MICHIGAN FaRm FARM NEWS Bureau VOL. 54 NO. 12 SERVING OVER 61,000 FARM BUREAU FAMILIES DE Farmland Preservation Act First P.A.. 116 contract signed Gov. William G. Milliken signed beef ca ttle, will be brought under the first contract to place a the act for a period of 10 years. Michigan r f.ar{Jl under the Under terms of the act (P.A. 116 protectio~ brLuM F~f.iiilijnd and of 1974) a person who owns farm Open Space PreservatiOn 'Act Nov. land or certain other open-space _ 18. parcels can get special tax con- In signing the contract with Mr. siderations by agreeing to keep the land in its present use for 10 years, arxl Mrs. Da vid H. Furse of Bath Township, Clinton County, Milliken while limiting development to said: agricultural improvements. In return, the land-owner gets "We are taking the first of what I credit against the state income tax hope will be many steps toward preserving Michigan's en- equal to the amount of property tax vironment am its food-producing which exceeds seven percent of household income--a particular capacity for future generations. "This contract involves one 200- boon to fanners whose land is near acre fann, but its impact will be growing urban areas. Their land felt all over Michigan-especially often increases in value to the point near growing urban areas-for that they cannot afford to pay the genera tions to come. resultant property taxes-forcing them to sell to developer or "In recognizing that essential speculators. agricultural land continues to be Milliken said the Office of Land converted at an alanning rate to Use, Department of Natural other uses, the Le~islature Resources, which is the ad- adopted-at my urging-the Fann- ministering agency for the land am Open Space Preservation program, is now processing more Act to slow this process. than 400 applications for similar "I am gratified to see this im- contracts. These applications portant program now being used represent more than 64,000acres of Gov. William G. Milliken signs the contract making the Clinton County farm of Mr. and Mrs. David H. Furse by the agriculb.1ral community." active agricul tural land being the first in the state to come under protection of the new Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act [P.A. The Furse's fann, on which the} voluntarily entered into the 116]. Attending the signing are [from left] Rep. Philip Mastin. Jr. [D-Oakland]; Rep. Quincy Hoffman [R- raise a varieo/ of cash crops and program by larxlowners. Applegate]; Deaa Pridgeon. member of Natural Resources Commission and MFB Vice President; Robert Smith. MFB legislative council; Dennis Hall. administrator of P.A. 116 for the Department of Natural Resources; Mr. and Mrs. Furse and child; and Karl Hosford. DNR's Director of Land Use. After huge farmer turn-outs MFB annual meeting begins 4921 hearings end Dec. lOin Grand Rapids Michigan Fann Bureau will proximately 1500 Farm Bureau Mike Award will be presented to a combine business and Bicentennial leaders and members from news person from the electronic festivities during its 56th annual throughout the state during the 4- media, a Bronze Quill for a print meeting at the Civic Auditorium in day convention. media, arxl a "Top Agricultural Grand Rapids December 10-12.The The theme of the event, Communicator of the Year" award annual is expected to attract ap- "Building Horizons on Our given to the news person selected Heritage," will highlight the role by judges from a field of 40 fanners played in the birth and nominations. growth of the United States. Voting delegates representing Special Bicentennial activities will the 69county units will begin policy include a 200th Birthday Ball on development on Thursday and Wednesday evening, December 10, continue on Friday. A package of and a presentation on "200 Years of resolutions dealing with a wide American Agriculture" during the va riety of topics including the annual banquet Thursday night. Marketing and Bargaining Act, Other convention highlights will foreign trade, and farm labor be the annual address by President issues will be considered. Action on Elton R. Smith Wednesday noon these resolutions will d.~termine arxl the appearance of Governor the policies arxl set the airection Th .. important series of hearings on II.B. 4921 concluded Nov. 24 under Milliken at the Thursday luncheon. for the organization in the coming tht' dirt'ction of tht' lIouse Agriculture Committee. MASA Operations Three news people will be honored year. !