Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau October 31, 1991 Michigan's Budget Woes - an 1-=1 Economic Reality F aced with the hard reality of cutting pro- which really means food safety. and the gram expenditures to balance the state non-regulatory side, which is promotion, Summary of Vetoes trade and public relations, which just had to budget, Gov. Engler exercised his line item veto privileges on state budget proposals be down-sized considerably." Impacting Agriculture submitted by the Legislature, slashing $129 (dollars in thousands) million in "special projects Michigan tax- Schuette pointed out that there were several budget requests that the governor deemed Recommended Veto Net Veto payers can no longer afford to support," Line Item/Program Item For Veto Restoration Amount according to a budget cover letter. "unacceptable when the state is facing a $200 million budget deficit," such as a re- MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE BUDGET In the process of creating a balanced budget, quest by the racing commission to increase Project FRESH 250 130 120 however, $150,000 earmarked for regional promotional funding by $725,000; a request to increase local SCD spending by another Food and Agricultural Industry Promotion 205.0 0.0 205.0 ag education specialists and another " $30,000 in FF A grants and awards from the $186,000; and another $120,000 request for Terminal Leave Payments 200.0 0.0 200.0 K-12 School Aid budget were slashed from a dairy products incentive program. Sec. 552 - Lyme Disease Study 70.0 0.0 70.0 the fiscal year 1992. "It's really in the Legislature's ballpark Sec. 751 - Marketing and Development 500.0 0.0 500.0 According to MSU's Agriculture and Ex- right now," Schuette said. "They could complete restoration in a day if they deemed Beef Expo 25.0 0.0 25.0 tension Education Department Chairperson Dr. Jake Wamhoff, that means two full time it appropriate and restore funding at the Office of Racing - Affirmative Action .47.2 0.0 47.2 staff persons who travel the state working governor's recommended levels." Office of Racing - Promotion 1,125.0 400.0 725.0 to help implement agricultural curriculums and programs, and another half time posi- Of the over $5.4 million slashed from the Soil Survey Program 48.7 0.0 48.7 tion are in jepoardy, unless other sources of standardbred and thoroughbred programs, Schuette pointed out that $4.1 could be Local Soil Conservation Districts 1,322.5 1,136.3 188.2 funds are secured. "We fortunately received financial support from the College of restored, as could $1.1 million of the $1.3 Dairy Products Incentive Program 60 0.0 60.0 Agriculture and Natural Resources to keep million vetoed from local Soil Conserva- tion District spending (see table). Just how MSU, 4-H Pilot Project 120.0 0.0 120.0 the program going through the end of this year," he said. likely that is remains to be seen. Standardbred Programs - Total. 2,847.3 2,136.1 711.2 "The governor is stating very plainly that Thoroughbred Programs - Total 261 0.0 1,971.7 638.3 On Sept. 18, Wamhoff said he had been informed by the Department of Education we want these programs to continue, but at Miscellaneous Programs - Total.. 4,740.0 0.0 4,740 that the positions were in the budget, a level that is consistent with the governor's making the vetoes a surprise. "We've got to prescription for the state and that's growth and a balanced budget with no tax in- K-12 SCHOOL AID talk with people and industry and decide Grants - Agricultural Education 150.0 0.0 150.0 what we're going to do to keep FFA alive," creases," reasoned Schuette. he said. MFB is leading efforts to establish Grants - Future Farmers of America 30.0 0.0 30.0 continued funding from the private sector. On a more positive note, Schuette cited the $120,000 for a crop survey to rotate be- tween vegetables, fruits, and nurseries; and UNIVERSITIES AND GRANTS Combined with previous cuts, total AES - Michigan Dry Bean Initiative 150.0 0.0 150.0 Michigan Department of Agriculture $300,000 for a pseudorabies eradication spending is now down 13.5 percent since program; and another $180,000 for the the beginning of fiscal year 1991. Roughly Michigan Equine Monitoring System DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH $2.6 million in general purpose funds and (MEMS) program, as proof of Engler's Rural Primary Care Services 89.0 0.0 89.0 another $11.5 million in restricted funds commitment to food safety and production (expenses covered by revenue such as users agriculture. fees) were vetoed from the proposed MD A veto. Although Engler did veto $150,000 ferred administration of the funds from the budget. Approximately $1.1 million in Increased funding for the Agricultural Ex- from the AES, Michigan Drybean Initia- Legislature to MSU, which will still general purpose funds and $4.6 million in periment Station and the Cooperative Ex- tive, Schuette explained the veto trans- receive the $150,000. restricted funds could be restored, provided tension Service was also spared line-item the state's Legislature can agree to Engler's budget recommendations, according to MDA Director Bill Schuette. Sugar Beet Harvest in High Gear! "You have two sides to MDA," Schuette Sugarbeet harvest had, thus far, been off explained. "There's the regulatory side, and running without mud for a change when this picture was taken at Stoneman Farms, south of Breckenridge in Gratiot County. According to John Stoneman, they hoped to complete harvest of their 500 acres of sugar beets by Oct. 25. Despite late planting dates compounded with replanting, this particular field of beets was yielding nearly 22 tons per acre, al- though John reported that they expect an 18 ton per acre average. According to Bob Young, executive vice president of the Great Lakes Sugar Beet Growers Association, harvest was 53 per- cent complete as of Oct. 21, with sugar content averages of 18.5 percent reported, compared to a 17.4 percent last year. Young also reported that tonnage was averaging around 15 tons, somewhat lower than the expected 17 tons, and considerably lower than the 20.7 ton average last year. Capitol Comer .... Michigan Fann Weather .... Fann Business Outlook .... Michigan Farm News October 31,1991 0 /n Brief... Huron County Drain Commission Versus DNR Court Moscow Soybean Office Teleconference Set Case May be Moving to State Court of Appeals The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC) has approved the investment of In a legal battle between the DNR and the Huron County Drain Commission over a drain $ 10,000 of Michigan soybean checkoff revenue for the establishment of a soybean promo- project dispute, a circuit court judge ruled in favor of the county drain commissioner. The tion office in Moscow (Soviet Union), according to MSPC Chairman and Elsie farmer Kam point in question was whether the Huron County Drain Commissioner needed to obtain a Washburn. Michigan is one of 15 soybean producing states to participate in the financing. permit from the DNR under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Inland Lakes and Stream Act to complete the Philp Drain Project, according to MFB Legislative Counsel Vicki The scheduled opening of the Moscow office on Nov. 14 will be broadcast in an interna- Pontz. tional teleconference airing Thursday, Nov. 14, at 9:30 p.m. The exact satellite transmission station is WESTAR 5 Satellite, Channel 4, or you can phone 1-800-688-7692 and ask for The issue was taken to Huron County Circuit Court before Judge Knoblack. During the Margo Smythe for additional information hearing on Sept. 25, several farmers testified regarding the need to complete the Philp Drain Project in order to get relief from flooding and the backup of the Philp Drain into other According to Washburn, the Soviets will need the equivalent of 780 million bushels of county and private drains. The DNR argued there were more prudent and feasible alterna- soybeans annually - more than the U.S. currently exports annually - to bring their protein tives to the proposed project and that the existing project should not continue. up to Western standards. "Judge Knoblack ruled that the drain commissioner did not need a permit to clean existing "This office is a bid to greatly expand trade with the Soviet Union and their break-away drains, and that the deepening of the Willow Creek was necessary to provide an outlet for republics," said Washburn. "Starting now is risky, but the opportunity is great. I doubt if other existing drains," said Pontz. "He also ruled that the DNR failed to prove the lack of there has ever been a better opportunity for U.S. farmers to help people in need while necessity or prove a feasible alternative to the Philp Drain Project; therefore, Huron County expanding soybean markets." could continue with the project. He stated that the question of choosing priorities between environmental protection and agricultural drainage is a legislative issue, not a judicial Michigan's Apple Harvest a Pleasant Surprise question." The state's apple crop picked out higher than earlier predicted, while the grape, prune and The DNR plans to appeal to the State Court of Appeals, which could have statewide plum crops are as expected, according to the Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Poor implications for all agricultural drainage. MFB will submit an application to the Court of pollinating weather and freezing temperatures this spring apparently had less of an impact Appeals and, if accepted, file a friend of the court brief (Amicus Curiae) supporting the on crops in central and northern areas than anticipated. Apple harvest is nearly complete Huron County Drain Commissioner, according to Pontz. with good quality fruit and the highest sugar content on record. Prune and plum production finished the year below average, but with good quality fruit. Senate Sends Bush Farm Spending Bill The Michigan apple crop is forecast at 850 million pounds, up 13 percent from last year's harvest and the expected production on Aug. 1. Nationally, the apple crop is expected to The Senate overwhelmingly approved a $52.5 billion agricultural spending bill that places reach 10.13 billion pounds, 4 percent above a year ago. no limits on export bonus program spending in fiscal 1992. Grape production is expected to reach 46,000 tons, the same as the 1990 harvest. This year's The legislation, which is a compromise agreed to by a House-Senate Conference Commit- concord harvest was completed 25 days ahead of normal due to hot and humid weather that tee, was approved by a vote of 88-10. It will now be sent to President Bush for final approval. accelerated the maturity of the crop. The U.S. grape crop is forecast at 5.39 million tons, down 5 percent from 1990. The bill is about $1.6 billion below last year's budget due to a series of credit reforms, according to one member of the Senate Appropriation Committee. The state's prune and plum harvest is pegged at 9,000 tons, up 1,000 tons from Aug. 1, but still 2,000 tons under the five-year average. The national crop (excluding California's) is Under terms of the bill, loan guarantees under USDA's GSM programs are limited to $5.7 forecast at 26,000 tons, down 46 percent from last year's harvest total. billion, up $200 million from last year. The PL 480 Foreign Food Assistance program funding was increased up $600 million to $1.61 billion. USD A Reports September Decrease in Dairy Cow Coalition Seeks Sensible Pesticide Policy Numbers The number of dairy cows on farms in the major 21 producing states was 8.4 million head A large group of farm and agribusiness organizations have joined to urge the Bush in September, 8,000 more than August, but down 136,000 from September 1990, according administration to support legislative repair to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and to USDA's monthly milk report. The Michigan dairy herd was estimated at 342,000 head, Rodenticide Act to restore the basis for federal/state preemption of pesticide regulation. 