Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau October 15, 1991 1 •• 1 Fire Blight Plagues Michigan Fruit Producers Photo: Courtesy MSU Michigan fruit growers have been ham- producing trees, future yield and crop loss, - mered by the worst outbreak of fire blight a loss of 33,000 trees killed by the disease infection in 25 years. The bacterial disease, and additional spray and pruning costs to which severely damages woody plant parts, farmers, according to Mike Thomas, district blossoms, stems and leaves, has been most horticulture and marketing agent. He indi- virulent in southwest and west Michigan. cated that farmers are also concerned that j • However, experts said the disease has af- fire blight may kill additional trees as it fected farmers to some extent all across the attacks the roots, and that some trees may state. not make it through the winter. To address the problem, Michigan Farm Eightypercent of fruit growers in the central Bureau and the Michigan Agricultural or "ridge" area of west Michigan have some Cooperative Marketing Association fire blight damage, with ten percent of the (MACMA) on Sept. 20 sponsored a meet- farmers experiencing spots of severe ing with Robert Gast,. director of the damage, according to Phil Schwallier, Dis- Agriculture Experiment Station (AES), a;,d trict Extension Hqrticulture and Marketing his staff. They reviewed AES activities as Agent. He said the disease caused over $1 well as possible options for future fire blight million in damage to this year's and next research. Farm Bureau requested assistance year's apple crop. "If we have a normal cold on short term cultural practices, control winter, that will help reduce the overwinter- recommendations and emergency funding. ing bacteria. Such a winter would go a long Over the long term, help was requested in ~ay toward reducing the bacteria popula- resistance management, new control tIOn for next year and help control the dis- product registration, economic models to ease," he said. "On the other hand, if we assist growers in determining the viability have a mild winter, we could have more of severely infected blocks of trees and damage next year than we had this year." Adverse weather proyided ideal conditions for a severe fire blight outbreak this past season. economic loss projections to assist in poten- tial emergency funding programs for Industry experts said conditions were nearly pe.rfect for a severe outbreak of fire blight tended the period that trees were vulnerable resistant fire blight strains have been found growers. thIS year. Fog and rain, combined with to infection. in some orchards, the fruit industry was "Fire blight commonly affects only temperatures in the mid-80s, were ideal for granted a temporary emergency exemption bacterial growth and infection late in the Streptomycin is the treatment of choice for by the ~nvironmental Protection Agency Jonathan and Ida Red varieties of apples, bloom period on apples. An extended fire blight, according to Alan L. Jones, a to use Mycoshield Agricultural Ter- but this outbreak has affected every apple bloom period, possibly associated with an Cooperative Extension Service and Botany ramycin in 1991. variety," said Craig Anderson, assistant early freeze that weakened flower buds, ex- & Plant Pathology Department fruit disease manager of the Michigan Processing Apple expert. However, because streptomycin- See "Fireblight" cont. on page 12 Growers Division of MACMA. "Of par- ticular concern to fruit producers is that fire blight has the potential this year to affect other fruit crops, not just apples. It could Wetlands Manual Revisions - Agricultural Support Critical even impact the nursery industry." Strong opposition against wetland 0 Three specific wetland criteria tive days or saturation at the surface for 21 delineation manual revisions, as announced must all be present. The criteria consecutive days during the growing This concern was echoed by Charles Kes- by Pres. Bush is being organized by the are (1) hydric soils, (2) vegetation season. ner, Northwest district horticulture and marketing agent. He indicated that many gover~ment agencies respo~sible for that grows in water-saturated Farm Bureau is also supporting the require- other fruit crops in addition to apples are regulatmg wetlands and by envIronmental soil and (3) the presence of groups, according to MFB Public Affairs water. ment that hydric soils, water loving plants susceptible to bacterial diseases. Research and water must all be present for an area to Director AI Almy. into control measures of bacterial diseases in general would be very beneficial to o Hydric soils must be identified by be a wetland, as well as the requirement of agency personnel visits instead of relying growers of pears, plums, apricots and sweet ~arge v?lumes of mail have been arriving field visits of agency personnel on soil maps for determinations. cherries, according to Kesner. m Washmgton, D.C., opposing the wetland rather than office interpretation of manual revisions, and Almy says the final soil maps. One m~jor area .o~~ontention, according to outcome will be won or lost based on public The Cooperative Extension Service es- timates the disease will cost apple growers response to the proposed manual. o The presence of water stained Almy, ISthe defmItIOn of a growing season. "The growing season should be limited to in southwest Michigan over $3.8 million leaves, trunks and stems will no th~ frost-free period for each county deter- this year. That includes yield loss on "Without a strong showing of support for longer be used to determine if an mmed by local weather records," he said. the revisions to the manual, they will be area is a wetland. withdrawn," said Almy. ".Such a withdrawal will likely mean that thousands o Growing season is the period 3 Where to Write ?f ac.res of farmland once again will be weeks before the last killing frost Identified as wetlands subject to federal in the spring until 3 weeks after At press time, American Farm , I regulations. " the first killing frost in the fall. Bureau received word that the com- Local weather records will deter- ment period has been extended The revisions, if successful, are seen as a mine these dates. beyond the original Oct. 15 dead- major step forward in protecting further line. erosion of private property rights and estab- o Manmade wetlands such as ir- lishes wetlands identification guidelines rigation ponds and livestock There's still time to direct your com- that all enforcing agencies would be re- ponds will not be considered wet- ments regarding wetlands delinea- quired to follow. The proposed manual lands. tion manual revisions to: revisions include the following: D To be a wetland, the area must oA system to classify wetlands Mr. Gregory Peck based on their function, value, have standing water for 15 con- and scarcity or abundance will be Wetlands and Aquatic secutive days or the soil surface developed. Resources Regulatory must be saturated for 21 con- pranch secutive days during the growing According to Almy, Farm Bureau is en- Mail Code (A-1 04F) season (see definition of growing couraging support of the proposed defini- EPA season below). tion of a wetland, which includes the re- quirement of standing water for 15 consecu- 401 M. Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Capitol Comer - Michigan Farm Weather - Fann Business Outlook - .' Michigan Farm Ne\IVs -. < October 15, 1991 Meaningful In Brief ... Insurance Reform USDA Announces a 5 Percent ARP - It Needs More Corn farmers will be required to idle 5 percent of their acres in 1992 to qualify for Than a Band-aid government farm program payments, down from 7.5 percent for this year's crop and the lowest level in a decade, according to the USDA. Approach A 5 percent acreage reduction program (ARP) was announced for corn, grain sorghun and barley. The oats acreage reduction program was set a zero percent as required by the 1990 farm law for 1991-95. USDA did not announce loan rates for 1992 crop feed grains at this It is important that the Michigan Legislature take prompt action to reform Michigan's time. No-Fault Automobile Insurance Law. As an important first step, the Essential Insurance sunset provisions must be repealed. If these provisions are allowed to expire on The announcement follows weeks of industry debate over the appropriate size of the 1992 December 31, 1991, it will re-enact territory restrictions, causing rural and suburban set-aside program. The National Corn Growers Association had called for a 7.5 percent drivers insurance costs to increase and will subsidize urban drivers. Imposing territorial setaside, but major grain firms, fearing inadequate export supplies, urged a zero percent rating constraints, regardless of shape or form, does not in any way deal with the setaside. In announcing the setaside, USDA Secretary Edward Madigan emphasized that problems which are causing automobile insurance costs to rise. And, it will not produce the department could later revise the program if conditions warrant. USDA has until Nov. overall cost savings for Michigan insurance consumers. 15 to announce any changes. Michigan Farm Bureau continues to support reforms which will reduce the cost of "World and U.S. 1991 - 92 ending stocks of feed grains are historically low, which makes automobile insurance, and we stand firmly opposed to rate subsidies and premium the initial ARP announcement subject to adjustment, particularly in light of uncertainties rollbacks. Farm Bureau believes insurance consumers will benefit most from a free and around the world," Madigan said. open market place, where insurer competition controls prices. Premium rollbacks are an ineffective, temporary "band-aid" approach to the problem. September Farm Prices Same as a Year Ago Michigan Farm Bureau is interested in improving the no-fault system and controlling insurance costs. We've actively participated in the legislative efforts to reform no-fault The index of prices received by U.S. farmers for their products in September was up .07 and have closely examined proposals from all interested parties. Many of these percent from the August level, but unchanged from last year, according to Knight Ridder proposals only mask the problem, while we believe our Michigan Farm Bureau policy News. Higher prices in September for oranges, wheat, milk and apples were partially offset gets to the source of the real cost issue. by decreases in hog, cattle, and grapefruit prices, USDA said in its monthly Agricultural Prices report. Under Michigan's Automobile No-Fault Law, insurance companies pay high medical and wage loss expenses, regardless of who caused the accident, in exchange for Prices for all meat animals, except sheep, declined from a month earlier, with hog prices limiting the right to sue. The objective of the system is to eliminate the delays and costs showing the largest decline. Feed and food grain prices all increased, while oilseed prices of lawsuits, make more prompt claim payment and return a larger percentage of were mixed. premium dollars to injured persons. The law which restricts lawsuits has been greatly diluted, causing insurance companies to not only pay high medical benefits, but also Sheep Producers Approve Continuation of Checkoff continue to deal with lawsuits. All 48 contiguous states have passed the 1991 sheep industry referendum by both total We believe the following improvements to the no-fault law need to be adopted: producer votes and sheep numbers, according to USDA's release of the results, providing 1) Allow drivers to select medical coverage limits they need and can afford. Under continuation of the checkoff program through 1997. the present no-fault law, all drivers are required to carry unlimited medical coverage on each insured vehicle. This mandated coverage has proven to be Of voting producers, 70.4 percent owning 74.6 percent of sheep in the U.S. voted yes in the very costly and is not always needed. Many drivers have other health care referendum conducted Aug. 19-30. In Michigan, 371 producers, representing approximate.: protection which supplements their auto medical protection. Other drivers ly 72 percent of the growers and 67.5 percent of total sheep production, voted yes in the simply cannot afford this unlimited protection. There is evidence that these referendum. A total of 142 Michigan producers voted against the measure. drivers are, in many cases, driving without any insurance coverage In approving the referendum, sheep producers will continue deductions from their wool 2) Reverse the DiFranco court decision to allow a judge, not a jury, to determine incentive payments to support national promotions for lamb and wool. The deductions, whether a case is serious enough to require a lawsuit. currently at 6 cents per pound of wool, could be increased to 7 cents per pound for the 1991 marketing year if producer leaders and USDA secretary decide the increase is warranted. 