- - - .. -~ - -. - ~ - - - - ." ' .... .:t .. ~ '. - '~ .' '" - '" • ,", .' - ..,,' 1 -, , M I,CHI-OAN FaRmr1 FARM NEWS Bureau y ssue 0 es ~ .. . .~ r • ' ~ - ... . .... - -.. ... ~. ~ '-~ .. --: ... - VOJ-. 53 NO.4 APRil Farm,I'and, Tax Bill Near -Passagt: The farmland tax relief bil~ Farm Co-ops Seek which has been the talk of the farming community over the last Own Arabian Fuel two months, is close to final passage- in the Michigan Farmer Cooperatives are taking fuel matters into'their own hands Legislature. . through a newly-formed trading company specially formed to secure The bill, which would allow overseas fuel for co-ops. farmers to commit their land to Nineteen farm supply co-ops,_ if-elUding Michigan's Farmers farming in exchange for lower Petroleum Cooperative (FPC), w~sted no time sending a taxes. has passed the House by an representative to line upsupplies fromsuch oil-rich countries as overwhelming vote of 80-17. The Algeria and Saudi Arabia, after forming the International Energy Sena te is expected to accept the 55 Comoany (lEC) a month ago. _ amendments tacked on by the The cooperative is much in the tradition of CF Industries, a House to conclude passage. company owned by 18 co-ops that was the major reason Farm Though most amendments were Bureau Services w~s able to procure nearly normal supplies of merely clarifications of the bill, fertilizer this year. one eliminates the 25 percent Farm cooperatives only own about 10 percent of their crude oil penalty levied on landowners who supplies today and must depend heavily on other companies to wish to get out of their contract supply them. Farm co-ops presently supply 30percent of the US farm commitment to leave land un- market with fueL developed before the lO-year contract period is over FPC Vice President and-newly appointed IEC board member, fSee more details in the Capitol TOP PROPONENTS. Chief supporters of bill H.R. 4244 for farmland Donald Armstrong hopes the fann background of the new trading tax relief are: Top Left, Sen. Harr,}' Del\faso; Top Right, Rep. Quincy Report - page 4.) company will be in its favor when negotiating for its own supplies. Hoffman; Bottom Left, Rep. Dale Warner, andRep. Roy Spencer. "Basically, you deal with governments in these negotiations," Armstrong says, "And they want cooperative people to come over and give assistance in areas of technical agricultural knowledge." This new approach to the food for crud, c~ used in negotiations by IEC President Jack Thrasher. He reported to bas already been Still Hope for Rail System IEC board members that he was contacted by an international oil company about an arrangement that would include technical The artment of Trans- "They ha ve too much to lose by Lake, Mich. and Toledo, Ohio assistance programs. portatio (DOT) railway doing so." eliminated in the plan. Before Though no international dealings can be elosed until the IEC ob- reorganiza n is something to The Chesapeake and Ohio and Seely could inform the Interstate tains certification from the US State Department, it is presently be concern t but does not The Grand Trunk Railways had Commerce Commission about the speculated that the company could be engaged in not only securing mean a comp emnation of many miles of track cut out under mistake, he was contacted by a crude oil but could even invest heavily in overseas exploration. rural rail sys cording to the proposed plan which could be solvent rail company which in- Even though the IEC may be able to supply member refineries Gilbert Seely, ortation a bandoned wi thout normal' dicated that they were ready to with crude oil, the co-op may not hold complete control over its specialist for igan abandonment procedures. But to step in and take over the line. distribution under present allocation rules. Elevator Exchang do this, these solvent rail com- There are generally three other "This is a Question that we're not able to answer," Armstrong The national DO panies would ha ve to surrender alternatives to abandonment that says, "It is possible that we may have to share this product with all down rail lines for management power to Federal are accepted by observers. refiners. But we are also going to be involved in buying finished proposed carving 37 ilway Administration Trustees The other alternative to aban- petroleum products which would not enter allocation programs." Michigan's system out, ha ve representatives from doning lines that are not taken over Farm Bureau Services and FPC formally asked for a relaxation of which served rural areas. and other public interests. bY rail companies is to take ad- restrictions on the oil industry earlier this year in a letter to which left ga ping expanses too big of a price to pay vantage of the Federal govern- President Nixon and hope that in the future the IEC will be able to areas without service ment subsidy plan in which fulfill farmers' needs in a free market. Northwest Lower Penin panies would Federal monies will supply 70 Such a trading company was seen as necessary by Bill Brier of the the Thumb area will prob to follow regular percent of the funds needed to National Council of Fanner Cooperatives when he noted on the birth never come to full realization Se edures after the operate a line for up to two years. date of IEC, "Unfortunately, it has been our experience that as said. d in June 1975. Regional public authorities can energy supplies constrict, independent suppliers withdraw from "The C&O and Grand Trunk anies could supply the other 30 percent of rural markets in favor of higher-profit urban markets." ------------------- Bakers Publicly Rebuffed ... won't join the plan," Seely said, this ap- asures rper needed funds to keep the rail line going or a local rail users association can take this role. Short rail lines of up to 100 miles can even tfe' bought by separate panies at an estimated $25,000 an ex ile to complete a rail system With the attention of three major "The price of bread went up were going to run out of wheat donmen particular destination. State news chains and both Detroit daily three cents and the price of a between now and the new crop But so ould be available for this papers, MFB President Elton bushel of wheat dropped 80 cents," year, the wheat market would be in the DO Smith stated that bakers were Smith told reporters at a breakfast moving up rather than down." may not be se plans offer optimism increasing the cost of bread while during last month's legislative_ to be cut out e continuance of rail wheat prices declined. seminar in Washington. Yeutter, who r~cently replaced and Ionia is m ichigan, MFB Carroll BruRthaver, said he did not said, "They' Albert Almy, MFB Directors Dean Pridgeon abandon it." e testified to visualize the federal government and Walter Frahm told reporters Even hing Farm going back into the grain shortage that no dramatic price increases of eliminate om lete business because of recent calls for bread would be due because of Railway, grain reseryes. wheat cost, but that predictions of participate in the pan $1 per loaf prices were scare ultimately abandoned a Thumb as tactics by bakers. "The question becomes how big should those reserves be, where Seely. that a complete switch should they -be held around the "Other solvent compan traffic was unfeasible, if MFB 'legislative counsel world and who should own them," decide to lake over a ba possible. reported that legislators contacted he said. lines, especially if they aff "Cost to fanners for produc on during the seminar lent un- derstanding attention to members' traffic on their own tracks, inputs and marketing services I\1ACMA views on the wheat situation . "Insofar as the United States is said. would rise sharply, if the proposed GOf'S to concerned, we ought to use the .There has already been talk ail reorganization plan for this ('ourt In an. interview for MFB radio, commercial system." track between St. Ignace an e were implemented," Almy Page Ii. new Assistant Secretary of Gaylo:-d, eliminated in the plan, . He added that elevators, Agriculture Clayton Yeuttel Yeutter gave no concrete an- heing taken over by a solvent ge sites and fertilizer plants rebuffed bakers' statements.' swers to the international reserve company. e forced to shut down due to question, but said foreign countries Seely pointed out that a mistake service and said that "There is simply no validity to should pay the tab for reserves in calculations had a stretch of in the area would rise their comments," he said. "U we held in- America. profitable line between Ottawa more truck traffic. PAGE 2 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS • In For example, when our legislative leaders talked about export con- trols, they stressed how disastrous this would be to the entire national economy, as well as irreparable damage to farmers' markets. They told how our agricultural trade has reduced the drain on the treasury of outmoded farm programs and has been a powerful factor for-peace around the world. They e~plained that if we bar the doors on products going out of the country, we also bar the door to products coming in - to the oil, gasoline and manufactured goods we have come to need and want. Third, and probably most important, the Congressmen listened because they a~ well aware that these were leaders back in their home districts where their votes lie. As one.American Farm Bureau staff m~mber.reminded us when we were in Washington, no matter how good ~a Job the AFBF staff does, the real legislative strength lies with our farm leaders - the voters. The legislators themselves told us how im- portant letters from home are,to them. This strength will be important to agriculture when' Congressmen make decisions in areas which affect our way of-life, such as land use planning. It is vital that fanners have an input into this kind of legislation. ' . .I hope our legislative leaders will follow through on their assignments by reporting back to their county boards about their experiences in the nation's capital. Their mission in Washington was just the first step toward policy. execution. T~ey must now multiply their legislative ef-' , forts by sharmg the knowledge and insight they gained, with other county Farm ~ureau members and their urban neighbors, and urging them to tell theIr Congressmen how they feel about issues. We can have an influence on legislation which affects our lives' we have proved that-in the past. We do have "legislative muscle" and we can keep it strong by continually "exercising" that muscle. Our future depends on it. MICHIGAN underlines: TERRY CANUP DONNA FARM NEWS I By Virtue ~f Senility Democracy on Guard "EVERY ISSUE Farm Burea u's Washington can we get young farmers in- ON Lesiglative Seminar was a pretty volved? They're too busy--they THE ISSUES" "heavy" activity--whoops!