3,000 fewer than last September. In a letter to President Bush, the group of more than 130 organizations expressed concern Milk production in September for the 21 major states totaled 9.94 billion pounds, slightly that as a result of the Wisconsin Intervenor Case granting the town of Casey, Wis., the power below the amount for the same period the previous year. August revised production figures to regulate pesticide use, there may be a proliferation of local regulations initiated by groups at 10.3 billion pounds, was down 2 percent from August 1990. Dairy herds in Michigan not qualified or equipped to enforce them. produced 463 million pounds during Setpember, 8 million pounds less than a year ago. Milk production in the state averaged 1,275 pounds per cow, 35 pounds higher than last year. The group contends that dismantling of the domestic pesticide system sends conflicting signals to our trading partners around the world and within our own government regarding past support for uniform federal tolerances within the context of the food safety debate on Fruit Chemical Use Survey Capitol Hill, said Mark Maslyn, assistant director of national affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, a member of the coalition. A major Fruit Chemical Survey was kicked off Oct. 18 and will continue through the end of December, according to the Michigan Agricultural Service. The survey has the support of most major Michigan fruit organizations and growers are being encouraged to participate. Berrien County Farm Bureau Oil Starts Propane Service This survey is part of the president's Food Safety Initiative, which is a multi-agency program effort addressing recent public concerns about the safety of the nation's food supply. One of the USDA's roles in this initiative is the Pesticide Data Program. Last year's successful Vegetable Chemical Use Survey was the start of this program. The surveys will alternate between fruits and vegetables every other year. The primary objective of the program is to provide data to develop an agricultural chemical use data base that is timely, detailed and reliable. Statistics are needed to assemble chemical use information to help address both water quality and food safety issues. The program is intended to strengthen the government's ability to respond to pesticide and food safety concerns and to protect the public health. In Michigan, about 1,100 fruit growers will be asked to participate in the survey. All growers will be interviewed personally. Data collected will be treated confidentially and used only in a summary of state and national totals. A final report of the fruit chemical use data is scheduled for release in July of 1992. Michigan Farm News is Published 20 times annually: By the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing, Michigan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 1 -517-323-7000. ' Michigan Farm News is provided as a service to regular members as part of their annual dues Publication No 345040 Established Jan. 13,1923, as Michigan Farm News, reestablished October 15,1990. Third- class postage paid at Lansing, Michigan and at additional mailing offices. Berrien County Farm Bureau Oil Company, serving the agricultural community of Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. southwestern Michigan for over 50 years, has recently added bulk propane to its product and service line-up. Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood Mariette- Administrative Director, Charies Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker Secretary William S. Wifkinson. " Berrien County Farm Bureau members can take advantage of this new service and save 5 cents per gallon on delivered propane. Services include a 24-hour emergen- Directors: District 1, Martin Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3 Diane cy plan, a budget plan, and free tank rentals to qualified members. Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6 Wayne Wood, Mariette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9 Joshua Wunsch Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga At-Large: Berrien County Farm Bureau Oil Company continues to distribute quality liquid fuels, Douglas Darling. Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam.Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax Promotion and lubricants, tires, batteries and many more farm supply accessories throughout the Education, HoHy Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce county. For more information, call Ron Popp at (616) 461-4222. Michigan Farm Nevvs ITOL October 31, 1991 o o:rJ Z m :rJ Wetlands Local Wetland Ordinance Content: On Aug. 14, a new proposed wetlands delineation manual was published for Content: Sen. Paul Wartner (R-Portage) is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit local public comment. The proposed manual establishes a new wetland definition, and criteria units of government from enacting or enforcing an ordinance relating to the development , that must be present for an area to be declared a wetland and other important factors. The or use of wetlands. The proposal has passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee. deadline for public comments on the manual, originally set to expire Oct. IS, has been extended until Dec. 14. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau testified at the Senate Natural Resources and Environ- mental Affairs Committee in support of the bill. MFB policy recommends "statewide Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supports the new definition of a wetland which standards for wetlands determination to ensure uniform application in all locations." requires standing water for 15 consecutive days or saturation at the surface for 21 Action Needed: Contact your state senator and ask them to support S.B. 522. consecutive days during the growing season. Farm Bureau also supports the new require- Farm Bureau Contact: Vicki Pontz, Extension 2046 ment that hydric soils, water-loving plants and water must all be present for an area to be a wetland. Technical Amenments to P.A. 116 Farm Bureau opposes the new definition of growing season, which is defined as the period three weeks before the last frost in the spring until three weeks after the first frost in the Content: After considerable revisions. legislation was finally signed into law by the fall. Farm Bureau believes the growing season should be defined as the frost-free period governor that includes the three following technical amendments to P.A. 116: according to local weather records on a county-by-county basis. 1. Recognizing that a farmer may have more than one P.A. 116 contract by Farm Burea~ Contact: AI Almy, Extension 2040 changing the word agreement to agreements. Action Needed: 2. If an agreement is tenninated, the amount of the payback due to the state would All Farm Bureau members are urged to write the EP A and support the points outlined above. only amount to the credits received on just the terminated agreement. Comments should be addressed to: Mr. Gregory Peck 3. Officially allows "S" corporations the option to determine their method of tax Wetlands and Aquatic Resources Regulatory Branch, Mail Code (A- I 04F) calculation. Environmental Protection Agency 401M Street, S.W. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau welcomes the clarification and restoration of Washington, D.C. 20460. procedures which were already common practice prior to a Michigan Treasury Department ruling. Farm Bureau Contact: Ron Nelson, Extension 2043 Wetlands Reserve Program Content: The fiscal year 1992 USDA budget contains $46 million to implement the Motor Vehicle Code Amendment/Riders in Pickups wetlands reserve program authorized in the 1990 Farm Bill. The money will be used to restore and protect 50,000 acres of wetlands. Five states will be selected to participate. Land Content: H.B. 5044, as reported out of the House Transporation Committee. prohibits a eligible to be placed in the program includes farmed and converted wetlands where person from riding in an open bed or open cargo area of a motor vehicle. This bill has successful restoration is possible, non-cropped wetlands that will significantly add to exempted the following: motor vehicles participating in a parade. motorcycles or mopeds. restored wetlands, riparian corridors that link protected wetlands, and farmed and prior military, police, fire fighting vehicles or an implement of husbandry. converted wetlands presently in the CRP. Persons wishing to participate will be required to record a 30-year easement on the specific site entered into the wetland reserve and Farm Bureau Position: H.B. 5044. when introduced, included the prohibition of animals maintain it as a wetland for the duration. The landowner will receive payments to cover 75 from riding in the back of the open cargo areas of a motor vehicle. Through the successful percent of the restoration costs and a payment for the easement. efforts of Farm Bureau. the word "animal" was removed from the bill. We. therefore. support this bill as it now stands which only includes the prohibition of people from riding Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supports the voluntary wetlands reserve program. in the open cargo area. Many farmers have property that may be difficult to farm because of poor drainage. The Farm Bureau ContJJct: Ron Nelson, Extension 2043 wetlands reserve program would allow them to be compensated for restoring wetlands. Farm Bureau supports Michigan being selected as one of the five states for implementation of the program in 1992. Farm Bureau Contact: Al A Imy, Extension 2040 Funding for Public Act 116 Content: S.B. 296 would allow using the funds from the paybacks of credits received during the last seven years to fund the administration of the P.A. 116 program. The Disaster Assistance/Dairy Program Amendments original purpose of the fund was to purchase unique and critical lands. Due to the budget Content: Legislation to provide disaster assistance to farmers who experienced crop losses crunch. alternative ways were sought to fund P.A. 116 other than through general funds. in 1990 and 1991 continues to languish in Congress. The House of Representatives has Two amendments were added to the bill to provide safeguards to P.A. 116: passed a bill to provide di.saster assistan~e which F~ Bureau supported. The bill is n?w 1. A floor of $2 million ensures that if the fund is drawn down either through pending in the Senate Agnculture CommIttee, where It ISreported an attempt to attach dairy funding for administration or purchase of unique and critical lands. funding program amendments will be made. The amendments that are expected to be offered are would revert to the General Fund. strongly opposed ~y the adminis~ration and some k~y con~ressmen ..The fact t~at disaster assistance may be lInked to the dairy amendments raises senous questions about Its chances 2. Not more then $600,000 would be withdrawn from the fund during any fiscal of becoming law. year for administration of the program. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau supports legislation to provide disaster assistance but Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau reluctantly supported the bill following negotiations opposes cuts in other farm program spending to fund the assistance. Farm Bureau supports with Sen. Ehlers to add the two amendments protecting the administration of the program. a dire supplemental appropriation bill to provide the funding without being subject to Farm Bureau ContJJcl: Ron Nelson, Extension 2043 pay-as-you-go requirements. Farm Bureau Contact: Al AIm ,Extension 2040 Heat Stress Prevention Governor's Budget Vetoes Content: According to the Michigan Register, the proposed MIOSHA rules apply to work Content: Gov. Engler vetoed approximately $129 million in the state budget, indicating it situations where employees are subjected to factors and conditions which are likely to result was the largest veto message ever delivered. The vetoes were spread across the board with in a health or safety risk. These performance-type rules require employers to evaluate their agriculture taking its share of cuts. work and work places for heat stress. to take corrective actions, to provide education and training for employees subject to heat stress, to investigate employee complaints of heat The hardest hit within agriculture was the horse lacing industry and grants to cities with stress, and to create a written heat stress prevention program. These rules are supplemented race tracks. All state funding for horse racing events, racing purses and shows were with extensive informational appendices which were written to assist an employer in removed. The horse racing indus!!)' is very concerned, stating that their contribution to understanding heat stress and what actions are required by the proposed rules. revenue is in the range of $20 million annually and is extremely upset that the governor vetoed all fimding of their programs. The governor suggested that he would approve a Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau opposes these rules. The Occupational Health restoration budget for horse racing if it did not exceed his original recommendation. Standards Commission indicated a desire at its last meeting to