Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau 1.=1 May 15, 1991 Planting Season: Late but Underway -- Finally! "We should have been at it around the 15th of April, and tried to be done by May 1," As if the spring planting season isn't said Young. "If the beet doesn't have a long filled with enough anxiety, Mother Nature enough growing season, it doesn't fully decided to put in her two cents worth this mature and you won't get the sugar content spring. On average, April rainfall in or the tonnage." Michigan was approximately 1 inch above normal. More alarming to sugar beet Young said that producers also had to wait growers, however, was that areas such as out the moisture to avoid compaction the Saginaw Valley reported April rainfall problems, which could further reduce totals 4.5 inches above average (see April yields, but should still be able to get most summary page 4). of their beet acreage planted. According to the Michigan Agricultural "Producers can plant into the middle of Statistics Reporting Service, there were May if needed. In fact, beets have been only 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork, for the planted as late as the first of June," said week ending May 5, setting corn, oat and Young. "If this wet weather breaks and the sugar beet planting well behind the five- temperatures warm up, we could certainly year average. still come out with a good beet crop." "The Thumb and Saginaw Valley areas of the state are exceptionally wet as is the Weed Control Tips Vestaburg area and the extreme southwest part of the state." said Don Fedewa, State Approximately 30 percent of Michigan's Statistician with the Michigan Agricultural wheat crop is normally sprayed for weed An all-too-familiar scene across Michigan during late April and early May. Statistics Service. "For the week ending control, but the "window for early applica- April 28, approximately 5 percent of the tion" quickly closed because of wet fields, sugar beets were planted,-whereas normal- according to Karen Renner, Assistant ly we'd expect about 60 percent planted Professor in Crop and Soil Sciences and an .Insect Management Crucial this Spring based on a five-year average." Extension Specialist. and a shorter span between tillage and ac- Growers with early planted fields of com may want to be on the lookout for three tual planting, advises Landis. According to Bob Young, Executive Vice "It's almost past the time for use of Har- insect pests that, according to Dr. Doug President of the Great Lakes Sugar Beet mony Extra, Express or Banvel, but "Female moths (adult cutworm) look for Landis of MSU's Department of Entomol- Growers Association, of the 90,000 acres producers can use 2-40 until the boot places to lay their eggs, preferring green ogy and Pesticides Research Center, are of beets to be planted, only 3,000 acres stage," explains Renner. "There's been a plant material such as winter annual weeds prone to cool, wet conditions. were in as of May 1. delay, but more importantl y, it's a question that have emerged and are providing an of whether the grower uses the proper her- "With corn setting in cold, wet soil, ger- upright plant surface," said Landis. CROPPROGRESSREPOFIT bicide for the stage of the wheat." minating slowly if at all, there's a greater WeekEnding 5/5/91 . opportunity for insect pests to attack the "The cutworm moths will lay their eggs and With a wet spring and a late start, producers seedlings," warns Landis. "Seed corn mag- the larvae will begin to feed on the winter This Last 5-Year may feel pressured into concentrating on got, white grub, and wire worm are three annual weeds. If we then turn down that Week Year Avg. planting and dealing with herbicide ap- traditional pests that would be a concern in weed and plant corn or sugar beets into it, plication when time permits. However, those situations." some proportion of those cutworm larvae Acres Tilled 50% 75% 65% Renner encourages producers to keep their will survive and begin feeding on those herbicide program in step with their plant- When green plant material has been plowed early emerging seedlings," he said. Barley Planted 45% 75% 60% ing progress. down shortly before planting, the seed corn Corn Pl~nted 8% 30% 25% "Normally we would recommend that a maggot, in particular, can be a problem. Oats Planted 50% 85% 80% "If we do get a rainfall before a producer Landis explained that when green plant producer with a heavy stand of winter an- can get back in to spray, that gives weed material begins to decay, volatile chemicals nual weeds wait a week to 10 days between Potatoes Planted 20% 25% 20% seeds an opportunity to germinate, without are released that attract the female flies. field work and planting, to starve the larvae Says Planted 5% 2% 1% any herbicide to control them," cautioned to death," suggests Landis. "That's not a Sugarbeets Renner. "Where this will come into play "If you're planting into a situation where real attractive option as late as things are Planted 25% 95% 90% the most is with corn this year. you're delayed several weeks and you have getting this year." Source: Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service a fairly heavy cover of weeds, you'll want "There's corn acreage planted in the state to be aware of the potential for increased Landis recommends applying Lorsban 4-E that was not sprayed and there will be corn seed corn maggot under those conditions," in a band directly over the corn or beet plant emerging, meaning producers will have to advises Landis. "If you're in rotated corn for effective and economical cutworm con- make changes in their herbicide program. and suspect a seed corn maggot problem, trol. He added that SEVIN can also be used, This may mean going to herbicides labelled although control is not as effective and cau- you'll want to use a seed treatment, either a for delay pre-emergence or going to a total I Diazinon or a Lindane, that can be applied tion is needed in sugar beets because of post-emergence progam, which had not toxicity problems. Pounce and Ambush in- to seed right in the hopper box." been real practical for grass control in corn secticides are excellent for cutworm control until this year with Accent and Beacon in corn, but they aren't labeled for sugar Those chemicals are marketed under a coming on the market." she said. beets. warned Landis. variety of trade names, such as Ag Rox DL, I which is a combination of Diazinon and Relying on a planned total post-emergence I Lindane, and are sold by a variety of com- Alfalfa weevil activity has been minimal program is not a sure bet either if rain panies. Unfortunately, there are no rescue because of the cooler temperatures, al- prevents herbicide application beyond the treatments for a stand hard-hit with seed though Landis did say that both adults and optimal time for application, and weeds get corn maggot, wire worm, and white grub, first larvae have been reported. "Right now. ahead of the corn, warned Renner. according to Landis. "It's just a matter of alfalfa is growing pretty well and weevil are watching that stand closely and if it falls not growing that fast. but things change Renner also warns that the cool and wet below an acceptable plant population, you very rapidly with them, so it's really hard to weather means that growers have not seen may have to replant," he said. make an accurate prediction." said Landis. the first flush of weeds that are normally eliminated by tillage before planting. Cutworms may be more of a problem in Landis urges that growers with questions "We're going into spring a week or two late sugar beets and com this year with winter regarding insect disease and weed manage- as far as weed seed germination is con- annual weeds having some additional ment contact their county CES agent. cerned," she said. growing time because of delayed