-- ha ve babysitter problemsuthey program and the people who don't 'have time to sit around in I was waiting outside the 41st prohibiting cattle within 300' of a participated took their respon- meetings. state district court where 8 dwelling, they had a right to a jury sibilities seriously. But it had its Right--on all points. So why ask Macomb County dairyman was to by their peers. The J\lichigan FARM NEWS is lighter moments and one of these them? "- published monthly, on the first day. by be brought to trial because In the 41st district, their peers the ''Michigan Farm Bureau Information was at the Democratic luncheon Young fanner& ARE too busy suburbanite neighbors were were those people dwelling in Division. at its publication office. 109 N. March 12. ' making a living and raising a calling his operation a nuisance. subdivisions, not farmers. LafayeUe St .• Greenville. Michigan. family to sit around at meetings. Fortunately, the sympathies of Editorial am general offices at 7:r73. Several of the Representatives One of the neighbors who had W~st. Saginaw Highway. Lansing. who attended the luncheon ex- But these busy young farmers moved into the new development these city people are mostly with Michigan 48904. Post Office Box 960. know there's more to farming than the farmer and chances are Pruehs _ pressed their concern about the now surrounding the farmer Telephooe..- Lansing 485-8121. 'Extension "senility system" in Congress. plowing and planting. There are 228. Su~ription price. SGe per year. turned to me and said, "Like it or could have gotten a favorable Esta.blished January 13, 1923. Secood That means the older you are and forces, economic and political, not, this IS progress." verdict if a pretrial agreement had Class Postage paid at Greenville Michigan .• the longer you've been around, the beyond the boundaries of their "Then what are we progressing not been reached. But how long can farms which affect their way of life their attitude be counted upon in EDITORIAL: Editors: Terry W. more important committee and toward?" I thought to myself. Canup aid Donna Wilber chairmanship appointments you and the future of their children. Perhaps many farmers. are the era of consumerism? IWFJ('EHS: Michigan Farm Bureau: They have the knowledge, energy President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia. R- get. You may be past your prime, progressing' toward a trap Pruehs' pressures today are not and determination to help direct 1: Vice President. Dean Pridgeon. physically and mentally, and 'need designed by their own principles. so much from residents as from l\!ontgomcry. R-l: Administrative those forces. And if they know that a push from behind to get up the Farm Bureau, like its members, unsympathetic, city-oriented local Director. Robert Braden. Laming. Farm Bureau provides them with DIRECTORS: District 1. Arthur steps to your committee meeting, favors local control of affairs government agencies. the structure through which they To remedy this problem, Pruehs Bailey. Schoolcraft: District 2. Dean but the "senility system" grants . whenever possible and quite Pridgeon. Montgomery. R-I, District 3. you this status. The younger, more can effectively channel their ef- rightly so. called on a more remote agency for Andrew Jackson. Howell. R'l: District-4. forts-they'll make the time. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia, R-l: District aggressive Congressmen think It is obvious to anyone who has help. The Michigan Department of Tha t they can and will was 5. WiUiam Spike, Owosso. R-3' Congress should "put its House in been around very long that Agriculture was brought in to ~tr!ct 6: Jack Laurie, Cass Qty, R-3~ illustrated by the number of young District 7. Kermeth Bull. Bailey. R-I' order" and change that system. decisions made for hypothetical, protect the interests of Pruehs District 8, Larry DeVuyst. Ithaca R-4: Congress isn't the.: only body farmers on this year's Washington "average" situations don't apply since it was hoped they could District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankf~ R~ guilty of passing out important Legislative Seminar. Their ef- well to real situations. understand the needs of fanning 1: District 10, Richard Wiela~d. fectiveness, their enthusiasm and Ellswocth. R-l: District 11. Franklin appointments based on seniority Bureaucratic waste piles' up and better than the city agencies. Schwiderson. Dafter. I rather than ability. County Farm dedication to purpose, the positive chances for communication bet- The result of this action is' DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter image they project of their Bureau boards sometimes use the ween the top and the bottom where significant - local control tem- Frahm. Belleville: Fra~enmuth: Gerald James EIenbaum. L. Sayre Owe": "senility system" either as an profession ~nd their organization-- programs are put to work is pered by state protection. We can dale .. ,/ honor for length of service or prove that it's worth the effort to minimal. remember when minorities asked WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. hand them a challenge. because it's easier to fall back on But unguarded local control the federal government for Richard Wieland. Ellsworth. FARM BUREAU YOUNG R-l. FA~ the older, dependable members Regardless of age, the Farm could lea ve a fanner in a bad protection through civil rights J\lERS: Wayne Wood, Marlette. than it is to surface new leader- Bureau leaders who were involved position as some Macomb County legislation in much the same way. in the Washington Seminar (or any POSTMASTER: In usilll form 3579. ship. farmers have found. Ernest We should recognize that Before any of you older members mail to: Michigan Fann News, 7373 other action project> will not be_ Pruehs, 82, has lived on the same democracy offers majority rule, West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. tune me out, let me hasten to quite the same again. You can't sit fann all of his life. It was the farm but often, on the local level, Michigan 489()1 assure you that I don't mean that across from a Congressman and, his father started in 1873. Instead protection of the minority is "young is good; old is bad." Quite Second class postage eyeball to eyeball, tell him about of a few fellow farmers as neigh- forgotten. paid at the contrary, as another birthday the economic ha voc created by bors, however, Pruehs now has Farmers are becoming less Greenville. Midlipn approaches, I'm a true believer of price controls, without growing thousands of residents of sub- numerous all the time and the "I'm not getting older; I'm taller in your own estimation. You divisions as members community. of his protection of their rights to be derived through more remote governments, though the sensitive may ha ve FaRm~ getting better" concept so ef- fectively portrayed by the can't face a barrage of questions from sophisticated metropolitan When complaining neighbors brought Pruehs and his son to court implementation of policy should be BUreaU beautiful lady in the television commercial. There are many older newsmen al1d explain ridiculousness of $1.00a loaf bread the for violating a city ordinance left with local governments. members serving on committees without feeling an expansion of who perform their duties ef- your self-confidence. fectively because of their years of That's something I think we tend experience and because they to overlook when we encourage the Thomas Stears Dead at 32 willingly devote much time and participation of young farmers--or anyone else, for that matter. effort to their jobs. But when committee assign- There's no organization which can Thomas Stears, 32, of White Pigeon, active St. Joseph County Farm Bureau member, was killed in an auto ments are passed out as a form of offer such opportunities for per- accident March 21. Stears served on the State Young Fanner Committee from 1971to 1973and was replaced in reward rather than a challenge-- sonal development as Farm that position last November by his wife, Ethel. then the county Farm Bureau is Bureau does. Owner and operator of a 35o-acre Centennial farm which had been in the family since 1830,Stears was a 4.