\1anagt'r M.J. Buschlen testified in opposition to the bill at the Cold- on December 10 for outstanding Farm Bureau Services and water hearing explaining that. "Enactment of II.B. 4921 would ad. services in promoting an un- Fanners Petroleum Cooperative, "t'rst'I). affect workers. increase unemployment. increase food costs derstanding and appreciation of will hold their annual meetings on and r ..duct' food production .• Scores of farmers testified against the bill t Gov. William Milliken Michigan agriculture. A Bronze Tuesday, December 9. at th .. fivt' ht'arings held throughout the state in October and November. Special Membership Section included with this issue: Pass it on PAGE 2 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS DECEMBER 1, 1975 "That~s what I like ,, about Farm Bureau . • • This is a particularly busy time in Farm Bureau with "This Organization has stood the test of time (or almost 60 policy development, membership acquisition and county years. Its leadership is well known and respected in State reorganization taking much of our time and effort. None of legislatures as well as the Halls of Congress. Government us should be too busy, however, to find the time to say leaders and officials listen to their cwncil. The basic beliefs "tha nk you" to those who ha ve given so much of themselves must ha ve been sound for they have remained mostly intact to our organization. throughout the "years. Policies reflect current thinking, In many county Farm Bureaus', those who have served which will implement the IKlrpose of Farm Bureau. They as president will be turning over their gavels to their suc- are sound because they represent the thinking of nearly cessors. Along with the gavel, which is a symbol of ~~furmfumili~ . leadership, they also give a heritage upon which to build "AIXi that's what I like about Fann Bureau. new horizons. That heritage may include knowledge and "Fann Bureau is working at the food booth at the Fair. It experience, but in most cases, it will be attitude which will is selling memberships and going to legislative committee be the most valuable gift to th~ who follow. A positive hearings at Lansing and Benton Harbor. It is attending attitude, a spirit of enthusiasm, a strong belief in the community meetings and eating in the French Quarter in philosophies of Farm Bureau, and a record of determined New Orleam. It is seeing Betsy Ross' home in Philadelphia effort to execute its policies-that is the heritage so many of and writing letters to the editcr about the fanners' our retiring presidents have provided for their problems. Farm Bureau is loading grapes and unloading organizations. oranges. It is collecting interest on Services and Petroleum One such leader, Max Hood, retiring president of the Van stock and helping nominate marketing committee mem- Buren County Farm Bureau, expressed this attitude so bers and sticking name labels on county papers and setting effectively at their recent county annual meeting, that I felt up tables and many, many more pleasant memories. It is it should be shared with all members. Very appropriately, being frustrated when people don't turn out but being elated Max entitled his message -- "That's What I Like About when some new ywng people say, "Yes, I would like to do Farm Bureau." . that" or "I'll do it, I don't know of any reason why I "A voluntary organization of farm families united for the shooldn't. " purpose of analyzing their problems and formulating action '~And that's what I like about Farm Bureau. to achieve educational improvement, economic op- "Farm Bureau started in Van Buren County when five portunity, and social advancement and, thereby, to men met in Mrs. Rena Buskirk's kitchen and organized it 58 promote the national well being. years ago. it is here now for you to join or to splm. To brag "You say these are impossible goals. You believe that I'm about or to criticize. The role of Farm Bureau in the future dreaming. You think 'Old Man wake up to the present'. And will be up to you. It will contime to be an influence in the life I suggest that you get with it. That you accept your moral of our communities, our states, our nation and our world if responsibility to help preserve freedom for future you will make it so. This will take some time but I assure generations, just as many of you fellow farmers are doing. you