. Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau " 1-=1 January 31, 1992 Vol. 69, No.2 President Bush to AFBF Delegates: "Trade Means Opportunity" According to Bush, the Asian trip resulted Just three days after completing his Asian in dozens of new agreements on market trade trip, U.S. President George Bush was openings for a wide range of non-automo- in Kansas City, during the American Farm tive products, claiming that negotiators Bureau Federation's annual meeting, pro- hammered out 49 standards agreements in moting the results and benefits to agricul- non-automotive industries. ture because of that trip. "Our Asian allies understand that we don't Bush said that, contrary to media claims that want hand-outs or a home field trade advan- the trip was a near-failure, the trip will give tage," Bush said. "We just want a level U.S. farmers the new market opportunities playing field. Give us a fair shot, and Amer- it needs to prosper, adding that the trip was ican workers will out-think, out work, and about American and Asian prosperity. out produce anyone in the world. American farmers already do that." "We must stay involved overseas to lead an economic restructuring for free and fair Bush also took issue with the European trade, and open markets all over the world," Community's unwillingn'ess to negotiate on said Bush. "Open markets are the key to our GATT and the high subsidies they provide economic future both for American agricul- their farmers, adding that the U.S. Export ture and for business." . Bush claimed his fight for a capital gains tax cut is far from over, adding that without it, Enhancement Program, which is 10 percent American business will continue to be at a competitive disadvantage. "Now, more than ever, the size ofEC subsidies, must be maintained # Bush said that many will want immediate to counter those massive subsidies. a capital gains tax cut will help get our economy back on track, " he said. "I need your help to make Congress understand this once and for all. " results, but that the fight for free trade will not happen overnight. "Empty-headed rhet- "The trade practices of the European Com- exporters. I won't be a part of it unless it's est rates, reduced inflation, and increased oric won't get us there. Hard work, savvy, munity hurt American farmers," Bush said. a good agreement for America." flexibility for farmers. According to Bush, experienced negotiations, and confidence "Our administration will settle for nothing farm equity has grown $45 billion in three will," he said. "We won the cold war - and less than a GAIT agreement that expands Bush said his 1990 farm bill had accom- years, while gross agricultural sales have we will win the competitive wars." markets and increases opportunities for our plished what he had expected -lower inter- risen $17 billion to $168 billion. Property Rights Protection Paramount to AFBF Delegates tas. In trade negotiations with Mexico, the Delegates approved a message to President matters of wetlands determination, saying Delegates at the American Farm Bure~u delegates called for' a longer phase-in pe- Bush on the property rights issue. They USDA should make the final determination Federation's annual meeting called on gov~ riod for import-sensitive commodities. asked him to restate in his upcoming State for farmland. ernment to restore the sanctity of private of the Union message, the same pledge to property by reviewing all federal regula~ On the economic front, the farmers and preserve private property rights he made On another major domestic issue, the dele- tions that encroach on property rights. ranchers approved language stating, "The during the meeting's keynote address. Del- gates called for improvements in the current economic slowdown has been egates urged Bush to take immediate action nation's health care system, urging minimal Delegates from the 50 states and Puerto caused by runaway feq.eral.spending, anti- through executive order to halt the further government intervention. Rico re-elected Rudd, Iowa, com, soybean growth tax policy and federal regulations loss of property rights. and hog farmer Dean Kleckner as president, that damage p.roductivity." Any health care legislation, they said, and Ward, S.C., cattle and cotton grower pelegates restated their call for common- should include cost incentives and rewards Harry Bell as vice president. .The' delegates' called' for' a total freeze of sense wetlands regulations which protect for providers and consumers. They also federar spending at the previous year's private property, and termed as a "top pri- called for a 100 percent tax deduction or Delegates also reaffirmed their longstand- level, with the exc~ption of interest pay.- ority" the need for compensation when credit for those who pay for their own health ing support for the worldwide trade negoti- ment~ on the national debt and natural di- areas ~e deemed environmentally sensi- insurance. ating process, but emphasized that any sasters. All' departments of the (federal). U tive .and worthy of protection. And they eventual agreement must provide substan- government should be examined for cuts in remain opposed to giving the Environmen- See AFBF Policy Direction tial benefits for U.S. producers. spending," the policy said. tal Protection Agency final authority in Page 3 In considering the current Uruguay Round negotiations, the delegates said the Section 22 import quotas -- for peanuts, dairy, sugar Project.R.E./). Wins National Title in County Exchange Contest and cotton -- should only be eliminated if Washtenaw County Farm Bureau's Project School Leadership Class, Saline and Ann Arbor Local Dairy Diplomats, Pittsfield Union they are replaced with acceptable tariff quo- "Rural Education Days" (R.E.D.) was Grange, Farm Bureau CAGs, local agribusinesses, Farm Bureau Insurance, and 17 other awarded the national award from among 20 agricultural commodity groups. Pictured below receiving the award are, (I-r) John and Holly finalists in the American Farm Bureau's Porter, AFBF President Dean Kleckner, and Sue and Jerry Huehl. county program exchange, during the 73rd AFBF annual meeting. This marked the first year that Michigan had a county proj- ect entered, according to contest coordina- tor Becky Jeppesen. Project R.E.D., developed by Washtenaw County Farm Bureau's Promotion and Ed- ucation Committee, was designed to edu- cate urban school children about agricul- ture through a series of classes, demonstra- tions, and hands-on experiences during a half-day program at the county fairgrounds. Ultimately, over 1,200 Washtenaw County third graders, teachers and chaperoning parents attended the event. Other program sponsors and participants included Washtenaw County Cooperative Extension Service, Department of Natural Resources, Soil Conservation Service, Fu- ture Farmers of America, Manchester High I USDA 1992 Farm Program Details - See Page 10 Michigan Farm News -. January 31, 1992 DeVuyst Elected Chair of DNR Commission In Brief ... Gratiot County hog and cash crop farmer Larry DeVuyst, of Ithaca, who was appoimcu lO Changes Underway in MACMA's Asparagus Division the DNR Commission last summer, has been elected to chair the policy-making body th2 governs the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. DeVuyst is a past president ofthL Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA) has announced that Gratiot County FB, served on the MFB Board, and chaired AgriP AC. His appointment to the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board has elected not to renew their management the DNR Commission was strongly supported by MFB. Since former MFB Vice President contract with MACMA for administration of the Michigan Asparagus Industry and Devel- Dean Pridgeon resigned from the commission several years ago, there had not been a opment progtam under the P.A. 232 commodity promotion program. full-time agricultural producer representative on the panel. MACMA will, however, continue to provide staff and organizational support for the P.A. Under Gov. Engler's reorganization plan for the DNR, which takes effect on Feb. 15, he, 344 marketing and price bargaining responsibilities of the Asparagus Division, according rather than the commission members appoints a chairman. However, it is believed that to MACMA Board President Jack Laurie. Laurie added that all other Asparagus Division DeVuyst will remain the chair and serve for a full one-year term. member-service programs will continue as normal. Legislation Would Curb Local Pesticide Restrictions "In light of the recent decisions made, MACMA will be exploring alternative opportunities to provide for the most effective and efficient service it can for the Michigan Asparagus Calling for Senators to "keep common sense and scientific analysis in pesticide regulation," Marketing Committee," said Laurie. "MACMA will continue to carry out its primary Michigan Farm Bureau provided testimony in favor of Senate Bill 643. The measure, mission to service and support individual Michigan growers and commodities with a approved recently be the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and WIldlife Committee, would cooperative and united voice." amend the Michigan Pesticide Control Act to pre-empt local ordinances seeking to contro' the use of pesticides. Free Trade Agreement - Double or Nothing The legislation, sponsored by Sen Nick Smith (R-Addison), is in response to a recent U.S. U.S. trade with Canada is about double what it was when the two countries' free-trade Supreme Court ruling that permitted a Wisconcin town to write its own pesticide rules, agreement was signed four years ago. That's an important consideration as talks continue according to Vicki Pontz, legislative counsel for MFB. "We strongly believe it is in the on adding Mexico to the trade agreement. Norman Rask, agricultural economist at Ohio nation's best interest to have a partnership of federal and state governments vested with State University, says such discussions are particularly important to agriculture. the authority to make and carry out pesticide regulations," said Pontz. "Local regulations will create a patchwork of regulations that would make it nearly impossible for farmers Farm groups have been vocal in their opinions of free trade between the United States, operating in more than one jurisdiction to comply with." Farm Bureau members are Canada and Mexico. But despite fears to the contrary, American trade with Canada has encouraged to contact their legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 643. grown since the trade pact was signed in 1987. Canada now takes $4.3 billion worth of U.S. State Senate Office: (517) 373-2400. State House Office: (517) 373-0135. goods, 11 percent of all U.S. exports. Only Japan, at $7.8 billion, imports more U.S. products. Down South, Mexico is now the United States' number three partner: $2.8 billion Michigan's 1991 Fruit Survey on Schedule in 1990 and 7 percent of all American exports. The 1991 Michigan Fruit Survey, the first leg of the state's new Rotational Specialty Crop The recent growth in trade between the Americans and Canadians has been the result of the Survey conducted by the FederaVState, Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service, will encouragement of trade on both sides of the border. Rask says adding Mexico to the mix update cu~ent tree numbers, varieties, rootstocks, acreage and spacings in Michigan's would open things further. Some U.S. producers would be hurt by imported commodities or.chards, vI?eyards, bl~eberry and bramble fields. Detailed information at the county level and products, Rask says. However, history indicates that more open trade would benefit wIll be obtamed by vanety and age for apples, sweet and tart cherries, peaches, blueberries, overall U.S. exports in the long run. brambles, grapes, pears, plums, apricots, and nectarines. The last survey