-H the loser. As we grow, so does our leader and held offices in his church .. We sometimes hear county organization. That's really what He is survived by his wife and two children, Michael, 7, and Deborah, 4. leaders express the concern: how it's all about. .... APRil 1, 1974 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 3 Members Have U,ntil May 31 to Apply No Physical Needed for Life Insurance..Plan No physical examination, through May 31, all Farm Bureau panded automatically. The amount questions. After these two initial A married member with children automatically updating coverages, Members can purchase Farm of coverage on the named member 9o-day sign up periods, applicants has $4,903 of life insurance, the protection for men and women Bureau Member Life Insurance decreases with age and the amount will be required to answer a health' spouse $1,000and each child $1,000. serving in the armed forces are a with no physical examination and of coverage bought is determined questionnaire and possibly take a (4.) A member without spouse but few of the advantages offered by no qualifying health questions. by the members last birthday. P h Ysic a I qua I i f i cat ion with children has life insurance Farm Bureau Member Life In- This member only insurance Current Farm Bureau Members ~xamjnatjon. protection of $5,903with each child surance ... Membership's newest plan is most'valuable to members can take advantage of the 9O-day For example, a 25 year old Farm insured for $1,000. benefit. in their early and middle adult enrollment period beginning Bureau Member would have the Farm Burea u Member Life years when financial respon- March 1, 1974and ending May 30, following coverage under these The acceptance of this Member Insurance has been developed by sibilities are the. heaviest, but all 1974. Mter that time, new Farm different circumstances during the benefit will determine the scope of Farm Bureau Life Insurance members between 18 and 70 pay Bureau Members also have 90 days first coverage year. future programs. And Farm Company of Michigan at the the same $25-per year premium. to exercise their right to purchase (1.) An unmarried Member's Bureau Member Life Insurance direction of Farm Bureau's Board As a member marries or as Farm Bureau Member Life with no life insurance is $7,639: (2.) A stands on it's own significant of Directors. And from March 1 children arrive, protection is ex- physical examination or health married Member without children merits. To enroll, simply call your has $6,639 of life insurance. The County Secretary or your local spouse has $1,000of protection. (3.) Farm Bureau Insurance agent: Farmer Hangs on to land in Out of Court Settlement Victor Pruehs was con- and show that it's not going to be again with breaking a city or- templating what he would do if the like living in the suburbs," said dinance. City of Sterling Hts., Michigan defense attorney Thomas But the Pruehs family has forced him to give up his dairy Reinhardt. enough pressures through rising operation when he was called to a At first glance, Pruehs' chances tax assessments in the area. The pretrial meeting outside the 41st for a favorable verdict from a jury 82-year-old senior member of the state district court room last made up of area homeowners farm, Ernest Pruehs, claims month. didn't seem good, but the farmer's things ha ve really changed since As it turned out, no trial was to cause had popular support from he took over the farm. take place and charges that the many of the city dwellers. "When I bought the farm (from Farm Bureau member was "The prosecuting attorney came his father) I paid $125taxes for 60 violating a city ordinance by to me to work something out," acres. Now I pay close to $3,000for continuing his dairy operation in Reinhardt said. "We were 17th acres," he said. Sterling Hts. were not even ad- reasona bly sure they couldn't Ironically, anum ber of dressed. succeed." homeowners who are new arrIvals The nine o'clock hour for the trial Most press coverage was to the area said the city should give Beth Morris holds one of the gifts of appreciation for her husband passed as Pruehs' defense attorney favorable to Pruehs in the incident them tax relief because the Pruehs Dave (right) during "Dave Morris Night" held at the Clinton County FB and the prosecutor conferred in the and some homeowners even farm had depressed property building last month. hallway of the city building. Mter showed personal support by values in the area. Morris retired this year after 10years on the MFB Board of Directors. two hours of confabs involving a citizens' group who pressed for the charges to be preliminaries were over. made It was announced in court that charges against Pruehs would be withheld under the condition that the picketing the city building in a demonstration for Pruehs. From Reinhardt a legal standpoint, said the ordinance preventing cattle from abiding within 300 ft. of a dwelling could have been struck down as un- eolM, 1'" AflJU( wiU 11le..... both the suburban homeowners constitutional as applied to the. and the Pruehs family would abide Pruehs family. by joint recommendations for fly "It would mean an end to the control from the Michigan Health farm and thereby confiscation of Department and Department of Agriculture. Michigan property," he said. The present solution does not TO II-EXPO '74" and the PACIFIC NORTHWEST All agreed that these agencies mean that homeowners can't go would be better suited to give .back to court someday to pressure for 8 FUN-FILLED DA YS! recommendations than city agents the farmer. that were not involved with "The resolution had nothing to do ~ Visit Expo '74 in Spokane, Washington agriculture. with the charge that was brought," "We wanted the Department of Reinhardt said, ~ See the Sights of Seattle Agriculture in there to show the Complaining neighbors will be Health Department that this is able to bring Pruehs to coUrt by ~ Take a Luxury-Liner Cruise through the San Juan Islands indeed a farm we're dealing with means of a civil suit or charge him \ ~ -Tour Beautiful Vancouver CHOOSE YOUR DATES: TOUR ~l - JUNE 23-30, 1974 TOUR #2 - AUGUST 18-25, 1974 Members Plan London TOUR #3 - SEPT. 15-22, lq74 Trip for November LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLEI WRITE fOR DETAILS TODAYI A trip to our motherland, members, their spouses, and/or England, is on tap for Michigan minor children Irving within the TO HISTORIC LONDON Farm Bureau members this fall. same household. Michigan Farm Bureau is co- sponsoring a tour to historic An a fternoon departure scheduled for Wednesday Nov. 6 is for 8 EXCITING DA YS! London, Nov. 6-14, 1974 with In- aboard a TWA 707 jet. Arrival in diana Farm Bureau. London is the next day with transfer ~ Trafalgar Square NOVEMBER 6-14, 1974 Only 175 seats will be available to the conveniently located Park on the chartered Trans World Plaza Hotel. In the afternoon a ~ Westminster Abbey I Airlines flight and interested Farm Bureau members are urged to get reservations in early. guided tour is planned. Optional tours for Nov. 8-13 are available or travelers can sight-see * ~ Big Ben Changing of tne Guards r Cost for this tour is $296.17from on their own. Passengers will Detroit. return Nov. 14 to Detroit Travelers will be able to see Metropolitan Airport. ~ Buckingham Palace Trafalgar Square. West minister. A deposi t of $75 per person is Abbey. Big Ben. changing of the required with the balance due CO-SPONSORED WiTH INDIANA fARM BUREAU ...... WRITE fOR DETAILSI guards, Buckingham Palace and approximately six weeks prior to other attractions in one of Europe's departure. A free color folder Ken Wiles, Manager most important cities. giving all details is available by Member Relations l\1ichigan Farm Bureau is of- writing Kenneth Wiles, Manager Michigan Farm Bureau fering this as another service to 1\1ember Relations, Michigan P. O. Box 960 member families. It is available Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 9~ Lansing, Michigan 48904 only to Michigan Farm Bureau Lansing. Michigan -t8904. PAGE 4 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS APRIL 1,1974 CAPITOL HEPDIIT Robert E. Smith 8ill Ammendments -' -fffilliIJ -"~ C'arify Tax Contract ~ . I:. ;1; I ..... I:~ .r.r- --- I - / I --. _' '-?4~~-:-~~, '11 ': ' I' \. -- I I I t!. .1' '(.' Substitute H. 4244has passed the background expertise while Rep. At the last minute, strong real House of Representatives by an George Montgomery (D-DetroiO, esta te interests tried to amend the overwhelming bipartisan vote of 80 Chairman of the house Taxation bill to remove some of the key to 17. The Senate is expected to Committee, was a strong benefits. l-Iowever, this effort was agree to the 55 amendments put on proponent on the debating floor. voted down. by the House. Rep. Dale Warner (R-Eaton Farm Bureau was a strong One important amendment is the Rapids) introduced this legislation supporter of the legislation. The elimination of the 25 percent two years ago under another title Michigan Farm Bureau Board of penalty that was in the ten-year and it was re-introduced under his Directors, voted unanimously that voluntary contractual agreement in case the landowner wished to be leadership a year ago under the present number H. 4244: It passed the legislation was in line with the FB policy derived from voting It's About Time relieved of the contract before the the House at that time in a delegates at the state annual Governor William Milliken hands the newly signed bill exempting ten years were up. somewhat different form and meeting. Michigan from Daylight Savings Time to its chief spon~or Represen- Another major amendment became known as the "Warner Other supporters include tative Donald Van Singe I (R-GranO during ceremonies last month, provides that the fannland owner, Bill. .