FaRm~ Bureau TV-2, Detroit, films one of the approximately 300 Farm Bureau members who visited 70 supermarkets in the Detroit area on April 6. The farmers talked to consumers about the effects of the meat boycott on farmers and consumers . . ..;....... :.:.; .... Terming the Michigan Senate's action t9 endorse a moratorium on meat as irresponsible, President Elton R. Smith at a news conference in late March, went on to say " ... current price trends are a direct result of inflation. In- flation, which for the most part, has been caused by irresponsible action on the part of public officials." This truck load of livestock caught the. eye of many con- sumers at a major shopping center in Saginaw on April 7 where farmers talked to consumers and passed out leaflets explaining the farmers plight in the meat boycott. PAGE 2 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MAY 1,1973 Consumer unrest, and the resulting meat boycott, is an excellent example of the hopeless frustration being felt by the An:'erican people as a result of spiraling inflation and its effect on the economy. President's There is no doubt in anyone's mind that prices, all prices, have been steadily rising with increased acceleration in the past few years. Consumers have awakened to the realization which we in agriculture have known for a long Column time -- their purchasing dollar buys less and less each month. The boycott has been one means of venting their frustrations and at the same time demanding positive action by government to reverse the trend. In response to the hue and cry for corrective action, our elected representatives have proposed all sorts of "stop-gap" measures, such as price and wage freezes, price ceilings and price roll backs. The fact that their ac- tions are forthe most worthy of motives -- pleasing those who put them in office is reminiscent of ancient times u when heretics were "saved" by torture and execution. But how long will these superficial efforts to pacify the consumer hold back the inflationary economic pressures which are causing run away prices? It appears to me that the time is now, before it is too late, to attack the cause of higher prices u government fed inflation. For far too many years, our legislators have again and again responded to the demands of labor and other special interest groups without any regard forthe final consequences. , For too many years new and costly programs have been created, without concern for the taxpayer who ultimately pays the bill. I welcome the consumer's concern about high prices, but question whether some are actually willing to fight a sincere battle against inflation. AFL-CIO President George Meany has said that labor is "prepared to sacrifice as much as anyone else" in combating inflation. Mr. Meany also said, "There is no way union members are going to let their unions settle for a wage increase that won't even payfor their increased food bill." Good! But lets keep the record straight. It's true food prices have gone up; but union members have never before in the history of this country been able to purchase their food supply with so small a percentage of their paychecks as they are able to do today. Rather than advocate action which could well lead to regulating agriculture into extinction, I challenge George Meany or any other labor, business or social leader to point the finger at budget-breaking Congressmen who are responsible for fanning the fires of inflation. Let's start by being more selective about shopping for fiscally . responsible Congressmen who will get us.the government we can afford. As long as big government continues to increase spending, and attempts to deal with the result through "Courage economic control of wagesand prices, people will continue to be frustrated about high prices and may lose faith in the soundness of government decisions. It is time for our elected legislative leaders to face the problem which they, for the most part, have caused. This will take courage, for there are those who would rather attack the symptoms of inflation than to admit their own Needed" mistakes. But if they are unable to muster the necessary courage to work for a cure, their attempt to remedy our economic ills by treating symptoms may, in the long run, be worse than the cure. Elton R. Smith BURR. utJC=R THE SADOLE Scholarships Awarded MICHIGAN FARM NEWS "Anyone want to be a Bureau members in Arenac patient?" By the time Bonnie County for many years. Kathy Barrett entered first grade, is a sophomore at Michigan THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE she had asked that question State University, enrolled in MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU thousands of times, worked Animal Technology. As a part her way through two doctor of her placement training, she kits, several bags of red hot is currently working in the The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is published monthly. on the first day. by Il pills" for you-name-it ills and Small Animal Vet Clinic at the the Michigan Farm Bureau. at its ordered her first nurse's university. publication office at 109 N. Lafayette Street. Greenville. Michigan .. uniform from Sears. Love of animals goes back a Editorial and general offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing • . long time for Kathy, as she Michigan 48904. Post Office Box 960. . Several years. later, Bonnie served as a 4-H Horse Club Telephone. Lansing 485-8121.Extension !S no longer plaYing nurse; she leader and supervised younger 228. Sub;cription price. 50t per year. Established January 13. 1923. Secood IS .well on" her "way toward 4-H'ers at state events. A Class Postage paid at Greenville. Michigan. b~ln~ a rea lone. The "pro" in the show ring, she is E))JTOHIAL: Editor: Kenneth P. Mlchlga~ Farm Bureau Women considered an outstanding Wiles OFFWEHS: Michigan Farm Bureau: are h~lpmg her ~each her goal horsewoman and trainer. President. ..-:lton H. Smith. Caledonia. R- I: Vice President. Dean Pridgeon. of. being a Registered ~urse The Michigan Farm Bureau !\Iuntgompry. H-l: Administrative With a Bachelo~ ?f SCience Women's Committee offers the Director. Hobert Braden. Lansing. DIRECTORS: District 1. Arthur de~ree .from Michigan State Marge Karker - Farm Bureau Bailey. Schoolcraft: District 2. Dean University. Now a sophomore Scholarship to Michigan State Pridgeon. Montgomery. R-l: District 3. Andrew Jackson. Howell. R-l: District 4. ~t MSU, the daughter of long- University students from Farm Elton R. Smith. Caledonia. R-l: District time Farm Bureau .members, Bureau families each year. The 5. David Morris. Graoo Ledge. R-3: District 6: Jack Laurie. Cass City. R-3: Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Barrett students must show financial District 7. Kenneth Bull. Bailey. R.l: of Mason, was recently need and be majoring in District 8. Larry DeVuyst. Ithaca. R-4: District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort. R- awarded a $200 Marge Kar~er agriculturally-related courses 1: District 10. Richard Wieland. - Farm Bureau Scholarship, or medicine. Ellsworth. R-l: District 11. Franklin Schwiderson. Dafter. sponsored by Farm Bureau The Women's State DIRE(TORS AT LARGE: Walter Frahm. Frankenmuth: James L. Sayre. Women. Scholarship Committee Belleville: David Diehl. Dansville. WOl\lEl\: OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. Bonnie, Ingham County recently interviewed this Richard Wielaoo. Ellsworth. R-t. Farm Bureau Queen, has year's applicants forthe Marge FARM BVRE,\U YOUNG FAR- MERS: William H. Spike. Owosso. been active in 4-H -- winning Karker Farm ~ureau several leadership and Scholarship (which is a gift, achievement awards -- and not a loan) and announced Puerto Rico Tour POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mail to: Michigan Farm News. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Michigan 48904 aIso in her church where she their decision that the two Arrangements are now This is an especially designed was director of the children's girls would each receive $200 being made for you and 148 Farm Bureau tour for Farm Second class postage paid at choir. toward her fall term tuition. other Farm Bureau members Bureau members. (ireen\'iIIe.l\1ichigan Sharing honors in the Members of the State in the state to visit Puerto Rico Since all arrangements are scholarship winners' circle is Scholarship Committee are: the latter part of January, not complete at this time, a Kathryn Augustine, daughter Mrs. Harold Greenhoe of of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Carson City; Mrs. Leon Cooper 1974. firm cost cannot be given. More details will be announced FaRmr1 Augustine of Standish. The of Mesick, and Mrs. Henry Augustines have been Farm Jennings of Swartz Creek. This is not a tour which you could buy at a travel agency. in the Michigan Farm News next month. BUreaU MAY 1,1973 III III r"O I I . MICHIGAN FARM NEWS SWAMPTAX REVENUES INCREASED A few years ago Farm clerk of the oounty where the voter resides, who in turn would send the application to PAGE ~ time, export sales nave 111- creased considerably --- over 90,000 cases were shipped to 'I'"ll: II:1'111' , !~~~Jff~~~~~~~i~?