of this nature was conducted in 1986. USDA Team To Develop Model Russian Farm The survey questionnaire and a printout of the 1986 growers' report for those who p~icipated were mailed to all growers in mid-January. Growers not responding by mail A team of U.S. farm experts from the government and private sector are headed for St. wIll be contacted by telephone. An enumerator will assist growers in completing the Petersburg to begin developing a model farm aimed at helping modernize Russian agricul- questionnaire. Field enumerators will personally visit and obtain information from 272 ture, according to a USDA report. I~ge gr~:)\~'ersand growers not responding earlier. It's hoped growers will respond by mail smce thiS ISthe cheapest and fastest method of data collection. Data collection is scheduled The team, headed by the administrator of USDA's Farm Program Division, will meet with to be finished by mid-March. Russian officials and farmers over the next week to determine the exact scope of the project. The idea for a model farm came out of an earlier trip to the former USSR led by USDA "We want this survey to be as complete as possible, so we can provide accurate data on Secretary Edward Madigan. M.ich.igan's fruit industry," said ~tate Statistician Don Fedewa. "We've been working close With mdust.ry leaders and extension personnel to try and collect and publish data that will "We envision a program ...that will help individual farmers learn how to develop and manage benefit the mdustry. Fedewa urges growers to count their trees and vines so they can report their own farm, produce their own crops and then get them to market in the St. Petersburg as .accurately as possible. ~hen the survey is complete, each grower will receive a computer area," Madigan said in a statement. pnntou~ o~the data h~ pr?vlded a~d a coP.y of the survey re.sults. The new data will provide the fruIt mdustry With mformatlOn to Improve production forecasting, transportation, As yet, a site for the farm has not been chosen. U.S. team members also will have to work processing, marketing, and promotion of fruit in all areas of the State. Survey results should with their Russian counterparts to determine what to produce on the farm, as well as be available for distribution to growers in early fall, 1992. marketing opportunities for those commodities, USDA said. USDA is also assisting Armenia in modernizing its farming system. A team from USDA's Cargill Scholarship Program for Rural America Extension service is currently in Armenia helping to develop projects to assist people there in farm management, technological development, financial planning and marketing, USDA The Cargill Foundation is again funding the Cargill Scholarship Program for Rural America. said. The program; now in its. seventh year, will honor 250 outstanding high school seniors throughout the country With a $1,000 non-renewable scholarships. Walter New Southeast Regional Representative To qualify for the scholarships, students must be high school seniors from U.S. farm families and must have plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in the fall of 1992. John L. Walter has been appointed Applicants wi~1be screened on the basis of their academic record, demonstrated leadership, the new Southeast Michigan re- and extra-cumcular activities among other criteria, including financial need. gional representative, effective Jan. 6, replacing Scott Everett, who re- Eligibl~ students m~st complete and return an application along with their high school cently accepted another position transcnpt to the National FFA Foundation, Cargill Coordinator, P.O. Box 5117, Madison, with Michigan Farm Bureau. WI 53705-0117. The deadline for applications is March 2. Walter, a graduate of Kent State Scholar~hip awards.'~vill be made by May 1. If your local high school has an FF A chapter, University where he earned a Bach- the adVIsor and gUIdance counsellor should have received applications forms. If you elor of Science Degree in Business don't have an FFA Chapter, contact MFB's Promotion and Education Department Marketing, grew up on an Ohio Manager Julie Chamberlain at (517) 323-7000, Ext. 3213. farm. While attending college, Wai- ter worked for Anderson's as an as- sistant plant manager responsible The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN omo ) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, for the day-to-day operations of a December, June, and J~ly wh~n only one i~sue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm large grain terminal. Since gradua- Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansmg, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual tion, he worked for the Perry Corpo- dues of Michigan Farm Bureau r~gular mem~ers. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm ration in the sale and distribution of New~ to nonom~mbers and out~l.de the c?~tlnen~al U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is pending at Lansmg, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be office equipment throughout north sent to: Editor~ M~chigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MJ 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address central Ohio. changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. E~itorial: Dennis ~~dat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin' Donna As a regional representative, Walter Wilber; Henry HUlsjen. ' will assist with county Farm Bureau Officers: President, Jack L~uri~, Cas~ City;. Vice President. Wayne Wood. Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck leadership development and train- B.urke~; Treasurer an~ C.hlef Flna.nclal Offl?er, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, ing programs. as well as supervising Jim M!"er, Colo.m~; ~Istnct 2, Blaine VanSIckle, Ma~sh.all; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom county administrative staff, and co- G.uth.ne. De~ton, Dlstnct 5, Ma~k Smut~, ~harlotte; Dlstnct 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; ordinating member service pro- Dlstnct 8, ~Ic.hard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West grams. The Southeast region in- Branch; Dlstn~ 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Barag~. At-Large: Do.uglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye cludes the counties of Livingston, Adam, Snover, Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers Steven Gonyea, Spruce. ' Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Wash- tenaw, Wayne. ...... ,. Michigan Farm News ITOL II. January 31,1992 o o ::D Z m ::D MFB 1991 Legislative Highlights 'Lansing Bureau members then meet with their state senators and representatives from their dis- Legislative measures and special programs o Continuing support of the sales tax ex- Legislative tricts during lunch, before spending the af- ternoon meeting further with legislators supported, by Farm Bureau that helped emption on farm inputs, P.A. 116 and and/or attending general sessions and hear- farmers bring their products to market under fair competition in 1992 included: the Homestead Property Tax Credit. Seminar Series ings." o Support for increased funding for Feb. 12 - March 17 According to AImy, the one-on-one aspect National Issues Michigan State University's Agricul- of farmers talking with legislators can help ture Experiment Station, Cooperative Automobile insurance reform, P.A. 116, tremendously in creating an awareness and []--A private property rights amendment Extension Service, and the Michigan " to require federal agencies to consider wetlands legislation, pesticide legislation, support on an issue. Department of Agriculture with dol- property tax reform ...aIl critical state legis- andininimize the impact of their ac- lars to address food safety.J , tiqns on private property rights. lative issues that will affect your operation. "The mere fact that a legislator's constitu- ents make the effort to drive to Lansing to o An extension of the federal tax deduc- o Leading the support for initial appro- The problem? Often legislators don't meet with their elected officials to discuss priations for Michigan State know or realize the impact their decisions issues considered critical to their farm oper- tion, which was to expire on University's proposed $67 million 12/31/91, to June 31, 1992, allowing may have on your farm operation. ations conveys the importance and urgency commitment to upgrading existing fa- to a legislator that prompts them to take self.:.employed individuals to deduct cilities and the construction of new fa- 25 percent of their health insurance The solution? Attend MFB' s Lansing action on an issue," said Almy. cilities in the Animal Science Depart- Legislative Seminars, an annual one-on- costs on their federal taxes. Almy added that Farm Bureau members ment. one event between farmers and their respec- interested in attending their respective sem- GJ tive state legislators, scheduled for Febru- A proposed wetlands delineation man- ual that provides a realistic definition o Supported the passage of comprehens- ary and March, according to MFB' s Public inar should contact their local county Farm Bureau office for registration. Members iveoff-road vehicle legislation that es- Affairs Director Al Almy. of wetlands for use by federal regula- tablishes an extensive trail system in planning on attending their seminar (~ tory agencies. the state and increases law enforce- schedule) are encouraged to contact therr "Each seminar opens with a morning ses- representative and senator as soon as possi- o the Support for our nation's leaders to cut ment on public and private properties. sion from 10 a.m. until noon, during which ble to arrange a meeting if desired, and to encourage them to attend the noon lunch. federal deficit while refraining from tax increases. o Supported exemption for on-farm stor- time MFB Public Affairs staff will brief members on current state issues and answer State Senate Office: (517) 373-2400 age of pesticides and fertilizers from their questions," explained Almy. "Farm State House Office: (517) 373-0135 o Support for continued funding of the bulk storage regulations. Lansing Legislative Seminar Schedule farm labor housing grant program and support for no further expa(lsion of o and Supported exemption from posting notification requirements when Date Region/Counties Gladwin, Hiawathaland, the current federal minimum wage pesticides are applied to agricultural Feb.12 Central and South losco, Iron Range, law. crops. Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Kalkaska, Mac-Luce, Ingham, Shiawassee, Manistee, Menominee, State Issues o Support for a package of rural health Branch, Calhoun, Missaukee, Montmorency, o Aggressive support for legislation to care bills to provide a platform for ex- pan ding services to rural citizens with Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties Northwest,Ogemaw, Otsego, Presque Isle and repeal the Michigan inheritance tax and adopt the federal "pick-up" tax. greater emergency care for all people Wexford counties of Michigan. Supported efforts of the Feb.18 Thumb and Southeast o A law which amended and clarified M.S.U. Center for Rural Health which received a grant from the Kellogg Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola, Mar. 17 West and West Central Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, the method of calculating payback of credit received on those contracts Foundation to study health problems Livingston, Macomb, Montcalm, Ottawa, Mason, which were enrolled in P.A.116 but in rural Michigan. Monroe, Oakland, Mecosta, Muskegon, not renewed. The law also provided Washtenaw and Wayne Newaygo, Oceana and tax calculation options for" S" Corpo- o Support of the new MIOSHA law that counties Osceola counties rations. liberalizes field sanitation rules and adopts all future fedenll standards Feb. 19 ' Saginaw Valley and Location: with provisions making it difficult for Southwest YWCA Michigan to adopt stronger rules. Bay, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, 217 Townsend Street (1/2 Block south of Midland Saginaw, Berrien, Capitol) . MFB's Public Affairs Division Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren Schedule: (517) 323-7000 counties 9:30 a.m. - Registration and Refreshments 10 a.m. - Legislative Briefing American Farm Bureau Capitol Hotline, Feb. 25 North, N. West, N. East Noon - Lunch with Legislators and Upper Peninsula 1:45 - Adjourn to the Capitol 1-800-245-4630 Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, to attend session or Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix, committee meetings. MFB Cheboygan, Chippewa, staff will be available to Copper Country, Emmet, assist. AFBF Policy Direction In other actions, the delegates: D Supported federal tax credits for pro- Twelve gold stars for outstanding state program ac.tiv~typut Mi~higan in the spo~light ducers who provide self-financed crop during award ceremonies at the AFBF annual. MIl?hlga,! achIeved go~d star~ I~. 