Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau ... • 111=1 February 28, 1992 Vol. 69, No.4 Mobilizing Resources for Michigan's 62-Year-Old FFA Tradition The sun hasn't quite peeked over the rie. "The first priority should be, first and ~ eastern horizon yet, but when 6:30 a.m. rolls foremost, to keep the FF A program running. ~...., around for young Becky, the wintery day is IfFFA isn't around, it will ruin a number of well underway. While most of her class- agriscience programs." mates are just cleaning the sleep from their eyes, Becky is wide awake at school re- Michigan Farm Bureau began addressing hearsing a speech she must give that even the need for assisting the state FF A finan- ing to a panel of judges. cially by passing resolutions last December recommending that Farm Bureau, the De- This time of year, this story is repeated partment of Education, Michigan State Uni- many times over across this state as approx- versity, and the private sector, work to- imately 500 young FFA members in Mich- gether to acquire adequate funding for FF A. igan are fervently readying themselves for (See related Discussion Topic, page 11.) the annual FF A leadership contests taking place at district and regional levels, in hopes The remaining $30,000, cut from the State that they may soon be able to compete at the of Michigan budget, funded two primary state contest as one of the state's best. areas of the state FF A budget. Approxi- mately half of the money went toward At the same time, out of Michigan's approx- awards, trophies, plaques, pins, and certifi- imately 5,000 members, 42 are aspiring to cates recognizing FF A members' achieve- be future state FFA officers; hundreds have ments. The remainder of the money reim- According to Snyder, FFA teaches leadership that no class could ever teach today's ,,.. applied for one of 29 proficiency awards, bursed FF A chapters for their mileage to studer:ts. "You can teach a class on leadership, but what are you going to lead?" he explamed. Above (I-r) Amy Stauffer, Renee Nugent, Dave Hildenbrand, and Angie Nauta ranging from agribusiness to outdoor recre- state FF A functions, such as the state FF A ation; and countless others are getting in- convention held in March and the agricul- go over last minute details before a Lowell FFA Chapter meeting. volved with community service projects to tural skills contests held in April. strengthen their very own communities. The Michigan FF A Foundation, formed in Senate Bill 643 Critical to Michigan Agriculture - - But next year at this time, the halls of the early 1980s, has taken the initiative to Your Help Urgently Needed to Ensure Passage Becky~s school may be very quiet, as will cover the money lost for awards and reim- A little-known U.S. Supreme Court ruling local pesticide ordinances have been en- many other schools, with FFA chapters bursement. The non-profit organization, in June 1991, which states that the Federal acted in Michigan." when the funding for state programs and headquartered at MSU, is raising money Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act awards are gone. through private and corporate sponsors to (FIFRA) doesn't pre-empt local units of According to Pontz, the specific timetable come up with the funding. government from regulating pesticide use, on S.B. 643 is questionable, as the package The crisis began when the state FF A pro- could have dramatic implications for your has met severe opposition from local units gram was hit with a $30,000 cutback, via As part of the resolutions passed by Michi- farm operation, if ignored. of government and environmental activists. Gov. Engler's line item veto on state budget gan Farm Bureau, county Farm Bureaus are The bill was at one time due to be voted on proposals and continued with an $83,000 being asked to make a financial contribution Legislation, S.B. 643, pending in the state Feb. 4, but received numerous amendments cutback from the Michigan Department of to the FF A. Those contributions can be Legislature, would prohibit local units of and was ultimately sent back to the Senate Education, by way of a readjustment in made payable to the Michigan FF A Foun- government from enacting or enforcing or- Agriculture Committee for further action. funding from the Carl Perkins Act. dation, and sent to the following address: dinances that contradicts or conflicts with the Michigan Pesticide Control Act Pontz is hoping members will contact their Unless other forms of financing are found, Michigan FFA Foundation (MPCA) and, according to MFB Legisla- respective state legislators (See page 10for losing the $83,000 means losing the state Michigan State University tive Counsel Vicki Pontz, will playa large additional information and a legislatjve FF A office and the state FF A projects con- 412 Agriculture Hall role in the future of Michigan agriculture. directory) to encourage their support of sultant Charles Snyder when the state FF A East Lansing, MI 48824 S.B. 643 as introduced. "Members should budget reaches zero on Oct. 1, 1992. Key "Without enactment of this legislation, not take this issue lightly," said Pontz. agricultural leaders have met recently to A copy of the amount contributed should farmers could conceivably face different "Without the passage of S.B. 643, local discuss the future of agricultural education also be sent to the Young Farmer Depart- pesticide regulations in every township government officials could be making man- in Michigan, including the FF A, and are ment of MFB for recognition purposes and they do business in, making compliance agement decisions about how farmers man- working out funding proposals to support because the donated funds are going to be impossible," said Pontz. "Since the June age their farms that could vary from minor the programs in the future. matched by MFB up to $2,500, as estab- Supreme Court ruling, at least eight new inconveniences to the absurd." .... "The agricultural community needs to focus lished by the MFB Board of Directors . its attention on the FF A and the programs it supports," stated MFB President, lack Lau- It's lambing time once again across Michigan. This newborn and mother were photographed at the MSU lamb- ing barns where the lambing season begins in early January and runs through March. The 200 ewes and replacements housed at the research facility annually produce approximately 300 Suffolk and Rambouillet lambs, according to Kevin Weidmayer, an animal caretaker at the sheep teaching and research barns. Unfortunately, the sheep industry con- tinues to be plagued by its share of problems, namefy poor consumer de- mand and depressed producer prices. University researchers from Texas Wyoming, and Colorado conducted ~ year-long study on marketing strate- gies to identify weaknesses and growth areas to increase producer returns. See their recommendations on page 5. Capitol Corner - Michigan Farm Weather _ Farm Business Outlook - Michigan Farm N~ws February 28, 1992 January Dairy Cow Numbers Down In Brief ... The number of cows on farms during January in the 21 major milk pro~ucing states was at 8.31 million head, 205,000 fewer than a year ago and 17,000 less than December 1991, according to a USDA report. Don't Be Too Quick to Price Corn, Economists Say Milk production during January for the 21 producing states totaled 10.7 billion pounds, The recent corn price rallies have offered some attractive prices, but farmers shouldn't be virtually unchanged from production in those states in January 1991: Decembe.r 1991 in too much of a hurry to sell their 1992 corn crop, according to economists at several revised production of 10.4 billion pounds was slightly below 1990. MIlk productIon per Midwest universities. "I think there will be better pricing opportunities a little later this cow averaged 1,283 pounds for January 1992,32 pounds more than January 1991. spring," advises Purdue Economist Bill Uhrig. He encourages farmers to wait a little longer to learn more about how the El Nino weather phenomenon now occurring over the Pacific will effect the Midwest this summer. Japanese Beef Output to Rise, Pork Output to Fall Darrell Good, grain specialist from the University of Illinois, shares the weather market Japan's beef consumption will continue to rise this year, and domestic slaughter and view and says many good pricing opportunities could occur this spring. He says it's time imports are expected to pick up to meet demand, according to the U.S. agricultural attache for farmers to make marketing plans and decide what combinations of risk management in Tokyo. Japan's pork industry is in a downspin and domestic slaughter will drop more tools to use. But, he adds, "this is not the time of year we expect to get price highs. We just than expected, a Knight Ridder News report indicates. don't get price highs in February." To meet the 1992 beef demand, which is forecast at 1.19million tons, domestic beef and Stan Stevens of the University of Minnesota, says he advises farmers to buy low-priced put veal production in Japan is expe~ted to rise about 3 percent to 590,000 tons. Japan's beef options in early April to protect favorable prices for the 1992 crop. He says farmers should and veal imports are forecast at 580,000 ton this year, 65,000 above 1991, the attache said. finish up the sales of their 1991 crop in the next eight or 10 weeks, then take pricing opportunities for the new crop. Japan has liberalized its beef import markets, which has allowed more U.S. and Australian meat to enter its market. The attache said although these imports are charged a duty, the Robert Wisner, Iowa