• Michigan Milk Producers The bill will take effect in October and will not affect summer in combination with the 7 percent Over in the Senate, strong Associa tion, Michigan Association Da)'light Savings Time which was approved by Michigan voters "in the household income limitation in the leadership was given to developing of Counties. some individual last general election, bill. will also be permitted to take the substitute legislation by Sen. county boards of commissioners. advantage of the household tax Harr\' Del\1aso lR-Battle Creek). the agricultural committees of relief program that was passed a year ago. This feature over the ChaU:man of the Senate Taxation both Committee. Many other legislators the Republican Democratic parties, and several and Government Offers Help period of the ten-year agreement strongly supported the legislation other organizations interested in would serve to substantially cut the amount that would be involved in in the debates on the floor of both overall land use. the House and the Senate. Next months. Michigan Farm With Farm Paper Work the rollback provisions. Those representatives \'oting for News will ha ve a complete outline The Department of Social Ser- minister _ aid programs to Other amendments clarified the the legislation were: Reps. L. of the legislation vices will try to meet farm em- migrants, Guilnette said .. ' bill's effect on fann mortages and Anderson, T. Anderson, Angel, ployers half way or more when Special mu1ti~county migrant loans. Armbruster. Baker, Bonior, Other Taxation Measures they ask for information this centers are also being planned in Additions to the bill assured that Brennan. Brodhead. Brown, Several other taxation bills are season to prevent food stamps migrant-heavy areas to help ad- the only basis for rejection from Bryant. Bullard. M. Buth, R. Buth, in the legislative process. from reaching the wrong people. minister programs. the contract program would be Cawthorne, Cramton, F. Edwards, The Sena te has passed a bill Employers of migrant labor will failure to meet the bill's definition G. Edwards.' Elliott, Engler, au members, G(>rald Rules Committee. If this is not "Youn~ Farm(>r of the Year" at Ruchholz of Harbor Beach and successful. the only alternative to :\ISt' Farmers' Week Farm ~amt's Christnt'r of Pigeon. bring the bill before the House ~ :\lana~t'm('nt banquet. would be to suspend the rules and :\Iichigan's ,Jaycees awarded th(' Hight: Former ;\1St' Dean of clear it for consideration without :n -year-old Dutch('r the award for ,\gri('uliurt. Tom Cowdt'n speaks at going through the Rules Com- his management of a- ) ~IOO-acrt' the Farm :\lana~t'lIlel1t dinnt'r. mittee. fal'm \\ heft' h(>grows corn and has :\ISl"s Farnll'rs' Wt't'k \\as Farm Bureau opposed H.R. ill dairy cows. dedicHtt"d to tht' former dean. 10294,but did support a substitute Hutcht'I' is active on the ('()\\ dt'll is prt'st'ntly a coul1s('lor to bill (H.R, 11325L H.R. 11325would Sh ia \\ asset' Young Farmt'r l'S St'cretar~. of Agriculture, a reduce federal aut hori ty over Committe(' and is a )-11 leader. natural position for the man \\ ho approval of state land use planning \1I('n's hettel' half, Rt'th. is \'ic(' \\ as tht, .\mt'rican Farm Rurt'au and provides for federal grants-in- Chairman of tht' Shia\\ asst'e FR nirt'ctor of Ht'search during tht' aid to assist states in land use \\'on1('n. I lIlli's. planning, PAGE 6 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS APRIL 1, 1974 Canner's Ass'n Seeks Ini~nction to Stop Accredited Barga]ning Fron,ts for Growers The Michigan Asparagus Agricultural Marketing and Marketing and Bargaining Board for the Asparagas Growers plications to become bargainers Growers Division of MACMA Bargaining Board which issued the to unconstitutionality of the initial Division. MACMA has Grower for growers of kraut cabbage and barely had time to celebrate its first accreditation under the new legislation that enables ac- Committees with pending ap- potatoes for freezing. accreditation from the state as the marketing act. . creditation. official bargaining agent for It is the intentions of the plain- In the process the Bargaining growers when their new position tiffs to secure an injunction to halt Board is petitioned to determine was challenged by processors. further accreditation and nullify commodity groupings to be Soon after the accreditation was the accredited status of the represented ,by an official official on Feb. 21 the Michigan Asparagus Growers until charges bargainer. Actual product, its use, Canners Association made it clear can be resolved in court, says MFB the amount growers sell and their attorney Bill Wilkinson. geographic area determines if that they would fight the new ac- But at a show-cause hearing in growers are included. Once creditation process. Lansing on March 26, the defen- designated, growers receive full Asparagus grower Ferris dent moved that charges be benefits from and pay costs to a \ Pierson of Hartford, and dropped. All further action was bargainer chosen by the board Dukesherer Farms Inc of Benton delayed until April 22 when the after. it is shown that the Harbor, joined processors in parties will again meet in court. bargaining association is issuing a complaint against Charges from the plaintiffs representative of growers. MACMA and the fledging range from poor practice by the MACMA officials claim such legislation is needed for effective Planting Intentions bargaining and to eliminate .'free rides". Opponents claim the bill infringes on an individuals right to bargain. Besides obtaining accreditation Picture Show Second. Thoughts The acres added to agricultural Durham wheat up 39 percent and Another 20 for Potatoes C production this year will be going spring wheat up 20 percent. into wheat and corn production, according to recorded planting intentions of farmers, but im- Soybean acreage is only expected to dip 4 percent along with a delcine in sorghum. Reopened Negotiations / pending supply shortages may The national trends hold true in have caused farmers to halt trends Michigan with 11 percent rise towards expanding consuming crops. Nitrogen- expected in corn and soybeans declining 3l>ercent. (Fall plantings Bring Higher Vegetab'e Prices National statistics of fanners of wheat were up 56 percent.) reactions as of March 1 indicates Wheat, corn and dry beans At $4.20 cwt. some farmers may as a little patience for the new legality o(the accrediting process that crop acreage will be up 4 should also take acreage at the be glad they're growing potatoes higher prices. goes of{ Foster says negotiations percent over 1973 or 227 millioll expense of hay, potatoes, sugar this year. "We w<;litedlong enough to get a will go on regardless of the out- acres with feed grains rising ac- beets and barley. New contr'act prices for potatoes handle on our costs before we come. cordingly at 4 percen t. The following are comparisons of fpr fre~zing stand at $4.20 cwt. signed a contract," Foster said .. "With or without accreditation, Corn acreage should rise 10 the January and March intentions, after MACMA negotiations and The costs of production rising to MACMAwill be negotiating a price percent over last year with recording the percentage of 1973 there is yet room for still more between $700 and $SOO.per acre for asparagus," he says. acreage. (January intentions are talks~ This brings an increase from made a good argument for higher Negotiations for aU produce may for 35 states and March intentions last year's $1.96 price. prices along with the fact that become easier as the cost of living for all states.> fanners could switch to grain council in Washington -"'showed MAC MAr e pre s en t a ti v e s productio.n and contract their crop signs of .winding down ~ntrol reopened contract talks which at a profit. . me~sures I~ ho~ of wrappmg up Egg Prices National Intentions were originally resolved on March MACMA grower committees are their operation 10 May. January March Winter wheat +18% +18% 5. They resettled for another 20 now meeting with pickle A special agreement with can- EGG MARKET QUOTATIONS- Spring wheat +14% +20% cents per cwt on March 15 processors with the knowledge that ners of fruits and vegetables (not MATERIAL FURNISHED, F.O.B. Corn +10% +10% bringing another $400 000 i~ one major company is planning to fruit & vegetable freezers) took the FARM Soybeans -3% -4% Sorghum +1% -1.5% revenue to Michigan' potato pay at or above present contract official price controls off. canned FOR EGGS PICKED UP; Oats -1 -1.4 growers. levels for uncontracted produce, produce. MAR. IS, 18, 19,20,21, 1974 Barley -15 -16 Foster says. _ .... The canners assured the - Sugar beets +3 -1 LARGE MEDIUM SMALL UNDER Harry Foster, manager of the "Th~se ,~ommittees are doing a government of substantial su~plies GRADES Michigan Intentions fruit and vegetable divisions of great Job, sa~s Foster~ who looks on t.he market, ~ut Foster AA .523 .465 January March MACMAsaid that the second round fo~ward to an Increase 10 contract qU,~tlons these p~mlses .. A .513 .455 .27 .20 Winter wheat +56% +56% of talks were necessary when it pnces ... If g~owers don t get an IOcr~se Corn +12°A, +11% became apparent that processors Negotiations for Kraut cabbage on their contracts, the suppbes QuotatIons are subject to market changes Soybeans -3% -3% Dry beans +7% +13% were not offering as .....good a deal in ~re b~ing. pursued after MACMA aren't going to be there," he says. and based on average