Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau • October 31, 1990 • ENGLER ADDRESSES AGRICULTURAL ISSUES Gubernatorial hopeful Sen. John Engler empting grain bins and drainage tile from A. I believe the open market will regulate • received the "Friend of Agriculture" desig- nation from Michigan Farm Bureau's Agri- Pac committee in September after an over- Michigan's General Sales Tax Act; led ef- forts for Gypsy Moth control funding and helped establish a farm energy conserva- the price of services better and more effi- ciently than any government mandates. Legislated policies may influence factors whelming 81 percent endorsement by tion program. like safety regulations and liability county Farm Bureaus. What follows is a thresholds that have an impact on the cost question and answer discussion with Sen. Q. As Michigan's governor, what new of services, including insurance, but the Engler. leadership directions would you imple- competitive market, not. the Legislature, ment? should determine the cost of services. Q. As a member of Michigan's Legisla- A. The people want someone who can pro- ture for 20 years, what are your major vide strong leadership, someone with more Q. What are your views of Mkhigan's accomplishments for the state's agricul- guts than glitz in the governor's office. Farmland and Open Space Preservation tural industry? Act, P .A. 116? Should it be changed? A. I've led efforts to increase funding for Michigan hasn't had a governor with roots A. Public Act 116 has been an effective the CES and AES and actually added $10 in agriculture for over 50 years. It's time voluntary method of preserving essential million over the governor's request. I've we had a governor who understands farmland, while giving farmers needed also introduced legislation to establish the agriculture; a governor who will establish property tax relief. I am proud to have been Michigan Farm Export Act; introduced the better communications with Department of a co-sponsor back in 1974, and, as gover- Agriculture Education Initiative; created Agriculture, and a governor who will main- nor, I will fight to keep P.A. 116 effective the state's first comprehensive food safety tain the Ag Commission in its current form. and strong. program; helped strengthen Michigan's Right to Farm Law; promoted the use of Q. How do youfeel about the Legislature ethanol with tax incentives for users; mandating what private enterprise can helped establish Extension Managment charge for services offered to the pubUc, See "Engler"-- Continued on Page 5 Assistance Teams; helped enact a law ex- such as insurance premiums? '.' 1990 FARM BILL--CONFERENCE COMMITTEE COMPLETES WORK farm bill and write new regulations. The jeopardizing federal subsidies for the 3. LOAN RATES: The loan rate is initial- On Oct. 16, the u.s. House-Senate 1990 ly established at 85 percent of the five-year bill was derived from more than 3,000 remainder of the enrolled acres. At the writ- farm bill conference committee completed market price and includes several pages of proposed legislation. The follow- ing of this report, the status of allowing hay, a $40.8 billion 1990 farm bill after 14 hours mechanisms for adjusting the loan level ing provisions are included in the con- forages or grazing on triple-base acreage is of non-stop negotiating. Approved were from that starting point including an ference committee agreement: uncertain. Since the 1991 winter wheat $13.6 billion in budget cuts for the five- amendment to provide the Secretary of crop has been planted in most areas, winter year life of the farm bill with $1.022 billion Agriculture discretion to reduce the loan by 1. TRIPLE-BASE: As a $6 billion budget wheat producers will have the option of scheduled for fiscal year 1991 appropria- 10 percent. In the flTStyear of the new farm savings device, a triple-base program will participating in the triple-base program or tions. The spending cuts were part of a bill, the wheat loan rate would increase to be put in effect for 1991-1995 crops of have the deficiency payment calculated on reconciliation bill approved earlier to $2.23 per bushel from $1.95. The com loan wheat, feed grains, cotton and rice. The a 12-month average price. This option is reduce the federal budget deficit by $500 re billion over the next five years. "triple-base" plan refers to three types of available for 1991 only. rate would increase to $1.67 per bushel farm acres that will be established for each from $1.57. grower; acres receiving federal subsidies, 2. PLANTING Fl.EXIBILITY: In addi- The compromise farm bill must now be 4. DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS: Con- set-aside acres not to be planted, and acres tion to the 15 percent triple-base, producers approved on the floors of both houses ferees determined that adoption of the that can be planted but not receive sub- will be allowed to plant another 10 percent before it goes to President Bush for his triple-base proposal in 1991 could save sidies. In each of the five years, 15 percent of base acres to alternative commodities. signature. Secretary of Agriculture Clayton enough money to delay switching to a of a farm's permitted acreage would be The producer would have to forfeit Yeutter has indicated he will recommend lower 12-month average market price to be ineligible for deficiency payments. Pro- deficiency payments on acreage switched President Bush sign the bill. used in calculating payments rather than gram crops, oil seeds and experimental use to other crops. However, production of al- commodities (except fruits and vegetables) ternative commodities may be placed the current five-month average until 1994. It may take the U.S. Department of could be planted on these acres without under loan. Agriculture months to interpret the new See "Farm BiU" -- Continued on Page 3 MFB LEADERS TAKE "FREEZE AND FIX" MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON, D.C. Members of Michigan Farm Bureau's Legislative Committee flew to Washington the week of Oct. IS as part of Farm Bureau's '1reeze and fIX" campaign. During their visit, they shared that message with all of Michigan's congressional delegation. When he returned home, MFB President Jack Laurie expressed disgust andfrustration. Although nearly all of our elected officiD.1sagreed that Farm Bureau's solution to the budget deficit is afair and equitable one, they also said it wasn't "politically feasible." •• Many MFB county leaders sent telegrams to President Bush and con- tacted their elected representatives to remind them of Bush's campaign pledge of "No More Taxes. " At this writing, a stop-gap spending measure has been approved while congressmen continue to negotiate for a budget compromise. Pictured are MFB Board members Jack Laurie and Larry Snider with Troy Zimmerman of Congressman Carl PurseU's (R-Plymouth) office. Capitol Comer - Michigan Farm Weather - Farm Business Outlook - •• Michigan Farrn Ne\Ns -. October 31, 1990 OSHA CITATION DIRECTIVES ISSUED In Brief. .. The U.S. Dept. of Labor has released its policy for issuing citations and proposalsfor the largest penalties for workplace safety and health violations. Under the new OSHA directive, the agency will issue citations on a violation-by-violation basis when the FARMER MAC KICKED OFF violations are clearly willful and when one or more of the following apply: The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, es~blished to help i.n~rease the ~ount 1. There are worker fatalities, a worksite catastrophe or a large number of serious illnesses; of farm credit available, has certified Manufacturer s Hanover Secuntles CorporatIon as 2. Violations result in persistently high rates of worker injury and illnesses; the first "pooler" to purchase qualified agriculture real estate or rural housing loans, 3. The employer has an extensive history of prior violations; originate loans and issue securities backed by the loans. 