MDCHDGAN'FARM ME' THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU VOL. 52, NO.1 MAKE IT HAPPEN JANU. T H E Y M A o E I Leaders in promoting marketing rights for agriculture. (Left to fight) Senator Zollar (R-Benton Harbor) introduced the legislation (S.1225), in the Senate last February; Rep. Bradley (D-Detroit) Chairman of the House Labor Committee that considered the bill after passage by the Senate; Rep. Cawthorne (R-Manistee) introduced similar legislation in the House and provided the floor leadership for pas- T sage of S.1225; Senator Ballenger (R-Dimondale) Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. This landmark legislation will provide marketing and bargaining rights to qualifying associations of producers of perishable fruits and vegetables. It is a tool that provides legal procedures for effective marketing of the commodities affected. To become law, the legislation now requires Governor Milliken's sig- nature. H GOAL COUNTIES 1. Mackinac • Luce A 2. Montmorency 3. P 4. 5. P 6. 7 E 8. 9. 1 O. N 1 1. 12. Otto Flatt, roll-call manager (left) and Jas Gribell, county presi- dent, beam proudly as Esther Flatt, county secretary, reports Mac- Luce County being the first county Farm Bureau to reach their1973 membership goal. IN THIS ISSUE Capitol Report Page 3 Golden Eagle Award Page 4 Farm Program Page 5 Discussion Topic Page 10 PAGE 2 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ~ANUARV 1, 1973 EDITORIAL ... PRESIDENT'S COLUMN ... MFB Receives A vvards Labeling "Collective Action" Man has a strong tendency to label each age "Today's agricu ~ural producer must become through which we pass. Today's age could well involved in the forces that influence his net be called "shove the blame on someone." returns. If he doesn't, he will find himself at the In our age, we have some of the best end of a long chain of decisions which can be so chemists, scientists and research people the costly that he simply can't stay in business. world has ever known. We also have new and Changes that may require vast new in- amazing research equipment and computers vestments in machinery and equipment, that can be used to find answers to many changes that may make it impossible to con- problems. tinue to operate his production pia nt; change We truly live in a fact-finding era, but the isn't hard to deal with if you know it's coming information is not always used in the best way and you have made plans to deal with it. And to benefit mankind. Shown holding the awards received by Michigan Farm Bureau at believe me, change is coming, whether you are Almost everyone quotes, misquotes, in- the AFBF annual meeting are: (left to right) Robert Braden, admin- producing meat, fruit, vegetables, grains or terprets or misinterprets "data" to make their istrative director, with the AAMA award for vegetables, grapes, cher- fiber. And, I'm not proposing that you fight it, point before the courts, the media or the ries-and asparagus marketing programs; Elton R. Smith, president, but rather that you accept it and influence it in public. Unfortunately, many of those utilizing MFB, with the Golden Eagle Award; Dean Pridgeon, vice-president, such a manner that you can maintain net scientific data are incapable, or unequipped, to MFB, with the three-star award for membership, young farmer and returns on your operations commensurate with interpret the information at hand. marketing activities. your costs and investments." Each group promoting or defending an issue "Here's a partial checklist. Ask yourself if you gathers facts as they see them and then at- are adequately prepared to deal wit~ these tempt to make a case for or against the idea or cha nges: cha nges in the food ma rket; cha nges product as it fits their purpose. We have only to observe the vast catalog of Regional Membership Report in living habits of consumers; changes in technology and processing and formulating; information, or misinformation,' that was as of December 21, 1972 increased concentration in your market; en- brought forth on the DOT issue around the viron menta I problems wh ich may move Region New Total %of Goal world and the confusion that resulted. processing to your farm or change it The current a nti-pesticide fad has caused a altogether; sanitation regulations imposed on Northeast 72 1950 69.66 much too rapid acceptance of data that bad the farmer, the processor and the formulators; Northwest 60 2121 67.18 effects and evidence of residue are present new nutritional requirements placed on your West Centra I 64 2340 60.71 without critically examining the methods used products; changes in the availability of energy. Saginaw Valley 166 4188 60.41 in reaching these conclusions or balancing the These are but a few that come to mind." Southwest 111 4884 59.72 degree of danger against benefits gained. "I suppose someone could observe, and Upper Peninsula 29 579 58.60 An interesting study conducted recently by a correctly so, that alii have said has been going Central 257 5250 58.37 group of Wisconsin scientists proves very on for years. Farmers have always had to deal West 127 4301 58.06 graphically why results from instrumental with change and some have been rather Thumb 155 5701 57.76 analysis should be studied much more enormous in their day, like shifting from animal Southeast 160 4210 56.20 carefully. In their studies of soil samples power to motor power. However, today's collected between 1909 and 1911 and stored changes come at a time when the farmers' STATE 1201 35524 59.60 in sealed jars since that time, what was thought political influence is limited, when so many of to be residues of lindane, heptachlor and the changes are subject to inputs over which aldrin, were actually other compounds. Instead he has very little controL" of using a single test as is commonly done, they used a more time-consuming procedure that New AFBF Membership Record "Can he impose his political influence? Yes, but I believe it highly unlikely in comparison involved three tests .. A new membership record of 2,175,780 member families was with the disciplines and money-raising systems Another issue in the limelight is the use of announced as the 54th annual meeting of the American Farm now being used by big labor and big business." nitrates/nitrites in preservation of certain Bureau Federation opened in Los Angeles on December 11. "How does the farmer then influence the meat products. The chemicals protect meat Roger Fleming, secretary-treasurer of the world's largest forces of change that .impact on his net in- from growth of the deadly botulism spores, general farm organization, reported an increase of 118,115 come? By collective