12 o export Supported adequate funding for the enhancement program. insurance protection. out of a possible 14 state program categories, mcludmg: Commodity ActiVities, Young Farmers, State and Local Affairs, Information and Public f!elations, Market- o plied Opposed income means-testing ap- o Asked the Justice Department to moni- ing, Membership, Natural and Environmental Resources, Po/Jcy Developmen.t, tor potential monopolies among meat Safety, Rural Health, Ag in the Classroom, and Insurance. for farm program eligibility. packers, both regional and national. o Reaffirmed the organization's dairy o Supported legislation that would limit position, calling for: the use of a vol- authority for pesticide regulations untary diversion program in any in- solely to federal and state govern- ventory management effort, a dairy ments. heifer export program, revamped milk standards with higher solids, and no assessment other than those o Opposed further expansion of federal land ownership and any effort to estab- needed to fund a diversion program. lish buffer areas on private lands with- out just compensation. o Approved providing producers sev- eral options for treatment of conserva- tion reserve program land following o Urged USDA to establish more'objec- tive tests for grain quality standards. expiration of the initial 10-year con- tracts. Options include maintaining their crop base history, as long as the o Reaffirmed their opposition to any re- duction in current federal estate tax ex- land remains in permanent cover emption. crops and allowing renewal on a five- year basis, with partially reduced rental payments in exchange for hay- o Urged swift prosecution of individuals and groups who release or steal re- ing and grazing privileges. search animals. Michigan Farm News January 31, 1992 I=.II.II=~ .......... ••••• IIIII~~~ •••• '1••• , 11 Market Outlook Sencor Receives 24c Label for Use on Corn in Michigan E~RM •••••••• I~~!~III ~ •••••••• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Eco- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency BUSINESS Corn nomics, Michigan State University The December quarterly USDA Stocks Re- Seasonal Commodity (EPA) recently granted a 24c label for the use of SENCOR DF on corn in Michigan. The product received 24c labels for Iowa, OUTLOOK port, released Jan. 13, showed record corn Nebraska and South Dakota in 1991. usage this fall which was reflected posi- Price Trends (long term) there are no soil type or pH restrictions for tively in the U.S. Com SupplylDemand "With tougher state and federal restrictions SENCOR," explains Hayes. Balance Sheet Report released on the same on atrazine, com growers are looking for date (Table I, page 7). The final 1991 corn production figure was lowered 12 million Wheat i? alternatives. Thanks to the 24c labels, growers now can use SENCOR on corn and SENCOR herbicide in tank-mix combina- tions with 2,4-D, Buctril or Basagran may bushels from the November estimate to enjoy several economic and environmental be applied before, during or after corn plant- 7.4 74 billion bushels. The bullishness of the Corn i? advantages," says Tim Hayes, herbicide ing for control of emerged and actively com reports has presented us with some * product manager for Miles, Inc. Some of growing weeds. And unlike atrazine, possible pricing opportunities if needed. Soybeans i? the advantages include: 1) no atrazine car- SENCOR can be applied when plants are ryover; 2) SENCOR is not a restricted use over 12 inches tall. As shown, the feed usage number was in- Hogs t product; 3) no corn height restriction; 4) creased to 5 billion bushels, an increase of cost effective; 5) efficacious; 6) low rates Miles has applied for similar registrations 150 million from the December estimate due to the heavy fall usage reflected in the Cattle i mean reduced pesticide load to the environ- ment; and 7) application flexibility. for SENCOR on corn in several additional states, with label approvals expected for the lower than expected stocks figure. The low 1992 use season. SENCOR and a variety of supplies of other feeds, relatively low t Index: = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; "Two to three ounces of SENCOR per acre other agricultural chemicals are manufac- prices, and large animal numbers, contrib- TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure can do the same job as 1 to 1-1/2 pounds of tured and marketed by the Agriculture Di- uted to the strong demand. Export projec- atrazine per acre with no carryover. And, vision of Miles, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri. tions were left unchanged, raising the total use number by the amount of the increase in feed use projection. These changes low- imum price contract, or sell cash and buy a call if they need some risk protection. USDA to Field Test "Smart Card" in 1992 ered expected ending stocks to only 1.076 USDA Secretary Edward Madigan, during an address to AFBF annual meeting delegates, billion bushels, 13.6 percent of use. We may be seeing some new crop pricing outlined an agenda that he predicts will make the agency "more user friendly" and provide opportunities. As we. will discuss shortly, farmers with quicker service. What does this mean for old crop com wheat plantings are down and the soybean prices? The market went up in response to reports were not positive, which points to "We've been working with farmers on ways to help simplify your life - we've brought the reports. It also means that, due to the relatively stronger com versus soybean . farmers to Washington and let them tell us what they want," Madigan explained. "This relatively tight stocks, the market has more prices. This also points to higher com acres spring, USDA will test eight projects in 16 locations across the nation, as a result, to than enough upward potential to pay on- planted this spring, as shown in Table 1. improve our services to you, cut red tape and reduce the paperwork hurdles you face." farm storage into the spring. However, his- torical seasonal price patterns for com show In Table 1, I present a reasonable projection . Madigan unveiled a new "Smart Card" that farmers will be able to use when conducting that the market is often flat through Febru- for the 1992-93 crop year (Hilker's guess); business with ASCS or SCS for quicker service and to reduce the paper shuffle often ary, so consider making some sales on this if it holds, the average annual price will associated. The smart card, according to Madigan, is a magnetic chip that will contain most ; rally if you need to make sales before spring likely be around $2.30 per bushel for the of the information needed. for either cash flow or risk management year and seasonally lower at harvest. Any considerations. time you can lock in harvest delivery prices The agency will offer flexible office hours and weekend hours, provide toll free 800 higher than the expected average annual numbers for farmers to obtain service information, and the use of FAX machines to speed For those who want to wait for further price price it, should be a consideration. the transfer of information between USDA offices arid producers, according to Madigan. increases for a portion of their crop, take into consideration your local basis, your This is not to say new crop prices will not Madigan said USDA continues to seek an adequate solution to the dairy market's price storage and interest costs, and your risk go higher; with the tight stock situation, a volatility, referring to the swing of last April's price of $11.30 to December's price of tolerance to determine which pricing tool to yield next year near this year's could put $13.90. "I want producers to know that we plan to take action this year and we're examining use. Those with on-farm storage should prices over $2.75. BUT (two buts): one, a our options," he said. "While we will never be able to do away with seasonality in milk consider storing, or storing and buying a put nice spring and a trend yield of 120 bushels prices, we do want to make markets more stable and avoid needlessly low prices." option if they need down-side protection. per acre for the country and fall prices could And those in commercial storage should be $2.10; and two, the top is hard to grab, it Madigan suggested that in addition to expanding exports, increased attention is needed by consider moving to a basis contract to take generally pays to price portions on the way U.S. researchers and land grant institutions in developing new products utilizing U.S. advantage of the upside potential, or a min- up just in case it stops going up. commodities for the domestic markets. "For every dollar received from agricultural exports in 1990, there was an additional $1.59 in economic activity here at home for a total of $62.8 Wheat billion," Madigan proclaimed. "We should be able to generate new markets for farm commodities and create real jobs in rural America." The Winter Wheat Plantings Report, re- use. The reason for the low projected 1991- leased Jan. 10, was a shocker. Despite the 92 annual average price seen in Table 2 is Madigan identified several innovative efforts currently underway that hold great potential set-aside requirements. being lowered to 5 most of the wheat was already sold at much for U.S. agriculture, including a $100 million effort by Warner-Lambert to develop a percent from last year's 15 percent, planted lower prices than we see today. biodegradable packing material from com, wheat and potato starch, the increased use of acreage went down a millon acres from 51 soy oil in newsprint, the use of canola oil to make hydraulic fluid and refrigerants, and the to 50 million acres of winter wheat planted In the past few weeks, the spread between increased refinement of ethanol production, which reached 850 million gallons in 1990. this fall. The Stocks Report showed less old and new crop wheat prices has nar- stocks on hand than expected, which led to rowed dramaticall y, and is presenting some "As an added bonus, many of these new products will also benefit the environment," the USDA making some changes in the possible new crop pricing opportunities. Madigan said. "I salute these endeavors, and I want to encourage other companies to work wheat supply/demand situation for the with us in similar quests to turn research and development advances into profitable products 1991-92 crop year projection, as shown in I have put together a plausible scenario in that will promote a healthier environment." Table 2. Table 2 for the 1992-93 wheat crop, given the new information on winter wheat plant- The forecasts for food use was lowered ings and assuming spring wheat would be Hogs marginally and the feed use and exports planted close to its limit. Given that sce- were raised with