4. The employer has intentionally disregarded his or her safety and health responsibilities; 5. The employer's conduct amounts to clear bad faith in peiforming his or her duties under Manufacturer's Hanover Securities, an affiliate of the big New York banking firm, is OSHA; thought to be well-suited to handle the pooling responsibilities throug~ its as~~iate~ U.S. 6. The number of violations significantly undermines the effectiveness of any exisitng safety Agri-Credit, directed by Frank Naylor, former head of the Farm CredIt AdmInIstratIOn. and health programs. Other major lenders are expected to follow the lead of Manufacturer's Hanover in apply~ng The directive also details the type of evidence necessary to support violation-by-viola- to become members of the loan pool in the new secondary market for farm and rural hOUSIng tion citations, time frames, necessary consultations with regional and national OSHA staff loans. and solicitors and additional guidelines for penalty calculations. You can get a copy of the directive free of charge by sending a self-addressed mailing label to: OSHA Publications, Room N3l0l, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, CROP INSURANCE VITAL TO BANKS ALSO D.C. 20210. Even with all its other wishes, federal crop insurance was moved to top priority in the 1990 Farm Bill by the Independent Bankers Association of America (IBAA). MDA PESTICIDE APPLICA TOR PROPOSAL IBAA says that if the federal crop insurance program were allowed to expire, half to three-quarters of farm operating loans would have to be reduced or denied. The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently approved rules for registration and certification of private and commercial pesticide applicators. The rules specify that The American Association of Crop Insurers estimates that termination of the federal crop you must be a certified applicator in order to purchase or apply restricted-use pesticides, . insurance prograni would cost the rural economy $13 billion in lost crop protection and according to Vicki Pontz, legislative counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau. additional related costs to a total of $65 billion a year. t "If you are a registerd applicator, you can apply restricted use pesticides only when you are under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, or when you have special authorization from MDA," she said. FARM CREDIT CONTINUES RECOVERY The regulations have to be approved by the Legislature's Joint Committee on Administra- The performance of the Farm Credit System (FCS) shows contin~ed recovery !ro~ its tive Rules before they are formally implemented. Meanwhile, pesticide applicator training widespread financial problems qf the early 1980s that resulted In rescue legIslatIOn, sessions and testing opportunities are being scheduled around the state, according to Pontz. according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago report. Because of the system's rapid recovery, .the ~CS has only used about $1.2 billi?n of the. $4 billion in financial assistance loans provIded In the rescue package. The authonty for USIng ALAR: GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS the funds does not expire until 1992, but observers now believe that little, if any, of the remaining funds will be used. If there's anything to the old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away, the 1 average American last year ate enough apples to stave off a medical visit for almost two months, according to USDA estimates. Despite adverse publicity on Alar, created by the POLITICAL FARM BLOC SHOULD SURVIVE CENSUS Natural Resources Defense Council, a large crop and low retail prices led to record per-capita consumption of 21.6 pounds in 1989, compared to 19.87 pounds the previous year. Some seats in Congress could shift from rural America as a result of the 1990 census, but experts say it will not significantly alter the political power of the farm bloc. The bitter side to this sweet story is most producers didn't make a profit. In fact, about 10% of the nation's apple producers are no longer in business, according to Scott Rawlins, "There will definitely be fewer rural seats in Congress," says Brad ~kart, d~rec~or of director of the American Farm Bureau Horticulture Department. Rawlins said per capita political education for the .Americ~ F~ Bureau. f:l0~ever Eckart .demes any likehhood fresh fruit consumption, including citrus, dropped 2% in 1989 to an average of96.6 pounds. of a decline in farm clout In the legIslatIve halls, poIntmg out that VIrtually every Senator has farm constituents. Calvin Beale, a popula~ion expert wi~ th~ USDA: s~d he had expected the 19~Os to ANIMAL RIGHTS PROTEST FIZZLES produce a slight growth In rural populatIon, but prehmInary data makes me wonder If that will be the case." A protest against "factory farming" scheduled for USDA headquarters in Washington was Beale added that this year's census may "prove to be intermediate" betwc:e~ the 1960s when almost a total flop, drawing only 30 demonstrators to the protest site. rural communities lost 1.7 million people and the 1970s when 4.5 mIllIon more moved back to the country sparking ideas of a rural renaissance. Except for the arrest of four or five demonstrators for blocking an entrance, the protest, organized by the Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM), was a real non-event, said Kevin Kirk, livestock specialist for Michigan Farm Bureau. In a related matter, the office of the Illinois Attorney General, Neil F. Hartigan, has told NORTH REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTED the Humane Farming Association (HFA) of San Francisco, California, that HFA "must cease making misrepresentations of facts" in solicitations made in Illinois." The attorney general has also prohibited the HFA from any future fundraising activities until they are registered and accounts for its conduct and funds collected. Rachael Hixenbaugh has been ap- In addition, the atttomey general issued an "Order To Produce Records and Data," with a pointed as regional representative for warning that failure to comply will result in additional legal action against the organization. the North Region, consisting of Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, "Commerrcial speakers such as food manufacturers have always had to substaniate their advertising claims," says Donna Schmidt, director of Meat Board Ad Watch. "Now those Antrim, Otsego, and Montmorency who wish to gain public support for their positions will have to give similar attention to counties. accuracy, at least when they seek tax deductible contributions." Hixenbaugh grew up on a Pennsylvania Michigan Farm News is Published 20 times annually: By the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations farm and graduated from Slippery Rock Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 University with a degree in (zip 48909); phone 1-517-323-7000. communications. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne WOOO,Marlette; Administrative Prior to joining Farm Bureau, she Director, Charles Burj(ett; Treasurer and Chief Rnancial Officer, Tom Parj(er; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. worked as a staff writer and reporter for Directors: District 1, Marlin Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, "Farm and Dairy," an agricultural Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District newspaper in Salem, Ohio. She has 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Lyle LeCronier, Freeland; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmholl, Baraga. At-Large: David Conklin, Corunna; Jack Laurie, Cass City; been active in local and national 4-H Faye Adam,Snover; Richard Leach, Saginaw. Promotion and Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, activities and served on the board of Karen Stoneman, Ithaca. directors of the National Junior Suffolk Sheep Association. Michigan Farm Nevvs ITOL October 31, 1990 o o JJ Z m JJ FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE OFF-ROAD VEHICLE (ORV) TRAIL MAINTENANCE Update Update on H.B. 4979 • Status: The 1990 farm bill compromise agreement, approved by the U.S. House-Senate Farm Bill Conference Committee on Oct. 16, calls for revisions in the current federal crop insurance program rather than its total elimination. Sponsor: Rep. Alley (D-West Branch) Status: The House Conservation, Recreation and Environment Committee is tentatively scheduled to vote on H.B. 4979 on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The fate of the federal crop insurance program now rests in the hands of a u.s. House- H.B. 4979 amends the off-road recreational vehicle (ORY) act of 1975 creating a Recrea- Senate Appropriations Conference Committee who must agree to a compromise between tional ORY Trail Improvement Fund to be used solely for improving, maintaining and differing proposals offered by the House and the Senate. The House proposal for a $264 construction of ORY trails. Revenue from ORY registration fees would be deposited in the million plan would maintain staff and honor only those crop insurance policies for winter fund after deductions for administration of ORV registration and programs involving ORV wheat, citrus and sugar cane written before Oct. 1. The Senate proposal for a $662 million use and administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). plan would fully restore the program for fiscal year 1991 agriculture appropriations. A provision of the bill would prohibit operating an ORY in a state forest except on a trail Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supports the continuation of federal crop insurance specifically designated for ORV use by the DNR. An additional provision would prohibit and will work to reform the program to make it more actuarially sound and acceptable to operating an ORY on public utility right-of-ways except where specifically designated. farmers. The definition of an ORY does not include a farm vehicle being used for farming. Farm Bureau Contact: Al Almy, extension 2040 The chair of the Committee is considering delaying the bill's effective date from April, 1991 to April, 1992 because of pressure by ORV users, dealers and manufacturers who SAFE FOOD TRANSPORTATION BILL have generated hundreds of letters to Michigan legislators in opposition to the bill. Bill Ready for President's Signature Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supports H.B. 4979 with an effective date of April, Status: Both the House and Senate have reached agreement on a proposal making it a crime 1991 as it will assist in alleviating the problem of ORV trespass on private lands. Please to transport food and drugs in vehicles also used to haul garbage, hazardous wastes and contact your state representative and the Committee Chair, Rep. Tom Alley, prior to Nov. toxic chemicals. The Safe Food Transportation Act of 1990 will now be presented to 13, requesting support for H.B. 4979. Farm Bureau members should express how increased President Bush for his approval. designated trails, improvement of existing trails and increased enforcement of ORV use would contribute to solving serious trespass and damage problem for farmers. The bill is designed to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply during transport. The Farm Bureau Contact: Vicki Pontz, extension 2046 bill would also prohibit trucking companies and bus operators with an unsatisfactory safety rating from the government from transporting hazardous waste and passengers, respective- ly. 40-TON WEIGHT LIMIT FOR TRUCKS BY 1994 Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supports the Safe Food Transportation Act of 1990. Update on H.B. 4093 Current Farm Bureau policy states: "We strongly support effective precautions to ensure Sponsor. Rep. Leland (D-Detroit) delivery of a safe, wholesome food product to the ultimate consumer." Status: On Oct. 17, a House transportation subcommittee received testimony on H.B. 4093, Farm Bureau Contact: Al Almy, extension 2040 a bill to amend Public Act 300 of 1949, by reducing the total gross vehicle weight from 160,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds beginning Jan. 1, 1994. Testimony provided by two experts regarding studies on road damage and safety indicated that heavier trucks could be TOLL FREE CAPITOL HOTLINE accommodated if there are a sufficient number of axles and adequately sized tires. (800) 245-4630 Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau opposes H.B. 4093 because of inadequate evidence that truck weights cause damage to highways if trucks are properly loaded and have a sufficient number of axles and adequately sized tires. Farm Bureau Contact: Ron Nelson, extension 2043 FARM BILL (continued from page 1) '. This changed method of calculation was previously proposed for implementation in 1992. Conferees agreed to calculate deficiency payments in the years 1994 and 1995 according to average market prices over 12 months since current calculations for most crops are based on the months immediately after harvest when market prices are lowest. The government expects to save money by averaging prices over the entire year. 5. SOYBEANS: A marketing loan will be offered for soybeans at a level of $5.02 per Findley payments from anyone entity. Therefore, the maximum that a farmer may receive is $100,000 in deficiency payments ($50,000 as a sole proprietor and up to $25,000 in two joint operations) and $150,000 in marketing loan and Findley payments ($75,000 as a sole proprietor and $37,500 from each of two joint operations). The total $250,000 maximum compares to a current total payment of $500,000. 11. EXPORT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM: Export enhancement program funding bushel. Producers will be required to pay a 2% loan origination fee (a service charge which is established at a minimum of $500 million per year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture should raise $300 million) assessed when the soybean loan is taken out. However, if the will be instructed to allocate 25% of those funds for the export of high value added products, soybean market price were to be less than 105% of the soybean loan rat~ of $5.~~, .or such as meats. approximately $5.27, farmers could not take advantage of the 10% plantmg fleXIbIlIty proposal explained above. 12. T ARGETED EXPORT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The Targeted Export Assis- tance program, which aids U.S. companies in opening markets abroad, will be funded at 6. DAIRY: An assessment of 5 cents per 100 pounds of milk charged against dairy $200 million per year. producers in 1991 and 11 cents in following years are among items expected to trim dairy program costs by $2 billion. The assessment may ~ refunded if a produc~r can prove that 13. EXPORT CREDITS: Export credits for foreign nations to buy U.S. farm commodities his/her production has not increased from the preVIOUSyear's level. If daIry purchases by will be set at a minimum of $5.5 billion per year. CCC are projected to exceed 7 billion pounds for ~992, or subseq~ent years, the Secretary of Agriculture may impose an assessment on all mIlk marketed WhIChwould cover the cost 14. WETLANDS RESERVE: The 1990 farm bill will strengthen the "swampbuster" of purchases in excess of 7 billion pounds. provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill by creating a wetlands reserve limited to 1 million acres. 7. ASSESSMENT ON OTHER COMMODITIES: A 1% assessment will be imposed IS. WATER QUALITY: A water quality initiative will be established for a maximum of on producers of sugar, peanuts, tobacco, honey, wool and mohair. 10 million acres entitled in the program. 