Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau February 15, 1992 1 •• 1 Vol. 69, No.3 Ag Secretary Promotes Bush Economic Plan To County Presidents A cut in the capital gain tax would not only than $100,000 a year, what they don't tell benefit the agricultural economy, it could you is that they're including the capital gain also make it easier for young farmers to get for that year in that calculation. A capital into agriculture, according to Edward Mad- gains tax i~ not just for the rich. It can help igan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the economy of the United States consider- Agriculture. ably." "Because we keep talking in Washington Madigan also promoted Bush's proposed 12 about changing the capital gains tax and not percent investment tax credit. "If that tax doing it, older farmers are not selling their credit would encourage you to buy a tractor, land," said Madigan, speaking at a press combine or truck, somebody's going to conference Feb. 6 during the 1992 County build that tractor, combine or truck. And Presidents' Conference in Detroit. "And as that's going to create jobs for people." a result of that, younger farmers can't ac- quire farmland. If we could resolve this, we The 1993 federal budget released by Presi- could provide the opportunity for a younger dent Bush proposes a funding cut of $2.4 person to get on the land." billion for the overall agriculture budget in the new fiscal year. Nearly all of that de- Speaking at the county presidents' lun- crease comes from funding for community cheon, Madigan pointed out the savings a and rural development. typical farmer could realize from President Bush's capital gain tax cut proposal. "If you Outlay levels are up for research and educa- USDA Sec. Madigan addressed County Presidents, during their Feb. 6 conference. sold a hundred acres of farmland at average tion. "We're trying to change the direction He said that development of farm-based "The political reality is that most congress- Michigan farmland values, you would put of research at USDA," said Madigan. "We products like biodegradable plastics, soy- men do not represent agricultural areas," an extra $7,200 in your pocket," he said. want our scientists to focus some attention bean ink and cleaner-burning ethanol fuels Madigan said. "If we're going to stay in the "When people criticize the capital gains tax on developing alternative uses for crops that help enhance the credibility of agriculture. (political) fight, we've got to sharpen up and say it benefits only people making more are frequently in surplus." as an industry friendly to the environment. our environmental credentials." New MDA Initiatives To Reduce Pesticide Exposure In Michigan contamination. Licensed hazardous waste lect these containers, grind them into us- initiatives for the disposal and recycling of Three new Michigan Department of Agri- management companies will handle and able granules and recycle the granules into used pesticide containers. Participants will culture (MDA) programs will go a long way transport the materials to approved hazard- new non-consumer, environmentally safe be briefed on the new federal requirements, in reducing the potential for pesticide con- ous waste incinerators, landfills or high pesticide containers. Close monitoring will review existing state programs and develop tamination, according to MDA Director temperature furnaces for disposal. The pro- ensure that collected containers have been model plans that satisfy the federal man- Bill Schuette. gram is based upon the success of an earlier cleaned to remove any pesticide residue. dates. MSU and MDA were successful in pilot program which collected 120,000 This will be a cooperative venture between obtaining federal funds from EP A to sup- "The Michigan Department of Agriculture pounds of unusable pesticides from 360 MDA and MSU, the Michigan Agri-Bu~i- port the program. is absolutely committed to protecting the participants in 24 counties. Some of the ness Association, and Grower Service Cor- environment by removing outdated pesti- products that may be in storage and need to poration, a subsidiary of United Agri-Prod- Work has already begun on all three initia- cides and recycling empty pesticide con- be properly disposed of include: DDT, ucts. Although MDA will help fund this tives with full implementation expected tainers," said Schuette. "We are confident Chlordane, Dieldrin, Aldrin, Heptachlor, proposal, it's anticipated the majority of within the next few months. these programs will succeed in greatly re- and Lead Arsenate. the funds will come from private sources. ducing any potential threat that an acciden- According to Schuette, "One ofMDA's top tal release of these chemicals would pose to Pesticide Container Recycling Pesticide Regulatory Education priorities is the environmental stewardship ground and surface water." Each year Michigan growers and applica- The third program, Pesticide Regulatory of Michigan's natural resources. I think tors use up to 600,000 2-1/2 gallon plastic Education Program, will be conducted as a Michigan farmers will welcome our efforts, Clean Sweep pesticide containers. In the past, these con- joint effort between MDA, MSU and EPA. P¥ticularly those who have been safely The Michigan Clean Sweep program will tainers have been dumped in solid waste One aspect of this national pilot project will storing outdated pesti.cides and containers focus on eliminating outdated or suspended landfills" burned or stockpiled. The Pesti- focus on training state regulatory officials awaiting the technology and means to prop- •• pesticides that could find their way into the Great Lakes. The first part of the program cide Container Recycling Program will col- from allover the nation on EP A's new erly dispose of them." will include 16 West Michigan counties to help protect Lake Michigan from future Winter in Michigan means county Farm Bureau-sponsored mall displays across the state. These gems were part of the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall's Farm Bureau Days, Jan. 24-26. The annual event, sponsored by Gratiot, Midland, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties, in- cluded this exhibit by theA-tractive Trac- tor Club of Central Michigan. The mall show included a Saginaw Young Farmers petting farm, a display by the Tri-County Horse Association and .4 an "Ag Olympics" event that consisted of a corn shelling and shovelling contest, a blind-folded potato toss and wagc;m races. Sunday's festivities included eight heats of tractor races as well. m During the three-day event, the county ~ Farm Bureaus distributed 30 Ibs. of sa- lami, 7,000 cones of cotton candy, 230 Ibs. of sugar, 11,000 cups of popcorn, 4,000 cups of soynuts, 84 Ibs. of ham, and 3,500cups of baked beans. Capitol Corner - Michigan Farm Weather~ Farm Business Outlook _ Michigan Farm News February 15,1992 Q Farmers and Farm Bureau Integrity and Ill Brief- Commitment January Farm Prices Unchanged From December The index of prices received by U.S. farmers for their products in January was unchanged The recently completed 1992 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting from the December level, but was down 4.9 percent from January 1991, according to recent in Kansas uity was a showcase for the people and programs that make Michigan USDA estimates. Farm Bureau one of the most respected state Farm Bureaus in the nation. Lower prices in January for eggs, hogs, and milk were offset by increases in the prices of In the area of member involvement, Michigan Farm Bureau was honored with 12 tomatoes, wheat and corn, USDA said in its monthly Agricultural Prices Report. USDA Gold Stars for outstanding program achievement. These stars were recognition that said prices for fuels and feeder livestock were significantly lower than the last time they Farm Bureau members and their organization conduct well organized, effective were surveyed in October. programs that make a difference. USSR Grain Pact No Longer Valid The Washtenaw County Farm Bureau won the County Farm Bureau Program Exchange for their "Project RED" Agriculture in the Classroom project. This inno- A special agreement between the former Soviet Union and the U.S. to buy millions of tons vative activity and the well-constructed convention center display impressed Farm of grain each year is null and void, USDA spokesman Roger Runningen announced Bureau members from all over the country. recently. Under the U.S.-USSR Long Term Grain Agreement, the former USSR each year was obligated to buy 4 million tons each of U.S. wheat and feed grains and 2 million tons Our Young Farmer and Rancher contest participants did a great job representing each of U.S. soybeans and soymeal. their state. Andy and Beth Snider, of Hart, were one of three runners-up in the Distinguished Young Farmer competition and Bob Mayer, of Bronson, made the Despite that, Runningen said, the U.S. would not hold the Commonwealth of Independent final four in the national Discussion Meet. Their performance really highlights the States (CIS) to the obligations of the grain pact. "The LTA was an agreement with a nation abilities of these young farmers who represent the future of our industry. that no longer exists," he said. The U.S. and the USSR signed their first grain pact in 1975 after the USSR unexpectedly bought massive amounts of grain in 1972-73, shocking U.S. Your Farm Bureau delegates did their usual competent job during the policy supply channels and pushing domestic grain prices higher. session. Three major policy areas deserve special note. Farm Bureau's dairy position was reaffirmed. It calls for the use of a voluntary diversion program in any The most recent 5-year agreement was to cover the years 1991 -96, but the end of the Soviet inventory management effort, a dairy heifer export program, revamped milk stan- Union has now made that pact obsolete. USDA confirmed the LTA's demise, after the CIS dards with higher solids, and no assessment other than those needed to fund a made its first purchase of U.S. corn since the formation of the commonwealth. USDA said diversion program. the recent corn sale forced a decision whether to continue to count sales under the agreement. The department concluded that the pact was no longer valid since the former Of interest to our Michigan specialty crop industry: delegates called for a longer republics of the USSR are now all independent nations. phase-in period in the North American Free Trade Agreement for import-sensitive commodities. Milk Price and Production Rising And in reference to the GATT trade negotiations, delegates approved policy stating Dairy herds in Michigan produced 436 million pounds of milk during December, up 7 that Farm Bureau will not support elimination of Section 22 import quotas for sugar million pounds from a year ago, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural and dairy products in the negotiations unless they are replaced with tariff quotas Statistics Service. Milk production rates averaged 1,290 pounds per cow, increasing 40 which retain a substantial level of import protection. U.S. commodity support prices pounds from a year ago. The Michigan dairy herd was estimated at 338,000 head, 5,000 should only be reduced when it can be assured that the multilateral reductions are fewer than last December. being made on a basis and in a manner which is both fair and equitable to U.S. producers. The policy recommends that all foreign export subsidies be properly The preliminary value of milk sold averaged $ 14.30 per hundredweight (cwt.) in December, identified and completely eliminated. $2.20 more than last year and $.20 higher than November 1991. Mid-month December slaughter cow prices averaged $46.10 per cwt., $2.60 less than the previous year. In conclusion, the activities of the 1992 AFBF annual meeting really underscore an important observation about our organization. Other interest groups, such as Milk in the 21 major states totaled 10.4 billion pounds, one percent less than production in environmentalists, have much greater financial resources than Farm Bureau. But I these same states in December 1990. Production averaged 1,242 pounds for December, 17 can think of no other group that brings a greater level of integrity and commitment pounds more than December 1990. The number of cows on farms was 8.36 million head, to their industry than do farmers. These are our strengths and advantages that will the same as November 1991 but 191,000 less than December 1990. allow us to prevail in the legislative and public opinion battles of the coming year. Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan produced 1.7 million pounds of butter in Novem- ber, 12 percent more than a year ago. Ice cream output totaled 1.4 million gallons, 14 percent less than last November. -jiurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau 1993 CRP Enrollment Expected to Slow New Facilities Planned for MSU Food Safety Center USDA expects farmers to enroll 381,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land in the Robert Hollingworth, director of the Pesticide Research Center at Michigan State Univer- Conservation Reserve Program in fiscal 1993 (October-September), compared with an sity, has been assigned an additional role as acting director of MSU's embryonic National estimated 1.1 million this year, according to Knight Ridder News. Food Safety/Toxicology Center (FS/TC). Hollingworth will lead development of the center's programs and construction of an animal facility and laboratory research building. The CRP, created by 1985 farm law, is a long-term land retirement program intended primarily to take highly erodible farm land out of production. But the program was reshaped The research building will be a federally funded structure costing an estimated $17 million, in the 1990 farm act to also include land where farming threatens water quality. and will be built just east of the Veterinary Clinical Center. Additional FS/TC facilities for animals will be built south of Mt. Hope Road and will cost another $6 million. Planning, In the 11 sign ups held so far, farmers have agreed to idle 35.5 million acres, usually for 10 architectural services and a sewer extension will add another $2 million to the project costs. years, in exchange for annual rental payments from the federal government. The adminis- tration estimates those payments at 1.79 billion dollars in fiscal 1993, up from 1.73 billion MSU plans to match a total of $25 million from the federal government through new this year. research and office space, bringing the total value of the FS/TC facilities to $50 million. When the project is complete in 1995, it's expected to make the campus a major national The budget also estimated that farmers would enroll 200,000 acres of wetlands, at a cost of center for food safety research and allied service and teaching programs. Initial planning almost $161 million, in the Wetlands Reserve Program created by the 1990 farm act. In for the new center was carried out by Lawrence Fischer and Robert Leader of the MSU total, USDA is required to enroll at least 40 million acres in the two programs by the end Institute for Environmental Toxicology. of 1996. Futures Users Fee Resurfaces In U.S. Budget The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN ) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, An often-debated proposal to impose user fees on U.S. futures markets resurfaced in the December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm proposed 1993 budget, prompting the Chicago Board of Trade (CBT) to come out swinging Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Ml 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual in opposition to the Bush administration plan, according to a Knight Ridder report. dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is pending at Lansing, Ml and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be It's the third time in as many years that President Bush has tried to put some responsibility sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Ml 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address for funding the industry's regulator, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in the changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Ml 48909-8460. laps of U.S. exchanges. In its fiscal 1993 budget, the White House is projecting a $5.6 Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin; Donna million increase in the CFTC's budget that would be funded by 15-cent user fee on futures Wilber; Henry Huisjen. and options transactions done on U.S. futures exchanges. Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, "The President and his administration are out of touch with reality on this," said Thomas Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Torti Donovan, CBT president and chief executive officer. "We will encourage (Congress) to Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; reject once again this foolish idea before America's leadership position in the global futures District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye industry is thrown away. CBT Chairman William O'Connor noted that U.S. exchanges are Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers, Steven facing increasing competition from overseas and that a user fee could become "the straw Gonyea, Spruce. that broke the camel's back in terms of our competitive position against foreign futures exchanges." In 1991, the CBT's volume fell 10 percent. . Michigan Farm N~ws ITOL o -. February 15, 1992 o :D Z •• m :D Medical Liability Reform Local Wetlands Ordinances MFB Position At press time, 63 of the 110 State House members had MFB Position Senate Bill 522, which would prohibit local units of govern- MFB is a member of the signed on as co-sponsors of a two-bill package, HB 5434 MFB policy supports ment from enacting or enforcing ordinances pertaining to Michigan Medical Lia- and HB 5435, calling for tort reform and alternative dis- legislation that prohibits wetlands, has been referred again to the Senate Committee bility Reform Coalition, pute resolution measures. Highlights of the bills include: local wetlands ordi- on Local Government and Urban Development. The com- representing more than nances that are more mittee has held meetings with interested parties to attempt 50 groups, associations -Disputes could be settled through the use of an alternative stringent than the state to arrive at a compromise, with a substitute bill expected and organizations across system for resolving claims before they go to court, possi- Wetlands Protection Act within two to three weeks. the state that are ac- bly saving millions in legal transaction costs and provide and, therefore, supports tively supporting these settlements to patients much faster than currently possible. S8 522 as introduced. Farm Bureau is working for a substitute bill that ensures statewide standards for wetlands determination and uni- reform measures. - Require patients to officially notify doctors, hospitals, form application of the law in all areas of the state. and other providers 180 days prior to filing a suit, to allow MFB Contact: Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 Action Needed them time to prepare a defense. Farm Bureau members are encouraged to contact - Create a sliding scale contingent fee system for attor- neys, replacing the current system that allows lawyers to their legislators and ask receive one-third of a patient's settlement. Currently, only Local Pesticide Ordinances them to support the re- form legislation, House 37 cents of every liability dollar actually goes to a patient. MFB Position Senate Bill 643, which would prohibit local units of govern- Bills .5434 and 5435". - Requires better qualified "expert" witnesses at Michigan Farm Bureau policy op- ment from enacting or enforcing pesticide control ordi- trials. poses regulation of pesti- nances has been reported out of the Senate Agriculture, For- MFBContact cides by local units of estry and Wildlife Committee. Boward Kelly, Ext. 2044 The reforms place no limits on the amount of economic government. We support awards (lost wages and medical rehabilitation costs) that a The full Senate considered the bill on Feb. 4, adding sev- S8 643 as introduced. patient can colleetThey do limit non-economic awards to eral amendments in the process. The bill was referred back $250,000, meaning the sarne injuries and settlements will MFB Contact: to the Senate Agriculture Committee and is expected to be be treatedll1.oreyq~ally aC~f>ssthe state. Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 reconsidered by the full Senate within weeks. Members are encouraged to ask their Senator to support the measure as introduced. Pesticide Regulation The Michigan Department of Agriculture has drafted regu- MFB Position lations as required by the 1988 amendments to' the Michi- Michigan Farm Bureau gan Pesticide Control Act. Some of the provisions in Regu- supported the rules pack- lation 637 include the requirement that all applicators pre- age. MFB has been a vent off target drift, maintain pesticide equipment in sound part of a working group mechanical condition including properly functioning shut- to draft these rules for off valves and anti-siphoning devices, and have a "spill kit" the past two years. available at all times. MFBContact Applicators must identify sensitive areas such as schools, Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 parks, bees, organic farms, etc., and prevent pesticides from drifting onto those areas. Applicators who use drift minimization practices and put a drift management plan in writing will be given special consideration in any regula- tory enforcement action. The regulations allow for pesticide-containing materials such as soil, sediment and debris to be land applied if the active ingredient can be measured and the application is no greater than label rates. Applicators must wear protective equipment as described on the label and shall contain all spills promptly. All commercial applicators must install mixing and loading pads, meet posting and notification requirements, and no- "." • " •• . 