State University's grain marketing specialist, says farmers may want meat is still selling well and Japanese producers are turning more toward Wagyu beef to begin limited pricing of new-crop corn. He recommends use of futures and/or options to production to remain competitive. Wagyu is premium, heavily-marbled beef that many price about 20 percent of expected production in 1992. More aggressive marketing should Japanese consumers prefer. be undertaken after the government releases its 1992 prospective plantings report in late March, Wisner says. (See page 6 for MSU's Jim Hilker's market comments.) The Japanese pork industry is having problems, the attache said. Pork producers have had to invest in expensive pollution controls and finding new farmers to replace old ones has become more serious. Japan's pork production is forecast at 1.45 million tons, down from Allocations for CIS Loans Announced 1.49 million last year. To help meet forecast 1992 domestic consumption of almost 2.1 million tons, Japan will import 615,000 tons of pork, up from 565,000 in 1991. Along with its February supply/demand report, the USDA announced allocation of the February and March credits for the Commonwealth of Independent States. The February Japan is also expected to permit imports of fresh pork from other EC countries this summer. breakdown will be $95 million for wheat, $55 million for feed grains, $15 million for protein Before, Japan would only allow imports from Ireland, Denmark and England, because of meals and $35 million for freight. fears of foot and. mouth disease. Japanese officials have begun to visit processing plants in the Netherlands to determine if they meet domestic standards, and could become a The $200 million credit for March will be distributed $80 million for wheat, $51 million significant supplier, the attache said. for feed grains, $14 million for protein meals, $15 million for vegetable oils, $10.5 million for soybeans, $4 million for rice, $500 thousand for hops, and $25 million for freight. EPA Ruling on EBDCs a Win for Farmers Russian Farmers Get First Private Farm Program According to a Knight Ridder News report, via British Broadcasting Corp., the Russian The Environmental Protection Agency announced that the wideJy used fungicide EBDC government and the Farmers' Association (Akkor) have signed an agreement which poses minimal cancer risks and may continue to be used on all but 11 fruit and vegetable provides political cooperation and support for economic reforms. crops, banning EBDC use on apricots, carrots, celery, collards, mustard greens, nectarines, peaches, rhubarb, spinach, succulent beans and turnips. In those cases "the long-term The report said the agreement outlines the key spheres of joint work, aimed at creating risks ...outweigh the benefits," EP A said. .favorable conditions for the development of financial support, stimulating production ...and the social protection of farmers. The agreement marks the first time that relations between The action marked a sharp turnaround for the EP A, which two years ago proposed that the government and farmers have been given a legal status, the agency said. EBDCs be allowed on only a few crops. In 1990, the agency proposed the chemical be banned on 45 food crops, prompting the industry to voluntarily withdraw the fungicide for USDA Sets Up CIS Food Aid Office; Sends Marketing Specialist Team use in all but three of those crops. But EP A Administrator William Reilly said that further USDA is setting up an office to help coordinate food aid to the former USSR, and is also studies revealed that the health risks from the fungicide were less than previously believed. sending a team of specialists to help the region improve its food marketing system. The office will serve as a central contact point for other U.S. government agencies, Congress, businesses, voluntary organizations and the public, USDA said. It will also advise USDA Michigan Farmers Appointed to National Committees Under-Secretary Richard Crowder on coordinating assistance to the region. Fifteen Farm Bureau leaders from Michigan, including some county presidents, have been appointed by AFBF President Dean Kleckner to serve on the organization's 1992 com- USDA is also sending three representatives from its Agricultural Marketing Services and modity advisory committees. The committees consider issues important to their commodity three farm industry officials to the former USSR to help officials there improve their food areas and make recommendations to assist the AFBF board in policy implementation. marketing system. The team's goal is to help create a wholesale marketing system for fruits, vegetables, food grain and meat, and will be led by Wes Kriebel, a deputy director at AMS. They are: James Ackron, Wayne County, Agricultural Nursery & Greenhouse; Steve Ouwinga, Newaygo County, Aquaculture; Diane Homing, Washtenaw, Dairy; David Brazil's 1991-92 Corn Crop Estimated Up 17 Percent Eichler, Huron, Egg; Mark Smuts, Eaton, Feed Grains; Stanley Johns, Copper Country, Forestry; Joshua Wunsch, Northwest Michigan, Fruit and Nuts; Ray Buell, Oakland, Favored by good farm credits and beneficial weather conditions, Brazil's 1991-92 (Sept.- Honeybee; Harold Walcott, Ottawa, Poultry Meat; Duane Tirrell, Eaton, Sheep and Goats; Aug.) corn crop will rise 17 perent, said the Brazilian Geographic and Statistical Institute Richard Leach, Saginaw, Soybean; Denis Netzley, Gratiot, Sugar; Larry Snider, Oceana, (IBGE), according to a Knight Ridder News report. In its first crop forecast for the year, the Swine; Jim Miller, Berrien, Vegetable and Potato; and Tom Guthrie, Barry, Wheat. IBGE put production at 27.181 million tons, up from 23.234 million in 1990-91. An IBGE spokesman said corn growers had increased farm credit available in the 1991 Laurenz Named Marge Karker Scholarship Winner planting season. Total farm credits for all crops during the planting season were equal to 5 billion U.S. dollars, up from 2 billion a year earlier. Also, weather conditions have been Rodney M. Laurenz of Midland County has been selected as the 1992 MFB Marge Karker good in most com-growing regions, with ample rain. Brazil's 1990-91 com crop was hurt Scholarship winner. He is the son of Gerald and Carolyn Laurenz, who operate a I,OOO-acre by low yields due to lack of rain during the January - February 1991 growing season. cash crop farm near Wheeler and have been FB members for a quarter-century. Rodney is a junior at MSU majoring in agricultural engineeringlag education and plans to teach ag engineering at the university level. While in high school, he attended MFB's Young People's Citizenship Seminar, was state FF A vice president, was selected one of the top p--------------------------. JEFFERS - Super Service - Discount Prices Vaccines, Wormers. Supplements. Grooming SuppUes Be 100 math students in Michigan, and was valedictorian of his class. The Marge Karker Scholarship was named in honor of the woman who served as MFB' s coordinator of women's activities from the time the program started until the early '60s. Equipment. Tack Be American Made "Dr. J" Saddles Strongid Paste $5.05 Cutter Paste $3.59 Zimecterin Pastew $8.99 Sho-Glo, 5# FOB $5.49 The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN m_) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and J~ly wh~n only one i~sue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm B-Kalm Paste $3.19 Absorb. Liniment, pint $4.39 Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw HIghway, lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm Roll-On Fly Rep!. $2.59 Grand Champion $6.15 New~ to non-m~mbers and out~i.de the ~~tinental U.S.A. AP!1lication to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is Cowboy Brush $2.29 Hooflex, 14 oz $4.69 pending at lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address Vetrap, rollo $1.39 Cotton Lead Rope, 10 ft $3.29 changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. JEFFERS Premium Nylon Haner.....$8.29 Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Wilber; Henry Huisjen. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin' ' Donna 3 ply nylon in 4 sizes & 11 colors Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck (Prices Good Through 5-8-92) Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1 Call Toll Free TODAY - I-BOO-JEFFERS Jim M.iIIer, Colom~; ~istrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, To~ G~th.ne, De~ton; Dlstnct 5, Ma~ Smut~, ~harlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; (1-800-533-3377) Dlstnct 8, ~Ic.hard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West To Order OIr Request the FREE 132 Page Catalog Branch; Dlstnct 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Barag? At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye ._-------------------------~ Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. ( Michigan Farm News ITOL o -. February 28, 1992 o II Z m II Insurer Financial Regulation MFB Position House Bills 5214 and 5215, sponsored by Rep. Mary Michigan Farm Bureau Brown (D-Kalamazoo) and Rep. Al Hoekman (R-Holland), opposes federal regula- will bring Michigan's insurance laws in line with financial tion of the insurance in- standards set by a national organization of state insurance dustry. commissioners. Some experts believe that consistent state regulation will deter efforts to federally regulate the insur- MFBContact ance industry. Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 Michigan's present insurance laws have, in many ways, been inefficient. Enactment of the national standards are ex- pected to streamline the Michigan Insurance Bureau's ex- amination practices. Businesses which buy insurance for their employees and those who sell insurance products are cautious of expanding regulation. They understand that "un- necessary and excessive" regulation ends up costing con- sumers. Other than minor technical amendments, there has been no opposition to these bills. Automobile Insurance Reform MFB Position In December, the Legislature extended Michigan's present MFB supports no-fault automobile no-fault law to March 31, 1992. If provisions in reforms that will reduce the law are allowed to expire, insurance companies will be automobile insurance restricted in the way they rate automobile insurance, result- costs. MFB policy states, ing in cost increases to rural and suburban drivers. Insurers "Adopt optional limits of are urging the House Insurance Committee to allow them PIP (medical) coverage to rate based on actual loss data and not force them to shift and a fee schedule for PIP high urban costs to lower risk urban and suburban areas. medical benefits." Unfortunately, some House leaders don't appear willing to: MFBContact 1) Allow consumers to choose their auto medical protec- Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 tion coverage, but instead support the present law which re- quires all drivers to purchase unlimited medical protection. 2) Enact medical and rehabilitation guidelines and fee schedules. These reforms would almost immediately re- duce automobile insurance costs. Trucking Deregulation MFB Position Senate Bill 325, introduced by Sen. David Honigman (R- Farm Bureau supports de- West Bloomfield) is intended to enhance competition, re- regulation of Michigan's duce shipping costs and increase safety enforcement trucking industry .. through de-regulation of Michigan's trucking industry. MFB Contact Currently, the Public Service Commission regulates the Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 trucking industry by controlling costs, routes and loads which are transported within the state. Michigan farmers hauling their own commodities are exempt from "eco- nomic" regulation. Michigan truckers are forced to drive millions of miles empty each year as a result of the regulations, costing ship- pers an additional $86.6 million annually, which are passed on to the consumer. With deregulation, Michigan freight rates could be reduced, on average, by 19.2 percent . • MFB's Public Affairs Division (517) 323-7000 Bush Health Plan Includes Vital Provisions for Farmers Kleckner noted that Farm Bureau will study President Bush's health care plan contains Bush's overall proposal more closely to some sound and positive concepts, most determine its impact on rural Americans, notably a proposal to allow the self-em- but "in general, we agree with the market- ployed to deduct 100 percent of the cost of oriented approach he has proposed." their health insurance premiums, accord- ing to the AFBF. Farm Bureau is concerned, however, Kleckner said, about the methods ear- 7. Snap-back provisions should be triggered by a formula AFBF President Dean Kleckner said the marked to finance the plans proposed by and not take more than seven days. Snap-back should be tax deduction for the self-employed repre- Bush and several members of Congress. administered by USDA. sents an important reform for a group that 8. The agreement should recognize and address labor cost has been hard hit by spiraling health insur- Kleckner hailed the Bush plan's opposition differentials between the two countries. ance costs. "This is an issue that is ex- to a national health care system such as tremely important to farmers, and we will Canada's and to a "play or pay" system in 9. We support the principal of fiber forward provisions continue to work hard to see that full de- which employers would be offered the dealing with textile trade. ductibility is made permanent," he said. choice of providing insurance coverage for 10. The agreement should also contain a dispute settle- their employees or paying a tax to fund a The self-employed are currently allowed government insurance plan. ment body and a tariff reduction schedule, in addition to a only a 25 percent deduction, a provision reciprocal transportation agreement. which is set to expire June 30. (The Both plans, said Kleckner, would mean 11. Import-sensitive crops should have a longer phase-in president's budget, proposed extending the "more government involvement in medi- period. 25 percent deduction to Dec. 31.) cine at astronomical costs to taxpayers." Michigan Farm ~ews . II. February 28, 1992 Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. 2/28 3/15 2/28 ....... 4130 P - Precip T P T .f Michigan N B A B W. Corn Belt A B N B E. Corn Belt N1A B N B Wlnt. Wheat Belt A N N N Spr. Wheat Belt A B A B Pac. NW Wheat A N A B Delta N N B N Southeast B A B A San Joaquin A A B N ~ A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- t ~ ~ r- mal, MA-Much Above, MB.;.MuchBelow, NP- No Precip. Source: National Weather Office Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU : ~ Weak northwesterly flows in the upper atmosphere persisted during in California) brought milder temperatures and the most widespread ~ much of late January and the first week of February, continuing drier I moisture to the state in almost a month on the 15th. than normal conditions over most of Michigan. Occasional intru- ~ sions of arctic air, largely confined to northern areas, brought The National Weather Service 30-day outlook for Michigan during significant lake effect snowfall to favored areas of the Upper and late February and the first half of March calls for near normal northwestern Lower Peninsulas and resulted in the only areas of temperatures and below normal precipitation. In other words, a above normal precipitation during the period. general continuation of the conditions of the past 30 days. Unfortu- ~ nately, because of disagreement between some of the computer and Mean temperatures ranged from slightly below normal in northeast- I ~ ern sections to slightly above normal in the west. The cooler than normal 30-day mean temperatures in the northeast were the first of statistical models used in the preparation of this outlook, overall confidence is low. From a historical perspective, while both mean temperatures and precipitation are nonnally on the increase this time the winter season thus far. A change in the jet stream patterns to a of year, the climatological records remind us that many of the lowest more southwesterly orientation during early February (the same temperatures and heaviest snowfalls (outside ofthe lake snow areas) change that was responsible for a series of storms and torrential rains have occurred in February and March. Michigan's Dry Bean Growers Face Assessment Referendum The Michigan Bean Commission has approximately $200,000 for expanded do- investment will be used solely for the o Expand Use of Michigan Beans in asked the Michigan Department of Agri- mestic and international promotion. promotion of Michigan-grown beans Aid Programs - culture to conduct a referendum among in international markets such as the A new program will be developed to growers on a proposal to increase the dry When Will it be Held? United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, the work with the government and private bean assessment they pay when they sell The referendum will be conducted during Russian Commonwealth, and North voluntary religious organizations to their beans from a nickel to a dime per the first two weeks of March, 1992. Africa. help them learn more about dry beans, hundredweight. and use more in these relief programs Where can Ballots be Obtained? o To Introduce Michigan Grown world-wide. Some fact about the referendum and pro- The referendum is administered by the Great Northern Beans - posal include: Michigan Department of Agriculture. A new program will be developed to o Expand Domestic Promotion - Who Can Vote? Growers should receive a ballot in the mail introduce Michigan-grown Great Domestic promotion will continue To vote in the referendum, a grower is around March 1, 1992. Elevators and Coop- Northern beans in countries where and expand as possible, and the com- defined as any business unit, including a erative Extension Service offices will have that variety is preferred. The first mission will continue to expand the family operation, sole proprietorship, part- additional supplies of ballots. Great Northern variety developed es- domestic consumption of dry beans. nership, corporation, company, associa- pecially for Michigan growing condi- tion, trust, or other business organization How Will the Assessment be Used? tions will be released this year by o None for Administration - engaged in the business of producing beans The Bean Commission has agreed the in- Michigan State University. Additional None of the new funds will be used for sale within the past two years. creased grower investment will be used to: funds would be used to establish de- for administration. All of it will be mand for this production. used to promote Michigan grown dry What's Proposed? o All for Promotion - None of the new assessment will be used for produc- beans. The proposal calls for an increase in the dry bean assessment paid by growers when tion research. The commission be- Michigan Potato Stocks Higher they sell their beans from the current 5 lieves that promotion is more impor- tant than expanded research. Potato growers and pr?cessors in Michigan held 3.4 million hundredweight (cwt) of cents per hundredweight to 10 cents per po~at<:>esFeb. 