, D. C., next month. The future ,of Farm Bureau and its programs will be explored as discussion meet contestants consider the topic, "Can Farm Bureau Survive Another 50 Years?" The discussion meet is the responsibility of the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Ad- visory Committee. The Committee is also responsible for the talent program on Sunday evening, Dec. 7. Young farmers and ranches attending the annual meeting will ~.~. :~r ..~ VAN BUREN CHARTER MEMBERS - attended ~ OAKLAND COUNTIES FIRST MEMBER TO BE have an opportunity to participate in all regular activities of the their county annual meeting in Paw Paw. Pres- SIGNED UP - was Herbert Baynes, center. Mr. convention, in addition to the special programs designed spe- ent were Mr. and Mrs. Ward Hood, Mr. and Baynes was signed up by Charles Bingham in cifically for them. One n~w innovation this year will be a young Mrs. Stanley R. Cornish, Mr. and Mrs. John 1919. Mr. Baynes affended Oakland county's farmer and rancher reception at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, De- Fritz, Dean Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hartford, Annual Meeting. Greeting him was Andrew cember 8. The reception will replace the traditional Monday Mr. and Mrs. Earl Thomas. Rena Buskirk and Jackson, District director and Edwin Erwin, luncheon program. Leua Webster. County president. Be the ••Toast of the Town" and solve all your Winter Comfort 2-SPEED. "STANDARD" HUMIDIFIER Humidifies over 2500 sq. ft. wi th two-speed output control (900 and 1100 RPM). Features include "water wheel" action, fron t-filling I removable 8 Y2 gallon rust-proof reservoir, automatic shut-off, humidistat and red "refill" indicator light. - See your local FARMERS PETROLEUM Dealer or Branch MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 SEVENTEEN DISCUSSION DISCUSSION TOPIC TOPIC IN By Gary A. Kleinhenn, Director, Education and Research Happy Holidays. This De- The new law requires banks, Michigan Director of the Con- lend money. They turn over fi- of charges, plus a detailed ex- cember is one of great activity finance companies, other lenders sumer Finance Division, Alvin J. nancing contracts to banks or planation of charges on each throughout most parts of the and retailers to state finance Trierweiler said a questionnaire finance companies, for which monthly statement world. Here in Michigan it's no charges both in annual percent- survey is being circulated through- they are paid a commission or In all cases the borrower must different as trimmings are being ages and in dollars and cents. out the state to test the effects of kick-back which depends on the receive in writing, a statement applied for many festive occas- the new law. But generally there rate collected. The rate will vary showing the total dollar amount ions. Many of those trimmings have been no real problems with with the rate chart used. On new Learn of the finance charge, the an- include buying of gifts, and some the new ruling, he said. cars, law limits this to 12 percent, the TRUTH nual percentage rate of interest of those gifts involve the big Trierweiler added that for but it may go as high as 24 per- as well as other descriptive infor- business of borrowing money and about problems that may arise, amend- cent on used cars. mation such as the number, utilizing credit so items can be CREDIT COSTS ments to the law would be ap- Credit Unions -12 percent. amounts and due dates of pay- gift wrapped and delivered. plied to correct them. The rate on credit union loans ment and a description of any Credit business in the U. S. in- A 3% a month charge for a small loan - at a consumer finance company - is Stating the interest rate on an was established by law over 40 security held. volves tens of billions of dollars actually 36% a year annual basis for the average per- years ago, and has never changed. In real estate the law includes in loans each year. In 1968 son removes much of the con- When you borrow $100 from a agricultural land sold for busi- alone an estimated $180 billion A lIh % a month "revolving charge ac- count" at a department store actually fusion previously associated with credit union and pay it back in ness, while other land transactions accounted for consumer credit. costs 18% a year the loaning of money. 