0" tify all persons registered with the department as "sensitive persons" at least 24 hours in advance of applying pesti- -, ..MIfBP6sition .:FaimBureau voiced its . concern regarding the Executive Order 1990-31, issued in November by Gov. .Jolih Englet,reorganized the Department of Natural Re- sources by eliminating 19 boards and commissions (includ- cides. MDA has held public hearings and the rules will go to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules this winter . governor's appointment ing the Water Resources Commission and the Air Pollu- of the NRCchair and tion Control Commission) and streamlining the decision the need to guarantee cit- izen input in a letter to making authority of the DNR director. INS Revises Employment the governor and has not taken an official posi- The executive order also allows for the governor to ap- point the chair of the Natural Resources Commission. DNR staff have been working to implement the executive Eligibility Form 1-9 tion on the DNR's im- Michigan Farm Bureau has received nu- In addition, old 1-9 forms can be used until order that includes the dissemination of a "department cal- plementation plans. merous calls regarding a previous article on the new forms are readily available, and it endar" to notify citizens of all decisions to be made by the MFBContact department on permits, rules, game orders, etc. The depart- a new Immigration and Naturalization Ser- is not necessary to complete a new 1-9 form Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 ment and the Legislature have held hearings on the pro- vices (INS) Form 1-9 now in effect and on any employee whose present 1-9 form is posed Phase I (or interim) implementation plan and ap- being mailed to employers. These forms are still valid. ., proved a procedure for adopting the Phase II or final im- plementaion plan. Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Houk overturned the also available at INS offices and Depart- ment of Labor Wage and Hour offices. Form 1-9 is the form used to establish a worker's employment eligibility under the To obtain copies of the new 1-9 forms and the new Handbook for Employers, which contains instructions for completing Form 1-9, members should either write or call the executive order Jan. 30, stating it was unconstitutional and a misuse of executive powers to reorganize a government 1986 Immigration Reform Act. These INS at the following location: agency that is established by statute. The governor's office forms must be completed and on file each is expected to appeal that decision to the Michigan Su- time a worker is hired, and must be retained Immigration/lNV preme Court. In the meantime, the Water Resources Com- for three years after the date of hire, or one Federal Building mission and the Air Pollution Control Commission will year after the employment ends, whichever 333 Mt. Elliot Street continue to operate as they did prior to the issuing of the is later. Detroit, MI 48207 executive order. Phone: (313) 226-3270 A number of recent changes are important. MFB's Public Affairs Division Employers should be aware that it is dis- criminatory to specify which documents an According to MFB's Howard Kelly, the new I-9's were originally required to be (517) 323-7000 employee must show for employment au- thorization. Employers can't ask for more used by all employers after Nov. 20, 1991. The INS has extended this deadline date, American Farm Bureau Capitol Hotline or different documents than the employee offers, nor refuse to honor documents however, to June 30, 1992, to allow em- ployers adequate compliance time. 1-800-245-4630 which reasonably appear to be genuine. Michigan Farm News February 15,1992 Michigan Weather Summary Michigan and Major Commodity Area 1/1/92 Temperature Precipitation Extended Weather Outlook to 1/31/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Dev. From T-Temp. 2/15 2/29 2/15. Mean Normal (inch.) Norm P - Precip. T P T P Alpena 23.2 +4.3 1.74 +0.05 A B Michigan A B N B Bad Axe 24.6 +2.6 1.63 +0.07 W. Corn Belt A B N R Detroit 28.4 +5.7 1.78 +0.04 E. Corn Belt N B N N Escanaba 22.4 +5.9 1.67 +0.05 Wint. Wheat Belt N N/A A B Grand Rapids 27.4 +5.6 1.52 -0.92 Spr. Wheat Belt A B A B Houghton Lake 23.7 +5.0 1.28 -0.41 Pac.NW Wheat A N R N Lansing 26.2 +4.3 1.34 -0.36 R A Marquette 18.3 +7.3 1.40 -0.62 Delta B A/N B N Southeast B A Muskegon 29.0 +5.5 1.36 -1.02 San Joaquin N N Saginaw 25.7 +3.3 1.51 -0.05 A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- Sautt Ste. Marie 17.6 +3.6 2.94 +1.12 mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- South Bend 30.0 +6.9 1.64 -0.80 No Precip. Source: National Weather Office Traverse City 26.5 +4.9 1.66 •0.25 Vestaburg 24.8 +2.7 2.15 +0.47 Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU normals, with the greatest departures from normal occurring in An active storm track brought moderate to heavy snow and arctic northern and western portions of the state. air to much of Michigan during the middle and latter part of January, especially in southeastern sections of the state where snowfall for 30 and 90-Day Forecasts the month neared 20 inches in some spots compared to 10 inch With El-Nino conditions presently continuing in the equatorial normals. With the exception of the northern and western Upper Pacific Ocean, milder and drier than normal weather is expected to Peninsula, and a few spots in eastern lower Michigan, precipitation continue into early spring. Both the 30 and 90-day forecasts are was below normal. calling for above normal temperatures and below normal precipita- tion statewide, although the historical correlation of El-Nino events Much above normal temperatures early in the month and again at and subsequent Michigan weather becomes weaker as spring ap- month's end led to above normal averages for January. Tempera- proaches. If this outlook holds true, it would be the sixth consecutive tures for the month averaged from 2 to 7 degrees above the 30-year Michigan winter of normal to above normal temperatures. The Slight Increase In 1991 Fruit Production Overall output of Michigan's seven major fruit crops in Apple production in the state at 880 million pounds was 17 percent above last year's level. Michigan ranked third in @ 1991 increased slightly from last year's below average NA-CHURS harvest, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricul- tural Statistics Service. Total production of apples, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, apple production behind Washington and New York. The Michigan Tart Cherry crop was 31 percent below last year's low level. Utilized production was 100 million Program. sweet cherries, and tart cherries increased 9 percent from the 1990 level to 597,000 tons. The apple, sweet cherry, plum and pear crops posted gains. A week of unusually pounds with little waste. The Michigan crop accounted for 58 percent of U.S. production. Sweet Cherry production rose 38 percent from the 1990 Anything warm weather late in March accelerated fruit development stages and left the crop vulnerable to prolonged freezing temperatures which hit the state on April 10 and 11. level, with an estimated 22,000 tons ranking Michigan fourth in the nation behind Washington, Oregon, and Cali- fornia. Else Is Just A Most crops suffered damage to bloom and as a result disease was widespread. The warm and then cold weather during critical growth periods during bloom resulted in poor pol- The state's 40 million pound Peach harvest was down 11 percent from the previous season's crop. Michigan Grape Bunch lination. This was magnified by lack of rainfall leading to production levels improved from last year, but below the five year average of 657,500 tons. output remained the same as last year's level of 46,000 tons. Prune and Plum production in the state was up 50 percent from last year to total 9,000 tons. PEAR production was also up at 5,000 tons, 100 percent more than last year. Of Fertilizer. Colorado Potato Beetle/Nematode Southeastern Michigan CES Control Workshop February 20 Melon School at Domino Farms NA-CHURS* Plant Food Company provides a crop service program based on sound information and A Potato Pest Management Workshop is scheduled for Feb. Melon school, a day long program of interest to growers, analysis. Not guesswork. And not just fertilizer. 20, at Maxfield's Restaurant in Wyman, according to Don will be held on Feb. 29, at Domino Farms, Ann Arbor, Smucker, Montcalm County Extension Director. The jointly sponsored by Washtenaw, Macomb and Monroe The NA-CHURS Program begins with soil samples workshop, which begins with registration at 8:30 a.m., will taken before you plant Your samples are sent to County Extension Services. Topics to be covered include deal with Colorado potato beetle in the morning session and use of drip irrigation and plastic mulch; pollination; fertil- the NA-CHURS laboratory where professional nematode and early-die management in the afternoon. ization; weed, insect and disease control as well as cultivar technicians perform the most sophisticated soil information, post harvest handling, economics and melon testing service in the country. In usually two The workshop will feature resource people from Michigan carving. A grower panel will share insights on production weeks or less, you'll have easy-to-read fertility State University, the agricultural industry, and local farm- and marketing ideas. recommendations matched to your crop and yield ers. Topics will include biology and behavior of the pests, goals. It all starts with sound testing which can and control thresholds, strategies and alternatives. The $25 per person registration fee includes lunch and end with higher profits. notebook and is required by Feb. 15, 1992. To obtain a Reservations for the buffet lunch are required and can registration form or more information, call the Wash- And the NA-CHURS Program doesn't stop with be made by calling the Montcalm County Extension tenaw County Extension office at (313) 971-0079. soil testing. You can even consult with your office at (517) 831-5226, extension 248. 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Available equipment includes chassis for portabil- •NA-CHURS" and & are trademarks of NA-CHURS Plant Food Company. chassis are available in lengths up to 67'. Con- ity, discharge spout, inlet hopper, tow hitch, raised cover to convey higher CNA-CHURS Plant Food Company, 1992. veyors without chassis are available in lengths material, and 8' add on sections. For free literature or more information, up to 163'. contact Cardinal Grain Systems, at (219) 244-4654 .' Michigan Farm News 1992 Michigan Cow-Calf and Backgrounding Shortcourse •• February 15, 1992 The MSU Cow-Calf and Backgrounding Shortcourse is a 5:15 p.m. "Animal Care and Handling" - (Proper care Please Check Which Location six hour indepth session providing information to update and handling of cattle; discussion of handling facilities) - You Plan To Attend cattlemen on a number of topics including herd health, Frank Wardynski, Ionia County agricultural agent, Ionia. animal care and handling, selection and breeding programs, pasture management, and tips for improving profitablity. 