~. MDCHDGA IN "FARM THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU I Vol. 51, No. 3 MAKE IT HAPPEN Mar R~$ijCHING FOR STAR/fJOM MACMA-MASA Membership Report Capitol Report Discussion Topic Page 2 Annuals Page 3 Page 14 Page 4 March 1, 1972 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS TWO ----------_._-----_._---~--- -- --. - EDITORIAL ••• FARMERS'INTEREST~ TODAY ARE NO LONGER LOCAL", PRESIDENT'S COLUMN DEFICIT PRICES If you are in the midst of recovering from Recent attacks on livestock producers and the shock of figuring your income tax or still suggestions that all raw farm products should trying to muster up the energy to do it, you be included in price 'controls are, I feel, totally may not want to read further. unfounded. Farm prices go up and down in response to According to the Tax Foundation, Mr. Aver- supply and demand. Most wage earners, on the age American is married, has two children and otherhand, are accustomed to periodic increases makes about $9,500 a year. Like you and me, .... ::::;:::::\t:f::::;::::;:;.; .... in their wages whether the production unit per ~'f~\~:;m~;O~a::e~:e:~~:vO:::l theexperience , he is burdened with an array of taxes. He pays federal income. taxes, Social Security tax, state income tax, property tax and maybe a city income tax. This is only the beginning. He also pays a multitude of other taxes such as sales, excise, gasoline and use taxes. The Tax Foundation claims if you add them all up, Mr. Average American pays an estimated $3,000 a year in taxes of all kinds. He is constantly being asked to pay more taxes for services and programs, MIC'HIGAN FARM BUREAU promoted by some groups, that do not directly benefit him. MEMBERSHIP REPORT On the Federal level when money is not readily available in the U.S. Treasury for the AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 1972 programs voted by Congress, the size of the national debt is increased. % % COUNTY NEW GOAL COUNTY NEW. GOAL - During the last part of January, Congress ,. Mac Luce 13 106.67 36. Tuscola 71 98.57 was asked to approve the largest increase in 2. Menominee 17 104.29 37. Benzie 13 98.52 the national debt ceiling - $50 billion for a 3. Hiawathaland 33 103.75 38. Ingham 93 98.31 total of $480 billion - since World \Var II. 4. Montmorency 18 103.37 39. Huron 78 98.12 On January 3, 1972, the amount of money 5. Emmet 18 103.28 40. Hillsdale .68 98.03 that has been borrowed to operate our federal 6. Clinton 89 102.01 41. Washtenaw 82 97.97 government had reached a grand total of $423 7. Gratiot 75 101.63 42. Monroe 55 97.94 billIon. Currently, it is estimated that at the 8. Cheboygan 28 101.57 43. Wexford 9 97.91 end of the next fiscal year, June 30, 1973, the 9. loseo 13 101.53 44. Eaton 65 97.77 figure may reach $493.2 billion. 10. Ottawa 82 101.29 45. Barry 41 97.72 ". Montcalm 70 101.22 46. Kent 66 97.72 Our Federal debt is financed through the 12. Copper Country 12 101.15 47. Ogemaw 14 97.71 issuance of Government securities. In order to 13. Bay 101 101.13 48. Osceola 14 97.67 pay just the interest cost alone on this whop- 14. Shiawassee 83 101.08 49. Sanilac 73 97.00 ping debt, the federal government must budget 15. Alpena 25 100.88 EO. Missaukee 17 96.89 the tidy sum of $22 billion dollars for the new 16. Gladwin 21 100.79 51. Kalamazoo 68 96.56 fiscal year. 17. Saginaw 166 100.71 52. Oakland 35 96.49 18. Allegan 73 100.67 53. Otsego 7 96.26 Deficits in the federal budget are nothing 19. Isabella 57 100.66 54. Cass 39 96.24 new. For the past two decades the U.S. Gov- 20. Arenac 32 100.64 55. Alcona 8 96.13 ernment has only managed to balance its books 21. Branch 75 100.62 56. Wayne 21 96.11 four times. 22. St. Joseph 52 100.59 57. Presque Isle 14 96.02 23. St. Clair 82 100.54 Much more than impressive statistics is in- 58. Lapeer 44 95.95 24. Chippewa 19 100.43 volved. As our federal budget gets increasingly 59. Van Buren 55 95.89 25. Clare 19 100.42 expensive and larger, it will have a far-reaching 60. Genesee 106 95.52 26. Newaygo 29 100.38 effect on every American. 61. Kalkaska 3 95.45 27. Livingston 63 100.37 28. N. W. Michigan 100.30 62. Berrien 50 95.43 The need by the U.S. Treasury to borrow 59 29. Oceana 42 100.00 63. Muskegon 38 95.25 more and more money to cover the deficits 30. Ionia 53 99.53 64. Mecosta 21 93.96 could put upward pressure on interest rates. 31. Midland 34 99.13 65. Charlevoix 14 93.83 The present controls on wages and prices may 32. Calhoun 81 99.03 66. Antrim 12 93.60 have to be extended longer than planned. Ad- ditional tax increases will be looked at as a 33. Jackson 57 98.86 67. Manistee 9 90.71 means to retard the increasing deficits. Larger 34. Macomb 60 98.73 68. Mason 10 90.28 deficits could add fuel to inflation. 35. Lenawee 74 98.71 69. Iron Range 2 86.54 Farm Bureau has had a longtime interest in monetary spending and tax policies. Inflation is of major concern to farm people. They understand the root cause of inflation- ;:;'~j:~,!~!J~:,~~~!;~~~_tllli~~!~r The MICHlCANFAR:\f NEWS is I>lHECTORSi Di~t~ii:;t _ C' Arth~~ published monthly, "on the first day, Baile)';' SchoolCraft: :oistria'i: .Dearl"' excessive gove;nment spending resulting in by the Michi~.lIi Farm B\ir~u, Ilt its l'rill~~on, Montgollll~tY.:'R~I; D~tric(3,. publication office nt 109 N. J.... '1favette Arlllrew Jackson;':l1()l,\ dl,.R;l; Oi.$_ .. huge federal deficits which have to be financed Slreet. Grecnvill(.~ Michigan .. ' trict 4, Elton R.Smi~h; Cal~d6nia.. R;."l; through expansion in the supply of money. West Editoriat" Rnd generlll offices at 7373 Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Di~tnct .'i, l)livCd' MOTiis,'Crand ro;edge, ~fichignn 48904. Post Office Box j:}60. R-3; District 6. Jack Laurie, Cas$" City, Telt'phone, Lnnsing 48)-8121, Exlen- R-3; District 7. Kenneth B'ull:.:8ailey, Day after day, month after month, and year sion 228. Subscription price, SOt per R-I.: . Di~trict 8. HlUVCY Leuenberger, after year, federal programs for this, that and year .. Sa!o:illaw, R-6; Di~tTict 9, Eu~ene Rob- E~tllblisheod Janu:uy 13. 1923. Sec- erts, Lake City, R -1; District 10, everything are added to the books with little, ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, Richard Wieland, Elhworth. R-t t Dls- Michi~an. trict 11, Frnnklin Schwic1crson, Dafter. if any, regard to how they shall be paid for. EDITORIAL: Editor, Garl P. Kent- DIRECTORS AT L\ItGE: Walter Mr. Average American is asked to dig into his neor; Artist. Norman Goodling. Frahm, Frankenmuth; J:lmr.s 1.. Sayre, wallet and pay more taxes. OFFICERS: !\.fichijtan Farm Bu- Belle\'i\1e; l.l\lvlII Lutz, K alevll. reau; President. Elton R. Smith, Calc- \\'()Ml-:N OF FARM BURF..\U: Mrs. donia, R-l; Vice President, Dean RichardWh'l:md, ..;II"wtlfth, R-I. We need to begin looking at all programs to Prid~t.>Qn. Mont~omt'n:, It-I; Adminis- trativ(' Director. Rolwrt Bradt'II, Lan- FAR:~f lHIRF.:AU YOUNG F\R~I- see if they are needed and whether we can pay s.inll .. ._. ~ _~ _ _~:: \~.iII.~~~ I!._~~i.k::.:. ~~~~l.).:. ~ for them out of current income in order to POSTMASrER: In using form 3579, muil to: Michigan furm News, balance the budget. 7373 West Saginaw Highway, ltJn\ing, Mic-hi!3on 4890-4 S4tcond doss p~utnge plJid at Gteenvitt., Mi..,;h.gan Carl Kentner MICHIGAN FARM NEWS March 1, 1972 THREE Marketing and Bargaining Bills Introduced in Both Michigan Houses Legislation carrying out the provisions of Farm Bureau mar- keting and bargaining policy as determined by the Michigan Farm Robert E. Smith Bureau voting delegates meeting in Grand Rapids November 8, 9 and 10, 1971, has been intro- duced in both the House and the Senate of the Michigan Legisla- ture. The Senate bill is S. 1225 and the House bill is H. 5951 (for names of introducers see picture captions). Tax Refor111Petitions The legislation provides a legal system of marketing and bargain- ing that would be available to Now Being Circulated any agricultural association that can meet its requirements and desire to use its provisions. It is All Farm Bureau community ....the continuation of the use of the based on the concept of majority group's received, with their Dis- property taxes for industrial and rule. If the producer organiza- cussion Topic material, copies of commercial property. This would tion is supported by 51 % of the Governor Milliken's petition to b~ used statewide and would be producers with 51 % or more of Senator Charles O. Zollar (R-Benton Harbor) has taken the put tax reform on th~ ballot. The limited to not more than 26 mills. the commodity grown in the pro- leadership in the Michigan legislature and has introduced the Democratic petition is still not Residences and property used for duction area the association would Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act - S. 1225. The available; however, when it be- agricultural purposes would be be authorized to represent and co-introducer is Senator William Ballenger (R.-Ovid), Chairman comes available community groups exempt from this provision. be supported by all the producers of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. will also receive copies of that A simple example of ho\v to in the area in the pricing and Senator Zollar, with a broad background in agriculture and proposal. All county. offices and determine the effect of either of marketing of the comm~dity. the world of business and industry, is to be commended on his secretaries have quantities of the these proposals would be to look leadership in recognition of the fact that modern agriculture Governor's petition and will also at your property tax statement The bill provides for a six- must have some of the legislative marketing tools that other receive equal quantities of the this year. The portion of the tax member board within the De- segments of the economy enjoy. Democratic petition. for school operating purposes partment of Agriculture, appoint- Some time ago, he came out in full support of the Sisk Bill, All counties are proceeding would be eliminated. In most ed by the Governor, to administer now in Congress, recognizing that federal legislation is also with plans to circulate both peti- cases there should be no need for its provisions. Not more than needed. The bill in the State legislature, S. 1225, can, how- tions in order to assure that the the county or township taxes to three of the members could be ever, go a long way toward solving agricultural marketing tax reform issue will be on the change any more under the new affiliated with one political party. problems within the State of Michigan. ballot in the November, 1972 constitutional provision than they The board would determine election and that electors will might change under the present whether an association meets the have an opportunity .to assert constitutional provision. As indi- requirements of the law and their constitutional rights and de- cated above, there would be some whether it could become "ac- termine whether, t~~, reform will opportunity to vote very limited credited" to represent the produc- be ..a.ch.ieved in Michig~r: The millage for special school pur- ers of the commodity in volved. Legislature has, so far, failed to poses. ; To qualify for accreditation the agree on any plan for property The revenue lost by the prop- association must be a cooperative tax reform and a shifting of the erty tax relief would be made up incorporated under federal or state cost of school operation from by tht: income tax in the case of statutes and operate under its own property to other sources of reve- individuals and farmers. In the controls. nue. case of industry and commercial As reported previously, the properties the property tax could The bill makes it unlawful for . Governor's proposal and the be continued for school purposes. any handler, processor, etc. to Democratic proposal are very The major difference between engage in certain unfair practices, similar in many ways. The cut .the two proposals is that the such as coercion of any producer, in property taxes would be achiev- Democratic proposal would re- discrimination against a producer, ed by the elemination of the quire enactment of a graduated conspiring against a producer's property tax for school operational income tax in place of the present rights, circulating untrue reports, cost. flat rate tax. etc., etc. The legislation provides Both would limit counties to One thing that must be con- for hearings giving all parties the not more than eight mills and sidered is that, in any event, right to be heard and provisions townships raise taxes to this limit major changes will occur in the are made for a referendum on now. On the other hand, many financing of education in Mich- petition of the producers. others are much lower. Some igan. Courts throughout the coun- Representative Dennis O. Cawthorne (R-Manistee) has intro- townships do not raise any prop- try are rapidly ruling that the Once the association is accredi- duced the marketing and bargaining legislation in the Michigan erty tax inasmuch as the monies property tax, as presently used for ted it may bargain and negotiate House of Representatives - H. 5951. Others signing the bill received back from the state in- school purposes, is unconstitionaI. for the terms of sale of the com- are Representatives Gast (R-St. Joseph), Hellman (D-Dollar Bay), come tax and other sources are This means that the property tax modity, including (1) prices and Ruth (R-Comstock Park), Powell (R-Ionia), Geerlings (R-Muske- sufficient to run the township. could continue to be used; how- related terms of sale; (2) quality gon), Bradley (D-Detroit), Strang (R-Sturgis), Mowat (R-Adrian), Both proposals provide for ever, it is expected that it would specifications; (3) quantity to be Farnsworth (R-Plainwell), Mittan (R- Benton Harbor) and Ken- four.