12 equal monthly installments to persons must be for non-busi- The convenience of buying by On the other hand an area of you pay a total of $106.62. There ness purposes. credit is great, sometimes its the An $8 per $100 financing plan. on used contention may be in the judge- cars is actually about 16% a year is no extra charge for life insur- Furthermore, a homeowner easiest way to do business, but ment of what "written in clear ance on loans. Credit unions often can cancel within 3 days of pur- the costs of borrowing for the A $6 per $100 financing plan* on new terms" actually means when a pay an interest refund at the chase any credit deal if his resi- consumer is expensive. cars is actually about 12% a year seller is conveying terms of a end of the year. dence is used as collateral, except Sometimes three or four times *This refers to a "discount" deal where the contract. From the example Banks - 12 to 18 percent. in the case of a first mortgage to interest, say 6% or 8%, is deducted from more than the buver ever realizes. the total amount of the loan, which is to be shown below, careful reading by Bank rates vary from time to finance the purchase of his dwell- But this holida.'yseason will be repaid in 12 monthly installments. B:Jt you the buyer is still required. time and also according to the ing. do not have the use of the entire amount different because of the new of credit for a year, since YI):J are reducing amount of the loan and the secur- ''Truth in Lending Law" which the balance each month. The true annual SHOP FOR BEST CREDIT ity offered. On new cars the EXEMPTIONS rate for credit actually used is cbout double requires lenders of money to re- the apparent rate. Truth in lending policies now .common rate is 12 percent, and Installment purchases of no veal total costs of products to afford the consumer the luxury on credit cards the rate is usuallv more than $25 are exempt from the buyer. The finance charges as a per- of convenient shopping for the 18 percent. Extra charges f~r any of the new lending law re- Basically the new law ~nters centage of the unpaid balance best credit deal. Interest rate life insurance will increase the quirements. The exemption also around the disclosure ruling need not be stated until January can now be compared among the cost. applies to items costing $25 to which requires sellers to give 1, giving financiers an opportu- various lending institutions. $75 if the finance charge is less clear printed easy-to-read infor- nity to adjust to the new law. Small Loan Companies - 30 HOW IT AFFECfS CREDIT than $5. In addition, up to $7.50 'mation of the true expenses the Meanwhile finance charges may percent maximum. These com- ACCOUNTS: TWO TYPES in credit charges are allowed on consumer is charged when buy- be expressed as dollars per hun- panies are authorized by statute There are two kinds of credit purchases of more than $75 with- ing an item. dred. For example an 11 per- to charge 30 percent on the first accounts. One is the open end out revealing finance charges. In affect since July the e'Truth- cent rate may be given as an $11 $300 loaned, and 15 percent on credit account, which is a con- in-Lending Law" is more formerly annual finance charge for each the remainder up to $1,000. They tinuing credit program like a NEWSPAPER ADS AFFECTED known as the Federal Consumer $10 of the unpaid balance. are also authorized to make extra credit card account or a revolving The new law also protects the Credit Protection Act, which charges for life insurance on loans. charge account used by depart- consumer in newspaper adver- former President Lyndon John- PENALTIES Department Stores - 18 per- ment stores. tisements, which mention credit son approved in early 1968. For the first time citizens have, cent. This is the rate typically The