it will be rewarding. "Here is an organization of, by and for farmers where all "And this is what I like about Farm Bureau." members have the opportunity to be heard. A voice in It is this kind of leadership that has made Farm Bureau determining the policies, programs and plans tha t are the strong, effective organization it is today. And, it is this MICHIGAN adopted .. kind of leadership which will make Farm Bureau an in- "That's what I like about Farm Bureau. valuable tool to farmers in the future. I hope you will join FARM NEWS "Farm Bureau is a many sided creature. It provides an with me in thanking all those who' are passing the reins of opportunity for people to meet, greet, and eat with their leadership to others. Thank them not only for countless neighbors. There are leadership opportunities in the Young hours they ha ve spent in the service of Farm Bureau-but Farmer and Women's Committee. There are travel op- most impoctant, thank them for "Building Horizons on Our _ The Michigan FARM NEWS is portunities. Its affiliate Companies all of which were born Heritage." In doing so, they gave us a heritage upon which published mnnthly. on the first day, by from an idea, desire, or need by members, ha ve become to build. The best way to show our appreciation is to con- the Michigan Farm Bureau Information Division. Publicat ion and Editorial successful because of the interest and support of members. tinue building th~ new horizons. offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. "And that's what I like about Farm Bureau. Lansing. Michigan -48904. Post Office I DeNNA B4IX~. Telephone. Lansing 48S-8121. I Extension 228. Subscription price. 65 cents per year. Established January 13. 1923.Second C'lass Pnstage paid at GreenviIle. Michigan. EDITORIAL: Editor: Jim Phillips; Associate Editor: Donna Wilber: Staff Photographer: Marcia Ditchie. OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau: Remember the Homefront President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia. R- 1; Vice President. Dean Pridgeoo. Montgomery. R.l; Administrative Director. Robert Braden. Lansing; Treasurer am Chief Financial Officer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. little Red Hen? Wilkinson. I hope everyone, whether they AFL-CIO who could stand to read IH It E('TORS: District 1. Arthur There is no record to prove it, b\\l it does appear that perhaps the belong to a Community Group or this story once more. Bailey. Schoolcraft: District 2. Dean Country Bumpkins Community Group of Tuscola County established not, reads this month's Discussion Last fall am spring, fanners, Pridgeon. MnntgOOlery. R.l; District 3. Topic. Foreign trade is an area of Andrew Jackson. Howell. R-l; District 4, a record for having the youngest person present at a group meeting. like the little red hen, planted their Elton R. Smith, Caledooia. R-l; District Their special guest for their meeting was Billy Graham, the one- vital concern to all farmers and the wheat. Unlike the little red hen, 5. William Spike. Owosso. R-3; District week old son of Joe and Kaye Graham. better informed they are--the they didn't ask for any help. All 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City, R-3: District 7. better chance of gaining IKlblic • • • they wanted were assurances from Kenneth Rull. Bailey. R.l: District 8. • support (or a free agriculture. their government that they would Larry DeVuyst, Ithaca. R-4: District 9. Congratulations to the Strange Pioneers. This Eaton County D4InaldNugent. Frankf the supply of feed grains adequate, HEATI~(i OIL - Farmers 9%% 15 Year Maturity $5,000.00 Minimum Purchase will be in good supply. Lasso ap- high quality feeds are available at Petroleum is ready, willing and pears almost certainly to be in lower prices. LPS is available for able to assure you of dependable tight supply in 1976.The reason is thaie wanting to insure that their delivery of your heating oil Interest paid annually on September 1st. The purchaser to that demanl still exceeds supply. animals have adequate phmiphoros requirements. Sign up with your be offered the option to receive their interest in quarterly local FPC dealer now before the payments on September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and FBS's dealerS have shipments on 'and other nutrients necessary that June I"st. I nterest would start the date of purchase. tap for much more Lasso than