-and-one-half mills that can have to be levied at the same rate marketed and; (4) transactions nedy (R-Bangor). be used for special education, throughout the state. This could involving products and services The introducers of this bill also recognize the problems facing vocational education, compensa- mean a continuation of the prop- utilized by one party and pro- Michigan agriculture, especially in the fruit and vegetable tory education, etc. In most areas, erty tax burden. vided to the other party. The areas. It is identical to the Senate bill. now, millages for these purposes The progress of the petition handler of the product is required depend on whether these pro- drive will be watched very closely by law to bargain in good faith. grams exist. The Governor's pro- by political observers to find out The legislation results from posal guarantees this millage to whether citizens really mean it The bill also provides media- be available for these uses; the when they talk about tax reform tion procedures in the. event an more than a year of study. Many of the provisions have been taken NOTICE Democratic proposal permits it and claim that the property tax agreement cannot be reached. If from other types of bargaining to be used for these purposes or is becoming too burdensome. If mediation is not successful, pro- legislation that have proved to be ", ANTED: Letters from property for general school purposes. the petition drive does not gather visions are made for arbitration successful in other parts of the owners who have suffered prop- Both proposals permit six mills steam, politicians can rightly say by a three-member committee--, country. erty damage from snowmobiles to be voted by the people for that people are not concerned one selected by the association, Senator Zollar, in introducing and other All Terrain Vehicles. "enrichment" of school curricu- with the property tax burden and one by the handler and one selec- the bill in the Senate, said that An attempt is being made to com- lum. The word enrichment mean- its inequities. ted by both the association and agriculture has «••• long needed ing such millage could only be Placement of the issue on the the handler. The decision of the pile specific examples of damages a law such as this ... " He said used for bettering the local school ballot by the petition route will Arbitration Committee is limited it will provide "a veh.icle for to property caused by snowmo- curriculum and could not be used require the utmost citizen involve- to either the last offer bv the as- sound distribution methods and biles and other ATV's. Members for ordinary increasing costs. ment. Every Farm Bureau mem- sociation or the last off~r by the will provide a means of'working desiring to furnish such informa- Both proposals permit six mills ber should make every effort to handler and would be final and out any disputes that may arise tion are requested to send fuIl that can be used by the county circulate petitions and help in binding on both parties. between producers and handlers or township through a vote of the this drive. Any registered voter details including date, time, place, or processors of agricultural prod- people. can circulate both petitions and The Board created by the legis- extent of damages, and other ucts." These millages add up to 26 any registered voter can sign both lation has the authority to enforce pertinent information to the In- mills, which would be the limit petitions. Both proposals can also the agreement that is reached. Hearing on the bill will be held forma tion Division, Michigan for property taxes. Presently, the be on the ballot, where the voters Specific cases can be referred to soon and all interested people will have an opportunity to have Farm Bureau, P. O. Box 960, constitutional limit is 50 mills. can make the final decision in a circuit court which shall have In addition, provision is made for November, 1972. exclusive jurisdiction. their views considered. Lansing, Michigan 48904. FOUR March 1, 1972 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS which can regulate the volume of other hand, as feedlot operators cherries to be marketed each increase in size,' they will seek MARKETING AND COMMODITIES vear. The market order, however, ~lid not regulate cherries in 1971. MACMA had a major role in the drafting and industry acceptance more direct methods of selling. Regardless of which system the farmer chooses, he will be con- cerned. about the integrity, fi- rightly or wrongly, followed very of the new federal marketing nancial responsibility, reliability closely to these prices. order during 1969 and 1970. This and ability to net him a fair re- There was anothcr major mar- marketing order allows the total turn for his production. Auction ket factor playing a big role dur- industry to work togethE;r for markets will depend on reputa- ing the period that raw apple orderly marketing of tart cherries. tion, innovative sales concepts and prices were being formulated. The Red Tart Cherry Market- aggressive solicitation to get the This was the price freeze imposed ing Committee requested that a job done. Commingling and di- bv the U.S. Government to check special committee be appointed rect sales serviCes wiII be served 0~1I; economic inflation. \Vhile to develop and implement a plan when there are agreements be- raw fruit prices were exempt from to cooperatively process and sell tween the producer and market the freeze, processors were very members' tart cherries in 1972. agency defining the responsibili- quick to point out that their ties of both parties. processed fruit was not exempt. Multi-Fruit Division They told the MACMA grower The Multi-Fmit Division is one Feeder Pig Division committee making processor calls of the newest divisions in MAC- Presently, MACMA Feeder Pig that their prices on applesauce MA. It is designed to assist mem- Division members are located in were lo::-ked in at low prices due bers in the sale of peaches, pears the northwest and northeast Mich- to last year's bountiful crop. "Vith and plums. However, it has the igan. Feeder pigs are delivered PRESIDENT ELTON SMITH introduced U. S. Representative Sisk these same applesauce prices. flexibility to serve growers of every other week to leased as- of California (seated) at the MACMA annual meeting. there was just no way they could other fruit crops. sembly points at Atlanta and Lake pay more for apples than they The crop and market conditions City. had last year. And, bv-and-large, of these crops in Michigan have Objectives of the Feeder Pig their opening prices reflected that fluctuated over the" veal's. In reo: Division are: (1) Increase the per- attitude. cent years significan't new plant- cent of feeder pigs marketed co- The stocks of applesauce and ings of peaches and plums have operatively; (2) provide a greater frozen slices are more favorable created over-supply problems. Our net return to members; (3) im- than they have been at any time marketing and pricing good for- prove the equality of feeder pigs in the last couple of years. The tune for these crops depends upon marketed; (4) to organize a sup- movement has also been very crop failure in other major pro- ply of uniform pigs on a volume good this year. ducing areas. Pears are being basis; and (5) expand the swine At this time, a five-man sub- phased out by many growers in industry in Michigan. commitfee is at work discussing Michigan. Division members sign- market- and exploring n~w approaches to The Multi-Fruit Marketing ing agreements with MACMA give the MACMA Processing Committee analyzed the crop and giving u's exclusive rights to mar- Apple Division more strength in market conditions and worked ket all .of the members' pigs that marketing its members' apples. aggressively to establish realistic are of acceptable quality. MAC- Processing Grape Division prices for these crops in 1971. MA provides an orderly market, The largest crop of grapes in MACMA and processor agree- assembly facilities, consulting several years was harvested in ment was reached on the' crop, services and provides breed~ng 1971. An estimated 68,000 tons however, so'me proc:e~sors then stock for members. were harvested in Michigan, com- backed out of their commitment Feeder Cattle Division pared to 62,000 tons in 1970. The to accept delivery from growers. The objectives of the Feeder Sisk Speaks at MACMA Annual total production for the major Concord states was up 20 % over This created economic chaos for many members, since alternative . Cattle Divisio~ program are: (1) last year and above the recent markets were not readily" avail- To increase the production of Congressman Bernie Sisk of Farm Workers Organizing Com- five year average bv 31 %. able. Several members' crops feeder cattle in Michigan; (2) to California, the primary sponsor of mittee. Sales outlets in Michigan were went unharvested - some were organize present production into the National Agricultural Market- The major portion of his ad- reduced this year as two wineries even dumped after they were har- more valuable" and useful pack- ing Act of 1971 (the Sisk BiJl) dress dealt with the National closed and a third winerv cut its vested and stored. ages of cattle; (3) improve the addressed a combined luncheon Agricultural Marketing and Bar- normal requirements by 50% due quality of feeder cattle produced; of MACMA and MASA at their gaining Act of 1971. According to acquisition of bulk wine in- Asparagus Division (4) assist cow-calf and stocker annual meeting held in Grand to Sisk, this bill will provide the ventory of one of the closed The Asparagus Marketing Com- operators in receiving more for Rapids on Febmary 16, 1972. necessary legal framework for wineries. Three firms did not mittee coordinates its relationship their cattle; and (5) increase the Congressman Sisk outlined farmers to bargain effectively for stem and crush because they were with other asparagus producing percent of feeder cattle marketed three general areas of concern to prices and other terms of trade unable to secure orders from usual states through the AAMA and the cooperatively. agriculture producers. He spoke through their own associations. Eastern markets. AFBF. Each year a multi-state Membership in the Feeder Cat- of the need for permanent legis- This legislation would protect the The MACMA Grape Marketing meeting is held to discuss and tle Division is located in the lation dealing with strikes that individual rights of producers. Committee recognizes that chang- analyze the total asparagus mar- eastern end of the Upper Penin- tie up the entire nation. Par- The legislation, commonly es must be made in our marketing ket. • sula and the northeastern Lower ticularly the transportation indus- known as the Sisk Bill, has been program if we are to be a strong All demand and supply factors Peninsula. Feeder Cattle assem- try in dealing with the recent introduced by Congressman Sisk influence in the grape market and point to another successful year bly poipts are located at Rudyard dock strike. and over one hundred other con- have a financially strong market- in 1972 for the