tillage, Capitol Comer - Michigan Fann Weather - Fann Business Outlook - Michigan Farm Ne\Ns , •• May 15, 1991 In Brief ... "Health A Hidden Threat to Dairymen Insurance Dairy producers who violate sodbuster and swampbuster rules could be beating themselves Cost: No Easy out of refunds on producer assessments provided for in last year's budget reconciliation package. Answers" The budget package establ ished refunds of the assessments for farmers, who do not increase milk marketings over the previous year. The refunds would amount to a nickel per cwt. in 1991 and 11.25 over the period from 1992-1995. However, new USDA regulations make The high cost of health insurance is a continuing problem for many farmers and other producers ineligible for those refunds unless they comply with sodbuster and swampbuster self-employed people. Indeed, it's a concern for society as a whole. Health care costs requirements. are rising for not just the self-employed, but also for employers and the federal Medicare/Medicaid program. Producers who want to remain eligible for those refunds must contact their county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee to complete form AD-I 026, warns American Farm Bureau Federation has sound, positive, member-developed policy Ken Olson. director of the American Farn1 Bureau's Dairy Department. recommendations for addressing the high cost of health insurance. The policy includes support for: every possible effort to affect cost management while providing accessible Put that in Your Four New Food Groups high quality health care; legislation to allow 100 percent federal income tax credits or tax deductions for those who self-finance their health insurance; greater use of non- A 10-year study involving 4,200 middle-aged men in Britain revealed a strong positive physician providers to help relieve personnel maldistribution in the medical profession; connection between drinking milk and reduced heart disease. The study. conducted by privately funded optional care delivery systems such as health maintenance organiza- doctors at Llandough Hospital and reported in "CIRCULATION," the journal of the tions (HMO's); and efforts to reduce medical malpractice insurance costs. American Heart Association, found that men who drank a pint of milk a day were nearly 10 times less likely to suffer heart attacks than those drinking no milk at all. Our policy opposes the popular "quick fix" solution to high health insurance costs, such as a national health insurance program. The Canadian health care system is often Also on the positive side for dairy products, middle-aged butter eaters had roughly half the profiled as a model of how health care should be provided in the United States. But a rate of heart attacks as those who had switched to n~argarine. Dr. Peter Elwood. the project recent analysis of Canadian health care by John Hosemann, senior economist with the leader, said the findings of the study gave a lead to further research into animal fat in the American Farm Bureau, shows that the system doesn't work for the people who need human diet. it most -- the critically ill. Bracing for Another Pesticide Food Scare "Most people get through life without critical health care problems, so most voters are For the past year or so, the National Academy of Science (NAS) has been working on a happy with the Canadian system because it supplies them with things like over-the- new study dealing with children's dietary exposure to pesticide residues. The report was counter drugs and eye-glass exams, " Hosemann said. "The problem with this political first due out this summer, but has since been delayed. It is still uncertain when it will be allocation process is that resources are spread over a large number of voters and are released, with estimates ranging from later this year all the way into next year. simply not available to the small number of voters who need critical care treatment from time to time. As one Canadian put it, 'The system is good if you do not get sick. ,,, The academy's report will evaluate how effective the EPA tolerance setting procedures are at protecting infants and minorchildren from potential health risks associated with pesticide Hosemann points out that Canadian health care is rationed, not by cost, but by time. residues in foods they commonly eat. The NAS report will again be based on the theoretical One physician survey showed an average 2 1/2 month wait for mammograms and 6-10 assumption that all pesticides registered for use on certain crops are used at their maximum month wait for hip replacement. Those of us who live in Michigan may have read the allowable levels. media accounts of Canadian citizens, desperate for a procedure like open heart surgery, who payout of their own pockets to have the operation done in Detroit. AFBF and state Farm Bureaus in several key growing states are conducting a postcard survey among growers to develop data on actual chemical use in 1990 on selected crops. "The Canadian government strategy of tightly controlling physician and hospital costs not only means fewer services, long waiting lines and extensive rationing, " Hosemann Targeted crops include: peanuts, peaches, oranges, sweet corn and sweet potatoes. Actual chemical use data is already available for apples and some of the other targeted com- said, "but also tension between health care providers and the government. This leads modities. In conjunction with the National Food Processors Association, Farm Bureau will to work stoppages and, given the nature of the monopoly, complete shutdowns can use the information to give balance and clearer perspective to the NAS report. occur in provincial health systems. " Clearly, something has to be done to control health insurance costs in our country. But Michigan Farm Real Estate Values Rise adopting the clearly inadequate Canadian system is not the answer. The average value of farmland and buildings in Michigan was $1,085 per acre on January I, 1991, up $80 per acre or 8 percent from January I, 1990. This is from a report by USDA's While your Farm Bureau organization continues to work on long term solutions to the Economic Research Service based on a survey conducted by the Federal/State Michigan high cost of health insurance, it's important for you to safeguard your family by having Agricultural Statistics Service. This was the fourth consecutive year that fann real estate at least some catastrophic coverage .. values in Michigan have risen. The average cash rents expected in Michigan in 1991 are as follows: farms rented for cash, $52.80 per acre, up $9.00 from last year; cropland rented ~cla~~ent Michigan Farm Bureau for cash, $45.50 per acre, up $4.10 from previous year. Farmland increased in price in neighboring states, too. The value of farmland in Indiana showed a 2 percent increase from 1990 to $1,275 per acre. In Wisconsin, there was an increase of 6 percent to $853 per acre. The price of farmland in Ohio inched upward by I Michigan Floriculture Industry Gains percent to $1,217 per acre. Farms iented for cash in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio, were $85.50, $58.30 and $67.50 per acre, respectively_ Michigan placed sixth nationally in sales of floriculture products in 1990, according to Michigan Agricultural Statistics. California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Ohio reported larger sales than Michigan. Reports from Michigan's 480 commercial growers indicated a Bush - "AII Hinges on Fast- Track" wholesale value of surveyed floriculture crops totaled $124 million in 1990, a 9 percent President George Bush, speaking to a group of farm editors recently, said world trade talks increase from 1989. an.d .a pr?posed N~nh Americ~n free-trade pact depend on Congress allowing the ad- m1l11stratlon authonty to negotIate agreements without the possibility