New York Market as quoted by Urner Barry of the pre- Oats -10% even Michigan as out West investIgations show that some But Foster has good words for ceding five market days Friday thru Barley -8 -25 Foster credits the ability to get g;o~~rs in the s~te were. receiving the so-ca~e~ "deconn:ols" by the Thursday. Sugar beets -10 -5 national price information as well slgmflcantly higher pnces than Cost of, Llvmg Councll and l<>?ks others. forward to the councll's "That's why we've got to bring dissolution. this information in," says Foster, "Some processors were locked "So we know what a fair price is." into bad profit structures and Meanwhile, price negotiations didn't want as_ much produce," are in the early stages for the first Foster said. state accredited bargaining Foster said he sees free market association - Michigan Asparagus prices as a way of expanding Growers - a MACMA Division, markets for processing fruits and while the court battle over the vegetables. NeV\l Farm Drug Problem One more shortage to add to.Jhe Vitamins are presently in short list - drugs. for animal health. supply and Fann Bureau Services Petroleum products reach right has received word that some feed into the doctor's bag since they are medicants common to Michigan necessary for drug production and, feeds may go on allocation. of course, veterinary supplies take "What this means is that we'll be a back seat to drugs for use on using some of these additives less human patients. freely than we used to," McKean says. "In the past we have used "I do not forsee shortages," says some of these more than we needed Dr. James McKean, veterinarian to and will ha'Ve to hold use down to for Farm Bureau Services. "What necessary amounts." I do foresee is higher prices amd The effect on everybody's mind less promotional emphasis on now is in the price and price many drugs." competition between phar- McKean who asserts that he is no maceutical firms is decreasing in doomsday prophet, says that some areas. higher prices are a symptom of a "We received a major price short supply situation. Yet. no increase for one worm product on veterinarian or farmer has to go March 1 with another increase due without necessities, he says. on the 25th," the veterinarian said. Shortening supplies are evident Price increases can be expected for antibiotics in general including to be reflected in both phar- flU penicillin, sulfa drugs and strep- maceutical and feed lines for the IT~Y tomycin. near future. APRIL 1, 1974 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 7 Bill Byrum - MFB Marketing Specialist Harry Foster - J\lACJ\lA, Fruit & Vegetable Manager Michigan Marketing Outlook Dan Hall - Secretary, Michi~an Soybean Producers Dale Kuenzlie-Michigan Elevator Exchange Don Kttnz - Michigan Elevator Exchange. Ron Nelson - J\lFB Market Development Diyision Wheat About the only thing certain issued April 24th. This report will producers exceeded the demand in all beans should get cleaned up Wheat prices took a dramtic about the soybean situation is its give the first reading since mid March. The drop represented prior to new crop supplies. tumble during March as cash bids "uncertainty." Farmers are un- January 1st as to the US grain a $9.00 decline from posted levels Further decisions should be for old crop wheat were withdrawn certain about how many soybeans stocks d Ingredients be receiving allocations roughly he says. is true not only in the United States Seed oats are being distributed. Soybean meal and meat scraps equal to the 1972-73supplies for this but throughout the world as much Navy bean seed is. extremely ex- have softened in price since the fertilizer year (July through "A lot of suppliers have industrialization is taking place. pensive and supplies are showing last report. The corn market has June). . discontinued or restricted Nations never before involved in record tightness. Producers, in also softened. The Peruvians are distribution to Michigan," Sexson industrialization are now big need of additional supplies should catching fish which should help "The thing is, we don't know how notes. ' buyers of all kinds of basic raw make their needs known im- soybean oil meal stay,.in a .softer much of what we've sold is in In' reaction to the situation materials as well- as advanced mediately. position. Feed grade phosphates storage on fanns," Sexson says. requests from Midwest Governors, goods. All of this has contributed to Ample; supplies of Ridney and and urea are extremely tight and Left with substantially less than a new high cost of Jiving that has cranberr-y seeq beans are wiU remain so. 1973supplies for the April through including Gov. William Milliken of hit nine percent a year. available, but because of .the Fertilizer June period, Sexson says all that Michigan, have been noticed by the No significant price reductions strong commercIal market these Weather is l?etter and shipments can be assured is thaf overall FBS federal government which an- a re seen in the near future for supplies will be marketed to the amount to the monthly allocations. customers will receive what they nounced that it would attempt to supply more rail cars to move anything made of metals, canning trade unless firm orders If spring breaks early, there is not did the previous fertilizer year. chemicals or petroleum. Even with are placed in the next few days. "We are the only company in the fertilizer. enough to meet demand. FBS the lifting of the Arab oil embargo No elevators will be interested in allocations must stretch to June 30. state that will take care of its Goyernor Milliken also ap- oil prices will not come down for inventorying uncommitted beans June allocations, therefore, may customers to roughly 100percent of pointed a statewide task force on some time. for seed because of the unusually not be used as much in actual their 1972-73 supplies," Sexson fertilizer which has conducted a Economists see that the inflation high value of the bean market. planting. says. survey of fertilizer dealerships in in the United States will be leveling Forage grass seed appears to be Chemicals Sexson credits this to FBS af- an attempt to identify crisis areas off; last year it was up about nine adequate in supply. A threatened Lasso shortage has filiation with CF Industries, a co- in the- state to help formulate percent. This rise is expected to Tractor Tires materialized to a great degree and operative-owned supplier' that distribution policies for this Fall. continue at least through late Tires will continue to remain. is definitely on an alloca.ted basis. reserved its supplies for domestic summer, and perha ps early fall. very tight throughout the coming Most other chemicals have been use rather than exporting them to Tips on how to make best use of lIardwart> year. We have been getting some coming in all right and are being more lucrative markets. ' available supplies of -fertilizer are Power mower ej:Juipment, tillers, shipments, and they have been delivered out to dealers. There Sexson extends little hope for also being distributed by Michigan any kind of gardening equipment-- delivered, but this is not enough to appears to be adequate but not expanded supplies to Michigan State University to help alleviate demand far outstrips the fulfill the demand. Tubes remain surplus supply of other chemicals. between now and July. the situation. ,manufacturing capability hard to get and the supply will not available. Any'demand for spare parts for Unico power equipment catch up with the great demand in the foreseeable future. Michigan Marketing Outlook (Continued from page 7) can be ordered immediately; By Liquid Fuels June there will be a shortage of It a ppea rs tha t we will ha ve Dairy Everyone must participate to alert $30.00 to $40.00 range during the parts. Mowers and tillers that were sufficient quantities of liquid fuel Marketing trends have not the consumer to the value of milk. next 30 to 60 days and beef prices on order last October and as outlined in the federal changed much in the past month. Promotional materials from will remain in the low Forties November may not be delivered regula tions . February consumption is down American Dairy Association are (40's). until May. It's not likely that Motor Oil approximately 61h percent over available from either of the two Five Hundred pound choice steer anything ordered during February We are .about 45 percent ahead at Feb. '73 and production is down following: 1. Don Carlson, calves will continue to cost from over 3 percent during the last year. American Dairy Association of Forty-five Dollars $45.00 to Fifty- The reason for both is obvious. Michigan, 3000 Vine Street, Lan- four Dollars ($54.00) and Feeder The recent milk price increases sing, Michigan, Phone number 517. Pigs will fluctuate depending on have caused consumers to reduce 351-7370. current markets. consumption and look to other food 2. Ron Nelson, Market Fruit Crops and beverages to replace milk. Development, Michigan Farm Apples - Crop outlook is good. A second and possibly more Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy., Processed apple products in- important factor is the instability Lansing, Michigan, Phone number ventory is in good position. Prices in the job market. 