expedite rules currently in the system, prior to the April I, 1992, effective date of some of the applicable provisions One item that has been a political issue for many years has been the $800,000 supplemental of the new MIOSHA law. Federal OSHA does not have any heat stress rules~ therefore. funding package for the Silver Dome which was vetoed. MIOSHA would, at that time, be constrained from promulgating these rules. Farm Bureau believes the commission is presenting a set of rules that will be a burden to farmers and not Department of Agriculture programs which :vere left untouch~d were any i~volving f~od help anyone. A poster developed by the Michigan Department of Public Health, citing safety and weights and measures. Also fundmg for MSU Agnculture Expenment Station recommended related health practices for employees. would be more effective and a real and Cooperative Extension Service escaped the veto pen of the governor. aid to employee health. Farm Bureau Position: Farm Bureau is concerned over the cuts to the horse race industry. Action Needed: A hearing is scheduled on Tues., Nov. 5. Please submit written comments Farm Bureau Contact: Ron Nelson, Extension 2046 to: Michigan Department of Public Health, Division of Occupational Health. P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, M148909. Farm Bureau Contact: Howard Kelly, Extension 2044 Michigan Farln Ne\Ns For 10/1/91 Accum. Dev. Precipitation •• 90 and 3D-Day Forecasts October 31,1991 Cooler and wetter than normal weather persisted into to 10/15/91 Temperature Grow. From Dev. From much of the firsthalf of October, continuing the trend Observed Dev. From Degree Norm. Actual Norm Mean Normal Days. GOD. (inch.) (inch,) established late September. A strong northwesterly jet Alpena 47.8 -3.0 2443 +466 2.39 +1.12 stream pattern led to outbreaks of cold, Canadian air Michigan and Major Commodity Area Bad Axe 50.7 -2.7 2689 +276 1.83 +0.59 setting off occasional periods of rain (a~d so~e snow in Extended Weather Outlook Escanaba 46.4 -2.2 2089 +552 2.89 +1.66 northern sections). Temperatures With this pattern T - Temp. 11/1... 11/15 11/1 .... 12/31 Grand Rapids 51.4 -4.1 3119 +408 2.92 +1.37 remained from 2 - 7 degrees F below normal, while P - Preclp T PT. f Imlay City 53.2 -1.6 2910 +244 1.10 +0.07 Michigan B N A N precipitation was generally 150-200 percent of normal Lansing 51.6 -2.6 2993 +373 2.11 +0.80 W. Corn Belt N A/N N N Ludington 48.3 -4.3 2641 +370 3.27 +1.75 for early October across the state.The cool. wet condi- E. Corn Belt A A/N N N Marquette 42.0 -7.1 2063 +346 2.66 .+1.38 tions slowed fieldwork, although harvest progress for Wlnt. Wheat Belt A N B N Sault Ste. Marie 44.9 -3.7 2050 +514 2.14 +0.91 many crops remains at or near a record pace. Spr.Wheat Belt B N N N Standish 48.4 -5.0 2495 +80 3.54 +2.30 Pac. NW Wheat B A N N Tipton 51.4 -3.4 2973 +307 1.17 +0.29 The latest extended outlooks for Michigan indicate a Delta A N N A Traverse City 49.2 -2.0 2823 +803 2.85 +1.45 Southeast A N A N change in the overall jet stream pattern from the Watervliet 51.3 -4.2 3035 +324 2.22 +0.67 West Texas A B B A northwesterly flow that has persisted for the lastseveral San Joaquin N N A N * Growing Degree Days are based on B.E. Base 50F method and are weeks to a more southwest to northeast pattern. This accumulated from April 1 through October 15, 1991. should keep cold temperatures mainly in the far western A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- U.S. and bring most of Michigan milder weather. In mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- addition, the southwesterly flow pattern should be con- No Precip. Source: National Weather Office Michigan Harvest Progress Outstanding ducive to an active storm track somewhere through the Ideal fallweather has allowed Michigan farmers to harvest at a quick and steady mid-section of the country, possibly leading to a con- pace, pushing harvesting progress well ahead of normal, most nota~ly soybean tinuation of wetter than normal conditions in the Great harvest, which is45 percent ahead of the five-year average. Accordmg to Bruce Lakes region. Specifically for Michigan, the Climate Sutherland a corn and wheat merchandiser with Michigan Agricultural Com- Analysis Center's 30-day outlook for mid-October modities, c~m yields and quality have been better than normal, while bean yields through mid-November is calling for above normal have been closer to normal. precipitation and near normal temperatures statewide. The 90-day outlook for October through December calls "We're hearing that quality isexteremly good," said Sutherland. "We've gotten for temperatures to increase to above normal values for test weights at both Middleton and Newaygo that are far above average." The the period, but precipitation to remain near normal. portion of the state south of 1-94 which suffered drought conditions, is the disappointing area of the state,with poor pockets reported elsewhere as well. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU 1991 Corn Belt Harvest Continues Record Pace Iowa Ohio Com harvest in Iowa neared the halfway Ohio saw the earliestfallharvest on record, Soybeans were rated 79 percent fairor bet- mark at 47 percent complete by mid-Oc- two weeks ahead of schedule, the state ter,with 100 percent mature and 68 percent tober, according to the state's Agricultural Agricultural StatisticsService reported, as harvested. Except for the southeast portion StatisticsService. of mid-October. of the state, the timely showers produced fairly good yields. Dry, sunny days allowed harvest to progress The early harvest and now adequate topsoil at a rapid pace. The com harvest completion moisture allowed fall seeding of small Com condition was stable from a week rate of 47 percent, compares with 38 percent grains to move along, with 64 percent of a year ago and the 49 percent average. earlier,with 68 percent rated fair or better winter wheat planted and 23 percent and 59 percent harvested for grain. Last emerged, compared with 29 percent planted year at this time, only 8 percent of the com Soybean harvest was 67 percent complete, and 11 percent emerged lastyear. compared with 76 percent a year ago and 73 had been shelled. percent average. Winter wheat seeding was 75 percent com- plete, compared with 85 percent a year ago and the 79 percent average. MICHIGAN CROP PROGRESS REPORT Topsoil moisture levels were I percent Week Ending 10/20/91 surplus, 69 percent adequate and 30 percent short. Subsoil levels were 1 percent surplus, Corn Harvested 60% This Week Last Year 10% 5-Year AvO. 20% 59 percent adequate and 40 percent short . Illinois •~oo FElDTDRUG- Your next new or transfered Soys Harvested 80% Sugar Beets Harv. 40% Wheat Planted 90% 20% 70% 25 35% 25% 70% The state's soybean harvest was 84 percent complete by mid-October, the Illinois Agricultural StatisticsService reported. ~OFF Return this coupon perscription to Feld Prescription Service. Expires 1-31-92. to Feld Drug 5023 Grover St. Omaha, Ne 68106 Wheat Emerged 70% 65% 50% That compares with 22 percent lastyear and - Other States- the 64 percent five-year average. The response to our Farm Bureau Pharmacy Program has been fantastic. As a thank you to the hundreds of Iowa Corn 47% 38% 49% Corn harvesting continued at a record pace, Farm Bureau members who have used the program, and Iowa Soys 67% 76% 73% with 88 percent of the crop harvested, com- as an added incentive for those who have not yet tried illinois Corn 88% 22% 53% pared with 22 percent last year and the 53 it. We are offering an additional $3 off your next new or percent average. transfered prescription to Feld Prescription Service. illinois Soys 84% 31% 64% Ohio Corn 58% 8% 20% Many field reports indicated that com and For ordering information or to transfer your prescription soybean harvesting should be completed in just call tollfree. Ohio Soys 68% 21% 38% the next few weeks. - Michigan Crop Condition - Winter wheat planting was 62 percent done, Excellent Goodl Fair Poor compared with 24 percent lastyear and the 54 percent average. About 18 percent of the crop had emerged, compared with 10 per- "Your All Hay Wheat 27% 30% 70% 70% 5% 0% cent lastyear and the 18 percent average. Indiana Pharmacy Through Source: Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service Mid-October corn harvest was 80 percent completed, a record pace that was more than one month ahead of last year and 25 days ahead of the five-year average of35 percent, The safest, most efficient the Indiana Agricultural Statistics Service said. The Mail" wood heat system on the Harvesting of soybeans was 78 percent market, the TAYLOR complete, 20 days ahead of last year's 24 waterstove sits outside percent and 15 days ahead of the 47 percent and heats your home average. The moisture content of soybeans and 100% of household stabilized at an average of 12 percent, the hot water. same as last week. • UL listed • Thermostatic control • 12 to 24 hour burn time''''\ .~_ ' Seeding of winter wheat was 64 percent complete, 13 days ahead of last year's 32 Call For FREE Catalog TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, PO Box 518. Elizabethtown. NC 28337 Call 1-800-545.2293 for more details. INC. percent and seven days ahead of the 48 percent average. 1-800-228-3353 Michigan Farm Nevvs October 31, 1991 Agricultural Credit -Is More Change in Store? "These changes have led to a tightening of T he balance sheet of Michigan agriculture credit standards and a more conservative current and the interest is paid. the has improved since the mid-80s, according lending environment on the part of both regulators may perceive the loan to be a bad to a group of agricultural lenders during a lenders and consumers." said Boehm. "All risk based on their future predictions, ul- recent meeting at the MFB Center. How- of the lenders in attendance reported in- timately forcing the bank to call the loan. ever, the slump in the dairy industry and creased documentation requirements and tougher enforcement of federal regulations 'back to basics' approach to making credit Those tougher standards are impacting in response to the savings and loan failures, decisions and that trend is not expected to agri-business in the state as well as bankers are resulting in a new attitude among farm reverse in the near future. Although col- and farmers. according to Michigan Agri- lenders. lateral is still considered important. more Business President Ron Stebbins, who emphasis is being put on cash flow and added that agri-business is being asked to During a recent Agricultural Credit Forum, repayment ability." play the role of supplier as well as financier a slate of speakers from the agricultural for farmers. credit industry, as well as university repre- Justin L. Moran, president of his own sentatives and private consultants, ad- banking consulting firm, suggested that the "Many dealers have communicated to me dressed growing concerns about the savings and loan disaster has resulted in that they're being asked. as dealers, to help availability of credit to agriculture. Ac- over-reaction on the part of regulators farmers finance a larger portion of their cording to MFB Commodity Specialist toward the entire banking industry, even operations because of difficulties in getting Bob Boehm the consensus of the group though their fears may be unfounded. financing through traditional sources," ex- suggests there isn't a lack of available plained Stebbins. credit, but instead a lack of qualified bor- "The regulators have taken the attitude of rowers, under newer and tougher enforce- 'not on my watch' in regard to future bank- If that trend continues, said Stebbins. it may ment of banking standards. ing industry turbulence and, as a result, very well mean a change in operation have developed a very conservative at- strategies, as well as additional risks and "Financial institutions in Michigan, while titude towards banks," said Moran. "The opportunities for Michigan agri-business. ranking among the safest, most profitable controller of the currency which regulates and most financially sound in the nation, are still shouldered with the burden of bail- national banks just announced that they're hiring another 300 new examiners, not to Michigan Trout ing out failed financial institutions in other examine the big banks, but to examine the Rod Nelsestuen, chief exectutive officer parts of the country," said Boehm. small banks more frequently to find their Production Up of Farm Credit Services of East Central non-performing loans before a problem Michigan'S 41 commercial trout opera- According to Boehm, those costs are develops." Michigan ACA, suggested