3) Adopt a modified comparative negligence law, which disallows a lawsuit when During the life of the program, increases cannot exceed one cent per year or ever total more the plaintiff is 50 percent or more at fault than 11 cents per pound of wool. 4) Adopt cost containment measures which would control medical expenses. During 1990, the American Sheep Industry Association spent approximately $6.4 million Today auto insurers pay more for the same medical service than is paid by on promotional and educational programs and has budgeted $6.9 million for its 1991 Medicare, Medicaid and health insurers. program. The promotions include advertising, merchandising and education, with a majority of lamb promotions conducted in high lamb-consuming areas. If allowed to operate properly, Michigan's no-fault system can continue to provide Michigan consumers with extensive benefits at reasonable cost. But the Legislature must enact these critically important reforms, and it must enact them soon. AgriPac Endorses Gernaat for House Seat ~a~ri!~ AgriP AC, the political action arm of the Michigan Farm Bureau, has endorsed John Gernaat of McBain to fill the 18th District seat of recently-deceased Rep. Sidney Ouwinga. Accord- ing to Faye Adam of Snover, who chairs the nine-memberbi-partisan committee, AgriPAC's endorsement of Gernaat was based upon the recommendations of the county Farm Bureau Michigan Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation Committees in the 18th District, his position on key agricultural issues, and his strong agriculture background. Doug Ewald Appointed to Gernaat is a lifetime dairy, beef and cash crop farmer, with 15 years experience in agricultural farm machinery sales, 10 years as a bank loan officer and director, and was on the Michigan Public Affairs Division Bankers Agriculture Committee for five years. He served as treasurer of Ouwinga's cam- paign committee and also was a member of Congressman Dave Camp's and former Doug Ewald, regional representative for Congressman Bill Schuette's agriculture committees. the Southwest Region for the past five years, has been selected for the position Adam said that all Farm Bureau members in the 18th District will be urged to give their full of Legislative Research Communications support to Gernaat's campaign. Other members of AgriPAC are David Allabaugh, Calhoun Specialist in the Public Affairs Division, County; Ed Cagney, Kalamazoo County; Bruce Carey, Mecosta; Tom Guthrie, Barry; Sally effective Oct. 14. Knopf, Presque Isle; John Kronemeyer, Chippewa; William Miller, Ottawa; and Jim Sayre, Wayne. Ex officio members (without votes) are MFB Public Affairs Director Al Almy, who Doug will be responsible for research on serves as secretary, and MFB Administrative Director Charles Burkett, who serves as legislative issues, reports on legislative treasurer. developments, assisting with the legal defense fund, and maintain voting records of public officials for use by AgriPAC and Michigan Farm News is Published 20 times annually: By the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public county Farm Bureau Candidate Evalua- Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, lansing, Michigan 489t7, Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone t-517.323-7ooo. tion Committees. 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 t5,1990. Third. U.P.Potato Show - Oct. 30 class postage paid at Lansing, Michigan and at additional mailing offices. Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager. Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes ...that's what the 62nd annual U.P. Potato Show is all about. On Oct. 30, U.P. potato growers will gather in Escanaba at the Ruth Butler Building located on Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Charles Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, the U.P. State Fairgrounds for the one-day event. William S. Wilkinson. The show gets underway at I :00 p.m. with potato and machinery exhibits as well as Directors: District 1, Marlin Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Denon; DistrictS, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne commercial dis.plays of products and services. The U.P. Potato Growers Association and Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, the Michigan Potato Commission will be holding meetings also, according to Delta County Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch: District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At.Large: CES Agent Warren Schauer. The event concludes with a banquet that evening at 6: 15. For Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam,Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. more information, contact your local county CES office or the Delta County CES office at (906) 786-3032. Michigan Far"" Nevvs ITOL o •• October 15, 1991 o :D Z m :D Saginaw Bay National Watershed Initiative Pilot Program P.A. 116 Funding Status: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department Status: Legislation providing funding for the administration of Public Act 116, the of Natural Resources have announced a National Watershed Protection Initiative Program, Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act, has cleared both houses and is awaiting the modeled after the National Estuary Program, has been approved for the Saginaw Bay governor's signature. The bill was required to amend P.A. 116 to allow the accumulated Watershed. funds to be used for the administration of the program. Originally, the fund was to be used to finance the purchase of unique or critical land areas which should be preserved in their The Saginaw project provides for the formation of a management conference composed of natural state by the state land agency. representatives from industry, agriculture, government, academia and other resources of the 22 county area within the Saginaw Bay watershed. Subcommittees will deal with Two important elements in the bill include a floor of $2 million. If the fund is drawn down various technical aspects of developing implementation strategies and public educational to a level of$2 million, then the cost would be paid through the general fund. Additionally, activities to heighten awareness of environmental issues in the region. the annual withdrawal or the amount used to administer the program shall not exceed $600,000 in any fiscal year. Additional program expenses over $600,000 will come from Congressman Bob Traxler (D-Bay City) chairs the appropriations subcommittee that the general fund. allocated funding for this project, which was requested earlier this year by Gov. John Engler to protect and restore the Saginaw Bay. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supported the bill with the amendments to protect both the administration of the program and the depletion of the fund. Farm Bureau's Fai-m Bureau Position: Farm Bureau is working to ensure adequate agricultural repre- position was also based on the extremely tight budget and the need to reduce reliance on sentation on the management conference as well as the subcommittees in developing the general fund for a variety of programs. implementation strategies for the watershed project. Farm Bureau Contact: Ron Nelson, Extension 2043 Farm Bureau Contact: Vicki Pontz, Extension 2046 Agricultural Budget Local Wetlands Ordinances Status: Senate Bill 212, sponsored by Sen. George McManus, provides funding for the Status: Senator Paul Wartner (R-Portage) is sponsoring legislation designed to prohibit Michigan Department of Agriculture. Following a very lengthy budget session and a last local units of government from enacting or enforcing any ordinance relating to the minute decision, the Legislature approved the budget for the Department of Aggriculture development or use of wetlands. The bill recognizes the need for uniformity and certainty and other departments of state. The $28.3 million budget is down from previous years and in the regulation of wetlands, and a need to ensure that wetlands regulations don't is a compromise between House, Senate and the governor's recommendations. The bill is unreasonably restrict private property rights. on the the Governor's desk and may be subject to select line item veto. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau policy supports uniform statewide standards for Because of reduced revenues, coupled with expanding costs of financing existing programs, wetlands determination and regulation. the budget decisions were an agonizing process. The total budget is approximately $200 Farm Bureau Contact: Vicki Pontz, Extension 2046 million over current projected revenues and will be adjusted through line item vetos from the governor who has two weeks to sign the budget after the bills are presented to him. Farm Bureau Position: Support. MIOSHA Farm Bureau Contact: Ron Nelson, Extension 2043 Status: Senate Bill 459, now P.A. 105 cleared both the House and the Senate and was signed General Budget Comments: The $7.7 billion budget, which was approved by the by Governor Engler. Michigan will retain its MIOSHA program and enforcement of federal Legislature three days before the start of the 1991-92 fiscal year, exceeds revenue by an regulations. In addition, future state regulations can't exceed federal regulations unless estimated $200 million. In addition, there are program areas which may need an additional there is a compelling reason to do so. Approval will be needed by either the director of the amount of funding bringing the total in a range of $250 million. The $7.7 billion budget department of labor and/or health, and at least one of three MIOSHA commissions. apparently will have to be reduced to take care of the overspending and the need for the additional supplementals. Unfortunately, agricultural field sanitation standards are stricter than those faced in other industries, and applies to employers with one or more employees. However, the language During this year, revenue projections have generally been higher than revenue received. makes the standards easier to comply with including a requirement that all employers must Unless there is strength in the economy, it is possible that additional executive order cuts provide, at no cost, water at a location that is available to all employees and that a toilet may be required in the current budget year. Some financial analysts have predicted a and handwashing facility is either provided or available. difficult economy for the next two to three years. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau is generally supportive of the measure with the The impact on the budget will be felt directly in the possible delay in property tax reform, exception of the stricter field sanitation standards. Maintaining MIOSHA will allow reduced spending for programs such as law enforcement, downsizing of corrections, grants employers to work with Michigan regulators and enforcement personnel. to agricultural programs and impact on those in need without jobs. Farm Bureau Contact: Howard Kelly, Extension 2044 From MFB's Public Affairs Division, (517) 323-7000 Irish Professionals Studying U.S. Agri-Business Via MSU A delegation of 16 professionals in education and Bureau, will be spending two weeks at Michigan the agricultural industry in Ireland are participating Farm Bureau learning more about the Young Farmer in a 10-week work-study tour of the Midwest. program's activities, structure, and objectives, as well as developing an overall understanding of the The project, the Ireland-United States Agribusiness organization. Enterprise Development Programme, is co-spon- sored by the Department of Agricultural and Exten- Dennis Quigley, assistant manager of Dooley's sion Education (AEE) at Michigan State University. Agricultural Merchants, will work with the Michigan Animal Breeders Cooperative in Lansing and Select Other co-sponsors include Teagasc (the Irish Sires in Columbus, Ohio. equivalent of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Ser- vice), the Agricultural and Food Development He will also spend a week with the Clinton County Authority of the Republic ofIreland, and the Depart- Cooperative Extension Service, talking with farmers ment of Agriculture for Northern Ireland. and participating in Extension education activities. The observation and sometimes "hands-on" program Sonia Dickson, a food technologist with the Northern will run through the end of November. The par- Ireland Department of Agriculture, will focus her ticipants have been in the United States since Sept. visit to the U.S. on food quality standards at the .' 21. The students are adult professionals who work in some aspect of food marketing or processing, rural economic development or agricultural education in Ireland, explains Frank Brewer, AEE project coor- Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Milk Producers' Association at Novi and Michigan Dairies at Livonia. Other professionals will be studying and working with businesses in Lansing, Grand Rapids. Zeeland, dinator. Bay City, and Frankenmuth, and in Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arkansas and Indiana, or MACMA General Manager Randy Harmson, at left, and Seamus Each of the participants will split his/her time be- with scientists and educators at MSU. Bergin of Ireland share thoughts during a reception at the Michigan tween MSU and private industry to learn more about Farm Bureau Center. Bergin, who works in rural development for the the technology or marketing practices associated Brewer says the aim of the project is to introduce the Northwestern Cattle Breeding Society, will be studying electronic with his/her particular interest in U.S. agribusiness. participants to technology that may not be available marketing and computer applications. In addition, he'll spend two in Ireland and to augment what is hoped will be a weeks at MACMA with managers of the Feeder Pig, Asparagus, One of the participants, Patrick McGinn with the national development plan for all uf Ireland. Apple, Plum, and Onion Divisions, as well as three days on the road Macra na feirme, an organization similar to Farm with MACMA Area Representative Jerry Campbell. Michigan Farm Ne\Ns -. 90 and 3D-Day Forecasts October 15,1991 For 9/1/91 Accum. Dav. Precipitation Michigan accelerated drydown of most to 9/30/91 Temperature Grow. From Dev. From Observed Dev. From Degree Norm. Actual Norm summer crops and allowed a record pace of Mean Normal Days. GDD* (inch.) linch.) harvest through month' s end. The dryness Alpena 56.5 -{).7 2048 +371 3.70 -{).49 did slow planting of winter wheat. how- Michigan and Major Commodity Area Bad Axe 58.3 -2.7 2622 +289 1.07 -1.60 ever, due to hard soils and the absence of Extended Weather Outlook Escanaba 57.4 +0.5 2072 +570 5.21 +2.14 sufficient topsoil moisture for germination. T - Temp. 10/15 ... 10/31 10/15 .... 12/31 Grand Rapids 60.6 -1.3 3054 +441 2.93 -{).31 P - Precip T P T .e Imlay City 60.0 -3.6 2809 +235 0.87 -1.94 The latest Climate Analysis Center long Michigan B N A N Lansing 59.2 -2.3 2915 +387 1.05 -1.49 . W. Corn Belt B N N N Ludington 59.1 -1.1 2606 +409 3.53 +0.28 range outlooks continue to forecast change- E. Corn Belt B N N N I Marquette 53.5 0.0 2048 +371 3.70 -{).49 able weather for Michigan during the next Wint. Wheat Belt N B B N Sault Ste. Marie 54.6 -().1 2026 +524 6.46 +2.56 30 days. The below normal temperatures of Spr.Wheat Belt N N N N Standish 56.8 -2.3 2466 +133 1.18 -1.81 late September are expected to continue for Pac. NW Wheat A B N N Tipton 59.6 -4.0 2883 +309 1.88 -{).93 Delta N N N A much of October statewide ..Precipitation is Traverse City 59.3 0.0 2780 +821 3.74 +0.14 Southeast N N A N Watervliet 60.7 -2.6 2967 3.33 -{).36 expected to continue for much of October +354 West Texas N N B A statewide. Precipitation is expected to be San Joaquin N N A N * Growing Degree Days are basad on B.E. Base 50F method and are near normal, ranging from less than 2.5 accumulated from April 1 through September 30, 1991. inches in the eastern Lower and western A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- Upper Peninsulas to just over 3 inches in mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- \Veather in Michigan during September could best be described as highly variable. The the western Lower and eastern Upper No Precipe Source: National Weather Office month began with above normal temperatures and high humidities which persisted through Peninsulas. Combined with cooler than the 16th. A major change in the jet stream brought much cooler Canadian air into the state normal temperatures, a significant portion for much of the second half of the month, bringing average mean temperatures to normal of that precipitation could be in the form of to below nomlal values for the first time in many months. The outbreak of cooler air also snow in northern sections. brought most interior sections of the Lower Peninsula the first freezing temperatures of the fall season, generally from I to 3 weeks earlier than the nonnal dates of first freeze. On the longer term, the 90-day outlook calls for somewhat of a reversal during the Following the lead of temperature, precipitation was also highly variable, ranging from over late fall, with temperatures for the period 150 percent of normal in the Upper Peninsula to less than half of normal in the central and expected to be near to above normal. southern Lower Peninsula. The below normal temperatures late in the month caused some Precipitation is forecast to continue near of the precipitation to fall as light snow or flurries in the Upper and northern Lower normal. Peninsulas, although amounts were generally negligible. Persistent dry weather in southern Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU FREERX CATALOG . SAVE UP TO 500/0'" Michigan Farm Bureau's Mail Service Pharmacy Program OlTered by Feld Prescription Service 5023 Grover St. Omaha Nebraska 68106 Most Commonly Prescribed Prescription Medications CROP PROGRESS REPORT Week Ending 10/6/91 Callt-800- 228-3353 if you don't see yours. This Week Last Year 5-Year AvO. • Corn Silage Harvested Calan Tabs 80 mg 100's 36.75 12.95 Micro-K Extencaps 8 rnEq 100's 12.50 90% 55% 65% 120 mg 100's 49.50 15.95 IOmEq 100's 13.50 7.95 Drybeans Harvested Clinoril Tabs 150 mg 100's 73.50 49.95 Motrin Tabs 400 mg 100's 15.50 7.95 95% 80% 40% 200 mg 100's 89.25 59.95 600 mg 100's 20.25 10.95 Coumadin Tabs 2 mg 100's 39.95 800 mg 100's 24.75 15.95 Hay Third Cut. 90% 85% 75% 2.5 mg 100's 41.25 Ortho-Novum Tabs 1-35 21 or 28 19.50 8.95 Soys Harvested 30% 5% 10% 5 mg 100's 41.75 I-50 21 or 28 19.50 8.95 Sugar Beets Harv. 15% 10 5% 7.5 mg 100's 63.75 Persantine Tabs 25 mg 100's 25.95 5.95 Corn Harvested 20% 4% 5% 10 mg 100's 65.75 50 mg 100's 39.25 7.95 Wheat Planted 65% 55% 45% E.E.S. 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I Service. Call 1-800-228-3353 for instructions on I care items. Included will be a $3 coupon good on I PO Box 518 Elizabethtown NC 28337 L I how .to order. Offer expires June 30, 1992. I your first prescription order. ~I Call 1-800.545-2293 for more details. Michigan Farln NelNs October 15, 1991 Lower Set-Aside Means Higher Incomes Under New ARP Editors Note: This article was written by David decreases in ARP percentages on net farm ARP of 20 percent causes projected net Miller, director of the AFBF Feed Grains, profits. profit to drop to $15,923 per 100 acres, a Soybeans and Wheat Department. decline of nearly $23.03 per acre compared It does so by changing pay acres (those to the 5 percent ARP situation. The 1990 farm act changed the calculation acres eligible for deficiency payments) by a higher percentage than the stated change The profit declines result because as ARP formula of set-aside acres from a percent- age of planted acres to a percentage of the in the ARP percentage .. increases, revenue generated from crop GOLDEN 10'S .u.; • crop acreage base. This subtle change produces surprising impacts. Consider a 20 percent APR on a farm with 100 base acres For example on 100 base acres, an ARP of 5 percent results in 80 pay acres (100 base sales and deficiency payments drop faster than crop expenses. SHERIDAN Expositions COMMUNITY CENTER acres - 5 ACR acres - 15 flex acres). If the For a farm with 500 base acres of com, 12111 Pardee under the old rules and the new rules. Taylor. Michigan ARP is increased to 15 percent, the "pay USDA's setting the ARP at 5 percent OCTOBER 18. 19 6: 20 Under the old method of calculating set- acres" drop to 70 acres (100 base acres - 15 would mean $3,760 more profit than if the Friday - 4 to 9 aside requirements (prior to 1991), allow- ACR - 15 flex acres). ARP is set at 10 percent. Saturday & Sunday - 10 to 5 able planted acres were calculated by mul- tiplying the base acres times a set-aside The principle of today's set-aside analysis Similar results are seen when analyzing McMORRAN PAVILION fuc..tm: (one divided by one plus the ARP is that a farmer's financial bottom line is grain sorghum, barley and wheat 710 McMorran Boulevard percentage). Using that pre-1991 formula, bigger when the ARP is lower. This is il- programs. On a national basis, the impacts Port Huron. Michigan lustrated by comparing the effects on net are quite impressive. A 10 percent decline NOVEMBER 1. 2. 3 a farm with 100 base acres and a 20 percent farm income for 100 base acres under 5 in the wheat ARP means nearly $650 mil- Friday - 4 to 9 ARP would actually have 83.33 planted Sat. & Sun. - 10 to 5 acres (1 divided by 1.20 = .8333 x 100 = percent, 10 percent and 20 percent ARPs. lion more net farm profit for wheat farmers. 