action. And what does that enhances flavor and gives color to processed member families over last year's membership. "This is the mean?" meat. So far no other known safe substance largest increase in membership in any year since 1947, and the "It means discipline, you give up sOrPething produces these effects. A complicating factor, twelfth consecutive year the organization has recorded an to get something else. You give up growing however, is the discovery in recent years that increase in membership," he said. what you want, when you want, where you want nitrites may act with other chemical com- All four Farm Bureau regions had a gain in membership in to a system of producing for the market at a pounds to form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines 1972. The Southern, Midwestern, Western and Northeastern profit, just like your conglomerate customer have been found to cause cancer in ex- Regions exceeded 1972 goals, and the Southern and Mid- does." perimental animals. western Regions reached newall-time highs in membership. "Collective Action -- bargaining for price and According to the National Livetstock and The Southern Region is the first region in the history of Farm terms of sa Ie is entering a second stage. It is on Meat Board, there~s no direct evidence, as yet, Bureau to reach and exceed one million member families. the threshold of what I would call a period of that formation of nitrosamines in the human A total of forty-three state Farm Bureaus achieved 1972 maturing. We all know of the problems of stomach causes cancer. membership goals. Twenty-one states established newall-time recognition of the almost paranoic fear that the The cholesterol kick is also getting a big play membership highs in 1972. Fifteen states reported a mem- executives of some large food companies ~ave these days. bership gain over 1971 in 100 percent of their organized over the prospects of having to deal with A story in the December 10 issue of the county Farm Bureaus in 1972. organized producers." National Enquirer quotes a Dr. Walter W. "The maturing period will be characterized Sackett, Jr. of Miami, Florida, as saying "Milk is ~. by an acceptance by the food industry of the more deadly than cigarettes because the MICHIGAN IFARM NEWS idea of bargaining with organized producers. cholesterol it contains contributes to a million THIl ACTION ~aLICATloN or THI! MICHIGAN rA"M au"llAU With this accepta nce will come a new period of deaths a year in the United States. The milk- The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District I, Arthur sophistication where organized farmers, published monthly. on the first day. Bailey, Schoolcraft; District 2. Dean drinking habits of this country amount to by the Michiltan Farm Bureau, at its Prid~eon. MontRomery, R-l; District 3. working with their customer, will deal with the national suicide. The federal government publication office at 109 N. Lafayette .-\ndrew Jackson, Howell. R-l; Dis- problems brought on by change, farmers and Street, Greenville, Michigan. trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia. R-l; should do something about it, instead of letting Editorial and general offices at 7373 District 5. David Morris, Grand Ledge, handlers working together to improve net people think milk is good food." 'Vest Saltinaw Highway. ~fichiltan 48904. Post Office Box 960. Lansinlt, R-3: District 6. Jack Laurie, Cass City, incL)me for both. Working together doesn't R-3: District 7. Kenneth Bull, Bailey, If we were to believe everything we hear or Telephone, L:lOsinlt 48'5-8121. Exten- R-I; District 8. Harvey Leuenberger. mean one big happy farT}ily, but it does mean a sion 228. Subscription price, 50t per read about what we should or should not eat or year. Sa~inaw. R-6; District 9, Donald period of profitable coexistence." :"\u~ent. Frankfort. R-l; District 10, use, we just might starve. Established January 13. 1923. Sec- Richard Wieland, Ellsworth, R-l: Dis- These words, spoken by Ralph B. Bunje, ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, The American public needs to analyze more MichiJ;tan. trict II, Franklin Schwiderson, Dafter. General Manager, California Canning Peach closely the many statistics, warnings and EDITORIAL: Editor. Carl P. Kent- DmECTORS AT LARGE: Walter Association, at the AAMA conference held ner; Frahm. Frankenmuth; James L. Sayre. admonishments being beamed at them before Belleville: David Diehl. Dansville. during the 54th annual meeting of the OFFICERS: ~lichilZan Farm Bu- making decisions. It is also time for researchers reau: President. Elton R. Smith. Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. American Farm Bureau Federation, exemplifies donia. R-l; Vice President. Dean and analysists to come out of the shadows of Pridl!eon. Montgomery. R-I: Adminis- Richard Wieland, Elbworth, R-1. the policies adopted at our annual meeting FAR!\f BUREAU YOUNG FARM- their laboratories and insist the results of their tr:.tive Director, Robert Braden, Lan- sin~. ERS: William H. Spike, Owosso. when the delegates called for enabling work be used for the purpose it was intended legislation for state marketing programs, POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, rather than for selfish and distorted 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48904 central sales and marketing. propaganda. Second da •• postage paid at Greenville, Michigan Carl P. Kentner Elton R. Smith JANUARY 1', 1973 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 3 It Michigan Democratic fectively determine the proper expected to maintain 20 mills · I:'lllllrili. Agriculture Committee; Michigan Milk Producers Assocation; Women for the Survival of Agriculture Michigan (W.SA.M.) -- five in price and other terms of sale, and most importantly, can help lead to a stable and healthy agriculture and can help maintain the family-operated of local property tax plus an additional mill if the district has a deficit and must payoff past obligations. In addition, up to two more mills of local &11:IIIIIl1r chapters; Michigan farm. property tax would be ex- Agricultural Cooperative The final vote in both House pected to f ina nce specia I Marketing Association, Inc. and Senate is printed education. (MACMA) and its various elsewhere on this page. An interesting twist to the commodity divisions, including Anyone desiring a summary bill is that if the voters fail to , jT , asparagus, vegetables, of the marketing rights bill as authorize the required millage ~-- I i . I I~l ~~.