{~~ Bureau initiated and sup- the proper city or' township Europe and Japan in 1972 . ~~~:;~~~::: . :. ported a bill which raised the clerk. There ~he ~ecessary Other exports incluce turkey •. state-owned, ~~ffc~;i1!f:i~{~~~ state pays the county a fee on him that he IS offlcla lIy tremendous potentia I for tax-reverted registered and also specifying Michigan products in the I lands'in lieu of property taxes. the precinct where he could countries of the Middle East. 1 . These state-owned lands are vote.. Agriculture is now coming into ~ _ ~_ : ~ . .' I, found in the northern part of The computer system now its own. Presently there is a _~ _ - ~ the Lower Peninsula and in the used for driver's license world shortage of many ,v , ~- Robert E. Smith Upper Peninsula. renewal is so accurate and food stuffs.' Experts predict ~ -~ The Senate has passed S.85, efficient that it would be very that only 'agriculture and introduced by Senator Davis simple to add voter agricultural exports can save FARMLANDASSESSMENT farmland, and would not apply and co-sponsored by Senators registration to it as a service to the American dollar. They also LEGISLATIONPOSSIBLE to the house and buildings. Mack, Toepp, Richardson and local clerks. Whenever there maintain that future foreign Prospects for passage of During the period of time Bouwsma. Farm, Bureau also was any change in the address policy will be 0il for food";1I legislation to place some that the land was under this supports the bill: If passed in of a licensed driver, the clerk America is no longer the self- limitation on the assessment speciaI taxing provision, the the House, the per acre would immediately be notified sufficient nation it once was, of farm land appearto be good, assessor would also keep a revenue will be raised to 50C so that the necessary changes and is becoming more and providing farmers support the record of the value of the per acre, with a provision that could be made in the local more dependent upon foreign legislation. property as it would ordinarily it will automatically increase voter registration list. countries for critical raw -- Several bills have been be assessed. The owner could 4C per acre every two years for Michigan is one of a very few materials. However, America introduced again this year. withdraw the land from the at least six years. At the end of states where such a program can produce the food that is One bill (H.B. 4244) has program during any year after the six-year period, the figure could be used. This is due to badly needed in other parts of received a great deal of three years of the first five- will be 62C per acre -- more the fact that the Elections the world. consideration by the House year period. The owner would than three times the present Division and the Driver Michigan agriculture must Taxation Committee; after notify the assessor of his in- amount. Licensing Division are both continue to get its share of this several amendments it was tention to withdraw; after two Under the present law, the within the Secretary of State's vast market. In orderto ensure reported out of Committee to years the assessor would with- monies are handled by the office. Michigan's effici~nt this, port facilities must be the floor of the House. As this draw the land from such Allocation Board and divided computer system h.as worked improved; for instance, the, is written, the bill has passed classification. When the land only between the schools and well for sending partially Saginaw Port must be second reading, is on the floor .was withdrawn from the the townships. Under S. 85, completed applications for deepened so that it can ac- for third reading and awaits program there would be a five- the county will also receive a both driver licensing and commodate larger ships now action by the House when it year rollback, in which the share; schools will receive vehicle licenses directly to the coming through the St. returns after the Easter owner would pay the dif- 20C, counties 15C and individuals. Lawrence Seaway. Saginaw is recess. ference between the taxes he townships 15C. This revenue an important port in the ex- H.B.4244 was introduced by had paid on the property and sharing amounts to more than EXPORTSAND FURTHER porting of farm products. Representative Dale Warner the tax that would have been $1,080,000 and will be ex- GOVERNMENT It is expected that a bill will (R-Eaton Rapids) and 52 due had it been assessed in tremely important to the REORGANIZATION soon be introduced which others, including both the regular manner. revenue position of many Plans are being made to would further reorganize some Democrats and Republicans. counties, having stateowned establish a Michigan trade departments of state govern- As origina Ily introduced, the In order to discourage swamp lands. office in the Middle East ment. This would include the bill would have set a specific speculators, land developers (possibly in Beirut), in ad- enlargement of the Depart- tax levy on farmland. As and others who have no in- dition to the present Brussels ment of Commerce through amended by the House and tention of keeping the land in A NEW IDEA IN VOTER sales office wh ich wa s transfers of the Export Section put into substitute bill form, agricultura I use for long .REGISTRATION established early in the year within the Marketing Division the bill is' an optional method periods of time, the bill Secretary of State Richard and the newly opened export of the Department of of farmland taxation and limits provides a series of penalties Austin is supporting trade office in Tokyo. Agriculture and the Tourism the assessed valuation of the for those who sell the land or legislation, H. 4240, which Overall, the export market Division of ttie Department of. land. change its use during the five- provides a new idea for the now provides about 11% of Natural Resources. The Any f.armer wishing to use year period. If this is done registration of voters. Michigan farm income. In some purpose of the bill, it is said, is the legislation would make during the first year, the Presently, through the use of a cases the percentage is much to center overseas trade ac- application. He may qualify by penalty would be 24.4% of the computer system, every driver higher; for example, the navy tivities within one department having 60 or more acres which State Equalized Valuation of receives a printed application bean producer must depend of government. Farm Bureau is have been devoted to the land; the second year it from the state for his new on export sales for as much as most involved in this issue, agricultural or horticultural would be 19.4%; the third driver's license. Under this 30% of his income. Reports concerned as to whether the use for at least three of the year 13.6%; the fourth year legislation at that time, he indicate the largest exports interests of Michigan previous five years. Those 9.8% and the fifth year 4.8%. would also receive an ap- from Michigan were in the agricultural producers would farming between five and sixty The Attorney General's plication to register. to vote. areas of vegetables and be best served by su,ch acres can also qualify, office testified before the The voting registration ap- preparations, which include reorganization. The Depart- providing they have produced, House Taxation Committee plication would be sent in, navy beans. The next largest m~nt of Agriculture has, up to through ,agriculture or hor- that, in their opinion, this along with the driver's license export commodity was feed this time, and with limited ticulture, a gross of $100 per. a pproa ch is const itut iona I. application, and processed grains, followed by wheat and resources, accomplished a acre of. tillable land during Constitutionality has been one through the computer system. flour. Red tart cherries were great deal in assisting to ex- three of the previous five of the big problems in trying to The voter registration ap- displayed in Tokyo food shows pand foreign markets for years. arrive at some solution to the plication would be sent to the in 1971 and 1972; since that Michigan farm products. Once' accepted for the farmland assessment problem. program, the assessment for If the bill passes the House, tax purposes would be based it will then be sent to the on the USDASoil Conservation Senate to be considered by the Service land capability Senate Taxation Committee. It classifications. For land is possible that it might be classifications I and II, the further changed. value would be set. at $200 The bill is a temporary per acre; Class III, $160 per measure, as it specifically acre; Class IV, $120 per acre; states that applications would Classes V, VI and VII, $80 per not be accepted after 1976. By acre and Class VIII, $40 per placing a limit on the life of the acre. The total valuation of a legislation, it will be possible to farm would be made up of the determine how well it works, various classifications found what the costs might be and on the farm; for instance, a this also gives the Legislature portion of the farm might be time to work on an over-all classified I and II and assessed land use plan. at $200, while other portions Legislators and others are of the farm, in their proper beginning to realize that good Legislators attending the March 27 Farm Bureau legislative seminar for northern and classifications, would be farmland is being forced into Upper Peninsula counties included: (top, left to right) Senators Robert Davis (R-Gaylord); assessed according to the other uses, in many cases due Arthur Cartwright (D-Detroit); John Toepp (R-Cadillac); Robert Richardson (R-Saginaw). scale. These, added together, to confiscatory property Bottom (left to right) Representatives Charles Varnum (R-Manistique}; Jack Gingrass (D- would make up the tota I taxation. The purpose of the Iron Mountain); George Prescott (R-Tawas City); Mark Thompson (R-Rogers City) and valuation of the farm for legislation is to encourage the Dennis Cawthorne (R-Manistee). Representative Ralph Ostling (R-Roscommon) was ~1C)o property tax purposes. The bill preservation of farmland in present, but had to leave before pictures were taken. Senators Bouwsma and Mack. >-l1d would apply only to actual Michigan. Representatives Dively, Jacobetti and Hellman were unable to be present. PAGE 4 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MAY 1,1973 th~ Food ..Stamp Program. National Legislative doubled in the last 20 years. In 1972, the total elapsed time Present authority for the Cederberg between filing an unfair labor program expires June 30. Notes practice and the issuance of