that more reflected in higher required deposit in- tions sold 825,000 pounds of trout during qualification and analysis of the in- surance premiums and capitalization re- the year ending Aug. 31, 1991, an 11 per- dividual and the property will be re- According to Moran, the relatively new cent increase over last season, according quirements as well as additional regulatory concept of "performing/non-performing quired, and that environmental evalua- documentation and reporting require- to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural tions are becoming more critical. loans" means that although a loan may be Statistics Service. Sales were valued at ments. $2.41 million, and included sales of food- size trout, stockers, fingerlings and eggs. Lambsquarter a Serious Problem in Soybean and Corn Fields Foodsize trout (usually 12 inches or Other causes for the poor control may have Resistance can be curtailed with crop rota- longer) had sales of 620,000 pounds with The weed that caused the greatest yield included herbicide displacement during tion, alternating herbicides used (includes an average liveweight of 1.03 pound total- decline in Michigan corn and soybean cultivation, or lambsquarter resistance to rotating herbicides based on the mode of ing $1.45 million for an average value of fields this past summer was common the herbicides being used. action the herbicide uses to kill the plant) $2.34 per pound. The major sales outlets lambsquarter, according to MSU and controlling weeds that escape pre-emer- were direct sales to restaurants (38 percent agronomists, Karen Renner and Jim Kells. Resistance to triazine herbicides (Atrazine, gence control by cultivating and applying of total), fee fishing (14 percent of total), Bladex, and Princep) has been found post-emergence herbicides. and processors (13 percent of total). One possible explanation is the breakdown throughout the com production areas of of pre-plant (ppi) and pre-emergence herb- Michigan. Resistance to these three herb- Test kits are available through your county Stocker trout sales totaled 140,000 pounds icides due to warmer than normal soil icides can be detected by determining what Cooperative Extension Service offices with an average liveweight of 0.31 pounds. temperatures earlier this spring. In some weeds were controlled. If the herbicides did which will help determine if you're dealing The value of sales, at $450,000, was up 11 fields, it appeared that the herbicide not control lambsquarter but did control with lambsquarter plants in your field that percent from a year ago, averaging $3.21 degraded by the beginning of July, allowing other weeds, the lambsquarter may be resis- are herbicide resistant. per pound. Live haulers, fee fishing, and the lambsquarter to become established. tant. other producers accounted for 70 percent of sales. Fingerling sales totaled 65,000 PACA Attempting to Deal With Slow Payment to Farmers pounds, up 8 percent. The value of sales was up 28 percent and averaged $7.69 per Farmers need changes in the Perishable Nye said that means if the buyer goes out of business in those 30 days the producer is not pound. Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) to able to recover his product and would lose income from that product as well. The trust deal with slow payment, according to Ken provision provides legal protection for fruit and vegetable producers under this scenario. Trout growers in the 15 selected states sold Nye, director of Commodity Activities and a total of 62.6 million pounds of trout Research for Michigan Farm Bureau. He "Everyone from producers to consumers, retailers, wholesalers and shippers benefit from valued at $66.9 million this year. Foodsize said slow payments from buyers is a serious PACA. All you have to do is walk into a grocery store to realize the benefits of having a trout sales accounted for 88 percent of the problem for fruit and vegetable producers. free flow of perishable products," he said. value of all trout sold. "Producers today are not being paid in a timely fashion," Nye said. "If a receiver does not pay in a timely fashion, he is subject to revocation of his license. But there are currently no middle steps that a producer can take." He said the PACA In- dustry Advisory Committee recommends a W-L HQ Alfalfa penalty schedule that would fine the receiver if the producer is not paid prompt- ly. The committee, established by Congress High Performance Fuel in 1988, performed an indepth review of the W-L introduces the HQ (High PACA program, which was initiated in 1930. Quality) alfalfa series. HQ al- falfas have been genetically Nye said the law requires payment within 10 days, but average payment exceeds 30 engineered with NIR technol- days. "The agricultural producer has a real problem in paying his own bills and still not ogy to be higher-yielding, finer- being paid for the commodity that he has stemmed, leafier forage with sold. The fine schedule recommended by the committee would give the receiver a greater relative feed value. financial incentive to pay promptly, which isn't the case today," Nye said High Quality fuel for maximum milk output! A secondary concern of the current law is that a producer has only 30 days to file under the statutory trust provisions of the Forage Ahead with W-L! Your local W-L distributor: Act to protect him from buyer bankruptcy. This provision came about. becaus~ of the high risk associated With penshable produce. If the seller has to wait 30 days for payment, the produce he has sold will ~ither ~ be re-sold or non-useable because It has decomposed. AMCORN For this area, we recommend WL 320 and WL 322HQ. Michigan Farnl Ne\Ns II. October 31, 1991 •••••••• Market Outlook ............ ..... ••••••• •••••~.'I ••••••• r. 1• .' . ...: Wheat , u.S. Farm Export •••• .r ••••••,j ••• ..~::.. E~RM•••••••• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University The 1991 U.S. wheat production estimates Subsidies Triple in ~ provided a piece of bullish news in the 1991 to $916.6 Million October report as the figure was lowered 32 million bushels to 1.981 billion bushels. •••••••• Seasonal Commodity A record world grain crop caused the U.S. Price Trends (long term) This lowers expected 1991-92 ending stocks to 531 million from last year's 866 million bushels. This U.S. ending stocks- to nearly triple, to $916.6 million, the amount spent to subsidize farm exports in BUSINESS fiscal 1991 from the previous year, accord- Wheat •I to-use ratio of 22 percent is historically tight for wheat. However, Canada and Europe will both likely carry about as much ing to USDA figures obtained by Knight- Ridder Financial News. OUTLOOK Corn •I stock as the U.S. So, even though U.S. Nearly 83 percent, or $768 million, of the Expanded plantings and higher yields in- stocks are tight, world stocks are not. total was spent to export 17.7 million metric creased grain output around the world in Soybeans i While I realize most wheat in Michigan has tonnes of wheat during the fiscal year (Oct.- 1991 sending subsidies soaring again as the Sept.). Another $38 million was spent on U.S. competed with its main rival, the EC, probably already been sold, if you still have Hogs " I? . some, consider holding on to it for the ex- pected post harvest increase in com prices. 510,500 tonnes of flour, while $74 million was spent for 1.8 million tonnes of feed to maintain world wheat market share. grains, principally barley. Cattle i? Corn harvest is running far ahead of nor- USDA officials estimate that EC export wheat subsidies are nearly two to three mal, so we should see this by mid-Novem- The subsidies are paid to exporters in the times higher than those of the U.S. because ber to early December. There is a pretty t Index: = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; good chance we could tack another 10-30 form of "generic certificates," which can then be redeemed for grain stocks in of farm policies that keep EC prices well TP= Topping; 8T = Bottoming; ? = Unsure cents on the mid-October price without above world levels. In total, USDA government inventory. Close to another $5 Secretary Edward Madigan has said that the a lot more storage costs. million ofthis year's total went to subsidize EC spends about $12 billion annually to sales of more than 250 million eggs. subsidize farm exports. Corn But despite the sharp increase, USDA ex- Despite that, U.S. subsidies anger many Although the October USDA Crop Report ever, the U.S. does not seem to be in a hurry port subsidy spending fell short of record non-subsidizing competitors, who say the showed a lot more com than expected, corn to act. Local supplies will last a while and levels. In fiscal 1988, the U.S. spent $1.013 practice threatens their sales. Australian ending stocks are still expected to be fairly it will give the U.S. time to sort things out. billion, up from $927 million a year earlier, farmers are expected to protest vigorously small by historical standards. The Oct. 1 Whether this is the best way or not is ques- as USDA aggressively used the program to when President George Bush visits there estimate for 1991 com production in the tionable, but the market will not bid all of clear out government surpluses of grain. next month. U.S. was 7.479 billion bushels, 184 million the expectations into the price until things higher than the Sept. 1 estimate. This in- are more concrete. One other longer-term In succeeding years, drought-reduced grain Other commodities that received U.S. ex- crease came from the U.S. yield estimate positive item on the trade front: it seems the production in the U.S. and around the world port subsidies in fiscal 1991 include 37,875 being raised from 106.1 to 108.8 bushels European Community is finally willing to gave sellers the advantage in the global tonnes barley malt at a cost of $2.8 million; per acre. While the trade expected an in- move some on the GATT negotiations. wheat market. The tight supply conditions 19,846 tonnes of frozen poultry at a cost of crease, this was on the high end of expecta- cut U.S. farm export subsidies to just $338 $10.4 million; 75,560 tonnes rice for $4 tions. As seen in the table below, the The basis is tight enough that it probably million in fiscal 1989 and $311 million in million; and 165,500 tonnes of vegetable oil Michigan yield was raised to 110 bushel per will not pay to store in commercial fiscal 1990. at a cost of $14 million. acre, the third highest on record. facilities. However, if you are positive on the price outlook, consider a basis con- Senate Trade Head Sees U.S. Raising Farm The USDA also updated the Com Supp- tract where you deliver now. You still Supports if GA TT Talks Fail 1y/Demand Report. Beginning stocks were have downside price risk, but less than a bit lower to account for last month's with commercial storage. If you do not Stocks Report and the feed use estimate for want to take the downside price risk and If Uruguay Round of global trade talks fails, the U.S. "has no choice" but to increase its 1991-92 was increased 75 million bushels are willing to pay some insurance against farm export subsidies, Sen. Max Baucus, D- Mont., announced recently. Baucus, who chairs to account for the increase in hog numbers it, consider selling your crop and replac- the Senate's Trade Subcommittee, reminded business leaders at a National Association of shown in the September Hogs and Pigs ing it with a call option or using a mini- Manufacturers' meeting that last fall's U.S. budget agreement provides for increased farm Report. However, expected 1991-92 ending mum price contract where you deliver export subsidy funding after July 1992 if the trade talks fail. stocks were still increased 100 million now, but set the price at a later date. bushels, reflecting the increase in expected The trade talks, occurring as part of the 102-nation GATT, have been in a holding pattern production. Despite this increase, the en- For those with on-farm storage, consider since they collapsed last December over farm policy reforms. The U.S. and the EC remain ding stocks-to-use ratio is still fairly low by storing a significant portion of your crop. at odds over how best to discipline farm trade. historical standards, 15.4 percent. It appears that the market could get tight enough next spring to more than pay Baucus said he remains "hopeful" that the talks will yield agreement, noting that German The USDA left their 1991-92 export projec- storage. If you cannot risk the downside, leaders have shifted their stance on the farm issue and are trying to convince the EC tion at 1.65 billion bushels, 75 million consider a put option on part of your members-mainly