~ . II, processing apples, red tart cherries, grapes and multi- passed may receive a copy by writing the Public Affairs the local school board would be permitted to levy a local ~~-~ ~~_ Robert E. Smith fruit (peaches, pea rs and Division, Michiga n Farm income tax sufficient to bring , t I - -~ plums); Michigan Celery Bureau, P.O.Box 960, Lansing, the district up to the required Michigan becomes the first way possible, as they Promotion Association; Michigan 48904. minimum standards. For state in the nation to pass recognized that any amend- several Pomster clubs; the example, a poor district with comprehensive "marketing ment would create a delay and grower section of the Farmers SCHOOL FINANCE $5,000 valuation per pupil rights" legislation allowing would, in effect, kill the bill due & Manufacturers Beet Sugar presently levying ten mills farmers, through qualifying to lack of time for further Association; Michigan The major issue facing the receives $615 of state aid and, organizations, to bargain with legislative consideration. One Commission on Agriculture; 77th Legislature when it with local tax, this totals $665 processors for price and other such crippling amendment Michigan Blueberry Growers convenes January 5 will be the per pupil. Under the new terms of sale. Tradional family- was defeated by virtue of a tie Association; Michigan Cattle whole controversial area of proposal state aid for that family-operated farms will at vote. After such maneuvers Feeders Assocation; Farm school finance. The defeat of distriCt would 'drop by nearly' last have strength through were effectively defeated,' the Burea u Young Farmer Proposal C at the polls assures half to $330. In order to their organizations to match final vote in the Senate on Committees; and Farm that property tax will continue receive as much or a little the buying power of the few December 14 was 23 to 8. Bureau Women's Committees. to be a major sources of school more the district would have large processing firms, many of Twenty votes are required in Strong support also came revenue. Court cases will to increase its property tax to wh ich a re controlled by the Senate to pass a bill. from other sources, especially require equity within the 20 mills or impose an income conglomerates. The fight for The fina I version, which is from fina ncia I i nstitut ions property tax structure, but will tax. A $15,000 district, for "marketing rights" led by expected to be signed by the which lend money to farmers. not eliminate or even provide example, presently receives Farm Bureau and supported Governor into law, is restricted Ba nkers a nd Prod uction property tax relief. $415 state aid if they levy ten by many other organizations, in its use to "perishable fruits Credit Association executives One new school finance mills. This would drop to $230- results from a policy of nearly and vegetables." It also has an know first-hand the financial proposal is already under -and again the district would four years standing. expiration date of September, situation facing the fruit and consideration. It was in- have to go to the 20-mill levy This landmark legislation 1976. It will permit producers vegetable growers. Contrary to troduced by Senator Bursley, or a district income tax in has received a great deal of of those commodities to be some newspaper and radio Chairman of the Senate' order to bring the state aid attention and support from represented by a cooperative reports, the Michigan AFL-CIO Education Committee. It is a back up to $460 per pupil. many people and association that must be ac- did not support nor oppose complicated bill, but in short Senator DeMaso has in- organizations, including credited by a marketing and S.1225. They took a neutral would guarantee equal ren- dicated that in his view school marketing experts from bargaining board that is position. venue per mill of tax regard- district budgets should be Michigan State University and created in the legislation. Once Other support for the less of per pupil valuation. state supervised, along with other marketing experts from the association is accredited, it legislation came trom recom- The first year that amount state auditing of school district . throughout the nation have can bargain with buyers of the mendations by the Special would be $38 per pupil per mill spending. He suggests that had input in helping to draft commodity on behalf of the Task Force on the Future of for the first 22 mills levied. centralized purchasing could the bill. producers of the commodity. Agricul tu re, appoi nted by Every school district would be also cut costs.. The final House vote on The legislation defines Governor Milliken a year or S.1225, the agricultural unfair practices on the part of two ago. The Task Force held marketi ng and ba rga in ing both the producer association hearings throughout the state STATE MARKETING RIGHTS LEGISLATION rights bill, came on December and the processor or buyer of on a" types of agricultura I The Michigan House of Representatives passed the House Substitute 13 in the House of the commodity. It assures issues and found strong for S. 1225 on Wednesday, December 13 by a vote of 66 yes and 32 Representatives. The vote was equitable treatment for all support by farmers for no. Fifty-six yes votes were needed for passage. a strong bipartisan 66-32. The producers, as well as equitable bargaining legislation. vote was nearly even between treatment for the buyers of the Another study was made by YEAS Democrats and Republicans. commodity. the Subcom mittee on Fifty-six votes are needed in The original bill was in- Agricultura I Sales and Allen Ford Mastin Smith, J. F. Marketing to the Rural Affairs Anderson, L. D. Gast McCollough Smith, R. the House to pass a bill. troduced in the Senate by Bradley Geerlings McNeely Snyder The strong vote may indicate Senator Zollar and others on Council. This subcommittee Brodhead Hellman Mittan Stackable ease of passage. Quite the February 21, 1972. was chaired by Mrs. Laura Buth Hoffman Montgomery Stallworth Cawthorne Holmes Mowat Strang contrary was true. Opposition Representative Cawthorne Heuser. Others on the sub- Copeland Hood, M. Ogonowski Swallow to the bill was extremely and others introduced similar committee included Robert Cramton Hood, R. O'Neill Symons strong; many parliamentary legislation to the House about Smith, representing Farm Del Rio Jacobetti Payant Traxler Edwards, G. H. Kehres Powell Trezise procedures were used to the same time. The Senate Bureau; representatives of Elliott Kelsey Prescott Varnum attempt to further delay or Agriculture Committee held processors, retai lers; Engler Kennedy Ryan Vaughn Michigan State University and Farnsworth Kildee Saunders Weber amend the bill and, thereby, two public hearings, plus Ferguson Kok Scrotkin Young, R. D. defeat