a proposed decision was 199 A major issue in the con- sideration of food stamp Introduces By Albert A. Almy days. Such a delay in resolving legislation will be proposals to Members of Congress are farm labor disputes would be time students working on damaging to farmers and ban food stamps. for strikers. Farm bureau has pointed Marketing Bill now back in Washington farms. Under these bills, the workers alike because of the out to the House Agriculture following a brief Easter recess. minimum wage for full-time perishable nature of farm Committee that the availability Several issues important to students would be 85% and commodities. of food stamps to strikers puts agriculture have been con- 80 %, respect ively, of t he All of the farm labor bills taxpayers in the position a.rd~espon~lble for ad- Bureau recommended a set- S. 707 is a very broad and Congress. Others include respectively. Neither of the ~lnlstenng agncultural labor aside program that could be extreme bill with many im- Gerald Ford (R-Grand bills would provide overtime disputes. put into operation when ad- plications to all of agriculture. Rapids), Marvin Esch (R-Ann provisions or extend coverage Fa.rr:n B.ureau sup ports justment is needed and idled Farm Bureau opposes the Arbor) and Phil Ruppe (R- of the Fair Labor Standards adml.ntstratlon of. farm labor when demand is adquate to establishment of any con- Houghton). Each of the Act to farm workers. rela.tlons by an Indepen~ent provide satisfactory prices in sumer agency or council marketing bills has been Both H.R. 4757 and H.R. Agricultural Labor Relations the marketplace. having other. than advisory referred to the House 2831 would provide special Boa~d. The number of cases Farm Bureau also recom- powers. Agriculture Committee. minimum wage rates to full- received by the NLRB has mended that the set-aside program be sh ifted to a FB Member is Michigan's cropland basis rather than % -1% continuing the current system of base acreages and base allotments. By taking out of production a percentage of "Mother of the Year" When Mrs. Eula Comstock Abbey of Oakland County frequently Called to provide transportation or run errands i! cropland instead of a per- centage of historic acreage, farmers would be free base leaves for Denver, Colorado, for the "American Mother of the Year" competition May 7- for those who cannot get about by themselves. Other groups which have enjoyed Mrs. ANNUAL INTEREST to adjust to changing con- ditions in a market-oriented 11, she will take with her the best wishes of thousands of Abbey's services are 4-H, PTA, United Fund, Michigan Cancer Farmers Petroleum 15one of the most progressive cooperatives In Michigan. agriculture. Michigan Farm Bureau Foundation, her township The debentures offered, present a num- Under the program Farm members. Her sta unchest library and local social ber of advantages to the Investor, such as, interest starting on day of purchase Bureau has recommended, supporters in the rooting development center. She has and paid annually on September 1 st, no brokerage fees, registration in up government payments would section will be her six children, a Iso worked with brain- to 3 names, and no charge for trans- be performance payments 21 grandchildren, and damaged children. Mrs. Abbey fer to a new owner. Debentures offered mature at rates of: instead of income sup- members of the Oakland is active in her church and 6% - 5 Year Maturity plements. The performance County Farm Bureau, of which serves as chairman of the (minimum sUbscription-$l 00) payment would be based on she is a member. administrative board. 6Vz%- 10 Year Maturity (minimum subscription - $100) agriculture's need for ad- The 67-year old Mrs. Abbey An important part of the 6 /4% - 10 Year Maturity 3 justment and the individual of Lake Orion was recently criteria for "Mother of the (minimum sUbscription - $1,000) farmer's contribution to that Year" is the achievements of 7% - 15 Year Maturity named Michigan's "Mother of (minimum subscription - $100) adjustment t h roug h par- her children, and Mrs. Abbey's the Year" by the Michigan 7V2% - 15 Year Maturity ticipation in the set-aside. family includes teachers, an (minimum SUbscription - $3,000) State Mothers Committee, a The Senate Agriculture electrical engineer, a wife of an non-profit organ izat ion This Is neither an offer to sell nor a Committee may report a farm electrical contractor, and a son solicitation to buy these securities. dedicated to strengthening the The offering is made only by the pro- program bill sometime this who followed in his father's spectus. For a free prospectus, mail American family. The Abbeys month. With an urban- footsteps at Consumers Power this coupon to Farmers Petroleum. dominated Congress and the were members of Farm Bureau for many years prior to Company. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• an ••••••• public concern about food Clip and mail this coupon to: Mr.' Abbey's death, and Mrs. Mrs. Abbey will soon be Mr. Kenneth Harvey • prices, consideration of a new lea vi ng the l40-yea r old Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc .• farm program is expected to Abbey is still number one on P.O. Box 960 • farmhouse, where she lived for FaRmr-' Lansing, Michigan 48904 I would like a copy of the prospectus • I spark lively deb9te. the Oakland County mem- bership roles. the past 38 years, to move into ., and a call by a registered sales agent. I a condominium. But although BUreaU Name Road ------ RFD __ I • • FOOD STAMPS The House Agriculture Her beginning-of-the- alphabet namealso puts her at the top of the list of the Orion- she is no longer an active farmer. she is quick to voice . .. .. .. .._-_. ._----------_.~ '=ARMERS PETROLEUM City County __ • he r op pos it ion to food Commitee has begun hearings Oxford FISH Program, a boycotts, liMy sympathy is with • :'.'. Phone , on legislation extending voluntary organization which __ _ _ _ __ authorization for operation of helps people in need. She is the farmer -- I know what he goes through." MICHIGA~ FARM NEWS x:.h' 1 .:::-~ .. ".\ ,..,...,. ~ PAGE 6 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MAY 1,1973 Farmers React to Meat Boycott South Dakota and Michigan Farm Bureau members teamed up in a unique farmer-to- Dean Pridgeon, vice president of Michigan Farm consumer public relations project to combat the misinformation aired by consumer groups Bureau, being interviewed by the consumer writer for in Michigan during the week-long meat boycott Shown in front of a Detroit supermarket are the Detroit News, Lou Mleczko. At an earlier news South Dakota Farm Bureau President Henry Knochenmus (extreme right) and Michigan conference, Pridgeon denounced the meat boycott as farmers and their wives telling the farmers' side of the story. adding fuel to a destructive emotional fire. Farm Bureau's Farmer-to- major news conference was stations, five major Detroit Consumer publ ic relations held at Farm Bureau Center at radio stations, the Detroit project to combat the meat wh ich a statement was News, the Detroit Free Press, boycott resul ted in seven presented by President Smith United Press International and consecut ive days of on the organization's position Associated Press (both newspaper, radio and on the price ceiling issue. This national wire services), Time television reports on the ac- release received considerable Magazine, News Week, and the tivities of the organization's play in all media -- radio, Wall Street Journal. members. The news media and television and newspaper -- on Excellent coverage was the general public were ex- Friday, Saturday and Sunday. received in the Detroit area tremely receptive to the Smith placed the blame for and there was some nationa I farmer's side of the story, as rising prices, including food coverage as a result of the evidenced by the widespread prices, on inflation and called Detroit news conference. use of news releases and the for responsible action on the Followi ng the press con- response of consumers in part of all public officials and Tom Benson (left), Clinton County livestock producer, ference, many Farm Bureau personaI contacts. organization leaders to hold looks on as Bob Kissane,president, Clinton County Farm members fanned out to Detroit the line on all prices. He said, Bureau, is interviewed by TV-G,Lansing, about the price On March 29, a major area supermarkets to pass out "Current price trends reflect of meat and the farmer's problem. statement and news release literature and visit with was released to all media in more than just increased consumers to try to correct the demand -- they' are a direct misunderstanding they have the state. The statement was given by MFB President Elton result of inflation. Inflation regarding the cause and effect which, for the most part, has of food prices. A special in- Smith relative to the meat been caused by irresponsible formation flyer was prepared boycott and the threat of price ceilings. The release which actions on the part of our for the event. Nine members elected public officials. The of the South Dakota Farm received considerable play in relationship of rising govern- Bureau arrived in Detroit and all media statewide including ment spending, an increasing joined Michigan Farm Bureau the Detroit media, said in part, "Emotional displays such as nat ion aIde bt , a rap id Iy memb~rs in the action growing money supply and program. the meat boycott only attack the symptoms not the cause of irresponsible wage demands to rising prices, should be On Friday, Michigan farmers inflation. It is up to each and obvious by now." followed the same action in everyone of us to recognize The week of April 1, a major Lansing, Grand Rapids, Flint, the economic facts of life. We effort was planned and carried Saginaw, Traverse City, Sault can't have high wages and low out in reference to the meat Ste. Marie and Escanaba. Jack Laurie (right), district director for District 6, prices." boycott. A news conference Major radio, television and being interviewed by Lou Mleczko, consumer writer for The evening of March 29, was held at the Detroit Press newspa per coverage was the Detroit News. Laurie explained that boycotts President Nixon announced Club. Attendance at the news received in these areas and discourage production because farmers are unsure of his decision to place a ceiling conference included the three extended through much of the future prices. on meat prices. On March 30, a major Detroit television weekend. ~,~,o ~.: '. 