83.33 acres). The set-aside acres were cal- OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE " culated by multiplying the planted acres by the ARP percentage (83.33 acres x 20 per- cent), which equals 16.67 acres of set-aside With a 5 percent ARP, net farm profit (in- come over direct costs) is $18,225 per 100 base acres. As the ARP percentage in- The choice of a 5 percent ARP for feed grains, rather than a 7.5 percent ARP, should result in nearly $300 million more 2900 Featherstone Road Auburn Hills. Mich1g~ NOVEMBER 15 6: 16 requirement. creases to 10 percent, the net profit drops to net farm profit for feedgrain producers Friday -.4 to 9 $17,473, a decline of $7.52 per acre. An nationwide. Saturday - 10 to 5 The new rules do away with the set-aside MEADOW BROOK'S factor and simply calculate set-aside acres by multiplying the ARP percentage times Impact of ARP percentage on net farm income of 100base-acre SHOTWELL PAVILION Adams at Walton Boulevard the crop acreage base. Thus, today, a 20 CORN FARM Rochester. Michigan perceht ARP applied to a farm with 100 5% ARP 10% ARP 20% ARP NOVEMBER 29. 30 base acres requires 20 acres of set-aside Friday - 12 to 8 (100 x .20 = 20 acres), and only the remain- Planted acreage 95 90 80 Saturday - 10 to 6 ing 80 acres can be planted. Production bushels 11,400 10,800 9,600 GOURMET FOODS - COUNIRY FOLK Am Crop price $lbushel $ 2.35 $ 2.45 $ 2.65 HOUDAY GIFTS - "OVER 100 EAlwsuS" The bottom line is, today, the same ARP Crop revenue $ $26,790 $26,460 $25,440 313-754-3461 percentage results in more land out of production when compared to calculation methods used before 1991. A second factor creating the new ASeS pay acres Target price Deficiency payment rate $ 2.75 $ 0.40 80 $ 2.75 $ 0.30 75 $ 2.75 $ 0.10 65 j.~\.i.~\' economics of set-aside acres is "flex acres." Deficiency payment' $ 3,360 $ 2,363 $ 683 This farm program provision, which Total income $30,150 $28,823 $26,123 removes 15 percent of your crop acreage Total expenses $11,925 $11,350 $10,200 base from deficiency payment eligibility, multiplies the effect of increases Vosburgs Recognized - "Good Earth Families" or Net income/100 acres $18,225 $17,473 $15,923 5 Jan and Nellie Lou Vosburg of Kalamazoo Crop rotation plays REASONS County have been recognized by the Na- tional Endowment for Soil and Water Con- an important role on the operation as well, TO APPLY -: servation as one of the top 10 "Good Earth Families" in national competition with the with 2 years of corn, followed by a year of AGRI.SC other 50 state winners. soybeans, and then wheat on dryland, THIS FALL! The Good Earth Families are recognized according to Jan. for their innovative and effective ways of "This rotation gives protecting the environment while produc- us better weed and 1. RETAINMORE MOISTURE ing safe food and fibre, according to Em- insect control and through fall and winter mett Barker, chairman of the endowment. higher yields," he months. said. "All of the farmers and ranchers who won 2. IMPROVED DRAINAGE statewide awards are excellent operators," Currently, the Vos- Be AERATION could help said Barker. "The national finalists are burgs are working you get to the fields those who our panel of judges felt had a with Pioneer Seed sooner this spring. special knack for making good stewardship Corn testing various good business." rates of nitrogen ap- 3. YOUR FIELDIS TREATED plication, and sub- FORSPRING--for easier .• The Vosburgs farm 1500 acres near sequent impact to tillage, resulting in Climax, Mich., in a family farm operation, yields. Soil testing is with nearly 400 acres under irrigation. In dene every other savings on fuel costs. addition to raising corn, seed corn, year, and manure is Also, less wear and tear soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, the Vosburgs tested for nutrient on equipment. also market 1,000 head of finished beef and analysis as well. another 4,500 fat hogs from their farrow-to- 4. GOOD SOIL TILTHBe finish operation. Manure manage- AERATION can reduce ment programs and chemical carry-over. Considered innovators of no-till in application proce- Kalamazoo County, the Vosburgs were the dures, as well as ir- 5. COST EFFECTIVE: first to try no-tilling alfalfa in 1986. They rigation scheduling, take advantage followed that successful project up by were also cited by of fall discounts being the first to use zone-till in commer- contest judges as cial seed corn production in 1989, after and save critical conservation having converted the entire planting opera- techniques imple- money! tion over to no-till the previous year. mented by the Vos- burg farm . ........ ~OUR STAR "The no-till concept increases water in- TvvSERVICES, INC. 2275 N~TH STATE ROAD CJIIE filtration rates, helps immensely in stop- All manure is knifed PO BOX 463. BlUFfTON. INDIANA 46714 ping erosion, and utilizes a higher percent- in to reduce odor and Jan Vosburg, a member of the MFB Board of Directors and his age of available water and it improves over- control nitrogen loss wife Nellie Lou of Climax, were among 10 national finalists For more information call all soil structure," said Jan. They currently and run-off. Irriga- selected from a field of 50 state winners in the Good Earth Family 800.384.2608 use row-zone tillage with the no-till planter tion scheduling helps Awards Program. They were honored in Washington, D.C., Oct. for corn and a no-till drill for soybeans and control nutrient 1. Pictured on the steps of the U. S. Capitol are (left to right): Gary Tessitore, executive vice president, Case IH, sponsors of the ~\F'GHTS wheat, which is drilled into soybean stubble leaching and yet ~V COMPACTION! immediately after harvest. provides adequate program; Jan and Nellie Lou Vosburg; and Emmet Barker, chair- amounts of water. man of the National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation that formed the Good Earth Council in 1990. .. Michigan Farm Ne""s Oc~ober15, 1991 . ~ Market Outlook' St. Paul/St. Louis Farm ........ ...... ... •••••••• ••••••• ••••• ~.rl r., Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultur~1 Economics, Michigan State University Soybeans The soybean stocks number of 329 million bushels was slightly above expectations, but within the range. While this is a sub- stantial carryin, when added to a smaller Credit Banks Agree, In Principle, to Merge Directors of the Farm Credit Banks of St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis, Mo., announced that they have agreed in principle to merge E~RM •••••••• •••• '1•••~ •••• ,j ••• .'~ .. ...:=..•••• •••••••• . Seasonal Commodity Price Trends (long term) crop this year, our total supply would only ~ termed as adequate relative to an- ticipated demand. Check the October Crop on or before July 1, 1992. The merger is dependent upon an affirmative vote by BUSINESS stockholders of the two banks as well as Wheat i Report, released Oct. 10, for surprises. Were yields in the eastern Com Belt better or worse than expected? Was the Iowa- necessary regulatory approval. C.T. Frederickson, who now .serves as OUTLOOK Minnesota frost damage near expectations? Corn i president of the St. Louis Farm Credit Bank, new bank and existing associations .will has been designated as CEO of the new While .the fundamentals are not as strong lending institution by an interim board, con- total $10.6 billion. Soybeans i for soys as com, the odds are that on-farm sisting of the..present boards of directors storage of soybeans will pay. And, if the from the two merging banks. Bruce Bohnsack, chairman of the board of Hogs !? rumors out of South America that acreage Fann Credit Bank of St. Paul, pointed out will be down again in Brazil and up less The new bank, to be located in St. Paul, that the new bank should enhance the effec- •? than previously expected in Argentina due Cattle I • Minn., will provide loan funds to Farm tiveness of the current credit delivery sys- to better expected returns from other crops, Credit Service and other Fann Credit as- tem in the combined district. "At the local storage will definitely pay. Consider car- sociations in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, level, our customers will be able to rely on i Index: = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; rying some of your soybean crop into the Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North their Fann Credit Services as they always TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure winter and perhaps into the spring. How- Dakota and Wisconsin. Together these have," said Bohnsack. "We believe the ever, watch for earlier than expected ral- local associations serve more than 130,000 merger will allow us to provide a Farm lies and basis tightening. farmers and rural residents in the seven- Credit Services with improved loan Corn state region. The combined assets of the products and bank services." The Sept. 1 USDA Grains Stocks Report, in the Oct. 10 com SupplylDemand Report. released Sept. 30, showed 1990-91 ending Lower beginning stocks and higher feed use Farmer Mac Takes "Major" Step to Secondary Market stocks as 1.521 billion bushels. This was in could bring estimated 1991-92 ending The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., also known as Farmer Mac, has announced the low range of expectations and slightly stocks to just over 1 billion bushels, if the "major" steps toward creation of a secondary market for U.S. agricultural loans. Prudential less than the 1.530 figure in the September production estimate is not raised. This does Agricultural Credit, Inc., an insurance-company affiliate with an active agricultural-lending SupplylDemand Report. This number con- not even include the possibility of stronger program, has been certified to "pool" both its own and others' agricultural loans and then firms that about 4.7 billion bushels of com than expected exports, as stories continue to issue securities backed by those loans. were fed in 1990-91, which, given the ex- come out of the Soviet Union that their crop pected increase in livestock numbers for is worse than previously expected. The "The certification ofPru Ag, the first insurance-company affiliate to seek Farmer Mac pooler 1991-92, indicates that the September above situation accounts for my con- status, represents a significant step forward," said Fanner Mac President Henry Edelman in USDA estimate of 4.725 billion bushels of tinued bullishness for on-farm stored a statement. The action "dramatically increases the prospects for the formation of the first com being fed in 1991-92, is too low. corn. The fundamentals suggest that it Farmer Mac I pool." will pay to store corn on-farm in an- Look for a change in the feed use number ticipation of price increases. The firm is the third "pooler" to be certified for the secondary-market program. Once operational, Farmer Mac will guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on Wheat senior securities backed by the pools. Wheat stocks one quarter into the wheat ment, be ready to pull the trigger. Al- marketing year were lower than expected, though U.S. stocks are fairly low, Canada is EC Farm Ministers Stumble on Overproduction Cures indicating that summer wheat feeding was coming off its second record crop in a row EC fann ministers took a "businesslike" and "realistic" approach to discussing proposed quite heavy. The question of the Soviet and Europe has more than enough. Much of farm reforms during two days of recent talks, according to EC Farm Commissioner Ray Union's expected purchases continues to the wheat price story will depend on how MacSharry. "The need