was' maximize milk and meat cold blasts of winter really set in. used last year. The fmit and production profits. You'll appreciate the excellent buy This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these vegeta ble insecticides and in service you'll get along with top- securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. fungicides, with the exception of XAVY REA~S - Michigan quality heating oil. Dacthal, will be available at FBS dealers ani no supply problems Elevator is presently at Uno bid" to the grower. This is due to virtually no trading, brought about by Avoid the winter failure of a weak battery am get off to a fast start I -------------------------- Clip and mail this coupon to: F-a-RF.mmc-~ 11 I are anticipated for fanners taking Mr. C. A. Morrill I Farm BureauServices,Inc. I their needs early. growers selling too many beans at once. Also, elevators felt too much with Fanners Petroleum's Drynamic battery. The plates of new I FarmersPetroleum Cooperative, Inc. P. O. Box 960 BUreaU _-..u--.N: I money was being JXltout for beans. the Drynamic battery are moist I Lansing, Michigan 48904 FARMERS P£TROl.£UM I FEHTIUZER - Phosphates Now. trading is really minimal in when sent from the factory and I I would like a copy of the prospectus and a call by a regis- I ad\anced about (15 a ton the first the bean industry. It's said prices ready to goas soon as electrolyte is I tered sales agent. I of November. It remains to be seen of $27 and $28 per oondred weight added. You can get powerful I Name I if this will be the final price. were offered by some companies. Drynamic batteries at Farmers I Road ------------R-F-O-N-O-. ------ I Adequate suppliE"Sof all fertilizers Petroleum dealers. along with I I . ------- Clty County ---- _ I are available at the present time, .\XX t. :\1. :\1EETI~(; ,\~D but fanners should keep abreast of PROJ)lTT turn-around p(',~ibilities SHO\\' - All mem- and bership groupi, dealers and fann excellent buys on snow tires. Also. make sure you have plenty of antifreeze. I Phone------ I PAGE 4 MICHIGAN FARM NEVJS DECEMBER 1, 1975 11 • .i CAPITOL REPORT Robert E. Smith Workmen's Compensation WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION In Michigan the farmer and the made applicable to employees on To cite one specific known case If a disabled worker's benefits is the NO.1 issue in the Legislature. members of his immediate family the larger farms. three persons were hired on a farm exceed his normal earnings he It literally affects every worker represent roughly 80% of the total In 1966, seasonal agricultural for five days, the total labor bill may see no reason to return to and every employer in the state, farm work force. labor camps became subject to was $860.00. The Workmen's work. The cost will cause severe including farmers. There are at The peak seasonal employment Public Act 289 to "license and Compensation premium to provide economic hardship to thousands of least three separate approaches to occurs during late June or early regulate agricultu~al labor these employees with coverage small agricultural employers. the issue. One represents July. camps." was $234.18. Nearly 30% of the Employers will adjust to such organized labor's views. It is The predominance of part-time In 1967, agricultural employees payroll. increased rates by reducing their conservatively estimated that this help on farms, the geographical were included for limited coverage With a litte more time more payroll in order to even stay in proposal would increase premium dispersion and the fact that most under the state's Workmen's examples could be provided. Some business and live. Jobs will costs by at least two times, and seasonal farm workers work for Compensation Act. way must be devised to address disappear. Unemployment will perhap; as much as three times. many different employers during In May, 1971, the first OSHA these circumstances. There could increase. Another represents employer's the course of a year present dif- Health aM Safety Standards were be exclusions from coverage for views which would eliminate many ficulties in reporting, rating, promulgated which applied to' minimal payroll or some form of of the abuses, and a third proposal medical care, rehabilitation and agriculture. - public coverage for these cir- S.B. 1089 - H.B. 5596 has been introduced by the auditing .. In December, 1972, the Supreme cumstances. (The public