6:00 p.m. Dinner (included in registration fe~). D Bruce Crossing o Lawrence The shortcourse content and schedule is: 7:00 p.m. "Beef Performance Testing: What it can do o Escanaba o Clarksville 2 p.m. "Growing and Harvesting Pastures to Make a for you" - (How beef herds can improve over time; poten- Profit" - (Pasture species; grazing systems; expected pro- tial impact on income) - Beth Doran, Extension livestock D Sault Ste. Marie o Jackson duction; new equipment for grazing operations) - Ben Bart- agent, Sandusky. lett, Extension livestock/dairy agent, Marquette. D Gaylord D Big Rapids 7:45 p.m. "Management Tips for Improving the Profit- 2:45 p.m. "Management Tips for Improving the Profit- ability of Your Cow-Calf Operation" - (Strategies for o Hale o Saginaw ability of Your Backgrounding Operation" - (Strategies increasing output per unit of input) - Mary Kaercher, Name: for increasing output per unit of input) - Steven Rust, Kalamazoo County agricultural agent. Animal Science, MSU. Address: 8:30 p.m. "Where is the Beef Industry Headed?" - (Price 3:30 p.m. "Herd Health Programs" - (Cow calf pro- and demand; impact of s~ety and dietihealth concerns; Number in your party attending . Enclosed grams; stocker programs; artd record keeping) - Faculty breeding programs needed to meet future needs) '- Harlan Is a check for $ . members, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, MSU. Ritchie, Animal Science, MSU. Make checks payable to Michigan Sate University ($20 4:15 p.m. Break 9:15 p.m. Discussion; questions and answers for the first person and $15 for each additional person) and mail before March 1 to: Harlan Ritchie * Depart- Pre-registration is required at a fee of $20 for the first family ment of Animal Science * Michigan Sate University member. Additional family members may register for $15 per person, to cover the costs of the dinner, educational * East Lansing, MI 48824. ALFALFA WORTH REACHING FOR! Retail Partnership Aims At Increased Beef Sales Cows love its fine stems and extra leaves .... Teaming up for a common goal, the beef industry and A.I. Steak Sauce are working on a and its extra tonnage, too! special $6.5 million retail promotion to increase beef and A.I. sales. The promotion, which has already been initiated with pre-event advertising, runs through Feb. 29. "The partnership between the beef industry and A.I. is a natural one since A.I. sales are influenced a great deal by our sales," says Jane Frost, a New Mexico beef producer and chairman of the Beef Industry Council (BIC) retail subcommittee. The promotion, "Beef and A.I. Meal Makers," includes point -of-purchase materials, recipe cards, a free -standing newspaper insert, and entry forms for the National Beef Cook-Off. Additionally, A.I. is running a $44,000 sweepstakes that will increase awareness of beef at the counter. Grand prize for the sweepstakes is $5,000 in cash and free beef for one year. "The promotion will focus on the new, easy-to-fix beef recipes that are featured on the in-store recipe cards," Frost adds. "The recipes also will be included with coupons that were placed in newspapers throughout the country Feb. 2, reaching 45 million consumers. " More than 21,000 grocery stores nationwide are participating in the promotion, which is designed to help generate greater consumer awareness of beef. Court Sets Stage For "Rails To Trails" Resolution The United States Claims Court has the issuenwhether this amounts to a &.. cleared the way for landowners to seek 'taking' that requires compensation." compensation when abandoned railroad lines are converted to recreational trails. The controversy stems from a 1983 federal ----------------- statute preventing abandoned railroads For More Information on I The court ruled in favor of Paul Preseault, a from reverting to pri vate ownership, instead Cargill Hybrid Seeds "'''f:t ~I Vermont landowner, in his case against the allowing the strip of land to be used for Call 1-800-657-4810 ~: United States. The court ruled that Preseault recreational trail use without the consent of had a valid private property interest in the the abutting landowners. Farm Bureau and or complete and mail this coupon railroad right-of-way which had been con- others charged the action amounted to a to your nearest territory manager below. verted to trail use. The court ruling paves "taking" without compensation. the way for a "takings" compensation. D Yes, Send me more Infonnatlon on Cargill Hybrid Seeds Landowner objections have been based on The Preseault case went to the U.S. Su- historic easement agreements, protected by o I'm Interested In hearing about a Cargill Dealer opportunity preme Court in 1990. At that time the court state law, specifying that when a rail line is Name: Phone: ruled the appropriate remedy was compen- abandoned the rights revert to the landown- sation through the Claims Court. The Pre- ers. Congress muddied the waters in 1983 seaults were the first to file such an action. by passing legislation which considered re- Address: creational trails a form of "railroad use." The American Farm Bureau had filed a City: MI Zip: "Friend of the Court" brief on behalf of "In order to reach the taking issue, the Pre- landowners when the matter was heard by seaults had to prove that they had a valid Nonhern Michigan Southwest Michigan Southeast Michigan the Supreme Court. property interest in the right-of-way," Krause said. "The Claims Court ruled that Keith Clark Bolton Uckele Ann Briggs "This action sets the stage for final resolu- they had such an interest and could proceed 223 E. Division Street 23136 Lakeshore Drive 4855 N. Meridian Rd. tion of the rails to trails matter," said Rich- with their claim that the property interest Rockford, MI 49341 Gobles, MI 49005 Williamston, MI 48895 /I ard Krause, AFBF assistant counsel. "After was 'taken' by the Rails to Trails law. We (616) 866-1309 (616) 628-5287 (517) 349-6969 more than four years of uncertainty, it expect other cases to move forward based L • __ ••••• __ •• __ •• ••••••••••• ._. ~ seems we have finally reached the merits of on this ruling," he concluded. -. Michigan Farm News February 15, 1992 ....... . ••••••••r• ••••••• ••••• ~.'I ••••••• •••• 'l•••..::.. 11 E~RM •••••••• •••• • ' J~::' ~ •••••••• ,j ••• •••• . I .... _ Market Outlook Dairy Outlook BUSINESS Larry Hamm Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Eco- nomics, Michigan State University Seasonal Commodity As usual, milk prices are being affected by a combination of market forces and govern- OUTLOOK ment policy initiatives. The good news is Price Trends (long term) that dairy product markets appear to have stabilized at levels higher than last year. Since both of these actions require a "regu- Therefore, farm milk prices may settle this latory" ruling, they are likely affected by Corn spring significantly higher than last year. President Bush's State of the Union speech. Corn prices have made a significant come-; Wheat i? The Administration has ordered a 90-day The USDA recently changed the CCC moratorium on new government regula- back since early January. For this to con- t tinue, exports will need to pick up some. Corn product purchase prices it uses to operate tions. Presumably this would affect the milk the price support program. They dropped orders and new deliberations on the M-W. The U.S. has exported an average of 29 This will further delay Michigan's attempt million bushels per week since the 1991-92 Soybeans t ? the purchase price of butter by 11 cents per pound to $.8725 per pound. By law, ~he to get component pricing into the state's corn marketing year began Sept. 1. USDA is required to try to keep the pnce milk pricing. Component pricing is needed Hogs t? support at $10.10 per cwt. Therefore, it had to overcome the impact of the rapidly de- In order to meet the USDA annual export to raise the price of nonfat dry milk 6.2 cents clining butterfat differential. projection of 1,575 million bushels, we will Cattle i per pound to $.9120 per pound. These new need to export an average of 31 million prices will produce the same support price, Fortunately, the dairy product markets seem bushels per week for the rest of the market- but they greatly revalue the butterfat and to have stabilized. The wholesale butter and ing year which ends Aug. 31, 1992. i Index: = Higher Prices; ~ = Lower Price~; nonfat solids components of milk. powder markets are settling in at their new TP= Topping; BT = Bottoming; ? = Unsur~< .... support purchase price level. If cheese Last year's weekly average for the last 7 The USDA arithmetic might seem remote prices fell to support, the M -W would likely months of the year was 35 million bushels, to farms here in Michigan except that it fall to $10. The good news is that the whole- but demand is down this year due to the pay you 11 cents to store the corn for the directly effects butterfat differentials. The sale cheese prices, as measured by the Na- reduced purchasing power of the Common- next 5 months. While this is enough for bonuses or penalties that producers get for tional Cheese Exchange, have settled at 8 wealth of Independent States (CIS). An im- on-farm storage, it will not pay commercial their butterfat above or below 3.5 percent cents per pound above the support purchase portant number for U.S. corn exports is the storage. The relatively tight bas~s is saying test milk will go down around 1.5 cents per levels. February credit allocation to the CIS. the market wants the corn. point. For producers who average 3.7 per- cent test milk over the year, the USDA If cheese prices continue to hold, the M -W The preliminary 5-month average U.S. corn For those who have not priced much of change will take about 3 cents per cwt. off will not drop nearly as low this spring com- price is $2.33 per bushel. This would mean their corn, consider taking advantage of of their milk checks. pared to last year. This means that the aver- corn producers who participated in the 1991 $2.50 per bushel, plus prices to catch up age price for all of 1992 will be higher than Corn Program will receive about another 18 on some sales. While there is a good The USDA is also considering rulings to 1991. As farm prices begin to move lower cents per bushel. The official number chance of a strong rally this spring or implement changes in the Federal Milk in the next few months, there is some com- should be released the end of February. early summer, I would not suggest spec- Marketing Orders and the way the Minne- fort in that right now it doesn't appear th~t Hopefully, the payments will come in ulating on the whole crop. Also, start s6ta::Wisconsin (M- W) price is calculated. we will have a repeat of last year. March. looking for new crop pricing opportuni- ties on rallies. The odds are corn prices As of early February, the nearby basis was down to 14 cents at Saginaw; the July basis next fall will be considerably below what you can lock in for fall delivery now. TableEggs was 25 cents. The market is saying it will Allan Rahn and Henry Larzelere but prices in May and June are expected to Egg prices plunged sharply at the end of be weak and the lowest of the year. Prices Wheat last year and averaged in the mid 60 cents during the second quarter are likely to aver- per dozen range in January, almost 25 cents age 5 to 10 cents below the first quarter. Wheat exports have continued to be strong. Kansas will need a good spring to have a per dozen below their January 1991 levels. Prices during the third quarter should sea- Weekly exports have averaged 24.7 million normal crop. With new crop prices being ~Higher feed ingredient prices, relative to a sonally recover into the low 70 cent range. per week for the first 8 months of the mar- over.