for fundamental reform has been agreed by all delegations," he said be one of the biggest market factors. While much export subsidies are used. after the meeting ended. "They all also agreed that (fann) output has to be reduced." there is still room for price improve- MacSharry said farm ministers took a constructive tone toward the plan. They are next Cattle scheduled to consider the package Oct. 22-23 in Luxembourg. The most opposition to Total cattle slaughter is expected to be MacSharry's reforms were against proposed changes to the EC's cereals and beef regime, meats, will keep prices below last year's fall EC officials said. down slightly in the fourth quarter from last prices. However, prices should continue to year, but fed slaughter is expected to be up. improve from their September levels before This, along with heavier cattle, means total In both cases, France, backed up by other countries, argued that proposed cuts in guaranteed topping out in the mid 70's in December. commodity prices over three years in return for direct income support for fanners, were too production will be the same or higher. This, Consider lining up much of your future much, too fast.to ask farmers to accept, EC officials said. Under MacSharry's plan, the EC along with more competition from other feed needs during the harvest period. would move away from its surplus-producing system of guaranteed prices toward a system Hogs of income support paid on a per-hectare basis. The Sept. 1 Hogs and Pigs Report, released that farrowing intentions through February Under the scheme, guaranteed cereals prices would fall 35 percent over three years, beef Sept. 27, confirmed the June report that would be 7-8 percent above last year. This prices would fall 15 percent, milk prices would drop 10 percent and milk quotas 4 percent. expansion is well underway and is expected would indicate an average price this fourth to continue. The total inventory of hogs and quarter in the mid 40's and around the same Dry Bean Commission Seeks Assessment Increase pigs was 106 percent of a year ago, and this winter. Next spring prices could dip those kept for market were also up 6 per- below $40/cwt. Consider locking in At an Oct. 2 meeting in Bay City, the Michigan Bean Commission decided to ask dry bean cent. This indicates that hog slilUghter will prices on portions of your expected growers to increase the dry bean assessment from the current $.05 per hundredweight to run 6 percent above last year through the production over the next year on rallies $.10 per hundred. "This revenue will primarily be used to expand our international winter. On top of that, the survey showed for risk management considerations. . marketing program," said Kendall English, a Gratiot County farmer and chair of the commission. Table Egg Market Conditions In the past, the commission has worked with the Bean Shippers Association, National Dry Table egg prices at the end of September The nation's table egg laying flock on Sept. Bean Council and United States Department of Agriculture's Market Promotion Program were about 12 cents a dozen below year ago 1 was I percent above last year and egg and Targeted Export Assistant efforts. "Unfortunately, these programs involve every levels. Egg prices have been flat since early production during August was up 1.5 per- production area in the country," English continued, "We have the ability to tap these markets August when they declined contra- cent because the flock is also slightly more and help Michigan growers compete more aggressively in the world market." seasonally into the mid 75 cent range productive. Advanced chick hatches and (Grade A, white, cartoned, to volume low spent hen slaughter rates suggest that English pointed out that the commission has already sponsored several independent inter- buyers in New York). Layer feed costs are the flock size this fall and early winter will national activities, including a special dry bean quality conference in the United Kingdom, about a cent per dozen higher as both com increase more than a year ago. Table egg an Eastern European trade team visit, and later this month will meet with every major canner and soybean meal prices have increased supplies during the first quarter of 1992 are in the U.K. relative to year ago levels. The feed in- likely to be around 1 percent greater and gredient and export situation is unclear. prices 8-10 cents lower than those realized "Even though most of the new program efforts will be directed at developing new markets, early this year. Higher feed ingredient we cannot overlook ~xisting customers, such as those in the U.K.," said English. "As an Egg prices should increase seasonally into prices at this time could quickly erode any example of the effectIveness of these market development programs, after our delegation December, but the advances will be remaining profit opportunities. visited the five Eastern European nations, Michigan produced beans were sold to companies moderate. Prices are expected to average 80 in these countries that we didn't know even existed before this visit." cents per dozen, well below the 88.5 cents Allen Aahn and Henry Larzelere realized during this time period last year. MSU Dept. of Agricultural Econmics The proposed increase would raise an estimated $225,000 which would all be dedicated to fund the ne~ ~rogram. "None would.be used for administration or overhead," stated English. Mulholland Appointed to FCIC Board The commISSIon last attempted to Increase the assessment to $.25 per hundredweight in 1989. "That was ,?,u~h too I~ge ,~n incr~ase, and growers didn't receive enough information Montcalm county fanner L. Charles Mulholland of Coral, Mich., was appointed by USDA on the proposal, saId EnglIsh. We WIll make sure they hear about this effort!" Secretary Edward Madigan to the six-member board of directors of the Federal Crop Insurance Corp. In addition to Mulholland, Aram Kinosian, a Californian farmer, and Hal The commission will ask MDA to conduct a referendum on the proposed increase during Mander, an Iowa farmer, were also appointed. By law, the FCIC board must consist of six: the first two wee~s of March of 1992. ':We want to make sure that every grower has a chance three active farmers, one person experienced in the crop insurance business, the under to learn about thIS proposal, and deCide how they want to vote. This is a very important secretary of agriculture for small business and rural development and the FCIC manager. step," English concluded. Michigan Farm Ne\Ns October 15, 1991 Software Could New Two-Drill Hitch Available New Product Profile Help Grocers Sell More Beef A new easy-to-use two-drill hitch - the 2000 series - is now available from Baker Mfg. of New computer software, developed at Alva, Okla. Texas A&M University for the National Cattlemans Association (NCA), could ul- The unit operates from road to field position in timately help retailers market beef more . seconds by using a single tractor hydraulic profitably, more finely define meat grades lever to control dual cylinders from the tractor and sell more beef to consumers. cab. No ropes or pins are used. When in the field, the design of the Baker 2200 hitch allows The computer program, developed with the tractor to pull from the center, reducing the beef checkoff money, is being made avail- ef/ects of drafting. The center pull design also able free to retailers by the NCA. The pro- gl,:,es producers the option of drilling in clock- gram is expected to stimulate demand for wIse or counter-clockwise direction. more closely trimmed boxed beef from the packers by revealing the cost of packer The Baker 2200 Two-Drill Hitch uses a unique trimming compared with retailer trimming. 4" by 6", 3/B"-wall tube frame design. An ex- It enables retailers to specify grade, yield- . clusive tube-bending processing eliminates grade, fat trim level and price to packers. numerous welds whIch could develop stress lines. The 2200 hitch also incorporates a The program also could encourage packers ~/osed hydraulic cylinder system, giving max- and feeders to work out a standard way of Imum strength when the hitch's cylinders are paying for each carcass, based on the most fully closed in the field position. Tires are 11L desirable characteristics from the retailers' x 15~.6-bolt. All h~tc~es are equipped with a stabiltzer bar to ellmmate sway and side draft operators using end-wheel drills. Now, other drill designs are adaptable. standpoint, according to Jeff Savell of Texas A&M's Department of Animal for superior field and road stability. For ,!,ore information on the Baker 2200 series drill hitch or any other Baker Sciences. Once the current system is eqUIpment, contact Baker Mfg., Inc., 625 Linden Ave., Alva, OK 73701. changed, increased demand could translate The Baker 2000 series two-drill hitch was Phone 405-327-0234. into more cattle being fed and more beef originally designed and manufactured for farm moving through the pipeline. John Story, meat buyer for Fairway Foods, Inc., said he was enthusiastic about the pro- gram because it allows buyers to work on cutting expenses while offering consumers a product that more closely matches their desires. It also allows more exact dialogue between meat buyers and store manage- ment and with the packer. Eventually, it could change the genetic makeup of cattle being fed for slaughter. As feeders try to feed for a more precise carcass type, they could alter their buying patterns toward cattle that have a higher chance of meeting those goals. Beef Checkoff Supports Exports and Price Export markets for U.S. beef products in 1990 accounted for $87.35 per head, or more than 10 percent of the animal's total value at slaughter, according to a recent study by CF Resources, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. Of this amount, the study attributed $47~28 per head to beef and variety meat exports. It credited the remaining $40.59 per head to hide exports. Comparisons with 1989 data are difficult to make due to overstated numbers in USDA export statistics for that year. The study noted, however, the equivalent value of While you're busy farming, In the halls of Congress and in beef exports per head in 1990 was up 72 Farm Bureau is on the job in the rvtichigan Legislature, Farm percent compared to 1988 export figures. Lansing and Washington, D.C. Bureau is respected as the voice protecting your'interests, of agriculture. It's a grassroots T!1e study defined equivalent value as the Our experienced and highly organization with responsible percent of total U.S. production sold in respected team of lobbyists are legislative clout, powered by foreign markets multiplied by the average there working for you. its members and guided by its value of that product in 1990. Beef exports in 1990 were 4.4 percent of total produc- farmer-developed policies, tion, and beef variety meat exports ac- With the thousands of bills With over seven decades of counted for 40.0 percent of total U.S. introduced on the state and experience in the legislative and production. federal level, Farm Bureau regulatory arenas, you can count lobbyists work full-time on Farm Bureau to get results! Excluding beef variety meats, beef exports aggressively supporting in 1990 reached a record $1.6 billion. This legislation that benefits farm Farm Bureau member benefits was equivalent to 1,477 million cattle families while seeking to defeat include: slaughtered, the study points out. Given measures detrimental to • Educational and leadership production levels and