8. SUGAR: The House sugar standby marketing control provisions will be used which The 1985 farm bill, which expires this fall, spent about $78 billion on farm subsidies, include authority for marketing controls if domestic production is expected to threaten including a record $25.8 billion in 1986. The proposed 1990 farm bill would reduce total no-net-cost features of the program. An additional provision sets a minimum import level spending for the next five years to $40.8 billion. '. of 1.25 million short tons. 9. FARMER-OWNED RESERVE: A release price was re-established at 95% o.f the target price for wheat and com for the farmer-owned reserve. For wheat, that sets the trIgger at $3.80 per bushel, compared to $3.41 in an earlier version of the bill. The com release level was raised to $2.61 from $2.55 .. Farm Bureau Position: After reviewing details of the farm bill approved by the House- Senate conference committee, Farm Bureau recommended Congress pass the conference report on the basis that it continues an agricultural market orientation and gives farmers greater planting flexibility. Corrections and modifications to the bill will likely be con- sidered in 1991. Farm Bureau will work to amend certain features of the bill at that time. Farm Bureau Contact.'AI Almy, extension 2040 10. PAYMENT LIMITATIONS: Producers may continue to participate in up to three entities. However, growers may receive no more than $75,000 in marketing loan gains or Legislative Mailing Addresses: State SenatelHouse, State Capitol Building, Lansing, MI 48933 - Telephone Numbers: State Senate (517) 373-2400; State House (517) 373-0135 U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510/U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515 - Telephone Number: U.S. Capitol (202) 224-3121 '. Michigan Farm NelNs •• October 31,1990 The frrst half of October proved to be a wet TOTAL one over most of Michigan's Lower Penin- Precip. sula. As the map indicates, most areas in (inches) lower Michigan received at least 3" of rain from in just the first half of October alone. The Oct. 1-15, heaviest rainfall has been concentrated 1990. within a diagonal band stretching from southwest lower Michigan through the Saginaw Bay region. The latest 3D-day outlook from the Nation- al Weather Service indicates a slackening of this heavy precipitation pattern. Both temperature and precipitation are expected to be near normal over Michigan during this period. At Marquette, normal daily highs fall from 54 F to 36 F by mid-November; normal lows fall from 35 F to 24 F .. At Detroit, For The Week Temperature Cumul. Grow. Precipitation Norm. Ending: 10/21 Max. Min. Deg. Days Last 4 Since Since normal daily highs fall from 63 F to 48 F 1990 Norm. Wks. Apr.1 Apr. 1 while normallows.fall from 41 F to 32 F. Marquette 63 28 1,903 2,012 4.74 20.02 21.51 Escanaba 60 32 1,817 1,767 2.31 20.27 20.64 Normal precipitation through mid-Novem- Traverse City 76 32 2,535 2,305 2.47 22.82 19.96 ber would mean total rainfall amounts of Alpena 72 28 2,352 2,225 3.09 18.90 19.60 1.4" to 3.6". Fremont 74 31 2,420 2,523 6.15 26.91 20.08 Port Sanilac n 32 2,285 2,622 5.34 23.94 18.44 Standish 76 32 2,378 2,622 5.29 23.94 18.44 Grand Rapids 78 34 2,829 2,867 5.36 28.96 21.50 PawPaw 70 35 2,823 2,867 6.69 28.96 21.50 Information contributed by the Agricul- Coldwater n 35 2,759 2,814 4.24 23.50 20.72 tural Weather Office, Michigan State Lansing n 30 2,798 2,814 5.66 23.50 20.72 University. Imla Ci 76 32 2,534 2,812 5.02 22.89 19.66 MICHIGAN HARVEST STALLED Health care coverage isn't medical underwriting and Excessive rain during early-to-mid- October stalled harvest to the point that simple anymore. The bottom carry no pre-existing condition low-lying fields were so saturated that line, however, remains the clauses. Prescription, dental and some crops were submerged. One farmer same: everybody wants the best vision coverage options are also remarked, "We can go duck hunting and possible coverage at the lowest available to qualified groups. never leave the farm." possible rates. This is where Farm Bureau has good news If you're a small business owner Dry bean harvest was over 90% complete, for small business owners. who is dissatisfied with your with a new record yield of 1,600 pounds per present employee health care acre, according to USDA's October crop With over 40 years of experience plan - or a small business report. Dry bean crop loss due to the rains in providing individual health owner who is ready to initiate is estimated at 10%. care plans, Farm Bureau is now your first employee health care Wheat planting has been delayed in many offering six Blue Cross Blue plan - contact your local Farm areas, with soil moisture levels rated 20% Shield plans and two Blue Cross Bureau office. We'll listen to adequate and 80% surplus. Planting was Blue Shield PPO plans specially your health care coverage needs, estimated at 60% complete. designed for groups with 2 to 99 tailor a package to suit your employees. All plans have no preferences, and then cut to Rain also delayed the end of Concord grape the bottom line. and apple harvest in southwestern Michigan. In other, areas apple harvest is Protecting the interests of small business in full swing, with harvest expected to wrap by understanding the interests of small business... Farm Bureau, specialists in up by Nov. 1. all business insurance needs, can be depended on to protect As of mid-October, Michigan's com crop the interests of small business was rated 70% mature, well behind the because we understand the five-year average. Com's condition rating interests of small business. is 75% good to excellent, despite lagging maturity. What matters to you matters to us. Soybeans are also reported as 75% mature at this writing, short of 1989 levels and the five-year average. Soys are rated 80% good For further information, call to excellent. 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau office. Sugar beet yield is expected to be above average, with harvest well underway in WHERE most areas with over 14% harvested. BELONGING Blue Cross • ~ Blue Shield Potato harvest is winding down with over •• •• OIF WICHIGAH 80% harvested . MAKES A ... .. ,CH,CAN DIFFERENCE . • -. FAR" BUREAU Michigan FarlTl NelNs II. October 31, 1990 Remember MFB's Friends of Engler Agriculture on Nov. 6 Q. Do you support the Michigan Livestock each student and is creating an unbearable Initiative? burden for property owners. Members are reminded to support these A. Yes. In fact, I was the first public official candidates who received AgriPac's endor- to endorse this important program. The in- To ease the property tax burden, I propose sement, following recommendations from itiative will provide $64 million to help to cut property taxes by 20% and cap as- .' county Candidate Evaluation committees. U.S. Senate Bill Schuette(R-Sanford) expand MSU research, teaching and Exten- sion efforts to improve profitability growth in the livestock industry. Funding for research and development is vital for and sessments. In addition, I want to ensure that every dollar of the lottery goes to schools as an our second largest industry to expand additional dollar, not as a substitute dollar. U.S. House of Representatives markets and develop new products. I support 'bottom up' improvements in DIaL faIn state financing by dedicating a fixed per- 2 Carl Pursell (R-Plymouth) Q. As governor, would you appoint a per- centage of the state budget for education. 3 Brad Haskins (R-Ceresco) sonfrom the agricultural industry to serve In total these measures can narrow the 4 Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) spending gap per pupil in Michigan by as 5 Paul Henry (R-Grand Rapids) on the Natural Resources Commission? . • 6 8 9 Bob Carr Bob Traxler Guy Vander Jagt (D-East Lansing) (D-Bay City) (R-Luther) A. Yes. As somone who grew up on a farm, I know the importance of soil and water quality to all of our citizens. I recognize much as $3,000 per student. Q. What are your feelings about the size 10 Dave Camp (R-Midland) that farmers have historically been excel- and efficiency of state government? 11 Bob Davis (R-Gaylord) lent stewards of these resources, and that A. Government spending in the current ad- 16 John Dingell (D-Dearborn) ministration has resulted in: our $18 billion current DNR policy has a great impact on 18 William Broomfield (R-Birmingham) Michigan's agricultural industry. Agricul- state budget increasing 68% faster than ture deserves a voice when natural resource inflation, the number of employees is up Michigan Senate policy is being developed. 