it in the closing days of several committee meetings. the Michigan Department of Folks Law Sietsema Ziegler the session. The original bill then passed Agriculture. One of the Forbes Mahalak Smit Davis legislative recommendations Mahoney Representative Cawthorne the Senate on April 18 by a led the floor fight to pass the vote of 21 to 12. of this group was "Marketing bill, along with the strong The bill was then sent to the legislation should be adopted which will allow producers to NAYS support in the debate from House, where three more Representatives Bradley, public hearings were held organize and bargain as a Anderson, T. J. Defebaugh Heinze Sheridan Powell, Kennedy, Gast and around the state, along with group..." Baker DeStigter Huffman Smart As could be expected, the Bennett Edwards, F. R. Hunsinger Smeekens Mastin. Major opposition in the n u mer 0 u s com m it tee Brown, J. Friske Jowett Spencer floor debate came from meetings. It was reported out opposition came from a Brown, T. Groat Mansour Stopczynski Representatives DeStigter,. of committee on June 28 and coalition of middlemen, in- Bryant Guastello Nelson Walton cluding sugar beet processors, Clark Hasper O'Brien Warner Friske, Hasper, Spencer and then further consideration was Damman Hayward Pilch Wierzbicki Wierzbicki. delayed until the September Michigan Bean Shppers, The House-passed bill was a session. Michigan Canners and substitute version which During the September Freezers Assocation, Chain resulted from at least three session, efforts were made to Store Council, Michigan Food The Michigan Senate adopted the House Substitute for S. 1225 on public hearings held by kill the bill; these efforts Dealers Association, Thursday, December 14 by a vote of 23 yes and 8 no. Twenty votes Representative Bradley's failed. The bill was then processors, etc. were required for passage. committee, along with delayed further until It should be recognized that numerous committee November 27. Again, op- the law created by 5.1225 is YEAS meeting::.,many of which wer~1 po~ent~ delay~d action on the "enabling" legislation. Nothing in effect additional public legislation until the last week happens unless producers of Ballenger DcMaso Lodge Stamm hearings. ' of the legislative session. "perishable fruits and Bouwsma Faust Mack Toepp Bowman Faxon McCauley VanderLaan After passage by the House, Farm Bureau has led the vegetables" desire to organize Brown Fitzgerald Pittenger Young the bill was sent back to the fight for this landmark and use its provisions to set up Cartwright Lane Plawecki Youngblood Senate for concurrance on the legislation, along with strong lega I procedures for Davis Pursell Zollar substitute bill. Here again, the support from many other bargaining for the terms of support for the legislation was organizations from the state. sale. It requires processors and producers to bargain in NAYS led by Senators Zollar and Those supporting the Ballenger. Strong efforts were Ip' "~tion, in add.iti~n to Farm good faith and provides legal Hvkt:r Fleming McCollough Rockwell made by the opposition to BUI ~a~, were: Michigan. State protection to both. "'It is a Cooper Gray Richardson Rozycki amend the legislation in any Horticultural Society; marketing tool that can ef- PAGE 4 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS JANUARY 1, 1973 Washington Seminar Planned New OSHA Golden Eagle Award t~ MFB Michigan Farm Bureau hay listing-hay marketing; March 12-15 are the dates the two groups will have a day Presentation received the coveted Golden meat promotion; dairy Eagle Award during the 54th promotion; fa rm safety selected Washington for this year's Legislative of sight-seeing, including visits to historical monuments, the Available annual meeting of the campaign; farm labor in- Seminar, sponsored by the Washington Cathedral, Farm Bureau Women, along American Farm Bureau formation and recruitment; Michigan Farm Bureau Arli ngton Cemeta ry, Mt. with Young Farmer and other Federation held December 10- OSHA information program; Women. Vernon, and the Bureau of groups, will be using the new 14 in Los Angeles, California. farm records progra m; Young The project has become an Printing and Engraving. On OSHA information slide- The award is presented by Farmers Leadership Con- annual event to provide Farm Thursday, Legislative Leaders presentation to educate the American Farm Bureau ference; Young Farmers In- Bureau leaders an opportunity will aga in visit their members regarding the Federation to state Fa rm formation Conference and to go to the nation's capital congressmen and attend requirements of the Act. The Bureaus that make out- program; outstanding young and personally talk with their hearings .. highly -effective visual aid, standing progress in building farmer contest; commodity congressmen about issues of American Heritage tour which identifies hazards on and programming their. news reports on radio, importance to farmers. These participants will be on their the farm and relates them to organization so as to place specifically Navy beans, fruits IILegislative Leaders" are own for Monday evening the law, will be available primary emphasis on serving and vegetables. selected by their county Farm dinner and Tuesday breakfast. through each Farm Bureau farm and ranch families. Members are also provided Bureaus on the basis of their On Tuesday they may visit regiona I representative for The award is based on five many services by affiliate ability to discuss these issues congress, Michigan showings to groups. The criteria statewide companies. effectively. Each county Farm Congressmen, or attend presentation will be kept classification of members as to MACMA provides: apple Bureau is entitled to nominate committee hearings. In the updated as new standards go farmeror non-farmer, voting or mar k et i ng, m u It i - f r u it one individual as Legislative afternoon they will join the into effect. non-voting; special activities marketing; grape marketing, Leader. Nominations must be Legislative Leaders for the To make this information or procedures for recruiting vegetable marketing; feeder submitted to the Michigan remainder of their stay in progra m an "action project," a farm families as new mem- pig marketing; feeder cattle Farm Bureau office in Lansing Washington. a .check list will be used in bers; percentage gain in marketing; feeder cattle order by February 8, 1973. All county Estimated cost of the conjunction with the slide tape farmer members in both total buying. nominations will be reviewed seminar, for either the to further emphasize the membership and new mem- Farm Bureau Services by a panel of judges for