second type of account are terms. For instance, "so much Credit to indiv'.:I'~als for per- in writing, the sellers responsi- charged on revolving credit ac- those other than open end ac- down and so much a month:" sonal, family, household or agri- bility to the consumer. If willful counts and charge accounts not counts. For example, credit statements now must include culture purposes of $25,000 or violation of the law can be paid off in 30 days. Other rates, granted for a specified period of more pertinent information such less are covered by the new law. proven the consumer also has the as low as 14 percent, may be time. This type is usually for as the total cash price, the fi- According to Regulation e,z" muscle to take the seller to court. found on installment contracts "big ticket" items like appliances, nance charge both in dollars and which interprets the law's re- Willful violators are subject to for large purchases. or machinery. cents as an annual percentage quirements of the Federal Re- maximum penalties of a $5,000 Auto Dealers - 12 to 24 per- \Vith each new account the rate and the number, amount, serve Board, the lender must tell fine and a year in jail. Further- cent. Auto dealers do not usually law requires complete information and date of payments due. consumer borrowers in writing more, borrowers may sue for civil and in clear terms, how much it penalties of twice the amount of costs in interest and other charges the finance charge plus court to get a loan, finance the pur- costs and attorney's fees. The CREDIT PLAN AGREEMENT EXAMPLE chase of a tractor, car, television law also makes extortionate ex- set, or maintain a revolving charge tensions of credit, known as "loan account with a department store sharking," subject to a maximum The annual percentage rate in the contract below is easy to read as well as additional expense the or take out a mortgage to buy penalty of $10,000 and 20 years consumer is required to pay. However, other terms of the agreement can be confusing if not care- a home. in jail. fully read. The new "Truth In Lending Law" is a great aid for farmers in knowing the true price of goods. REVIE"V OF SCHOOL FINAi\'CE LA'V~ CREDIT PLAN AGREEMENT - Notice to Buyer: Please read this Agreement before you sifll it. In consideration of your selling merchandise and services to me on the Extend-A-Charge Account, I agree to the Of the more than 7,500 Farm Bureau members who following regarding all purchases hereafter made by me: I have the privilege of a 30-day charge account, in which participated which made up 610 groups replying so far, case I will pay the cash price in full for all merchandise within 30 days from the billing date of each bill. If I do a state income tax was favored 485 to 65, (26 preferred not pay for all merchandise in full within 30 days from the billing date, I shall pay the time sale price for all pur- other means), from those answering the question. It was chases, consisting of the cash sale price and shipping charges plus a finance charge of 1'12% on the unpaid prev- 410 to 132 who believed the state should not bargain for ious balance of my account (The Annual percentage rate is 18%), Minimum charge is 51 cents. I will receive a teachers. It was 446 to 116 who believed that teachers monthly statement as of a specified billing date determined by you showing my unpaid previous balance. I will pay should not be permitted to strike. The vote went 443 to each monthly installment in accordance with your published schedule of payments within 30 days of billing date; 134 who believed that teachers should not come under the however, if within 30 days from billing date, I pay the full amount shown on the statement, no finance charge on Civil Service, and one state-wide contract for all teachers. such amount will be charged on any subsequent statement. My scheduled monthly payment will not decline as my un- paid balance is reduced. I may at any time pay my entire balance. If I do not comply with any provision of this It was 280 to 29 who favored a local school