20% and outside state contracts have shot .' 1 John Kelly (D-Detroit) up 200% to over $500 million. 4 David Holmes (D-Detroit) Q. As governor, what would you do to 5 Michael O'Brien (D-Detroit) bring about school finance reform? We need new priorities, not new taxes. To 6 Robert Geake (R-Northville) A. Education will be the top budget priority begin, I will freeze all state hiring, 7 Christopher Dingell (D-Trenton) of the Engler administration. Supporting eliminate a majority of the $501 million 8 Matt Dunaskiss (R-Lake Orion) worth of personal services contracts and 9 Doug Carl (R-Mt. Clemens) Michigan schools by relying on property 10 George Hart (D-Dearborn) taxes does not ensure funding equity for slash the budgets of the Departments of 11 Norman Shinkle (R-Lambertville) Labor and Commerce. 12 William Faust (D-Westland) 13 Jack Welborn (R-Kalamazoo) 14 Jon Cisky (R-Saginaw) • 15 Denise Alexander 16 Doug Cruce 19 Nick Smith (R-Southfield) (R-Troy) (R-Addison) Order by November 30 and SAVE 10% on Items featured in this adl 20 John Schwarz (R-Battle Creek) 21 Paul Wartner (R-Portage) 22 Harry Gast (R-St. Joseph) 23 WilliamVanRegenmorter (R-Jenison) 24 Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) Each square contains the price and quantity per package for each size offered. 25 Joe Conroy (D-Flint) 26 Gilbert DiNello (D-East Detroit) 27 Art Miller (D-Warren) 28 Dan DeGrow (R-Port Huron) PLOW BOLT NO.3 CUPPED ELLIPTICAL 30 Fred Dillingham (R-Fowlerville) HEAD 31 Dick Posthumus (R-Lowell) ~ HEAD HEAD 25 pes. 32 Vern Ehlers (R-Grand Rapids) • 33 Phil Arthurhultz 34 Jim Barcia 35 Joanne Emmons 36 John Pridnia (R-Whitehall) (D-Bay City) (R-Big Rapids) (R-Harrisville) LGT DIA 1 25 1-1/4 25 1-1/2 25 1-3/4 25 2 25 2-1/4 25 2-1/2 25 1-1/4 25 1-1/2 25 1-1/4 25 1-1/2 25 37 GeorgeMcManus (TraverseCity) 3/8 2.37 2.73 3.09 3.41 3.78 3.59 3.83 2.12 4.02 2.06 4.08 38 Don Koivisto (D-lronwood) 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 OVERSIZE 25 25 7/16 5.48 HEAD 4.26 5.97 Michigan House of Representatives 2.82 3.16 3.58 4.01 4.44 4.99 6 Morris Hood, Jr. (D-Detroit) 318xl 1/2 8 Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Detroit) 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 with 7/16 Head 25 25 10 Ted Wallace (D-Detroit) 4.46 4.95 5.56 6.17 6.82 7.45 8.50 5.50 6.11 12 Curtis Hertel (D-Detroit) 25 for4.24 13 William Bryant, (R-Grosse Pointe) 18 SidOuwinga (R-Marion) 19 Don Van Singel (R-Grant) Each square contains the price and quantny per package for each size offered. 20 Claude Trim (R-Waterford) .- 23 Phil Hoffman (R-Horton) 25 26 28 29 33 35 RomanKulchitsky DavidJaye RobertDeMars Gregory Pitoniak Wiliam Keith LynBankes (~arden (R-Warren) (R-Utica) (~L..i1coInPar1<) (D-Taylor) City) (R-uvonia) HEXAGON GRADE#S LGT DIA 1 BOL T 1-1/2 ,J- 2 2-1/2 COARSE THREAD PLATED 3 3-1/2 4 Quantity per package Price per package 5 6 t Hex Nuts 0 Lock Washer @ Flat Washer 39 Jerry Bartnik (~T~) 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 (R-Tipton) 40 35 40 TimWaberg 1/4 1.34 1.53 1.82 1.78 1.04 1.41 41 MdlaelNye (R-utchfieId) 1.29 1.47 1.59 1.66 1.59 1.90 42 GlennOxender (R-Sturgis) (R-8awyer) 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 43 CarlGnodtke 5/16 45 JamesMK:tdaugh (R-PawPaw) 1.90 2.20 2.32 2.28 2.27 2.81 1.71 2.32 2.93 2.81 1.17 1.78 47 DaleShugars (R-Portage) 48 DonGimer (R-Augusta) 40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 8 120 100 100 49 BiIMartin (R-8atlleCreek) 3/8 2.27 2.69 1.59 1.96 2.76 2.88 3.42 3.30 1.53 1.78 2.69 2.76 ,- 51 54 56 58 59 Susan Munsell PaulHilegonds FrankFrtzgerakf DianneByrum LynnJondahl (R-HoweIO (R-Holland) (R-GrandLedge) (D-Onondaga) (D-Okemos) (R-I-ighland) 7/16 20 2.02 10 10 1.29 10 1.59 10 1.90 10 2.20 10 2.51 10 2.88 8 2.93 6 2.63 60 3.42 60 1.41 60 1.78 60 Wilis Bullard 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 5 50 50 50 61 Tom MicXfleton (R-01onvile) 1/2 2.93 1.34 1.90 2.08 2.51 2.88 3.24 2.93 2.69 2.88 1.71 2.63 63 GordonSparks (R-Troy) 64 Maxi1eBerman (D-SouthfieId) 4 4 25 25 25 5 5 5 5 5 5 68 ShirteyJohnson (R-RoyalOak) 5/8 71 Sa! Rcxx:a (~Stertng Heights) 1.41 1.66 1.96 2.27 2.57 2.88 2.88 3.37 3.36 1.59 2.63 75 Ken DeBeaJ Issaert (~New Baltimore) (~Port Huron) 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 24 18 18 76 JamesDocherty 3/4 n DickAllen (R-Caro) 2.39 2.69 3.49 3.54 3.91 3.54 4.28 4.89 4.83 1.83 2.81 ... 78 82 83 84 KeithMuxIow Thomas Scott DavidRobef1soh John Strand (R-BrownCity) (D-Burton) (R-Grand Blanc) (R-Lapeer) ----------------------------------- Send yo ... order to: SHIPPING INFORMATION. PlEASE PRINT ClEARLY 85 JamesO'Neil (D-Sagilaw) "-GRADE NUT • BOLT COMPANY 86 LewisDodak (D-Montrose) 141O........-.n. SoW. 88 RobertBender (R-MiddlevilIe) WyotNng, "eNgan 4t501 ORDER TOTAL (R-EJweIO Telephone: (15115) ~ 89 Gary Randall 91 Walter Delange (R-Kentwood) $ 93 RichardBandstra (R-GrandRapids) Icertify thai the goods purchased are '01 farm use only 94 KenSikkema (R-Grandvi1Ie) lWld 8X8fl1JC 'rom all taxes. 95 AIvi1 Hoekman (R-Holland) 97 NaocyCrandaI (R-Muskegon) (R-Hesperia) o Check here n you wtah to receive the regu .. merchandise lit and 98 Bil Bobier '. Phone (D-Sagilaw) ord«fOIm. 100 RolandNiederstadt 101 Tom Hi:kner (~BayCity) 103 RalphOstling (R-Rosoommon) YOU MUST ORDER FULL PACKAGE QUANTITIES. FREIGHT PREPAID on ord .... of SSO.GO or more. Michigan Farm Ne\Ns October 31,1990 MARKETS .... ••••••••1.r• ••••••• ••••••• ••••• ~.'I .,.~ .. Seasonal Commodity Price Trends CORN Corn harvest is picking up momentum. Open weather should have allowed harvest Pork Complaint Upheld A disputes panel upheld Canada's com- plaint against U.S. countervailing duties on E~RM •••• rl••• •••• .r•••••• ,j ••• .'~ J.::::... •••• •••••••• •••••••• . progress to reach 50% in the midwest. pork imports from Canada. It said the Several bearish factors have gripped the United States did not follow GAIT rules. BUSINESS Wheat market. A good crop, uncertain Soviet demand, large free stocks, the possibility of war and a weak economy have all con- FDA Supports BST OUTLOOK tributed to the decline in prices.These fac- Corn tors will continue to influence prices, but The u.s. Food and Drug Administration that does not mean the downtrend will con- (FDA) decision in favor of Bovine tinue. We believe this market has already Somatotropin (BST) is getting support from factored in a near-worst-case scenario. the scientific community. Two independent teams of scientists published results of studies Soybeans BT recently in medical journals concluding that milk from BST treated cows was no different When we step back and take a long-term than milk from other cows and posed no health concerns. Final approval of BST use awaits view, we believe this is clearly not the time further research to determine if the hormone has any adverse effect on the treated cows. Hogs t to sell com. World supplies of all grains, not only com, are near the lows of the last 30 years. Supplies are sufficient, but the mar- The big question facing the dairy industry now is economic.The use of BST may force some smaller dairies out of business, say some, if the number of cows needed to produce gin for error is small. A short crop here or the nation's milk supply is greatly reduced. The cost of the hormone, coupled with the abroad in the season ahead could cause increased feed costs needed to boost per cow production, may also limit the economic Cattle TP supplies to fall to dangerously low levels. advantage of using BST to hike per cow production. = = Index: t Higher Prices; ~ Lower Prices; Soviet demand is a question mark, but A doctor's report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure prices already reflect lower Soviet imports. the synthetic hormone -- Bovine Somatotropin, or BST -- is ready for approval and use in A Soviet com purchase between now and the nation's dairy industry. the end of the calendar year would be a friendly surprise. The weak dollar