517-485-8121,Ext. 223. have increased to reflect the The auto industry continues to Materials are suitable for mall smaller crop _of 1973apples. Even layoff hourly workers and thus, displays, county fairs, or other at higher prices, these processed one would assume, consumers are type of promotion-public relations apple products have experienced tightening their econoniic belts. efforts. good movement into the con- How long this trend will continue is Livestock suming market. anyone's guess. ' Cattle and hog prices continue to Tart Cherries - Frozen cherry Producers are looking hard at decline. Large num bers of prices are holding at record levels production costs and also won-. livestock going to market, ap- for the few cherries for ...... sale. dering about the consumption parent lesser demand for meat Everyone wants to be sold out at DEBENTURES picture. They will respond when products, and a bearish outlook for new pack time. Cherry supplies the picture looks favorable. At the year-end present time, producers marketings are are at record low levels. A good are depressing factors in the market crop is needed to get back into the FARMERS PETROLEUM COOPERATIVE, INC. responding to the general place. variet}' of cherry products for economic climate by.attempting to We expect increased prices consumption. INTEREST ON DEBENTURES 5 10-15 year maturity p hold the cost of production -in line during late spring and late Sl1ITl'- Plums - Canned plum inventory with return on investment. mer months in both the beef and is greater than a year ago but in Advertising and promotion are pork complex. line with the three-year average. 7% 5 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase ~more important than ever. Probably hogs will remain in the ~rry~~prob~mis~ticipa~d. Prices continue strong and no 8% 15 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase 5th Annual Southwestern Michigan Price outlook is favorable for....this year. _ T~% 10 Year Maturity $1,000.00 Minimum Purchase P o II e d H ere f or d Ass ' n (SWMPHA) Grapes-Cropoutlookisgoodand the inventory position is very tight. 8%% 15 Year Maturity $5,000.00 Minimum Purchase Show and Sale. Prices of grapes this year should continue in the 19'!3 price range. April 13, 1974. (Sa turda y ) Vegetable Crops Interest paid annually on September 1st.:"The purchaser to De offered the option to receive their interest in quarterly Show starts at 9 a.m., Sale starts at 1 p.m. Asparagus - Asparagus growers are requesting base price in- payments on September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan, Michigan creases to cover increased costs. Price appears to be up in all other June 1st. Interest would start the date of purchase. Selling approximately 60 lots: major asparagus producing areas This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy outside of Michigan. these securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. 20 performance tested hulls Pickling Cucumbers - Grain contracts continue to be offered. 20 quality brood cows, Alternative crops such as corn, I -------------------------- Clip and m.ail this coupon to: V\Ihpe .,., F-erm Comes ~...~, I some with calves at side beans, oats and barley are good uses for growers' land and growers I Mr. C.A. Morrill F8Rmr1 I resist signing pickle contracts I Farmers Petroleum P. O. Box 960 Cooperative, Inc. BUreaU I 20 outstanding heifers unless th~y are profit oriented. Outlook for pickle market looks I Lansing, Michigan 48904 ~ARMERS PETROlEUM I Judge: Art Timberlake, Director good. Prices are likely to be above I I would like a copy of the prospectus and a call by a I (area 12) APHA, Mauckport, Ind. those written into production I registered sales agent. I Auctioneer: Col. Joe Gossard, Frankfort, Ind. contracts. I Name I lunch on ground~ .... Kraut Cabbage - Contracts in I Road RFO No._- _ I major producing states .Ire nearly I For catalogs or Ass'n Directories, contact: settled in the $30plus range for late City .... / County I SWMPHA Seer, 8499 EAST "EF" Ave., market kraut cabbage. Supplies of ___________________________ Phone I~ ~_~_~ Richland, Michigan 49083 (616) 629-2631 ~_~_~_~ kraut continue to be very tight as ~_~~pric~mMeg~~al~~wa~. APRIL 1, 1974 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 9 !'lEXT MOr-; I t Making fuel from wa~te? Farm News looks at a machine that Members Rub Elbows with Congress can do it. " The delegation of fanners who Leaders." Their assignment regardless of how effective the flew to the nation's capitol for the during the seminar was to meet AFBF might be, legislators are Michigan Farm Bureau with their Congressmen to discuss aware that the Washington staff Washington Legislative Seminar, major issues of concern to does not vote for them back in their March 11-14, had a youthful look. Michigan fanners. home districts -- and that the Many young men and women, county Farm Bureau leaders aware of current issues affecting Grass Roots Influence represent the real legislative Homefront their profession, participated in The Washington Legislative strength. the project, sponsored annually by Seminar began with a briefing by He explained the current climate Farm Bureau Women. American Farm Bureau in Washington as a place of Of the 125 farmers involved in Federation staff. Jolm Datt, "nervous Nellies, " an election this year's seminar, 57 were Director of Congressional year with politicians well aware of specially designated "Legislative Relations, reminded the group that the public's general apathy and distrust. Also prevalent in their Some community Farm Bureau + + + + + minds, he said, were the energy groups have problems with small Something new in rustling is situation, Watergate and im- attendance when their faithful reported by the Radio Hill Com- peachment, and the nation's members go south for the winter. munity Group in Presque Isle economy. Not so with the Northwest Oshtemo - County. A -Canner from Belkna p Group of Kalamazoo County. They Township lost 50hens and a rooster hold their regular monthly to rustlers. The poultry was latE', Four Issues meetings in Florida. February's found in an abandoned house wit' L. Datt outlined four major issues report, from Nokomis, Florida, number of them dead from st if for the legislative leaders--wage indicates five members present -- vation or freezing. and price controls, land use, gov- plus five guests. If you can't get + + + + + Typical of Farm Bureau legis- ernment-held commodity reser- members to the group, take the The Friendly Farmers Group of lative leaders at the Washington ves,"cmdtrade and export controls. group to the members .... Isabella County recently passed a Legislative seminar last month He placed special emphasis on resolution regarding the aban- was Bill Semans. 30 of Shiawassee wage and price controls, ex- donment of rail service to 1\1t. County. Towering over much of the plaining that the Economic + + + + + Pleasant. "Such abandonment crowd on the busy capital city Stabilization Act expires on March The Pleasant Shores Community would create a serious problem to streets, the young dairy fanner, at 31. Group of Huron County celebrated farmers. especially during the 6-feet plus, made one "Tell your Congressmen what its 25th Anniversary with a lun- harvest season of wheat. corn and Congressmen's description of economic disaster resulted from cheon at the Lamplighters beans," they said .. 'With the lack farmers as "little people who lack wage and price controls, and then Restaurant in Pigeon in March. of storage on farms and elevators, legislative muscle" a misnomer. create the political climate in your Members' testimony, after 25 the movement of these crops at Like the other legislative a rea so he knows he won't be years, remains the same as when harvest time is dependent on leaders, representing 47 county clobbered back home," Datt said. the group was .first organized: railroad service. We request the Farm Burea us, he was in Bill Anderson, assistant director "The community group is a good Rail Service Planning Commission Washington to flex his legislative of the AFBF Washington office, place to meet your neighbors, to to consider all aspects of any muscles. urged the legislative leaders to tell discuss and try to analyze your decision made in this matter. Bill and his brother formed a their Congressmen that "no way mutual problems -- personal, particularly in regard to partnership on the 470-acre family can we control inflation, caused by community and nationa1." agriculture and industry." farm when their father retired in excessive government spending 1970. In addition to milking 80 and budget deficit, with wage and cows. they raise hogs, hay and price controls." corn. Bill's interest in Farm He told the Michigan group that Bureau's legislative activities Bill Semans the energy crisis is real and that started in his Community Group the allocation system only makes it when he served as a Minuteman, fast on March 12, and introduced look as though the problem is not discussion leader and chairman. Representatives Broomfield, serious. "They allocate fossil-fuel Bill is vice chairman of the Hutchinson, Chamberlain, Ruppe, now --how long before they allocate township ASCS committee and and Brown. Legislative or ad- people-fuel (food)?" serves as board chairman for his ministrative assistants for Tuesday, at the Republican church. Active in FF A, he was Congressmen Huber, Esch, breakfast, members were seated awarded a State Farmer degree in VanderJagt. former Congressman with their Congressmen and had an 1961and American Farmer degree Harvey, and Senator Griffin were opportuni ty to discuss energy and in 1964.Bill and his wife, Bunny, a also present. fertilizer shortages, price controls, nurse, have two boys, Joel, 4, and "Our Congressmen need to hear trade reform and land use. Jason, 3. from the folks back home; it gives A noon luncheon with In 1973, they were