demand for beef in agriculture, opportunities the U.S. in 1990, CF Resources estimated the impact of exports on fed cattle prices • Health care insurance was $4.76{cwt in 1990. A similar calcula- Farm Bureau - always there and proven effective ... • Travel program tion for 700-pound yearling feeder steers • Discount prescription drugs was $7.09/cwt and $10.13 for 450-pound calves . • Nofee VISA card • Farm. auto arId life insurance Managed by the U.S. Meat Export Federa- tion, checkoff-funded activities are under- way in more than 20 different foreign VVhatconcernsyou countries to stimulate demand for U.S. beef concerns us. and veal. In the first half of 1991, U.S. beef and veal exports, including variety meats, For your nearest Farm Bureau were up 21 percent in volume over the same office call 1(800) 292-2680 period in 1991 and were valued at $1.06 billion. extension 3237 .r:- ~-----~--~---- ----- -- - - --- --- - ------ Michigan FarlTl Nevvs -. October 15, 1991 Practice Grain Storage Safety On Your Farm The potential for serious accidents around grain storage facilities on the fann has increased significantly in recent years. There are several reasons, including: - An increase in shelled corn harvesting and handling . - Larger amounts of grain in storage six to eight months of the year or more. • - Mechanization means more operators are working alone. From Farm Bureau Insurance - Misconceptions of how grain flows. Here are recommendations for bin safety: Metal storage bins account for nearly 43 percent of grain flow entrapments and suffocations. Overhead bins and silos account for another 16 percent, according to studies. o Follow manufacturers' instructions and observe safety signs on the equipment. Grain flow accidents happen when being unloaded and becomes trapped a person enters a bin that is in the flow of grain. A person o If you must enter a bin, stop the flow and shut off all automatic equipment and the may also become trapped or buried in a bin by falling through a electricity. crust of spoiled grain or the collapse of a large vertical column of moldy grain. o Ifnearyouthegetoutside trapped, but not buried, stay wall and walk around Another type of storage bin accident occurs when someone slips the bin as the grain moves downward. and falls from the bin roof or ladder, especially when mud, ice, and snow create poor conditions. o Don't enter a bin without telling some- one what you're doing. o Make sure all storage bins are equipped with interior ladders. Ropes, chains, and; pipe ladders suspended from the bin roof may also prove helpful. D When entering a bin, have two people standing by on the outside if possible-- one to go for help and one to help you in case of emergency. ........ D Use caution when attempting to rescue .... ~~.::.-:':: " ...:"-.:~.~.' ,"' ", ..::.~...~-.:.?;}~~:t.~~ someone. Don't become a victim your- self. D Stay clear of molded vertical piles of grain. D When working in a storage bin, make sure it is well ventilated . • • D Lock out the power supply when recom- mended by the manufacturer for servic- ing, inspection, or repair. D Repair loose, worn, or otherwise damaged rungs and handrails on storage bin ladders. Keep bin ladders free of mud, ice, snow, and other debris that could make climbing hazardous. D Discuss safety with your employees, your family, and your neighbors. Keep children away from grain centers. If's a basic Dry Bean Stocks Up Commercial elevators in Michigan held 660,000 hundredweight (cwt.) of dry of life beans in storage as of Aug. 31, according to the Michigan Agricultural Statistics. The year's carryover is the highest at this time of the year since 1988, when 1,450,000 cwt. was in storage. Carry-over stocks account for all beans in commercial off-farm storage and included a small por- investments, so you know your future is tion of non-Michigan grown product. The safe with us. quantity on hand included 500,000 cwt. of navy beans, and 160,000 cwt. of all other So see your Farm Bureau Insurance classes. Stocks on hand August of 1990 agent about your life insurance needs totaled 150,000 cwt. and included 125,000 cwt. of navy beans and 25,000 cwt. of all today. It's not one of the nice things you other classes. do for your family ... it's one of the Ending stocks were high in 1988 due in necessary things. part to price speculation caused by a drought induced short crop. However, in 1991, we're entering the marketing season with above average supplies, and just com- pleted a near-record harvest. This com- Making your future more predictable bination has pressured prices lower. On a •_.@ positive note, this year's abundant crop ... FARM BUREAU will provide opportunities for new long- term market development . FARM BUREAU MUTUAl INSURANCE • FARM BUREAU LIFE • FARM BUREAU GENERAl • FB ANNUITY Grower bids for navies are ranging $13 to $13.50, for Black Turtles $14 to $15 for • Pintos $12 to $12.50, Light Red Kid~eys $26, Dark Red Kidneys $22.50, and Cran- berries $19. 0.--- , .. ,I Michigan Farm News II. October 15, 1991 Lyme Disease Bacteria Can Survive in Un-Pasteurized Milk Add the Lyme disease bacterium to the list of disease germs that can live in milk. A study at the University of Wisconsin - Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has shown that Borrelia Burqdor- feri, which causes Lyme disease, can live for more than six weeks in refrigerated milk. Pasteurization kills the organism, so milk from the supermarket poses no threat. A few studies have suggested that Lyme bacteria can show up in milk from infected cows. In other studies, experimental animals became infected after drinking milk containing Lyme bacteria. It's not I known if humans can contract the Lymes disease from raw milk, but the evidence provides one more reason to avoid raw milk, advises E.H. Marth, emeritus profes- HERITAGE BUILDING SYSTEMS sor of food science and bacteriology at the 800.643.5555 University of Wisconsin - Madison . • 30 x 40 x 50 x 10 .•..........................•. 50 x 12 ......•....................... $4,395 $5,695 50 x 100 x 14 ..........•.•......•......... $11.895 Foodbome illness involves four events: the 60 x 100 x 20 .•.............•.....•....... $16,795 pathogen must get into the food; unless it 80 x 150 x 20 .•.........•......•.....•... $27,995 produces a poison, it must survive until BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY Commercial steel buildings fea1uring easy bolt up assem- someone eats the food; it usually must mul- An up-close look at the deer tick, Ixodes Dammini, a carrier of the Lymes Disease bly for the do It you'*!lf builder from America's largest tiply in the food to infectious levels; and the distributor. We have over 5,000 standard sizes of shop, farm, Industrial, commercial and m1nl-warehouse buildings. person who eats the food must be suscep- They probably died off because they All are complete with engineer stamped pennlt drBWIngs similar levels. However, evidence suggests to meet allioeal building codes, 20 year roof warranty, and tible at those levels. Marth and his as- .couldn't use the nutrients in the milk, ac- painted walls. Prices are FOB from our 6 manufacturing that only a few Lyme bacteria in an infected sociates tested whether Lyme bacteria cording to Marth. plants nationwide. Call us today for a free Information host can produce Lymes disease, he notes. package, and 8 quote on our top quality buildings. could survive or multiply in whole, lowfat, skim and protein fortified skim milk. Their Pasteurization kills Lyme bacteria, so pas- Lymes disease produces a variety of numbers fell, but some bacteria lived for at least 46 days in milk kept at 41 degrees F, teurized milk and dairy products pose no symptoms, ranging from headaches, rashes MINI-WAREHOUSE threat, even if the milk came from infected and flu-like symptoms to joint and heart they found. cows, Marth emphasizes. problems ifleft untreated. It is treatable with SALE $11,298 20' x 120' COMPLETE WITH 24 8'x 7' antibiotics. Early symptoms include DOORS. PARTITIONS AND HARDWARE Lyme bacteria died within two weeks in Marth loaded up the milk samples with fatigue, stiff neck, chills, and "generally not milk stored at 93 degree F (a temperature at Lyme bacteria for this study, and natural feeling good." However, the first stage of which bacteria grow in other substances). contamination probably wouldn't reach the disease may produce no symptoms at all. You~g Citizens Community Action SAVE UP TO 50 % OF YOUR Group Tours Lansing LIMING DOLLARS * with MICBO-CAL@ Members of the Young Citizens Mid::Mlchigaa's Revolutionary Liming Product! Community Action Group, Kent County, traveled to Lansing by • Custom application by • No "Har spars" e~rienced operators bus in late September. Their agen- with modern equipment. • No dust loss. da included meeting with MDA • Small particle size Director Bill Schuette and Con- for FAST soil reaction • Ideal {or: gressman Paul Henry, and Sen. -rented ground Dick Posthumus (at right), plus a • Qualifies for ASCS -established AlfaUa tour of the state capitol and the programs. -No till Michigan Historical Museum. laere ... Yleldsl Lower Costsl They also allowed time to visit the c. Senate gallery, where they were Call Mark Miller or Bill Goetsch at (517) 669-8395 recognized by the full Senate. GREAT LAKES/ENVIROLAND P.O. ~ox 139, Dewitt. Michigan 48820 , • •Actual savings may vary depending on your location New No Trespassing Signs Available Many "No Trespassing" signs on the market are self-defeating. They are simply too harsh, and almost rude. "Keep Out," they scream. Sometimes they work, but more often they get HENKE shot with buckshot, or ripped down entirely. Now there's a No Trespassing sign that puts the message out to would-be trespassers in a firm but polite manner. These signs are in use all over the United States, and users report SERVING AGRICUL lURE AND INDlJS1l{Y FOR OVER so YEARS a much higher degree of satisfaction with them. The signs are printed on heavy-duty bright yellow plastic for high visibility, and are designed for years of service. Their cost, postage paid, is 10 signs for $12.50, 25 signs for $25,50 signs for $45, or 100 for $79. To order, send a check or money order to: Rolling Hills Press; Box 250; Saylorsburg, PA 18353 NOTICE Use of this land BUILT BETTER THAN THEY HAVE TO BE by permission only. - No Limit on Square Bales Please ask first. - Mixes any TMR Ration - Extra Heavy Duty Mixer Box and Augers Otherwise, ThumbArea Harvestore Tillman Hardware Northern Michigan • Kingston Mt. Pleasant Harvestore, Lake City you are trespassIng. (517)635-3636 (517)644-2252 HENKE MACHINE INC. * Columbus, NE * 1-800-228-1405 (616)839-3030 e 1180 by ROLUNG "'LS PRESS 801 250 • s.ytorlburg, Pa. 11353 Michigan Farm News -. October 15, 1991 Intensive Grazing - An Untapped Resource for Livestock Producers? Alpena County dairyman Fred Wegmeyer A major change scheduled for next year, for that matter, to fill a niche with the excel- avoided green chopping hay or turning on a according to Wegmeyer, will include instal- lent forage growing capabilities in silo unloader, or hauling manure from his lation of a watering system in the paddocks Michigan, in a cost-effective manner. dairy cows for almost six months this past to save the cows a trip back to the barn for summer. No - he didn't sell his cows. water. "They tell us that we can increase Unfortunately, intensive grazing is battling production by 5 to 7 pounds with water three myths that seem to prevail in the Instead, Fred took the plunge and tried a full provided in the paddocks," said Wegmeyer. mindset of many producers. "I always hear scale intensive grazing program this year for "They also tell us that a majority of a cow's that intensive grazing won't work because his 60 to 70 cow herd on 30 acres of 50/50 droppings are within 600 feet of where the it requires more labor. it takes too many alfalfa/grass and a clover/grass pasture. The water is located, so it would do more good acres, and it hurts production," said Bartlett. 