should be Senate Bill 1089 and H.B. 5596 Governor's Office and has been Seasonal workers in agriculture Court opinion (53514) appeared to made aware that the act as written appear to meet the recom- called a compromise version. All very often consist of all of the give farm workers full benefits will drastically reduce em- mendation of the "National versions would reflect the members of a family who move under the State Workmen's ployment opportUl~ities for the Commission on State Workmen's recommeOOations ci a national from job to job. Compensation Act. casual, occasional, part-time Compensation Laws" and would commission's study of WC. All In addition the migrant workers workers aOO increase their need provide increased benefits for ~ would increase benefits to those may work in several different AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYERS for public welfare assistance.) disabled due to work related in- who are injured or become ill as a states during the year. RESPONSE juries and illnesses. result of their employment. The Much of the seasonal work is To move from practically zero HIRED LABOR COSTS - PER- However, speaking for difference in cost between the haOO work with a minimum ex- regulations to the many CENT OF TOTAL COST OF agricultural employers we wish to three is primarily the effort, pooure to the hazards of machine regulations now in effect in a PRODUCTION request tha t consideration be given especially in the employer bill to operations. period of ten years, has been A study was conducted by the to inserting a section specifically eliminate costly abuses that are Agricultural employers provide confusing, very cootly and has Department of Agricul tural tailored to the needs of agricultural occurring. employment for thwsands of in- taxed the management ad- Econom ics at MSU in 1972 on employers and agricultural em- Farm Bureau has been involved dividua~ who are unable to meet justments necessary on the fann to diversified fruit farms of varying ployees. in the WC issue. M.J. Buschlen, production norms in other types of sa y the lea st. size. The study was conducted on Operations Manager of MASA, employment. Agricultural employers have farms with a less than $100,000 presented testimony to a Joint Agricultural employers provide adjusted to these regulations by investment, the second group were RECOMMENDATION House-Senate Labor Committee on employment for thousands of reducing the total number of farms with a $100,000 to 200,000 In as much as agriculture is the October 31, 1975. The text of the young people during the summer persons employed in agriculture. investment and a third group with second largest industry in statement follows: school vacation period. Seasonal hired employment has an investment in excess of $200,000. Michigan we recommend. "The report of the "National Part-time employment limits the declined from a peak of 93,000 In the small size farms the hired 1. That a complete and thorougtr Commission on State Workmen's earnings per employer. workers in 1964 to 21,000 in 1974. labor costs averaged 43% of the study be made of the economic Compensation Laws" recognized , al quality am will continue to be in hopefully more product win begin growers having cherries in the poo TERMS: Cash - Negotiable Check or Letter of Credit all settled in demand fer domestic use as well as to move. will receive a check. This will hOl~ full before removal. foreign trade. The USDA has purchased to date true even if a given processor di WM. W & MARK COLLIER, OWNERS As of the first week of November, 965,800 cases of 6/10 Grade A not buy reserve pool cherries. Russia has purchased 341 million canned applesauce, 36 percent The C.A.B. may decide to offe~ AUCTIONEERS bushels of corn, and rumors have aoove last year's buying. They the reserve pool balance for sal< DALE A. DEAN EDWARD L. BELCHER- been spreading of much more to ha ve a Iso annwnced plans to during a ten-day period some tim. Ph. 517-Z79-9748 Ph. 616-781-8341 come. Thus, in spite of all the purchase approximately 110,000 between March 15 and June 1 nex' Coldwater, Mich. Marshall, Mich. plblicity created, export ship- cases d 12/46 oz. canned apple year. "Michigans III Auction Team" ments ha ve been at record rates juice for use in domestic feeding Paul K Kindinger. I>irector I this fall. programs. Thus, demand for :\Iarkt"t De\'elopment Division DECEMBER 1, 1975 