named them assurance that we know what Democratic Congressmen was chairmen of Shiawassee County's they are doing in Washington and attended by Senator Hart, National Affairs Committee. that we care," said Semans: "I Representatives O'Hara, Reigle With Bill and Bunny at the stern, think we're fortunate to have and VanderVeen, and assistants it won't be just a paper committee. sincere Michigan Congressmen. from the offices of Hart and Nedzi. If it takes a bit of nagging from a They have respect for Farm At the Department of young whippersnapper to get the Bureau because our organization Agriculture, Tuesday afternoon, INTEREST ON DEBENTURES 5-10-15 year maturity telephone grid system working comes up with such logical con- Michigan farmers were greeted by effectively, letters to legislators on clusions to problems and because Dr. Tom Cowden, Counselor to the their way to Lansing and they know we ha ve the best in- Secretary for Land Use Policy and Washington, and committee terests of the whple country at Environmental 7% 5 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase Matters. Un- members to seminars and training heart -not just our own." dersecretary Phil Campbell ad- 7%% 10 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase meetings -- he's willing to invest Bill summed up the 1974 dressed the group, and other this effort. Michigan Farm Bureau department officials brought the 8% 15 Year Meturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase Semans' and Congressman Rep. Washington Legislative Seminar farm leaders up to date on the Elford A. Cederberg, served as simply and sincerely: "It's too bad fertilizer, energy and foreign trade - 7%% 10 Year Maturity $1,000.00 Minimum Purchase chairman of the Republican break- everyone can't go." situations. 8%% 15 Year Maturity $5,000.00 Minimum Purchase Spare Time Tour Interest paid annually on September 1st. The purchaser to Wednesday was a day of guided be offered the option to receive their interest in quarterly sightseeing for legislative leaders payments on September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and and American Heritage group. June 1st. Interest would start the date of purchase. They visited the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, Lincoln Memorial, . This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these Washington Cathedral, Changing securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, Mt. Vernon and other historical sites. -------------------------- Clip and mail this coupon to: A Thursday morning press I I Mr. C. A. Morrill FaRm.,., conference resulted in a lively discussion between Michigan Farm Bureau legislative leaders I I Farm SureOlu Services, P. O. SO)( 960 Lansing, MiChigan 48904 Inc. Bureau ~~ IlUREJlU SEAl/lCES INC and newsmen from Booth I I would like 01 copy of the prospectus and a COlli by a regis- :'\ewspapers, Panax Corporation, I tered sa les agent. Gannett Press Service. Detroit I Name Free Press and Detroit ~ews. I Road RFD No. _ :\10st seminar participants spent I City _ County _ IIE.\I> TO IIEAD Bill visits with his C~ngress~an. Elford ~. ?~s~derab.le tim~ "on the hill." I Phone _ Cedl'rhl'rg. in the legislators Washington offIce dunng last month s lSltJng wl.th theIr. Congressmen I \\ ashington St'minar .... "Our Congressmen need to ht'ar from folks back home. Bill says. nd attendmg hearmgs. ~--------------------------~ PAGE 10 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS APRil 1, 1974 .. Where Does Good Government Begin? Government, as defined in one dictionary, is "the exercise of political authority, direction and restraint over the actions of the inhabitants of communities, societies, or states; the governing organization or body of a nation, state, or community." Thus, it appears that to gain some insight as to where good government begins it is necessary to be familiar with our political system. Will Rogers is credited with saying that everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects. Certainly a thick wall of ignorance has been built between the world of politics and the world of the average citizen. But, it behooves all citizens of this country to understand some facts about the nature of our American political system in order that the TUVIC wall of ignorance can be breached. by -KEN WILES Two Party System It is important to understand that the American Manager Member Relations political system is a two-party system. It has made substantial contributions to the growth of the nation. In governmental authority is fairly and legally used, with Should Farm Bureau Be Active in Politics? fact, according to some historians, the success of the due regard for the rights of individuals and minorities. Farm Bureau members are both farmers and citizens, American way of life has been the direct result, in a large In local community decision-making, the interested with the problems of both. Their Farm Bureau measure, to the two-party system. citizen can often make his voice heard. The results of his organization must be politically active if it is to meet the At first glance it is easy to overlook the impressiveness participation may not be great, but they are often visible. problems facing agriculture. of the two major political parties. The Democratic Party The individual's impact on state and and local matters is An example can be used to illustrate the need for Farm can legitimately trace its ancentry back almost to the certainly greater than it can ever be at the national level. Bureau tobeactivein politics. At the 1973Michigan Farm founding of the nation. The Republican Party also can The influence of the public can be very noticeable, for Bureau Annual Meeting, voting delegates unanimously , claim honor as a successful and long-continuing political example, in meetings of a city council, where the coun- approved a policy supporting legislation to allow the body. cilmen lend keen attentive ears to those citizens who take assessment of farmland on the basis of its value for To say that this country has had a perfect two party the trouble to cdme and present their views. agriculture rather than potential nonfarm uses. system would be an exaggeration. Obviously, it is not Though very few people use their time, energy and But, how could this policy be implemented if Farm true. Many of us live in towns or communities dominated money to the fullest extent in order to participate in local Bureau took no political action? Tax decisions are made by one political party. Some live in areas where, for local decisions, any citizen can do so. Ev"enpublic officials often by lawmakers. In making these decisions, lawmakers are purposes at least, the parties don't operate at all. have resources available to them which they do not fully left with many controversial questions. What will happen However, a close look at the political situation reveals use. It is precisely because of these unused resources that if no action is taken? Who should obtain the relief? What that one or both parties do function. the person who does seek to utilize his resources fully can type of program will best meet the objectives? People tend to get the best government where there are make real gains toward achieveing influential status in Without political action by Farm Bureau, the decisions. two strong, constantly contesting political parties. Where his community. on such questions will be influenced by those who are the system has broken down, poor -government and a lack In every state and community, elections playa vital active in politics and who do not necessarily have the best of interest by the citizens are usually found. role. At the national level, the citizen has an opportunity to agricultural interests at heart. Political decisions are not a question of choosing be- choose a very small percentage of those who serve him in Issues come about as a result of problems. Problems tween right or wrong. It is not like the old western movie government. At the state level, however, the voice of the always demand solutions or answers. Since its beginning, of the pre-adult era, where the good guys wore white hats people speaks more loudly, and the electorate usually has Farm Bureau has approached issues on their own terms, and always won over the bad guys, who wore black hats. the chance to choose a large number of state officials. without regard to political party .. In politics, bad guys and good guys exist only in terms of At the local level, the citizen is called upon to elect a On one issue, the Farm Bureau position may appear to the individuals points of view. Someone is good, because mayor, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, be similar to the views of one party. On the next issue, the we happen to like him personally, or because he is pur- registrar of deeds, and various commissioners, coun- Farm. Bureau position may look like that of the other suing policies which we approve. But there are competing cilmen and the members of special district boards. In party. Farm Bureau policies stand by themselves. They interests in terms of different objectives and different additio~ to expressing choices for these many elective are based on "for what" instead of "with whom." Thus, values. positions, the voters of Michigan occasionally are called- Farm Bureau's position on issue's is "nonpartisan." The heart of American politics is the political process at upon to settle important questions of policy, as well as to Once a policy has been approved by the voting delegates the local level. As more than one observer