Asparagus Di- and Atlanta. He also called for federal legis- gressmen. Some have called it ing association. An all grower vision. The Committee plans to A special preconditioning pro- lation dealing with farm labor, the most important and contro-' survey was conducted by the com- expand the Division membership gram was initiated for interested citing recent problems in his home versial piece of farm legislation mittee to get individual grower again this year. Plans for market- members in 1971. These cattle area of California with the United to be introduced this decade. opinions regarding the MACMA ing the 1972 crop will be an- were sold at a special assembly marketing programs and possible nounced in the near fuh}re. and netted additional profits for changes. The Committee is now the producer and provided cattle Vegetable Crops Division feeders with a source of started developing plans to implement a MACMA ANNUAL REPORT program to meet the needs of The 1971 potato contract with cattle. Started calves have less Ore-Ida Foods at Greenville was incidence of sickness and recover grape growers. Editor's Note: Following are and to get desired pricing and negotiated and approved by mem- their weight faster in the feedlot. random excerpts from the Man- Red Tart Cherry Division bers. The 1972 potato contract This program will be greatly ex- sales results for our members. agement Report of Operations Marketing committees are elec- Red tart cherries were one of negotiations" began early this year. panded in 1972. given at the 11th Annual meeting ted from each division's member- the more profitable fruit crops Growers have given tentative ap- of the Michigan Agricultural Co- ship to n~otiate the sales terms for growers in 1971. Favorable proval to the contract. Order Buyer Division operative Marketing Association of our members' products. They price momentum was carried . Processing vegetable crops pro- The MACMA Order Buver Di- on February 16, 1972. also have the duty of membership through by the Red Tart Cherrv vide short-term crop alternatives vision was established at the same acquisition and maintenance for Division membership "task force" and aid in crop rotation. The time as the Feeder Cattle Di- General Activities who signed up over 250 new canning and pickling vegetable vision. The Order Buyer Division their division. " During 1971 MACMA mem- Our marketing committees and members this past year. crops industry is important in is a part of the nationally coordi- bership grew to the greatest num- staff are committed to the imple- ~IACMA and AAMA introduc- Michigan. 111e income potential nated AAMA feeder cattle pro- ber in its history. Along with an mentation of marketing programs ed a new pricing concept, the is significant to our members. gram. increase in membership came an to get profitable results. These volume-value price scale. The Services of the division include Livestock Division expansion of the volume of com- programs need to be supported basis for this volume-value price a weekly market information let- modities marketed. by an expanded membership. relationship scale was scientifi- Livestock marketing services ter and representing cattle feeders Legislative marketing aids will cally developed by agriculhlral became a part of MACMA in in purchasing feeder replacements Fruit and Vegetable Divisions economists at MSU. 1969. MACMA also provides in other states. Most feeder cattle also be secured when necessary. MACMA's eleven years began The Red Tart Cherry Market- sales and management services for are purchased from other state when growers of processing ap- Processing Apple Division ing Committee and industry lead- H iawathaland Livestock Cooper- Farm Bureau marketing associ. ples, asparagus and pickling cu- There was an adequate and ers worked with AAMA staff and ative at Rudyard. ations, with a few being pur- cumbers asked Farm Bureau to manageable supply of processing Farm Bureau economists to adapt Feeders of feeder livestock are chased locally. organize a marketing and bar- apples in ~Iichigan this past har- the concept to the practical pric- feeding more livestock on fewer Efforts are now being made to gaining association. The organi- vest season. Our supply was such ing of tart cherries. This pricing farms each year and producers of develop a forward contract pro- zation was, at that time, designed that, with the current demand mechanism will be further devel- feeder livestock are remaining gram that will assist us in tying to serve the needs of Farm Bu- situation, we could have and oped in 1972, along with other nearly the same in size, since up a number of feeders on ranch- reau members in several com- would have had better grower price improvement and stability feeder livestock production is es well in advance of shipping modity areas. prices. In Appalachia, however, concepts. often a supplementary source of dates and to develop a grazing "Ve have modified our pro- there" was a bumper crop and our 111e new price scale concept income. Small to medium-sized and stocker program that will tie grams over the years and are finest disastrously low prices came can be implemented now that the producers will continue to assem- up supplies of MACMA yearling continuing to do so to have a out of that area, just as they did red tart cherry industry has ble livestock at some central point cattle that will be moved direct more positive marketing approach last year. Michigan processors, adopted a federal marketing order prior to price discovery. On the to the feedlots each fall. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS March 1, 1972 FIVE MASA Serves Agriculture Citrus Sale Hutchinson Backs Sisk Bill Michigan Farm Bureau was U. S. Congressman Edward by M. J. Busch len one of over twenty state Farm Hutchinson, citing the economic Bureaus participating in the Flor- problems of Southwestern Mich- ida Farm Bureau member to igan fruit growers, has urged the Editor's Note: Following are More than 80 hours were spent member citrus sale. The sale pro- . random excerpts from the annual leadership of a House of Repre- in research and the preparation vided direct movement of "Flor- report given to members of the sentatives Agricultural Subcom- of a defense for a MASA member ida's Best" oranges and grapefruit Michigan Agricultural Services mittee to take prompt and favor- who had been charged with viola- from Farm Bureau members in Association (MASA) by M. ]. tion of the Federal \Vage and Florida to thousands of Farm able action on the proposed Buschlen, operations manager, on Housing Acts. It is hoped that Bureau members in other states. National Agricultural Marketing February 16, 1972. and Bargaining Act. the experience gained can be The top-quality fruit and the man- The proposed legislation would beneficial to other farmers in the ner in which the sales were han- Infonnation Newsletter Service allow farmers to voluntarily form future to avoid such difficulties. dIed in December have prompted cooperative marketing and bar- During 1971 all previous mem- Late in the summer, it was con- additional orders from Farm Bu- gaining associations for the pur- bers were twice solicited for re- firmed that 46 farmers would reau members in February. pose of negotiating contracts with newal subscriptions. Many publi- .probably be brought to court by The success of any product handlers of agricultural products. cations carried news stories con- the UMOI student lawyers, on and service can be measured by Hearings on the legislation, cerning MASA and appealed for charges of failing to comply with repeat business. If this is true, which was sponsored by Con~ress- membership support. It appears the minimum wage laws and the the Farm Bureau citrus sale has man B. F. Sisk (D-California) to be a difficult task to convince migrant labor camp laws. A been another great success story. were completed last fall and t,he farmers that it. is to their ad- special eight-man committee was Over 25 county Farm Bureaus measure awaits action bv the vantage to pay for labor manage- formed to appeal to the Governor in Michigan are participating in ment information. Domestic Marketing and Con- HUTCHINSON to stop these intended court ac- the sale of oranges and grapefruit. sumer Relations Subcommittee in Six newsletters and a Labor tions. Only one of the 46 was Over 7,500 cartons of citrus have the House. Hutchinson added, "There have Management Manu;l were sent to brought to court. No action has been consumed by Michigan The Sisk bill defines standards been great changes in the fruit all subscribers. The Cooperative ever been taken on the other 45. ~ Farm Bureau members. Many for recognition of qu~lified bar- industry in recent years. Much . Extension Service requested that During the year, MASA agreed favorable comments have been gaining associations and provides of the old personal relationship twenty copies of the Labor Man- to serve as labor consultant to the received on this pilot member "mutual obligation" for the co- which used to exist between the agement Manual be sent to selec- membership of the Michigan As- project. operatives and handlers to "nego- processor and the grower is fast ted county agents. This informa- sociation of Nurserymen. Members are ready and willing tiate in good faith" with respect disappearing. \Vhere in time past tion has been used extensively by Late in July at a meeting in to build on this experience for to price and terms of sale of the a processor would agree to handle the "Agricultural Extension Serv- Chicago, the Occupational Safetv the future., It has been pointed agricultural products. a grO\ver's total production, now ice" to assist farmers in solving and Health Act was announced. out many times that this direct Congressman Hutchinson ad- the processor will limit his fruit farm labor management problems. Since that time, 'a meeting of sale of farm products can be an dressed a letter of support for the purchases to quantities which he representatives of all agriculutral effective method of establishing bill to Representative Thomas S. believes he can profitably sell, , Recruitment of Workers interests in the state was held in realistic farm prices, as well as Foley (D-'Vashington), Subcom- leaving the grower to find a mar- It was nearly impossible to ob- the Farm Bureau office. A slide- providing top-quality products to mittee Chairman, and to Repre- ket for the balance of his output tain 'gove~ment clearance orders tape presentation has been pre-. consumers. A number of rri~mbers senative George A. Goodling (R- as best he can. for the workers ordered because pared for use by Farm Bureau have expressed an interest in see- Pa.), Ranking Minority Member. "As processors have become of stringent labor camp licensing Regional Representatives. Two ing Michigan products moving to In his letter, Hutchinson points larger, their processing plants policies. All the initial requests brochures have been prepared for other states. It should be noted out that he introduced similar have been organized by labor for workers were filled. Some information and teaching guides that the trucks delivering citrus legislation last June which has unions, resulting in higher unit emergency placements were made and to be used as handout ma- to Michigan in December and been referred to the subcommit- labor costs. At the same time the by telephone by shifting groups terials at meetings. February returned to the southern tee. processors' customers have emerg: of workers that were alreadv states with apples and potatoes. He said, "Since 1965 or 1966 ed as a few large grocery chains, working within the state ... Summary MACMA has given the Florida it has become increasingly ap- with processed food items sharply Mechanization in harvesting Farm Bureau information on tart parent to me that the economic competing for space on super- Research, Information and fruits and vegetables will, in all cherries so that the Florida Farm survival of fruit growers in \Vest- market shelves. The fruit grow- Public Relations likelihood, further reduce the Bureaus Marketing Association ern Michigan might well depend ers, unorganized and without MASA is a member of the Na-' need for seasonal hired labor may develop a tart cherry sale for upon their ability to form success- economic clout, have become vic- tiori~~. ~ouncil, of,' Agricultimil ' especially those whose only farm- its members .. ful marketing associations, and I tims of an economic machinery in