income tax Agreement, the entire unpaid balance shall, at your option, become immediately due and payable. In such event. in place of increased property tax. It was 433 to 128 who I agree to pay the entire unpaid balance upon demand. You may in any event limit the amount of my account balance. favored state aid to provide educational opportunities beyond the resources of a community. It was 520 to 78 NEW AND ADO.ON CUSTOMERS in favor of the local school board paying teachers instead of the state. Only four votes went for the federal govern- ment for this question. SIGN HERE __ NEXT MONTH - SCHOOL CURRICULUM Husband's Signature Wife's , Signature Date EIGHTEEN December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Action Through Community Groups Do you want to participate more fully in your organization? You will find that participation makes an organization more meaningful to you. How can you participate? By joining a Com- munity Group. What is a Community Group? A Community Group is an op- portunity to be with people like you. It is a chance to discuss is- sues with them. It is an opportu- W . N. GUTHRIE, EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT — Farmers Pe- A N ENGINEER FROM THE U N I C O BATTERY PLANT — briefed; nity for you to learn events. It t r o l e u m C o o p e r a t i v e , Inc., presented a special a w a r d to W a s h - Bob Landheer, Farmers Petroleum Sales Representative from is a method in Farm Bureau for t e n a w County's Hollis C a r r recently for Carrs' h a v i n g sold a n d Barry a n d N e w a y g o county; Fred Van Zandt, Tri-City branch members to direct the policy of d e l i v e r e d more t h a n 1 m i l l i o n gallons o f l i q u i d f u e l f o r two a n d H a r o l d H e d i n , MFB office, w h e n the men w e r e on a 3 d a y the Farm Bureau organization. years in a row. tour of the facilities in Logansport, Indiana. What else can I get from a Community Group? By taking part in a Community Group you will find that you are informed on Legislative issues facing you as a farmer. Each Community Group has a Minute Man who receives information on activities of Legislative bodies both in Washington and Lansing. At each meeting these Minutemen will report to you. Many Com- munity Groups also have speakers on local issues. Do you know what the welfare budget for your county is and how it is spent? What is being done in your county on county wide zoning? Many county group members know the answers to these and other questions because they have had a speaker in on these matters. One thing agriculture and this country needs today is more and better leaders. Opportunity for leadership development is a part of Community Group. By serving as a group officer you will let your true colors show. With the practice you receive by being a leader in a small group you will be better qualified for greater leadership opportunities in your county. By belonging to a Com- munity Group, one can also feel a sense of belonging to the or- ganization. Finally, members feel that a Community Group offers them an opportunity to do something for their community in an organized manner. Some county groups carry on projects regularly. One Community Group maintains a township park. An- other group maintains a township cemetery that had no care. An- other group was able to organize a township volunteer fire depart- ment. One group, near an urban area, made arrangements with a school in the city and set up a schedule for classes to visit farms of the members of the group. How often does a group meet? Most groups meet once a month. Some take a vacation in July and August. Many of them meet 12 times a year, however. Often a group has a summer pic- nic for members and their fam- ilies. What does it cost to belong to a community group? The old saying, "The best things in life are free" is true in the case of Community Groups. A Community Group is free to Farm Bureau members. How do I join? Contact your County Secretary. She will see that you are invited to join in an existing group or you may be assisted in starting one. Once you are participating in a group you will know more about Farm Bureau. You will find that it means more to you. You will see the value of Farm Bureau. Contact your County Secretary today. Tell her you are interested in belonging to a Farm Bureau Cp'flmunity Group. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1969 NINETEEN AFBF: ..A g~ At4t STAGGERING Sell a woman a dairy product STATISTICS Petroleum's newest Ralph Miller, Transportation supervisor, reports that two men, Although many U. S. consumers are unaware of it, The Amer- Bob E. Eberlein and Bill Hether- ~ca~ Fa~m Bureau Federation, th~ nation's leading farm organ- IzatIon, IS one of the staunchest allIes in the interminable struggle she doesn't think looks or tastes just right and you have made a real enemy, according to a dairy ~uge Transport ington will be assigned to the truck on a rotating basis. The to keep reasonably-priced, agricultural products flowing in products buying survey of 341 Diamond Reo tractor is powered housewives in southeastern Mich- by a Cummins diesel engine and abundance to the family dinner table. The Farm Bureau and igan. the complete unit is equipped its two I}1illion members are pledged to support legislation with 26 Unico tires, a hvdraulic The Michigan State University recently introduced in Congress that would initiate a new ap- seat, and will carry 11,600 gal- survey showed that many women proach to government agricultural programs - new, since over will change brands on the basis of lons of fuel from the refinerv to a period of ~i~e the. emphasis would be on phasing out agri- one bad experience with a prod- Farmers Petroleum bulk pl~nts cultural subsIdIes whICh have cost taxpayers billions of dollars uct. Just as many said they would in its service area. over the years. contact the store manager for re- The transport will be based at The aim of The Farm Bureau is to get politics out of agricul- placement of the product. Bay City and will serve bulk ture and strengthen the principles of the free market, which is Others said they would com- plants in the thumb area and also actively working to preserve a free market. Its leaders and plain to their husband or a friend, the territory north of Lachine. and a few indicated they would its me~bers have expressed strong opposition to the boycott The new rig replaces a unit that discontinue use of all products of of California grapes - a device that has been used, not as a had 750,000 miles on the speed- that brand. Almost one out of voluntary protest by consumers but as a .weapon to compel ometer. every 10 said she would change retailers to accede to labor union wishes by forcing them to stores. The newest addition to the Eberlein and Hetherington remove grapes from store shelves, thus arbitrarily narrowing The survey was conducted by Fanners Petroleum transport fleet both have top safety records with consumer choice. The Farm Bureau believes producers' freedom Lysle Hutton, consumer market- is a Diamond-Reo tractor and the company. In September Bob to market their goods is fundamental to the preservation of a ing information agent for MSU's custom semi-and-trailer combin- received his 9 year safety award free economy. Cooperative Extension Service. ation. and Bill, his 4th year award. A California farm leader, and an official of the California Farm Bureau, in commenting upon the grape boycott, says, "Re- search will show that this is the first time in the economic his- tory of North America that our consumers have been told what they can or can't buy in the marketplace." The rights of con- sumers to buy what they choose in the marketplace, and the rights of tradesmen to supply their demand without any exer- , cise of fear or intimidation is basic to economic freedom. And, it should be added that economic freedom is basic to the political liberty of the individual. New Protection for Your Livestock lI. TRACE MINERAL SALT FOOT ROT SALT FARM BUREAU MINERALS 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. and productive at low cost. Provides