also makes U.S. grain competitive on the world market and should allow the United States to maintain export market share . Canadian Grains SOYBEANS Canada's seven principal grain crops are expected to total nearly 60 million metric tons this year, an 18% increase from 1989 and up nearly 19% from the 10-year average, • according to Canada statistics. Soybean harvest is off to a slow start and harvest progress is likely to lag throughout the season. Late planting will not be overcome unless the weather is much drier than is currently Favorable growing conditions were experienced in most regions, following two years of forecast. A slower harvest may set seasonal factors back a week or two, but they will not drought, the agency said in its September crop production report. be cancelled. Total production of spring wheat, largely the hard red variety, is estimated to reach 25.1 If soybean growers remain reserved sellers, the "fall low" should be in place soon after million metric tons, the second largest crop in history, up 32% from last year. Durum harvest progress hits 50%. A harvest-time cash soybean low followed by a recovery rally production of 4.3 million metric tons is a record high, up 4% from 1989. into Thanksgiving or Christmas is quite likely. Canadian oilseed production jumped 13% from last year to 5.4 million metric tons, the The Sept. 1 USDA Stocks Report showed total soybean stocks of only 239 million bushels, report said. Cano.la production is expected to reach about 3.3 million metric tons in 1990, 11 million short of USDA projections. The 1989/90 supply and demand table will be up 5% from year ago figures. Barley production may reach 13.2 million metric tons, up "rebalanced" to fit the new carryout number. Smaller carry-in to the 1990/91 crop year sets 13%. the table for a very tight supply-demand situation. USSR Trade Status WHEAT The Sovie~ Union may be on the verge of passing emigration laws that could pave the way In the recently released Grain Stocks survey, wheat usage appears to have been 909 million for the Umted States to grant the USSR Most-Favored-Nation trade status. bushels since June 1. The state-by-state breakdown of supplies shows only 12% more wheat in the Dakotas and surrounding states than the year before, but the crop there is supposedly U.S. Commerce Secretary Robert Mosbacher said some Soviet officials indicate they 36% bigger. Hard winter supplies are up 45%, and the 35% jump in soft red supplies fits expect the Soviet Parliament to pass the legislation within the next 30 to 60 days. with the slow export pace. The final production estimate for 1990 spring wheat may need to be trimmed. The currency exchange rate situation remains as one obstacle to expanded wheat exports. Revitalization of Animal The recent budget compromise could undermine the value of the dollar further, signaling Agriculture Receives First Allocation foreigners to remain in their "hand-to-mouth" buying postures a bit longer. A stable dollar could encourage demand to come forward. The Revitalization of Animal Agriculture got a boost recently. At a July meeting with MSU Board of Trus~ees, MFB Presid~nt Jack ~aurie reported the need for the project and Supplies have recently become very large again, but the bulge is entirely in "free stocks." encouraged theIr support. A steenng commIttee met in October with MSU Provost David CCC ownership is miniscule, limiting the capacity of the Export Bonus system. However, Scott to review the project further and to ask for his support. foreign buyers are now conditioned to expect subsidies. At ~ MSU Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 12, there was a motion to support the project Export subsidy directly conflicts with acreage reduction. Horrendous shortage is now on whl~h was appr~)V~d.The package was then sent to Gov. James Blanchard, who signed the the horizon because U.S. policy has failed to choose between these two opposites. World capItal appropnatlOns expenditures which included the $1.2 million planning money consumption of wheat, as both a food and a feed, was stimulated by sensationally lower needed to get the entire project underway. prices, as new records are set each year. HOGS CATTLE The USDA Sept. 1 Hog & Pigs Report was another in what has come to be a string of USDA is forecasting higher beef prices in 1991, but said declining prices for pork and pleasant surprises in the pork complex. From a supply standpoint, the report bodes very poultry would likely hold beef gains at 1 to 2%. well for the hog market for the next six to nine months. Howev,~r, MFB's ag econ?mist Bob Crai~ says livestock producers should be "awfully The single most important surprise in the report had to be the fact that the breeding herd careful about the, market slll~e we may be III the first stage of a recession. "Typically, both was no larger than last year's. Given the situation of the last 3 months under normal hogs and cattle wIll suffer faIrly severely as you go into a recession." circumstances, an expansion would have occurred -- and may have continued until August. The mid-August bulge in slaughter may have been a mini-liquidation spawned by economic Prices fo~ choice steers should range from $75 to $81, compared with $75 to $78 in 1990, events related to the Middle East conflict. Sow slaughter did not show it, but it is possible USDA saId. Stronger consu!ller de'!land would also he!p prices. USDA projected per capita that bred gilts were pushed to slaughter instead of the farrowing house. The small summer meat and poultry consumptIOn to nse about 6 pounds III 1991 from this year's level of 220 gilt retention tends to confirm that possibility. pounds. If that is the case, September/November farrowings may fall below the 2% increase If consumers have less money to spend, Craig says they may choose less expensive cuts suggested by the report, at least during the first half of the period. When combined with of meat or cut back on purchases. "We have to be awfully careful not to assume that we the small pig crops of the last 6 months, it should keep slaughter below this last year's until will have high cattle and hog prices on through a recession," Craig said. late spring/early summer. In its .outlook report, U~DA predicted lower poultry and pork prices because of higher At this point, the real uncertainty in the pork complex lies in the demand side of the supphes. Barrows and gIlts should fetch about $49 to $55 next year. Broilers should bring equation. It has been good, not only for pork, but for all meats. Any demand change can about 51 to 57 cents per pound. quickly offset the positive supply forces. In the current uncertain economic environment, it is all that more important, especially with pork a relatively high-priced meat. From MFB's Commodity Activities and Research Division (517) 323-7000 ext. 2023 • Michigan Farln NelMs DISCUSSION TOPIC: "WETLANDS" CHILD CARE SERVICES AT -. October 31, 1990 Note to readers: in the past few weeks, MFB's STATE ANNUAL, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: there has been a great deal offast-breaking news on the wetlands issue. This discussion 1. Using the definition of wetlands, WEDNESDAr, NOV. 28 topic column will zero in on some of the including the three factors of hydric Young Farmer activities, the MFB trade show, resolutions session, and the annual ban- latest developments. For thefullest benefit quet. .. You want to be a part of it all on Wednesday, but caring for infants and children when discussing wetlands in your Com- soil, hydrophytic vegetation and wet- makes it difficult to attend all the sessions you'd like. That's why child care services are munity Action Group meeting this month, land hydrology, do members of your available for the youngest Farm Bureau members from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday. be sure to also refer to the wetlands articles group have wetlands on their farms? on the cover of the Oct. 15 issue of Yes __ No __ If you would like to take advantage of the child care services, sponsored