the net change being a 20 nario, wheat prices would average about The Hogs and Pigs Report indicated that of that range unless demand picks up. The million bushel increase in projected use. $3.50 per bushel. As of this writing, pro- slaughter should be up 5-6 percent. Actual USDA is forecasting $40-$46 for the second This lowered projected ending stocks to ducers could lock in higher prices than that slaughter was up 13 percent the week of quarter, but again I feel it will be on the low only 390 million bushels, 15.6 percent of for harvest delivery. January 13-18. If the report is correct, side of that range. If the futures do rally to slaughter should slow up and prices should the point where April futures reach $43-$44, increase seasonally. The USDA is estimat- consider some forward pricing. In the mean- Soybeans ing first quarter prices at $36-$42, but it time, keep current. appears the average will be in the low side Soybeans received the one negative report clean out the bins and either go with a basis in that 1991 production was put at 1.986 contract or sell cash and buy calls if you Cattle billion bushels, up 24 million from the No- want to gamble for a spring weather scare. vember estimate. However, projected ex- The January I Cattle Inventory Report will Cattle slaughter has been running up about ports were increased 15 million bushels so In Table 3, I've given a possible scenario for be released Feb. 7. It is expected to show an 5 percent in mid-January. We also have projected ending stocks were increased just the 1992-93 soybean marketing year. As increase of about 2 percent in the nation's seen prices increase sharply from their very 10 million to 325 million bushels, 16.3 you can see, the situation does not look a lot herd. Beef heifers kept for breeding are low levels. Although prices are expected to percent of use. While this is at least an different from. this year. Production will likely to be up 2-5 percent as we continue increase through spring, there could be lulls adequate supply, the market rallied after an probably be down some due to lower acres, the expansion. It also appears feeders out- initial decline. This was probably due and even some setbacks, so keep very cur- but exports will likely be down as well, due side of feedlots will be up significantly. rent. At this point, there does not seem to be mostly to the idea 1992 plantings will be to a larger South American crop. However, Watch for this report to look for opportuni- down. If this rally has held, consider pric- ~y good forward pricing opportunities, but like last winter, you can lock in harvest ties. We will not be able to comment on it in ing some for winter cash flow needs. For If we see another couple dollar rally, be delivery prices now much higher than the this column until the end of February. that matter, the basis is tight enough to ready to consider some forward pricing. $5.30 harvest prices this scenario indicates. A Health and Wellness Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Jan. 1992 VOL 1,No. 1 Every January, manyof uskickoff the NewYearwith adetermined resolution to shedsome The II E II Word extra pounds and become that "lean machine" we've always intended to be. This year instead of rushing to the Exerciseoften strikes fear in the heartofthe average American. Youdon't have to prepareto run the BostonMarathon newsstand for the latest in fad diets or skipping breakfast to eliminate a few calories, why not set yourself some in order to reach your weight loss goals. Exercising bums additional calories and encourages the loss of fat while realistic weight-loss goals and make d5'etin f your every day life-style? , promoting muscle. where the majority of calories are burned. Being just a bit more active then you're used to will JJihelP you attain your goals faster than just careful calorie counting alone. Getting Started "_ 'V I There's a simple way to lose weight-e less and, active. Our bodies lose Increased activity can be as simple as: weight at different rates, so don't be disc hen you see another .... A taking the stairs instead of the elevator person lose weight A taking the dog for a spin around the block faster. If you A swinging your arms while you walk briskly decide to lose weight, aim for a Exercising not only helps you to lose weight it also slow. steady loss of can reduce stress. create a feeling of well-being 1/2 to 2/3 pound a and help you feel in control of your weight loss. week, until you reach your goal. Eat less and increase your activity more than you used to. rThe more muscle or lean dv ~ you have, the and you will reduce the fat in your body l,~ and lose weight. ~ Remember, one pound of fat has 3.500 ~ calories. So if you eat 500 calories a day more lessthan you usually eat for " calories you bum. Men seven days, you would lose naturally have more muscle one pound in a week, since 500 mass compared to women. x 7 = 3,500. Plus if you take a and therefore have a higher oNhe ~~ ~ brisk walk for 30 to 60 minutes metabolic rate. everyday. you will use more calories speed up the weight loss, improve you cardiovascular fitness, and start to feel good all at the same time. E Changing Behavior Whether you're changing your behavior to lose weight. eat better. or both, remember; quick, dramatic changes usually don't last long. For a behavior change to stick. you have to stay with it until it feels natural-or almost natural. Tryto see changing your eating habits asan on- going process-make somechanges, see if you can live p~mlNf's We arefortunate to live in a notion which has invested significant mourres in public health and medical mearch and which has set high educational and environmentfJl standards to enhance and lengthen our lives. with them, and then makeadjustments. Somebehavior changing tips: ME For example, thanks to the years committed to searching for cum to communicable illnesses such as polio) £. After that first helping, put your plate in the dishwasher tuberculosis and smallpox, those diseases are no longer a serious threotto our socitty. £.If you tend to eat a number of cookies instead of one Today, lifestyles are mponsible for more American deaths than are communicable diseases. For example, or two, take e cookie or better yet a piece of fruit with you as your walkout the door on your walk. according to on article in tire H oro am Business &view, ''six foclors relating 10 lifestyle are associated with tire £. Get in the habit of chewing food thoroughly and diseases Ihot cause 80 perrenl of deaths: smoking, high blood cholesterol,high blood pressure, obesity,olcoholism slowly, don't shovel. Watch others as they eat, most and physical inactivity." don't even swallow before taking the next bite. A Are your really hungry? If you feel a snack attack If we wont 10 deftotlodoy's leading causes of death -- heartdiseose, cancer, stroke, aait/ents, etc. -- we coming on, get away from the food and the television • must toke on active role in our personal health. That is why you hove received this issue of Health Harvest in .with its appetizing advertising. your Michigan Form News." A Try not to go to the grocery store when you're hungry. Chancesare much greater that you'll get more These inserts can provide the information you needfor a belter understanding of the direct relationship treats when shopping on an empty stomach. between lifestyle and general well-being. Six times per year we will provide this publication filled wilh helpful hints on physical fitness, nutrition and general family wellness, as well as stress-relief ideas that can improve Keys to Success £. Follow a familiar meal plan. usually eating three to your overall heallh and quality of lift./ encourage you and your family 10 toke odvontoge of the useful six times a day. Small, frequent meals. or snacks are infonnotion in Heallh Harvest. best to keep you from getting hungry. Do not skip breakfast, research shows that a person who eats breakfast bums more calories at that time, as well as throughout the day. A Plan a diet full of variety. A Get some regular exercise. Jock Lourie, President .. Changeeating attitudes slowly - you take charge Alichigon Form Bureau of personal diet goals. -. A Set realistic goals. 'If. 1 r e I a x A caveman faces a snarling saber-toothed laugh it off tiger. His muscles tenses. His heart pounds. His "To me, irritation is something that makes blood pressure soars. His breathing comes in your skin red. Aggravation is paying the phar- rapid gulps. In an instant, his body is primed to macy $12.50 for something to cure the irritation, either fIght for his life or run. and when you get home you can't open it. "- A modern man faces a snarl of traffIc. His George Burns. body responds in the same primitive way. He, He may not be able to open his medications, too, is ready for sudden "fIght or flight." But he but George Burns does have a ready prescrip- can neither throw a rock at his fellow motorists, tion for stress: He laughs ~t it. nor can he escape. That's a healthy idea. Laughter not only keeps Ironically, the very fIght or flight response our anxieties in perspective, it also stimulates that may have saved the caveman's life is not the heart and lungs, burns calories and releases only socially inappropriate to modern human natural painkillers. beings, it's dangerous. Former Saturday Review Editor Norman "Some problems related to this kind of stress Cousins learned to cope with a serious spinal include nausea, insomnia, hypertension, panic disorder by supplementing his doctor's care attacks, depressed immune system, inability to with reruns of "Candid Camera" episodes and get along with others, and anger," says Herbert Marx Brothers fIlms. Benson, MD, author of The Relaxation Re- "I made the joyous discovery that 10 minutes sponse. He points out that 175% of our modem of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect diseases are in the stress-related category. I and would give me at least two hours of pain-free Fortunately, there's more than one way to sleep," he wrote in Anatomy of an illness. skin a tiger. walk away from stress try the relaxation response Walking not only helps the heart, it can soothe Benson's headline-making studies found that the soul as well. Walk with a guidebook to trees anyone can tap into a state of tranquility that he or birds and rediscover the world of nature right calls "the physiological opposite of the fIght or outside your doorway - focusing on the beauty flight response." His simple technique is termed outside, not the chores to be done. Walk with a "the relaxation response." Research suggests it child and share the wonder of seeing familiar can actually help ward off disease by making sights through young eyes. Walk with a friend, people less susceptible to viruses, and by lower- and you may discover more about each other ing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. than you would at a dozen potlucks. To perform this techniques: • 1. Sit quietly in a comfortable position . breathe easy • .3. 2. Close your eyes and relax Choose a simple word or phrase. your muscles. be a word that means something to you, like a It could We can live for weeks without food, days without water, but only a few minutes without oxygen. And when we're under stress, shallow name or place, or it could be any sound. Benson breathing may keep us from getting all the oxygen suggests something simple like the work lone. I we should have. This can lead to fatigue, muddy "Whatever you chooee, stay with it; over time, thinking and even greater feelings of stress. you'll come to associate it with calming effects. ¥ou can breathe easier nearly anytime you • 4. Repeat your focus work or phrase silently want: close your eyes and take a long, slow series or see it in your mind's eye each time you exhale. of deep breaths, letting each one out slowly . • 5. Allow thoughts to come and go but continue Count to three on the inhale and again on the to repeat your focus work. I It's essenti; I \J,WayS exhale. Feel your abdomen, rib cage and lungs to maintain passive, relaxed stykin deah~ with expand when you inhale. You needn't force air any interruptions, I Benson. 