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS PAGE 9 • Howcanyou keep your farming operation profitable? It isn't always easy being a farmer when you have to contend with things like government controls, fluctuating prices for farm products or feed, farm supply shortages ... but in spite of the drawbacks, you still think it's a good way to make a living. We do, too. And as Farm Burea people, we want to help you get a fair shake in reactling your farming goals. That's why we have helped provide a market for farm products, and fought for such things as equitable freight rates, fairer grain and bean prices, and top fuel priority for agriculture. We have helped ease supply shortages through the volume purchasing power of the national cooperative system. As farmer-owned and run cooperatives, we care about the needs of farmers. Stop in and talk to your Farm Bureau Services and Farmers Petroleum dealers. They want to help keep your farm profitable. ASK THE FARMBUREAU PEOP~E PAGE 10 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS DECEMBER 1, 1975 Why we need them . • • Exports and imports There is a feeling by some in this coon try that the saie of U.S. agriculture products to foreign countries simply jadt-up the price of food to American consumers. The thing that is wrong with this idea is that it is wrong. True, there is a link between export sales and com- modity prices. And, commodity prices usually have some effect sooner or later, directly or indirectly, on the prices of milk, meat and bread. To deny that demand from ex- port sales, or any other source, has an influence on prices would be to ignore what free markets are all aboot. But the statement that "farm exports cause inflation" grossly overstates its point while missing several others entirely. USDA economists estimate that in 1973when food prices rose one-third to one-half of the increase in domestic food prices resulted from farm exports. This amounted to about $21.75per person anmally. This increase was offset by $4.5 billion additional generated cash resulting from exp and calves for sale. Write or visit bushel 3773 single cross $47.00 cash. Lester caulking, registered steeple-jadt, fully in- Phme 313-37H791. Earl F. Reinelt. 446:i Old Engines. Ford Tractors &: Tools. Dave Stanley M. Powell and Family. Ingleside Roy. 4S16 Gregocy Rd .• Greg6073. 1ll-2t-~) 107. Lansing, Michigan. (1l-3t-25p1 aoo bred C(M'S. performance tested. R. J. $8.00. pocket $18.00. No electrics. Elgin trained I-:ldridge Ie Sms. 7911 Alden Nash Rd .. «M-50) craftsman. Mail order repair since 1952. Free Fon S \1.1-:: English Shepherd pups, some Alto. Mich. (616) 868-DJI. 13-tf-25p) mailer. Hub's Service. 3855 Hopps Rd .. Elgin. natural bob tails. Watch aoo stock. also hay. REAL ESTATE Renew your Fun S\U: - YORKSHIRE servireage boars III. 60 120. 16-6t -4Op ) Lester Evilts. Bux 76, Vestaburg 48891. Phone ;)17-268-5391 112-lt-23p) FOIt S.\LE: 3 lots In Harrison near school, one aoo .~ngilts top bloodlines tested at MSU test FmtEl'tTRY SER\'I{'E ..'\ - Appraisals. plans. -I bedroom home In downtown St Charles Form Bureau statun. All registered stock Richard Cook, I z mIle east Mulliken. 1\1-43. Phone 517-649-lIl88. consultations. investigations timber. shade aoo Christmas relating tree problems. 10 \ltltI.ES--(;ift Rlossom Orchards. boxes senl by l'nited Parcel AI Wardow:>ki and Suns, Write Martha Hesse, Box 191. Brant 48614, or caU ;)17-865-9379. 112-1I-25p1 «3-tf-25pl fo~lreaoo lheft losses. marketing. George Blair, IWfl miles ~.rth flf Leslie. Mich., 3589 Hull Rd . neg F.rester No.3. 720 S. Durand, Jackson. Membership Cll UtTER IIUHSI-:S - DlSpaoition for ~-H, abilit) foc cattle. cooformatioo for show. Mich. Tel. (5171 782-~. l~tf-2Sp1 Phme;)17-~8251 tI2-lt-25pl Flm S.\I.E: Countr} Store with S.D.M on J \liC' .lnd FnSH Irish Seiter puppies. Sire IS acres, includes 3 bednxxn heme Excellent Reasooahle prices. Custemer sahsfactJoo a 1..\~1) n.t:.\ltl~(; aoo Bulldozing - By lhe l'xceIlent field d~ Snme of show quality. Vet locatim. good gross SeIling due 10 health Today priority. Visitors Ro&ebush. Phooe 517..uJ-292S. welcome Walton Farms. (3- tf -24p) hour.r by the job, Tem Tank. Eagle. Mictngan -18822.Phone 517~. l~tf-I8p) checked aoo dewnrmcd I-:dv.ardsburg fil6-fl63-8354. Pedigree furnished. 112-lt-23p I reasons. Central/ower Mich. 517-831-4744. 12-1I-25p) PAGE 12 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS DECEMBER 1, 1975