final Legislative Leaders or standards of OSHA and at- bers; implementation' of a provides: volume refunds on approval of all Legislative American Heritage group, is tempt to gain a commitment p rogra m for id entifyi ng sales and pu rchases to FB Leaders. $140 per person. Those from members to meet these agricultural commodity in- members only; egg An II America n He rita ge" planning to participate in the standards. The presentation terest of members; and marketing; fowl marketing; tour is also available and is America n Heritage group was developed to be in- development and im- wheat marketing. open to any Farm Bureau should send their checks for formative to a II fa rmers, plementation of programs Farmers Petroleum member. that amount to the Michigan regardless of whether or not designed specifically for Cooperative gives new farmer Farm Bureau not later than they employ outside labor, members who are agricultural member discounts on pur- This plan offers an op- February 8. Coun ty Fa rm with the accent on the im- producers. chases. portun ity for spouses of Bureaus will be billed for their porta nce of safety for fa rm The purpose of this award Farm Bureau Insurance Legislative Leaders and other selected Legislative Leaders. family members as well as program is to recognize those Group provides: special interested persons to take The Michigan Farm Bureau employees. state Farm Bureaus which are farmer member rates and part in this activity. and the State Women's M.J. Buschlen, operations effectively programming to annual div'idends to MFB Tentative plans for the Committee will give $25 in manager of Michigan serve the needs of their farmer memoer Mutual Auto Legislative Seminar include a financial assistance to each Agricultural Services members. policyholders; dividends on dinner and workshop session county which sends a Association a nd author of the Programs conducted by Farmowners insurance; new with legislative leaders on Legislative Leader to the presentation, expla ins that MFB to serve their farmer environmental liability Monday evening; breakfast seminar. The $140 cost just" as highway signs inform of members are: protection; and Workmen's with Republican Congressmen covers a ir transportation, potential hazards and safety Blue Cross-Blue Shield Compensation for farmer Tuesday morning, followed by hotel accommodations, sight- regulations, and police issue prepaid hospital and medical members at group rates and visits with congressmen in seeing tour, lunch on the plane citations for the violation of insurance; Soybean Division; dividends. their offices or attendance at and lunch on Wednesday. these rules -- OSHA outlines committee hearings. Also The Farm Bureau Women's hazards on the farm, and Farm Bureau Women Promote ~ ... ~j.'. Safety schedu led is a noon luncheon Committee stresses the vital Labor Department officials can with Democratic importance of counties issue citations for violation of Congressmen, followed by selecting capable legislative the Act's requirements. visits with the Michigan leaders who will be valuable to Farm Bureau Women, or Congressmen. On Tuesday the organization in discussing other groups wishing to afte rnoon, the Legislative major issues and Farm Bureau promote this information Leaders join the American policies. Guidelines for project, should contact their Heritage grou p for a tour of selecting these leaders have regiona I representative for the U.S. Department of been sent to county Farm scheduling the new OSHA Agriculture and a free evening Bureaus, along with slide presentation. together. All day Wednesday, nomination forms. Citizenship Seminar Announced . Marge Karker . Farm Bureau Scholarships Available Michigan Farm Bureau's The deadline for applications for the Marge Karker-Farm 1973 Young People's Bureau Scholarship has been set for March 1. Michigan State Citizenship Seminar will be University students interested in the $400 scholarship should held June 18-22 at Ferris fill out the attached form requesting an application. The Farm State College, Big Rapids. Bureau Women may award the scholarship to one or two This will be the tenth annual What can one woman do to people, created much interest students this year. Citizenship Seminar for high promote such an important and was an effective way to Students applying for the scholarship, which is a gift, not a school students. The program, and broad project as safety? promote' both farm safety and loan, must be a memberof a Farm Bureau family, show financial as in previous years, will be That was the cha lIenge Farm Bureau. need and be enrolled at Michiagan State University in the field presented by outstanding facing Karen Weidmayer of of agriculture or related fields. These related fields may be food educators and will include Washtenaw County, who had This is just one of the ways in science, food marketing, food packaging, leadership training in such su bject matter as recently been na med second which Farm Bureau Women agriculture, journa lism related to agriculture, horticulture, Americanism, economic vice chairman of her county's throughout the state are agricultural technical course, veterinary medicine, human systems, pa rticipation in Women's Committee, and who promoting their top-priority medicine, or teaching (vocational agriculture and human political parties and people took her new responsibilities project of the year. In addition ecology). and governments around the very seriously. to promoting farm safety and The scholarship is available to students at MSU after three world. What better way, she meeting the standards of the terms at college or one year in the Agricultural Technical Each county Farm Bureau decided, than at the county fair Occupational Safety and Course. Students should have at least a 2.6 rating. Scholar- has been encouraged to pa rade. She borrowed the Hea Ith Act, the women are ships, which are to be applied toward the tuition of one year at sponsor four students who will "biggest a nd best" John Deere sponsoring first-aid training Michigan State University, can be renewed, but must be be juniors or seniors during tractor, equipped with all the and first-aid kits. Their goal is reviewed each year by the Farm Bureau Women's Scholarship the 1973-74 school yea r. latest safety devices, from a the development of first-aid Committee. Additional students will be local dealer for her parade emergency training courses so accepted on a first come, first vehicle. that at least one person in Return to: Women's Department, Michigan Farm Bureau served basis. Selection of Mrs. Weidmayer donned a each farm family in Michigan P.O. Box 960, Lansing, Michigan 48904 students will be made at the ha rd hat, decorated the tractor can handle an emergency on county level by individuals with signs proclaiming that their farm, and a first-aid kit on Please send me an application for the Marge Karker-Farm assigned this responsibility by "Farm Bureau Women ?