'Uf.: '\'d:':":' ./.""" . }/- ~:.,'->' . . ./ .$ i ./ ~,•• ~. ' .. y ,; .r',. ./ 11 A pause that refreshes' -- a drink of apple juice s;rved by the Kent County Farm Bureau Queen provides a pleasant break for shoppers at the Kent County Farm Bureau Women's successful Commodity Promotion Display at the Woodland Mall, Grand Rapids. Assisted by Part of the group of over a thousand Farm Bureau members who converged on super- a life-size model of a dairy cow, the ladies promoted markets across the state on April 6 and 7 to hand out literature as a public relations effort to various commodities and invited shoppers to sign up for inform consumers of the farmers' view of the boycott of meat farm tours.' MAY 1.1973 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 7 'Mandatory Price Rollback Bill Defeated \ . '::~~t@t@t ::::m\~r:::" Nine county Farm Bureau members called on 30 Congressmen at their Shown discussing the issue of price roll back are Kalamazoo County Washington offices on April 16 to point out the serious economic impact fruit grower Don Gilmer (left), Eaton County cattle feeder Bob Harms a bill (H.R. 6168) to roll back all prices to January 10 levels would have (right), and Tripp Widder (center). Mr. Widder is Legislative Assistant to on agriculture. Shown discussing the issue are Joa Penzien (left), Congressman Garry Brown (R-Schoolcraft). The House later rejected Macomb County potato grower, and Congressmen Jim O'Hare (D-Utica). the mandatory price roll back provisions of H.R.6168. Recent, attempts by Farm Bureau vigorously because of rising feeder cattle Currency Committee contacted 30 Congressmen Congress to pass legislation opposed H.R. 6168 for three prices a producer who filled presented a plan to offer a the following morning in an extending the Economic basic reasons. First, man- his feedlot in March would substitute bill that would use effort to build opposition to Stabilization Act as a tool to datory price and wage controls need about $44 per cwt. at March 16 as the price rollback H.R. 6168. A key vote came impose mandat6ry price do not work. It is impossible to markettime to break even. A date rather than January 10. that afternoon when the rollbacks and controls upon calculate either the direct cost price rollback to January 10 Since prices on March 16 were House rejected by a 258-147 the economy posed serious of a bureaucracy to attempt to levels posed economic disaster generally higher than January vote the Rules Committee problems to agriculture. administer them or the cost to to producers in such 10 levels, it was believed the recommendation that would the economy as a result of situations. substitute bill would remove have allowed consideration of Early last month, the House inefficiencies, inequities and Members of County Farm much of the opposition against the substitute bill. This vote Banking and Currency eventual black marketeering. Burea u National Affairs a mandatory rollback. H.R. effectively stopped any Committee voted to include a Second, price controls deal Committees put forth a major 6168 was cleared by the Rules chances of passing a bill with provision in H.R. 6168 that only with the symptoms of effort to contact their Committee and scheduled for price rollback provisions. would roll back prices to May rising prices rather than the Congressmen in opposition to House consideration on April The House then approved a 1, 1972 levels. The following real cause, which is inflation. H.R. 6168. Farm Bureau 16. one-year extension of current day the Committee reversed fl . Ination b II d 'f Commodity COlllmittees and . authority for the President to itself by changing the rollback can e contro e I many other members also .Farm Bur.eau Natlo.nal Af- impose price controls if he Congress WI a ress ItseIf to '11 dd . contacted their Congressmen. fairs ~ommlttees aga.1nmad.e sees fit. This extension was date for all prices to January 10, 1973 levels. The price the real cause, which is con- The bill was scheduled to be extensive contacts WIth theIr approved by a 293-114 vote. rollback included raw ti nued deficit govern ment considered by the House on Cong~~ssmen to express On March 20, the Senate agricultural products, but did spending. April 12, but members of the OPPOSitionto any m.easures approved a price control bill not apply to wages. The bill Third, the mandatory price Rules Committee refused to that would roll b.ack'pncesa~d similar to the House-passed aIso contained a provision roll back would have been clear it for floor debate. Heavy expand the applicatIon of pnce bill. The differences have been requiring the President to disastrous to agriculture. On opposition by farmers was controls. - resolved by House and Senate develop a plan, within 60 days January 10, choice beef cattle cited as a major reason for the Nine County Farm Bureau conferees and the compromise after enactment, to push were selling in Omaha for Rules Committee action.• members travelled to bill will probably receive final prices even lower. about $39 per cwt., but However, the Banking and Washington on April 15 and approval before May 1. Asparagus Producers FPC to Women Tell Story to Receive Increase Exchange of Agriculture Asparagus producers will This year's 26.24 cent price is receive a 1.25 cent per pound the base price for 90 grade increase in price from major buyers this year according to score spears. Foster stated that the base price increase is Stock for Cash Sixtee n Far m Women in various parts of Bur eau W 0 men's D e par t men t , Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. in line with that of other states. Michigan have been Box 960, Lansing, Michigan Harry Foster, manager of the Michigan Agricultural Thirteen asparagus packers At a recent meeting of the designated "Spokesmen for 48904. Cooperative Marketing operate in the state, according Far mer s Pet r 0 leu m Agriculture" and are busy Current members of the Association (MACMA) to Foster. Cooperative, Inc. Board of telling their ~tory to non-f~rm Speakers' Bureau include: Asparagus Division. A price of Directors, a resolution was ~roups. Their p~es~,ntatl?n, Mrs. Leroy (Ga il) Klein, 26.24 cents a pound for MACMA is a marketin'g adoptedtosetupaprogramto Bread ~nd ~lIk, .wh.lch Sparta, and Mrs. Russell snapped asparagus was affiliate of the Michigan Farm revolve allocated Patronage feat~res VIsual~I~san~ inVites (Evelyn) Cooper, Kent City, agreed to by major processors Bureau. MACMA's Processing Refund Certificates beginning audience part.lclpatlon, has both of Kent County; Mrs. Paul during April. The MACMA Vegeta ble Crops Division this year. been well-received by urban (Sue) Wing, Bellevue, Barry Asparagus Marketing Com- serves producers of potatoes, groups. County, and Mrs. Robert mittee had requested the pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, It is proposed that the first The 16 women, who work in (Mary) Hiscock, Battle Creek, increase to cover the in- cabbage and peppers. MACMA year's call would amount to teams of two, are part of the Calhoun County; Mrs. Wayne creased operating costs for Fruit Divisions aIso represent over $153,000 or the amount Farm Bureau Women's (Faye) Adam, Snover, and Mrs. growers this season.Last year, producers of processing ap- that was issued the first and Speakers' Bureau. Their goal is Wayne (Diane) Wood, asparagus growers received, ples, red tart cherries, grapes, second years -- 1958 and to gain a better understanding Marlette, both of Sanilac generally, 25 cents per pound, pears and plums. 1959. In subsequent years, the by urban people of food County; Mrs. Andrew reclamation would be for at production and food prices. (Claudine) Jackson and Mrs. Charlevoix to Attempt lea st o'ne year's issue, Speakers' Bureau par- Joseph (Janet) Miesle, both of hopefully more. ticipants attended a statewide Howell in Livingston County. workshop at Farm Bureau Dairy Commodity Division "The .Board has been Ce~te~ .in Febr~a~y, follo~ed ~Iso, Mrs. DaIe (Ma ry) At the meeting of the first county Farm Bureau in concerned for sometime," b~ indiVidual training sessions Weldmayer, Ann Arbor, and Charlevoix County Farm this state to attempt the Dairy re orts Donald R. Armstron' With. each team: The~ are Mrs. Roger (Barb) Trolz, Bureau Board, specific at- Commodity Division approach. .p 'd t nd ene agl'continuously prOVidedWIth up- Brooklyn, both of Washtenaw vice presl en a g r d t' t' d C . tention was given to the for- The members of each manager "of the need to start t?