1, accordmg to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. hundredweight. This would be an addi- tional investment by Michigan growers of o AtIncreased International Promotion - least 75 percent of the new grower ThIS IS .13 pe.rcent above stocks a year earlier, and represents 38 percent of 1991 fall prodUC!lOn.DIsappearance of the ~991 crop from harvest to Feb. 1, totaled 5.4 million (cwt). Crop dIsappearance for 1990 dunng the comparable period was 6.2 million (cwt). Of the total stocks on hand, 72 percent were whites, 27 percent russets and one percent reds. Get Rock Solid Value Nationally, fall potato stocks totaled 179 million (cwt) on Feb. 1, up 10 percent from last year and 24 percent above two years ago. This is 49 percent of the fall potato production Without putting your budget on the rocks m the 15 storage states, c0l!lpared with 47 percent a year ago. Potatoes by type are three percent reds, 17 percent whItes, and 80 percent russets, with more whites and fewer russets t~an a year ago. Processors have use.d 85.5 million (cwt), down one percent from 1991 but D elivering reliability, dependability and durability at a rock-solid value ... that's what Haul Master is all about. The three-wheel Original Hauler and four-wheel SIX percent above 1990 l.e~els. Shrmkage and loss to date was 21.2 million (cwt), five percent above the 20.1 mIlhon (cwt) last year and 17 percent above the 18.1 million (cwt) lost two years ago. Mark IV is for today's value conscious buyer. • Technologically advanced, yet simple by design California Water Supplies Still Below Normal • A fifteen-year history of low maintenance Water supplies in .California are uP.slightl¥ from a year.ago but have reached only 55 percent • Our standard safety features are offered as options of ~orm~l, meanmg shortages WIll persIst for the SIxth straight season, according to a on other utility vehicles. CahfornIa Department of Water Resources report. Utility vehicles are our only business. Haul Master is dedi- cated to providing its customers a rock solid value. Our On Feb. I ~f last ye~~, wa.ter supplies in storage around the state were at 50 percent of name says it all. normal. Ramy condItIons m March 1991 eventuall y put water supplies for the water use year at 65 percent of normal. The rain and snow that have fallen in the state since the water resources report was compiled ~ave n? do~bt raised the state's water supply. However, much of the heavy rainfall reported m Cahfornla has fallen a~ong the ~outhern coast, in the vicinity of Los Angeles. Only moderate ~mounts have hit the mam snow and water catchment areas of the central and northern SIerra range. Even be~ore. the recen~ rain, the South Coast water region of California was in the best shape, WIth ItS reservoIrs at 110 percent of normal water content. ~ Future inflow into the state's water storage reservoirs will come from water currently locked up as snow. Snow surveys as of late January put the statewide water content of snow at 45 ,. Haul Master, Inc. percent of normal. Current water in storage along the Colorado River ranged from 85 to 1501 1st Avenue • Mendota, IL 61342 • 1-800-848-HAUL 105 percent of no~al. Current snowp~ck in the upper Colorado River Basin was 70 ercent of average, accordmg to figures supphed to the California De rt t fW R P by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. pa men 0 ater esources Michigan Farm News Perception and Consumption Key - Lamb Marketing Study Concludes •• February 28, 1992 American lamb is perceived differently by they have relocated to another part of the and getting the people who already eat lamb ultimately get paid for producing lean all key players determining its selling country where lamb is not popular. It's a to purchase more. "We need increased con- lambs." power, including producers, breakers, re- matter of ethnic base that once supported sumption," said Williams. "The sheep in- tailers, and consumers, said Dr. Gary Wil- our industry eroding because of today' siess dustry should change the situation to where Other key points, said Raftopoulos, include liams, Texas A&M, who presented the re- traditional lifestyle. " retailers need to carry more lamb. This, in improved merchandising/display/promo- sults of a lamb marketing study at the Amer- turn, would call for more breakers to be in tion techniques at the retail level that would ican Sheep Industry Association annual Williams added that lamb consumption is business, which would result in competitive put lamb in the spotlight; more focused convention in Orlando, Fla. also affected by trends and right now, em- pricing. If that happens, prices to consumers education directed toward younger, trendy phasis is on "light and healthy foods" which come down while prices to producers go up consumers who often have not even tried Texas A&M, along with the University of people mistakenly approach with a diet because we're narrowing the price margin lamb; pre-packaged and processed lamb Wyoming and Colorado State University, containing little or no red meat. currently in existence where producers get products to provide retailers with a variety jointly conducted the year-long study to as- too little for their products for which con- of more uniform cuts tailored to change, sess marketing strategies to enhance returns On the retail side of lamb sales, retailers are sumers feel they pay too much." consumer preferences without the cost and to lamb producers. A total of 140 key indus- saying they don't want to spend a lot of time time of back -room preparation, and national try people, including feeders, packers, making lamb more appealing to consumers Bottom line, said Williams, "There is little coordination oflamb marketing activities to breakers, non-breaking wholesales, retail- by trimming excess fat and offering a wider wrong with the lamb industry that cannot be reduce the fragmentation of current market- ers and food service groups spanning the variety of cuts as lamb volume is too low to resolved by increasing consumption." ing activities in the lamb industry. entire United States, participated in the warrant such attention to detail. So why not Steve Raftopoulos, ASI Lamb Council study. increase volume to up profit margins? "It's chair, agreed with Williams and touched on "We'll be looking closely at the food ser- not that retailers don't make money off the a variety of solutions that should better po- vice sector," said Raftopoulous. "If we can "Consumers are .telling us they want lamb they stock and sell," said Williams. sition the industry to sell more lamb. offer a wider variety of cuts at lower prices, smaller, leaner cuts of lamb, but producers "They just make more money off of other the food service industry could be a power- aren't getting that message," said Williams. meats, mainly beef, chicken and pork. For "We'll be emphasizing consumer education ful force in helping us prepare lamb in a "We also have a whole set of consumers out a retailer, lamb is a very small part of the from selection to preparation," said number of ways that could appeal to all age there that don't eat lamb due to changes in business." Raftopoulos. "We'll also continue to urge groups, especially the younger crowd. the ethnic base, that is, even though they're growers to participate in the yield grade Chances are they'll order it again and then more ethniCally inclined to eat lamb, The key to a better lamb market, said Wil- . program so that we can show them they'll possibly purchase it at the retail level. " they've gotten away from it usually because liams, is getting more people to eat lamb Designing Facilities for. Pesticides and Fertilizers? Properly designed and maintained facilities are the back- The bone of a safe, responsible chemical facility, Wilkinson says. Whether the site is a single operator farm, a dealer/ap- plicator business, or a wholesale/manufacturing plant, farm NA-CHURS@ chemical storage and handling sites represent high risk for point-source pollution of ~and and water. Until now, however, there hasn't been a clear concept of Program. what feature~ are included in a safe, responsible chemical facility. The MidWest Plan Service (MWPS) has filled that void by publishing its long awaited Designing Facilities for Pesticide and Fertilizer Containment, MWPS-37. Anything The handbook compiles the best available information for storing, handling and using agricultural pesticides and fer- Else Is Just A tilizers. It's intended as a desk reference for consulting engineers, contractors, builders, state agencies, dealer/ap- plicators, farmers, and educators, with recommendations Bunch based on accepted engineering principles and practices. While the emphasis is on the facility itself, MWPS-37 necessarily considers the impact of laws, regulations, and Of Fertilizer. safety concerns on layout, design and maintenance. Major chapters consider the impact of laws, site selection, func- NA-CHURS~Plant Food Company provides a crop tional system design, worker safety area, storage, second- service program based on sound infonnation and ary containment, mixinglloading facilities and equipment, concrete, emergency response planning, rinsate manage- analysis. Not guesswork. And not just fertilizer. \ Ilbdng/ ment and waste disposal, and facility maintenance. Also The NA-CHURSProgram begins with soil samples 1.oodln9s....,. included are a glossary of terms and a variety of appendices taken ~ you plant Your samples are sent to Pod with additional references and specialized information. the NA-CHURSlaboratory where professional / MWPS was written by agricultural engineers with experi- technidans perform the most sophisticated soil ence in this complex arena. It has been reviewed exten- testing service in the countIy. In usually two &I - 100' sively by experts, specialists and government officials to weeks or less, you'll have easy-to-read fertility ensure accurate, authoritative information. recommendations matched to your crop and yield Medium-sized facility. goals. It all starts with sound testing which can To order Designing Facilities for Pesticide and Fertil- end with higher profits. Pesticides and fertilizers are as common to production izer Containment, MWPS-37, contact Plan Service Sec- agriculture as dirt and hard work, says Bob Wilkinson, retary, 217 Farral Hall, Ag Engineering Dept., Michi- And the NA-CHURSProgram doesn't stop with extension agricultural engineer at Michigan State Univer- gan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. The cost soil testing. You can even consult with your sity, "so it's easy to forget they deserve a good measure of of $15 includes shipping and handling. NA-CHURSdistributor regarding installation and respect when storing, handling and using them." calibration of your planter attachments, delivery of your NA-CHURS~liquid Fertilizer, micronutri- ents, plant tissue analysis and assistance in Saginaw Bay RC&D Area Approved obtaining storage tanks. The NA-CHURS Program. It's more than just Approval of the Saginaw Bay Resource Conservation and o Economic opportunities with improved and ex- the hl.dtest quality, clear liquid fertilizer Development (RC&D) application was announced at the panded recreational and commercial transportation National Association of Conservation Districts' annual facilities. availanle. It's a down-to-earth solution to meeting in Reno, Nevada, by Soil Conservation Service vigorous crops which can help improve Chief Bill Richards. o Recycling opportunities to improve conservation and yields and, ultimately, profits. utilization of the area's natural resources. The project area includes all of Arenac, Bay, CI~~, Gene- For more information on the complete NA-CHURS see, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Llvmgston, Each of the sponsors has a representative on the 3D-mem- Program, or to visit a NA-CHURSfield in your Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola ber Saginaw Bay Resource Conservation and Develop- area, call us toll-free for the name and number of counties. Soil conservation districts and county boards of ment Council that meets regularly to administer the pro- your local NA-CHURSdistributor. Dealer/distribu- commissioners in these counties initiated the application. gram. Jerrold J. Humpula is chairman of the council. tor inquiries welcome. l-S00-NA-CHURS Objectives of the IS-county, 6,OO3,400-acre Saginaw Bay RC&D area include: o Economically viable and environmentally sound agri- cultural, forestry and related industries in the Under the program, the council will set its own conserva- . tion and development goals and identify agencies, groups and foundations to fund and carry out specific projects. The Soil Conservation Service will provide a coordinator to assist the council. (\ . NA-CHURSl!> 421 Leader Street Saginaw Bay area. LIQUID FERTlllZER Marion, Ohio 43302 The Saginaw Bay Resource Conservation and Develop- D Assure a supply of quality ground ~d surface water ment area was one of 27 area-approvals announced at the An Innovative Program. Pure And Simple. .NA-CHURS- and~ are trademarks ofNA-cHURS Plant Food Company. for domestic livestock and recreatIOnal uses for natu- National Association of Conservation Districts' annual CNA-oruRS Plant Food Company, 1992. ral resource-based recreational opportunities. meeting. It is the sixth such area in Michigan. Michigan Farm News 11= February 28, 1992 ....... •••••••• ••••••• ••••• ~.'I ••••••• •••• 'l •••~:.. r-• 1• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University Market Outlook E~RM •••••••• •••• .r •••••• • 'j~=- •••• ~ •••••••• ,j ••• . Corn Soybeans BUSINESS Seasonal Commodity Domestic corn demand continues above ex- pectations, but corn exports continue to be Price Trends (long term) The supply/demand situation for 1991-92 for both the U.S. and the world was left basically unchanged by the USDA in their OUTLOOK disappointing. Table I shows the latest February report. USDA supply/demand projections for 1990-91 and 1991-92 and my projections Wheat ? There were expectations that the production exports due to a larger South American for 1992-93. estimate for South America would be crop. As can be seen in the last column of Corn t ? raised, but that was not the case. There was the soybean table, the fundamental picture The USDA increased its 1991-92 food and no February credit allocation for soybeans is not expected to change much from this Soybeans to the CIS, but $10.5 will be allocated in year. industrial use expectations 50 million bush- i? March. -- els in the February report, but this was offset by a 50 million bushel decrease in expected However, the new crop soybean pricing Hogs opportunities available now are much -- exports. As can be seen in Table 3, soybean planted acreage is expected to be down in 1992-93. better than the fundamentals shown here On the world scene, the South African corn Cattle But this is expected to be offset in lower would suggest. crop was cut 80 million acres as a terrible drought hangs over all of southern Africa, but again lower than expected use left end- Index: t= Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; Hogs ing stock projections basically unchanged. = TP= Topping; BT Bottoming; ? = Un~ure Hog slaughter the first two weeks of Febru- rent. If you cannot afford significant The USDA has released the previously over 3 million acres. As shown in the last ary was up 8-9 percent compared to last downside risk as we move into the spring announced $200 million in export credit column of Table 1, that would increase year, and while this was still higher than the and summer, calculate out your forward guarantees for February to the 11 republics ending stocks significantly. 5 percent the Hogs and Pigs Report would pricing opportunities. While the oppor- of the Commonwealth of Independent have indicated, it is down from the 14 per- tunities presented by the futures markets States. The allocation for feed grains was While a large corn price spring rally on cent increases we saw in January. do not look real good, there is probably $55 million, which was near expectations. a weather scare is a definite possibility more downside risk than upside potential They also announced the allocation for feed due to the low projected ending stocks, Take advantage of the increase in hog as of mid-February. grains in March would be $51 million. another strong possibility is a nice prices we have seen by keeping very cur- spring, large corn acreage numbers, and Given the relative prices of crops, it now lower corn prices. The point is don't hold Cattle appears 1992 corn acres planted will be up all of your risk into spring. The annual USDA January 1 Cattle Inven- By combining the information in the Inven- Wheat tory Report, released Feb. 7, showed all tory Report with the information in the 13- cattle and calves were up 1 percent. While State Report, it appears that available feed- The story for wheat is a bit the reverse of A top may have been hit in the wheat mar- this does show expansion, it was lower ers are up 11 percent from last year due to corn. The USDA lowered projected domes- ket until there is more solid information on than expected. The report also lowered the the low placements of light-weight cattle tic use 30 million bushels and raised pro- how the wheat looks in the field once it expansion shown in last year's report from the second half of last year. ,I-; jected exports 25 million bushels. Expected starts growing again, and in Texas, that 2 percent to 1 percent. ending stocks were left unchanged as pro- time is not far off. Table 2 shows the pro- What this report tells us, along with the jected imports were lowered 5 million. jected supply/demand situation. Beef cows on Jan. 1, 1992, were up 2 13-State Report discussed in the last issue, percent and heifers kept as replacements is that steer prices will likely stay in the The world numbers were left basically un- If the crop develops nicely, harvest were shown as up 3 percent; again while upper $70s through April or May and then changed for wheat in the February report. prices could fall below $3.50 and present this represents expansion, it was less than falloff sharply in the second half of the year The February credit allocation for wheat to pricing opportunities; if the crop has expected. as the supply increases. the CIS was $95 million and the March trouble, we could see harvest prices allocation was announced as $80 million. around $4. Consider lowering some of The other surprise in the report was that the Keep very current and watch for rallies There is still another $250 million alloca- your 1992 new crop price risk with some 1991 calf crop didn't increase from 1990. in the out month futures to consider for- tion for April coming and a strong possibil- forward pricing on a portion of your The preliminary July report had indicated ward pricing opportunities. ity for more this summer. expected summer harvest. it would be up 2 percent. 