of congressional Michigan continued to lead the nation in production of potted geraniums grown from seed amendments. with 13 million pots, and ranked second in production of cut gladioli at 37 million spikes, potted Easter lilies at 1.1 million pots and flats of bedding plants at 9.8 million flats. Bedding "All hinges on the fast track," he said, referring to the administration's request to extend the plants were the industry's mainstay, accounting for 42.2 percent of total sales. Michigan authority. The administration contends it will be unable to successfully negotiate in the had 25.8 million square feet of greenhouse cover in 1990, including both rigid and film Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade talks and the US-Canada- plastic greenhouse. Only California and Florida have more covered growing area. Mexico free trade pact talks without the fast-track procedure. Bush said there is apparently "some misunderstanding" among lawmakers that the fast track Birchmeier New Young Farmer Department Manager provisions would deny Congress the right to ratify, and pointed out that Congress would get to vote to accept or reject the agreements. "But we can't have 25 000 amendments" to Ernest 1. Birchmeier has been named the pacts. Otherwise, US trade partners could not be assured in advan~e of.trade terms with the new Young Farmer Department the US, he said. manager. Birchmeier succeeds Vic Ver- chereau. who resigned recently to take a management position with Farm Bureau ! Michigan Farm News is Published 20 times annually: By the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Insurance. Relations Division. Publication ~nd editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 (Zip 48909); phone 1-517-323-7000. Birchmeier is a xraduate of MSU where he earned a Bachelor of Science Michigan Farm News is provided as a service to regular members as part of their annual dues. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923, as Michigan Farm News, reestablished October 15,1990. Third- Degree in Agricultural Communications. c1:iss postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at additional mailing offices. He also completed the two year livestock Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. production ag tech program at MSU in 1986. Off~r:>: M~chig~n Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Marlette; Birchmeier started his Farm Bureau AdministratIVe Director, Charles Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker' Secretary William S. Wilkinson. ' , career as a regional representative in 1989. He has served in two regions -- the Directors: District I, Marlin Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3 Diane I Horning. Manche~ter.; District 4, T~m Guthrie, .De.lton; D!strict 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Northeast Region from July /989 Wood, ).1arlette; Dlstnct 7, Larry Snider, Hart; Dlstnct 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch through November /990. and the West I Traverse City; District 10, Margaret ~artes, Wesl8ranch; District II, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. Ar'Large~ Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laune, Cass City; Faye Adam,Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Regionfrom December /990 to the present. I Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. Michigan Farn1 NelMs ITOL II. May 15, 1991 o o JJ Z m JJ 1990 Farm Bill Dairy Title No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Status: In a meeting with farm leaders during the week of April 29, Rep. Charles Stenholm. Status: Sen. Paul Wartner's (R-Portage) auto insurance refoml measure will be modified Chairman, House Agriculture Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry subcommittee, indicated that to reflect reform measures established by the I-louse and Senate Conference Committee. lawmakers will complete action on amendments to the dairy title by August 1991. "It (the I It's expected that conference committee negotiations on the reform measure will begin dairy title) will be market oriented, it will be budget neutral, and it will be GAIT lega/," soon and continue throughout the summer months. said Stenholm, referring to the plan that is still in its early stages. In another insurance related matter. the governor is expected to sign legislation extending Stenholm said one plan under discussion, referred to as the "Franchise to Produce Milk" the July 1, 1991 sunset provision to January 1992. Expiration of the July I sunset provisions plan, would allow farmers to participate in a franchise agreement with the government. It would have activated strict territorial requirements forcing auto insurers to artificially would allow the dairy industry growth and expansion into world markets, according to adjust territorial rates in some areas of the state. Stenholm. "If we can make the market system work, farmers will all benefit," said Stenholm. "But, if we continue to over-produce for the market, the burden of over-produc- Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau continues to support improvements to the no-fault tion will be on the producer." law which will reduce insurance costs and opposes arbitrary rollback of premiums. Farm Bureau Contact: Al Almy, extension 2040. Farm Bureau Contact: Darcy Cypher, extension 2048. 1992 Budget progess P .A. 116 Refunds House of Representatives Staws: Refunds from the state of Michigan to fanners applying for credit under P.A. ) )6 Status: The.House of Representatives has passed its version of the Fiscal Year 1992 budget may take eight to ten weeks because the returns are being audited as they are received and resolution. The measure is a $1.46 trillion budget and passed on a vote of 261 to 163. The the tight state budget has resulted in total elimination of overtime. Previously. Treasury resolution does not make room for extension of the expiring health insurance tax deduction staff were each authorized to work an additional four hours per day during peak work loads. or for a capital gains cut. Previously, the Department of Treasury only verified that the proper infornlation was Two attempts at spending freezes were offered as substitutes for the budget plan. One of attached to the return and that the return had been accurately filled out. However. an audit those plans would have frozen domestic discretionary and international programs at FY conducted after the last tax season showed a substantial number of returns had to be 1990 levels and'cut entitlement spending by $6.3 billion in FY 1992 and another $70 billion adjusted. resulting in the new policy of auditing the returns as they are received. over five years. Another amendment would have frozen FY 1992 domestic spending at FY 1990 levels, with defense spending held at 1992 levels, cutting overall entitlement spending Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau has met with Treasury and contacted the Engler by $6.4 billion in FY 1992 and by $48.6 billion over five years. administration regarding the problem. Farm Bureau Contact: Ron Nelson, extension 2043. Senate Status: The Senate has completed work on its version of the FY 1992 budget resolution. It contains $1.46 trillion in spending and differs very little from the House-passed resolution. Agricultural Field Sanitation Conferees are meeting to work out a compromise between the two resolutions. Status: Sen. James Berryman is sponsoring legislation. Senate Bill 290. that. if successful. The budget resolutions.set targets for spending and revenues, but for all practical purposes, would immediately re-activate the previous and stricter than federal version of Michigan's has little to do with the appropriations process which is still firmly in control of the House field sanitation standards. It's believed this bill is intended to repeal the recent agreement and Senate Appropriations Committees. that made Michigan's standards equivalent to federal standards. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supported the amendment to freeze spending at Other co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Miller. Stabenow. Cherry, Kelly, Hart. current levels and supports continuation of the health insurance premium tax deduction. Pollack, Conroy. Vaughn, Faxon. Dingell. O'Brien. Barcia. Holmes. and Dillingham. Farm Bureau Contact: Al Almy, extension 2040. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau opposes S.B. 290 and contends that any agricultural field sanitation standards that are stricter than federal standards creates an inequity for Five-Cent Gas Tax Proposal Michigan farmers that is totally unacceptable. Farm Bureau Contact: Howard Kelly, extension 2044. Status: A new proposal in the House to raise the gas tax by a nickel a gallon to allow increased funding for surface transportation programs is gaining momentum. The House Public Works and Transportation Committee is proposing a five-year budget plan totaling Minimum Wage $119 billion for highways and $34.5 billion for transit. The committee would fund this significant increase by spending the balance of the Highway Trust Fund, including A number of sponsors have introduced H.B.4155. a broad based minimum wage bill similar revenues collected from the gas tax increase passed last year as part of the overall federal to one introduced in the last legislative session and nearly identical to recent federal budget agreement. legislation. The bill increases the state minimum hourly rate from $3.35 to the current federal level of $4.25, which went into effect April I. 1991. There are no further increases However the administration'5 highway reauthorization proprosal called for significant called for in this bill. increases in spending without raising gas taxes or other use fees. Increased highway spending could be accomplished by spending down the balance of the Highway Trust Fund. Meanwhile, identical proposals have been introduced. one in each house (H.B. 4592 and S.B. 267). that call for additional increases from $4.25 to $4.65 in April 1992, and up to Committee Chairman Rep. Norman Mineta is arguing that since the five-cent increase $5.00, effective April!. 1993. The Senate bill is sponsored by Senators Cherry. O'Brien. enacted last year is being used entirely for deficit reduction, another five cent tax increase and Hart - the House version by Representatives Emerson, ..Hoffman, Murphy, Jondahl. is needed as part of a Highway Reauthorization Bill due Oct. I, 1991. Rep. Mineta said Pitoniak, Ciaramitaro. Gubow. Barns, Clark, Jonker, DeMars. P. Bullard. Kilpatrick. Hood. that his proposal for the increase has been enthusiastically received by the House O'Neill. Hollister. Bennane, Saunders, Hertel, Berman. Scott, and Clack. Democratic leadership. Farm Bureau Position: MFB policy states that there shouldn't be any additional increases Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau has voiced opposition to this proposal, and will in the present federal minimum wage rate and that Michigan's minimum wage and continue to monitor the proposal and consequences to agriculture. piecework rate should not exceed federal minimum wage levels. Farm Bureau supports Farm Bureau Contact: Al Almy, extension 2040. H.B. 4155. but does not support the other two versions that call for additional increases in April of 1992 and 1993. EPA Seeks Pesticide Pollution Regulations Special Note: Fanll Bureau policy on piecerates is that they should not exceed the federal minimum wage. Piecerates in Michigan arc developed by the Wage Stabilization Board The Environmental Protection Agency, laying the foundation for a comprehensive based on the Michigan minimum wage rate. Because Michigan's minimum wage is still at groundwater protection strategy, is proposing. ne.w rul~s air.ne? at re?ucing .th.e risk of the $3.35 level. the published piecerates first issued in /981 are still applicable only to pesticide pollution of groundwater and adds cntena for Identlfymg whIch .pestlcldes pose those workers who are subject to the state minimum wage. a high risk of contaminating groundwater and. therefore, should have restncted use. Most workers involved with piecerate work. however, are subject to the federal minimum Under the EPA's main proposal, the agency would consider classifying a pesticide for wage law and must receive a piece rate from growers equivalent to the federal minimum restricted use if any of its ingredients are likely to leach through soil to contaminate wage. There is an exception for workers 16 years of age and younger who are employed groundwater or is detected in groundwater in three counties anywhere in the U.S. on the same fanll as their parents. If they receive the same piecerate as older employees on the same farm. they aren't required to have a piecerate equivalent to the minimum hourly An alternative proposal would allow the EPA to consider restricted use for pesticides if any wage rate. ingredient leaches into the soil, an? it is also det~cted in groundwater at.more. than 10 percent of the maximum allowable level III three countIes or at any level 25 tImes III four states. In the past, the Wage Deviation Board has increased the piecerates the same percentage as the increase to the minimum wage. On page 6 is a guideline which. based on past American Farm Bureau 's'Toli Free Capito/Hotline Service experience, shows the new piecerate schedule required to be equivalent to the current federal minimum wage law (righ't hand column). These figures are guidelines developed 1-800-245-4630 by MFB for use in applying a percentage increase in the federal minimum wage to 1981 piecework rates. Note that these are guidelines only. From MFB's Public Affairs Division, (517) 323-7000 Farm Bureau Contact: Howard Kelly, extension 2044. Michigan Farm News May 15, 1991 For 4/1/91 Warmer and wetter than normal weather Accum. Dev. precipitation to 4/30/91 Temperature Grow. From Dev. From continued over much of Michigan during Observed Dev From Degree Norm. Actual Norm April, with the exception of the scattered Max. Normal Days. GOD. (incl:1J (Inch.) southern sections of the Lower Peninsula, Michigan and Major Commodity Area Alpena 55 +4 135 +99 2.42 -.08 where precipitation was below normal. Ex- Bad Axe 56 +1 146 +71 5.58 +2.96 cessive rainfall in central and eastern sec- Extended Weather Outlook Belding 59 +0 189 +51 3.07 -.21 T - Temp. 5/15 5130 5/15 ...... 7/31 tions of the Lower Peninsula (in many Beulah 57 +4 149 +94 3.06 +.26 P-Preclp T P T .f Escanaba 48 +2 39 2.07 1.05 cases greater than 200% of normal) caused Michigan N N A B Fennville 59 +1 173 +61 5.46 +1.87 extensive delays in spring fieldwork opera- W. Corn Belt N A N B Flint 59 +3 197 +107 4.07 +1.02 tions. Mean temperatures ranged from 2 to E. Corn Belt N A N N Grand Rapids 60 +3 200 +96 5.73 +2.17 6 degrees F above normal, leaving 4-inch Wlnt. Wheat Beit N N A N Houghton 51 +5 96 1.90 -.14 bare soil average temperatures in a 50 to Spr.Wheat Belt N N A B Houghton Lake 55 +3 139 +87 4.83 +2.25 Pac. NW Wheat B A N N 60F range by month's end. Hudsonville 59 +2 181 +77 4.35 +.79 Delta A A N N Imlay City 58 +0 168 +47 4.10 +1.18 Southeast A N A B Jackson 59 +2 207 +99 1.86 -1.10 Weather changes may be just over the West Texas N N N N Lake City 56 +2 142 +75 4.60 +1.72 horizon, however. The Climate Analysis San Joaquin B N A N Lansing 59 +2 198 +95 4.40 +1.52 Center's 30-day outlook is calling for near Ludington 57 +2 145 +78 3.48 +.59 normal temperatures and precipitation. A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- Marquette 52 +6 119 3.42 +.91 mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- Normal precipitation for May ranges from Muskegon 58 +4 172 +99 3.62 +.48 No Precip.: Source: National Weather Office Pellston 55 +4 144 +111 1.96 -.74 less than 3 inches in northeastern sections Saginaw Valley 59 +1 199 +67 6.85 +4.42 of the U .P. and northern sections of the Sault Ste. Marie 52 +6 106 3.93 +1.98 Lower Peninsula to more than 3.5 inches in Sebewaing 57 +2 159 +84 5.23 +2.01 the far southern Lower Peninsula. Standish 57 +2 154 +77 6.27 +3.71 Tipton 61 +3 198 +67 4.10 +.71 Looking further ahead, the new outlook for Traverse City 57 +4 165 +110 2.15 -.36 Waterviliet 60 +2 194 3.53 .23 May through July indicates near to above +74 normal temperatures and near to below High Temperature was 86 at Alpena 4/8/91 normal precipitation for Michigan, possib- Low Temperature was 12 at Marquette on 4/11/91 ly leading to moisture deficiencies in some • Growing Degree Days are based on B.E. Base 50F methOd and are accumu- soils by mid-summer. lated from March 1, 1991. Normals are based on Climatological district averages for the same period. Jeff Andresen A ricultural Meteorolo ist MSU Additional Revised Atrazine Label Tips Atrazine reclassification as a restricted use pesticide went into effect in September 1990. meaning that only certified ap- plicators or persons under their direct su- pervision can legally apply atrazine. The label revision (in addition to the restricted Health care coverage isn't medical underwriting and use classification) includes the following: simple anymore. The bottom carry no pre-existing condition line, h~wever, remains the clauses. Prescription, dental and o Users must wear long-sleeve shirts and same: everybody WantS the best vision coverage options are also long pants (or equivalent). chemical possible coverage at the lowest available to qualified groups. resistant gloves. and water-proofed possible rates. This is where boots. In addition. persons involved in Farm Bureau has good news If you're a small business owner mixing and loading operations are re- quired to use chemical-resistant rubber fOr small business owners. who is dissatisfied with your or neoprene gloves and a face shield of present employee health care goggles. With Over 40 years of experience plan - or a smaIl business in providing individual health owner who is ready to initiate o Ground water contamination may be care plans, Farm Bureau is now your first employee health care reduced by diking and flooring of per- offering six Blue Cross Blue plan - Contact your local Farm manent liquid bulk storage sites with an Shield plans and two Blue Cross Bureau office. We'll listen to impermeable material. Blue Shield PPO plans specially your health care coverage needs, o This product may not be mixed/loaded designed for groups with 2 to 99 employees. All plans have no tailor a package to suit your preferences. and then cut to or used within 50 feet of all wells. in- cluding abandoned wells. draining the bottom line. wells and sink holes. Protecting the interests of small busineSS o Post-emergence applications to corn and sorghum must be made before the crops reach 12 inches in height. ------- by understanding the interests of small business... Farm BU"reau, specialists in all business insurance needs, can be depended on to protect the interests of small business o The maximum application rate for corn because we understand the interests of smaIl business. and sorghum is 3 pounds of active in- gredient per acre per calendar year. Ap- plications of the product for quackgrass What matters to you suppression in corn and sorghum are matters to us. restricted to spring applications only. No fall applications are permitted. For further information. calI 1-800-292-2680 or Contact o Applications for industrial weed control your local Farm Bureau office. in noncrop areas may not exceed a com- bined maximum of 10 pounds of active WtlERE ingredient per acre per calendar year. BELONGING .JL. n Blue CrosS o Do not apply this product through any l\t;\KES A ~. _ BI:~ ",'eH'eAN type of irrigation system. DIFFERENCE. • _ FAil. BVREJlIJ Michigan Far", Ne\Ns May 15, 1991 MSU Researchers Improve postemergence Tank Mixes As public concern about fann chemical sets in. the reduction in herbicide absorption Questions about state budget. school use rises. more attention is being focused caused by the fonnation of alkaline salts can finance and property tax reform. and the on how to make herbicides more effective be more severe." Department of Natural Resources were the at lower rates and with fewer applications. main topics of discussion in a meeting be- Monsanto's Roundup and Landmaster have tween 80 Huron County Farm Bureau Research at Michigan State University has been labeled for use with ammonium sulfate I leaders and Gov. John Engler, according demonstrated that the addition of am- since 1985. Ranger, however, isn't labeled to Huron County President Dayne Roggen- monium sulfate fertilizer to tank mixes of for use with ammonium sulfate. Ten more buck. Poast and Basagran can improve weed con- herbicides were labeled for use with am- "He basically informed Farm Bureau trol and allow growers to use lower rates of monium in 1990. Poast. members how the 9.5 percent budget cuts had really come into play - there's been a The herbicides include: Fallow Master, "When you tank mix Poast and Basagran. lot of misinformation," said Roggenbuck. Honcho, Landmaster II, Landmaster BW there is a dramatic reduction in control of and Roundup RT. manufactured by Mon- I "Governor Engler had hopes, after taking quackgrass. crabgrass and foxtail," says santo Co.; Poast and Poast Plus, manufac- office in January, of getting some agree- MSU's Dr. Donald Penner. "This problem tured by BASF; Pursuit. manufactured by ments hammered out to avoid across the can be partially overcome by using higher American Cyanamid; and Classic and Pin- board cuts." rates of Poast, but by carefully matching nacle, manufactured by DuPont. According to Roggenbuck, Gov. Engler tank mixes and adjuvants, like ammonium said he was pleased with the initial steps sulfate, we can improve control of some Only a small amount of ammonium sulfate taken toward property tax relelf, but that hard-to-kill weeds without rate increases of needs to be added when used as an adjuvant. I the issue is a long way from resolved. Poast." Roundup, for example, calls for 17 pounds I In discussion about a proposed split of of dry ammonium sulfate per one-hundred the DNR. Engler told the crowd that he's' In field trials, MSU researchers Penner, gallons of water, working out to about two still looking for solutions and suggestions Jim Kells and Gunawan Wanamarta, dis- Gov. Engler addresses questions as percent by weight. The Poastlabel calls for about thefuture configuration of the DNR coverd tank mixes of Poast and Basagran, Huron County President Dwayne Rog- 2.5 pounds of ammonium per acre. I and that the issue is still wide open. plus crop oil, gave only 20 percent control Released from "Growth Tech Communications" genbuck (right) looks on. of quackgrass. But when ammonium sul- fate was added to the tank mix, control jumped to 88 percent, comparable to the level of control provided by Poast alone, says Penner. "Ammonium sulfate has other applications as well," Penner says. "Adding ammonium sulfate really kicks up the activity of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roun- dup and Ranger) on certain weed species. This is especially true when you are using low rates, high spray volumes, or if you are trying to kill cenain broadleaf weeds such with Meml5er Travel Services as perennial sow thistle or velvetleaf." According to Penner, ammonium sulfate Deadwood Ramblin and Gamblin I I breaks down salts that form when chemi- Cost: From $694 per person, based on double occupancy cals are combined or used in hard water, causing the weed's absorption of the Explore the exciting history of South Dakota during Mt. Rushmore's