- ate. s atls I~S an per- ounty; Mrs. Ralph (Manlyn) mation of a Dairy Division. coun ty's Da iry Commod ity h'" tlnent information to keep Frahm, Frankenmuth and Mrs Francis Themn, representative Division will consist of all Farm suc a program. them well-informed. Howard (Bonnie) Ebenhoeh: from District 10 on the Bureau members identified as The teams have appeared Chesaning, both of Saginaw Michigan Farm Bureau Dairy dairy producers in their To speed up the before such groups as the County; Mrs. Harold (Jan) Advisory Committee, respective counties. The revolvement of the allocated Marshall Rotary Club and the McMichael and Mrs. Marvin presented the general concept formation of a Commodity Patronage Refund Certificates, Ka la mazoo Coun ty Rura 1- (Vivian) Lott, both of Mason in of Commodity Divisions to the Division allows Farm Bureau the Board voted to discontinue Urban meeting. Members who Ingham County; Mrs. Henry Boa rd at their February members to concern them- the three percent dividend know of urban organizations (Li nda) Jennings, Swa rtz meeti ng. The decision to selves with specific commodity and apply this amount to the which would like to schedule Creek, and Mrs. Dona Id orga nize a County Da iry issues within the framework of total cash set-aside for the the "Bread and Milk" (Sandy) Hill, Montrose, both of Division makes Charlevoix the the Farm Bureau structure. annual certificate redemption. presentation may contact the Genesee County. PAGE 8 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MAY 1,1973 Soybean Action Feeder Pig Mathew Butzin Committee Action Appointed Controller Marketing, wages, prices and set aside -- Michigan Farm previously signed up under different terms. Changes in Division The appointment of Mr. Bureau's Soybean Action ASCS programs, which allow Committee discussed these and other topics when they much of the so-called "set aside" acreage to be planted Grows Mathew Butzin as Controller of Farm Bureau Services, Inc. effective May 1, 1973 has been met recently in Lansing. At to soybeans, were also firmly The Michigan Agricultural announced by Max Dean, that time, consideration was opposed by the committee. Cooperat ive Marketi ng treasurer of the company. given to state and national Committee members heard Association's (MACMA) Butzin, who has been with issues affecting soybean a soybean market report from Feeder Pig Division annual Farm Bureau Services since growers. The meeting was held Mr. Ralph Showerman, a grain membership meeting was held September 1969 has been prior to a national meeting of mercha nd iser with the in Cadillac in March. Members managerofthe Retail and Cost state Farm Bureau soybean Michigan Elevator Exchange. and guests enjoyed a very Accounting Departments for division representatives. Showerman expressed the d the iast two years. A graduate Discussion of proposed roll opinion that soybeanmarkets informational, educational an of the University of Michigan, back.In th'e prices receive .' d f or should contl'nue strong entertaining Bill Haas, session. MACMA Feeder he was previously employed Mr. Butzin succeeds Richard raw agricultural production throughout the year. Harvest with Chevrolet, Inc. and W. Clemens who resigned to sparked a uniform reaction prices should be good he said, Pig Division manager, from the committeemen. They due to the strong foreign reported a successful Controls Company of America. accept another position. expressed unanimous opinion that to roll back raw, demand for soybeans. Industry sources predict that ~ussia marketing year in 1972. He reported that continue to improve the members G00 d News f or agricultural prices without a will purchase twice the 37 quality of their pigs, increase corresponding roll back in wages and the prices paid by farmers for all production million bushels of soybeans they bought last fall, according to Showerman. While cautious the demand and improve the reputation of their product. Su bsta ntia I membersh ip Va co t,.0 n ers inputs would not be ac- in predicting new crop growth and volume of feeder , .. ceptable. (harvest) soybean prices, pigs marketed (approximately If you re thinking of a mini-rooms, or two-room Concern was expressed over Showerman quoted industry 35% over the year 1971) was summer or fall vacation,.h~re's apartments all at special low u the handling of the 1973 ASCS sources as saying soybeans accomplished by the division good news for you. Michigan rates. feed grain program. The 1973 may not go above the $4.30 in 1972. Farm Bureau members can Package plans include "A program was designed to per bushel, based on Chicago The availability of 500-600 now receive rates at the Beach Week of Fun ," a "Golf encourage planting of more future level. He did say, head of feeder pigs every other Club.Hotel at, Fort Lauderdale, Holiday," and a IIDrive Around feed grain acreage and, in- however, that in his opinion, week has provided hog feeders Flo~l~a. Th IS offe~s farm Package."The Week of Fun, for directly, more soybeans. soybean growers "should be with a reliable source of families the opportunity for an example, includes seven full Committee members felt the doing something" toward uniform high quality feeder economical holiday in Florida. dinners and breakfasts, seven government was unfair in locking in a price for a portion pigs on a volume basis. If you'r.ea lover of good food, night's lodging, seafood buffet, changing the program rules of their '73 soybean crop. The meeting program in- the various package plans basket of fru it, Sunday bru nch, after many growers had The Michigan Farm Bureau c1uded Don Nugent MACMA offered by the Beach Club will summer cookouts, 3-hour boat soybean division, the Michigan Board member, who'spoke on be esp~cially pleasing. A, trip and a Porpoise Aquarium Soybea n Prod ucers, was the IIMACMA Organization." seafood Jamboree,cookouts on Show. Cost for this package is organized in April of 1972. Bill Byrum, MACMA Livestock the beach, "supper on. the $125.00 for single hotel room, Fourteen County Farm Division manager, presented a gras~" and an old-fashioned or $90 per person for double Bureaus have esta blished slide presentation on grades FlOrida C.racker sup~er hotel room. county soybean divisions. Each' and quality differences in (s~apper fingers, pan-fried Special side trips are also of these counties has a voting market hogs. Featured c~lck~n, gravy, homemade available from the Beach Club, representative on the Soybean speaker of the evening was biSCUitS, strawberry short- including a day at Disney Action Committee. In 1972, M.J. Busch len, operations cake) are a few examples to World, a day in the Bahamas, Michigan produced a record man age r , M i chi g a n tickle t~e gourmet's palate. and "Fisherman's World," an 16millionbushelsoybeancrop Agricultural Services Vacatloner~ ~t the Bea~h opportunity to fish the blue on a pprox.imately 600 Association (MASA), who Club may ~wlm In t~e Atlant~c Atlantic or the vast thousand acres. Michigan entertained the members with Ocean or In the big OlympIC Everglades. soybean farmers planting an enlightening talk, "It pays fresh wat~r pool, play shuf- For a colorful brochure, intentions for 1973 are 660 to do Business with Yourself." fleboard, ping pong, volleyball, listing rates and describing the thousand acres. The 1973 Feeder Pig or use special game ~quip- various package plans, write to Marketing Operations Com- ment. They have a chOice of the Information Division, mittee was introduced. They accommodations -- hotel Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. \nVe6tment 0 11 Oftun\\\e& / 01 are: Murray' Turnipseed, Kalkaska, chairman; Richard Cramer, Stanwood, vice rooms, efficiencies with full kitchens, economical cabana Box 960, Lansing, Michigan 48904. % \0,72 chairman; Richard. Bridson, Highest PO'yment Ever 6 • .CCC&t tn, . deben\Ufe& on $100.00 OR MORE 70 Lake City; Arden Jenkins, Kalkaska; Ken Warner, Clare; and John Palmer, Onaway. Opportunities for increased volume and participation by to Wheat Producers 6% - 6Y.l% -10 5 Year Maturity Year Maturity additiona I feeder pig Michigan wheat producers percentage of the Michigan 7% - 15 Year Maturity producers in 1973 are ex- who consigned 1972 crop wheat crop in the program $1,000.00 OR MORE cellent. The feeder pig price wheat to the Farm Bureau than in any year during the six ~% -10 Year Maturity outlook in 1973 is strong and Wheat Marketing Program years the program has $5,000.00 OR MORE necessarily so with increased recently received the highest operated. 7Y.l% - 15 Year Maturity demand and production costs. final payment in the six year Wheat producers will have Increased participation by history of the program. During the opportunity to consign feeder pig producers in the April, these producers their wheat to the program Clare-Mt. Pleasant area has received a final payment check again this year. A farmer's resulted in the consideration of 77.53 cents per-'bushel decision to place wheat in the of establishing an additional delivered. This final payment progra m is made at the time assembly point. Producers in was in addition to the advance he delivers wheat to a par- the area are being surveyed to payment received at harvest ticipating cooperative determine the interest in time, which averaged about elevator. He may elect to This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. expanding MACMA marketing $1.10 per bushel. Program consign aII, a portion, or none services in the area. cooperators, on the average, of his '73 crop wheat to the Clip and mail this coupon to: The MACMA Feeder Pig received 50 cents per bushel program. FaRm~ ...."..ltxIF8rmeom.Flm Division continues to expand over harvest time prices. The wheat program is MR. C. A. MORRILL Farm Bureau Services, Inc. P. O. Box 960 au reau the supply of high quality feeder pigs. Members receive During each of the last six years the Farm Bureau Wheat handled jointly between Farm Bureau and participating Lansing, Michigan 48904 FARM ElURENJ 8EfMCE8.1NC a fair market price for their Marketing Program has been cooperative elevators. For I would like a copy of the prospectus and a call by a registered pigs and buyer demand in existence, cooperating information concerning the sales agent. continues to grow for these top farmers have made more program, producers may NA ME .. quality pigs. money through the program contact their county Farm More information about the than they would have made Bureau secretary or the ROAD RFD # . program can be received by had they sold their wheat at Market Development Division, C ITV CO U NTY .. contacting the MACMA office, harvest time. Popularity of the Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. / 517-485-8121, or your local program is increasing -- 1972 Box 960, Lansing, Michigan ',PHONE county Farm Bureau office. saw farmers place the highest -----------------------.