0 Table 1 Table 2 :\0 . '\;~'~Ie~~\'% SUPPL YIDEMAND SUPPL YIDEMAND .SI.Jl~P'V:ltt~MAND BALANCE SHEET FOR BALANCE SHEET FOR B~l.:.ANCESHEETFOR CORN WHEAT Hilker's Hilker's SOYBEANS Proj. Guess Proj. Guess Hilker's 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 Proj. Guess Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) 1990-91 91-92 92-93 Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Diverted 6.3 4.7 3.5 Diverted 3.2 10.0 3.5 Acres Planted 57.8 59.1 57.7 Acres Planted 74.2 75.9 79.0 Acres Planted n.3 69.9 71.5 Acres Harvested. 56.5 58.0 56.5 Acres Harvested 67.0 68.7 71.7 Acres Harvested 69.4 58.1 61.5 Bu./Harvested Acre 34.1 34.3 34.0 BuJA. Harvested 118.5 108.8 120.0 BuJA. Harvested 39.5 34.1 37.0 Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 239 329 325 Beg. Stocks 1344 1521 1091 Beg. Stocks 536 866 390 Production 1926 1986 1921 Production 7934 7474 8604 Production 2736 1981 2257 Imports 2 5 4 Imports 3 20 5 Imports 37 35 35 Total Supply 2167 2320 2250 Total Supply 9282 9016 9700 Total Supply 3309 2882 2700 Use: Use: Use: Crushlngs 1187 1235 1240 Feed 4669 5000 5100 Food 796 n5 800 Exports 557 665 600 Food/Seed 1367 1400 1435 Seed 90 92 95 Seed, Feed and Total Domestic 6036 6400 6535 Feed 489 350 165 Residuals 94 95 95 Exports 1727 1525 1650 Total Domestic 1375 1217 1060 Total Use 1838 1995 1935 Total Use n61 7925 8185 Exports 1068 1275 1150 Ending Stocks 329 325 315 Ending Stocks 1521 1091 1515 Total Use 2444 2492 2210 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 866 390 490 Percent of Use 17.9% 16.3% 16.3% Percent of Use 19.6% 13.8% 18.5% 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% 22.1% 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. 51Bu. $5.75 55.75 55.90 Farm Price. S1Bu. 52.28 52.50 52.50 U.S. Season Average $3.00- $3.10- Farm Price. $/Bu. 52.61 $3.10 53.90 Source: USDA Source: USDA Source: USDA t:" Michigan Farm News •• February 28, 1992 Good News for New Product Profile Roundup Users New Bale Handling Accessories Now As part of a longer-term market expan- A vailable From sion plan, Monsanto has reduced the price White-New Idea for the second straight year in a row for Roundup, making the product available at White-New Idea Farm Equipment Co. has $39.50 suggested retail in the 30-gallon added three round bale handling acces- drum, according to a Monsanto release. sories to their New Idea product line: a front loader bale spike, a 3-point hitch With the price reduction, Monsanto says bale spike and a 3-point hitch bale fork. that farmers can now treat many perennials for under $10 per acre, and under $5 per The front loader bale spike features a acre for many annual weeds. Monsanto is 2000 lb. capacity spike with two smaller hoping to capture more of the reduced till- stabilizer spikes. It adjusts to fit any front age market as the 1995 conservation com- loader. pliance deadline nears, saying the product is ideal for pre-plant and no-till conditions. The 3-point hitch bale spike features a 1500 lb. capacity spike with two smaller Monsanto is planning to release a dry form, stabilizer spikes. It fits both category I Roundup WSD, in coming years, as well as and /I hitches. The 3-point hitch bale fork more returnable containers, bulk and water Front loader Bale Spike Now Available is versatile so it can be used for more than soluble packaging, and finally, Roundup- moving bales. Pallets, feed bunks and The Model 486-0021 (above) features three spike design to stabilize round bales. Adjusts to fit any front loader. 2000 lb. capacity. tolerant crops starting with soybeans by the other flat items can also be carried. It Two 3-point hitch models also available from White-New Idea dealers. mid-1990s to boost sales and market share. handles 1500 Ibs. and fits both category I and /I hitches. tioners, rakes, planters and spreaders. The New Idea brand name is one of four brands marketed and manufactured by White-New Idea Farm Equipment Co. Other brands are Michigan Cattle Other New Idea products include round balers, disc mowers and mower condi- White (planters & tillage), UNI (harvesting systems) and Ag ONE (parts and supplies). For more information call1-BOO-767-3221. Numbers Stable Michigan'S Jan. 1, cattle herd totaled 1,200,000 head, unchanged from a year ago, according to the Michigan Agricul- tural Statistics Service. However, some shifting did occur between classes. The Jan. 1, milk cow inventory, 338,000 head, was down 5,000 head from 1991. Milk cow replacement heifers, at 159,000, were up 1,000 head. Beef cows at 106,000 head, were down one percent. Beef re- placement heifers increased to 30,000 head, a three percent increase. The 1991 calf crop was 380,000 head, 10,000 fewer than the previous year. Cattle on full feed for slaughter totaled 210,000 head, dropping Michigan into a 14th place tie with Indiana. Steer numbers, at 252,000 head, decreased 6 percent and Compare the interest rates. The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA other heifers, at 45,000 head, increased 18 and Gold ~lasterCard is just 15.9 % A.P.R. -one of the lowest interest rates percent. Calves on hand at 252,000 head, available. In addition, you pay 110itllereslon new credit card purchases when "'" were up five percent from last year. Michi- your full balance is paid by the due date. gan has 20,000 operations with cattle. Compare the fees. The MemberLine VISA has no annual fees, no mem- bership fees and no application fee. The annual fee for the Gold MasterCard is $20 - far lower than the fee charged for most gold cards. For added USDA Predicts savings, the $20 fee is rebated every year that you make $3,000 or more in net purchases. Little Farm Debt Compare the premiums. Both the MemberLine VISA and the Gold Growth in 1992 The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & ~lasterCard offer a wide array of complimentary features and options for Gold MasterCard. Two good reasons your protection and peace of mind. And when you carry a Gold l\lasterCard, you'll enjoy the added advantages of a higher credit line, executive travel USDA's Agricultural Income and Fi- why it pays to compare before you privileges, emergency road assistance, purchase protection insurance and a nance report is predicting that total U.S. farm debt will rise only 1 percent to 2 per- apply for a credit card ... warranty extension program - valuable "extras" you and your family can depend on. cent in 1992 as farmers remain cautious about aquiring additional debt, according to Easy to apply for. Simply remove this page from the magazine and fill out Knight Ridder Financial News. the application on the reverse side. Letterfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! Total farm debt, excluding households, stood at an estimated $139.3 billion at the __ MICHICAN end of 1991, up 2 percent from a year ear- lier, but still 28 percent below the 1984 peak _. FARM BUREAU o FIRSfDf AMUIO\.Bank of $193.8 billion. Although farm income declined in 1991, "farmers and lenders were much better pre- pared to handle financial difficulties" be- cause of adjustments they made in the 1987 No Postage Necessary through 1990 period, USDA said. If Mailed Within The United States "All lender categories report that agricul- tural credit demand was not particularly Business Reply Mail strong in 1991, while the capacity to lend First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI remained high," USDA said. Expected lower net farm income again in 1992 and Postage will be paid by addressee modest farm asset growth suggests only minimal increases in farm real estate and non-real estate borrowing this year," con- cludes USDA. FIRST OF AMERICA BANK REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION "Commercial agricultural lenders indi~ate ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES they would like to make more new hlgh- quality loans, but competition for those P.O. BOX 2349 loans remains keen," USDA said. Interest KALAMAZOO, MI 49003-9917 rates on new agricultural loans declined -, about I percentage point in 1991 and are expected to fall by another 1 percentage point in 1992. 1.1111111 •• 11'1.1111111111111111111'11111111111111.1 Michigan Farm News _ February 28, 1992 IIOverhead Wires, Electric Motors Safety Tips Motors Overhead Wires Any farm uses electric motors to supply Although many utility companies are in- mechanical power to elevators, fans, au- Michigan Farm Bureau stalling new distribution lines underground gers, and other similar devices. Here are in the city, overhead wires remain a fact of some things to remember: Membership Report life in rural areas. A few commonsense pre- '1 State Status cautions can mean life or death around these D Choose a proper enclosure. Open or installations. drip-proof motors are seldom appro- 1991/92 1990/91 priate for the farm environment. To- New 9,818 10,043 D Don't tip irrigation pipe sections up- tally enclosed, fan-cooled (TEFC) wards near a distribution line. units are usually much better, while Renewals 91,659 88,670 dust ignition-proof and explosion-. D Don't build grain storage facilities or proof motors may be required under Total 101,477 98,713 any other buildings near a distribution some circumstances. Rely on a com- line. petent electrician for the choice. Goal 120,000 114,500 From Farm Bureau Insurance D Lower elevators and augers when D Choose the horsepower rating of the % Goal 84.56% 86.21% transporting. motor to be at least 125 percent of the D Select motors with manual-reset over- requirement of the load according to current protectors when possible. Need 18,523 15,789 D Don't refuel or park large machines the manufacturer's information on the under a high.