~~ every farm and in every farm Bureau Scholarship. county Farm Bureau boards. behind their men in 05•.A home in the state. Many Anyone desiring more in- (farm safety)," and climbed counties are currently in the formation on the forthcoming aboard. The appearance of a process of planning first-aid Name County Young People's Citizenship woman driving this hUl3e courses in cooperation with Seminar should contact their tractor down Main Street the State Police or local Red Address county Farm Bureau secretary. waving and smiling at th~ Cross Chapter. JANUARY 1, 1973 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 5 Asparagus Acreage Reported Up Milk Cooling Farm Program Policy Approved The Michigan Crop Foster also reported that the Farm Bureau voting continuation of the set-aside Reporting Service has just survey indicates that released an asparagus acreage asparagus farms are getting May Need delegates have mapped out program with no further ex- farm program policy to replace pansion of grazing and no survey report. The acreage larger. Presently 24 percent of the current farm program harvesting of any commodities survey was conducted last the growers operate 69 Updating when it expires December 31, on set-aside acres. summer at the request of the percent of the fa rms with 20 1973. "Our objective is to create a Michigan Asparagus Research acres or more, which Michigan Farm Bureau's climate which will enable Many milk producers have Committee, according to Harry represents over two-thirds of policy recommendation, agriculture to return to the outgrown the refrigeration Foster, committee secretary- the state's acreage. adopted this past November, market price system. Con~ capacity of their present bulk treasurer. Approximately 94 percent of had the following to say abol:Jt tinuing use of direct corn- ta nk. Ma ny ta nks were The survey reveals that Michigan's crop goes to the the farm program: liThe modity payments will not designed to cool one quarter of there is a total of 18,493 acres canners and freezers. With the Agricultural Act of 1970 for permit agriculture to reach their volume capacity per of asparagus in Michigan. rema ining six percent to the feed grains and wheat will this objective. Therefore, new milking. This was adequate for Nea rly 11 percent of the fresh market. expire at the end of 1973. The programs should be designed producers six to eight years acreage was planted in 1972, current farm program and administered so that ago. Through gradual increase which is a sharp increase in Foster said, "This survey has provides producers with more market opportunities will be in the herd size, about one- asparagus plantings from a revea led significant acreage freedom and flexibility to plant enhanced, to the end that fourth of all Grade A producers few years ago. If this nearly and yield information about and is an improvement over farmers ultimately will not be in Michigan now fill their tank 2,000 acres per year pace which a II persons interested in previous legislation which dependent on government daily. This results in slow continues, Michigan will soon the asparagus industry were provided for marketing quotas payments but will earn their cooling to the required 50°F., be second-only to California in speculating prior to the sur- for wheat and acreage allot- income in the marketpl~ce. We especially during the summer aspa ragus acreage. vey." ments for corn. Any new farm oppose per farm payment months. Slow cooling quite Oceana County has the most The Michigan Asparagus program enacted by Congress limitations. We favor a land often results in higher bacteria asparagus acreage, with 6,788 Research Committee supports should retain these desirable retirement program to assist counts and the production of acres, or 36.7 percent of the projects to improve asparagus provisions. However, we in the adjustment to a market-. odors and off flavors in milk. state's tota I. Va n Buren, yields. Several research support a return to a market- oriented agriculture." Mixing this milk with other Berrien and Cass Counties are projects at Michigan State oriented agriculture and the This national policy con- milk on the tank truck and at next with 5,135 acres (27.8%), University are being funded by elimination of compensatory cerning the set-aside program the dairy plant lowers the 2,823 acres (15.3 %) and the committee, through the payments as soon as prac- agrees with our state policy. overall quality of the whole 1,529 acres (8.3%) respec- American Farm Bureau ticaL" Michigan's policy recorn- milk. tively. Resea rch Foundation. This state policy recom- mendation had this to say Milk may be held two or three days at a plant before mendation dea It with a about the set-aside program: Member-lo-Member Sales processing, so good quality to national issue. It was but one "Set aside acreage should be The member-to-member The five regions which or- start with is essential for it to of many state policies on released only in case of sale of "Florida's Best" citrus dered and rece ived the remain that way until government farm programs disaster. We urge the enact- has been a very successful greatest number of cartons of processed. considered by voting delegates ment of legislation to prevent project again this year. Over citrus per Farm Bureau It's a well established fact at the December American set-aside acreage from being fifty county Farm Bureau units member were as follows: that raw milk stored at 40oF. Farm Bureau convention in used to produce a grain or oil have participated in the Upper Peninsula, 130. percent or below, will not increase in Los Angeles. crop." project. Navel oranges, pink participation; Northwest bacteria counts for a long At Los Angeles, the voting The question of "set-aside" seedless grapefruit and Michigan, 65 percent; North- period of ti me. A second delegates approved policy on acreage not being planted to tangelos are being enjoyed by east Michigan, 35 percent; reason for checking efficiency the farm program to be con- harvestable commodities members and their friends, West Central Michigan, 30 of cool ing ta nks relates to sidered by the 93rd Congress. (excluding grazing) will be an according to Harry A. Foster, perce nt ; and Sout hea st butterfat. Butterfat in milk at Excerpts follow: liThe issue when the new farm MACMA. Michigan, 25%. The regional approximately 50-55u F. under