$3.60 per bushel in many parts of the year ago, also increased production costs keting year and need to average 22.8 the state, it is tempting to do some pricing. about 2 cents per dozen and squeezed egg The nation's table egg-type laying flock on remaining 4 months to reach the USDA producer net returns even further. Egg Jan. 1 was estimated by the National Agri- projection of 1,250 million bushels for the About the only advice is to price small prices have rebounded into the low 70' s in cultural Statistics Service at 235.3 million 1991-92 wheat marketing year. Given the parts of your expected crop as the prices early February, but prices are likely to be layers, 2 percent above a year ago. The 4 need by the CIS, and the short crops in I~dia continue their rally. If the winter wheat quite volatile during the first quarter. percent increase reported for the December and Australia, we should reach the proJec- crop recovers this spring, prices could be egg-type chick hatch continues a hatch in- tion which means stocks will remain tight. as low as $3 this summer. If Kansas does Expect New York prices to retailers for crease trend and indicates that more pullets not recover, we could stay over $4 for the Grade A large white eggs in cartons to will be coming into the laying flock through We will begin to learn in the next 6 weeks year. This pricing decision really comes average near 70 cents per dozen during the the first half of the year. Flock size reduc- whether we have reached the price peak. down to your willingness to take risk. first quarter. Easter falls on April 19 this tion prior to that time in response to the year. This relatively strong demand period lower egg price levels will require sizeable will provide a boost for egg prices in April, spent hen slaughter increases. Soybeans Weekly soybean exports have averaged 15 I keep coming up with next fall's price Cattle million bushels per week for the first 22 below $5.40, unless we suffer poor weather On Jan. 31, the USDA released the Jan. 1, Steers between 900-1,100 pounds on Jan. 1 weeks of the 1991-92 soybean marketing conditions during our growing season. Yet 7 -State Cattle-On-Feed Report and part of were 94 percent of last year, steers between year. It will need to average 11.2 million we have seen opportunities to price soys for the quarterly 13-State Cattle-On-Feed Re- 700-900 pounds were 97 percent, steers be- bushels per week over the remaining 30 fall delivery in the $5.80 range. The basis port. The initial reaction was a little bearish tween 500-700 pounds were 84 percent, and weeks to meet the USDA projection of 665 remains historically tight. as the reports showed a few more cattle than the few steers on-feed below 500 pounds million bushels for the year. However, the expected and heavier placements in Decem- were 107 percent. While this means that pattern will probably be heavy exports Consider catching up some sales on ral- ber than expected. However, the weight supplies will be near last year's levels, it through April and ther. a significant slow- lies, especially if you are still holding a breakdowns showed that most of the extra does not mean last year's prices. down as new South American crop comes majority of your crop. While we will still cattle were heavy and should be gone by into the world market. probably see some increase in old crop now. Those weighing over 1,100 pounds on As mentioned earlier, pork supplies are up soy prices, the market does not want to Jan. I were III percent of last year. sharply, poultry supplies are also up, and As of the first part of February, the Brazilian pay full storage costs with the basis. If you both disposable income and perceived fu- crop was looking quite good and could turn want to stay in the market, consider a The quarterly 13-State Report showed total ture income over the next several months out to be significantly larger than the present basis contract or a minimum price con- are down. on feed to be 94 percent, placed in October- USDA estimate. If this is true, it will quickly tract if your monthly storage costs are December to be 96 percent, and marketed in overshadow the drowning out of part of the over 4 cents per bushel including the cost October-December to be 100 percent, all If the tighter supplies drive spring pric- Argentina crop we saw earlier. No matter of money. compared to year ago figures. The monthly ing opportunities into the upper $70's, which way I put the fundamentals together, 7-State Report showed on feed Jan. 1 to be consider doing some forward pricing. 93 percent, placed in December 102 per- Also, consider watching the June futures Hogs cent, and marketed in December 106 per- for levels in the $73-$74 per cwt. range cent, again all compared to the previous for pricing opportunities. At this point, a Where are all the hogs coming from? For Watch for- pricing opportunities on ral- year. The marketing numbers were positive. reasonable pricing goal for the second the last three weeks of January, hog slaugh- lies. I am less confident than the market These numbers, along with slaughter half of the year is the low $70's. Consider ter ran 12-15 percent above year ago levels. that we will hold the April futures over weights only being up 2-3 percent rather using these numbers both when consider- The December Hogs and Pigs Report indi- $40 per cwt., although the cattle informa- than the earlier 6-7 percent, show we may ing forward pricing opportunities and cated that slaughter would be up about 5 tion may help and pork demand has be getting more current. when determining how much you can pay percent. Either the report was in error or we picked up a bit. Look for summer oppo~- for feeders. Make sure you have looked should come back to much lower slaughter tunities around $45 and fall opportum- The weight breakdown for steers shows that at the annual Cattle Inventory Report, levels soon. I am very leery that the report ties in the low $40's. there should be a tightening of supplies from released Feb. 7, for adjustment in the understated the number of hogs. the middle of February though about April. above advice. Michigan Farm News -. February 15, 1992 Canadian 1992 Unverferth MFWD Front New Product Profile Hub Extensions Permit Spring Wheat Shorter Turns and Increase Acreage Visibility Expected to Grow Heavy-duty, MFWD tractor front hub extension manufactured by Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc., Kalida, Canada's Gross Revenue Insurance Plan Ohio, allows up to 40 percent tighter (GRIP) will dictate what farmers plant this turns. The result is reduced crop dam- spring, with early indications pointing ~o age, increased maneuverability and higher canola and wheat acreage than ill better row visibility. 1991, according to an industry spokesman. With convenient bolt on installation, the Meanwhile, use of production-enhancing hub extensions space any MFWD front chemicals and fertilizers are expected to tires on 120" tread settings to straddle record a decline because of the program, four, 30" rows. The hub extensions in- they said. crease tractor efficiency for use in row crop cultivating, spraying and other GRIP is a voluntary safety-net program, light-duty narrow row applications. operating similar to an insurance plan. Pre- miums are paid into the program by pro- Extensions are available to convert ducers, provincial governments and the tractors for other applications upon re- federal government. Benefits are paid back quest. to contributors when prices and income drop below established price levels. For more information, contact Un- 'IIIII:: The program, implemented at the begin- verferth Manufacturing Co., Inc., P. O. Box 357, Kalida, OH 45853, telephone I ~ I .1 I I f •• I .... It.1 , • I " • , .. II 2\\;\ , I ••• I II ning of the 1991-92 crop year, was estab- 800-322-6301, 419-532-3121. FAX lished to provide price protection for grain 419-532-2468. and oilseed farmers and to stabilize farm incomes. Charlie Pearson, a grain analyst with the Market Analysis Branch of Alberta Agri- culture, told Knight-Ridder Financial News there's the potential for canola acre- age in 1992 to exceed the 1989 record of .I 9.0 million acres because of GRIP. Favorable GRIP pricing levels and the fact that canola works well for cash flow pur- poses will be behind the increase in acre- age, Pearson said. In 1991, Canadian can- ola acreage totaled 8.075 million acres, ac- cording to figures from Statistics Canada. Canadian all-wheat seedings this spring will match and possibly exceed the 35.~3 million acres planted in 1991, Pearson SaId, also citing a favorable GRIP support level, as well as strong demand from major im- porting nations for wheat. Pearson said the biggest increase in wheat see dings will come in the spring wheat varieties. Health care coverage isn't medical underwriting and 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 "Need. 23,406 Blue Shield PPO plans specially your health care coverage needs, designed for groups with 2 to 99 tailor a package to suit your Target 45,427 45,709 employees. All plans have no preferences, and then cut to (target is farm-member objective) the bottom line. Protecting the interests of small business 0/0 Target 89.14% 89.230/0 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 HERITAGE matters to us. BUILDING SYSTEMS 30 • lSO• 10 800-643-5555 ----"f'- 4O.lSO .12 lSO.100 .,4 .$5.- "',1l1S For further information, call eo. 100.20 1111,7a5 1-800-292-2680 or contact IIIK 1lSO• 20 . --S2l',lI85 BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY your local Farm Bureau office. ec.-cIol _ ...... ~ .., boll .. -*' ....IN do" _ ,...-1IuI_ I,DOO __ "- .......... _'0 -. ~ ..-... dIalrIIoulor. ..-cW_ We _ _1luIIdIngL All .. -.- _ ....- ..... penn" drawlngo 10 _I .o"onl,. ond polnlod 011local lIulldlng cod .... " ,_ •• no. 'rlc.o oro FOI Iro ... our • rool WHERE -.... .-...-. ......._ _ 0'- on our tap..., ....... c.I uo --- BELONGING .. 