Employers and now has a seat on related employment is at ,harvest. It is possible that other Mich- have said as much on many oc- . which they have little effective the board of directors of the or- time. As mechanization in these igan products will be marketed in casions." input," Hutchinson. stated. ganization. The National Council crops increases, migrant workers a similar fashion. of Agricultural Employers coop- \vill find their opportunities for erates with the AFBF programs employment reduced unless they ''TASK FORCE" ORGANIZED at the national level in legislative are skilled or semi-skilled in har- Blue Cross - Blue Michigan Agricultural Cooper- and fonned a membership "task activity vesting machinery operation and ative Marketing Association mar- force." They were able to sign Shield Reopening keting committees are again or- up 40% more new members and An industry-wide Agricultural maintenance. Labor Committee was' established The die has been cast. \Ve can by Marlie Drew ganizing a mem bership "task follow through on a successful and called into session several look forward to a gradual decline \Vhy not find out today how force" this year to involve more price to the grower of over 10 times, early in the year, to draft in the need for migrant farm you can join the thousands of of our members in the activities cents per pound. specific recommendations for con- . workers. -But let us not' be misled Farm Bureau members who en- of the marketing committees, such The successful tart cherry ef- sideration to be included in the by the mechanical myth. There joy the best possible protection as pricing, new member sign up fort has led to the all-division state "farm labor management will still be a need for seasonal against the high cost of illness or and other association responsibili- membership "task force" for 1972. legislation." workers. The human factor will injury-Michigan Blue Cross and ties. The membership "task force" There are several priority pro- Many hours of assistance were continue to be an important fac- Blue Shield. will be kept infonned of all com- gram areas which are common to given to Representative Dennis tor in agricultural harvesting. ' If you're not enrolled and are mittee activities and actions. all divisions. Profitable prices and Cawthorne, who prepared and There will be changes, however, an eligible Farm Bureau member, MACMA pricing plans are a marketing and bargaining legis- introduced H.B. 5100 which in the demand requirements, both you can sign up for Blue Cross focal point of many activities. lation are challenges common to would provide the' Agricultural in quantity and skill requirements. and Blue Shield through your However, an informed member- all divisions. county Fann Bureau and take ship working together to sign up Labor Relations Act for Michigan. In short, the demand for work- other growers in the MACMA "Task force" kickoff meetings advantage of this coverage at the This bill rests quietly in the House ers in fruit and vegetable harvest- programs is also very important. will be held during March to be- lowest possible group rates. Labor Committee. The introduc.- ing will continue to be strong for Last year the MACMA Red gin the intensive MACMA mar- If you're already enrolled tion of this bill probably helped skilled year-round workers and Tart Cherry Division led the way keting campaign this year. through county Farm Bureau, to reduce union activities by for semi-skilled migrant workers you can take advantage of this Cesar Chavez in Michigan during recognizing that the over-all de- once a year opportunity to adjust 1971. mand for seasonal workers in your coverage to: VICTORY PARTIES MASA wasl called upon by the agriculture will decline signifi- A. Comprehensise or deduc- Regional Victory Parties, cele- The Farm Bureau office in Indiana Marketing Association, contly. tible brating the region attaining its Sandusky will be the site for the the Ohio Agricultural Marketing Compulsory unionism of farm B. Ward or Semi membership goal and affording Thumb Region's Victory Party at Association and the National workers must be challenged bv Blue cross hospital care bene- an opportunity to publicly ack- 8 p.m. on March 13. Chatham Cherry Growers and Industries farm employers, farm workers and fits provide all of the care you nowledge the'work done by mem- Townhall, at 12 noon on March Foundation to present a Farm the consuming public. need no matter what the cost, and bership workers, have been grow- 18, will be the gathering place La~or Mana?ement progr~m for At the present time, it is pos- features liberalized benefits for ing in popularity and will again for the membership workers in theIr respectIve membershIps. sible for the union to use the phvsical therapy. be held this year. the Upper Peninsula to celebrate Michigan State University re- power of a product and market Blue Shield MVF (Michigan The dates that membership having attained membership goal quested MASA's assistance with boycott to compel farm workers Variable Fee) benefits pay most workers can spend the "Bogus and the fact that they were the the course of study for Group 5 to join a union if they wish to doctor bills in full for covered Bucks" earned through their deli- first region in the state to do so. of the Kellogg Farmers program. continue working on a farm where services and offers added physi- gent efforts in the 1972 member- Saginaw Valley, the second In addition to the classroom pro- the product boycott has been in- cian care benefits for mental con- ship campaign have been set. region to reach its 1972 member- grams, a tour was arranged for voked by the union. ditions. The Central Region's Award ship goal, will hold its Victory this group in the lower Rio It must become public concern And if you're 65 or older, spe- Victorv Partv will be held at 12 Party at the Monitor Township Grande Valley of Texas where that the uninterrupted produc- cial Blue Cross and Blue Shield noon, ~1arch' 9 at the Recreational Hall, Bay City, on March 23. many of the seasonal farm work- tion, packaging, processing, trans- 65 programs are available which Center in Howell. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. ers live in the winter season. porting and marketing of agri- combine with government Medi- Two regions will hold their followed bv the auction where A 34-page summary of refer- cultural products be protected by (are benefits to give you better annual Award Victory Party on only "Bogu~ Bucks" can be used. ence material with respect to some type of legislation providing coverage. !\Iarch 11. The earliest one, Contact your county Farm Bu- Northwest Region, will commence At the decision of the Board agricultural employment in the rules of conduct to protect the with luncheon at 12 noon at the of Directors of the. majorit"j of state was prepared and it has rights of workers, of growers to reau secretary today for details Holiday Inn, Traverse City. The the counties involved, a regional been used extensively by county produce and sell and to protect on how you can enroll in Mich- farm labor advisory committees, consumers against the mass de- igan Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Notheast Region will hold its party will not be held in the county agricultural agents and stmction of our food supply and THE DEADLINE IS MARCH Victory Party at the school in Southwest and Westcentral Re- high school agricultural teachers. unnecessary excessive food costs. 15. Gaylord in the evening. gions this year. SIX March 1, 1972 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS and a qualified producers. associ- USDA functions would be trans- REFLECTIONS ation to meet at reasonable times ferred to new departments that ON DDT National Legislative Notes 'and negotiate in good faith with would be created under the re- respect to the production and sale organization plan. of commodities under contract. The Rural Electrification Ad- By Carlton B. Lees, Executive by AI Almy The bills have been referred to ministration and Farmers Home Director, Massachusetts On December 8, 1971, the u.S. public interest; acquisition and the House and Senate Agricultural Administration grants and loans Horticultural Society House of Representatives approv- storage of the reserves would be Committees. Public hearings and for water and waste disposal and It is nearly ten years since ed a Strategic Reserve Bill (H.R. costly to taxpayers; farmers would executive sessions on H.R. 7597 rural housing would be transferred Rachel Carson's Silent Spring 1163) by a narrow 182 to 170 be subject to depressed market have been held by the House to a new Department of Commu- startled us all into a ne\v aware- vote. prices as a result of huge reserves Agriculture Subcommittees on nity Development. ness of relationships betwe~n the H.R. 1163 provided for a gov- hanging over the open market; Domestic Marketing and Con- Human resources research of natural world and pesticides. ernment strategic reserve of 300 unrealistic support would encour- sumer Relations. Public hearings the Economic Research Service, Conservationists, . environmental- million bushels of wheat and 25 age over-production, thus further were completed November 23 on human nutrition and consumer re- ists, ecologists, and biologists million tons of feed grains. It burdening the market system; the S. 1775. by a Senate Agriculture search programs of the Agricul- existed long before Silent Spring also provided for release of the current farm program would be Subcommittee. tural Research Service, the Food but the book brought the environ- reserves by the government at a rendered ineffective. and Nutrition Service, and meat, ment into dramatic focus, and price of 120 % of the average On January 26 the full Senate Government Reorganization poultry and egg inspection would . without doubt was a very real and price farmers received in the u.s. Agriculture Committee rejected Shortly after the 1971 session be transferred to a new Depart- influential force in launch(ng the during the preceding five market- the Strategic Reserve Bill by a of the 92nd Congress began, ment of Human Resources. environmentalecological move- ing years and for a 25 % increase vote of 10 to 4. However, it is plans were announced to reorgan- The Forest Service, Soil Con- ment as we have witnessed it in in the loan level of 1971-72 wheat expected that further attempts ize the Executive Branch of gov- servation Service, soil and water very recent years. and feed grain crops. will be made to report a revised ernment. As proposed, the USDA conservation division of ARS, The chief target of Silent Spring During Senate hearings on H.R. version of S.].R. 172. would have been abolished as a natural resources economics di- was DDT and its effects upon 1163, an Agriculture Subcommit- separate cabinet-level department vision of ERS, and FHA water.