by Farm Bureau Michigan Farm News. Insurance, please make reservations for each child. Registration is $5 per child before Nov. 21; $10 per child when registered after the deadline or with no registration. Parents are Your Farm Bureau organization has 2. Should wetlands currently under responsible for feedings and meals. Also plan to bring toys, a playpen and diapering been very active in addressing the wetlands cultivation be regulated by the govern- supplies (for infants and toddlers) to the Ottawa Room, 3rd floor, Grand Plaza Hotel. For controversy. Richard Leach, a member of ment? more information, call (517) 323-7000, extension 3066. the Michigan Farm Bureau board of direc- Yes __ No __ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ tors, testified recently at a federal Wetlands Child Care Reservation Task Force public hearing in Peoria, Ill. 3. What guidelines would your group Many other Farm Bureau members wrote Parent Name(s): letters or testified at five additional wet- suggest that the government imple- lands hearings across the country. ment to protect wetlands? Address: "The development of a sensible and equi- 4. What steps can farmers voluntarily Child's Name/Age: table regulatory program must balance initiate to protect wetlands? Begin Care Time/End Care Time: public and private interests," said Dean Kleckner, president of the American Farm Child's Name/Age: Bureau Federation, in written comments 5. What measures can the government Begin Care Time/End Care Time: submitted by Farm Bureau. "Farm Bureau take to encourage farmers to protect believes that any attempt to identify wet- wetlands? Please make check payable to MFB Corporate Services, Inc., and mail to: CSI lands as anything other than swamps, mar- Meeting and Travel Services, P. 0.27549, Lansing, M148909. shes or bogs will result in confusion and poor wetland policy. Farm Bureau further --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ believes the 'no overall net loss' concept allows for net change, and where in- dividual property rights are found to be in conflict with wetlands protection, the APPLY NOW public must bear the costs." for a Farm Bureau MemberLinEr VISA or Gold MasterCard In commenting on what constitutes a wet- FARM BUREAU MEMBERLlNE- APPLICATION land, Farm Bureau said three factors must FrslName Middle INial last Name I Social Seady NlI1iler be present -- hydric soil, hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology. "We fme at Preseq VIS. Adctess Mas. IDate 01 Br1h contend that in order to have hydrophytic City,State Home Telephone NlI1iler vegetation, it must occur in hydric soil in (Incbie Area Code) ) the presence of wetland hydrology. Farm La.. Previous Adchss [r11ess than two years at present address) StdIl ...J Bureau says the current plant list used to ~ Presenl~ Income from alimony, dliId support. or ~ payments r-s not be r-*l classify wetland soils must be expanded to a: ~ you do not wish III have 1 as a basis lor "I)IYingthis obligalion. ~ take soils and hydrology into account," said ~ ~s Telephone NIInbef IPosim fme II Preseq EqlIoymenl o~ Kleckner. ( City, State, ~ ) Code I VIS. Mas. Gross Income !rom EqlIoymenl 0 Vearly O~ Other Income OVearIy Scuce 01 Other Income He also charged that terms used in the Previous ~ (~ less than two years at presentllflllloyer) delineation manual to classify wetlands are Nearest Relative (not iYing willi you) I f II Previous ~ me VIS. Mos. too vague and non-specific. "Terms such as 'usually, at some time, typically and Ir eteplone ) generally' are inadequate. This terminol- 'E FrslName last Name I Social Seady NlI1iler ogy is subject to extremely variable inter- S u Present SIreet Adchss fme at Presenl Adctess I Date 01 Br1h pretation and lacks the necessary objective u VIS. Mas. CD standards to have uniform application over City,State Home Telephone tbnber 'E (Incble Area Code) ( ) the United States." _"0 Previous Adchss (illess than two years at present address) CCy StdIl As a result of Farm Bureau's testimony and ~ PresenI~ Income from alimony, dliId support. or rnai1eerln::e payments r-s not be r-*l C if you do not wish III have 1 as a basis lor repayi'Ig this obigalion. written comments, staff members of the o Domestic Policy Council are now saying ::::; ~s Telephone NlI1lber I fme at Presenl EqlIoymenl O~ 0. 0. ( ) I VIS. Mos. Gross Income !rom ~ 0 Ve.1y they will recommend tightening the current C City, State, ~ Code O~ criteria used in defining wetlands. o o Other Income 0 VIMy Scute 01 Other Income Previous ~ than two years at presenlllflllloyer) I (illess f IIPrevious ~ me a: In other wetlands developments, House ~ VIS. Mas. o and Senate conferees agreed on conserva- > Nearest Relative (notlMng willi you) IAdctess I Teteplone I( ) tion provisions of the 1990 farm bill after en Crecil Relerenoes MonlhIy Payments Balance Due adopting a compromise which would allow w o 0wrVBuying Home o Other ORerc ~Paymenl I o planting on wetlands that administration z S S Morlgage Holder or Lardord t.Ior1gage BUa w I agencies agree have no environmental a: w $ $ v.. value. La.. W o Checkilg Accxu1l (Bank Name) EslimaJed I a: $ $ t:: Have You Ever 0 Ves The compromise attempts to strike a c o Savi1gs Accxu1l (Sri. Name) Declared 0 No w $ S balance between environmentalist and a: Brin4*Y? o farmer concerns over "swampbuster" ., Optional Group Credit Insurance Please check your card preference L'we hereby C8I'1iIy \tIal each 01 the ...-s OlIttis ~ is true provisions of the 1985 farm bill. Under the ;rd amc:t. ;rd is made lor IleIUJlOSl 01 obIainilg a ~ or crecIt !rom (choose one design only) measure a new wetland reserve would be The (X)St III you, !he Primary Accxloot holder the Bank. L'we awtiIy \hat IIdebts owed wheIher incivOIaI. joint or contained within a 40-million to 45-million w (applicant), is $.60 per $100 for each month's o SCENIC VISA o ST ANOARD VISA oonlingenl have been cisdosed above nlflal none 01 mylfu debIs on o average daily balance. The inslnnce wi be- delinquenl or i1 delauI. 'xcepI as L'we have roc:.d above. L'we hereby acre Conservation Reserve Program z dlOrize the 8ank III irMIsaigaIe rrry/oU cr8dil r'IlXlI'd III lie mn I diems c come ellec:liYe when )'CU' creciI begins. You nec:essay nllll vwty myltu crIdl. ~ nl iname reInnc:es. (CRP). Farmers would be paid to idle 1 a: must be less than age 71 III be eligible for Wi- L'we M1her dlorize nl insWtt ." person or CXlIISInIl' reporting ~ erage. A c:enificate which more fuIy desatles million acres of farmed wetlands over the en the insurance wiI be sent when )'CU' credit agency III Ilmish III the 8ank ." inIormaIion flail may have or otltain i1 ~ response III sucn c:rIdil inquIies. L'we Itd'ler 8l7'IIIaIttis iqlIicaIion application is approved. UnderwIillen by The next five years. Also, the farm bill language t:: Pruden1iaI Company 01 America. ~ shaI become lie propet1y 01 the Sri, wheIher 01 not I is ~. c New OR Apply for a Gold MasterCard L'we 8l7'I1IaI if1tis ~ is ~ nl a l3'd 01 C3'ds on would create a new program that would pay w Jersey, ard PTudenliaI PropeIty ;rd Casually ~ \hat ." use ollie C3d(s) wi be goyemed by the terms nl farmers to adopt practices to preserve water a: Insurance Company, Holmdel, New Jersey. o CXlI1Citions 01 !he Sri's ~ ~ nl Oisdosln quality on 10 million acres of cropland which they could continue to farm. The o 0. ~ o Those choosing III enrol wi be maied a cer. lifil:ale 01 inslnnce explaining beneli1s, 1imita- tions ;rd provisions and indicatIw;lthe elIec. ~:'~~~~== card. " I do not qualify for the Gold Of~- provided belor1I 01 WIlh deMIy ollie C3d(s). L'we lISSlIn8, if more ... one joinlIy nl SIMlraIy, iabily lor II ~ !he C3d(s). i1amd i1 ." use 01 a: swampbuster compromise would allow CJ ...J liYe dale 01 coverage. Mastere.a. consider my ~ Flm IlInau VISA l3'd... lor!he ~~~ a x farmers to farm some wetland "nuisance ~ 0 YES, P"-1IW'OII1IlI1n ItII AppIicn's SigrlaI1n spots" if both the Soil ~o~servati~n Service o Group CrIdIIInuInce ProgrIm. X and the Fish and WIldlIfe ServIce deter- ~ o AOOI1JJNAl CARD FOR AUTHORIZED USER Co-Applicanrs SigrlaI1n mined those areas have no environmental o value. It would also allow farming on some Print name here wetlands if both agencies agreed to let the farm offset that action by converting some other area to wetlands. However, the com- promise would also toughen swampbuster provision by determining a the 15.9% Average Daily Balance A.....aF_ None lor scenic or standard VISA S20 for Gold MasterCard (rebated every year net amuaI Grece .....