50 X 100 X 16 ROOF SYSTEM MAKES A ... .. ,CH,GAN EOUIPMENT & HAY STORAGE DIFFERENCE. ._. FAR" BUREAU $10.985 Michigan Farm News -. February 15, 1992 g Farmer Mac Loan Program Finally Launched - Will it Survive? gram authorized by the 1987 Farm Credit For example, Clark says, a 10-year fixed borrowers," Clark said."It (Farmer Mac) After several years of sorting through rules Act is intended to allow farmers access to rate loan, fully amortized, is currently sold offers them access to competitive funding, and regulations dealing with loan pooling, funds in the secondary market, that will at wholesale through Farmer Mac at 7.6 and it deals with a problem they've had to the first Farmer Mac loan pool has been result in a stable supply of credit with com- percent. Lenders, based on their fees and manage in the past of interest rate risk for launched by the John Hancock Mutual Life petitive rates for the agricultural industry. profit expectations, may add. another 1/2 intermediate or longer term debts." Insurance Company. Some of the highlights percent for service and another 1 percent of the first pool include: Farmer Mac requires the involvement of for profit, meaning that hypothetically a According to Jim Bremer, CEO of Farm four parties: a farmer seeking intermediate borrower could end up with a 9.1 percent Credit Services of Michigan's Heartland, D A $112 million package with 512 credit, an agricultural lender to originate interest rate on a fixed 10 year mortgage. the length of time required by Farmer Mac loans made or held by the insurance the agricultural mortgage, a Farmer Mac to get all the pieces in place, has justifiablly company that meets Faimer Mac un- "pooler," and investors willing to buy mort- Unfortunately, first time jitters for the new raised conerns and doubts. "You've got derwriting standards. gage backed securities. program have, in Clark's opinion, delayed people with money invested that are saying, D The principal amounts of the loans the program for several years and cast a 'you can't keep using all of our capital range from $2,500 to $2.5 million, for In simple terms, the lender sells the shadow of doubt over a well-intentioned without any results,'" he said, an average of $230,000 with an aver- farmer's agricultural mortgage to a pooler and needed program. age maturity of four years. that must accumulate loans from at least "The key is this: Farmer Mac has got to get three of ten geographic regions from across going real quick. If they don't start pooling o Securities were issued against the pool the country, with no more than 40 percent "Every pool of loans that's formed, has to be backed by a 10 percent cash reserve, to some mortgages real soon and they keep of loans, and 90 percent were guaran- of the value coming from anyone region, serve as a cushion for losses," said Clark. operating at a loss, I think Farm Credit will teed by Farmer Mac. Lenders retained to minimize risk. "This created a problem with credit regula- probably try to get away from the thing," the non-guaranteed portion of 10 per- tors who decided they would not relieve the said Bremer. "This year will be a critical cent. The securities issued were re- Farmer Mac offers funds to lenders at a . banks of lending limit restrictions or capital test for Farmer Mac." ported to carry an average coupon rate wholesale price, who then add their service requirements on the loan that was sold." of 9.8 percent. fees and desired profits to establish the According to Bremer, Farmer Mac is also borrower's interest rate, according to After 10 months of trying to reason with hindered by three major problems: lack of According to Tom Clark, Farmer Mac Vice Clark. "We don't control the retail price of regulators, the lending limit restrictions standardization in agricultural mortgages, President of Corporate Relations, the pro- money; competition will do that," he said. were resolved in October of 1990, peaking low agricultural mortgage volume, and the the interest of smaller banks who could lending limits and capital requirements. r originate the agricultural loans. However, it took another year of battling regulators, Bremer c1a~ms that in spite of its inherent and an act of Congress, to resolve the cap- problems, Farmer Mac has potential. "We ital requirements debate, and attract the in- think it's an option for some of our custom- DEKALB-PLANT ~ terest of the larger banks and other institu- tions wanting to serve as poolers. ers and we may be able to get some better rates out there in the process," he said. ~ GENETICS ~ The Chicken or Egg Dilemma "The idea is good and it gives farmers an- other source of money. " A major obstacle cited by Clark is the lack MICHIGAN STATE CORN TRIALS 1991 of participation by the nation's largest ag- Bremer readily admits that Farmer Mac has ricultural lender, Farm Credit Services. some appeal to Farm Credit Services based "Farm Credit Services has chosen not to use on the interest rate risk managment offered TEST LOCATION: MONTCALM COUNTY ZONE 3 Farmer Mac throughout our development," by the secondary mortgage. "Every lender said Clark. "By their choice not to get in- wants to avoid interest rate risk," he said. HARVEST volved, you immediately take 50 percent of HYBRID YIELD MOISTURE VALUE/ACRE $ADVANTAGE the potential lending market off the table in Farmers interested in learning more DK485 237.6 18.4 $502.05 terms of developing Farmer Mac." about Fanner Mac can call 1-800-879- Funks G4160 205.2 18.4 $433.59 $68.46 3276, says Clark. However, he'd like to Cargill 3427 216.1 18.6 $455.32 $46.73 Clark claims that even the interest of local encourage farmers to ask their farm lenders Pioneer 3751 226.3 18.7 $476.14 $25.91 Farm Credit Services to use the secondary about Farmer Mac first, and also suggests GHH2349 215.8 19.0 $452.10 $49.94 mortgage program has not changed the that the lenders call the same number. GL438 208.0 19.2 $434.51 $67.54 overall system's mindset thus far, despite Callahan C743 214.0 19.3 $446.40 $55.65 the original investment by Farm Credit Ser- "If the lender resists, then the borrower GL482 203.8 19.7 $442.68 $79.37 vice stockholders to fund Farmer Mac. should say, 'If you're not willing to find out about this program, I'm going to find a TEST LOCATION: INGHAM COUNTY ZONE 2 "I'I!! sure their lack of participation will lender who will,'" advises Clark. "We've change because we think there's a very got to get both ends working together. HARVEST solid argument, a very solid case, that par- We've developed a program that's avail- HYBRID YIELD MOISTURE VALUE/ACRE $ADVANTAGE ticipation in the secondary market will be able right now, today, but it only works if beneficial to Farm Credit Services and to its everyone's involved." DK485 131.0 16.6 $283.88 Pioneer 3751 101.3 19.8 $209.79 $74.09 Pioneer 3733 129.8 20.5 $266.09 $17.79 Representative Camp Labels Dunkel's Crows 179 126.5 16.4 $274.88 $ 9.00 Jacques 5170 Cargill 3427 127.5 87.9 16.7 17.6 $275.91 $187.84 $ 7.97 $96.04 GA TT Proposal Bad for Agriculture Michigan's representative on the House ZONE 3 Ag Committee, tenth district U.S. Rep. TEST LOCATION: HURON COUNTY Dave Camp (R-Midland), speaking to farm- HARVEST ers attending the mid-Michigan Ag Day, HYBRID YIELD MOISTURE VALUE/ACRE $ADVANTAGE expressed doubts about the latest proposal to settle the 5-year bid GAIT trade debate. DK485 203.5 19.9 $420.84 Pioneer 3733 1822 20.3 $374.64 $46.20 "The House Ag Committee held hearings on GL450 196.3 20.3 $403.00 $17.84 the Dunkel proposal in January," announced GL468 167.8 21.2 $340.47 $80.37 Camp. "There are serious concerns, espe- GHH2390 1n.0 21.4 $358.07 $67:n cially in the sugar and dairy areas because it NK 3808 192.0 18.9 $402.82 $18.02 (Dunkel proposal) essentially calls for elim- Funks G4140 1802 18.3 $381.30 $39.54 182 $386.93 $33.91 ination of Section 22 import protections." NK 3624 182.6 Camp said other countries are having prob- 1991 HURON COUNTY SILAGE TRIALS lems with the Dunkel proposal as well, mak- DRY GREEN DRY VARIANCE ing its passage and successful completion to MATTER WEIGHT W8GHT DRY WEIGHT GA IT questionable. The agricultural aspect HYBRID of GAIT, says Camp, is a stumbling block 20.4 9.1 since the European Community is opposed DK485 45.0 Pioneer3n9 43.2 17.9 7.7 -1.4 to reducing their subsidies. Pioneer 3573 40.8 19.8 8.1 -1.0 Great Lakes GL468 42.7 18.7 8.0 -1.1 Camp predicted the U.S. will continue help- GHH2331 43.8 20.3 8.9 2 ing the new Commonwealth of Independent In te~s of new projects for Michigan, Camp Crows 179 41.7 19.5 8.1 -1.0 States meet their food needs, but that a form has hIgh hopes for the recently unveiled GHH2349 44.5 16.9 7.5 -1.6 of barter should be developed. "I'd like to "Going Global" computer marketing pro- see them pay for food items with their abun- gram based out of the Clinton and Saginaw dant resources as opposed to always having County Cooperative Extension offices. The the food aid tied to a credit guarantee," he program is part of a USDA and Commerce For More Information said. "We need to work hard on that." Department data network to develop market Earning Our Way See Your Local DeKalb Dealer Camp predicted that in 1992 a capital gains outlets for agricultural and industrial goods. On More OR: Roger Sheldon, tax cut, would be implemented, the 25 per- Camp discussed his Farm and Forestry En- Distnct Sales Manager cent health care premium tax deduction for Of Your Acres at 517-892-1114 self-employed individuals be maintained if ergy Copservation Act, a national version of the successful Michigan Energy Conserva- not increased to 100 percent, and if dairy t~on~ogram. ':We have 26 co-sponsors, and r~ prices hit 1991 levels, legislation will be I d lIke to see It be a part of the President's readily forthcoming in an election year. National Energy Program," he said. Michigan Farm News ". February 15, 1992 Farm Electrical Safety: Fence Controllers the UL information on the nameplate Be sure to use a lightning arrestor on near the model number on the control- every hot wire coming to the control- ler. ler. D Install all fence controllers away from D Be aware of the hazards of a poorly fann buildings. Lightning striking a maintained electric fence system on dairy farms. Stray voltage from an Tailored Building~~stems fence frequently follows the wire to the controller, resulting in a fire. electric fence can reduce herd produc- tivity. Some cases of stray voltage The Sign of Quality D High-voltage plastic insulated wire have been traced to a leaking insula- Since 1967 must be used whenever the wire from tor or accidental ground on an electric an approved electric fence controller fence or cow trainer system. Check comes within one foot of a building. the condition of insulators frequently. Weed-cutting, weed-burning, or weed- Non-resistor-type automotive ignition chopping electric fence controllers are a wire is good for such an application. D Warn children and visitors of the dan- valuable tool for controlling livestock, but ger of contact with an electric fence. they can cause fires if improperly installed. D Never install a weed chopper or weed Avoid locating charged wires within Weed controllers are designed to deliver a burner electric fence controller in a five feet of a stock waterer, pump, spark with enough energy to destroy weeds building. These types of controllers pipe, or other good ground sources. that come in contact with the wire--and if and the fence wires they charge the wire is too close to a fann building, a should be at least 16 feet from any fire may result. building. Use only approved electric fence controllers. From Farm Bureau Insurance You can reduce the risk of fire by locating an electric fence controller on a wooden D Make sure the fence controller is well post at least 16 feet from a farm building. grounded so it functions properly. Electric fences can be safe and efficient if Make the ground connection accord- you follow these guidelines: ing to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the ground cable to a 1/2" cop- D Use a fence controller approved by per-clad or 5/8" galvanized steel rod Underwriters' Laboratories. Look for driven at least eight feet into the soil. Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association - It's Official With the election of officers and the ap- According to Hesterman, Michigan's di- proval of organizational bylaws, the Mich- verse agriculture requires that MASA go igan Agricultural Stewardship Association beyond the traditional mindset of com and (MAS A) was officially created, appropri- soybeans. "We have a vital livestock indus- ately enough, in MSU's relatively new try, we have a diverse fruit and vegetable Crops and Soil Sciences Building, on Jan. industry, we have nursery crops and the 25, just a year after the concept was cre- people involved in this organization really ated. span the gambit geographically and in terms of agricultural enterprises," he said. According to the bylaws, MASA is consid- ered a statewide non-profit educational or- Hesterman said the lack of a direct ganization committed to the development fanner/researcher link was the push behind Neal, Kelly, Pat, Harold and Marty Travis operate North Valley Farms, a 300-cow dairy of agricultural systems that are economi- the shove in the creation of the new organi- operation at Shepherd, MI. The four brothers farm with their parents, Pat and Evelyn Travis. cally feasible, agronomically sound and en- zation, adding that the quick formation of The farm has a 20,500-lb. milk RHA and produces 1,000 acres of hay and corn. vironmentally safe, according to newly MASA is proof positive that it was desper- elected MASA President Jerry Wirbel, a ately needed. Midland County cash crop fanner. "We knew from the contacts that we were How A DROUGHT SET SEEDS OF EXPANSION "We're going to try, as fanners, to show getting at MSU and through CES that there other farmers through the use of demonstra- were people who were interested in explor- tion projects, that they can make changes in ing opportunities to farm in a more econom- their farm operation that are better for the environment as well as their income, while ically feasible and agronomically sound matter," said Hesterman. "We now have a FOR THE TRAVIS FAMILY also trying to educate consumers about constituency group that we can listen to as what the agricultural industry is doing to we start contemplating what kinds of pro- "We've just completed the second phase of a dairy protect the environment and provide a safe grams we need to put together, so that we expansion that includes a free-stall, center-feed barn and food supply," explained Wirbel. can really respond to the needs of those farmers in this state." double-8 milking parlour. The expansion began in 1988 after Dr. Oran Hesterman, an MSU professor in a severe drought forced us to make some serious decisions. Crop and Soil Sciences and a CES special- Newly elected MASA officers include As brothers, we knew we wanted to farm together with our ist, agreed with Wirbel's analysis, adding President Jerry Wirbel, of Hope, in Midland that the group spent a great deal of time in County; Vice President Gary Hoyt, of St. folks but a cash-crop business was too risky for all of us selecting a name. "By naming themselves Louis, in Midland County, a dairyman and to depend on. MASA, they are acknowledging that potato grower; Secretary Tom Guthrie, of they're a group of farmers interested in Delton, in Barry County, a diversified crops "Looking back, 1988 wasn't a pretty year to begin an stewarding the industry of agriculture in the farmer (Guthrie was also nominated to rep- expansion, but Farm Credit had confidence in us and stood state of Michigan by stewarding the soil and resent MASA on the regional sustainable water resources that are at the base of that agriculture council headquartered in Lin- behind our decision. Our loan officer has been a tremendous industry," Hesterman concluded. coln, Nebraska); Treasurer Christopher planning resource and helped us work through countless Lufkin of Grand Rapids, who works for I what if' situations on the computer. Not to be confused as an organic farm club, TransNational Agronomy. or a no-till club, Wirbel claims that the "A lot of lenders wouldn't have been able to grasp our organization has some members that still Other elected directors incl ude Larry vision for this family dairy business but Farm Credit not follow the conventional tillage process, but Mawby, a fruit grower from Suttons Bay in are interested in learning more about reduc- Leelanau County; Russ LaRowe, a Soil and only grasped it, they helped us figure out a better way to ing tillage and costs, while maintaining Water Conservation District employee make it happen. If it hadn't been for the facilities expansion profitability. from Kalkaska; Roger French, a dairyman loan and other help from Farm Credit, there's no question from Kalamazoo; Greg Mund, a Soil Con- MASA had a list of demonstration projects servation Service employee from Muske- that several of us couldn't be in this operation today:' as diverse as its membership in 1991, spon- gon; and Paul Luttenbacher, an integrated soring 15 demonstration projects including pest management scout and greenhouse op- banded versus broadcast herbicides in com erator from Clio in Genesee County. and soybean plots, com insecticide trials, variable rate nitrogen applications, no-till Membership dues for farmer members are ~~. FARM CREDIT SERVICES and conventional till yield trials in black turtle beans, rotary hoe weed control in $25 per year, $100 for institutional mem- bership, and $150 for charter members, and Q Deep roots, good people, and a will to serve. soybeans, pesticide reduction in apples and $5 for students. For membership informa- cherries, rotational grazing, and ridge-till tion, write Tom Guthrie, 7301 Milo Rd., versus conventional-till sugar beets. The Delton, MI 49046, or call (616) 623-2261. organization is aiming for 30 demonstration projects in 1992. I Michigan Farm News - •• February 15, 1992 Michigan's Fastest Growing Cattle Feeding Program Raising holstein steers primarily on corn and pelleted supplement has emerged throughout smaller Michigan cattle feeding operations as an efficient means of raising When talking efficiency of corn use, putting these cattle on the program at a much youn- ger age with no roughage in the diet is a much more efficient way as long as corn is , feeder calves. cheap. This program is more cost effective than going with an extended growing period According to MSU Beef Cattle Feeding and before you put them on the high corn diet, Management Professor Dr. Steven Rust, the according to Rust. corn fed beef program carries many differ- ent names depending upon the feed com- "The program works best on dairy steers pany from which you buy the seven to 12 because they eat more and the meat is percent pelleted supplement, but "it's leaner," explained Alan Wheeler of the Michigan's fastest growing program in the Mason County Elevator Company, a divi- cattle feeding sector." sion of Kent Feeds. Kent Feeds markets its own pelleted supplement, known as Kent "The issue is if you take a holstein calf NRB (No Roughage Beef), to a growing between 200 and 400 pounds and put it on number of cattle feeders who want to elim- the program, it will have feed conversions inate roughage from their feeding program. of less than six pounds of dry matter to put on one pound of gain," explained Rust. "If "The NRB program is starting to become you take that same calf, and go through a more of an alternative to conventional feed- more conventional program, which may in- ing programs," said Wheeler. "People are clude a high silage diet or grass until he starting to realize that it's an easier way to weighs 800 pounds and then put him on a feed out steers." 80 to 90 percent corn diet, his conversions in the feedlot or on that corn portion of the According to Kent Feeds, the NRB program diet will be approximately eight and one works best by feeding a 90 percent high- half to one or more." moisture corn to 10 percent Kent NRB ra- tion. The total amount of corn used in the ration will differ depending upon the mois- Kent Feeds NRB ture content of the corn. Efficiency Figures time a day," he explains. "Those cattle are But according to Gerald Eifert, an Okemos "We're making money, but it's tight all the Daily Avg. time," adds Eifert, who participated in the always going to have a minor stomach area farmer who raised 240 steers primarily Body Consump. Daily Feed dairy buyout program in the mid- '80s and upset, called acidosis. Any small deviation on corn and pellet supplement from Purina WeiQht Air Dry Gain Eft is raising another 300 holstein steers for in weather or whatever, unless you try to last year, the program does have its limita- tions. market this year. manage for that, could cause you some 600 17.5 3.11 5.62 problems." 700 19.7 3.28 6.01 "Packers and livestock buyers are just start- Rust also admits that there are problems to 800 21.0 3.15 6.66 ing to realize the leanness and quality of the program. The cattle have a tendency to "We recommend a buffer to reduce acido- 900 22.4 3.08 7.27 holstein steers raised on this program, but be quite cyclical in their intake patterns. sis," said Wheeler. "The buffer would be a 1,000 23.7 2.99 7.99 we're still getting paid $63 to $64 a hun- "Some producers find it's a little easier to cheaper way to eliminate acidosis than feed- 1,100 25.8 3.06 8.43 dredweight," states Eifert, who purchases keep cattle on a consistent intake pattern by ing hay or roughage, especially if you don't all of his holstein steers as calves. just giving them a pound of roughage one have the hay available." Alaska July 16-27, 1992 Traveler: Bureau .' US Dear Farm , We invite yoU to.Joln d .J travel. rovided me to our wod . ~ and unique toU~S p u the best Welco .J the exclung 'U provide yo on anyone o. 1992. Our toUrs WI F rm BureaU Tour, S". yOU In . l On a a . ns as justJor vel dol or .. attracuo value for your .tra the best and major me of the people 'U expertence . to meet SO yoU UJl the opportunity d lifestyles. ld weU as have ,I' their culture an F rm BureaU Wor more OJ ,I' our a and learn he best feature OJ and get to knoW But perhaps t eople yoU meet ea t Tours is the gr ~ people like y.ours;~' Farm BureaU r while on the :ouyour considerauo~lous your request k Y ouJor J_ se mal l Than S". 