- tee attached a Senate Joint. Reso- National Agricultural Marketing along with the Secretary o~ Agri- shed loans would be incorporated wildlife and upon people. DDT and Bargaining Act of 1971 became a symbol and served as lution (S.J.R. 172) to require the culture as a cabinet-level spokes- into a new Department of Natural the rallying issue. In some ways Secretary of Agriculture to rein- The National Agricultural Mar- man. USDA functions were to Resources. DDT still has not lost its position state acreage allotments for wheat keting and Bargaining Act of be divided among four new cabi- All other-programs, such as the as titular head of all that is con- and feed grains beginning with 1971 has been introduced bv 86 net-level departments. Cooperative Extension Service, sidered. detrimental. But time the 1972 crops. members of the House and 15 President Nixon announced last ASCS, Foreign Agricultural Serv- brings cooler heads than those of Farm Bureau policy opposes Senators. Generally known as the November that the USDA would ice, and others, would remain the Carson era, and the time for government strategic reserves for Sisk Bill, (H.R. 7597 and S. 1775) not be abolished but would be within USDA. The reorganization banner carriers and slogan shout- several reasons: Strategic reserves this legislation would establish a retained as a cabinet-level depart- proposal is in the House Govern- ers is passing. The judgment of are not necessary to protect the mutual obligation of a handler ment. However, some present ment Operations Committee. responsible professionals is be- ginning to be heard, and we all are becoming increasingly aware and advocate a back to nature of the complexity of the natural movement.' Such a policy, Bor- world and our relationship to it. laug said, is 'myopic and dis- Although the problems are alarm- astrous':' ing and, indeed, very real, we Of comparatively recent dis- hopefully are arriving at the point covery is a group of chemicals of knowing that we cannot solve known as PCBs (polychlorinated these problems by rash acts. biphenyls) or plasticizers which Cries for outright banning of are found in plastics, rubber tires, DDT and other materials are paving material, printers' inks, evolving instead into programs.of waterproofings, and carbon restriction and regulation. national philosophy is becoming one of weighing each material's Our papers. From a chemical analyst's point of view this group of chemi- cals and DDT, a specific chemical, o hazards against its benefits. And are difficult to separate. Dr. Rob- that is as it should be. On a ert M. Fitch, associate professor worldwide basis, for example, of polymer chemistry at the Uni- DDT must remain available for versity of Connecticutt, states: malaria control; not to use it as "Until recently, analytical meth- a valuable tool in this case would ods (for residues) were not spe- be less than human. While several cific for DDT but rather for states have banned the use of DDT it is interesting to note that Sweden, which also did so, has polychlorinated aromatic pounds as a class." This means, com- then, that residues in fatty tissues meeting found it necessary to make an exception to the ban in order to of birds and animals which have been attributed to DDT in the march 10 control certain forest problems. past may possibly have been from In a paper which he presented before the United Nations Food plasticizers. When pasticizers were consumed by hens the re- 9:30- am - 3:30 pm sults - unhatchability of eggs- and Agriculture Organization in November, Norman E. Borlaug, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, were the same as those attributed to DDT in wild birds. Try to lansing visualize the plasticizers, left on predicted that if pesticides were banned in the United States crop highways by the incessant wear of tires, that are carried into civic center losses would soar 50 percent and food prices would increase four or swamps, ponds, and streams. Farm Market and Supply Discussion For Presidents, fivefold. Dr. Borlaug, who has The current emphasis on re- Boards, Leaders of Supply and Membership Co-ops worked as a forest ecologist and cycling overlooks the fact that is director of a wheat improve- when we recylce desirable ma- ment center in Mexico, went on terials there may be undesirable to state: "The safety record of components which are carried DDT is truly remarkable ... The along and may be intensified. It only confirmed cases of injury is one thing to recycle paper it- have been the result of massive self but when one considers the accidental or suicidal swallowing plasticizer-containing inks one can of DDT. There is no evidence in immediately recognize the com- man that DDT is causing cancer plexity of the problem. Some or genetic change." food products packaged in recy- Dr. John A. Naegele of the cled paper have been contami- Suburban Experiment Station of nated by plasticizers which, some- the University of Massachusetts at how, are transferred from the Waltham points out that our so- container to the food product. ciety exists today because of high All this is not to say that DDT productivity of a few grain plants: is necessarily blameless or that com, wheat, oats, barley, rye. we know the long term effects of These are the basis of our exist- any of these materials. Control ence. Within the next 30 years and restriction are needed. But there will be twice as many peo- outright bans may' prove to be ple on earth as there are today. unwise. Dr. Frederick J. Stare, It is obvious that, if there are to professor of nutrition and chair- be undisturbed mountains, lakes, man of the department of nu- prairies, and other open spaces trition, School of Public Health, for humans to enjoy, and enough Harvard University, has said: R~GISTER HERE OR WITH YOUR CO-OP ORGANIZATION. land to house this population, the "There are no safe things, but Mall to: Farm Bureau Services, Marketing Services Dept., P.O. Box 960, Lansing, Mich. 48904 portion of the landscape which rather s~~e ways of using what we have. Name produces food must be used as efficiently as possible. According to the Associated Ptess, Dr. Bor- (Reprinted from HORTICUL- TURE, January, 1972, by special FaRmr1 Occupation laug "assailed 'extreme environ- mentalists who discredit science pennission of the Massachuetts Horticultural So~iety) BUreaU . Nearest Co-op MICHIGAN FARM NEWS "March 1, 1972 SEVEN The low prices for com and other "Open Line" President's grains in the fall of 1971 can be traced directly to the dock strike. Meeting Conference The entire American economy is A single, statewide "Open Fifty-two county Farm Bureau suffering from this tie-up in the Line" meeting, replacing previous presidents attended the 1972 shipping industry. regional conferences, with "One- Presidents' Conference on Febru- County Presidents were urged Stop Opportunity" as its farm- ary 10-11 in Lansing. by Mr. Kuhfuss to write letters to oriented theme will be held Fri- Keynote speaker was William congressmen asking for permanent day, March 10, in Lansing's Civic J. Kuhfuss, president of American legislation curbing nationwide Farm Bureau Federation. dock strikes. He also urged them Center .. In his remarks, Kuhfuss stressed to see that all Farm Bureau mem- Sponsored by Farm Bureau that being a leader in Farm Bu- bers took similar action. Services and Farmers Petroleum ~ .. reau at any level, county presi- President Elton Smith also ad- Cooperative, the meeting will at- A STATEWIDE OPEN LINE MEETING will be held March 10 at dent or national president, carries dressed the county leaders. He tract hundreds of Michigan agri- the lansing Civic Center. Don Armstrong, executive vice presi- with it a great deal of responsi- complimented the Presidents for cultural leaders for an informa- the success to date in the mem- d~nt of Farm Bureau Services and Farmers Petroleum Co-op is bility. tive, detailed discussion of 1972 bership campaign. He urged them pictured here at the last Open line Meeting held in Clare. "The prestige of the Farm farm supply and marketing de- to review programs at the county Bureau organization is at an all velopments, according to Donald tion. An invitation to attend is and review {.p-to-date farm sup- level, for this is where the strength time high," said Kuhfuss. This R. Armstrong, executive vice extended to young farmers, Farm ply market situations with experts of Farm Bureau lies. has been demonstrated by the president of both organizations. Bu~e~u leaders, farm cooperative in every facet of farming _oper- President Smith indicated that fact that he had been invited by Elton R. Smith, president of offICIals, FBS and FPC branch ations at hand" declares Arm- President Nixon to meet with him a county must have goals. It Farm Bureau Services, and Carl personnel, and other agri-business strong. "We fully expect the five times in the past 14 months. must have projects which will be Heisler, president of Farmers leaders. The open discussion pe- March 10 con ference t 0 b e one According to Kuhfuss, one out of benefit to farmers in the coun- .. Petroleum Cooperative, will head nods allow for mterchange of 0 f th e most' Import an t f or a11 of every four acres of American ty. The responsibility for plan- an outstanding list of speakers 'd .. leas, opmIOns, and proposals for M' h' .b . agriculture production is export- ning these projects rests with the discussing current farm market improvem nts f M' h' f Ie Igan agn- usmess represent- e 0 IC Igan arm . b h Id d' 1972 " ed. This means that to a great county Farm Bureau president. problems, price and wage freezes, market opportunities. atIves to e e urmg . The county president must see extent, agriculture is dependent volume incentive purchasing bene- "Although .previous regional The program will open at 9:30 on foreign trade. The recent dock that members are involved in fits, farm supply outlooks, and Open Line discussion meetings a.m. with registration and coffee strike, the longest in the history committee work and activity of management developments. have proven highly successful, and the idea-packed session will of our nation, has had dramatic importance within the Farm Bu- The "One-Stop Opportunity" the 1972 plan for a single, state- conclude at 3:30 p.m. A compli- effect detrimental to agriculture. reau organization. program will be designed to pro- wide meeting offers greater op- mentary luncheon will be served vide the latest, helpful informa- portunities to collectively discuss to participants. HOLIDAY CAMP Farm Bureau Women of Districts One and Two have an- nounced their plans for a Holiday Camp to be on April 5 and 6 at Wesley Woods, Dowling, Michigan. All Farm Bureau women are invited to attend this two-day meeting both for information Dependable and education, and also for socialibility. The cost of $8.00 per person includes one overnight lodging, four meals, instruction, entertainment, and registration. Those who can attend only one day's meeting may purchase individual meals. Those staying overnight are requested to bring their own- bedding) towels) soap, etc. Dress will be informal. Reservations should be made in advance by completing the reservation blank on this page and returning it to Women's De- partment) Michigan Farm Bureau) P. O. Box 960) Lansing) Michigan 48904 not later than March 20. PROGRAM IDGHLIGHTS The meeting will commence at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5 drybeans after attendants have registered and been served coffee and rolls. The Wednesday forenoon program will include "Women's Activities in Farm Bureau" .by Helen Atwood) coordinator of women activities) Michigan Farm Bureau and "Knowledge thru Immersion?" Kenneth Wiles from Michigan Farm Bureau. Wednesday afternoon's program will feature Gary Parlin of Other bean weed killers, Sturgis discussing "Overview of Economics and Government" neworold, can't compare and Mrs. Mildred 'Vendzel) a member of the Women for the Survival of Agriculture in Michigan. Instruction in various crafts with Eptam.herbicide for will be given on 'Vednesday afternoon. ' sure control of night- Following dinner) a Vesper' Service will be conducted by Mrs. ~1ary Jane Swartz. A "tasting" party with refreshments shade, nutgrass, and exchange of recipes will conclude the evening program. pigweed and most Thursday morning Trooper Smith from the Battle Creek State Police Post will discuss "Drugs." Also part of this Thursday other major grass morning program will be a review of Legislative Activities by and broad leaf •!:.t.~~~ Eugene Greenawalt) regional representative, Michigan Farm Bureau . weeds. And Eptam The Thursday afternoon speaker will be Helen Pelton of is economical, too. St. Joseph speaking on "Leader Dogs and the Blind." Boost your yields of clean stain-free dry beans Eptaf11! Reservation for Holiday Camp SElECTIVE HERBICIDE at Wesley Wood, Dowling, Michigan with dependable, loW-cost .... April 5-6, 1972 Eptam. See us now. :::~~~~~~~::: ..•...•. ...•. Name __ --..-- ---- -- . Address .. Where lbur Fann Comes First FaRm~ The following ladies will accompany me: __ .. BUreaU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC Approximate time of arrival: _ .. Approximate time of departure: . Reservations due in MFB Office, Lansing, not later than 2013 March 20. EIGHT March 1, 1972 MICHIGAN fARM NEWS Regional Legislative Seminars ... MOST SUCCESSFUL! .