- 48904. mm __ / MAY 1,1973 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 9 increases in prices were Market Opinion. With March near-term price depreciation not get all the fertilizer they MARKET received for eggs, cattle and hogs, onions, potatoes and planting intentions pointing to largerthan expected increases followed by stronger markets would like. It looks like this will later. be a year of shortages of soybeans. This was 30 points in 1973 soybean acreage, and Supplies. Farmers are using agricultural supplies but there' REPORT higher than the index for a year ago. Prices received for with the 1972 post -crop their Farm Bureau cooperative is much evidence that the By Greg Sheffield harvest survey showing in- supply system more than ever. cooperative system is working beef cattle, hogs and soybeans creases in the corn crop, some This is evidenced by large for farmers better than other Manager established new record highs FBS,Marketing Services easing in prices paid to far- increases in purchases during supply sources. Farmers in March. Hog prices advanced mers is to be expected. the spring season. The fer- seldom seenat coop stores are $4.70 per cwt. during the However, longer term tilizer supply situation is still now showing up seeking to Reports in April predicted month end ing March 15 to Russia probably will require statistics show planting in- touch and go. achieve cooperative benefits $39.60 per cwt. Beef cattle tentions for 1973 corn will only Farm Bureau dealers have and dealers are faced with lessgrain in the next crop year prices rose $4.80 per cwt. to from outside sources. This be adequate. Also, that there ordered fertilizer and should allocation problems. Farmers $40.10. Calf prices were up will be a less than expected be able to give most farmers a who book with Farm Bureau dampens buying enthusiasm $7.40 per cwt. to $62.40 per for grain and soybean con- increase in the number of good start if they are regular Services are saving $50 to $75 cwt. Soybean prices advanced cattle on feed lots and fewer' c u s tom e r s. Howe v e r , per ton on feeds. Non-coop tracts. But buying again firmed $50 per bushel during the because land preparation for hogs kept on the farm for warehouses can be emptied in suppliers are charging farmers month to average $5.90 per breeding purposes. So with a hurry once fieldwork hits full extremely high prices and are new spring crops continued to bushel. Potato prices rose corn and livestock both down, swing. not keeping their booking lag behind a year ago. Now the $1.75 per cwt. to $6.20. Eggs long term radical decreases in Phosphate shortages and agreements. The cooperative USDA expects the Soviet went up 10.7 cents per dozen prices for farmers don't seem transportation jam-ups may system has proved its worth to .Union to buy sizeable quan- to 44.1 cents. Prices received likely. Consumers may not like still result in crunching farmers this year during the tities of grain in the world for most other items also rose higher food prices, but they shortages as the season greatest feed-price crisis in market in the season starting during the month. must eat. On balance, some progresses. Some farmers may history. July 1. Purchases may be around 14 million tons, or approximptely 50% of the 1972 purchases of 28 million tons, of which the United States sold 18' million tons. Another source reported the Soviet Union has lined up a vast amount of ocean tonnage for continued large movement of farm commodities. Russia has already started placing orders for Canadian wheat and barley. Peruvians have resumed fishing for anchovies, but only about one-half of the fish expected were landed by the middle of April. Egg Consumption. Laying flocks have been declining for severa I months, but egg production has not declined due to the high rate of laying. On a per capita basis, egg production has been running at the lowest level in many years. According to the Commodity Research Bureau, ~ it is about seven percent less tha n a year ago. Egg con- sumption has lagged. A per capita consumption of 315 eggs in 1972 is the lowest on record. It is expected that tota I egg consumption should benefit from reduced mea.t buying because of tt.J cheapness of eggs as a protein source. Meat Boycott Feedstuffs, a weekly newspaper, reported that a spot check by the Nationa I Association of Retail Grocers in early April showed red meat sales were down Henry Gleason and his son Jim operate a . Bureau Dealer. Prompt service and expert about 40 percent. Poultry and 900 acre farm near Three Rivers, Michi- advice have played a big part in their fish sales were up sub- gan. They also maintain a herd of 325 decision to feed Farm Bureau Feeds ex- stantially. Generally, feed men registered Holsteins. Henry and Jim set clusively. "Right now, we're feeding a feel it is too early to predict what the effects of boycotts some pretty demanding production goals combination of LPS and a 64% protein and price ceilings will have on for their 150 cow milking herd, and they supplement with either shelled corn, feed costs. Most feel there will count on Lance Copeland, their local Farm haylage or corn silage," says Jim, "and be a general increase in the Bureau Feeds Specialist, to help them we couldn't be more pleased with supply of meat and the meet those goals. the results." housewife will not stay out of "With Lance's help," says Jim, "we Like thousands of other Michigan the market. Beef production in were able to average 16,000 Ibs. of milk farmers, the Gleasons have found that the United States is projected by the USDA's Economic and 632 Ibs. of butterfat per cow last year. they can count on Farm Bureau' Services Research Service to rise to One of our cows was even ranked "tops in to deliver both the product and advice 126.7 pounds per person by county" with a production of 24,000 Ibs. they need. Why not get the same thing for 1980. That would compare of milk and 899 Ibs. of butterfat. Since yourself and your farm? Call your local with only 114 pounds per 1968 we've gotten Lance involved in help- Farm Bureau person in 1970. ing us set production goals, and each year Where Your Fann Comes First Dealer 0 r Af- Farm Prices. Price averages in percent of parity for 1972 were 74 percent, up three he's followed through by recommending a feed ration that keeps our cows healthy FaRm~ filiate. He's in business to make your job BUreaU points from the previous years. and productive." Not since 1952 have farm Henry and James Gleason find that easierand your prices averaged 100 percent they get something more than just quality farm more of parity. A 10-point increase feeds when they buy from their local Farm FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC profitable. occurred in the index of prices 239 received by Michigan farmers through March 15 of this year. The index rose to 146 percent of the 1967 average. Sharp PAGE 10 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MAY 1, 1973 "Public Relations for Agricu Itu re" Our Responsibility Disc'ussion Topic by KEN WILES Director Member Relations Abraham Lincoln declared, "He who molds public What is the current public "image" of the farmer? with most people; nowever, we must redouble our opinion gains more power over the people than he Many feel that it is blurred somewhere between the efforts to create a better understanding among our who makes the laws." superfarmer businessman and the old-fashioned nonfarm population. They must understand that as Public opinion is like putty. It is capable of being image of Hiram with a straw hat. Images change with our population increases they have a stake in the shaped and molded by the impact of ideas people pressures. They are not static things and all farmers' ability to efficiently produce ever- developed in the mind of a person or a group which 'of us -.-every person, every firm, every organization increasing quantities of food and fibre. aims at control of public decision. We are forever and industry (yes, even agriculture) project some "We, the farm people, must assume our share of under the brunt of planned campaigns to make us form of public image all of the time. this task. We can do this by participating locally with think and act as certain people want us to do. In Circumstance and actions can change this image. such nonfarm groups as urban, church and civic many cases,we readily fall into the design set for us. Farmers in wartime were national heroes because activities, political parties, service clubs and other Modern tools for shaping public opinion match the their fantastic production with reduced manpower nonfarm organizations. spectacular developments of our age. Today, any was hailed as a national achievement. Farmers in "We urge County Farm Bureaus to conduct rural- person with money or influence enough can enter good times of surplus are less than heroes, and in urban activities, farm visits, press relations the homes of millions of Americans without even fact, may become easy targets for social reformers. meetings and other activities which will help create opening the door. He is seen and heard. He can tell The image of agriculture which anyone holds in his understanding between farm and nonfarm people. r his story insistently and repeatedly. mind is something built there over a period of time "We, in order to meet the challenge, urge all Farm The day of political soap boxes, and the orator and which is adde~ to and. change~ by each n~w Bureau members and our entire staff to be public haranguing a crowd in the park is nearly gone. The cont~ct or other piece of information concerning relations people for agriculture in our everyday politician's, or the "axe-grinder's," audience