France and Ireland-to do the same. below last year. If the USSR group gets the stored crop. While my best educated guess 3.5 billion dollars in credit they apparently want, this number is likely to go up. How- is the market will go up, new information can change the direction quickly. Farm Partnership Tax School- Dec. 2 and 3 A two-day tax workshop will focus on income tax preparation and reporting using Form Soybeans 1065, for small businesses and farm partnerships. The sessions run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the first day and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the second day. Cost of the workshop, In percentage terms, September was a better conducted by Mike Kelsey of MSU's Agricultural Economics Department, is $80. use ratio of 16.4 percent. While this isn't production month for soybeans than for tight, it's low enough that a positive price com. The Oct. 1 production estimate found Particip~ts will work t~rough a partn~rshiI? return and explore alternative capital structures shock to the market could lead to a sig- 117 million more bushels of soybeans than for formmg a partnership. The tax ramificatIOns of the dissolution of the partnership through nificant upward price movement. they estimated Sept. 1, as U.S. 1991 sale of the property, sal~ of a partners~ip int~rest, liquidation of a partnership interest, and soybean production was placed at 1.934 the death of a partner w1l1all be exammed With case examples to illustrate the analysis and As with com, exports are the biggest vari- billion bushels. It is always harder to make reporting procedures. For more information, call Kelsey at (517) 353-4520 or 355-3477. able from here on out. At present, Brazil accurate estimates when crops are under seems to be out of soys and may even buy stress. It's really quite amazing how U.S. soys to crush and re-export the meal. Hogs drought resistant soys have become. The Earlier, it appeared South America would U.S. yield estimate was raised from 31 to 33 be cutting or holding even soy acreage and Well, here come the hogs! Hog slaughter market-ready hog sales current. But bushels per acre. The next USDA Crop increasing feed grains, but now that is not was up 7-8 percent the first half of October, keep an eye on forward pricing oppor- Production Report will be released Nov. 12. as clear, as Brazil has introduced better after being up about 4 percent in September. tunities over the next year, especially if Even with increases in 1991-92 expected credit terms for producers than they had last The September Hogs and Pigs Report indi- we see a sharp rally. There is a real crushings and export estimates, expected year. My pricing advice is the same as for cated slaughter would be up 5-6 percent this possibility that we could see prices dip ending stocks were increased from a tight corn, other than I would consider pricing quarter, so we are about on target on into the high 30s next April and again 250 to an easily sufficient 320 million a higher percentage of soys sooner. There average. Cash prices are expected to keep next fall. There is also that strong pos- bushels, due to the larger than expected is a lower probability of a storage cover- making their seasonal decline until late sibility that we will have pricing oppor- production. This translates into a stocks-to- ing price increase than with corn. November as week-to-week slaughter tunities before then to lock in some por- reaches its peak. Weights, while at high tion of your expected production at USDA October 1Crop Report levels, are not much above a year ago. higher levels. If you buy corn and/or Yield Production meal, consider pricing some of your fu- Bushels! Acre Million Bushels At this point, your best bet is to keep ture needs during harvest. 1990 9/1/91 10/1/91 1990 9/1/91 10/1/91 Corn Cattle U.S. 118.5 106.1 108.8 7933 7295 7479 Cattle slaughter has been running about 1 Michigan 115.0 105.0 110.0 238 242 253 market. You can do this by looking at the percent above year ago levels, but due to the Soybeans record weights, up 25 pounds compared to weights of the cattle kept for market in the U.S. 34.0 31.0 33.0 1926 1817 1934 a year ago, production is running up 4-5 quarterly report. The report should help percent. Look back at the Oct. I 13-State answer the question of whether the lower Michigan 38.0 35.0 35.0 43 49 49 placements have been on light-weight cat- Quarterly and 7-State Monthly Cattle-on- Wheat tle, meaning the cutback in slaughter may Feed Reports released Oct. 22 to try and get U.S. 39.5 34.6 34.1 2739 2013 1981 not occur until we are into the new year, or a handle on when the last several months of Michigan 55.0 46.0 46.0 41 25 25 lighter placements will show up in the was it across the board which would be positive yet this fall. Michigan Farm Ne\Ns Canadian Industry •• October 31, 1991 White-New Idea's Improved UNI New Product Profile Not Surprised by 6500 Series Corn Head U.S. Hog Duty; White-New Idea Farm Equipment Co. an- nounces skip-row options for use on their Seeks Lower Rate improved 6500 series corn heads for hybrid seed corn harvesting. The new skip-row op- The U.S. increase of countervailing duties tion allows conversion of four-row wide on imports of Canadian live hogs came as heads into five-row narrow heads with a no surprise to Canadian pork producers, but skip-row or all rows active. It will also convert they hope to lower the rate, an industry 6-row wide heads into seven-row narrow spokesman said. heads. Again, the user can select the loca- tion of the skip-row or keep all rows active. Bill Vaags, executive director of Interna- tional Trade and Market Development for The improved 6500 head features a longer the Canadian Pork Council, told Knight- stalk roll with more area for removing stalk Ridder Financial News there was little that and trash. This design, when used in com- could be done to drop the duty, but said the bination with any ear corn harvesting sys- level. being charged can be reduced. tem, improves capacity ...especially when compared to heads designed for use with Because it was determined Canadian live combines. hog shipments to the U.S. were injuring The improved 6500 Series Corn Head is now available in five-row narrow and seven-row narrow configurations. Skip-row location U.S. producers before the signing of the Other features include easy, accurate strip- can be varied. Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, per plate adjustments; one-piece, full-length Canadian hog producers have no choice but vine knives; slip clutch protection on each to live with the countervailing duty, Vaags row; choice of extended-life chain or rubber said. capacity of both the UNI model 839 (husk-off picker) and the model 880 series belt gathering systems; heavy-duty gear- (husk-on harvesters) as well as some older units and competitive harveste.rs. The box; and 16 stalk-roll blades per row. UNI brand name is one of four brands marketed and manufactured by WhIte-New However, the amount of duty being as- Idea Farm Equipment Co. The UNI harvesting system allows the flexibility of chang- sessed for the specific period in question These improved 6500 heads improve ing harvesting practices by simply upgrading or changing modules or components. could be reduced pending the findings of a bi-national panel set up within the last week or so, he said. The panel is expected to make a ruling in nine months to one year. The U.S. Commerce Department raised the countervailing duty rates on Canadian live hog exports to the U.S. in early October. Commerce also raised the duty to 18 U.S. dollars per live hog from $7.61 and will assess duties of 43 cents per head on Canadian sows and boars entering the U.S. Commerce will also continue collecting 8.2 cents per pound duties on newly weaned pigs. Commerce based its decision to increase the duty on subsidies paid to Canadian pork producers between April 1, 1989 and March 31, 1990. The bi-national panel may find the program used by the department to base its subsidy level calculations doesn't repre- Compare the interest rates. The imerest rate on the MemberLine VISA sent subsidy, Vaags said. He noted this and Gold MasterCard is just 15.9% A.P.R. -one ofthe lowest imerest rates would reduce the duty charged on those live available. In addition, you pay no inunston new credit card purchases when hog exports. your full balance is paid by the due date. Compare the fees. The MemberLine VISA has no annual fees, no mem- EC Approves Sanitary bership fees and no application fee. The annual fee for the Gold l\lasterCard is $20 - far lower than the fee charged for most gold cards. For added CondiUonsat10P~n~ savings, the $20 fee is rebated every year that you make $3,000 or more in net purchases. The European Community will now allow meat to enter the EC from IOU .S. Compare the premiums. Both the MemberLine VISA and the Gold slaughterhouses that had previously been The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & MasterCard offer a wide array of complimentary features and options for deemed unsanitary, an EC spokeswoman Gold MasterCard. Two good reasons your protection and peace of mind. And when you carry a Gold l\lasterCard, said. you'll enjoy the added advantages of a higher credit line, executive travel why it pays to compare before you privileges. emergency road assistance, purchase protection insurance and a The spokeswoman confirmed that the EC apply for a credit card ... warranty extension program - valuable "extras" you and your family can would allow the 10 slaughterhouses - three depend on. beef plants and seven pork plants - to once Easy to apply for. Simply remove this page from the magazine and fill out again export meat to the EC. The EC based the application on the reverse side. Letterfold and staple the form with the its decision on assurances from USDA As- mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! sistant Secretary Jo Ann Smith in an Oct. 2 letter that USDA will continue to inspect the plants regularly for cleanliness. ~.ItI'CH'CAN ._. FARItI BUREAIJ a FIIm"OfAME{IO\.Bank. The plants have been unable to export their goods to the EC since last November, when the EC banned all meat and pork from the U.S. on the grounds that U.S. slaughter- houses are unsanitary. The U.S. h~sh!y criticized the move as a trade bamer In disguise, and has gone as far as complaining to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) over the issue. I No Postage Necessary If Mailed Within The United States Following several rounds of re-inspection Business Reply Mail by EC inspectors, four U.S. plants. were First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI "re-listed" earlier this year. But despIte the 10 plants relisted Oct. 14, some 12 U.S. Postage will be paid by addressee pork, veal and beef plants are still prohibited from exporting to the EC. FIRST OF AMERICA BANK National Pork Producers Council President John Hardin called the EC's move "a step REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION in the right direction, but only a small step." ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES Hardin said the U.S. will continue to press P.O. BOX 2349 the EC to recognize U.S. inspection stand- KALAMAZOO, MI 49003-9917 ards as acceptable under EC rules, a prob- lem that has been at the heart of several U.S.-EC meat disputes over the last several years. 