Agricultural Act of 1970 program is drafted later this The quality has been very representatives from these consta nt agitation will churn. permits increased freedom year. Meanwhile, the current good so far this year. Counties regions were recognized for Churning of butterfat in milk and flexibility to plant and is farm program will govern the have reported that "Florida's their efforts at a recent makes it impossible to obtain a an improvement 0 v e r harvesting of commodities on Best" couldn't be better. meeting in Lansing. representative sample for previous legislation for wheat, set-aside acreage through Foster reports that severa I butterfat testing. This always cotton and feed grains. We 1973. It allows the planting counties a re a Iready making Foster said, "Members will results in a lower fat test for support a temporary extension and harvesting of crops such plans for additional orders of appreciate knowi ng that the producer, which means a of the Act of 1970 with as rapeseed and sunflowers on this fine citrus later in the apples have been shipped to loss of money. Any producer mod ificatjons. We favor set-aside acreage. winter. February and March Florida. And, we expect this who has small chunks of butter will be a prime time to carry project to be expanded." floating around on the surface out this operation again. The MACMA staff a p- of the milk in the bulk tank is Counties should band their preciates the fine cooperation losing money. orders togethe r for a of all county citrus chairmen, Michigan's original Farm truckload. Order information county secretaries and other Bulk Tank Milk Law passed in will be sent to counties in early county leaders who made this 1957, was repealed in 1965 January. program.a great success again. (by adoption of Act 233 P.A. 1965). The original law Bailey Joins AFBF official magazine, "The specif ied a 400 F. cool i ng American Farmer," and temperature which most production of visuals. producers met with very little Prior to joining the staff of difficulty. From 1965 to the "The Farm Quarterly," Bailey present, herd sizes have was director of com- grown, and production per cow munications and research for has increased resulting in Michigan Farm Bureau from more milk to cool in a shorter December, 1964 to December, period of time. Average daily 1968. Before joining the MFB milk production per producer staff, he worked as director of in 1965 was 879 pounds communications for the compared to 1,289 pounds Alabama Farm .Bureau today. Federation, after serving as Large volume milk a ssis ta nt director of producers may want to con- Melanie Eberbach, willowy 18-year-old daughter of Mr. and organization for the same sider plate or tubular coolers if Mrs. Charles Eberbach of Ludington was crowned 1973 orga nization. their present system is Michigan State Apple Queen during the Michigan State Hor- ~ Before joining the Alabama ina deq uate. These coolers ticultural Society's '102nd annual convention held in Grand Charles H. Bailey, former FBF staff, Bailey was lower the temperature of milk Rapids. associate ed it or of "The Farm agricultural representative for from the cow to below 40o.F. in The Women's Auxiliary of the Horticultural Society co- Quarterly," Cincinnati, Ohio, the Merchants and Planters a few seconds. The bulk tank sponsors the Queen Contest with the Michigan Apple Com- has been na med assista nt Bank, Uniontown, Alabama, serves as a storage tank only mittee. Co-chairmen of the contest were Mrs. John Nyes, St. director, information division, handling farm loans. During in this situation. Joseph, and Mrs. Donald Stover, Berrien Springs. of th~ American Farm Bureau the time Bailey was in The Department of The new Apple Queen will spend a major portion of 1973 Federation, according to an Alabama, he was also engaged Agriculture suggests dairymen touring the country, making public appearances to promote announcement by William J. in farming, operating rt beef review their cooling facilities. Michigan's Flavorbest Apples. She will also be a contestant in Kuhfuss, AFBF president. cattle herd. He also farmed in It might also be helpful to the United States Apple Queen Contest to be held in Penn- Bailey will be located in partnership with his father consider all changes and sylvania in the fall of 1973. AFBF's Park Ridge offices and nea r Monteva 110, Ala ba ma, and expansion made in the last five Queen Melanie was chosen above her competitors on the his duties will include serving for four years operated a years. Many may find their basis of "Apple Knowledge" 25%, beauty 50%, and personality as assistant editor of the AFBF 2,000-acre da iry fa rm with a operation has changed con- and poise 25%. Each contestant is required to have a con- 125-cow dairy herd, before he siderably over the past five nection with Michigan's apple industry and each was previously officia I weekly newsletter, entered army service the years, but the same cooling selected Apple Queen of her particular county in earlier con- "Farm Bureau News," con- tributing articles to the AFBF second time. facilities are being used. tests this year. PAGE 6 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS JANUARY 1, 1973 Pictorial .u~,.lV ,c. $t ~ Report ~# A:N-N.:j.A ~ hUtTING For December Ten thousand people at the opening session of the American Farm.Bureau Federation's 54th annual meeting in Los Angeles. Even the planes had to be deiced before leaving Michigan for the AFBF convention Flanked by TV cameras and newsmen, Earl L. Butz, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, in Los Angeles. during a news conference at the AFBF convention. Part of the over 600 Michigan Farm Bureau members on their way to sunny Cali- UFWOC pickets supporting the lettuce boycott were 200 strong at the AFBF con- fornia and the AFBF convention. vention when Frank E. Fitzsimmons, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters spoke. I Erma Angevine, executive director of the Con- Howard Heath, farm director, radio station WPAG, sumer Federation of America, speaking at the MA FC and president of Michigan Farm Radio Network, ac- annual meeting, said the "farmers want and need a cepts the Radio Award from Eugene Erskine, MMPA, Frank E. Fitzsimmons, president, International higher price for the products they sell and consum- during MAFC's annual meeting for his work with Brotherhood of Teamsters, as he spoke to Farm Bu- ers want lower food prices." Michigan farmers and cooperatives. reau members at the AFBF convention. JANUARY 1, 1973 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 7 - NOTES - Farm Bureau Services and Farmers Petroleum Cooperative MFB Receives again will sponsor a