-voltage transmission line load. Motor Installation Tips (one that's on steel towers rather than Use magnetic starters with push buttons to Target 45,427 45,709 poles). D Pay careful attention to the ventila- (target is farm-member objective) start and stop motors above 1/3 horse- tion requirements of your motors. Mo- power. Don't use circuit breakers, manual 0/0Target 91.730/0 92.040/0 D Don't allow ~ders on loaded hay wag- tors generate heat when operating. starters, or cord-and-plug arrangements. ons when passing under distribution lines. D Make sure drive belts and couplings are aligned properly and adequate o Select all components of the motor branch circuit in accordance with Arti- shields are in place. cle 430 of the National Electrical Code. APPLY NOW D Select control equipment to match the environment. Do not attach motor en- for a Farm Bureau MemberLinEr VISA or Gold MasterCard closures to the outside wall of a silo, for example. FARM BUREAU MEMBERLlNE- APPLICATION FnlName MidcIe IniliaI Lasl Name Social Security Number Dale 01 Bir1h City, Stale Home Telephone Noo1ber (Include Area Code) Mos. ) NA-CHURS &I.. ..... Previous Adchss [If less than two years at present address) Stale Double-OK ~ IE: ~ Present Employer T eIephooe NlI11bet Tme at Present ~ 'Income from alimony, chid support. 01 mai1lenance payments need ~ you do not wish to have k as a basis for repaying this obIigalion. o not be revealed Liquid Potassium - an Attractive ~ Employe(s PosUln Monthly ( ) Yrs. Mos. Gross Income from ~ 0 Yearly City, Stale, ~ Code o Monthly Other Income 0 Yearly Scuce 01 Other Income Previous Employer [If less than two years at present employer) Tme at Previous Employer Yrs. Mos. Alternative Nearest Relative (not living wilh you) Today's grower is concerned about the FnlName LaslName quality of fertilizer placed in the soil. NA- 'E CHURS Plant Food Company has re- 6 Present Street Adchss Dale 01 Bir1h sponded to this concern by developing a u Mos. u ca City, Stale Home Telephone Noo1ber chloride-free liquid potassium. NA- 'E (Irdude Area Code) ) CHURS Double-OK Liquid Potassium (0- "0 . ;; Previous Adchss [If less than two years at present address) City Stale 0-30) does not contain chlorides and has a !z Present Employer Income from alimony, chid support. 01 mai1lenance payments need not be revealed low salt index. ~o ~ you do not wish to have k as a basis for repaying this obIigalion. :J Employe(s Telephone NlI11bet Tme at Present ~ o Monthly "All across the U.S., growers are switching a. ( ) Yrs. Mos. Gross Income from Employment 0 Yearty a. from a dry potassium chloride to NA- ~ City, Stale, ~ Code o Monthly oo Other Income 0 Yearty Source 01 Olher Income CHURS Double-OK," said Tim Bailey, IE: Previous Employer [If less than two years at present employer) Tme at Previous Employer NA-CHURS Market Development Man- Yrs. Mos. ~ ager. "Double-OK Liquid Potassium gives o Nearest Relative (noIliving wilh you) >- growers an alternative to dry application. The product has gained a great deal of rn Cnlcil ReIeIences Monthly Payments Balance Due o Home 0 0 Monthly Payment W 0wrv1luying Olher Rent $ attention and wide acceptance in a very o Mor1gage Holder 01 L.ancIord Mortgage Balance short period of time. " Z W $ IE: W &I.. o Checki1g Aa:ounl (Bank Name) Estimated $ Vakle "There is a growing cons~iousness among W IE: farmers about potassium chloride," said .... o Have You EYer 0 Yes Gerald Engels, owner of Maxigro Distrib- 6 Savings Aa:ounl(Bank Name) Declared 0 No w Bankruplcy? utors in Fayette, Iowa. "This product gets IE: o you away from that, which is a real plus." Optional Group Credit Insurance Please check your card preference IIWe hereby cefliIy lhaI each 01 !he answers on this ~ is true and c:orred, and is made lor !he IUPOS8 of obtaining a loan 01 crecilfrom (choose one design only) lhe Bank. l1w9 certify IhaI all debts owed wIle1her inOvidual, joint 01 Double-OK Liquid Potassium may be The lXlSt to you, !he PrimaIy Aa:ount holder contingent have been ciscIosed aboYe and IhaI none of my/our debts ... e w (applicant), is $.60 per $100 lor each mon1h's o SCENIC VISA o oSTANDARD '.QIioo. VISA _ deinquent 01 in delault, excepl as IIWe have indicated aboYe.1IWe hereby planter-applied, side-dressed, and used as a o average daily bamce. The ilsu'ance wi be- z aulhorize !he Baril 10 ilYestigaIe my/our crecill8COld 10!he exlenlk deems foliar fertilizer. Growers are seeing excel- ~IE: lXlITl8 elledive when yo.x credit begins. You nec:essa-y and 10 verily mylour c:redl, 8f1llIoymenl nl income references. ~ must be less lhan age 7110 be eigibIe lor C1JY- ;:'11 1nz J',O IIWe Uther authorize and instruct aIrf person or CXlnSlIller reporting lent results after foliar feeding their alfalfa. rn ~ erage. A certificaIe which more IuIIy describes the insurance wi! be sen1 when your credit =~~ agency 10 IIJnish 10 !he Bank arry informaIion IhaI ~ may have 01 obtain in response 10 such crecil ~. IIWe I\J1her arpe IhaI this applicaIion "I had my best second crop (cutting) of appIica1ion is approved. lblefwrillen by The shall become !he property oIlhe Bank. whether 01 not ~ is approYed. alfalfa ever with NA-CHURS Double-OK. t:: Pruden1iaI Cornjmy of America. Newall. New IIWe agree IhaI ~ 1his applicaIion is accepted nl a caRl 01 cards are Q Jersey, and PrudenliaI Property and Casually OR Apply for a Gold MasterCard issued IhaI arry use of !he card(s) wiI be governed by !he terms and I've gotten on extra ton per acre after add- W IE: Insurance Company, Holmdel, New Jersey. o condtions of !he Bank's VlSMAaslelCard Agreemen1 nl DisclOsure ing NA-CHURS Double-OK to my current o Those choosi1g 10 enroll wiI be maied a cer- YES, rd Iile lhe exlra IreecIom and t1e1bity - provided before 01 with deivery 01 !he card(s). IIWe assume, If more lhan a. 01 a Gold MasterCMl ftstead 01 !he VISA 0 f~rb "- one joinlly nl sewraIIy, IabiIily lor aI charges inamd in arry use of program," said George Gudex of Wiscon- ~ tificate of insurance explaining benefits, imi1a- card. II I do nol qualily lor the Gold !he card(s). sin. o lions nl provisions nl incicaling !he elIec- Mast8lCard, lXlIlSider my ~ lor !he '. ~ '"'4a IE: live dale 01 COYerag8. CJ FlWlIllUeau VISA C3d. •~ -l3 x ..... ~otassium, an essential nutrient, plays an ~ 0 YES, PIlat enroll me In IhI ~sSignalln Date Important role in plant nutrition. Adequate o Group CrIdlIInIlnnce ProgrIm. X t: o ADDITIONAl CARD FOR AUTHORIZED USER Co-Appicanl's SignalIn Dale potassium helps increase root growth, im- o lIlT proves ~rought resistance, aids in photo- s~nthesls and food formation. It also pro- Print name here VIdes better overall crop quality, including GnIc:e ....... ..... wn- •• of 'or tile the crop's physical condition, resistance to None lor scenic or standard VISA IIaI8nce for Cash Advance Fee - none diseases and feeding value of grain. 15.9'% S20 lor Gold MasterCard .... Pun:hII8e8 Transaction Fee - none Average Daily Balance (rebated every year ne1 annual Late Fee - $10.00 (excluding new purchases) purchases exceed $3.000) 25 Days, starting wi1h the biDing Over Umit Fee - $10.00 ~A-C~URS Plant Food Company, estab- date on statement" Minimum FtnanC8 Charge - none lIshed In 1946, is the nation's leading man- ufact~rer ~nd marketer of high quality, true Please letterfold and staple this form with the mailing address on the outside (reverse side) solutIon lIquid fertilizer. Over 200 NA- CHURS dis~r~butors across the country serve the fertIlIzer needs of agriculture. Michigan Farm News •• February 28, 1992 MACMA's Feeder Pig Marketing Program Enters the Computer Era with MLSE and PMA After closely watching the successes of similar programs in Indiana and Minne- sota, the Michigan Agricultural Coopera- The safest, most efficient tive Marketing Association's (MACMA) wood heat system on the Feeder Pig Division, and the Michigan market, the TAYLOR Livestock Exchange (MLSE), entered into waterstove sits outside a joint venture with the Indiana Producer's and heats your home and 100% of household Marketing Association (PMA) to market hot water . feeder pigs in Michigan via computer. • UL listed i • Thermostatic control .. ~ According to MACMA Feeder Pig Divi- • 12to 24 hour burn time •..:.~ ~.' :& sion Manager Bill Haas, the PMA program has been in operation since April 1991, TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, INC. holding sales every Tuesday. MACMA is PO Box 518. Elizabethtown. NC 28337 serving as the controller of the PMA oper- Call 1-800-545-2293 for more details. ation with all bids received and records maintained on a computer network, based out of the MACMA office. Michigan offic- ially became an active member of the net- work Jan. 15 of this year, with sales held every other Wednesday afternoon. With the program in place, feeder pig pro- ducers and buyers can now take advantage of competitive bidding and feeder pigs Tailored Building~y'stems move directly from farm to farm, reducing stress and possible disease exposure, ex- With thf!Jnew joint ~enture. ~etween MAGMA, MLSE, and PMA, the computerized The Sign of Quality mar~etln9. netwo~k IS administered out of the MAGMA Feeder Pig office in Lansing. Since 1967 plained Haas. Jamce Wieber, pictured above, from MAGMA helps coordinate the sale. "As far as the seller is concerned, he can offer his pigs to a larger number of buyers tified scale, usually a feed cooperative, their own computer, they will be able to and develop his reputation for the type of where the actual transfer will take place, participate in the auction from their own pig he produces. From the buyer stand- although some producers will deliver to the office," he said. Quality In-House Design. Delivery &: Construction point, he has a larger selection of pigs