sits farm.lng a~d farm~rs . relations with nonfarmers." placidly at home, sipping its favorite beverage while I~ IS a highly thl~g, .a.n indIvidual ~hlng, and It IS This policy seems to put responsibility for good having its thoughts cut to a planned patt~rn by bUIlt largely from Indlvl~ual, personal contacts .. public relations on each and every Farm Bureau advertisers or speakers for some vested interest. Some people would. like t~ see. far~ers project member. As you will recall, last month we discussed Mr. and Mrs. Public may snap off their radio or TV some fo~m of super, shIny ~atlonallmag.e, concocted member involvement -- and public relations cer- set, pick up their favorite newspaper or magazine, and projected t? the publl.c to show thIS superman tainly comes under that heading. and continue the process of having their minds on the land f~~dlng ?ur natlo~ and mu~h of th~ world The American Heritage Dictiona ry defines public shaped to fit the views of those who "speak with en.ternally vigIlant I~ protecting an~ Improvm~ the relations as, "The methods and activities employed authority." The media of modern communications SOiland forest~, cann.gfor garden, fIeld and animal. by an individual, organization, corporation or are powerful in setting the course of public attitude .. But such an Image ISfar from the truth and the~e government to promote a favorable relationship They can mold the destiny of a nation to suit the IS.da.nger ahea~ for farmers when ~eo'ple begin with the public." purposes of whomever controls them. thln.klng .of agncultu.re as a monoltthl~ super- Methods and activities are the key words! bUSinessInstead of being made up of worned, hard- While being pleasant and friendly lays the ground- A lot of people appear to view the farmer as not so working, family-raising, debt-contracting individuals work for public relations, sociability is not enough. important these days -- a somewhat expendable -- much like everyone else. Publicity is one form of public relations, but figure. This has been brought on,toa large extent, by Farmers can be out-voted at every turn. It is getting news or feature stories on the air and in the change in relationship of the average citizen to absolutely essential that those who do not farm newspapers is important, does not surfice for a good the farm in recent times. The change has created a continue to understand and support those who do. and complete program. communication gap between the agricultural in- One of the primary jobs of Farm Bureau and Farm Lobbying and legislative representatives are also dustry and the consumer. Knowledge of the farm Bureau members is to influence people -- favorably. an important public relations tool, but only a tool. and farming problems has grown dim or non- We go through the difficult and costly tasks of Advertising is not public relations. Rather, it is a existant in the public memory. Yet, at the same time, informing ourselves on public issues, on un- sales tool.lmportantas it may be in creating a public the public is in a position to have more voice in derstanding the principles and theories of our image, it is costly and often ineffective. agricultural affairs, simply because farmers are system of government, of supporting the American Since World War II, the generally accepted becoming a smaller and smaller percentage of the pattern of individual initiative with its awards for meaning of propaganda is slanted or biased in- population. success and penalties for failure, for just one formation and should not be used in trying to build a The average citizen today is an urban-dweller. He reason;. to better equip ours~lves to explain and sell good public image. is losing his awareness of the source from whence he that whIch we as farmers bellev~ to those around us. Each Farm Bureau member can and should be a gets his food. There is the well-stocked supermarket We devel~p ~nd ex~cute policy as steps to he~p public relations agent. One of the best ways to do with shelves overflowing with food and knick- f!love .the thmklng beliefs a.nd ~upport of ~thers In this is to be informed and able to discuss in- knacks. There it was yesterday, and there it will be line w~th~urs. We lobby, malntal~ conta~t.wlth other telligently current issuesand the effect they have on tomorrow -- as natural and as sure as can be. organtzatlons! broadcast our policy pos.ltlons t? t~e agriculture. He reads in the paper about farmers getting world; all With ~he g.oal of deyeloplng majority One of the most effective and immediate methods subsidy payments and complains of the increasing support for that. I.nwhIch we beh~ve.. of public relations for agriculture is to expose city price of food (although he spends a smaller per- . We openly soliCit a~d expect thIS support In the people and their families and leaders to farm life. centage of his take-home pay for food than ever firm kn.owledgethat Without a sound agnculture, all This can be done in a variety of ways -- through farm- city exchange days, inviting school children for a day bef?re). Knowing l.ittle a~out ~~at is good or bad f~r el~e~~t~~~gthat action should be taken to help on the farm; farmer-meets consumer fair exhibits, ag~lculture, he vOices hiS ?PI~IO~,and be~ause hiS bridge the gap of understanding between rural and by local farmers appearing on radio and television vOicerepresents ~ vast majority,. ISable to. Influence urban citizens of this state, the voting delegates at broadcasts; and through the newly formed Farm the destmy of agnculture. There ISdanger In that for the last Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting Bureau Women's speakers bureau. the fa~mer. passed a resolution which reads, in part, as follows: One thing is certain, our world is getting smaller. A The more people there are in the world, the more "An ever-increasing percentage of our national door for better understanding between producers public we become. Public pressures are caused by population is becoming unfamiliar with agriculture, and consumers is needed, be it food, automobiles, people in numbers. More people mean less privacy. and as the pressure on our environment becomes refrigerators, clothing, or toothpaste. We are of one For farmers, more people mean more non-farmers to ~reater, the need for agriculture to tell its story world; we dress alike, we act alike, but our oc- feed and deal with, more need to improve farm Increases. cupations are different -- so we must have un- public relations. "We believe that farmers have a favorable image derstanding among all. MAY 1,1973 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 11 Topic Summary National Discussion Topic Report Sheet The March Dis~ussion Topic dealt with the "Energy Crisis." Health The Discussion Topic and Report Sheet for the discussion topic on the opposite page is furnished for use of community group members who may wish to review it prior to their group From t.he tabulation of the report sheets, it would appear that there IS concern about a shortage of farm fuels. Many ex- Insurance meetings. If used by a Community Group, in lieu of report sheet furnished the Discussion Leader, please forward answers with pressed th~ thought that we must meet the energy crisis cha.llengewith the strong spirit which has characterized our nation. Discussed minutes to Program Development Division, Michigan Farm Bureau. If used by individuals, please forward answers to In- formation Division, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 960, 1. What can i~dividuals do to help conserve energy supplies? HEW Secretary Casper W. Lansing, Michigan 48904 on or before June 1, 1973. Take pollution controls off cars; be conservative -- use less Weinberger recently advised lights; walk or ride a bicycle; insulate house' small cars with the House Health Sub- COMMUNITY FARM BUREAU small engines; dress warmer and turn fur'nace down. committee that the ad- Discussion Exercise and Report Sheet ministration IIwill shortly be May, 1973 2. Do you agree with the Administration's action which presenting proposals to ~u~pended~il import quotas through April 30 and set higher Congress for a new and more Community Farm Bureau County _ limits for Imports of crude oil through 1973? Yes: comprehensive approach to Please indicate the number of people taking part in this 91.5% No: 8.5% national health insurance discussion _ (which will be) our most 3. What preparations do you suggest farmers make to assure TOPIC: Public Relations for Agriculture important health initiative." themselves an adequate supply of energy needs for their Shortly thereafter, President farming operations? Buy early; standby generators; buy a Nixon released a statement in 1. ,Pleaseindicate what you think the current public image of te.am of horses; increase storage supply; have contracts which he said the Ad- the farmer is? Good Bad _ with suppliers; take Geritol. ministration would seek to 2. List local projects or events of public interest which have 4. What is the present situation with your fuel and electric enact a national health in- involved farmers of your area.