30 acres were split into three acre parcels, in the paddock as opposed to the lane." which were portioned off to smaller one acre Bartlett works with dairy farmers using in- parcels. Cows were advanced one acre a Higher production and lower costs weren't tensive grazing who are maintaining if not day, never spending more than three days on the only benefits, according to Wegmeyer, improving production. One dairy farmer in any three acre parcel. adding that it only took 15 minutes a day to particular has maintained a 25,000 pound move the fence to open up another one acre rolling herd average. In addition, Bartlett According to Wegmeyer, the results were parcel of pasture, an estimated savings of claims that every producer who uses inten- pleasing as well as profitable. "You about 2 to 2-1/2 hours a day. sive grazing has needed the same or more wouldn't think it would work with that many acreage to produce feed for over-wintering, cows," he said. "But we actually increased Ben Bartlett, District Extension Farm as was used for intensive grazing. production with the feed quality. Our lowest Management Agent in the U.P., often protein level was 18 percent but we referred to as the resident expert on inten- "With intensive grazing, you've not only averaged in the 23 to 24 percent range." sive grazing, has been promoting the merits fed the forage portion of your ration, but of intensive grazing since 1984. To Bartlett, you've spread manure for the day, you've The only other sources of feed included a 13 pastures are a crop that's not taken full scraped the stalls, and rebedded the stalls," percent protein grain ration fed in the parlor advantage of. said Bartlett. "People will tell you that their Wegmeyer's cows at the feedbunk! and a 1,000 pound round bale of hay daily. land is too valuable to graze. But if it takes "Pasture, as a crop, is somewhat of a step- 20 acres to feed them, what difference does a computer to figure potential return on According to Alpena County Extension child if you will," said Bartlett. "What's the it make if the cows harvest it, or if a machine . more conventional crops, such as com, Director Jack Middleton, the secret to high average yield of a properly managed pas- harvests it?" wheat, oats, barley and other crops, but the quality forage in an intensive grazing pro- ture program? We really don't know be- numbers just weren't there. "I can't figure gram is maintaining forage height in the 3 to cause we don't give it the respect it deser- It works for the beef producer, too out how I can make a better return on any 12 inch stage. "If you whittle those forages ves." For Lynn Gould, a variation of intensive of them than I can with cattle, especially down below 3 inches, you lose leaf surface grazing called rotational grazing has helped with the deer damage problem we have up for photosynthesis, with all the growth According to Bartlett, 15 to 20 percent of him boost returns and expand while keeping here," he said. having to come from the roots," explained the U.P.'s livestock operators are utilizing investments to a minimum on the family's Middleton. "Over 12 inches, forages go into some form of intensive grazing, although 250-head stocker operation in Clare county. If there's a downside to grazing stockers, a reproductive state or a seed head develops. very few are taking full advantage of the Gould says it's the fact that as more people It basically stops growing." system, adding that it's not for everyone. get involved, available numbers of graze- "There's always some physical limitations Gould, who is also the county CES Director, able cattle are starting to get harder and Wegmeyer plans on utilizing the same sys- in regard to the farm layout. Secondly, places stockers on a rotational grazing sys- more expensive to come by. tem next year and then eventually expand there's more management expertise re- tem in early May at 550 pounds, and starts the grazing acreage another 15 to 20 acres. quired. It takes some effort to do a good job selling them at 850 pounds in September For more information, contact your local "With additional acreage, we should be able at it." and October for finishing in feedlots. CES office and request Bulletin E-2288, to put them on by the 5th of May and keep Twelve producers in Clare county are now Controlled Grazing - Balancing Forages, the cows on the system until at least mid-Oc- Intensive grazing, says Bartlett, can allow using the system, with one producer running Livestock and Management. tober," he said. farmers in the U.P. and the rest of the state as many as 500 head. Reminiscent of days gone by, this scene could become a familiar sight as more Michigan "We've got thousands and thousands of dairymen realize the benefits of intensive grazing. Photos: Courtesy MMPA acres that could be used in grazing programs to support cattle," said Gould. "We ought to be putting gain on cattle using these roughages that are of lower cost rather than continually trying to make them hogs." According to Gould, rotational grazing generally involves a larger paddock of 8 to 25 acres, with more time allowed for live- stock to graze before being moved onto the next paddock, but it is intensive in terms of the number of cattle grazing at a given time. "What we've tried to do is keep our machinery investments low," said Gould. "If I can run cattle out there on those fields and use rotational grazing, that means I don't have to cut that feed, harvest it, store it, feed it in a dry lot, and then turn around and haul manure back out." Source: Alpena County SCS's forage analysis and Alpena County CES. Gould has spent time with a calculator and USDA May Have Had $1 Lupines May Hold Key to Breeding Phosphorus-Efficient Crops Billion for Disaster Aid University of Wisconsin-Madison re- reduce phosphorus fertilizer needs," he soybeans in soils with little or no phos- The USDA announced it had as much as $1 searchers are finding that lupines grow well says. phorus. Preliminary results show that, while billion available at the end of the fiscal year even in soils low in phosphorus. The find- soybeans looked stunted, the lupines appear which could have been diverted from other ing may pave the way for breeding crops Many species of lupines grow throughout healthy and are growing well. agencies to provide disaster payments for that use this nutrient more efficiently. the world. Because lupines grow well in farmers suffering crop losses due to cool weather, some farmers in central and Lupines develop a short section of very drought, floods and other natural causes, Normally, plants growing in soils low in northern Wisconsin are starting to grow the dense, fine cluster roots in response to low according to Knight-Ridder News. The only phosphorus become stunted and lack vigor. legume as an alternative feed crop to phosphorus levels in the soil, Helmke says. catch, it had to be used by Sept. 30, the end However, lupines can modify the soil soybeans. Lupines contain more than 40 These roots excrete citric acid and possibly of the fiscal year. around their root system in response to a percent protein and, unlike soybeans, don't other compounds that alter the surrounding phosphorus deficiency, says Phil Helmke, require roasting before being fed to cows. soil, making phosphorus more available to Now there's discussion about what, if any- a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences the plant. Helmke and Braum want to study'" thing, can be done to extend the fiscal year soil scientist. In the 1920s and '30s, German plant how these compounds react with the soil to so that the $1 billion can still be used for breeders removed the bitter taste by improve phosphorus uptake by lupines. disaster aid. The aid package apparently fell Helmke and graduate student Sebastian developing lupine varieties with a low through because it was a deal between the Braum recently received a three-year grant alkaloid content. "We feel very strongly that the time is right administration and Republicans, without from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to to understand specific reactions of plants to consultation of high-ranking Democrats. determine the mechanism that allows Phosphorus is one of the three major essen- soils and further advance soil-plant lupines to take up phosphorus from soils tial nutrients needed by plants. Previous management practices," Helmke says. Rep. Charles Hatcher CD-Ga.) said even if lacking in nutrient. This is the first study of studies have shown that lupines don't the $1 billion is somehow still available, it its kind, Helmke notes. respond to added phosphorus fertilizer, Helmke and Braum will present the re- would not be enough to help farmers in the even when the soil is low in this nutrient. In search Oct. 28 at the annual American more than 1,000 counties declared natural "If we can understand this mechanism, it the greenhouse, Helmke and Braum are Society of Agronomy meetings in Denver. disaster areas, calling it a "futile gesture." could be transferred to other plants and comparing the growth of lupines and . Michigan Farm News -. October 15, 1991 Finding Better Plants For Our Environment Photo:CourlesyofSCS William Richards, chief of BORKHOLDER USDA's Soil Conservation Ser- BUILDINGS vice, Washington, D.C., told over 300 people who attended dedica- tion ceremonies for new facilities at the Rose Lake Plant Materials Center near East Lansing, about the role of plants in soil and water conservation programs. The Rose Lake Plant Materials Center is one of 26 plant materials centers operated by the Soil Con- For quality Livestock Buildings, servation Service to find plants to solve soil erosion, water quality Machinery Storage, and Shops call: and other environmental 1-800-552-2772 problems. The Rose Lake facility is located six miles east of East Lansing in the Rose Lake Wildlife Research First Genetically Area. Work at the center, which Engineered Com serves Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, is focused on the needs Harvested ~ of the Great Lakes region .. "Indigo" Silky Dogwood, one of several plants re(eased by .th~ Rose Lake Plant Seed corn companies scrambling to perfect Materials Center was selected and released for Windbreaks In fields where center- genetically engineered com took another step for- "Vegetative solutions for environ- pivot irrigation systems require the removal of tall windbreaks. With0u.t interfe~ing with ward this year, harvesting the first samples grown mental problems is our objective," needed irrigation equipment, the low-growing windbreaks control Wind erosion. outside of the laboratory. The goal is to produce said Homer R. Hilner in his open- com that is more resistant to disease and insects. ing remarks. Hilner, state conser- vationist for the USDA Soil Con- Service, and Paul Kobe, owner of Kobe Nursery, told the conservationists about the role of Scientists say it will be several years before they servation Service in Michigan, plants in soil and water conservation, and public benefits of the program. are able to get new genes into commercial