1.1'111.1 •• 11 ••• 11 ••••• 11.1.1 •• 1.1 ••••• 111 ••• 11111.1 Michigan Farm Ne\IVs October 31, 1991 Preventing Costly Combine Fires It only takes a few minutes for a combine fire to turn an expensive harvesting machine into a smoldering pile of scrap. Studies indicate that property damage loss- es from combine and tractor fires cost U.S. farmers and their insurers jis much as $20 million a year. And the~additional losses from machine downtime can be just as great. Here are tips from farm safety experts at From Farm Bureau Insurance Purdue University on preventing losses from combine fires: D Make sure all bearings and other drive systems are properly lubricated and D Before beginning the harvest season, maintained. Replace any part that be- and then once a week, check all comes worn or damaged. A badly worn switches, wiring harnesses, fuses, cir- bearing will glow red hot, and a slipping cuit breakers, battery connections, and belt can burst into flames if not replaced. other electrical components for proper operation. If you observe any sparking, D Clean crop residue and other dry flam- arcing or blown fuses, correct the prob- mable materials from the machine. Take lem immediately. a few minutes each day to clear them from the engine compartment and cab D Make sure all exhaust manifold and with compressed air or a broom. muffler connections are tight to prevent hot gases and sparks from entering criti- cal areas. D If a fuel, oil or hydraulic line begins to leak, repair or replace it at once. A little diesel fuel or hydraulic oil combined with dried chaff can turn a combine into APPLY NOW a raging inferno. for a Farm Bureau MemberLinEr VISA or Gold MasterCard D It's good to give the engine a thorough cleaning at least once each season with FARM BUREAU MEMBERLlNE- APPLICATION a high-pressure washer and degreasing F1I'SIName IoAiddIe InIiaI Last Name Social Securily NIM1lber solvent. A clean engine will run cooler, Date of Birlh operate more efficiently, and greatly Mos. reduce the chance of fire. City, State Home Telephone Number (Include Alea Code) ) &&.. Previous Adchss Cd less than two years at present address) City Slate ~ D If a fire does occur, a good extinguisher ....I can limit the spread of the fire and help ~ a: Present Employer Income from alimony, chid SIJIlIlOII, or mailtenance payments need not be rewaIed to reduce the loss. Select a high-quality, ~ you do not wish to have l as a basis b' repaying !his obligation. :) heavy-duty, 10-lb. ABC dry chemical ~ ~sTeIephoneNOOlber Tme at Present ~ o ( ) Yrs. Mos. Gloss Income from Employment 0 Monthly Yearly extinguisher. Mount it in the cab in a City, State, ~ Code o Monthly readily accessible place. Consider Olher Income 0 Yearly Source 01 Olher Income mounting a second extinguisher outside Previous Employer Cd less than two years at present ~) Tme at Previous Employer the cab where it can be reached from the YIS. Mos. Nearest ReIatNe (not living wilh you) ground. F1I'SIName Last Name D Check your fire extinguisher's pressure c gauge several times each season and g Present StreeI Adchss Date of Birlh have the extinguisher recharged if the u Mos. u pressure gets low. Also, gently invert the ca City, State Home Telephone tbnber C (Include Alea Code) ) extinguisher once or twice each year to ;: Previous ~ess Cd less than two years at present address) City Stale keep the extinguishing compound from becoming packed from the combine's Income from alimony, child SIJIlIlOII, or mai1tenance payments need not be revealed ~ you do not wish to have l as a basis b' repaying this obligation. vibration. ~s Telephone Number Tme at Present Employment o Monthly ( ) Yrs. Mos. Gloss Income from Employment 0 Yearly D If you suspect a fire, shut the machine City, State, ~ Code o Monthly off as quickly as possible. Make sure the Olher Income o Yearly Source of Olher Income Previous Employer Cd less than two years at present ~) Tme at Previous Employer key is turned completely off to prevent YIS. Mos. the flow of electrical current into the fire Nearest ReIatNe (not living wilh you) area. ) en Crd ReIerences MonlhIy Payments Balance Due Monthly Payment D Attempt to fight the fire only if you can W o 0wrVBuying Home 0 Olher 0 Rent $ o do so without putting yourself in danger. Z Mor1gage Holder or WcIord Mortgage Balance w Attack the fire from upwind, and aim the a: $ w extinguisher at the base of the flames. If &&.. W o ChecIOOg Account (Bank Name) Estimated Value S a: the fire is out of your control, seek help ~ Have You Ever 0 Yes immediately. If you're able to extin- i5 o Savings Account (Bank Name) w Declared 0 No guish the fire, locate the cause and don't a: Bankruptcy? o resume operation until it is corrected. Optional Group Credit Insurance Please check your card preference IIwe hereby oer1iIy lI1at each of lhe atlSWelS on this application is lnJe and amct, and is made lor lhe ptJpOS8 01 obtining a ~ or ad from The oosllll you, lhe Primaty Aca:u1t holder o (choose one design only) o lhe Bank. IIwe oer1iIy lI1at aI debts owed whether irdvidual, joint or lXlI1lingent have been dsdosed above and lI1at none of mylo4l debts .e Fewer Hired Farm w (appIiccrll), is $.60 per $100 lor each month's SCENIC VISA STANDARD VISA o z average daiy balcn:e. The inslnnoe wi be- oome ellective when 'fOUl ad begins. You o~ _ delinquent or in default, exoepl as IIwe have irOcated above.1Iwe hereby authorize lhe Brio IIIirN'8Sligate mylo4l ad record Illlhe ex1er4l deems Workers in September ct neoesscry n IIIverity my/1Maedl. ~ n inalme referenoes. a: mUSl be less lhan age 71 III be eligible lor a1V- IIwe M1her authorize and instruct lWly p&fSOII or COIlSIJ1l8f reporU1g :) en &rage. A awtificate wtid1 more ~ desailes agency III fI.mish Illlhe Bank iW'I'J information lI1at it may have or obtain in There were 37,000 farm workers in the the insurance wi! be sent when your aedit ~ appficalion is approved. lJnderwritten by The response III such aecit inquiries. IIwe fI.I1her agree lI1at 1his appficalion state of Michigan during the week Sept. 8 t: shall beCXlme lhe property of lhe Bank. whether or not l is approved. Prudential Company 01 America. Hewn, New n -14, down 9,000 from August levels, ac- f~~- c OR Apply for a Gold MasterCard IIwe agree lI1at ~ 1his appficalion is accepced a catd or cards ;we w Jersey, and Prudential Propefty and Casualty issued lI1at any use of lhe C3d(s) .. be goYeITled by lhe terms and a: InsuflWlC8 Company, Holmdel, New Jersey. o ooncilions of lhe Bank's VlSNMastlllCard Aoreement and Disclosure cording to Michigan Agricultural Statistics o Q. :) Those choosi1g III enrol wi be maied a C8(. bIica1e 01 inslnnoe explaining benefits, imita- ~;'~~~1::~ 0 provided beb'e or wilh deiveIy oIlhe C3d(s). IIwe iISSlIll8, ~ more lhan one jointly and severaIy, lability for aI charges inamd in iW'I'J use of Service. Wages averaged $6.30 per hour, 10 cents higer than the month of August. o tions and provisions and mcatIlg lhe ellec- card. If I do not qualify for the Gold 'a lhe C3d(s). a: lMJ date of coverage. MaslerC;wd, consider my appficalion for lhe ~ • CJ FlWIlI Blnau VISA C3d. --'I ....I There were 549,000 workers on farms and ~ 0 YES, PIIaIIlWOlIIIlIIn the ranches in the 11 surveyed states, com- o Group Crd -..a Program. pared to 658,000 in August. The survey ~ o ADOfTIONAI. CARD FOR AlffiiORlZED USER o in~luded .the following states: Michigan, WiSCOnSin, New York, Pennsylvania, Prine name here North Carolina, Florida, Texas, New ~IF .. car.c. ...... for Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and RIp ••• _.1 of .... California. None for scenic or standard VISA -.....c. .. Cash Advance Fee - none 15.9% $20 for Gold MasterCard .... Purchuee Transaction Fee - none Average Daily Balance (rebated every year net annual Late Fee - $10.00 California is the largest employer of farm (excluding new purchases) purchases exceed S3,OOO) 25 Days, starting with the billing Over Umit Fee - $10.00 dale on statement' Minimum Frnance Charge - none workers with 200,000 workers in Septem- ber. Average rates received by hired Please lelterfold and staple this form with t"q mailing address on 't,e outside (reverse side) workers in the 11 states ranged from $4.84 per hour in Wisconsin to $6.40 per hour in Washington. Michigan Farm News r:. October 31, 1991 Who Carries the Federal Percent of Federal Individual Income Taxes Paid by High and Low Income Taxpayers, 1979 and 1989 Income Tax Burden? Since tax "fairness" has become a peren- Highest .1989 nial political issue, the release of the Inter- U.S. federal taxes in 1989, compared to 6.8 5% nal Revenue Service estimate of adjusted percent in 1979. ~ 1979 gross incomes and taxes paid for 1989 is Highest once again a cold shower of reality, The actual taxpaying experience in 1989 10% fits well with many of the goals set out in Highest Despite frequent rhetoric to the contrary, the income tax reform debates of the 1980s. 25% these figures show that higher income tax- Tax rates were reduced for most taxpayers 93.9% Highest payers are carrying a larger share of the and the tax load shifted to the upper income 93.2% federal income tax burden than they did 50% earners. In 1989,25 percent of the taxpayers before the tax changes of the 1980s. paid over 75 percent of the total taxes col- Lowest lected. 50% The top 5 percent of the taxpayers in ad- Lowest justed gross income (AGI) paid 43.6 per- Average tax rates now fall into three 25% cent of the individual federal income taxes. categories. The highest income groups pay In 1979, the top 5 percent paid 37.6 percent at an average rate above 20 percent while 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% (see chart). the bottom 50 percent have an average tax rate of less than 6 percent. The group caught Percent of Total Income Tax Paid The lowest 50 percent of taxpayers in ad- in between pays an average rate of 10 - 14 Source: Tax Foundation computations based on Statistics of Income, Internal Revenue Service. justed gross income paid 6.1 percent of total percent. U.S. Department of the Treasury Michigan Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Dec. 10- 13 in Grand Rapids Over 1,000 members, including 460 delegates, are Discussion topics this year include: expected to attend Michigan Farm Bureau's 72nd - Conservation: How does it effect a farm' s annual meeting scheduled Dec. 10 - Dec 13. at the future? Amway Grand Plaza to participate in policy develop- - What is the role of agriculture in reducing ment sessions, and attend educational workshops and U.S. dependence on foreign oil? the trade show. - What is the future role of land grant universities for meeting the needs of Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc., and the commercial farmers? . Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing As- - How can American farmers and the rural sociation will be holding their annual meetings on areas continue to receive adequate Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, concluding with lunch- health care at reasonable prices? eon guest speaker Dr. Fred Poston, Dean and Vice Provost of MSU's College of Agriculture and For more annual meeting and trade-show Natural Resources .. information, contact your county office. Educational workshops will be held Tuesday after- noon, on topics including land use planning, farmer involvement in food safety and environmental is- sues, and a personal growth/leadership development The MFB annual product/trade show is expected to attract over workshop. 50 exhibitors this year, according to trade show manager, Doug Fleming. The show area is scheduled to open on Tuesday, run- The policy develc. nent process will get underway ning from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and reopen on Wednesday on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. when an estimated 460 running all day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more trade show delegates begin discussing and voting on policy information and/or exhibitor registration, contact Fleming at resolutions presented by the MFB Policy Develop- (517) 323-7000, ext. 3236. The show is open to all Farm Bureau ment Committee, Delegate sessions are scheduled throughout the remainder of the week on Wednes- members. day, Thursday, and concluding on Friday at noon. : Draer from your Thirty MFB Young Farmers will be competeting in International Marketing by Computer the Young Farmers Discussion Meet Contest on County j'ann t:Bureau Wednesday afternoon, beginning at 1:00 to deter- or CUPS your gifts- Comes to Michigan mine who will represent Michigan at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in Kansas City, in The international marketplace will be done over the phone for the extent of the national competition. In addition, one lucky state at your fingertips as a new computer pilot project. winner will receive a Honda Four-Trax to keep, and system linking potential buyers and 100 hours free use of a CASE-IH Maxxum Tractor. sellers from all over the world goes on For example, if you're a celery grower Oraer 6y 'Wednesday, ?{pvem6er 13 line Nov. 1at three locations throughout looking for new markets, you would Michigan. call one of the three locations to make a POSTPAID CARHARTT CLOTHING SALE The program called "Going Global" is the newest of 14 pilot projects throughout the country using state-of- request. Operators would search the database for anyone known to be inter- ested in buying celery. At that point, the system would give you sale contacts, Huge Inventory-order -~. ~: .:!' All Items First Quality - wltn confidence-we Absolutely No Seconds are one of the largest Carnam We accept MasterCard and Visa For PlaCing An Order Call TolI.Free 1-800-543-9147 ~rll~ n' Uul'!.. Rlan"l't , ir-\ RUggl'd a~ th~ m~n \\ hll \\~ar th~m. Brown Duck Insulated dea~s * In ,he US : t-j, Choose the FARM BEST fruits. meats. breads. cheeses. nuts and vegetables for your holiday table ....Oranges and grapefruit shipped direct from Florida growers to you, Michigan hams and sausages, creamy and rich Wisconsin Grade the-art computer technology to locate telephone and fax numbers, and ship- IIr Quilt-l.im'd Jal'''l't : h... ~~, Coverall with Leg Zipper W"" AA cheeses, savory southern pecans and peanuts . ping and tariff information from .