-"'J JJ .. REPRESENTATIVE DALE WARNER (R-Eaton )\. Rap- ,~ FaRm~ ids), (I), representing with an interested the Central Region's the 56th District, converses Farm Bureau member legislative Seminar. during FARM BUREAU MEMBERS from the l02nd Representative friendly George N. Prescott (R-Tawas smiles at a legislative Seminar. District greet City), (r), with BUreaU In Michigan Farm Bureau members are the fourth largest Blue Cross-Blue Shield group. Oi"THE IOWD The deadline for enrolling is March 15. Effective date May 20. MICHIGAN" BLUECROSSAND' BLUESHIELD MICHIGAN FARM NEWS March 1, 1972 NINE 'IIAOI PROGRAM : ~I Peporf. f\ ... Yl : ,.,. MFB YOUNG FARMERS attended the national leaders Con- ference in Indiana (seated L to R) Diane Spero, Polly Diehl, Bill Spike, chairman, MFB Young Farmers Committee; Maryann Carl- I son and Rosemary .oosson, (standing L to R) John Spero, Darryl ELTON SMITH, MFB president (L) and Don Armstrong, executive vice president Dosson, Bill Randall, David Cook, MFB Young Farmers Program of FBS and FPC, hold a display of FBS and FPC material that received the first director; Steve Carlson and Gill Van Wagonor. place award for 1972 from the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. "Making It Happen;' STATEVVIDE AFBF PRESIDENT KUHFUSS makes a point during his speech at the 1972 Presidents' Conference. ROBERT BRADEN, administrative director, Michigan Farm Bu- reau, addresses county Farm Bureau secretaries at the recent Blue Cross-Blue Shield Seminar. Others shown who spoke to the secretaries are (L to R) B. J. McCarthy, president, Michigan Blue Cross; William S. McNary, consultant, (immediate past president, Michigan Blue Cross); and John McCabe, president, Michigan Blue Shield. l"~K EVERY COUNTY PRESIDENT with membership goal was pinned with a "Smile Button." Being pined by Susie Raff, MFB Field Operations Divis!on, is Ray SHOWN TOURING the Blue Cross-Blue Shield office building in Rasner of Menominee County. Detroit are (L to R) Dorothy Routson, Shiawassee County; Ellen Peppel, Bay County; Della Johnson, Osceola County; and Lennie Luther, Benzie and Wexford Counties. These county Farm Bureau secretaries were among the group of 52 secretaries who recently attended a Blue Cross-Blue Shield Seminar. SAGINAW COUNTY membership co-chairmen, (L to R) Harvey County presidents from fifty-two counties were on hand for the statewide Gosen and Richard Leach, Jr., whoop it up at the county mem- Presidents' meeting. l:.ership victory party. TEN March 1, 1972 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Where lbur Farm Comes Arst FaRm Bureau FARMERS PETROLEUM .. :. : ~ JIP /II f~'=..... 210 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS March 1, 1972 ELEVEN manner and was not negligent in AWARD FOR SMITH Pollution Case Decided its management. It was considered impractical to expect that the by AI Almy raising of swine in substantial numbers could be done in an Agriculture won an important tion Act. The outcome of this Elton R. Smith, president. of provided effective support to odorless manner. The Michigan decision in the Circuit Court of case will help influence future the Michigan Farm Bureau, was Michigan Soil Conservation Dis- Department of Public Health was Clinton County on February 14, cases against agriculture under presented with the Michigan As- tricts. Your support on behalf of unable to substantiate complaints 1972. The decision followed a the new law. sociation of Soil Conservation the district Aide Program are of odors. three-day trial last October 13- In reaching its opinion as to The preponderance of evidence Districts Distinguished Service especially appreciated. An ex- 14-15 involving alleged odors the nuisance charges, the Court did not indicate the alleged odors Award at their annual banquet cellent, corporative working rela- from a typical swine enterprise recognized that the area involved caused a decline in the value of held in Grand Rapids on January tionship between our organizations operated by a Grand Ledge pro- was zoned agricultural and is a property owned by plaintiffs or 28, 1972. has developed, allowing us to deal ducer. farming area. Farmers must that any health hazard was cre- more effectively with common Seven neighbors were asking adopt new methods of operation ated. It was noted that the pro- In presenting the award, Har- to keep operating costs in line issues. the Court to award them $10,000 ducer uses a successful chemical old Webster, chairman of the damages under the common nuis- with income from the sale of control program that, when prop- awards committee stated, "Your "It is a distinct honor to pre- ance law and for an injunction their products. The swine enter- erly used, substantially reduces interest and support of soil and sent this award for your continu- a~ainst the producer under both prise carried on by the producer the odors emitted from his swine water conservation programs is ing efforts on behalf of soil and the common nuisance law and was considered to be typical of operation .• well known. You are recognized water conservation." Michigan's new Environmental modem commercial swine pro- The Court did not deny the in your community as a true Protection Act. duction. The swine building is right of citizens to seek injunctive The conservation group named properly drained and there is no steward of the soil since you main- The outcome of this case is relief and damages against live- Robert Moore of Elsie, Michigan, considered vital to the livestock rodent 'or insect infestation of tain an outstanding conservation stock odors. It was recognized the "1972 Michigan Watershed industry of Michigan. This was surrounding property. plan on the land in your care. that odors from animal wastes are Man-of-the-Year," for his out- the first time agriculture was The Court was of the opinion natural odors in an agricultural "During your term as president, standing accomplishments and faced with legal action by citizens that the producer conducted his area. If the animal wastes are the Michigan Farm Bureau has dedicated service to conservation. using the Environmental Protec- swine operation in an acceptable handled and disposed of in ac- cordance with good farming prac- tices then such odors could well be considered the result of normal farm operations and not a nuis- ance. The court concluded that so long as the producer. continues his operation carefully and with good management practices and uses such odor control products or devices as are made available, the balance of equities is in favor of the producer and he is not maintaining a nuisance. In ruling on the Environmental Protection Act, the court strongly agreed that it does not exclude agricultural pursuits. However, the Act is interpreted to provide that some balance has to be main- tained between absolutely no pol- lution and the carrying on of ac- tivities necessary to human exist- ance. The raising of livestock to provide meat for human con- sumption is a lawful and neces- sary occupation that will result in the production of animal waste and odor. Michigan's -Air Pollution Con- trol Act clearly includes livestock odors within the legal definition of air pollution. However, in this case the Court ruled that the odors would not be of such mag- nitude as to constitute air pollu- tion. Legal counsel for the producers argued that the Environmental Protection Act is unconstitutional as applied to the raising of live- stock because it delegates legis- lative authority and responsibility to the court. The court recognized that the legislature can delegate powers in accordance with guidelines es- tablished by the legislature itself. But in this case, the court would be required to determine that standards relating to the raising and maintaining of livestock are deficient because none exist. As a result, the court is being asked to create standards, direct their adoption and provide enforcement of standards. The court regarded this as making law and thus an unconstitutional delegation of leg- islative power as far as the raising of livestock is concerned. In summary, the court decided this particular case strongly in favor of agriculture. However, Circuit Court decisions are not binding on other Circuit Courts and similar cases against agri- culture should not expect such favorable ruling. It is imperative that producers do not relax their efforts to conduct their operations in a way that will minimize odors and prevent other types of agri- cultural pollution. Court litiga- tion is an expensive, worrisome and uncertain approach to resolve environmental issues. The best way is to avoid such legal en- tanglements by good, conscienti- ous farming practice. TWELVE March 1, 1972 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS WOMEN District 4 - April 13, Ionia County Ladies will host at a place Young Farmers AFBF STAFF PR'OMOTIONS to be determined. Speakers will District Spring be Mr. Robert Smith speaking on At National Meet "Property Tax Reform - Now or Ten Michigan Young Farmers Meetings Never." and a representative were among the 300 conferees from the American Dairy Associ- from 35 states who attended the Michigan Farm Bureau Women ation. AFBF Young Farmers and Ranch- have scheduled their District ers Leaders Conference at Clarks- Spring Meetings. District 10 Ea~t - April 18, ville, Indiana. place to be announced at a later The purpose of the Young District 6 - March 29, coffee date. Speakers will include Mr. Farmers and Ranchers program, hour at 9:30 - meeting to start M. J. Buschlen, operations man- which is carried on in forty states, at 10 a.m. - Marlette Presby- ager, Michigan Agricultural Serv- is to provide opportunity for lead- terian Church. Luncheon reser- ices Association, speaking on ership education and participation vations, to Mrs. Margaret Boyd, "Farm Labor and Safety Man- in Farm Bureau. Through this Marlette, by March 20. In the agement." morning Mr. Ed Morey wiII speak program, young members are on "Rules of the Game - An In- District 10 West - April 19, given leadership responsibilities sight into Communist Conspiracy" place to be announced at a later and are encouraged to contribute and Wayne Ward and Bob Lutz date. Speakers will include Mr. their abilities to the total Farm will discuss the Young Farmers Ed Morey speaking on «Rules of Bureau program. Program. In the afternoon Mr. the Game - An Insight into The Indiana conference, coordi- Hanson, feature editor of the Communist Conspiracy." nated by the AFBF Young Farm- Bill EASTMAN JERRY CORDREY Saginaw News, will speak. ers and Ranchers Advisory Com- District 8 - April 20, coffee mittee, held workshop session<}on Norwood ,D. "Bill" Eastman, Jerry Cordrey, a member of the District 3 - April 4, coffee hour at 9:30. Meeting will com- Farm Organization Structures and director of training programs for staff of the American Farm Bu- hour at 9:30 - meeting will mence at 10 a.m. at Roditchers Philosophy, Achievement Motiva- the American Farm Bureau Fed- reau Federation since 1959, has commence at 10 a.m. at the Trin- Restaurant in Freeland. Lunch- tion, Farm Labor - Everyone's eration, has been named director been named training director of ity United Methodist Church, eon, $3.00. Reservations to Mrs. Concern, Effective 'Political Edu- of the field services division for the AFBF. Fowlerville. Luncheon will be Robert Squanda, 5525 Indian- town Road, Saginaw 48601 by cation and Action, Being Effec- the AFBF, William J. Kuhfuss, Cordrey succeeds Norwood served for $1.75 - reservations tive Legislatively, and Discussion Federation president, announced. are due March 28 to Mrs. Ralph April 13. Mr. Robert Smith will Eastman who was recently ap- Techniques and Conference Plan- Eastman succeeds Warren New- pointed director of the field serv- Peckens, 2854 Chase Lake Road, discuss "Property Tax Reform- Now or Never" during the morn- ing. berry who resigned January 31 to ices division. Howell 48843. Morning speaker Michigan's representatives were become executive director for the will be Mr. Al Almy speaking on ing session and a style show will In his new position, Cordrey Bill Spike, Chairman of the MFB Texas Farm Bureau. will coordinate the planning and "The Importance of 'Getting Ac- be presented in the afternoon. Young Farmers Committee; and Eastman joined the AFBF staff conducting of various manage- tive in Politics." In the afternoon District 2 - April 25, coffee state committee members Mr. and in July, 1959, as field service di- Mrs. Claudine Jackson will tell of ment, staff and other volunteer hour at 9:30. Meeting will start Mrs. Steve Carlson; Mr. and Mrs. rector for the midwest re'gion, training programs of the Feder- her trip to the ~CWW Triennial at 10 a.m. in the B. E. Henry Darryl Dosson; Mr. and Mrs. after serving as secretary-manager and Mrs. J. A. Needham wiII show ation's program development di- Building, Marshall. Luncheon, John Spero; Bill Randall and Gill of the Michigan Farm Bureau. vision. and speak about her collection of $2.00. Reservations to be made Van Wagonor. Also attending His service at the Michigan Farm paper weights. Cordrey has been serving as by April 19. Morning program were Mrs. David Diehl, wife of Bureau started in August, 1950, assistant director of the program District 5 - April 11, place of will include Mr. Al Almy speak- a National Committee member; where he served successively as development division in the area meeting has not been confirmed. ing on «Nation's Number One Dave Cook, director of MFB director of the junior Farm Bu- of citizenship education, and lead- Morning speaker will be Mr. Ed Ecologist." A travel log program Young Farmers Programs; and ,reau program, organization direc- ership training. In .1965 he was Morey speaking on "Rules of the is tentatively scheduled for the M. J. Buschlen, operations man- tor, manager of member serVice assigI1ed' th.e major" responsibility Game - An Insight into Commu- afternoon session. ager of MASA, who conducted division and secretary-manager:-in for the local affairs program in nist Conspiracy;:' In the afternoon District 7 - April 26, J?lace to one of the sessions. 