chemical to be restricted. Penner claims 50th anniversary. Price includes roundtrip motorcoach tour from ammonium sulfate can also help overcome Chicago, ~ve nights hotel accommodations, Rve dinners, Deadwood absorption problems brought on by adverse gaming halls, Boot Hill, Black Hills Passion Play, Mt. Rushmore, weather conditions. Custer State Park jeep tour and Badlands National Parle "If you have optimal weather conditions, Departures in June and August as well. the weeds may still absorb enough of the herbicide for good control when using low rates," says Penner. "But if adverse weather AUGUST TOURS Train to Toronto From $ 145 per person, based on double occupancy. Cost: $280 per ~rson. FOOlat home in this fabulous "foreign city. Toronto has it all: theater, II EXperience the magic that is Michigan on Mackinaw Island. Enjoy shopping, dining, museums, theme park, harbor and city tours, , sp#aculbr accommodations at Mission Point, the largest resort professional sports. Package includes train from Windsor, pro~rty on the Island, located on the southeastern shore. This two weekend nights accommodations, hotel taxes, bellman's tips. s~ially Hesigned mini vacation includes a host of interesting stops, One night and midweek rates available. Choice of other &I~ng with outstanding lakeview accommodations, daily breakfast, departure cities year round. one dinner with full choice of the menu, a carriage tour of the island and mlkh more! Also included are hotel accommodations, guided tour, baggage handling, taxes and some meals. Ride the Rails to Chicago Cost: From $85.50 per person, based on double occupancy JULYlOCWlS Museums, dining, theater, nigh~ife and beachfront room for your Murder Myste~ Train enjoyment. Price includes roundtrip train ride from city of your choice, one night hotel accommodation, Illinois and Chicago hotel Long hours of research, public Cost: $97.50 per person, one-day trip taxes. Additional night rates are available. Schedule your time to preparedness. and genuine leadership Enjoy dining and detecting aboard the Murder Mystery Train! Deport also enjoy the Untouchable Tour of Famous Gangland Spats, ability, have brought Mary Beth Bush to the from Detroit's Amtrak Station to begin your odyssey of intrigue. Solve $17 per person ($12 child) - a 2 hour bus tour escorted by a driver top, having recently been judged the state clues on a seven hour tour of Michigan and conclude with dinner winner in the prepared public speaking con- and guide in era costume and character! when the murderer and motives are revealed! Private parties provide Weekend tours stop at Tommy Gun's Garage for dinner test during the 63rd annual state FFA con- excellent entertainment for any occasion.:A.vailable at $309.50 per and Roaring Twenties entertainment. vention. person for weekend excursion, ($28.95 per person for dinner, musical show and police raid!) A Breckenridge High School sophomore and member of the FFA Chapter, Ms. Bush began preparing her speech, "The Note: All packages are subject to avoilabili/y. Prices are subject to change American Farmer," in July of 1990. or variation for 1991. Airport/pier transfers not included in New Orleans. Judges looked for stage presence, vo.ice inflections. official FFA dress. and subject knowledge. Mary Beth gave themj~st. what they were looking for. and now a~tlClpa~es your GETAWAY CALL J-IIOO-3U-4272 national competition in Kansas Czty dUrlng the month of November. Ms. Bush plans to prepare herself during ,__ ItfICHIGAN the Summer for tlzis challenge and thefu~ure by participating in a leadership semznar __ 11 RM BUREAU and working alongside her subject. "The American Farmer." Michigan Farm Ne~s 1'1. May 15, 1991 MARKETS ...... •••••••• ••••••• ••••••• r• ••••• ~.rl 1. . ~~ -Corn Wheat •••• •••• .r•••••• rj ••• ,j ••• Seasonal Commodity Price Trends (long term) The spring high appears to be in for cash corn. New crop prices typically trend lower until July pollination time. This year could On May 9. USDA released the first official crop estimate of the season and their first 1991/92 crop year supply and demand es- timates. The crop estimate will be the key FARM .'~ J~::.. •••• •••••••• •••••••• be different depending on the spring plant- BUSINESS Wheat - ing delays around the country. U.S. plant- ing should be 50% complete by May 5 and is probably closer to 25%. Corn markets are still in a holding pattern awaiting decision to the wheat price trend. Early indications are the crop is in poor condition in several parts of the country. Preliminary indica- tions are calling for carryover forecast to be OUTLOOK on extension of U.S.S.R. grain credits. the lowest one in years. Corn ! Any announcement of credit to the Soviets should precipitate immediate wheat purchases. Fundamental indicators are supporting stronger wheat prices. Soybeans Soybeans ! Cash soybeans continue their downward Wheat experts recently toured Kansas fields to observe crop conditions and concluded that the leading wheat producing state will harvest 355 million bushels this year. 25 percent less than 1990's 472 million bushel crop. Oklahoma. which generally produces the second trek into spring. Rumor has it that corn and cotton planting delays will result in in- largest wheat crop in the nation. will also suffer reduced yields in this year's drought Hogs - creased soybean acreage. There has been some good news in the bean complex. Barge basis has firmed to the best level of stressed crop. The group estimated the Oklahoma bushels. down 17 percent from the five year average. wheat output at about 134 million Cattle ! the season for May loadings. Switching a couple of bean cargoes from South Cattle Index: t= Higher Prices; ! = Lower Prices: America to U.S. origin for Europe caused a pickup in demand. Reasons for the current Cattle prices will remain soft for the next couple of weeks. followed by a slight pickup TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure going into the Memorial holiday. Ample numbers on showlists should keep the cash market situation is a small Brazilian crop and over- valued currencies. on the defensive. Consumer demand will be the key to future price movement. The continued weakening wholesale market has been the reason for the recent decline. Hogs With spring planting running behind. weather will continue to be the dominant short-term influence in the cash market. Producers appear to be staying current. which will help provide Dairy price support. However. hog numbers are large enough overall to keep prices from going much higher at this time. Demand for pork should hold firm over the next couple of weeks The M- W price, hopefully, has started to stabilize. The M- W price for June is $10.04, which is $.02 higher than the May $10.02, the first time since Oct. 1990 that the M- W has not with retailers turning away from beef. dropped. This isn't much of an increase, but at least the M- W is headed in the right direction. AGRICUL TURAL PIECEWORK RATES In other dairy news, Minnesota and Wisconsin legislatures are considering measures to GUIDELINES ONL Y extend. for at least another year. the current moratoriums on commercial sale of bovine The following scales of piecework rates for harvesting of vegetables, fruits and sorting somatotropin (BST), according to Feedstufl'l, a weekly newspaper for agribusiness. The and bunching of strawberry plants is determined by the Wage Deviation Board to be Minnesota legislation would extend the ban for a year if also passed by Wisconsin. equivalent to the prevailing minimum hourly wage rate for such work. Wisconsin's version would keep the moratorium in place for two more years. The 1990 & 1991 figures are guidelines developed by Michigan Farm Bureau Market Conditions Trip Big Packer for use in applying the percentage increase in the federal minimum wage to the 1991 piecework rates (right column). Iowa Beef Processors Inc. (lBP), the Nebraska based meat packing firm. found market conditions not to its liking in the first quarter of this year. The company finished in the red Effective Date 4/17/79 1/1/80 1/1/81 4/1/90 4/1/91 ink for the period ending March 31, for its first quarterly net loss in nearly 20 years, Minimum Wage Level $2.90 $3.10 $3.35 $3.80/ $4.25 according to the Des Moines Register. Percent Increase 6.9% 8.06% 13.43% 11.84% The giant meatpacker had a net loss of$9.1 million for the quarter. compared with earnings CROP/UNIT of $4.4 million in the first quarter of 1990. IBP's sales for the quarter. at $2.54 billion, were Rule 408.711 slightly above last year's but officials said the opening last year of two new pork plants in Iowa and Nebraska added to sales -- not profitability. IBP is the world's largest producer VEGETABLES RA TE IN DOLLARS of fresh beef and pork. employing 26,000 workers, the Register said. Asparagus (Lb.) 0.09 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.13 Beans (Snap/Bu.) 2.58 2.76 2.98 3.38 3.78 Armies of Lobbyists Run on Fast Track Cucumber (Pickles/Lb.) 