__ --------_ supplies? Sufficient; adequate but getting serious; ex- surance law in this Congress. pensive. Weinberger had been called 3. Have the projects or events listed above been helpful in to the hearings of the panel, producing a positive farm image? A negative 5. Are the suppliers of the energy you use attempting to help headed by Rep. Paul Roger, 0 - Image? .. you be prepared if a fuel shortage occurs? Majority of replies Florida, to answer questions 4. What financial support should Farm Bur~u ~embers give indicated that suppliers were assisting. on Administration proposals to to ~ program to create a favorable public attitude toward slash health budget items. agnculture? _ 6. Earlier this year, President Nixon appointed three presi- dential counselors with board authority over areas of In his prepared statement, domestic concern. One of the counselors was given Weinberger said: responsibility for natural resources, including energy policy. "We wi II propose an 5. How much use should farmers make of newspapers, radiO amendment to the Social and TV to acquaint the public with the facts about What is this person's name? Earl Butz agriculture? _ Security Act to require all state 7. Comments: Anti-pollution devices on cars use too much Medicaid plans to include gas; when prices get up, they'll find the oil; must be a reimbursement for free- happy medium somewhere; add grain alcohol to gasoline; standing clinics when they How often should they be used? What sort of wonder if shortage is as critical as implied; appear to be a provide Medicaid-covered stories and facts should be emphasized? _ controlled shortage. services." Under the "cost sharing" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(deductible) provision for 6. Radio programs supplied by Farm Bureau are aired ap- proximately 400 times a week. How many of your group's + Medicare that the Ad- ministration will propose, the members hear them regularly? On what stations? _ average Medicare beneficiary 7. Comments : OFFICE CALLS " who is hospitalized will pay $189, an increase of $105 over -------------------- what he is now paying. IISuch QUESTION: We neglected to add our child during the last cost-sha ri ng features are Blue Cross-Blue Shield reopening period. Willi have to wait typical of private health in- surance policies where their AF8F Annual Meeting until next year to obtain coverage for him? ANSWER: Farm Bureau members may add new dependent value utilization in curbing of services over- is Dates Announced children to their contract by means of a simple procedure. recognized." . Atlantic City, New Jersey, Plans are now being made Contact the county Farm Bureau secretary, she will provide "We believe a more limited site of the. famous .Board Walk for transportation to the the forms needed to add the child. The child will not be federal role is appropriate with and the MISSAmenca Pageant, ... added immediately, but according to the quarterly billing respect to special fina ncing for but more importantly -- it's the convention for Mlch Igan cycle. The secretary can advise you of the effective date. structural changes in the site of the 1974 American members. Watch future issues New dependent children should be added to the contract system, either by providing Farm Bur~a u Fed'eration of the Michigan Farm News for within 30 days from their date of birth, so there will be no new facilities or demonstrating annual meeting. The dates 'of .. interference in coverage for that dependent. new types of delivery that convention are January more information and systems." 13-17. reservation procedures. FARM BUR'EAU MARKET PLACE SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: 25 words for $2.00 each edition. Additional words, 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word. NON-MEMBER adver. tisers: 15 cents per word one edition, two or more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month. Mail classified ads to: Michigan Farm News, P. O. Box 960, Lansing, MI 48904. Publisher reserves right to reject any advertising copy submitted. FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK POULTRY MISCELLANEOUS MISCELLANEOUS SLIDE I~ STUCK lUCKS - All steel con- IIEHEFORD Hl'LLS - pure bred herd sires. KLAGER'S DEKALR PROFIT PULL-ETS - "CHUCK \VAGON GANG'~ Records. Giant ELECTRIC POWER PLA~TS-Ac and DC by struction $159.50. Dealerships available. Free Ready for service. Also, registered heifers and Order your started pullets that have been package. Five new collector's longplay stereo Pincor. Tractor PTO. Portable and Stationary literature. DOLLY ENTERPHISES. 219 Main. calves. Egypt Valley Hereford Farm. 6611 raised on a proven growing program. The albums. SOgreat old gospel songs sung by the Engine Plants, Camper Units, Battery ('olctlCster. 01.62326. 15-lt-I9p) Knapp St.. Ada. Michigan. Phone OR 6-1090. growing birds are inspected weekly by trained original group. $9.95 postpaid. Keepsakes, Chargers, Designed for Heavy Duty Motor ________ 1Kent County) lll-tf-25b) staff. vaccinated. debeaked and delivered by 202MF. Carlsbad. Texas 76934. C2-tf-28b> startings. Also Electric Motors. Heavy Out)- NORTHLAND EQUIPMENT - Dealer for us in clean crates. If you keep records, you will for Home, Farms or Industry. Discount priced. New Idea. Gehl. New Holland. Jamesway. keep KI.AGER DEKALBS. KLAGER IIAT- Decatur Electric Motor Service, R~I. Box 281. Kewanee. Killbros. and Bush-Hog equipment. ("II ER IES. Bridgewater, Michigan. Decatur, Michigan 49045. <5-tf-48b) Telephones: 313 429-7087 or 313 428-3034. STl'FF ENVELOPES. Average $25.00 hun- !l.ladison Silos. On 1\1-72 West. Traverse City, .\III.KI~(; SIIOHTlIOR~S: Young Bulls, Michigan. Phone (616) 946-9437. H. J. Witkop, yearlings and calves for sale, Write for (tf-SOb) dred. Immediate earnings. Beginner'~ Kit. 1!lilJ}()J)(a: r.oo Series 8 ton I & M Bulk Feed owner. (3-7t-3Op) tabulated pedigrees or better yet. pay us a $1.00 . Lewcard. M392FN, Brea. Body -- 1965 Chev. 60 Series 8 ton Newleader ________ visit. Stanley M. Powell and Family, Ingleside CA. 92621. C2-12t-15p) Bulk Feed Body - both fullv hvdraulic in good FUB S.\I.E - POl'I.TRY E(}l'IP:\IE~T. 4'.\I.F (,BEEP FEEJ)J':HS - :JO Bushel Farm, Route #1. Box 238. Ionia, Michigan condition. Phone: 616-392-4051. (5-It-28p) Kitson Fl>edliner Feeder: Kitson Pit C1eaner-. ('aJXlcity $119.50. Dealerships available. Fr~ 48846. (7-tf-33b) 10' blades: A-I condition. Hart Water Cup;;: literature. DOLLY ENTEHPHISF..5, 2191\1am. lIart saw "'Ioor Slats: Standard Nests for :«JOO. FOH SALE - l'SED R,\ILROAD TIES. ('olchester.0I.1;2326. 15-It-18pl Hobert Schunemann. 15670 25 Mile. Fruit growers. lake shoring - truck lots. Allen :\~Y :\IAK E WRIST WATCH cleaned. Washington. Mich. 48904. 313-781-4668, WaldvqJel. RI. 2. Manhattan. llIinois 60552. repaired. parts included. total price $6.95. :1IlU' GOOD l'SED H,\R~ n.E.\~EH, Chain IIEHEFOIW I>ISPERSIO~ - .June 23. One of 15-It-35pl Phone: 815-487-3742. (4-5t.19b> Seven-day service. 21st year in mail order. fits Clay, Badger. Starline and others. 15 us~d 1\1ichigan's oldest established herds -- must Elgin trained experts. Serxl for free mailer. Patz Barn Cleaner. 10 used Patz Silo sell as farm is for sale. 95 lots. including 11 Hub's Service. 3855 Hopp;; Road. Elgin. DJ. Unloaders. Also new Patz Equipment. ~% hulls. Skyline Ranch. 65040 Dequioore Road. Tlty ('.\HEY'S I.E(;II()B~ J>l'LLETS: Just f.oI20. (5-6t-32p) simple interest :J years. \Vyr.garden Equlp- I..ake Orion. 1\Iichlgcin 48035. Phone: 313-752- once. You'll be back for more. O1icks and men!. Rt. 3. Fremont. Michigan 494~~tf_37b) :.!300. (4.2t-3Ob) Started Pullets. Literature Free. CAREY SPEn.\L OFFEH - Kodacolor Film FAHl\IS. HI. #7. MARION. OHIO 43302. Developed and Printed. 12 expo cartridge 01 FOB SALE -. One -33 Peat Pot Planter by the (4.2t-23p 1 roll. $1.98. Send for free mailer. Cavalier :\It.'chanical Transplanter Co. Excellent ....\IWll\\'I~C; Ih'alerships ST.\I.U- - Complete available. Frl'e $:N.50. ------------- literatu~e. POULTRY -------- 1>.\Y OLl) OB' ST.\BTEIl Pl'I.LETS - The Color. 1265 S. 11th Street. 49120. Niles, Michigan (!l-I2t-25p) condition. used just three seasons. Price. $100. .James A. Lentz. 936 E. Monroe Road. St. III ILL\' "::'\TEHI'HISES. :.!19 1\lam, . Louis. Michigan. Phone (5171 681-3313. ('okhester. Illinois 62.12li. 15-It-15pl Dt.'Kalb profit pullet. Accepted by the smart (5-lt-3Op ) poultryman for high egg production. superior \\'E SE\.I .. erect and service: Smith Silos: ;o;1I.\\'EB ST.\IU'IWSS #:.!AA I..\YEBS: egg quality. greater feed efficiency. If you (TSTO.\I CIIEHHY I"\H\'ESTI~G with Silo-l\latic l'nloaders and Feeding l-:quipml'nl: A\'ailable as day old and started pullets. This keep records. you'll keep DeKalb;. Write for Trunk Shaker. Quality Work. Statewide Schuler Bunk Feeding Boxes: Kasten Forage ~'ear. move up to the profit level with more prices and catalog. KL\GEH II.\TCIIEHIES. Schedule. Earl Peterson. Route 2. Shelby. C' \1.1 FOB~I.\ SOl'\'E~1H C;OI.Il HOI.L\H. Boxes B1o\\ers. and Gears. LAUHSEN'S marketable l'ggs. Call or write De Will's Bridgewater. Michigan. Telephones: Saline $1.50: Half 75(. Indianhead Cents. V-NickeL" !\lichigan 49455. Phone: (616) 861-5339. Barber Dimes;) foc $1.98. Coin Catalog :.!5«. INC'" \VEST BHANCH.l\IICH. 517-345-1400. Zeeland lIatchery. Box 199. Zeeland. Michigan HAzel ~ 7087. 1\lanchester GArden 8-3034. 1tf- -I6b) (5-2t-2Op 1 Eders. Carlyk>. D1inois 62231. (5.11-22p' It.6t-27p) 494fH. Phone 616-n2-4668. 19-Bt-36bl PAGE 12 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MAY 1, 1973 FOR YOUR PRIZE ANIMALS ... TERM LIFE INSURANCE A prize animal means a lot to you. You've put a WHAT IS THE PROTECTION? great deal of time and money into its development. Basically, a Livestock Mortality Policy insures your It may be a moneymaker. Doesn't it make' sense to prize animal against loss by death ... from natural protect that investment? causes, illness, disease or accident, including fire and lightning. The Livestock Mortality Policy also pro- tects against death by necessary destruction. WHAT ANIMALS CAN BE INSURED? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats and dogs can like term life insurance for humans, coverage is be protected by term life insurance. Farm Bureau rated differently for each type of animal, its age, Insurance facilities offer protection for most types and its hazard exposures. The minimum policy cost of animals ... if not through Livestock Mortality, is $10 per year ... ($5 for 4-H Club and FFAChapter then by another protection policy. members). FARM BUREAU INSURANCE GROU~ Farm Bureau Mutual • Farm Bureau Life • Community Service Insurance • Community Service Acceptance