1S. Practice the in. Just breathe rhythmically. ~que twice a day for 10 to 'ZOlDinutM. Check the following four stages of alcoholism, which are based on Jellinek's model, to see where you stand in your drinking. If you think you might be headed toward alcoholism, see "What to Do." FT FOR YOURSELF · new Yell', ;ve yOll'Self a ;It The 4 Stages of Alcoholism Stage 2. The "proclromal"phaae • Loss of outside interests. Duration: six months to • Change of family habits. five years • Neglect of good nutrition. "Prodrome" means, basically, "a warning." • First hospitalization. And that's jusfwhat this phase is. "If you • Decreased sex drive. can do something about your drinking at • Regular daytime drinking. this stage, you ought to do something," Smokeaut offers a golden ~. Goff says. The stage's characteristics Stage 4e The "chronic phase" include the following: Duration: no time limit • Occasions. in increasing frequency, Without some form of help. alcoholics who To ~ you, the Ameliall CcIIcer when you can't remember what you said reach this stage most likely will remain in it or did when you were drinking. until.they die from some alcohol-related • Drinking in secret. problem: liver disease, cancer, brain • Preoccupation with alcohol. damage, cardiovascular problems, an • Gulping of drinks; avid drinking. accident, violence. • Guilt feelings about drinking behavior. In this stage, alcoholics will go through periods of non-stop drinking, perhaps to Stage 3 · The "crucial" phase the point where nothing else gets done. Duration: no time limit Other characteristics of the phase include: This stage marks the true onset of alcohol- • Impaired thinking. ism. "You probably will need professional • Drinking with people far below help at this stage," Goff says. Most people social level. by this time have trouble controlling their • Getting drunk on less alcohol drinking or quitting by themselves. Other than before. • Exercise. A body pleasantly Ii'ed characteristics include the following: • Unexplained fears. • Rationalizing drinking behavior. • Tremors (shaking in the hands or feet, is less .eIy to WIllI a .ette. • Acting aggressively. • Persistent feelings of remorse, self-pity or resentment. or-intemally--a jelly-like sensation or butterflies) . • Psychomotor inhibition. • Periods of total abstinence. • Obsessive drinking. • Buy dgcnltes one pack at a 1ft, • Changing drinking patterns. • Development of vague religious desires. • Dropping of friends. quitting of jobs. notbytheCIItcIL • Switchto a ImII you Me. • What to do • • KeepUII., snacks II'OIIId, So you think you might have a problem? Here are youI' options, according to I. Larry Goff, ID, MA: , £.' 1. Do nothing. Unfortunately, most alcoholics choose this route. If you 4. Get treatment. "If you can stop you drinking, that's wonderful,. Goff _ as arrot sticks II' fnit, to have any doubts as to whether you have a problem, consult your physician. says. "If you've tried and can't, however, you'" need to seriously consider getting professional help: 2. Slow down on your own. A great idea, says Goff, unless you're truly keep Y'" mouth busy .. you alcoholic. "Telling an alcoholic to do this is similar to telling him or her crave a .ette. to stop running a fever or telling a heart attack to go away .• 3. Stop on your own. Before the "crucial" phase of alcoholism, people One of the most successful treatment alternatives is Alcoholics Anony- mous, a self-hefp program that has helped millions of alcoholics to control their disease. Outpatient treatment programs can provide addi- 1Inw away ,. matches. H often can give up alcohol on their own, Goff says. Once they've reached tional assistance. And for intensive rehabilitation, residential treatment this stage, however, the large majority can't quit by themselves. Alcoholism may be the best option. Check your yellow pages under "Alcoholism. for is a tricky disease, he says, which plays games with the alcoholic's mind. listing of available treatment programs in your area, inCluding AA. the The most important thing to remember if you have a symptom of heart attack is: get to a hospital as quickly as you can. The average victim of a heart attack waits 3 hours before deciding to seek help. That's too long. Every~inute counts if you want to avoid being one of 350,000 victims per year exertion, after over indulgence in food or who die before they reac~the hospital. alcohol, or during an emotional upset. But The most common symptom is..diS~ it'can also happen as you sit at your desk in the chest that lasts Mo minutes or more. talking on the telephone or are sound The presSUre sensation may be agonizingly asleep. painful, or it could feel like only a ~i9tit 0 two people eXlJeriel1"OO a heart attack heaviness or tightness. It may also be felt in in ex~sam. e way;-so. it's easy to pa~s) the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or even tfJe off some of the symptOms e'dJe as flu, a back-wl~ without accompan~ng pulled muscle, a toothache or indigestion .. '~side sensations in the cl;est. mayor may not be accompanied symptoms, including!, Cbest OIscomfort by other Since no one wants~o hav~a heart attaek, many will deny th~re~aving)m~ , L...p~erring to take an asplrinJ>~ antacid. Not • shortness of breath ~y peGple d~esnon, but many' • a cold, clammy sweat die b~e~t a heart attackasjf it • upset stomach were something else. I • vomiting Don't be embarrassed to show ~ • dizziness up at the emergency room for • fainting indigestion. Don't confer with • a feeling that something terrible friends. Don't even call your ~ is happening, a sense of dO~ doctor. Just get there - fast. You thought the meal was great, but your companion claims it gave him heartburn. He's looking uncomfortable, a little pale aJnsweaty. Suddenly, he clutches his chest and falls to his knees. Heart attack! WHat can xou do? Act immediately -- delay could be fatal. Get emergen care by calling paramedics or getting the person to the hospital right ,way. Even that may not be enough -- you may have to take/m?re direct action. If the person has stopped breathing, you only have about six minutes before -permanent damage occurs. Remain as calm as possible. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a fairly simpl?'procedure. You can Qrepare yo~~for these emergencies by taking a CPR: c~~C~ntact your ~al Rea Lross or public health organization fOr more mtormatlon. } Spread the Word Do not practIce C ~0n healthy peop,le. Family members and friends of tHose with in- creased heart attack risk need to be able to recognize and respond to the early sy.mptoms of a heart attack (see "Heart Attack S~ptoms"). I\~ Check for breathing by placing wour ear to fingers of both hands (don't let your fingers If)'ou should know the emergency phone number the mouth and nose and looking at the chest touch the victim's chest -- you could fracture in your town, usually 911," says McKeirnan, (Fig. 1). Do this for three to five seconds. his ribs). Push down on the chest about 1-1/2 "and know the fastest route to the hospital. If there's no respiration or. pulse, begin inches seven or eight times every five Training in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscita- CPR immediately. seconds. After every' 15 compressions, blow tion) also can be of vital importance .• CPR P-ineti the victim's nose closed and blow two two slow breaths into the mouth. Check training is available through your local Ameri- sJow, fUll breaths of one to two seconds periodically for a pulse. If one begins, stop can Heart Association or American Red C~ss each into the mouth, checking to see that the.CPR. If no pulse, continue resuscitation. chapter. Who is at risk for heart attack? the chest rises with each one tFig. 2). CPR is not ~n either/or method. Pushing Check any of the factors below that apply to you. Take 10 seconds to check the neck for a down on the chest circulates the blood. The more boxes you check, the higher your risk pulse (Fig.~. If you can't find one, begin Breathing into the victim's mouth provides of heart attack. chest compressions (Fig. 4}: place the heel of oxygen. You must do both to revive the one hand on the sternum and interlace the patient o High blood pressure Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig.3 Fig.4 o High cholesterol o Regular use of tobacco o Diabetes o Close relative who had heart attack o Lack of regular exercise Illustrations reprinted with permission by The American Red Cross (Community CPR C 1989) Michigan Farm News January 31, 1992 American Cyanamid and Deere & Company Share Important Safety Technology Breakthrough Previously, the LOCK 'n LOADTM system T wo of the nation's leading agricultural was available only on John Deere Max- Emerge (I) and MaxEmerge 2 (1) planters. companies, American Cyanamid Company and Deere & Company, have announced This new agreement covers equipment that they will share a unique and important manufactured by Case IH, Gandy Com- technological advance with four other pany, Kinze, and White-New Idea Farm planter manufacturers. Equipment. Together with Deere, these manufacturers represent over 90 percent of The innovation, known as the LOCK 'n the row crop planter industry. LOADTMclosed handling system, is a com- pletely enclosed chemical transfer method "Sharing an innovative design with other that protects farmers from unnecessary ex- companies has its risks," noted Herman posure to COUNTER@ and THIMET@ in- Jasper, marketing manager for the John secticides. COUNTER and THIMET are Deere Harvester Works. "But both Deere both organophosphate insecticides used to and Cyanamid felt that customer safety and control a variety of soil insect pests in a convenience benefits were significant number of crops. enough to warrant this unusual move." "We worked with John Deere to share this The LOCK 'n LOADTM closed handling technology with other key planter compa- system was developed not only for user nies because farm worker safety is such an ease and convenience but also to address important issue," said William F. R. Grif- environmental and user safety issues. The "We would like to see the LOCK 'n LOADTM system become the standard for insecticide fith III, vice president of Cyanamid Agri- system represents a clear alternative to handling throughout the agrichemical and farm equipment industries," Griffith added. "We cultural Division and general manager of burning empty pesticide containers and are discussing ways to releas.e the system's technology to other agrichemical companies so its Crop Protection Chemicals Department. other related environmental concerns. growers can take advantage of the benefits of the LOCK 'n LOADTM system." Marketing Seminar Highlights Farm Challenges Jack Laurie In providing food to the Commonwealth of are key to expanding trade opportunities for bushel through a so-called restitution pro- Independent States and the other former American agriculture. gram. While those high subsidies work to Appointed to the disadvantage of American farmers, Soviet Republics, the U.S. should adopt a business-like attitude and expect payment Challenges, however, are numerous. A year dwindling world grain stocks will defi- AFBFTrade for farmers' products, according to "Farm Journal" economist Dr. John Marten, ago, one Soviet ruble was worth about $1.65. Today, one ruble is only worth a nitely boost prices. "That is going to dom- inate your outlook over the next three Committee speaking during a marketing seminar at the penny. A year ago, it took only three and years," he told the farmers. "The surplus in AFBF 73rd annual meeting. three-quarters rubles to buy a Big Mac. the world is gone." . MFB President and American Farm