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.06 Battle lines are drawn and players are as many as Congress considers whether to accept or Greens (25 lb. Crate) 0.53 0.57 0.62 0.70 0.78 reject President Bush's request for continued fast-track negotiating authority. Lettuce (24 Head Crate) 0.16 0.17 0.18 0.21 0.23 0.31 Environmentalists. claiming lessening offood safety standards. and organized labor. fearing Onions (Yel. 5 Peck Crt.) 0.22 0.23 0.25 0.28 loss of jobs. head the opposition. However. Linda Fisher. assistant administrator of the Onions (White 5 Peck Crt.) 0.38 0.41 0.44 0.50 0.56 Environmental Protection Agency. said U.S. food imports must comply with U.S. reoula- Onions(8-9/ Bunch) 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09 tions and this wauldn 't change under a free tracle agreement. Proponents also point o~t the Peppers, "Cherry" (Bu.) 1.86 1.99 2.15 2.44 2.73 large number of U.S. jobs dependent on foreign trade. Peppers, "Green" (Bu.) 0.50 0.54 0.58 0.66 0.74 Potatoes (Bu.) 0.17 0.18 0.20 0.23 0.26 E.C.'s 1992 Farm Spending Budget Up 9.9 Percent Radishes (Doz. Bunches) 0.48 0.51 0.55 0.63 0.70 The E.C. Commission's draft 1992 budget forecasts spending 34.66 billion European Tomatoes, Fresh-(5/8 Bu.} 0.43 0.45 0.49 0.56 0.63 = Currency Units (ECU. I ECU. $1.211 U.S.) on agricultural programs, or a 9.9 percent rise 0.33 0.36 0.41 0.46 over the 1991 budget. accordlllg to E.C. Budget Commissioner Pete Schmidhuber. Tomatoes, Proc. (5/8 Bu.) 0.31 RULE 408.713 Agricultural spending will total 53.2 percent of the E.C.'s budget, roughly in line with previous years, he ~aid. The e~penditure figure assumes the commission's current package STRAWBERRY PLANTS of 1991-92 marketlllg year pnce proposals are accepted by the E.C. Council of Ministers. Machine Assist. (Thous.) 5.71 6.10 6.59 7.48 8.37 8.15 8.81 9.99 11.17 Schmidhuber emphasized the figures represent only a draft budget. But he noted that Non-Mech. Assist. (Thous.) 7.62 increased costs of agricultural supports, the fluctuation of the dollar against the E.C.U .. and costs associated with German reunification. helped increase the spending. The E.C.'s total FRUITS budget for 1992 is forecast at 65 billion E.C.U.s. a rise of 11.3 percent over the 1991 budget. Apples, Stripping (Bu.) 0.34 0.36 0.39 0.44 0.49 Schmidhuber said. Apples, Crab (Bu.) 1.16 1.24 1.34 1.52 1.70 Blackberries (Quart) 0.33 0.35 0.38 0.43 0.48 E.C.'s MacSharry Proposing Farm Policy Reform Blueberries, Handpick (Lb.) 0.17 0.19 0.20 0.23 0.26 Wid~-ranging proposals for ~eform of the EC's Common Agricultural Policy will be Blueberries, Assisted (Lb.) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.07 unveiled by early June. leavlllg open the possibility that world trade talks could be Cherries, Tart (27 Lb. Lug) 1.61 1.72 1.86 2.11 2.36 concluded by year's end, according to E.C. Agriculture Commissioner Ray MacSharry. Cherries, Swt. (24 Lb. Lug) 1.77 1.89 2.04 2.31 2.58 0.02 In. an i~terview with Knight-!?idder Financial News. MacSharry said he -hoped EC fann Grapes, Con. & Niag. (Lb.) 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 I pnce~ tor the 1991-92 marketlllg year co.uld be agreed at an E.C. farm ministers' May 21-22 Grapes, Delaware (Lb.) 0.0"2 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 meetlllg so reform plans could be submItted the following week. Peaches, Process (Bu.) 0.38 0.40 0.43 0.49 0.55 Pears (Bu.) 0.52 0.56 0.60 0.68 0.76 "That's the time-scale I'm w~r~ing on." he said. adding reform plans would be submitted Plums (Bu.) 2.32 2.48 2.98 3.38 3.78 r~gardless of ~hether fam:' m~ll1~te.rs approved t~~ current price package. MacSharry said 1.33 btlateral mee~mgs held WIth lIldlvldual farm mllllsters following their April 22 meeting Prunes (Bu.) 0.91 0.98 1.05 1.19 encouraged hIm that a deal could be struck. Raspberries, Black (Quart) 0.33 0.35 0.38 0.43 0.48 Raspberries, Red (Quart) 0.45 0.49 0.52 0.59 0.66 MacSharry said that in ~n up~omin.g meeting with U~DA Secretary Edward Madigan and Strawberries, Fresh (Quart) 0.17 0.19 0.20 0.23 0.26 U.S. Trade RepresentatIve Carla Htlls. he would contmue to negotiate on GAIT iss e a 0.13 0.14 0.16 0.18 the basis of the E.C. offer of 30 percent cuts in farm supports over 10 years. usn Strawberries, Process (Lb.) 0.12 ... MII:IIIGAN • From MFB's Commodity Activities and Research Division (517) 323-7000 .~_ FARM BVREAV 4/25/91 Michigan Farn1 NelNs May 15, 1991 Michigan April Farm Price Index Down 2 Percent The Index of ~rices Received by f~rmers in Michigan for all products as of April 15 was Minor Use Chemicals 121 percent of Its 1977 base, accordmg to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. The April index is 2 percent below last month's level of 124 and 12 percent below Need Top Priority! last year's index of 137. The price index f?r all crop~ rose 1 pe~cent from its March level. Dry bean prices dropped The American Farm Bureau Federation by 1 percent, while corn pnces expenenced no change from a month ago. All hay prices testified recently that one of the most urgent fell by 8 per~ent. Potatoes had a 12 percent increase in price while oats increased by 1 problems facing agriculture is the loss of percent from Its March level. Commercial vegetable prices were unchanged from a month chemicals registered for "minor uses." ago. A 29 percent decrease in poultry and egg prices along with a 4 percent decrease in ~airy products and a 2 percent drop in meat animals lowered the livestock and products AFBF urged Congress to give top priority mdex by 6 percent from a month ago. Hogs showed no change from last month. Milk prices to minor use chemicals as it considers were 3 percent below March's price and 18 percent below April 1990. reauthorization of the Federal Insecticide, ~ The April Index o~Prices Received for all U.S. farm products was unchanged from March Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). HERITAGE BUILDING SYSTEMS at 149 percent of Its 1977 average. Increases in the price of potatoes, onions, cotton and Products in the "minor use" category in- wheat had the largest upward effect while price decreases for eggs, hogs, cattle and tomatoes clude those registered for all fruits, 1-800-643-5555 FREE INFORMATION PACKAGE had the greatest downward effect. The index was 2 points (1.3 percent) below a year ago. vegetables, nuts, tobacco, nursery products, 30 x 40 x 10 ........•.................... $3,785 ornamentals, and aquaculture. Major com- 40 x 60 x 12 .•........................... $6,870 50 x 75 x 14 ..................•......... $10,590 The April 1991 Index of Prices Paid by farmers for commodities and services, interest, modities such as wheat, corn, cotton and 60 x 100 x 16 ....