strains was master of ceremonies for the of com, then several more years before enough event. The Rose Lake Plant Materials Center was established in 1957, on a 40-acre site in the Rose can be produced to actually sell seed to farmers. Lake Wildlife Research Center, to find better plants for gully and ditchbank stabilization. As John Howard, director of biotechnology for Bill Richards, chief of the Soil needs change, the program was expanded to include wind erosion control, shoreline stabiliza- Pioneer Hy-Bred International, estimates that Conservation Service, before leav- tion and, most recently, water quality. The new headquarters and greenhouse building, genetically engineered com won't reach the ing for an afternoon appointment dedicated at the grand opening program, replaces the old farmhouse used for the center's farmers until 1998. in Washington, D.C., reviewed the headquarters since the center opened in 1957. importance of the plant materials Firms racing to get genetically altered com on the program in the agency's work to Seven plants have been released to nurseries for propagation and sale. They include: market include Biotechnica International, which control soil erosion and protect "Mackinaw" Birdsfoot Trefoil; "Roselow" Sargent Crabapple; "Imperial" Carolina Poplar; just harvested the first naturally grown plots, water quality. "Indigo" Silky Dogwood; "Lancer" Perennial Pea; "Redwing" Autumn Olive; and "Magenta" Pioneer Hy-Bred International, DeKalb Genetics Hybrid Crabapple. The plant materials program is one of several programs conducted by the Corp., and Ciba Geigy Corp., according to the Jim Newman, director of ecologi- SCS to control soil erosion, protect w~ter quality and protect our environment. Wall Street Journal. cal sciences, Soil Conservation Jamad ,~amaica ~ c~ $ 1359 per person. This package includes everything under the"sun. You will stay 7 nights at the Jamaica Hotel, which has been called one of the "Super Club" re~~This hotel includes ffiree meals daily, bar drinks, - use of all sports facilities including instruction, four tennis courts, shopping s~llffle and sight-seeing tours. It is located on the white sand beach at Runaway Bay. Round trip air- fare from Detroit is included. Spa Week in Mexico Cost: $ 1052 per person. Pamper yourself at the Hotellxtapan Delasal, a world known Spa facility that features deluxe accommodations. Included are 8 days of full spa facilities like three meals daily, unlimited facials, massages, manicures and exercise programs. Airport transfers are approximately $72 per person - one way and gratuities are not included for spa week. This is a very special package for very special people. Pamper yourself! Cancun, the Jewel of the Caribbean Cost: $569 per person. Cancun is a great warm weather destination because of it's 14 miles of beautiful beaches and the Bahamas Weekend friendliest people in the world. The Playa De Oro Hotel has a greot special starting January 1 through January 24th, 1992. This packaae includes round trip airfare from Detroit, hotel for 7 Cost: $414 per person {Add $40 per person for ocean view room} days, airport transfers, baggage and handling service, hotel tax and a Welcome reception. This "Allrates are based on double occupancy, departure tax not in'cJucWcJ. hotel is known for it's great location on the beach. Cancun is the perfect get-a-way for anyone Starting February 7th, 1992 you can book a great Bahamas Weekend at a great rate. Your seeking the sun and relaxation. package inclUdes leaving Detroit on Friday and slbying 2 nights at the British ColPflial Beoch Hotel. S~ial charter airfare service is inciuMd so that you fly non-stop to the islands. Disney World, It's Everyone's Favorite Vacation! This package includes anything that you prefer at a member only discount. You can pick the London, 0n the Town number of nights you want to stay, you can stay on the Disney grounds or oH premise, and you Cost: $628 per person. have the option to Ayor drive. Farm Bureau has admission tickets available. Customize your Disney One of the best packages this year is london. Roun~ trip airfare from De~oit on British Airways, 6 Vacation just the way you want, and still get a great discount! nights at thti Travistock Hotel, transfers from the airport, taxes and conti,nental ~reakfast. The . Travistock Hotel is located In the Bloomsbury area and all rooms have a prrvate b6th, TV and radiO. For mote information on how 10 booIc your GETAWAY CAll J-800-354-4272 This trip storts Jan. 3rd and expires March 31, 1992. london is famous for their theatre, restaurants, sight seeing and most of all history. ___ MICHIGAN ,,,_ FA"M .VIIEAV • Michigan Farm Ne,ws October 15, 1991 Reorganization In Store For USDA? Ed Madigan turned a few heads recently USDA's current program delivery struc- in his agency when he announced at a ture does not efficiently meet the needs of routine news conference that he will ap- modern agribusiness. USDA still maintains point a special commission to work on an extensive local presence - 5 agencies reorganization of the department. alone have 63,000 employees in 11,000 At Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc., we know that your diesel equipment is an expensive offices at a cost of$2.4 billion annually. investment that you must protect. The rigors of farming take their toll on your equipment and you shouldn't need to worry about engine failure. The action is in response to criticism of some department procedures leveled by Some county offices spend more on over- Michigan's finest premium diesel fuel is FPC'sGOLD FLAMECustom Diesel Fuel..lts improved the u.s. General Accounting Office head expenses than they give out in pro- detergent package continually flushes injectors to prevent gum a~d.lacquer depOSits.Incr~ased (GAO). Madigan said he agreed with some injector life, increased horsepower, and reduced smoke emiSSions are added benefits. gram benefits. GAO estimated that the of the GAO complaints of the outmoded ASCS and SCS could save over $90 million GOLD FLAMECustom Diesel Fuel also offers a dispersing agent that suspendswater particles USDA management practices and strongly annually if USDA consolidatedfield offices more effectively. GOLD FLAME's low sulfur content and high lubricity help ensure even disagrees with others. The commission where warranted. operation. study is expected to b~gin later this year. Farmers Petroleum offers a limited satisfaction guarantee on GOLD FLAME Custom Diesel For the long run, senior officials and the Fuel. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, we will give you a complete refund In part, the GAO's findings and comments Congress need to seriously consider in- on the unused portion of your last delivery .• included: tegrating the department's farm agency GOLD FLAME Custom Diesel Fuel, available exclusively through FPC Retail Centers and "USDA oversees an agribusiness sector of delivery system so that multiple agencies its authorized dealers. major importance to the nation's economy, operate as a unit at the local level. USDA's .Some restrictions apply. accounting for 17 percent of the gross na- own reports have called for such an in- tional product and 20 million jobs. To tegrated system, but the leadership has carry out its mission in 1990, USDA spent never acted on these recommendations. I!J=FARMERS PETROLEIJItI COOPERATIIIE, INC. about $46 billion, controlled assets of about $140 billion, and employed over USDA's comments on drafts of the in- 110,000 full-time employees in 36 agen- dividual reports in this series of studies cies in over 15,000 locations worldwide. concurred with most of the GAO' sfindings. USDA agreed that internal control and ac- counting weaknesses in its major financial accounting systems prevented system users from obtaining reliable information. Regarding the need to pursue more fun- damental change in its field structure by integrating farm agenices, USDA declined to comment. While incremental measures PRESCRIPTION 1\ such as consolidating field offices are cost beneficial, GAO believes that USDA also needs to consider the kind of fundamental changes in the way farm services are FOR TOP CONSERVATION delivered that integrating itsfarm agencies would provide. " "Fire Blight" continued from page 1 PERFORMANCE: "Normally, Mycoshield is approved only for use on pears," said Jones. "Michigan State University is conducting residue ON- THE-GO RESIDUE ADJUSTMENT FROM 00/0 To 850/0 studies of Mycoshield on apples this fall in order to support a registration request to the EPA for 1992." Jones said there are few viable treatment (\ alternatives. "We have copper fungicides available, but they are not particularly effec- tive and they often cause some rusting on the fruit. Aliette (a Rhone-Poulenc fun- gicide) is a new compound, and the data I've seen indicates that it is not effective. Cer- --I tainly, it has not provided the consistency of control that streptomycin provided when it was being developed. Also, it can only be used on non bearing apple trees. The fire • CUT. PENETRATE. / COVER. blight problem is much more severe on bear- ing trees," Jones said. Fire blight has been an economic disaster for Herb Teichman, owner of Tree-Mendous Fruit Farm in Eau Claire. The disease devas- tated his 80 acres of apples, wiping out 60 percent of his fall apple harvest revenue. rP.ou get the best of both worlds with the Brent With the Brent epe 2000, you can vary your "Occasionally we'll find five or six apples lIepe 2000 from Unverferth Manufacturing tillage program from field to field or even within a on a tree, but the rest is dead wood," he said. "It's a lot to ask aU-pick customer to go into Company: The crop performance advantages of field. Whatever residue percentage your compli- an orchard that looks so bad. I'm afraid deep tillage and the soil-saving and moisture- ance program calls for, the totally adjustable customers won't return next year." retention benefits of crop residue on the soil Brent epe 2000 can handle it-from 0% to 85%. He is especially concerned about fire blight surface. It's the perfect remedy for maintaining or damage to his "museum orchard" of 200 even improving crop yields while complyrng with The Brent epe 2000 is the perfect prescription for unusual and seldom-grown apple varieties. "We'll nurse these the best we can, because the requirements of your conservation plan. conservation compliance and top performance they are one-of-a-kind. If I lose any, I'll from your cropping program. So take a little have to trace back a new source," he said. The Brent epe 2000 cuts through crop residues time to think about what it can do for Teichman said he believes the fire blight with adjustable disk gangs and then penetrates your operation; then call us in the spread because fruit growers were reluctant with deep-till shanks. Bringing up the rear is .morning at 1-800-322-6301. to do the chemical spraying necessary to control the disease. "Society expects a second gang of angled, adjustable disks farmers not to spray their crops as much as to cover the ridges and evenly distribute before, so we feel guilty about spraying," he said. the remaining crop residue. Michigan Farm Bureau will continue to monitor this issue in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service and Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. Agricultural Experiment Station. If you KALIDA, OHIO 45853 1.800.322.6301 have specific questions regarding fire blight, please contact your District Exten- sion Horticulture and Marketing Agent.