Bu- Today that same Big Mac would cost about reau Federation board member Jack Lau- "It's great for people to eat, but we're in the 59 rubles, according to Marten. On the overall economic outlook, Marten rie was appointed to the AFBF Trade business for people to pay for it and eat," said that technically the recession is over. Advisory Committee during recent AFBF said Marten. "The effect of the breakup of With such economic chaos, it's natural for And, for the most part, it technically could Board action. As a member of the trade the Soviet Union on the bottom line of citizens of the commonwealth to buy fewer be termed mild. The value of the dollar is committee, Laurie will help review all . American farmers ought to be positive in the meat products due to their higher costs, he low, which is good for exports, and low .Farm Bureau trade policies and set strat- long term." explained. Typically, people in that region interest rates will undoubtedly bolster land egies to further market access and devel- of the world get only slightly more than 900 prices. opment. and provide recommendations to Marten qualified that statement by telling calories from meat per day. AFBF President Dean Kleckner on trade the 1,000 farmers attending the marketing Marten predicts that interest rates will not issues. conference, that it will be essential for the The United States will face highly subsi- bottom out until about June. He also said new independent nations to move toward a dized competition from the European Com- farmers are paying off debts, which natu- The coqunittee also participates in trade market-oriented system, invest in their in- munity for the commonwealth market. rally increases the percentage of bad loans; missions and international trade con- frastructure and maintain their livestock Marten estimates that in 1991, the EC spent therefore, that is invalid as an economic ferences, forums and plays an active role herds. $44.6 billion to subsidize its agricultural indicator of a faltering economy. in the investigation and development of a products. That's three times as much as it North-American Free Trade Agreement Two members of the commonwealth - Rus- spent only seven to eight years ago. "I don't believe the economy is in nearly as to expand farm and non-farm trade, con- sia, with a population of 148 million people, bad a shape as everyone thinks," Marten sistent with Farm Bureau policy. and the Ukraine, with another 52 million - The EC subsidizes its wheat by about $3 a concluded. Table 3 SUPPL YIDEMAND BALANCE SHEET FOR , Hilker's SOYBEANS Proj. Guess Hilker's Pro]. Guess ::".'1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside. and .Diverted 3.2 10.0 3.5 Acres Planted 57.8 59.1 57.7 Acres Planted n.3 69.9 71.5 Acres Harvested 56.5 58.0 56.5 Acres Harvested 69.4 58.1 61.0 BuJHarvested Acre 34.1 34.3 34.0 BuJA. Harvested 39.5 34.1 37.0 Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 239 329 325 1344 1521 1076 Beg. Stocks 536 866 390 Production 1926 1986 1921 Beg.S~ocks Production 7933 7474 8544 Production 2736 1981 2257 Imports 2 5 4 Imports 4 5 5 Imports 37 40 33 Total Supply 2167 2320 2250 9281 9000 9625 Total Supply 3309 2887 2680 Use: Total Supply Use: Crushings 1187 1235 1240 Use: 4709 5000 5000 Food 796 780 800 Exports 557 665 600 Feed 1325 1350 1385 Seed 90 92 95 Seed, Feed and FoodlSeed 6350 6385 Feed 489 375 165 Residuals 94 95 95 Total Domestic 6025 1727 1575 1700 Total Domestic 1375 1247 1060 Total Use 1838 1995 1935 Exports n61 7924 8085 Exports 1068 1250 1150 Ending Stocks 329 325 315 Total Use 1076 1540 Total Use 2444 2497 2210 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks 1521 Ending Stocks 866 390 470 Percent of Use 17.9% 16.3% 16.3% Ending Stocks Percent of Use 19.6% 13.6% 19.0% Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $4.50 $5.02 $5.02 Regular Loan Rate $1.57 $1.62 $1.72 Percent of Use 35.4% 15.6% 21.3% Regular Loan Rate $1.95 $2.04 $2.21. U.S. Season Average $5.25- $5.30- U.S. Season Average $2.30 $2.10 Farm Price. $/Bu. $5.75 $5.75 $5.90 Farm Price. $/Bu. 52.28 52.70 52.50 U.S. Season Average $3.00 $3.10 Source: USDA Farm Price. SlBu. 52.61 $3.10 13.90 Source: USDA Source: USDA Michigan Farm News •• January 31, 1992 Electrical/Livestock Safety on the Farm Feeding the branch circuit from a ground o Inspect appliance and extension cords Animal Waterers/Feeders fault circuit interrupter is also effective in yearly. Replace any that show any visi- Too many animals are killed each year by preventing shock unless the branch circuit ble damage at all, either to the cord or electric shock at heated waterers and auto- is unusually long. to the plug. matic feeders. The shock hazards they pres- ent demand careful attention--and problems In addition to paying careful attention to the o Never remove a cord by yanking on arise when the devices are wired hurriedly grounding system, you should also remem- the wire. Pull only on the plug. with inappropriate materials and tech- berthat: niques. o Extension cords are strictly temporary D All splices must be thoroughly water- devices and should never be installed The first line of defense against shock is the proofed with special splice kits--and permanently. If your house wiring is grounding system--the bare conductor in a . should be inspected yearly. inadequate, replace it. Rewiring is From Farm Bureau Insurance branch circuit cable. This bare conductor cheaper than rebuilding. must be continuous all the way back to the D All splices must be made inside water- service panel neutral bar and must connect proof, corrosion-resistant junction o Be especially careful of cords supply- Ozonation a Way firmly to any metal parts of the waterer or boxes. ing heating devices such as heaters feeder that the animal may contact. Bond- ing jumpers in the waterer or feeder may D Even if it is enclosed in rigid conduit, and coffee makers. Keep them away from the heat of the device and inspect To Reduce even be required. all wiring must be completely out of them frequently. Note that a separate ground rod at the wa- reach of large animals. If you take these precautions, there is no need to o Never conceal an appliance or exten- Livestock Odor? terer or feeder is not effective in preventing lose animals to electric shock. sion cord. Unwanted odors produced by farm animals shock. The grounding conductor must be may someday be something of the past connected to exposed metal parts. If the Extension/Appliance Cords The light conductors used in extension o When using an extension cord tempo- through ozonation treatment, according to connection is effective, an accidental con- rarily, be certain that it is adequately the results of research conducted by Michi- tact between the ungrounded, or "hot," con- cords and appliance supply cords are re- rated to supply the amount of power gan State University's Agricultural Engi- ductor and an animal will trip a circuit sponsible for many fires. Here's how you you are using. neering Department. breaker immediately and present no hazard. can protect your home or farm: Ozonation is the process of destroying odor causing bact.eria and its end product, odorous metabolites, by mixing ozone and liquid ma- nure in a storage tank. "The process works; it's just a question of whether we can do it economically," said Howard Person, an agricultural engineering associate professor specializing in livestock waste management. Some municipalities are using the ozonation process to treat water, industrial sewage out- flows, and raw sewage. Smaller ozonation units are also used to treat chlorinated water from swimming pools before the water is put back in circulation. Ozone by itself is formed naturally in the upper atmosphere through a photochemical reaction with solar ultraviolet radiation. Ozone reacts with many compounds because of its strong oxidizing property and chemical instability. These properties allow ozone to neutralize many odor causing agents that are present in livestock manure. Experiments at MSU should be completed within one year. If laboratory results are Health care coverage isn't medical underwriting and positive, a farm model may be built to study ozonation on a larger scale. simple anymore. The bottom carry no pre-existing condition line, however, remains the clauses. Prescription, dental and same: everybody wants the best vision coverage options are also possible coverage at the lowest available to qualified groups. possible rates. This is where Farm Bureau has good news If you're a small business owner for small business owners. who is dissatisfied with your present employee health care With over 40 years of experience plan - or a small business in providing individual health owner who is ready to initiate care plans, Farm Bureau is now your first employee health care offering six Blue Cross Blue plan - contact your local Farm Shield plans and two Blue Cross Bureau office. We'll listen to Blue Shield PPO plans specially your health care coverage needs, designed for groups with 2 to 99 tailor a package to suit your employees. All plans have no preferences, and then cur to the bottom line. Protecting the interests of small business Farm Bureau, specialists in by understanding the interests of small business... all business insurance needs, can be depended on to protect the interests of small business because we understand the interests of small business. What matters to you matters to us. For further information, call The individual field files include a soil test 1-800-292-2680 or contact summary, the nitrogen credited, the amount your local Farm Bureau office. and type of fertilizer applied, and pesticide used. The supplemental sheets allow pro- WHERE ducers to expand on information contained i~ the individual field file. Many calcula- BELONGING •• =;.= tions can be performed based on this infor- MAKES A .. _ .. ,CH,CAN mation. For more information. contact your __ FA." IJIJIIEAIJ local county CES office. DIFFERENCE. January 31, 1992 Pesticide Residue Research Findings Surprising Photo: Ohio State University Chlorothalonil were still less than Ipart per A 1987 National Academy of Sciences million (ppm), far below the EPA's toler- (NAS) report blamed nearly 15 percent of ance level of 5 ppm." the dietary cancer risk from pesticide resi- dues to tomato products, the highest of any According to Prechur, residue levels in pro- single source. More than 90 percent of that cessed products were below the detection risk was pinned on the tomato's fungicide level of .01 ppm in most cases, or right at residues. the detection level, indicating that most of the residues were washed off during rinsing But after nearly four years of research at prior to processing. That finding dispelled Ohio State University, scientists say that the N AS's assumption that residue levels residue estimates used by NAS in their re- would increase ten-fold. port were grossly exaggerated and remark- ably unrealistic. Even so, vegetable special- The study did produce some interesting ists Robert Precheur and Mark Bennett, and side benefits of its own, however. When plant pathologist Mac Riedel, and food sci- less spray was applied before the fruit set entist Kurt Wiese, are uncovering ways that in the weeks right after planting, less resi- growers can reduce use of fungicides with- due was found. Scientists aren't sure why, out losing quality, yields or profits. but they suspect it may have something to do with the formation of the cuticle layer of Never concerned about letting facts stand in the tomato's skin. Riedel and Precheur are the way of good headlines, the 1987 NAS following up on that suspicion and hope to report, "Regulating Pesticides in Food," find answers within the next few years. used estimates based on the assumption that all acres of the crop were treated to the The Ohio scientists plan to continue study- maximum level and that residues would ing residue effects with