1958. He served' as area field the division. a representative of the American According to a custom, states services director for 'the AFBF be announced at a later date. Prior' to joining the Federation. Dairy Association will present a provide table favors. Michigan from 1959 until 1968 when he staff, Cordrey worked on the staffl Speakers will include AI AImy's dairy demonstration. discussion "The Importance of presented each conferee with a was nam~d director of training of the Michigan Farm Bureau in District 9 - April 12, coffee white pine seedling~ the State tree. programs. membership ;ac,quisitioo. He first Getting Active in Politics." hour at 9:30. Meeting will' start A graduate of Eastern Mich- started work for !So.the . Michigan, at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Church, District 1 - April 27, General subjects to be discussed at this Scholarship igan University, Eastman has a Farm Bureau in September, 1951. I Onekama. Luncheon, $1. 75. master of arts degree from the Born on a farm in Hillsdale Coun- Reservations to Mrs. Ray Ander- meeting will deal with «Market- ing." Place and speakers will be Available University of Michigan. Following 'ty, Michigan, C9rdrey was gradu- son, Chief 49624. During the The Marge Karker-Farm Bu- graduation from Eastern Michi- ated in 1951, from Hillsdale morning session Mr. Robert Smith announced at a later date. gan University, Eastman taught at College. reau Scholarship is available to a will discuss "Property Tax Re- District 11 - East and West student or students for the 1972- Cass City, Michigan, High School. During his high school and form - Now or Never." A repre- will hold their Spring Meetings 1973 academic year at Michigan In the fall of 1945, he moved to college years, he helped his father sentative of the American Dairy on June 6 and 7 respectively. State University 'after three terms the staff at Eastern Michigan operate a l60-acre general farm. Association will present -a dairy Places and speakers wiII be an- at college or one year in an Agri- University .. He served two years in the Navy demonstration in the afternoon. nounced at a later date. cultural Technical Course. Eastman was born and reared (1946-48) fqllowing graduation The scholarship was named to on a farm in the thumb area of from high school. honor Mrs. Marjorie Karker, who Michigan. His parents operate a Cordrey is chairman of the farm near Cass City. planning committee of the Round G%to7V2% was the Michigan Farm Bureau Women's Coordinator at the time He now resides in Glen Ellyn, Table of National Organizations MFB Women initiated the pro- Illinois, a western suburb of for Better Schools, an affiliation gram in 1945 and until 1964. Chicago. of organizations that have an in- Mrs. Karker is now affiliated with terest in education. He was INTEREST ON DEBENTuRES the Florida Farm Bureau. Applicants must be from a Commodity selected by the Wheaton, Illinois, Junior Chamber of Commerce for Farm Bureau family; should have the Outstanding Citizens Award FOR $100.00 OR MORE YOU CAN PURCHASE a scholastic average as indicated Advisory in 1966 and in 1967 was selected for recognition in the book, "Out- 6%- 5 Year Maturity by MSU Scholarship Office of at least 2.6; and must be prepared Committees standing Civic Leaders of Amer- 6t% -10 Year Maturity to show financial need. Additionally, students applying Appointed ica." Mr. Cordrey and his wife, Eve, must also be enrolled at MSU in President Elton R. Smith has have four children. They reside 7%-15 Year Maturity any of the following areas of edu- appointed Michigan Farm Bu- in McHenry, Illinois. cation: Field of agriculture or reau's commodity advisory com- FOR $1,000.00 OR MORE I mittees for 1972. In his letters of YOU CAN PURCHA~~ related fields of food sdence, 2. To represent and permit food marketing, .leadership train- appointment, the president ex- plained to appointees that they greater service by the Michigan 6t%-10 Year Maturity ing in agriculture, journalism as had been chosen from the list of Farm Bureau to those members related to agriculture, food pack- FOR $5,000.00 OR MORE aging, horticulture, agricultural nominees submitted to him by who are vitally interested in the YOU CAN PURCHASE technical course, veterinary medi- the county Farm Bureaus in the production and marketing of agri- appointee's district. cultural commodities. cine, field of human medicine 7t%-15 Year Maturity (including premedical, nursing. There are six commodity ad- 3. To develop a closer work- medical technology), or field of visory committees of the Michi- ing relationship with existing com- This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy thes" teaching (vocational agriculture gan Farm Bureau: Dairy, Field modity organizations through im- securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. and human ecology). Crops, Fruit, Livestock, Poultry proved coordination of effort. and Vegetable. In order to serve 4. To suggest and encourage r-------------------------------, Clip and mail this coupon to: The Michigan Farm Bureau Women's Scholarship Committee on a Farm Bureau commodity ad- commodity research by the Mich- will review all applications the visory committee, a person must igan Farm Bureau, Michigan State MR. C. A. MORRILL be a commercial producer of that University, government agencies, Farm Bureau Services, Inc. latter part of March and person- P. O. Box 960 ally interview students to deter- commodity and a Farm Bureau and others. Lansing, Michigan 48904 mine the one or more students to member. 5. To consider county Farm whom they will present the gift The purposes and objectives of Bureau resolutions that concern I would like a copy of the prospectus and a call by a registe'reo sales agent. scholarship. the Michigan Farm Bureau com- the commodity industries and, in Applications may be obtained modity advisory committees are: turn, make recommendations to N AM E _ ""' . by writing the Women's Depart- 1. To advise the Michigan the Michigan Farm Bureau Policy ment, Michigan Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Board of Directors Development Committee. ROAD R FD # _ .. P. O. Box 960, Lansing, Michigan on matters in the area of produc- 6. To outline programs for the CITY CO U NTY .. 48904. Completed applications tion, marketing, transportation Commodity Conferences at the PH 0 N E '.' _ "''''' _.., must be returned not later than and utilization of specific agricul- annual meeting of Michigan Farm ----------------------~--------- n _ _ _ March 20, 1972. tural commodities. Bureau. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS March 1, 1972 THIRTEEN County; Evelyn Curry and Pat Blue Cross-Blue McNellis, Wayne .County; Donna Morse, Calhoun County; Marilyn NOTES The fifteenth annual Gratiot County Bean Smorgasbord is Shield Seminar Knight and Dorothy Flak, Clinton County; Leona Vance, Gratiot scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 1972 at the Hamilton Com- mons on the Alma College Campus. County; Barbara Bouck, Huron County Farm Bureau Secretar- members were Jan Nietzke, Isabel- County; Irma Covert, Ionia Coun- Dinner will be served from 5: 00 to 7: 00 p.m. followed by a ies from across the state attended la County; Beatrice Leeke, Jack- ty; and Leona Harriman, Kent program in the Dow Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. a two-day Blue Cross-Blue Shield son County; Gwynlh Hayward, County. A special part of the evening's program will be the crowning seminar- in Detroit during the Kalkaska County; Lucille Donner, Departing the two-day attitude of the Gratiot County Bean Queen. first part of February. Northwest Michigan; Norma adjustment and participation The special dinner features ham with a variety of bean dishes The purpose of the meeting Chamberlin, Oakland County; meeting with renewed insight, as the main course topped off by the bean dessert table with was to bring the secretaries up Barbara Fleming, Otsego County; in addition to those previously an array of cakes, sweet rolls, doughnuts, cookies and candies to date on procedures to be fol- Sue Terpstra, Ottawa County; and mentioned, were Alice Abbott, all made with bean puree. lowed during the annual reopen- Martha Harker, St. Joseph County. Lapeer County; Bonnie Burkett, Tickets are available at the Gratiot County Farm Bureau of- ing period - March 1-15, 1972 Doris Cordes, Alcona County; Missaukee County; Della Johnson, fice or at the door. - and to acquaint them first Lois Stange, Arenac County; El- Osceola County; Hattie Lockhart, hand with changes in handling len Peppel, Bay County; Gertrude Chippewa County; Jean Scutt, subscribers' inquiries. Rocheleau, Cheboygan County; Ingham County; Rita Williams, FARMERS' WEEK - MARCH 20-24 Doris Walkling and Diane John- Kalamazoo County; Alice Collins Attending the conference were A new addition to Farmers' Week is MSU Farm Business son, Genesee County; Harriet and Elaine Marquis, Lenawee Carolyn Bouman, Allegan Coun- Management Day, on Thursday, March 23. County; Betty Bliss. and Pam ty; porothy Conant, Antrim Thomas, Hillsdale County; Agnes Montri, Monroe County; Doris Beginning at 10 a.m. in the Kellogg Center Auditorium, agri- County; Helen Brown, Branch Schrepfer and Kathy Macklen- Girard, Saginaw County; Loretta cultural economists, farm management specialists and experts in County; Julie Bowen, Cass Coun- burg, Livingston County; and Kirkpatrick, Tuscola County; resource development will tackle such issues as financing future ty; Jean Armentrout, Clare Coun- Esther Flatt, Mac-Luce were also Mary Dick, Van Buren County; farm operations, trends in farm management and the future of ty; Norma Sanders, Eaton County; among the secretaries who met Helen Shantz and Irene Mehler, with the "Blues" personnel. the farm input supply business. The afternoon program will Muriel Vaurink, Emmet County; \Vashtenaw County; and Barbara and Ella Vallender, Gladwin deal with how much debt a farmer can carry, the impact of Also now better understanding Cotey, Hiawathaland. County. reduced property taxes, and making more money in 1972. their problems concerning Blue Michigan Farm :aureau em- The annual Farm 11anagement Banquet, honoring outstanding Included in the 57 county Farm Cross-Blue Shield are Pearl En- ployees attending the seminar in- Bureau Secretaries and their as- Michigan farmers, will cap the day-long conference. glebrecht, Macomb County; Aud- cluded Marlie Drew, Virginia sistants gaining first hand knowl- rey Quisenberry, Montcalm Coun- John A. Hannah, director of the U.S. Agency for International Almy, Barbara Sickles and the edge to better serve Farm Bureau ty; Dorothy Routson, Shiawassee ten Regional Representatives. Development and past president of MSU, will speak at the evening banquet, which begins at 5:50 p.m. Entertainment, presentation of Outstanding Young Farmer awards by the Michigan Jaycees, and recognition of farm man- agers of the year and 25 year cooperators will precede Dr. Hannah's talk. Tickets for the banquet, which is open to the public, are $4.75 each, and may be obtained from John C. Doneth, 27 Agri- Degen cultural Hall, MSU, East Lansing, 48823. Farm Bureau Services announced the sale of their Sandusky branch to the Snover Co-op Elevator Company effective Febru- ary I, 1972. on' utan@ The combining of the two operations will greatly strengthen the operations of the Snover Co-op by eliminating the over- lapping trading area and increasing the efficiency of equipment and labor. Combined sales for 1971 totaled almost $1 million. Snover Co-op Elevator is a stockholder-member and dealer of Selective Herbicide Farm Bureau Services. With this expanded trading area, they -for dry year will continue to provide patrons of Sanilac County with Farm Bureau Services' supplies and services. A special program designed to point out and offer possible weed control solutions to problems facing rural Michigan will be held on Wednesday, March 22 in the ~1SU Engineering Building audi- torium. The program titled "Rural Michigan Day" will feature items about "Rural Development; Rural Manpower Problems and Present Efforts Toward Their Solution; Meeting Rural Health Needs; and Rural Housing." You beat grassy weeds in corn with Sutan Governor William G. Milliken announced the appointment of three new members to the Michigan Bean Commission. even in a dry y~ar. You don't need rain to Receiving appointment for terms expiring December 31, 1974 are Maurice Gove, St. Johns, who succeeds Basil ~1cKenzie of make it work, because you put Sutan in Breckenridge; Orville A. Gremel of Sebewaing, succeeding Ed- the soil where it controls mund Good of Gogetown, both farmers; and Edward R. Powell, ~~~~r ~ Lansing, vice president and assistant secretary of Farm Bureau Services and manager of the Michigan Elevator Exchange ;I;:i;i;rWii::iii:i:~::: ~ ~~~sn~s~~ ~nd~~,~hr~~ Division .. Powell replaces S. Stanley Sherman of Saginaw and will ".'