~I~;'~~"~ ~;'ged markets for farmers and small busi- databases in the U.S. Agriculture and S.1~sS2 >& '1lf9 Siles S6 sa 'P9 -6OLJ QI,l It l'n~3]99' S4399 $4999 ;~~ 5 le~ ~ ~2.S4 ShOt' shOrt ,~ '8'9 la' I.. S12 99 S7999 ~ ~ tJ flaky ready-to-bake croissants and more ... nesses in other states and nations. S z•• 38.;0 ,.U S4' 99 Brown Duck Arctic Coverall Commerce Departments. S,ze. !>2.S4 t.' Sile ~ lall tb'an-e1 ont.." S4S99 S~1 99 with Zip Leg -9680Z ,t.", P<'u.ltd, SOle'S 3"'~ snor! reQ 1.1 s.e9rw The program will be coordinated S te. S2 so S99 99 through the Cooperative Extension Ser- Project director, C. Parr Rossom III, Brown .J018G Duck Arctic S les 3.t 50 S les 502 ~ re~ Jacket $48 ~ ,0<; , •• ~~.- ~w tliis year- lnol ptC1url-OI '''9 $;4 99 I ;;~.~ vice in its Saginaw, St. Johns, and says the computer system is a tool that :i 1es. 38 ~ t.J I S~ 99 "[t;~~ Michigan State University offices on a can make your business or farm run S le~ 5254 t .. S6' 99 -6O\.e Uu 'l ",..{) Cliristmas trees arnf wreatlis one year trial basis. more efficiently and successfully, but SJ~99 Son9 S4899 you have to know how to use it wisely. $4399 S4.99 "It's a terrific opportunity to enter the international marketplace," said Giles Rossom, an Extension economist in in- Brown -<:0186 t. Duck Arctic f P I....~ Coal Micliigan Samp{ers Sin).l ~ 't- .. )-~ 't., Roehl, county Extension agent from St. ternational trade from Texas A & M, S/es 5.2;.& I~ )tJ' '19 'Wt adiver Midiigan s Farm Best from coast to coast S IPS ~ ~ '''9 She. ~If Johns. But, he adds, you need to know says the program generates a lot of ini- S /",.")8 -,0 14J }"j .N Sl~S '>'1'>01 '. ~.~J'1 what specific quantity and quality of tial interest but the individuals involved Share the goodness of Michigan's farms and or- product you are trying to market for the need to know what makes their product Arctic -eOl56 Western Coat C;,. S M L 8roVilo .CU~b8 b It chards. A taste tempting sampling of Michigan system to work. unique before they can market it. 1,:' A' , ) .... gounnet foods. Call 1-800-255-7232 after Novem- Brown Duck Bib Blue Denim Blanket-Lined Coat ber I for more infonnation about Michigan -&lC 1.... 01 P1 so '. S40~ Currently, the Extension agents in H Brown Duck Quilt-Lined ture Committee, "The goal is to create ~ Bib Overall with Leg new markets, and thereby create charge of Michigan's project are going .! Zipper Optional Matching S'()IJlof'l Que. Hoods "l!'.J"'., Call 800-292-2680 .c)68QH ArctIC , -6FBOZ economic prosperity in the small-busi- through their training. ~ ~~ w. SI 30 ~ f"I"e.~ JO 36 S"999 OlMltlnee .... )() 36 SS999 rontacl ~our global marketplace, said Sue Smalley, = WI Sf S2!toot n\e."' 32 on , S6~l}g The project will cost approximately 5 l~\ "6 so not ....III.Ole n )4.16 n~.m cuunl~. Farm Bureau $4,000 the first year for installation and MSU's coordinator for Going Global. SEND ALL NECINA OUTFITTERS, INC. ~ training. However, the cost is, free for "But we've really got to learn a lot about ORDERS TO POBox 40. Jamestown OhIO 45335 - anyone using the system and It can be how to utilize it." Michigan Farm News October 31,1991 Shredded Newspaper Bedding - Saving Time, Money, and Natural Resources! In February 1990, after six months of study That's one of the difficulties recycling and research, Bob and Martha Thuemmel of centers face: finding markets for the • Huron County decided to try newspaper materials that are collected. bedding in the pens, calf hutches and transi- tion barns on theirdairy and cattleoperation. "We know markets are the biggest chal- The Thuemmels are milking 230 cows and lenge to recycling. We can collect like raise 100 head of cattle. crazy, but we've got to have research and development of new products and new uses Now, in the second year of the recycling for the paper and other recyclable experiment, Bob has abandoned any earlier materials," she says. doubts he had about the project Martha had promoted so enthusiastically. Bob reports On Thuemmel' s dairy farm, newspaper is proudly, "We haven't got one sick animal. donated or purchased for about $10/ton They're cleaner than when we were bedding compared to straw bale prices of $40/ton. with straw. Those are the things that I'm Primary sources of the newspaper they use proudest of and what impresses me most comes from daily newspaper overruns, the about the newsprint bedding. county recycling center, and the Lutheran Church that conducts a newspaper collec- "We didn't even bale straw this year because tion project as a fundraiser. chopping newsprint allows me to bring in and store only what I'llneed for two to three The newsprint is chopped into two to three months at a time. I blow in the bedding when inch squares using a Valby shredder Ineed to and do itallon my schedule without capable of shredding two to three tons of a lot of loading and lifting.The bottom line paper per hour. Although the Valby can be is,if it weren't practical and economically adjusted for flake size, Bob chose the three sound, I wouldn't do it." inch chop rather than shredded strips or a finer chop for appearance and to avoid the Cows housed at the MSU dairy research facilitiesusing tiestalls are staying clean Martha, who is extremely active in solid possibility of respiratory problems. The and comfortable on shredded newspaper, instead of straw or sawdust. waste management and recycling efforts in machine is powered by the PTO from the the county and region, would like to see tractor and the bundled paper is dropped and itiseasier to clean the pens. He has also Studies also assured them that when more livestock operations choose newsprint into a 45-degree chute and then is dis- experienced an estimated 70 percent reduc- newsprint was used in stallsand pens, the for bedding. Use of old newsprint by the charged into pens. Paper can also be baled tion in fly population due to the greater presence of very low level heavy metals livestock industry would go a long way to for storage and transport with a regular hay absorbency and drier pens. and trace elements were within safe limits solving the problem of how to recycle old baler. Bales weigh between 50 and 90 even ifthe bedding were consumed by the newspapers, she says. pounds. Bob is using baled newsprint in the calf animals. The Thuemmels wanted to know hutches because it is more efficient. "We that the materials they were considering She's a member of the county's Solid Waste Bob and Martha purchased the shredder and break up one bale for each hutch and that's would not be toxic to animals or in the soil. Management Advisory Board which is a delivery truck (which is also used for sufficient for the eight weeks we keep them Information 'obtained from the Wisconsin overseeing implementation of a five-year storing bundled newspapers) for about there. When the calves are moved, we can Department of Natural Resources stated solid waste management plan. She serves as $12,000. They calculate that the investment just liftthe hutch and scrape the floor clean," that although printing inks contained high ; an officer of the Solid Waste Task Force for paid for itself in less than a year. A less he says. levels of lead and cadmium in the early , Tuscola, Sanilac, Huron and Lapeer coun- expensive alternative is to use a modified '70s, the industry trend is moving rapidly ties and is chairperson of the 15-county straw chopper. He estimates that his use of When applied to fields, the newspaper toward significantly lower levels of these Resource and Conservation Development newsprint is about two pounds per day per based manure breaks down well so there is heavy metals. Project for recycling and water quality. animal. Rates would be higher with straw, little,if any, difference from straw based but he says that the superior absorption rate bedding. The paper bedding breaks apart And with the availability and increasing use "If newspaper bedding was used in alldairy of the chopped newsprint extends the use of quickly in their lagoon system and Bob of soy and vegetable based inks, the chance and livestock operations in Huron County," the bedding to as much as three weeks. The believes the rate would be better in a slurry of even low level toxins can be further says Martha, "we'd be importing newspaper resultant manure pack, says Bob, has a clay- system. Examining the soils where this reduced. All studies caution against the use from outside the county to fillthe demand." like consistency without the liquid-solid manure was applied, he has found decom- of clay-coated papers ("slick" or glossy separation that istypical with straw bedding position in the soils to be very good with sheets) because slick paper, when littleevidence of the newsprint on the soil shredded, becomes sharp and can cut teats. Soil Sample Analysis surface .and subsurface. In addition paper products with metal staples should not be used. Comparisons Between Paper and Straw Bedding Systems Over Several Years Itis a credit to the Thuemmels that they are seeking solid answers to environmental and Results from Penn State trialsreport that no Newspaper Newspaper No Manure Straw animal health questions by gathering re- animal health or milk quality problems Bedded Manure Bedded manure Hay Plowed Bedded Manure search data and talking with other farmers. were encountered. A study atthe University 8 ton/acre 12 ton/acre Down 35 ton/acre before switching to the newspaper bedding of Minnesota on bacterial growth in various material. The Thuemmels found much of types of bedding material supports the find- Ibs/acre the information to support their decision in ings with the determination that environ- studies conducted at Penn State, the Univer- mental mastitis bacteria grew slowest in Soil p.H. 7.1 7.1 6.1 7.2 sity of Minnesota and Ohio State. sawdust and newspaper. Phosphate 652 484 109 587 Potash 477 608 112 833 For example, soil analyses conducted in "Studies are important to back up the Pennsylvania showed that where decision making process for farmers and to newspaper-based cow manures were ap- provide information about new manage- In mglkg (equivalent to parts per million) plied to fields for several years, the levels of ment practices to government environmen- Copper 12 12 19 19 heavy metals and trace elements were not talagencies," says Bob, "but I wouldn't do Zinc 68 61 66 66 much different from the application of other it- I couldn't do it- if itwasn't economi- Lead 19 19 24 22 bedding materials in manure to soils. cally practical." Nickel 24 23 25 20 MSU dairy farm manger Bob Kreft w.ithseveral of the 500 pound bales of shredded paper Cadmium 0.10 0.05 0.12 0.10 used for bedding. Thuemmels, on the other hand, chop allof their newspaper directly. Mercury 0.04 <0.04 <0.04 0.08 Chromium 14 14 14 15 Data submitted by Norman Conrad, Multi-County Ag Agent (Agronomy) Union County Extension, PA, and analyzed by the Pennsylvania State University Soil and Environme.ntal Chemistry Laboratory, May, 1989. Bankrupt Iowa Grain Firm Under Investigation The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has begun a preliminary investigation into allegations associated with the bankruptcy ofthe Des Moines Grain Co., according t? Knight Ridder News. The Des Moines Grain Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protectIOn/reor- ganization late last year, which was converted to Chapter 7 - Total Business Liquidation - in February. Farmers allege that Des Moines Grain promoted the use of delayed-pricing c?ntracts to fill its bins with grain, which the company then used a~ collateral for.an operatmg .Ioan ~rom Bankers Trust Co. in Des Moines, accQrding to Darwm Chapman, director of the mvestlgat- ing agency. Several hundred farmers lost more than 4 million dollars as a.result of the bankruptcy, after grain had been delivered to the comp~y.'s elevators, accordmg to the Des Moines Register. The grain was sold under del~yed pncmg c~ntracts. Such contracts are legal, but considered risky transactions by gram regulators, smce they leave the farmer unprotected by the state's indemnity fund, which pays farmers for losses when elevators go out of business. Michigan Farm News . -. October 31, 1991 November Discussion Topic - "/s Michigan Farm/and a Potential Endangered Species?" Local zoning and the state Subdivision ganization that restricts land to agricultural Control Act are effectively driving