••..•..••...•.....••.•. $17,750 taxes, and farm wages was 190 percent of it 1977 average. This is 2 points (1.1 percent) soybeans also sometimes have unique ConwnetdIII-=~~.yI-:' ~ ~at8nlWd.u..-IIIIble. FOB~. ~~~~ Souu.mor above January 1991 and 7 points (3.8 percent) above April 1990. problems for which minor-use chemicals ~ PIanta. CelllocWy tor pricing on 8uI1d1nga, ShMlIng, 111m, ~ ~8ndAcceuorles. are necessary. Soybean Research Funding Approved The increased cost of data development and establishment of maintenance fees have "So ybean cyst nematode management re- The following five research projects were made it unprofitable for companies to maintain registrations and the production of "The accelerated reregistration of older search will become a reality at Michigan also approved for funding: State University in 1991," states Michigan many vitally important chemicals, Keith chemicals also accelerated the decision of Soybean Committee Chairman Kam Wash- o Breeding Soybeans for Michigan by Dr. Eckel, AFBF board member and president of the Pennsylvania Farmers Association, many registrants to support or drop many minor-use chemical registrations," Eckel burn. He is chairman of the seven member M. Vitosh, M.S.U. producer group which oversees the collec- told the House Subcommittee on Depart- told the Congressmen. "A large number of tions and disbursements of Michigan's o A Winter Nursery for Soybean Variety ment Operations, Research and Foreign Agriculture. these products are no longer being manufac- tured and more than 1,000 represent critical- soybean checkoff program. Development by Dr. M. Vitosh, M.S.U. Iy important tools for farmers and ranchers. "The soybean nematode has recently been o Changing Weed Management in "It is bitterly ironic that in the well-inten- tioned process of reregistration, we are These decisions literally could mean the difference between growing or not growing identified in at least five counties. For- Soybean Production by Dr. K. Renner, tunately, it can be controlled with proper M.S.U. losing these products primarily for certain crops." management, which is why we funded the economic reasons, rather than for health or nematode management research with Dr. o Phytophthora Rot in Soybeans - Water environmental reasons," Eckel testified. He said preservation of these critical uses is also important from an environmental Bird at M.S.U.," continues Washburn. Relations of Infection and Symptom Expression by Dr. P. Hart, M.S.U. Farm Bureau was actively involved in past standpoint. Loss of an important product Nematode management was one of six re- reauthorizations of FIFRA and supported ripples through an entire farming operation search projects funded for 1991 at M.S.U. A mid-year report is required from each o On-Farm Nitrogen and Potassium Fer- tilizer Management Studies by Dr. M. the reregistration of chemicals, but now believes Congress should examine the un- forcing changes in management, cultural practices, conservation, pest control alter- researcher, with a final report due in 1992. Vitosh, M.S.U. derfunding and serious backlog facing the natives and marketing strategies. Often, no reregistration effort. viable alternatives are available. Tallo.edbuildlng Il/teml The POST BUILDING: & SUPPLY Company WE'LL HELP YOU BUILD YOUR FUTURE Animal Confinement Crop Storage Machinery Storage Accessory Buildings .• It's going to be a : Summerfest Ticket Order Form StarSpangled: Celebration: We're ready to celebrate at the 1991 Star-Spangled • Summerlest! Send us tickets for Summerlest at Farm at Fa rm Bureau • Center in Lansing. : Bureau Center, July 17. A check or money order You'll want to be part of, so plan to . • made out to Michigan Farm Bureau for : at $4 per person totalling $ --- tickets is enclosed. attend Michigan : Send tickets to: Farm Bureau's : : Name SlIIMERFEST: Address CUSTOM DESIGN JJly17 Agricultural • Industrial • Commercial On-site Consultation • Locally Owned * Grilled Steak Dinner with all City the StatelZlp West Michigan's Largest trimmings * Cold drinks County 616-837-9716 1-800-955-7005 * Apple pie and other sweet Mall by June 21 to: Summerfest, Michigan Farm treats Bureau, P. O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909. Only * Games 2,000 tickets are available and will sold on a first * Music come-first served basis. Michigan Farm News May 15, 1991 m Protect Children From Farm Risks children face virtually the same occupa- tional dangers their parents face. They need D Do not allow children to ride on farm equipment. Keep them away from only take a few steps from their homes to moving machinery. Make sure everyone find heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, is safely away before backing up or Farm parents must be aware of and and potentially dangerous storage areas. going forward. respect the safety and health hazards their children face--hazards that include power- Plus, many children do the work of adults, o Nearly two-thirds of the nation's traffic ful machinery and tools, chemicals, con- facing the same hazards--but often without deaths occur on rural roads and high- fined spaces, ponds, animals, and motor the same knowledge, experience, and ways. When you drive, properly fasten vehicles on rural roads. physical strength. Unfortunately, many small children into approved child adults do not perceive the risks involved safety seats--and remember that A large share of the serious injuries to both when children do farm work. Parents have Michigan law now requires children up From Farm Bureau Insurance adults and children on farms involve to assume a deep sense of responsibility for to age 16 to wear safety belts in both mechanical trauma connected with the use their children and make the farm workplace front and rear seats. o Fence farm ponds and manure pits. of machinery and tools. Such injuries often as safe for them as possible. result in amputation, permanent crippling, o Install smoke detectors in your home, o Keep toxic chemicals--cleaners, and even death. But accidents that involve Here are safety tips to help you protect your and test them once a month. Keep fire medicines, paints, petroleum products, fire, water, falls, firearms, poisonous sub- children: extinguishers in your home, and pesticides, and animal care products-- stances, ATV s, electricity, and entrapment develop and practice a home fire escape locked up and out of children's reach. claim their share of victims as well. o Do not allow unsupervised children plan with your family. Keep children away from work opera- tions involving chemical use and out of around farm equipment, large animals, Several factors combine to produce an en- chemicals, bins, ponds, or other poten- o Never leave a small child unsupervised places that have been treated with pes- vironment in which unintentional injuries tial dangers. in or near water, including bathtubs, ticides. Dispose of empty chemical con- and deaths occur so frequently. cisterns, washtubs, ponds, and swim- tainers promptly. o Place warning decals in all dangerous ming pools. Farm children have also drowned in stock watering tanks, rain- o Take young workers' limitations into The main factor is the close proximity of areas, and explain to children that the farm workplace hazards to the farm home labels mean they should stay away. filled excavations, and even milk cans. account when assigning jobs. Provide environment. Unlike other children, farm thorough instruction and supervision as well as proper protective equipment. Don't give a youngster a job better suited to adult skills. o Learn first aid and CPR, especially if you live a distance away from emergen- cy medical assistance. Post emergency numbers near every telephone, and teach children how to call for emergency assistance . • • • •• ~~ h ;'i1'ti.~.M.ichi~anC~mmission of Agriculture ,~~~tel~ase