~n_" .... -...-. .. Pi"-... ..... .. of ... OthewF ... Cash Advance Fee - none Transaction Fee - none Late Fee - $ 10.00 (excluding new purchases) purchases exceed 53,(00) 25 Days. starting with !he biIing Over Umit Fee - $10.00 violation had occurred when wetlands are date on statement. Minimum Finance Charge - none drained, instead of when they are planted. Please letterfold and staple this form with the mailing address on the outside (rev ..... side) Michigan FarlTl News II. October 31,1990 WORKSHOPS KICK OFF MFB STATE Over 1,000 members, including 460 delegates, are expected to attend Michigan ANNUAL NOV. 27 IN GRAND RAPIDS Fann Bureau's 71st annual meeting set to convene on Tues., Nov. 27 at the Amway Workshops scheduledfor Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 27, will bring you up to date on right to farm, underground storage Grand Plaza. A quick reveiw of the "Pro- tanks, food safety, and time management. The sessions runfrom 3:45 p.m. to 5:15p.m. and are open to anyone attending gram of Events at a Glance" (this page), the MFB and affiliate companies annual meetings. verifies that this year's MFB annual is ac- tion packed, including FPC and MACMA annual meetings, Council of Presidents Conference, delegate sessions to determine Right to Farm Underground Storage Tank Taking Control of Your Life MFB policy and banquet speakers such as Rules Howard Propst, president of Success A panel representing Michigan State Do you ever feel like you're performing a America at the AgriPac breakfast Wednes- University, Michigan Department of This session presents a review and discus- tricky balancing act with the demands of day morning. Agriculture and an attorney who has repre- sion of rules and regulations which apply to family, business, professional and com- sented several fanners in Right to Farm underground fuel storage tanks on munity activities? Do you know you can Educator and humerous speaker Dr. David challenges will give an overview of current Michigan farms. An underground storage avoid "burnout" by learning how to recog- Landswerk will help to close Wednesday's guidelines. Challenges to farmers often in- tank is defined as a tank with 10% of its nize and deal with its symptoms? This semi- activities at the annual banquet, in addition volve complaints about odors, water quality capacity (including piping) underground, nar, conducted by Paul Opsommer, presi- to Young Fanner Discussion Meet com- and fanning practices. As the rural areas therefore, a tank sitting at ground level with dent, Managing Diversified Systems, Inc., petition and announcements of finalists for become more populated, the potential for soil shoved up around it could be considered provides a hands-on, common sense ap- Distinguished Young Fanner, and Out- challenges increases. an underground tank. Detective Lieutenant proach to taking control of your life. You'lI standing Young Fann Woman competition. David T. Smith, commander of the Enfor- learn how to effectively manage your The panel will also respond to questions cement Unit, Hazardous Material Section of everyday busy lifestyle by developing a The Product Trade Show runs Wednesday from the audience. This session will help the State Fire Marshal Division, will lead personal stress action plan that will work for and Thursday with over 50 exhibitors an- you better understand what protections the session. He will answer these questions you. This promises to be one of the best ticipated for this year's show. For more farmers can expect and what is expected of and more: What are the rules if you want to seminars you have ever attended -- fun, state annual, information contact your them under the Right to Farm law and remove a tank? What tanks must be motivational and practical! county Fann Bureau office. guidelines. registered and what is the registration fee? Your Role in the Food Safety Debate Over the past year and a half, we have witnessed a number of open attacks ques- tioning the safety of the American food supply. These events have illustrated how skillfully food safety critics use the news media to sway public opinion. This workshop will focus on the role of agricultural producers in responding to con- cerns about food safety. Highlights of the recently completed American Farm Bureau Federation consumer opinion survey will be reviewed. The survey provides an inter- esting look at how consumers perceive the .,( role of modem agriculture and suggests a strategy and messages for dealing with these perceptions. Workshop participants Compare the interest rates. The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA will be given examples of how to use the and Gold MasterCard isjust 15.9 % A.P.R. -one of the lowest interest rates Farm Bureau food safety message effec- available. In addition, you pay 110 interest on new credit card purchases when tively. your fulI balance is paid by the due date. Compare the fees. The MemberLine VISA has no annual fees, no mem- ventsata bership fees and no application fee. The annual fee for the Gold MasterCard is $20 - far lower than the fee charged for most gold cards. For added savings, the $20 fee is rebated every year that you make $3,000 or more in Tuesday. November 27 net purchases. 10 a.m. Fanners Petroleum Compare the premiums. Both the MemberLine VISA and the Gold Cooperative Annual Meeting The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & MasterCard offer a wide array of complimentary features and options for \ Noon Cooperative Luncheon (co-host Gold MasterCard. Two good reasons your protection and peace of mind. And when you carry a Gold MasterCard, ed by Fanners Petroleum Co-op. you'll enjoy the added advantages of a higher credit line, executive travel why it pays to compare before you privileges, emergency road assistance, purchase protection insurance and a and Michigan Agricultural Co-op. Marketing Assoc.) apply for a credit card ... warranty extension program - valuable "extras" you and your family can 1:30 p.m. MACMA Annual Meeting depend on. 3:45p.m. Educational Sessions 6:30p.m. 1991 President's and Member- Easy to apply for. Simply remove this page from the magazine and fill out ship Kick-off Banquet the application on the reverse side. Letterfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! Wednesday. November 28 _ .. ,CH,GAN 7 a.m. AgriPac Breakfast • -. FAR" BUREAU o FIR.SfOfAMS,IO\.Bank 9 a.m. Child Care Services (until 10 p.m.) 9:30 a.m. MFB Resolutions Session 10:30 a.m. Young Fanner Contest Registra- \l tion 11:45 a.m. Express Luncheon I I No Postage Necessary If Mailed Within The United States I p.m. Trade Show Opens 1:15 p.m. Discussion Meet Round I 1:30 p.m. Tour - Ford Museum 2:15 p.m. Discussion Meet Round II 3:30 p.m. Discussion Meet Semi-Finals 5 p.m. 6 p.m. Discussion Meet Finals Trade Show Closes Business Reply Mail 7:30 p.m. Annual Banquet First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI Thursday. November 29 Postage will be paid by addressee 7:15 a.m. District Breakfasts/Caucuses 8:30 a.m. Trade Show Opens 9:30 a.m. MFB Resolutions Session FIRST OF AMERICA BANK Noon President's Luncheon 2 p.m. MFB Resolutions Session REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION 6p.m. Trade Show Closes ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES 6:30p.m. MFB Awards Banquet P.O. BOX 2349 9 p.m. Fun Night KALAMAZOO, MI 49003-9917 Friday. November 30 8:30 a.m. MFB Resolutions Session Noon Luncheon 1.1 •• " .11, " 11.11 ••••• " .1.1 •• 1.1," •• 111'1.11 •• 1.1 1 p.m. MFB Resolutions Session (if needed)