Choose from either 6%, 8%, or all six essential trace minerals in problems. Feed it safely to all complete salt mix. Feed free choice classes of livestock, even cows in 12% Phosphorus levels. "Controlled for self controlled intake, or ask daily intake" for free choice feed- milk production. Also provides ing takes the worry out of mineral to have it mixed in your feeds. salt and all the necessary trace Guarantees consumption and im- feeding, salt guarantees proper proves appetite for top feeding mineral requirements. Available in levels. Ask for it mixed in your results .. bags or blocks. customized feeds, too! IONIA COUNTY SECRETARY - Mrs. Irma Covert accepted a certificate from Michigan Farm Bureau's secretary-manager Dan Reed at Ionia County's annual meeting. Mr. Reed presented the certificate in. recognition of her dedicated years of service. ALLEGAN CO-OP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. MOLINE CO-OP Allegan, MiChigan Hart, Michigan Moline, Michigan BUCHANAN CO-OP fARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. SQUARE DEAL FARM SUPPLY Buchanan, Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan Onekama, Michigan FARMERS ELEVATOR KENT CITY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Caledonia, Michigan Kent City, Michigan Saginaw, Michigan COOPERSVILLE CO-OP MARCELLUS FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Coopersville, Michigan Marcellus, Michigan Scottville. Michigan FREMONT CO-OP FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. We believe in: A GOOD HOME FOR GOOD PEOPLE fremont, Michigan McBain, Michigan Traverse City, Michigan - AT A PRICE THEY CAN AFFORD TO PAY The 24' x 44' model for $11,995 (1056 sq. ft.) fARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY GERALD BIEHL AND SONS The 24' x 52' model for $12,995 (1248 sq. ft.) Hastings Michigan Merritt, MiChigan Mancelona, Michigan Approved for city or country - completely furnished BAKER'S COMMUNITY HOMES 214 W. Pine Street Phone (517) 862-5480 Elsie, Michigan 48831 HARDY SALT COMPANY Leaders in Product Development FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: 25 words for $2.00 each edition. Additional words, 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word. NON-MEMBER advertisers: 15 cents per word one edition,two or more editions,10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month. 14 FOR SALE 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY 36 MISCELLANEOUS 36 MISCELLANEOUS :'on SALE: REGISTERED EXGLISII "~OH SALE: 7.; hn,d ('w,'s,2.; ,,\\'(' lamhs. KLAGER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS WE BUY BOTTLES. coim, antiqttl's. "ZIPCODE DIRECTORY" - (All 3;;.OOIl lIEI'HEHD PUPS nnd H'ldstl'red PoJled 10 ram la.l]hs. 10 hrt',.lIs. all rt'~ish'r('d. - Ordcr your start,'lIpullets that han' stamps. fmit jars. mal!azines (r\nythinlt~) Postoffic,'s): 5 1.00 ~IAIL~IART. Carroll- l/eTl'ford Ill'ifl'rs . , . SOllle to frl'slll'n From ~Iit-hil!an'sh,'st flocks. 3.;th nnnual be('n raisl'don a pro\"en l!rowing progmm. Send S 1.00 (rl.'fundnhll')for httl!l'huying ton 72. Kentucky 41008. (3-tf-11h) 14 .0'.". Open nnd hcifl'r caln's. Leskr S;l!l'.Lin'stock Pavilion. East Lansinl!. The growing birds arl' inspl'l-tedwt'l'kly b\" trained staff,vaccinatl'd. dl'bl'aked and lists. Schroeders. Route =4. Paducah. Kl'ntucky 42001. (l2--tt-20p) 36 VIRUS FREE strawhl.'rry. rasphl'rry and ~~Itts, V l'st(\hur~,~Iichiltan 48891. Phone 1:2:00 noon, Saturday, January 3. 10% 6H-!53H I. (l1-2t-2.'5h) 20 discouut to honafid,' -l-H and F.F.A. d~'Jin'red hv us in e1l'an cmt('s. If ,'ou hlackherry plants. fmit trel's. a~paf;\l!lIS memhers. \\'rit,.for catalol!: ~lichi~.U1 keep rI'cords,YOll will kl'l'pKLAGER DE- FOR SALE: PATZ SILO llXLOADER and rhuharh mots. \\'ritefor FHEE priCI' Sheep Bn'edl'rs Assn., 10;')Anthony 11.111, KALBS. KLAGER HATCHERIES. Bridl!t'- 10' to 14'. PriCl' 527.'). Also nl.'\\' Barn- list. Fruit fIn\"l'nXlIrsl'ry. Inc.. Kall"\'a. water, Mkhil!an. Tell'phon('s: 313 429- O-Matil' silo IInlon(\('r 14' silo. Price ~Iit-hi~an ol!l64.5. (1 2-4t-20p \ :::!ol PICK-UP TRUCK STOCK RACKS - All East LansinJ.!, Michigan 48823. (12-It-.'52hl 20 7087 and 31.) 