... "{:,:";,:.... '",,,,,j}':./' duce its power. Sutan stops the represent processors on the Commission. A native of ~1issaukee County and a graduate of MSU, Powell first joined the Michigan Sutal1' SELECTIVE HERBICIDE tough grasses ... nutgrass, fall Elevator Exchange in 1950. .... panicum, Johnsongrass seed- An increasing number of Michigan dairy and beef cattle pro- ducers are turning to the use of LPS (liquid protein supplement) '::~::';"'::,:;i~ii:!i!!}r'..';,:::i;i:}?" I i n g s, w i Ide an e, fox t a iIsan d in their feeding programs . • Already more than 3,000 tons of LPS, which is supplied in many others. Get Sutan now. Michigan through Farm Bureau Services branches, has been delivered in the last seven months and the volume is expected to double within the next year, according to Don Shepard, Farm Bureau Services feed deparbnent manager. Shepard reported that 25 Farm Bureau Services outlets are now prepared to serve cattle raisers and at least 12 more Ctnters Where Your Farm Comes First will be equipped by July 1 to deliver the highly successful feed FaRm~ supplement. Labor-saving handling' is one of the major advantages of LPS as well as its proven nutritional benefits for feeding both dairy and beef cattle, according to Shepard. BUreaU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC Approximately 80 Farm Bureau Services field personnel par- ticipated February 2 at Lansing in a special one-day seminar to explain benefits of LPS and its use in modern feed manage- ment. The seminar program included latest information on feeding techniques by Dr. Gil Porter, research director of the Cooper- ative Research Farm at Syracuse, N. Y., and Dr. Donald Hillman, 205 Michigan State University dairy specialist. FOURTEEN ---------------- Some people reason that Old Mother Nature is responsible, to a certain degree, for the variance in property values. Thc differeJlce, they reason, in soil locations and other natural features ha\'e . resllltccl I :11 III" ][ ---------------- March 1, 1972 Iunder 1tax. 1proper Reasoning y oubeing I e MICHIGAN le mer that t it opo l't FARM NEWS various plans, impose a statewide property This could result in higher school taxes on t ts'd tl I an areas 0 is very f th t t unlikely that e s athe e. :1111:11 1111111III WI1 in man placing the value different on that property loperational funds of any school would be lowered, he most values. 1instead they'd all be brought up to the same level. to ~~r%x~~~s As 1:~~~~iI~~en~;~~s the country grew the listt~~ofR;~l~\~~~y taxable e~~~~p~:~~ property 1 It is fairly obviousPETITIONS from revi~wing previous action grew larger and larger, until this procedure was Ithat little if any property tax reform can be expected replaced by a "simple" policy that all property, not 1to pass in the state legislature. TJ:lisis, after all, an exempted, was taxable. From this emerged the election year. The alternative, if people actually general property tax - the concept that all property I . 1want property tax reform, is the use of the ballot both real and personal, tangible and intangible, was - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - to change the constitution. This would then require taxable at a uniform rate in each taxing district, the Legislature to follow through with a realistic unless it was exempted. tax reform. The general property tax was the main support /LI' KEN WILES Governor Milliken has taken the leadership in of state and local governments until the early part 7 this area and is leading a petition drive to amend of the 20th century. As the public demand for more DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS the Constitution through a vote of the people in and more govern'ment services progressed the entire November, 1972. The Democratic Party has also tax structure evolved into the highly complicated SpeCific provisions of the legislation to implement. announced its intention to have a separate petition system we know today. this recommendation must also protect against the drive for the same purpose. The outcome of this evolution is that the property use of low property taxes as a catalyst to land The main difference between the two petitions tax has been reduced from its original design as a speculation." is that the Democratic petition will contain pro- levy on the concept of wealth to one imposed mainly For some years Farm Bureau has consistently visions requiring a graduated income tax be adopted on the several parcels of real property in a given supported total tax reform. While much has been in Michigan. tax district. accomplished and the elements of balanced tax The question thus boils down to two points. One, Dependence on the property tax, coupled with structure are now available, the feeling prevails that do the citizens of the state of Michigan desire the high degree of geographic fragmentation of meaningful and lasting reform can now come only property tax reform to the extent that they are government, causes problems in land utilization. through a basic constitutional change. willing to support both petition drives sufficiently The Governor's Special Commission on Land Use The property tax burden continues upward and to put proposals to a vote in November? And second- recognized this when they submitted their report the situation is becoming more serious every year ly, do the citizens of the state desire to determine and two of their recommendations deal with property as farmers are finding it more and more difficult for themselves whether they want a flat rate income taxes. The recommendations read: to meet the tax bill. Continued voter rejection of tax or a graduated income tax? proposals for additional taxes emphasizes the need 6. "It is recommended that our present property for property tax reform and new approaches to MICmCAN TAX COMMISSION tax law be modified to reflect use-value assessment school finances. The Michigan Tax Commission, which is appointed rather than potential value assessment. A great deal of lip service, but little action has by the Governor with the advice and consent of the "An important factor in plan implementation for been given by state legislators regarding tax reform. Senate, is charged with many responsibilities. open space preservation and desirable~urban growth It appears, in some respects, they feel voters must Briefly the commission establishes the state equal- is the taxing and assessment policy of the govern- be spoon fed and that they are not.intelligent enough . ized value of each assessing district; hears appeal mental unit. As the urban fringe moves outward, to decide for tllemselves the type of tax reform they from local units of government and from taxpayers; one of the major pressures upon owners- of open want. prepares assessment rolls of public utilities and land is the increased tax burden caused by assess- In order to provide a sound basis for long range approves claims for exemp~ions on air and water ments which reflect the potential market value of and meaningful tax reform it now appears that in pollution, tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. the land if developed. Higher assessment valuations lieu of legislative action, what is- needed is people As can be imagined, one of the major responsibil- simply force open land to be developed - land which action. The people of this state must exercise their ities of the commission is the proper state ~qualiza- both the owner and the land use planner might have inherent powers and amend the Michigan Constitu- tion of the value of each county within the state. preferred to keep open. The disappearance of many tion. to - This is the third step in the assessment and equaliza- rich, unique environmental, recreational, scenic and Tax reform is a complex and a continuing process. tion process, which begins in each tax district with agricultural areas adjacent to growing urban areas Farm Bureau members, through their delegates at the local assessor and the Board of Review. can be attributed directly to these factors. the last annual meeting, pledged themselves to sup- This responsibility is further complicated with the "The use-value form of property tax assessment porting constitutional limits on the property tax. commission's responsibility of judging appeals. This will be necessary to the successful inplementation They also expressed the belief that to achieve greater at times becomes a difficult situation as the appeals of the open space district proposal. equity of taxation it is necessary to: are often the result of rules and regulations put into "Use-value assessment laws provide that those a. Find new sources of revenue for local units of effect by the commission. lands which are actually used for agricultural and government in order to relieve property taxes. Legislation that would create an appeals pro- open space purposes, and such other lands as qualify bIt. mprove assessmen an d equa I'Iza ti'on pro- cedure assuring ff' individua:l . d .. taxpayersI and local gov- under the specific terms of the law, should be as- d ernments an e IClent an Imparha procedure- there- ce ures. b f . th T C .. f h ' sesse d f or property taxation purposes on the basis' . y reemg e ax ommlsslon or ot er essential d of their value,S of agriculture, recreational and open f c. ~erTlt assessm~~t at taxatIo~ ~f ~e\~ property duties, such as th~ equalization functions, has been space uses. Other potential highest and best uses or sc 00 purposes e ITst year It IS Ul t. suggested. are to be ignored by the assessment officer. The d. Find new methods of financing school systems, LOCAL ASSESSOR . criterion in assessment valuation is the value of the with strict limitations on property taxes for educa- The key official in the determination of th~ tax- land in its present use, rather than in possible alter- tional purposes. able value of property is the tax assessor. Like many native uses. The use of nearby tracts of land for e. Use the income tax as the major source of funds officials, even though he performs his duties fairly other purposes, and the potential for shifts to other to finance schools. and according to rules and regulations imposed upon uses which buyers would consider in market trans- f. Assess agricultural land as farmland as long as him his services are not appreciated. actions should not be considered the determination it is so used instead of on its possible potential value .. Difference in valuation has been common, par- of assessed values. g. Prevent inequities arising from special assess- ticularly where a levy has been placed on two or 7. "It is recommended that there be a shift from ments on property that receives no benefit from the more tax districts, as in the case of school taxes. local property taxes as the rTUl;or source of local project. The thought has been expresc;ed that the Tax government revenue. The balancing of Michigan's tax structure should Commission should do a better job of providing local . 't' . h' f' h t d assessors with practical guidelines together with a '