1992. pJ.4:>a b st trove ld Tour Jor about the e Wo r lean more rorm today to J' vailable. values a , Travels. Happ Y Best.' Italy, Fttrane. & flIeec. C"_Af< Sincerely, September 15-27, 1992 ~ -~~~ James .. L Sch,n;dl. . Agricuhura l AssOC. D::J~~~~:enu Michigan Manager Farm . Division Sail the brilliant blue Mediterranean, studded "ith shining isles and gaily painted shorelines. the world's most aUuring islands: Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Korcula, and quaint Capri. Golden Odyssey -large enough and luxurious enough to be a cruiseliner, Our cruise combines the French and Italian Rivieras with ageless Athens, the dramatic Corinth Canal, the serene beauty ofVemce & Portifino, We travel upon the yet renowned for its friendly lifestyle and genuine and IlhnolS Field Opera Uons hospitality of her Greek staff .. Director m Our cruise package includes 25% discount on aU cabins, all meals and entertainment, free air transportation from the IFB Travel progra U.S., $25 Bar!Boutillue credit, group cocktail party, 1 boule of wine per cabin, plus prepaid, on-hoard tip and gratuities. Cahin prices begin a810w as $3,374. ------------------------------- .. ------------------------------------------, I • Canadian Rockiesl Brochure Reque.t Form : Calgary Stampede IPlease send, without obligation, tile detailed information for the tours indicated below I : July 1-12, 1992 This unforgettable. 12-day tour of the Canadian Rockies will not onl)' visit the o o o o I I Cenedlen Rockleai Ale.ke .... ofl 1t"'Ylt Franoe The Alp. of I great and growing dties (If the northwest and majestic beauty of the Rockies, Ce.very Stempedo a Gr•• " Cru' •• 8wltzerland Be but also includes unique features desibrned to give it special appeal. Special Au"trla (Pt.... Print! attractions include the Calgary Stampede Celehration -- rodeo. chuckwagon IM.llto:) raccs, state show spectacular, a ride on a giant snowmobile on Athahasco Name Fann BuretJu Mt>Jnber TralJel Sp.rviC'ell Glacier, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and overnight staY8 at Addre .. P.O. Bo% 4577 the heautiful Lake Louise Chateau and Banff Springs Hotel. Our package includes round trip jet tran8portation from Chicago, fint dasK or Emf LaNing, Jtli 48826 deluxe hotel 8l:commodations, 20 meals. all sightseeing and admis!!ionll, and a orcaU Phone County professional guide. l\temher price is $2,449 and nonmember price ill $2.469. 1-800-748-0289 --------------------------------------------------------------------------j Michigan Farm News 1111 February 15, 1992 Top Illinois Producer Priorities Differ A study of farmers cooperating in the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Table 1 II (FBFM) association, suggests that an orien- Selected Measures of Farm Characteristics and Financial tation to financial planning and discipline spending are two important criteria that dis- Performance for a Sample of Illinois Cash Grain Farms* ~. tinguish profitable farm operations from Average Values For others for cash grain farmers in Illinois. The Top Bottom Difference study also suggests that virtues, often held Characteristic. Group Group (Top-Bottom) in high esteem in the agricultural commu- nity, such as working hard physically, rated **Net Farm Income ($/acre) 110 58 52 low for the most profitable operations. **Corn Yields (BusheVAcrel 133 127 6 **Soybean Yields (Bushel/ ere) 44 41 3 Corn Prices Received ($/Bushel) 3.00 2.95 .05 Two economists from the University of 7.49 .26 Soybean Prices Received ($/Bushel) 7.75 Illinois, Steven T. Sonka and James N. 127 125 2.00 0rrerating Expense/Acre Thorpe, analyzed a sample of farm records ** nterest Expense ($/Acre) 9 18 -9.00 of members of the FBFM, which has over 50 years of experience with more than **Number of Tillable Acres 495 603 7,000 producers. These producers compile Soil Rating Index 86 86 reports, business and financial data relating to their farm operations each year. Percentage of Farm Acreage in: Corn 50 51 44 43 r The study included data on the performance Soybeans 2 3 of 135 cash grain farms from 1976 to 1985. Diverted Acres The study utilized real operating figures * All values are averages over the period of 1976 to 1985 inflation adjusted to real rather than government averages. 1982 dollars. * Statistically significant at the 1 percent level. The study attempted to identify what par- ticular characteristics or emphasis was used SPRAY HOOD by top producers considered most profit- I(ITS Kits are available. for farmers and custom apphcators who able to those of producers considered least Improve Your 1992 Bottom Line! choose to build their own _= applicator unit. Complete row profitable. For purposes of the study, the banding kit in- top 34 farms were surveyed compared to cludes: (4) stain- less steel tips & the bottom 37 farms. Table 1 .shows the fittings. mount. measurement of farm charactenstics in fi- nancial performance of the two groups. The ranking of the management orientation is Spring Steel Sale ing brackets. Redball Spray Hood. wind curtain; & (1) Redball Spray shown in Table 2. D 200/0 Off Tillage, Cutting Pans and Roller Chain Monitor with , The survey indicated that farmers in the top GroupCUrchaslng Feb. 17- March 6 . fNefy (4) spray hood assem- blies. group were oriented toward: . - Maximizing yields - Financial planning PLANTER - Practicing discipline spending (spending BANDING HOOD j •• a dollar only when the expected returns ,were greatei than a dollar) ~A ~ ;.: ;'0 .0 00 .~ I(ITS~C-- Banding Hood Kits pro- According to the survey, those in the bot- VVVVVV.VVV vide control of your spray pattern while planting under adverse tom group had a greater orientation toward: 9' 800-042 ~ $69.26 wind conditions. NH Kit includes: mounting - Reducing operating costs brackets. stainless steel - Maximizing yields 9' 800-374 $nG.JJl $104.49 ,~ tube. even flat fan spray tip & fittings. 25' EVA - Working hard physically tubing with clamps. Redball Banding Hood; IH 9' 800-399 $'l"Ya. $(i4.11 ~~ & (1) Redball Spray For a copy of the report which contains $"liHY.8.. $151.36 ~ Monitor with fNefy (4) ~ much more detail, contact Susann Cole JD 15' 800-312 PLAIH kits. at (312) 399-5845. $127.25 AC 15' 800-221 .'u.~ ~ "..IQ 20' 9 ga. DISC BLADE $l'!:iO. Table 2 IH 15' 800-301 .f11tS:06... $164.75 $13.77 Managerial Orientation for the High 25 Percent and the Low 25 Percent of Farm Operators CC.124 Average Average TWISTED CHISEL Top Bottom #40 $1.57 per foot 4" SLASH POIHT wind-driven Group Group Orirentation to' Rank* Rank* '50 #60 $2.07 $2.80 n II PONDMASTER ... Maximizing Yields Financial Planning 1 2 2 5 #80 $4.99 II II 25TH Practicing Disciplined YEAR Spending 3 7 Marketing 4 4 Completing Details 5 5 Reducing Operating Costs 6 1 Reducing Overhead Costs 7 7 Searching for New Techniques 8 9 Working Hard Physically 9 3 * A rank of 1 indicates that the' activity re- -- - . VISROTIHE ceived the most attention and 9 indicates ~ that the activity received the least attention. $22.01 ~ c;;: ~ $'l'S:8O $1":94- $12.15 $7.15 ICE-FREE AREAS FOR LIVESTOCK The safest, most efficient L W SHARE (WITH BOL TS) wood heat system on the Think Spring FISH & WATERFOWL market. the TAYLOR 16' $9.84 waterstove sits outside Think Savings FACTORY DIRECT - VISA/MC and heats your home or contact COD and 100% of household Think Farm Bureau Group Purchasing! your nearest PONDMASTER dealer hot water. • UL listed • Thermostatic control . Contact Your Local Vendor or County Fann Bureau Office or WAIl.ER MFG. CO. INC• • 12 to 24 hour burn time • GALENA, KS 66739 TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, INC. MFB Group Purchasing at 1-800-292-2680 ext. 2015 PO Box 518. Eltzabethtown. NC 28337 Call 1-800-545-2293 for more details. Michigan Farm News ". February 15, 1992 Storing Pesticides on Your Farm the Right Way? Your building should be well ventilated to prevent Out of sight, out of mind, is not a phrase which should fume build-up. It should also be kept locked and well- apply to pesticide storage. The health of the environ- signed, indicating only authorized personnel are per- ment, your family and employees, and even your bot- mitted. tom line are all dependent on a responsible approach to the on-farm storage of pesticides. Petroleum products and pesticides should not be stored together, particularly if the pesticides are in plastic Any storage area you choose should be highly visible containers. Keep some absorbent material handy, like and readily accessible to prevent vandalism. That may kitty litter to clean up spills. sound contradictory, but you are less likely to have unwanted visitors if they know they can be easily Keep your safety equipment and protective clothing detected. And, if the site is readily accessible, you're handy. Inside the storage area is fine as long as you can more likely to regularly check it and the condition of keep your equipment and clothing clean. your stored pesticides. Once a day isn't too often. Be prepared for an emergency. Keep the emergency Locate your storage facility with an eye to preventing '800' numbers of pesticide manufacturers and the local feed, food and water contamination during regular phone numbers offire, police and poison control center storage or in the event of a fire or storm destruction. within quick reach. Don't store pesticides near livestock and their feed, close to your well, dugout or any water course, or in a Make a list of all your stored pesticides including their drainage channel or low spot. trade and chemical names. Keep that list where it's accessible -- definitely not in the same building as your Pesticide spills inside the storage area can be contained pesticides. if the building has a cement floor with a lip around its perimeter. It's also a good idea to have a low earth Remember, the basement of your house, garage, or embankment around the building to contain water and barns are not the place for pesticide storage. Safe pesticides in the event of a fire. storage, it's in your hands! Keep hazardous chemicals locked up Ibs. MORE Michigan OVER Distributors p$ 21H738 Sire Rex P RelP F HL LPR'" PTAT TPI General Genetics +229 +66 99 +64 974 272 +0.59 +962 21H 1273 Centurian +215 +66 79 +59 964 256 +0.33 +877 13811 S. Cypress 21H 1250 Captain +222 +63 77 +75 927 218 +0.22 +813 2IH I3I 7 Leather +198 +61 69 +51 976 247 +0.28 +790 Sand Lake, MI 49343 21HI322 Denby +183 +60 74 +32 971 221 + 1.11 +846 616/636~8876 The power in protein! Top-protein bulls are nothing new at 21st Century He makes a bold entrance into the lineup at 70 Rich Genetics Genetics. We've emphasized protein longer than pounds of protein. any other A. I. organization. You already know all We know, as you do, that protein equals profit. 911 West about our breed-leading sires like Holiday and So, contact your local 21st Century Genetics Target. And we continue to add protein power to representative to find out how our sires can give Forester Road your herd, with new bulls such as Festus. you more of both. Sandusky, MI 48471 ~e Rising Power in Genetics 313/648~2373 2r~~!!!.!!~71!~!!15S!.