42R-3034. $7.50. Phone Fn'l1lont 921-2.570. \\"\"n- 'tel'.1(.'onstruction. S 109 .. ;0. Deall'rships garden's Equipnll'nt. HOttte,::3. Freemant. UVERSEAS JOBS - Australia. Europe. aV~\Ih~hll'.Free literature, DOLL Y E:'\- ~Iichigan 49412. (I2-lt-2.;p) 8 South America. F:u East. l'tc. Opl'ninl:< ~E~1 RISES, 219 Main, Colchestl'r, 11- FARROWI;-.:G STALLS - Compll't(' in all tradl's and professions. SolOn to 1I10lS 62326. (ll-lt-lHp) 8 $26.7.5. Dealerships S2 .. 'lOO monthh'. frl'l'infonnation. \\'ritl': availahle. Free lit- IXDIAXIIEAD CEXTS. \"-XICKELS. l'mtme. DOLLY EXTERI'RISES, 21H SHAVER ST ARCROSS 288 - Startl'dpul- I'ight diffl'f('nt$1.!)8. ~Ioon c('nt (~lt'da\) Foreign Employment ~"'rt. Box :::!::!J~ ~fain, Colchester, Illinois6232ll. Ids a\"ailahll'most t:\"l''1' month. Gd wise FREE with 3-1!>.,).'5-S ("l'nts$1..')0.Fift\" A.~I.F .. ~fjallli.Florida 3315!). ~'.~,~ ~A LE: Jlavinl! sold timher ... and try thl'SI'top profit makers :lS YOttr diff"f('nt I,incoln n'nts I!JO!)-I~l39 5 UlR. (10-lt-3Ip\ 3(l 1,1l \ ,'rmont l'vaporator. f1ut' typt' .5 x nt'xt flock. ~lacPherson IIatd1l'I'Y • Routt' EdeJ's. Carlyle. Illinois 62231. 4, l'Olllpll'tt' arch, stack, filtt'rin~tank. }'OR SALE: 30 largl' Holsh'in ht'ift.rs ::3. Ionia. Mkhigan. PhoOl' .527~OH60. CALF CREEP FEEDERS - 31l hll021. l'hont': Holstl'in h('ifl'rs... all vaccinatt'd; also postpaid. TO~CO. "honll' of the SWl'l'I :21~] ~Iain. CoIchl'~t('r.lIIinoi~ (l::3:::!(l. o 3-!1....2. (I2-2t-30p) 14 2 Holstcin hulls. Eel Tanis. Route .:t I. onion," Fann('rs\"iII('. T('xas 7.'5031. /enisoll, ~Iit-hi~an. PhoOl': ~IO !J-9226. \ \'1-: 2.;r; .. Xational Rrant! Chain :\.,\\ S .. '. , (I:!-2t-30h) 20 DA Y OLD OR STARTED PULLETS-- IDEAL GIFTS - Bel!in LlFETI~IE pleas- Saw Chain. \Vritl':1\,'w l\rotl1l'r<. ~I'W.lfk. FOn SA LE: Maple Syrup EVllporator ... TIll' O,.Kalb profit pullt,t. AITl'ptl'd hy ure l'. S. STAMP COLLECTIXG. Com- Ohio ol:lO.,).'l. \II-:::!t- I"1" .~.. ",11' all COOlwr fjnishinJ.!pan .1' x ()'. 0111' !lEREFORD thl' ,sm,lrtpOlllt~'nHm lor hil!h l'l!l!pro- plt'h' BEGIXXEH KIT indllll,'s SCOTT dttction, sllpt'fillr l'l!l! qllality.grt'ah'r ft,,'d P. S. Alhlllll. ACCESSORIES. and .'lll \\"E Ct"STO~f Rt:TCBER l'yerYlby ~ml\ i\(~n"O~),I'l'r pll\l~.sp~'l"ial,'onstrlll'- "~('" He:l'h' nULLS-pure I:()ili~ll! hred.herd for service.. -\100. rf"'I~tf'.t.., ,'ffid,'nlY. If YOII kl'l'PrCl'ords.you'll kl.t,p ,Ii ff('rt.ntU. S. Stamps to appr",'al hIlYI'n.. pit-K-nl'. If yon an' in thl' 313 -art':'. ,Iur .• ' x 6. Conn"I.tlOns IIldm!focl. OJII' ~nl'e ... "Illy !537.5. J)"lIzilA. F"rlll'\". heif,'rsancl cah'cs. Eltypt Vnll,'y lIeft'ford DeKalbs. \\"rih' for pritTS and l'atalol!. $2.7.5: for stamp\ only. s,'nd 2.')(' hantiJinl! phOl1l' 1lI1111lwris: 727 -lol.,Il."ISI) onIolKt'.1 . Olltl'::I. Box 18. Rl'rril'lI Centl'f. ~Iic.il- Fadll. (;6 1 I "napp .:>t.•• .\da. ~lal"llll!;I/l . KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridl!ewall'r. ft,l.'. Satisf'll.tionGIIlIrante('d. KI-:~XEJ)Y hal11.hacon ... l11aKl"'1llIr~allS,l\:e_Hidl- ll!lIn4!1J()2. Phon,.: 473-fi64R Phone OR 6-1 (l90. (Kent County) ~I.~ g.,,~'lll!ltJ\Onts: ~,l1ineHAzl'1 ST"~IPS. Dt'partn1l'nt ~fFX. Ht)x ::!.;7::!. mOllll ~It'at1'.1l'kl'r~. ~Sl (l,' ~'nin St..Hit-h- , ....... "'1.!-I....,U,~ -I"'~ fl-l.tf-25~ -20 _~ , 31 tt~~A'iCl\:n ~~034. O\'l'r!and. ~Ilssouri 631) 4. mon.l. ~Iit-h.ol806:: \7-I:::!t-30h' 36 '1 TWENTY December 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS , -' "" ~ Iif." " "". ,. '" ",0 :' ..... . Ik ~~ y ' ~ " ~y .~, "...J;......e... From infancy, through childhood, school years and retirement, your gift is always ready. As a guarantee for sound education, as a low interest loan, as an added retirement benefit, your child or grandchild will always remember your gift. No other present is so personal, so thoughtful, so far-sighted, so remembered as ... ... £.af~~~~ ~ a FARM BUREAU ---INSURANCE GROUP Farm Bureau Mutual- Farm Bureau Life - Community Service, LANSING