different fungicide remain on raw tomatoes at the tolerance combinations, rotations and use of a com- According to Ohio State University vegetable specialist Mark Bennett, the study level, or the highest level considered safe. puter called TOMCAST to tell producers showed that early stage timing of fungicide spraying is criticalin residue levels. They further assumed that residues would when conditions are ripe for disease "Common sense would tellyou that the last sprays before harvest would have more concentrate tenfold in processed tomato growth, for better timing of applications. effect on residues, but that doesn't appear to be the case," says Bennett. products. Ohio State scientists were awarded a grant through a pesticide-impact assessment pro- gram of the USDA to study the residue levels of tomatoes. The scientists used com- mercial production and processing tech- &11~rld. Orlando, Florida niques from planting to processing. Each year they tried a dozen disease-control pro- grams and matched them to residues on the raw fruits and on processed tomato prod- ucts. EVERYBODY'S Scientist set up test plots using different timings and combination of the fungicides plancozeb, chlorothalonil, and anilizine, which are sold under the trade names of Dithane, Bravo, and Dyrene. Mancozeb was dropped from the study in 1990 be- ~ ~~. cause of discontinued use by growers. Because Each fall, tomatoes were harvested sepa- rately according to fungicide treatment. Michigan Farm Bureau has added Universal Studios - Florida to our Raw, unwashed tomatoes from each treat- growing listof theme park discounts. ment were frozen and shipped to the Na- tional Food Laboratory in Washington, Universal Studios "FAN CLUB" D.C., to be analyzed for fungicide residues. offers 10% discount offadmission plus additional They found the residue levels on raw toma- toes were extremely low - well below gov- discounts at: ernment tolerance levels. - Orlando area hotels - Hertz Rent-A-Car "If they lowered the tolerance levels for raw tomatoes tomorrow, we could meet the new standards with no problem," states Prechur. - ParticipatingSpencer GiftStores. "The highest level we found was 63 percent below EP A tolerance levels, and that oc- -- - - --------.-- ---- -- -_ ..- ..---_._- ~ curred in one treatment. In that case, residue Your membership entitlesyou to discounts at these theme parks: levels from plots treated with D Universal Studios Fan Club Michigan Farm Bureau D Disney LandlDisney World/Epcot/MGM Membership Report D Busch Gardens State Status D Sea World/Cypress Gardens 1991/92 1990/91 D Henry Ford Museum &Greenfield Village New 8,024 8,233 To receive discounts forany of the above theme parks, check the boxes Renewals 82,093 80,252 next to those you're interested in,and mail to:Michigan Farm Bureau, Membership Servlces/Theme Parks, P.O. Box 30960, Total 90,117 88,485 Lansing, M148909-8460 Goal 120,000 114,500 Name: Member I.D.# 0/0Goal 75.100/0 77.280/0 ,Address: I Need 29,883 26,015 I :City,State, Zip: L ~ Target 45,427 45,709 0/0Target 84.270/0 83.870/0 Remember that your 1992 mem- bership dues must be paid today ifyou want to continue to receive the many benefits of !lQngs lsland. your Farm Bureau membership/ M~ Michigan Farm News January 31, 1992 USDA Announces 1992 Farm Program Provisions USDA has announced common provis- to minor oilseeds, including sunseed, saf- ions of 1992 commodity programs, includ- flowers, flaxseed, canola, rapeseed, and ing the payment of 40 percent of 1992 cash mustard seed. However, if minor oilseeds subsidies for wheat, feed grains, upland cot- are planted on 0/92 acreage, producers must ton, soybeans and other oil seeds in advance. choose between collecting the wheat and Producers of those commodities will also feed grain subsidy payments, or taking out receive 40 percent of their subsidy pay- a government loan against their minor oil- ments in advance in the 1993-95 crop years, seed production, USDA said. according to Knight Ridder News. Producers will also be able to plant sesame USDA estimated the total subsidy for 1992- and crambe on their 0/92 acreage in the crop wheat at 65 cents per bushel. Farmers 1992-95 crop years and collect subsidy pay- will be allowed to collect 26 cents per ments, USDA said. Government price sup- bushel in advance after they have signed up port loans are not offered for those com- for the farm program. modities. USDA also said that producers who plant minor .oilseeds, sesame and For other commodities, the estimated total crambe on 0/92 land can plant certain other 1992 subsidy and advance payments in crops on the same land after the initial crop bushels are as follows: is harvested. Corn - 48 cents total 19.2 cents in advance However, the second crop cannot be any of the program crops, such as wheat and feed Sorghum - 46 cents total grain, and producers are not eligible to take 18.4 cents in advance out government loans on the second crop. Barley - 35 cents total 14 cents in advance Additionally, producers can plant soybeans as a second crop on the 0/92 land only if jected market prices for 1992-93 are o Producers will not be allowed to plant Oats - 15 cents total they have an established history of less then 105 percent of the soybean certain designated crops on up to half 6 cents in advance. the land they have "set aside" under "doublecropping" during at least three of price support level of $5.02 per bushel. the past five years, USDA said. acreage reduction programs. Addition- USDA said 0/92 and 50/92 provisions con- tinue to be available at the discretion of the o Industrial and other crops not specific- ally, "conserving crops" grown on set- aside land to protect the soil will not USDA also said com and sorghum program ally mentioned by USDA will not be producer. Under those programs, producers be allowed to be harvested. acreage will be combined in 1992, with allowed to be planted on 0/92 and can idle up to all or half of their acreage and producers allowed to choose how much to 50/92 acreage. receive 92 percent of the estimated total plant of either crop on the land. However, o Dry peas may be planted on up to 20 subsidy, or "deficiency," payment on the idled land. program subsidy payments will be based on o Targeted option payments will not be percent of wheat and feed grain crop acreage bases, with the land still the historical plantings of com and sorghum made available to producers. Under on the land and not the current year's plant- the TOP program, USDA could have counted as planted to wheat and feed The 0/92 program is available for wheat and grains for planting history purposes. ing, USDA said. allowed producers to increase or de- feed grain producers and the 50/92 program crease their per acre subsidy payment for cotton producers. USDA previously announced that produc- Other provisions announced are as follows: by agreeing to idle or plant more land than the government program requires. ers would be able to enroll in government As with the 1991 programs, producers may plant acreage enrolled in the 0/92 program o Soybeans may be planted on optional farm programs Feb. 0 through April 17. flexible acreage in 1992, because pro- Traveler: BureaU Dear Farm I..J 01" tra Ul ••• ite yOU to join ve l'. we ..n... r- prov~'..J~d us r wona 'J • ue toU .. b t ulelcome to oU w if the eXCh'-i"a '''0 and untq !..J~ ill provJUC> yOU the es on anyone o. 1992. Our tours w F rJJ1.BureaU Tour, t: you ..n 11_ On a a . as just J or travel douur .. or auractwns value for your. e the best and mal me of the people ill expenen.c . to meet SO yoU w he opportuJuty n.d lifestyles. ld weU as have t .1" their culture a F rJJ1.BureaU Wor more OJ .1" our a and learn the best feature OJ and get to knoW But perhaps le yoU meet Tours is the gre:: ~;:ple like ~ours.~l~. FarJJ1. Bureau h'le on the to ideratWn OJ uest w .. for your cons il US your req Thank yoU I"or1992. Please ma best travel World Tour J' re about t he to lean mo 1"0rJJ1. to d ay J' es ava ... .table va lu is' Happy Trave . ~~~eClty.~ l),M?~~1g. Douglas' BureaU ~:chJJ1.idt, Michigan FarJJ1. James L. 1 AssOC. .. Agricultura Manager . Division IU ..notS Field OperatWns Director IFB Travel PrograJJ1. -----------------------------------------------------------------------~--I I I a c iesl Brochure Request Form I 819 y St mped IPleaJJesend, without obligation, the detailed information for the tours indicated below I I I I I July 1-12. 1992 D D D I I This unforgettable, 12=-day to\1r of the Canadian Rockies will not only visit the Canadian Rockleal Ataaka Th&AI~of I great and growing cities of the northwest and majestic heauty of the Rockies, Calgary Stampede Swhzartand • I AuQrie I but also includes unique features designed to give it special appeal. Speci~l IPIN.. "''''tl tMallto:1 attractions include the Calgary Stampede Celebration -- rodeo, chuckwagon Name Farm Bureau races, state show spectacular, a ride on a giant snowmobile on Atha;asco "~r 'Jim,el Se",.u:ea Glacier, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and overnight stays at Addreu P.O. Box 4577 the beautiful Lake Louise Chateau and Banff Springs Hotel. Eat ~, Ml 48826 .onr padcage includes round trip jet tranllportation from Chic-ago, first class or orcaU deluxe hotel accommodations, 20 meals, aU sightseeing and admissions, and a Phone 1-800-748-0289 prqfessional guide. Member price is $2,449 and nODmember price is $2,469. I I I --------------------------------------------------------------------------~ Michigan Farm News January 31, 1992 February Discussion Topic: Privatization of Government Services If you're dissatisfied with something you've bought or a service you've received, how best to produce the service at the lowest possible cost." Community Action Group members can contribute to the discussion of privatization III you usually have some recourse, according by identifying privatization opportunities in to a recent Wall Street Journal editorial on The Institute said that competitive contract- their communities. As noted by the Pennsyl- privatization. "Most stores will take back ing for public services has resulted in cost vania Supreme Court, "If government can- merchandise with few questions asked. savings of 15 to 30 percent, with occasional not provide services at least of a quality and Many companies bend over backward to savings of 50 percent or better. In addition, at a cost commensurate with similar ser- The safest, most efficient resolve consumer complaints. But when it it found that competitive contracting in- vices provided by private enterprise, it is, by wood heat system on the comes to getting satisfaction for public ser- duces improved efficiency for services re- definition, unreasonable to utilize tax dol- marke~ the TAYLOR vices, whether it's garbage removal or pot- tained by the government agency but sub- lars for that purpose." waterstove sits outside holes, irate consumers are at the mercy of a ject to competitive contracting, such as a and heats your home monopoly provider with little incentive to and 100% of household municipal bus system that contracts for 20 act on their complaints. " percent of route service . Discussion Questions: hot water. • UL listed , 1. What benefits would there be for your • Thermostatic control : The goal of privatization is to help citizens A "Privatization 1991" report by the Reason • 12 to 24 hour burn time .~ community with the privatization of par- get more for their tax dollar by making the Foundation concluded that financially pres- ticular services now provided by gov- monopoly provider of public services (gov-. sured cities and counties are likely to make TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, INC. ernment? ernment) subject to the discipline of marke~ increasing use of private contracting in the PO Box 518. Elizabethtown. NC 28337 forces. A new policy approved by delegates years ahead. Strong targets for privatization, Call 1-800.545-2293 for more details. 