has pointed out, approve constitutional changes .. at an annual meeting, the action taken to implement it the particular genius of American institutions is the fact Since the state's system of local government IS one must deal with lawmakers who belong to both parties. that national policy is for~ed out of the multitude. of which depends heavily upon elections, it see~s perfectly Regardless of what party to introduce and support fragments of local influence. American political parties reasonable to assume that the general publIc plays an legislation. The rule is to work with any lawmaker. The are a good example. For all intents and purposes, they important part in the political process. The popular action is bipartisan and dependent on. whether party have no national existence, at least not in the sense in definitions of democracy usually include some reference representatives will work with Farm Bureau. # I which parties exist nationally in Great Britain. It is the to 'government by the people". It -therefore comes as Thus, the Farm Bureau approach to political issues fits local organizations, alone or in combination, which something of a shock to find that we are rarely governed into no political party straightjacket. control nominations, and aspiring presidential candidates by the many and much more often governed by the few. who want to wage a national campaign must first court The level of interest and participation in local decision the local and state politicians. He cannot hope for success making is generally lower than the interest in national at a national convention without their support. politics. The typical citizen generally finds it very difficult The local politicians and state leaders in turn receive to identify the local officeholders. You Can Be Heard their initial status and influence through participation in With few exceptions, all citizens are given an equal You'd hardly know this is an election year the way it has the political process at levels far removed from the opportunity to participate in the political process. Yet a been ignored so far by most citizens. On the other hand, federal government. They are first members and then large number fail to do so. the way members of Congress have been acting, it is leaders of voluntary groups organized to combat such Research has failed to show any clear cut reasons as to obvious they are thinking of little else. things as pornography on local newstands or to promote why people do not vote. Some fail to vote because they Before the year is over hundreds and thousands of clean-up, paint-up campaigns in their neighborhoods. lack interest in government. Alow turnout at the polls can people will be elected to important offices. For citizens to Grass roots democracy basically begins with citizen presumably indicate a satisfied electorate who see no sit on their hands during this critical period because they participation in community development. Through this burning issues at stake in the election. don't like some oJ the things they see is a form of in- participa tion the individual acquires the contacts and Some people do not vote because they find voting an .tellectual suicide. acquaintence with the political scene which further in- extremely frustrating experience. Many people ap- The elections represent a wide-open opportunity for volves him in politics. parently fail to vote because they distrust politics and personal involvement, for people to react in a positive Local community decision-making is not the exclusive politicians and refuse to participate because they do not manner toward their government. Now is the time, if perogative of executive and legislative officials. Instead feel that their vote can affect the outcome. citizens are disillusioned by the way things are being it is the activities of a large number of individuals and Mo~t of us ha ve heard the lame excuse "that "my vote handled, to take the elected officials to the woodshed to groups acting together-planning projects, mobilizing won't make any difference." While this argument is hard tell them so. public opinion, winning over potential opposition, and to refute, there are plenty of instances which clearly in- True, all of our problems cannot be solved through establishing goals and objectives for the community. dicate that individual votes can make a difference, as is legislative efforts, but each individual should become An interesting aspect of the political process at the local clearly shown by the closeness of many contests during po}j~ally active in local governme!1t to p~t forth sound level is that the actors-the officeholders as well as the national and state elections. ideas for the betterment of the entire socIety .• would-be officeholders and the voluntary participants in Another reason why people fail to vote in local elections //" As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "Politics ought to community action-are men and women drawn from or- is that they lack interest in the future and welfare of the be the part time profession of every citizen who would dinary walks of life. They are one's neighbors, they run community in which they live. Also, people stay away protect the rights and privileges of free people who would the business one patronizes, they a're easily identifiable, from the polls because they feel that "elections do not preserve what is good and fruitful in our national and easily accessible to the citizen. really make any difference." heritage." It is important that a citizen participate in the political process as it gives him an opportunity to check and supervise the work of local government. At all levels, S local, state and national, government is performing more and more services, and is playing an increasingly im- portant part in the lives of individual citizens. This is not a matter of the government "invading" our private lives. Rather, it results from the people having been more and more persistent in their demands upon government to provide ever more services in ever in- ° 0 c:-easing variety. Nor is there an indication that this prE'Ssure has reached its peak. Successful candidates in recent elections have been those who advocate more, not rJ fit I I V e. b e~ less, governmental services, and there is every reason to <;a"1blllv} .fo". believe that heavy service demands will continue to be ~G("" J I)w Y IJQ 't made upon the government at all levels. This increased activity on the part of government makes it imperative that the citizen participate in the p I tical process. making it his business to know that APRIL 1, 1974 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 11 FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE , SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: One free 25 wo,(J ad per month per membership, additional ads, 25 words for $2.00 each editio-". Additional words. 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word. NON-MEMBER advertisers: 15 cents per word one edition, two or more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of month. Mail classified ads to: Michigan Farm News, P. O. Box 960, Lansing, Ml. 48904. Publisher reserves right to reject any advertising copy submitted. FARM EQUIPMENT FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS MISCELLANEOUS _ FOR SALE - 2 Allis-Chalmers "G" Tractors. :\IEYt:RS iF-29 Air Blast Sprayer - 500 gal. FOR SAI.t: - Registered holstein bulls to one I WII.I. Hl'ILDaD (or part) of various models (jAnI.lC ('1.0\"ES am sets for seasoning or 1 with cultivator. plow. belly-mower. 1 con- Excellent condition - $2500. Roo Campbell. 3305 year old. Dams to V.G. 29&1. 20046M. 776F. of Dutch Windmills to be used for sup- spri~ planting 75 cents per lb. Also chives in verted into 3-row asparagus rider. also Glover. Almoot. Mich. 48003 Phone (313) 793- Sires-Matt. Bootmaker. Chief. Bill Bamber. plemental power aM lights. First wiMchanzer rows 2 years old fer salads and flowers 75 cents cultivator. Edgar Totzke. Berrien Springs. 8167 evenings. - (4-lt-2Dp) Howell. Mich. Phone (517) 546-~. (4-lt-24p) built in 1934. Elwood Van Antwerp. 22011 "L" per SQ. fl. Elwood Van Antwerp. 221)11 "L" Mich. 49103. Tel. (616) 429-9'n2. (4-lt-25p) Drive N .. MarshaD. Mich. 49068 Phone (616) Drive N.. Marshall. Mich. 49068 Phone (616) {',\SE 700 COMHINE with 10' floating head and 781-4353. 14-lt-35pl 781-4353. (4-lt-37p1 MILKISG SHORTHORNS: Young Bulls. FOR SALE - 70 horsepower Wicks boiler. 2-row com head. John Deere 494 com planter. yearlings and calves for sale. Write for PECAl'iS: Delicious Shelled Pecan Halves. 2 fired with two Clea ver-Brooks oil burners $995. Both very good cooditioo. Arthur B. KUhI. SAUSAGE MAKERS. GREAT~ RECIPES. tabulated pedi$trees or better vel. oav us a lb. box $6.95. 3 lb. box S9.~. Sue's Pecans. Also CRCO snap bean harvester for parts. 11701 Scio Church Rd .• Chelsea. Mich. 48118 Bol~na. Frankfurters. Head Cheese. Sum- visit. Stanley M. Powell and Family. Ingleside Foley. Alabama 36535. (2-3t-16p) Phone 517-543-0255 Jack ForeH. Charlotte. Phone (313) 475-7861. (4-lt-25p) mer. Blood and Pork. Sausage. $1.00. Farm. Route No.2. Box 238. Ionia. Michigan lIamiltons Box 233-131. New Vim. Minn. Mich. 48813. (4-lt-25p) 48846. (7-tf-33b) FOR SM.": - Asparagus Plants in com- FOR SALE - Two-wheel heavy duty trailer merci.al Quantities. Green Tip Farm. R3. Paw 56073. l4-lt-21p) 1I0LUND CELERY TRANSPLANTER. like frame. Ring hitch. Leaf springs. Good tires. Fun SAI.E - Charolais bulls and bred cows Paw. Mich. 49079 Phone (616) 657-5003 after 7 $65. 50 HOt Bed Sash $2 each. redwood or f