and open space uses only. The landowner Michigan agriculture out of business, ac- retains legal title to the property, but once cording to Mark Wycoff, president of the an easement has been recorded, no further Planning and Zoning Center. development is allowed. "What we see happening all over the state is Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) that farmers have shifted from growing com programs enable state or local governments and beans to also growing homes and large- to buy conservation easements on qualified acreage parcels," he said. "Local officials farmland. To assist in a PDR program, the prefer the homes because the land generates 1990 farm bill provides federal loan assis- more tax dollars. That's short-sighted, be- tance to states for farmland protection. cause this trend will result in a tremendous waste of prime agricultural land. " Michigan and other states require counties and municipalities to prepare and execute Wycoff spoke at the Oct. 18 meeting of the comprehensive land use plans and ordinan- MFB Natural Resources Advisory Commit- ces. The American Farmland Trust publish- tee in Lansing. He told the committee that es a zoning and planning handbook to assist the Subdivision Control Act encourages the local units of government in keeping splitting of agricultural parcels into 10-acre agricultural land in production. tion Service. States and local governments 2) Have members of your group lots and "country estates." Those lots can be Right- To-Farm laws offer legal protection use it in deciding whether or not to allow received complaints from areas that split again 10 years later, and often the process has little or no input from local from nuisance suits brought against normal proposed changes on specific parcels of have been developed? zoning authorities. As a result, he said, farming practices. The laws try to remedy a farmland and to target protection efforts. farmers who wish to continue in production situation where a farmer receives com- Officials use information, ranging from 3) If your group members would have plaints from new, non-farm neighbors who current development trends to the health of the option of being compensated for agriculture find themselves surrounded by have moved onto an adjacent property and the local agricultural economy, to arrive at developmental rights, would they con- neighbors who do not understand or tolerate may be unfamiliar with the smells and a numerical rating that indicates the parcel's tinue farming instead of selling the the processes of modem farming. sounds of an active farm. agricultural importance and future viability. land for development? "What's so scary is that effectively the Preferential or differential ordinances allow MFB's Natural Resources Advisory Com- 4) What land use policies could state or process is invisible," he said. "The land farmland property to be assessed at its value mittee will submit policy recommendations local governments adopt to help in- division activity precedes the construction for its current agricultural use rather than its on preserving agricultural land to the sure the preservation of prime of the home on average by about 11 years. development value, which is often es- Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors. farmland? So, the divisions are taking place and you don't even see the change in the landscape." timated for residential uses. 5) What role should state government Agricultural districting is the establishment Discussion Questions: play in land use planning or in resolv- Jean Coleman, acting director of the Mid- of legally recognized geographic areas ing land use conflicts? western Office of the American Farmland Trust, told the committee about activities which one or more farmers establish for 1) What kind of development has taken protection from government taking-actions place in your community within the last 6). What other businesses and that farmers, local government and states and nuisance complaints. ten years? Have members of your developments are allowed in areas can pursue to help preserve farmland. group sold land for development designated as agriculture in your The Land Use Evaluation and Site Assess- within the last ten years? township, according to your township An agricultural conservation easement is a ment (LESA) system is a land-use decision- ordinances? voluntary agreement between a landowner and an IRS-approved conservation or- making tool created by the Soil Conserva- , ~~amaica ~ t: $'359 per-person. This package includes everything under It un. Yo~ will s~ 7'hiQb.ts....at he JOm~i~~ Hotel, ~ich has been called one of the IISuper Club resorts. :thIS hotel mclud;sffir~eals dOily, bar dnnks, use of all sports facili~es including instruction, four tennis courts, shopping sh~ana)sight-seeing tours. It is located on the white sand beach at Runaway Bay. Round trip air- fare ~om Detroit is included. Spa Week in Mexico Cost: $ 1052 per person. Pamper yourself at the Hotellxtopan 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 Quaint ~uebec City - one way and gratuities are not included for spa week. This is a very special package for very Cost: $459, per person. special people. Pamper yourself! Februa~arch 1992 you can travel to QuebeC City Via Rail and stay at the Charming le Chateau Frontenac Hotel. This package includes 5 days at the hotel plus round trip rail from Windsor. You can trc:!iel everyday except Friday and Sunday. This is a very popular packa~ and has limited Cancun, the Jewel of the Caribbean seating, ~ call early! Cost: $569 per person. Cancun is a great warm weather destina~on because of it's 14 miles of beau~ful beaches and the friendliest people in' the world. The Playa De Oro Hotel has a great special sta~ng January 1 Bahamas Weekend through January 24th, 1992. This package includes round trip airfare from Detroit, hotel for 7 Cost: S414 per person (Add S40 per person for ocean view 100m! days, airport transfers, baggage and handling service, hotel tax and a Welcome recep~on. This :Allrates are based on double occJrncy, departure lox not induckd. hotel is known for it's great loca~on on the beach. Cancun is the perfect get-a-way for anyone Startirm February 7th, 1992 you can book a great Bahamas Weekend at a great rate. Your seeking the sun and relaxation. package imdUdes leaving Detroit on Friday and slbYing 2 nights at the Bri~sh Corppjal Beach Hotel. ~ial charter airfare service is inclu4f so that you fly non-stop to the tsJ9nds. Disney World, It's Everyone's Favorite Vacation! London, ft the Town This package includes anything that you prefer at a member on~ discount. You can pick the number of nightsJou want to stay, you can stay on the Disney grounds or oH premise, and you One of the ~paCkages nights at this year is london. Travistock Hatet transfers from Travistock Ho is located In the Bloomsbury ar E~ Cost: $62Bper person. trip airfare from Det,roit on"ri~sh Airways, 6 airport, taxes and conti.nento~lreakfost. The . 011 rooms ~ave a pnvqte "th, TV and radiO. have the op~on to tty or drive. Farm Bureau has admission ~ckets available. Customize your Disney Vaca~on just the way you want, and s~1Iget a great discount! For men irlonnalion on how to hool your GETAWAY CALL J-8C»-354-4272 This trip. rts Jan. 3rd and expires MarChI' 1992. lonaon is faffiOUltheir theatre, ___ .,CHIGAN \ reslauronls, sight seei and most 01 aU histofy. '11_ FAR. _IJREAIJ Michigan Farm News October 31, 1991 Michigan Harvest Gathering - Food and Fund Drive Food Bank Council of Michigan Member Food Banks to Help Michigan's Over 1Million Hungry Amer. Red Cross Regional Food Bank Lansing (517) 321-6807 Michigan Farm Bureau, working closely of a bountiful agricultural harvest, it's fit- donate $100 and 10 pounds of canned food with the Food Bank Council of Michigan ting that our bounty be shared with others." goods for a special Harvest Gathering Central Upper Peninsula Food Bank and the Michigan Department of Agricul- reception on Nov. 13 at the State Ishpeming (906) 485-4988 ture, is helping to coordinate a food and In addition to pledging to generate food Fairgrounds in Detroit. In addition, MFB fund collection in local communities. donations, the Michigan Farm Bureau is Community Action Groups are being en- Food Bank of South Central Michigan also coordinating Harvest Gathering ac- couraged to participate in a local Harvest Battle Creek (616) 964-3663 "Farm Bureau will be pledging its support tivities involving county Farm Bureaus and Gathering event by donating canned food toward the Michigan Harvest Gathering individual members, Laurie said. "We will items and/or funds at the county Farm Food Bank of Oakland County goal of raising $100,000 and 100,000 be encouraging our members to coordinate Bureau office drop-off point. Pontiac (313) 332-1473 pounds of food for the Food Bank Council their donation activities with the needs of of Michigan," said MFB President Jack their local charitable organizations," he Farm Bureau members who aren't mem- Ruth Garlanger Tri County Food Bank Laurie. "We're stepping forward to said. bers of a Community Action Group, but Benton Harbor (616) 925-0994 embrace our responsibility to assist those want to participate, can do so by dropping less fortunate than ourselves. At this time County Farm Bureaus are being asked to off donations at your respective county Genesee Food Bank Farm Bureau office, or by calling Mike Flint (313) 239-4441 Kovacic, MFB Information Division Director at (517) 323-6586. Gleaners Community Food Bank Detroit (313) 923-3535 According to Food Bank Council Execu- tive Director Karen Ulich, the Food Bank Huron Harvest Food Bank Council of Michigan distributes over 15 Ann Arbor (313) 971-9222 million pounds of food annually through Food Bank Council member food banks At Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc., we know that your diesel equipment is an expensive Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes (see list). Those member food banks then investment that you must protect. The rigors of farming take their toll on your equipment Kalamazoo (616) 343-3663 and you shouldn't need to 'worry about engine failure. distribute the food through more than 1,000 non-profit agencies in combatting Michigan's finest premium diesel fuel is FPC's GOLD FLAME Custom Diesel Fuel. Its improved Livingston Community Food Bank hunger across Michigan. detergent package continually flushes injectors to prevent gum and lacquer deposits. Increased Howell (517) 546-6718 injector life, increased horsepower, and reduced smoke emissions are added benefits. "We are asking people to think about what GOLD FLAME Custom Diesel Fuel also offers a dispersing agent that suspends water particles The Manna Project they would serve their own families for more effectively. GOLD FLAME's low sulfur content and high lubricity help ensure even Petoskey (616) 347-8852 holiday meals and to donate the same types operation. of products for the tables of families with Farmers Petroleum offers a limited satisfaction guarantee on GOLD FLAME Custom Diesel Mid Michigan Alliance fewer resources," said Ulich. Fuel. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, we will give you a complete refund Clare (517) 386-3805 on the unused portion of your last delivery. * . The entire Michigan Harvest Gathering GOLD FLAME Custom Diesel Fuel, available exclusively through FPC Retail Centers and West Michigan Gleaners Food Bank will be funded by private donations and all its authorized dealers. Grand Rapids (616) 458-7856 proceeds will go directly to those in need, .Some restrictions apply. with no administrative costs charged. All Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank donations to the Food Bank Council are tax Hancock (906) 482-5528 deductible for income tax purposes, ac- ~ FARMERS PETROLEIJM COOPERATIIIE, INC. cording to Ulich. These local, affiliated food banks can receive contributions directly also. To Jump-Start Your Farming Operation, Think Custom Farm Seed. Performance is what you look for in a seed company, in the seed you buy and the people you buy from. Since its beginning nearly 20 years ago, Custom Farm Seed has built its reputation on both. From a full line of hybrid seed corn, soybeans and alfalfa to knowledgeable and concerned company representatives. Consider the complete line-up of CFS waxy corn hybrids, with Relative Maturities of 79 to 118 days. And for Michigan specifically, W2457, W5857, W5666, W6253 and W7551. From 90 to 115 RM. And since CFS is the recognized world leader in waxy hybrids, count on top yields, standability and fast dry down. 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