2. What are the roadblocks that may to the 1991 Michigan Farm Bureau annual the report said, include sports, cultural and occur to hinder the privatization of gov- meeting directs the organization to explore recreational facilities;jails and prisons; fleet ernment services in your community? the potential for privatization in Michigan. maintenance programs; and transit systems. 3. What government services do you Two recent studies examined the ramifica- Privately financed, built and operated infra- feel would be most improved by going tions of privatization. "Competitive Con- structure projects are also becoming more to privatization? tracting - Taking Control of Government popular, according to the report. Within the Spending" was done by the Heartland Insti- past year, California and Virginia approved 4. What would be the direct impact, ei- tute, a nonprofit organization that re- private toll-road projects. Albany, Los An- ther positive or negative, to the agricul- Tailored Building.jy,;stems searches state and local issues of import- geles, Peoria, Philadelphia and New York tural community with privatization of ance to the Midwest. "Competitive con- City are considering selling their municipal specified government services? tracting has been used for decades by pri- airports. The Sign of Quality vate businesses and government agencies Since 1967 to ensure that goods and services of a de- A 1988 survey by the International City fined quantity and quality are produced for Management Association asked 4,870 local the lowest possible cost," said the Institute. governments to identify the most important "When applied to government services, obstacle to privatization. Nearly 40 percent competitive contracting involves a synthe!. of the respondents cited public employee sis of public and private roles. The public opposition. Thirty-eight percent noted op- sector decides what services should be pro- position from elected officials; 35 percent a duced and what specifications should apply lack of competent private deliverers; 32 per- to the service. The competitive market re- cent a lack of evidence of effectiveness; and sponds to the invitation and determines 28 percent citizen opposition. 1992 Young Farmers' Leaders Conference - Developing Professionals for the Future COMPACTED SOIL? Agri-SC ••• • Softens hard, compacted soil • Improves water MACMA infiltration & aeration MID-WINTER SALE • Reduces erosion • Enhances nutrient SAVE $2.00 • uptake Reduces soil shear on a case of strength for easier microwave popcorn tillage The conference receives high rankings from past participants, based on the workshops and also featuring ... • Low per acre cost interaction participants have with other young farmers from across Michigan. The program includes recreational time with a district bowling tournament Thursday night, and a recogni- tion banquet on Friday evening, concluding with a casino night and dance. • Frozen Fruits • University tested Coneressional Insieht - Rudy Denes, Mid- • Gift Packs MFB's State Young Farmer Committee west Region Area Field Service Director, is preparing for another exciting Leaders' American Farm Bureau • Croissants Conference again this year, at the Midland Valley Plaza, March 5-7, according to State What is the Young Farmer Program - • Citrus Young Farmer Committee chairman, Steve Ernie Birchmeier, MFB Young Farmer De- Agri-SC ... Gonyea of Spruce. partment Manager • Nuts .. I proven effective ' .1 "The program is designed to give partici- Personal Presentation and How to • Dirt Squad _ for over 15 years by scientific pants, often young farm couples, new skills they can take home and apply to their farm operations, as well as their personal lives," explained Gonyea . Handle the Media - Mike Kovacic, MFB Director of Information & Public Relations Building Better Working Relationships in Farm Families - Dr. Ron Hanson, Asso- ORDER DEADLINE February 19 SAgri-SC I....- .-i research and thousands of satisfied growers! The workshops and speakers include: ciate Professor, Farm Management and Fi- DELIVERY Farm Family Lifestyles - Sheri Wohlfert, nance, University of Nebraska March 16 to 20th Call for additional research, MSU Cooperative Extension Service pricing, or dealership information Conference registration is $160 and is due Aiming Your Farm at the Future - Mike by Feb. 15, 1992 to Michigan Farm Bureau. 1.800.348.2608 S~lisbury, Salisbury Management Ser- According to Gonyea, however, if an indi- For more information contact ~FOURSTAR Vices, Inc. vidual is selected by their county Farm Bu- your county Farm Bureau T..nrSERVICES, INC. reau to attend the conference, the costs are or caI/1-8OD-292-2680 2275 North State Road One. PO Box 463 Farm Safety and the Family - Julie Cham- often paid for by the county. Bluffton, Indiana 46714 berlain, MFB Promotion and Education extension 2305. Agri-SC Is on exclusive product of FOlI Star Servlces Manager For more information or registration de- tails, contact your local county Farm Bu- Good for tIle Ea1"th! Wetlands and Conservation - Vi c k i reau, or the MFB Young Farmer Depart- Pontz, MFB Legislative Counsel ment, at (517) 323-7000, Ext. 3235. Michigan Farm News Michigan Young Farmers Compete Well at AFBF •• January 31, 1992 MSU Dairy Management Conference - Surviving the 90s The conference will target business and By the year 2000, the number of cows in herd management, from the cost of produc- the U.S. dairy herd will have declined by 6 ing or buying feed, and getting the material percent, but milk production will have in- through the cow to selling milk profitably. creased by about 7 to 8 percent. University dairy specialists will be drawn Overall, real gross profit margins per hun- from Cornell, the University of Wisconsin, dredweight (cwt.) are not expected to be Kansas State University and MSU. Eight much above the low level seen in 1991, dairy farmers from Michigan, New York according to John Ferris, agricultural econ- and New Jersey will also outline their dairy omist at Michigan State University. herd management programs. "On a per cow basis. real gross margins per Business spokepersons include practicing cwt. would be expected to remain relatively veterinarians from Michigan and New. low before increasing in the last half of the York, a representative from Michigan Milk MFB's Young Farmer finalist represented Michigan in proud fashion in national competition decade," Ferris predicts. "Response to Producers' Association and a representa- in Kansas City at AFBF's 73rd annual meeting ..Michigan's Young Farmer Discussion Meet these returns will be slow, and dairy prod- tive from the Farm Credit Banks of Massa- winner Bob Mayer, (above left), of Bronson talked his way to the final four competing for the uct stocks will not likely decline much until chusetts. national title against finalists from Ky., Ind., and Calif. Mayer was awarded a Honda Fourtrax the end of the decade. " 300 all-terrain vehicle as a national Discussion Meet finalist. The conference will have a variety of pro- At the Michigan Dairy Management Con- grams for spouses, including tours of se- MFB's Distinguished Young Farmer representatives Andy and Beth Snider of Hart were ference, March 3-4 at the Amway Grand lected Grand Rapid sites, and discussion selected as one of three runners-up in national competition. The Sniders, in partnership with Plaza, Grand Rapids, university and dairy about personalities and family communica- Andy's parents, Larry and Becky Snider, operate a dairy and feeder pig operation in Oc.ea.na industry experts and dairy farmers will out- tions. County. As national runner-up winners, the Sniders will receive a one-year free subscnptlOn line how they think the dairy industry can to the ACRES marketing information service and the necessary equipment to receive ACRES manage profitably during the remainder of information. If reservations are made by Feb. 20, the cost the decade. will be $145 for the first person, and $105 for the second. After Feb. 20, cost will WHEN COMES A MONTH EARLY, increase by $10 per person. The charges cover two luncheons, two breaks, a copy of the proceedings and the banquet. Addi- tional banquet tickets are $30 each. BE GLAD IHEREIS IHE BRENT CPC2000. Registration checks should be made pay- able to MSU and sent to the Michigan Dairy Management Conference, 120 Anthony Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225. More information about the conference can be obtained from Andy Skidmore at MSU by calling (517) 353-9025. The registration fee does not cover over- night lodging. The Amway is offering spe- cial rates for the conference reservations, which can be made by calling 1-800-253- 3550. Bean Day Program February 25 l State Bean Day, a day-long program de- ast year's combination of delayed spring to a depth of 20 inches. Bringing up the rear signed to acquaint growers with the latest planting and October winter storms meant is a second gang of 24-inch adjustable disks information on production, markets and a lot of farmers felt lucky just to get their that cover ridges and valleys leaving a uni- other developments in this important Mich- crops out before the snow igan industry, has been set for February 25, formly rough texture to help protect 1992, at the Saginaw Civic Center in down- fell. Fall field work against washing by spring rains. town Saginaw. was pretty These rear disks much out also seal the soil to Co-sponsored by the Production Research Advisory Board, Michigan Bean Commis- of the retain moisture. sion, Michigan Bean Shippers Association question and Cooperative Extension Service, this in many areas. Fortunately, the Brent FIELD-BY-FIELD RESIDUE MANAGEMENT year's program promises to be special. CPC 2000* tillage system from Unverferth works as well in the spring as it does in the Best of all, the Brent CPC 2000 means that "We're pleased that we will have speakers now you only need one primary tillage tool, on the program from both the U.S. and fall. Whatever your tillage program, the CPC England," said Wes Edington, chair of the 2000 lets you do prescription tillage in one even if you farm hills, rolling ground and river Production Research Advisory Board. pass, leaving any amount of crop residue, bottoms. Because the CPC 2000 lets you pre- "James Fuller with Allen Canning Com- scription-manage your tillage field by field, or pany will discuss the domestic market for from 0% to 85%, on the soil surface. dry beans, and Dennis Holmes, Purchasing even within a field, to meet the requirements Manager with Stratford- Upon- Avon Foods, The depth- and angle-adjustable front disk of your conservation program. England, will review the U.K. market." gangs cut through even the heaviest stalk Doors will open at 9:00 a.m., and the pro- residue with ease. Optimal disk-blade spac- So if Mother Nature put you behind with last gram will begin at 10:00 a.m. The morning ings to precision-fit your tillage needs are fall's early storms, see your Unverferth dealer agenda will present the latest information available. to catch up. He's got just what the doctor on dry bean production, including a review ordered for one-pass tillage, fall or spring. of narrow row production, harvest loss and new variety release and testing. Right behind the front disks, a V-shaped row The afternoon program, beginning at 2:00 of deep-till shanks let you penetrate hard pan •u.s. Patent Pending p.m., includes presentations by two canner representati ves, and discussion of future do- mestic and international market opportuni- ties, and a forecast of markets for the bal- ance of this year and the outlook for next. Bean Day is held every other year, and features exhibits by major suppliers to Michigan's dry bean industry. For more infonnation, contact your local elevator or Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. local CES office. KALIDA, OHIO 45853 1-800-322-6301