series of "Open Line" meetings in i-ebruary, providing a renewed opportu,nity for local CROP Award cooj:'eratives and farmer patrons to exchange I.deas (:>n m~rket prospeL'ts, supply information and the latest In agn-buslness Michigan CROP Chairman, developments. Elmer A. Lightfoot, presented Donald R. Armstrong, executive vice president of both state- Michigan Farm Bureau wide farmer-owned cooperatives, said the schedule of meetings President, Elton R. Smith, with will be: February 19, McGuire's Restaurant, Cadillac; February a CROP 25- Yea r Service 20, Zehnder's Restaurant, Frankenmuth and February 21, Award at Michigan Farm Holiday Inn, Battle Creek. - , Bureau headquarters on Program details will be announc.ed later, but the format will November 17. Also present for provide for an open discussion of farm supply developments the presentation were Robert President Elton R. Smith (center) accepts the CROP Award and re-evaluation of farmer needs for the coming year. Braden, Helen Atwood and from Elmer A. Lightfoot, Michigan CROP Chairman, on behalf of All of the meetings will include reports to farmer patrons of. David C. Bower, Michigan Michigan Farm Bureau members as Helen Atwood, coordinator, the market outlook by Farm Bureau Services and Farmers CROP Director. CROP is the Women's Activities, MFB, looks on. Petroleum executives. Community Hunger Appeal of the community grain collec- program, "SHARE-A-LOAF," Church World Service, and tions for CROP as they which has been prof(loted * * * * * was formerly the Christian coordinated the collections through local Farm Bureau Rural Overseas Program. with local church people in Women and Farm Bureau A new agreement between Michigan Elevator Exchange The Service Awa rd each rural county. Carl Buskirk study groups. Farm Bureau Division of Farm Bureau Services and the Grand Trunk presented to President Smith was the first MFB represen- Women who have served on Railroad providing for direct containerized shipment of reads: "CROP commends tative on the Michigan CROP the CROP board in addition to Michigan-grown beans to ocean ports for overse~s .delivery is MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU for Board of Directors. Dan Reed Helen Atwood are: Mrs. expected to improve export markets for Michigan bean outstanding leadership and served on the CROP board Carlton Ball, Mrs. Carl Topliff, producers. dedicated service in the from 1953-1971, providing Mrs. Glen Hombaker and Mrs. The agreement permits loading of 8'x8'x20' conta iners on campaign to help stop hunger outstanding leadership as the Herman Speirling. MFB has railway flatcars at the Exchange's Saginaw Terminal for a round the world." CROP program changed and also promoted CROP through shipment to ocean ports. Previously, rail rates allowed only for In presenting the Service developed, including his role radio progra~s, F~RM NEWS, bean shipments in bags. Award, Chairman Lightfoot as chairman from 1958-1963. ad sponsorship, displays and Edwa rd R. Powell, vice president of the Elevator Excha nge reiterated the dyna mic Division, said the new shipping rules will reduce handling costs Helen Atwood is currently the mailings. leadership MFB has provided MFB representative to the The Michi~an CROP goals and speed shipment to European markets .. over 25 years to help CROP CROP board. for 1972 (their 25th year) are: Michigan produces 42 percent of all beans grown In th~ U.S. become a viable means of The Michigan Legislature on $110,000 of hunger funds, and approximately $15 million worth of beans are shipped sharing. In the first year of October 4 adopted House $15,000 to purchase blankets abroad each year, Powell said. CROP (1947-48), Ben Hen- Concurrent Resolution #630 and 160,000 pounds of new Each container contains 40,000 pounds of beans. nink, then Director of the Farm (offered by Representative and used c1othin~ .. Bureau Youth Program, was Stanley Powell) commending Some ~f, CROP ~ ~o.mmunlty loaned to CROP part-time to CROP sharing during the past fund-raiSing actiVities a~e: coord inate the gra in collec- 25 years. MFB was one of the door-t6345.Phone: 612-632-8240. (l-lt-3Opl "11I111 T111~(;S FHEE" (64-Page hook) $1 - 250 mixed culinary seeds $1. Nichols Garden :\L\lJ.:\I.\HT. Carrollton. Kentucky 42008. ~ursery. 1190 Pacific. Albany. Oregon 97321. ( HC-lIbl ( 7 -Ilt -37p I :\I.\KE YOl'R WILL! WilY DELAY? Four LIVESTOCK KI..\(;t.:H'S DEK.\LB PIWFIT Pl'I.I.ETS - Will Forms and attorney's inCormative 54-page Order your slarted pullets that have been book. $1.00 (Guaranteed I Nationwide En- raised on a proven growing program. The STOI' Ill'STY WATEB FHO.\I IU'I;\;I;\;G EI.El'THI(' POWEB PI.A~TS Ac and DC by terprises. Inc .. Department MF-173. 247-()3 81 growing hirds arc inspected \\eekly by trained W.\SII. staining fixtures. Proven filter keeps Pincor. Tractor PTO. Portable and Stationary Avenue. Bellerose. New York 11426. (l-lt-26pl IIEHEFOHD \\l'U.S - pure bred herd sires. staff. vaccinated. debeaked and delivered by complete water system free oC rust. sand, Engine Plants. Camper Units. Battery Hl'ady lor service. Also. registered heifers and LIS in dean crates. If you keep records. you will tastes. odors and other impurities. Uses Chargers. Designed Cor Heavy Duty Motor "l'alves. Egypt Valley Hereford Farm. 6611 keep KI..\(;t':H DEK.\LBS. KI..\(;EH IL\T- l'Conomical. washable filters. :lO day Irial startings. Also Electric Motors. Heavy Duty 1~"I,\SSOHTED SWEET O~IO;\; PLAJ'IOTSwith Knapp SI.. Ada. l\1ichigan. Phone OR 6-1090. ('11 EH I ES. Bridgewater. :\lichigan. offer. I"ree information. Write: RUSTHAP. for Home. Farms or Industry. Discount priced. free planting guide $4.80 postpaid. TONCO. I Kent County) (1I-tC-25b) Telephones: :U3 429-7087 or :l\3 428-3034. K.16-AC\\'. i9lh.l\linneapolis. l\linnesota 55420. Decatur Electric i\lotor Service. R-1. Box 281. "home oC the sweet onion." Fannersville. Itr-SObl ( 12-tf-41bl Decatur.l\lichigan 49045. (5-tC-48bl Texas 7SO:l1. (1-45-2Op) PAGE 12 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS JANUARY 1, 1973 •.. one of the reasons we're in business. That's why Farm Bureau Insurance Group Farmowners, Homeowners, or Mobile Homeowners policies each provide automatic liability coverage for your snowmobile at no extra cost ... on or off your property. Many companies charge up to $34 for each machine. Check the facts. And we'll take care of damage to your snowmobile ... with an Inland Marine policy. Call your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent. He knows about you and your snowmobile. He probably . has one of his own. .. :, FARM BUREAU INSURANCE ~. 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