to buyer. Post Frame &: Steel Construction If there's a downside to the program, it 1-800-955-7005 choose from, and can take advantage of For buyers to participate, the process is concerns the smaller producers, since the current market conditions," he said. even simpler, according to Haas. Most of minimum lot size requires 45 to 50 feeder the pigs bought off the system are "order pigs, according to feeder pig producer and To take advantage of the network, produc- bought," meaning that the buyer has re- MACMA Feeder Pig Operation Commit- ers must contact MACMA, MLSE, or viewed the information on each lot of pigs tee Chairman Don Frens, of Fremont. PMA, and make arrangements for herd in- spections and evaluations. Once the evalu- ation is completed and approved, produc- to be sold for that week, and then set a bid limit for each lot they're interested in. Frens, who markets approximately 2,000 COMPACTED Those orders can be placed at MACMA' s feeder pigs a year, explained that with the ers then consign feeder pigs to the sale a couple of days in advance, providing infor- office or MSLE facilities. statewide sales potential, and to make the program worthwhile for both the seller and SOIL? mation such as the number to be sold and According to Haas, in several instances, buyer, the smaller producers will still have the average weight. buyers went right to the MLSE facility to watch the bidding action on the computer to utilize MACMA' s collection points for co-mingling. Agri-SC ••• According to Haas, the seller is then re- sponsible for transporting the pigs to a cer- screen. "In the near future, if buyers have "For the larger producer, as far as I'm con- • Softens hard, compacted soil cerned, it's the best way to sell your pigs right now; it's a good marketing tool," said Frens. "I think it has great potential." • Improves water infiltration & aeration Frens has marketed 130 pigs through the , Buyer program thus far. and plans to use the pro- • Reduces erosion ~t.Large selection ...2. Competitive pricing . gram more once his previous market com- mitments are met. According to Haas, that's been the limiting factor to participa- • Enhances nutrient uptake 3. Direct movement from seller's farm tion thus far. 4. 5. Buy individual lots Convenient and easy "We have producers lined up with different • Reduces soil shear strength for easier 6. Information available on each herd buyers and we just can't walk away from 7. Herds inspected and rated them," explained Haas. "We've got to work tillage our way into this program." • Low per acre cost In-Soil Placement Best for No- Till Starter Fertilizer • University tested In no-till plots, starter fertilizer that was In-soil fertilizer application generally pro- careful adjustment, the equipment didn't placed in the soil near the seed produced duced slightly faster emergence and growth reach desired depths in the field. However, better corn yields than broadcast fertilizer, and greater grain yields than broadcast appli- the single disk opener didn't improve emer- research at the University of Wisconsin- cation. gence, growth rate or yields in these trials. Madison has shown. Double disk openers had a hard time staying at a set depth in no-till and chisel-plowed plots, but the vari- Fertilizer was placed either ° inches offset and 2 inches below seed, 2 inches offset and The researchers applied 208 pounds per acre of 6-24-24 in 1989,216 pounds/acre in 1990, Agri-SC ... proven effective ation in depth didn't seem to affect yields 2 inches below seed, or 2 inches offset and 4 and 233 pounds/acre in 1991. In 1989 and for over 15 years inches below seed. All the phosphorus and 1990, the soil contained more than enough when compared with single disk openers, potassium requirements, as determined by nitrogen to support the desired yields, and no by scientific according to Kevin Shinners and Ron Schu- research and ler, agricultural engineers. soil test, were applied at planting as a starter further N was applied. They applied 135 treatment. pounds of anhydrous ammonia per acre in thousands of Shinners studied how fertilizer placement, 1991. satisfied growers! tillage system and opener type affected corn In no-till plots, placement 2 inches offset and emergence, growth rate and grain yield. He 2 inches below seed produced an average of Stalks from the previous crop were shredded compared no-till and chisel systems using a 139.5 bushels per acre, which was signifi- over the entire plot area before tillage. Over Call for additional research, the three years of trials, residue cover aver- pricing, or dealership information standard double-disk opener and a single- disk rippled opener. cantly higher than the other placements. In chisel plots, placement ° inches offset and 2 inches below seed produced significantly ° aged I percent on moldboard plots, 40 per- cent on chisel plots, and 59 percent on no-till 1.800.348.2608 lower yields that the other placements. Av- plots. (Poor yields in 1988 and low residue ~FOURSTAR In the chisel plow system, placement of erage yields ranged from 127.6 to 139.5 cover in 1989 lowered the residue averages.) TvW-SERV'CES, 'NC. starter fertilizer directly in the seed row 2275 North State Road One, PO Box 463 bushels per acre in these trials. The land was gently rolling with a 2 to 6 slowed emergence and growth rate and re- Bluffton. Indiana 46714 percent grade on Plano silt loam soil. Rows sulted in the lowest yields. The other place- Depth of operation varied widely--always were 30 inches wide. Researchers planted Agrl-SC Is on exclusive product 01 Fou Star Services ments produced about the same emergence, growth rate and yields. In the no-till system, an intermediate placement, 2 inches offset shallower than desired--for the double disk opener, especially in the chisel plow and 27 ,000 ~eeds per acre in 1989 and 1990, and 28,300 10 1991. The plots were planted dur- Good tOt the Eal-tlz! no-till systems, Shinners reports. Despite ing the first week of May. and 2 inches below seed, produced the fast- est emergence and greatest yields. Michigan Farm News ~ Questions and Answers Regarding 5.8. 643 •• February 28, 1992 Legislative Directory 110 A Dresch, Stephen 373-0850 Ask Your State Legislators to Support 5.8. 643 to Prohibit Local 81 o Emerson, Robert 373-7515 State Senators 56 A Fitzgerald. Frank 373-0853 Pesticide Ordinances 107 o Gagliardi, Pat.. 373-2629 DistrictlPartylSenatorlTelephone (517) 18 A Gernaat, John 373-1747 Michigan Farm Bureau members are encouraged to review the information provided below 33 R Arthurhultz, Philip 373-1635 48 R Gilmer. Donald 373-1787 34 0 Barcia, James A 373-1777 72 o Gire, Sharon 373-0159 and then ask their respective state Senators and Representatives, either by phone or by letter, 11 0 Berryman. James 373-3543 43 A Gnodtke, Carl 373-1796 to support passage of Senate Bill 643. If you're unsure who to call or write, refer to the 16 R Bouchard, Michael J 373-2523 36 R Goss. Georgina 373-3816 district maps below. The serious nature of this issue has made it a high priority issue of 9 R Carl. Doug 373-7670 50 o Griffin. Michael... 373-1795 Michigan Farm Bureau. Protect your farm's future and call now! 29 0 Cherry, J6hn 373-1636 67 o Gubow, David 373-0478 87 o Harder, Clark 14 R Cisky, John 25 0 Conroy, Joeseph 373-1760 373-0142 62 o Harrison, Charlie 373-0841 373-0475 Q. Why is it so important to prohibit try. Farmers no longer hold the majority of 28 R OeGrow. Dan L. 373-7708 12 o Hertel, Curtis 373-1983 local units of government from enacting seats in township or county government. 30 R Dillingham, Frederick 373-2420 101 o Hickner. Thomas 373-0158 pesticide ordinances now? Local policy makers who are unfamiliar 26 0 OiNeno, Gilbert 373-7315 54 R Hillegonds, Paul... 373-0836 7 0 Oingell, Christopher 373-7800 95 R HoeKman, Alvin 373-0838 with agriculture are making decisions that 8 R Ounaskiss, Mat 373-2417 23 R Hoffman, Philip 373-1775 A. On June 1, 1991, the U.S. Supreme could have devastating impacts on the agri- 32 R Ehlers, Vernon J 373-1801 57 o Hollister, David 373-0826 Court ruled that FIFRA does not preempt cultural industry. 35 R Emmons, Joanne 373-3760 6 o Hood, Morris 373-3815 local units of government from regulating 12 0 Faust, William 373-7350 90 R Horton. Jack 373-0218 15 0 Faxon, Jack 373-7888 108 o Jacobetti, Dominic 373-0498 pesticide use. The impact of this Supreme Q. Why not allow local units of govern- 22 R Gast, Harry 373-6960 65 R Jamian, John 373-0824 Court ruling could be devastating to agri- ment to enact ordinances to regulate all 6 R Geake, R. Robert 373-1707 26 R Jaye, David .: 373-0843 culture .. pesticide use ~ agricultural use? 10 0 Hart, George 373-6820 68 R Johnson, Shirley 373-1783 59 o Johdahl, Lynn 373-1786 4 0 Holmes, David S 17 R Honigman, David 373-0990 373-1758 79 o Jonker, Nate 373-3944 Environmental groups are focusing their A. There is a need for comprehensive reg- 1 0 Kelly, John 373-7346 33 o Keith. William 373-0849 efforts on local units of government ulation of .all pesticide use, including agri- t 38 0 Koivisto, Donald 373-7840 8 o Kilpatrick,. Carolyn 373-0844 prompting 17 states to adopt preemption culture. Local units of government have 37 R McManus, George 373-1725 96 R Knight. Mickey 373-2646 language, with 20 more in the process. passed ordinances that were not intended to 27 0 Miller, Arthur J 373-8360 37 o Kosleva. James 373-2575 5 0 O'Brien. Michael J 373-0994 2 o Leland. Burton 373-6990 impact agriculture, but in fact do. 18 0 Pollack, Lana 373-2406 76 R London, Terry R Martin, Williams 373-1790 373-0555 Q. Why shouldn't local units of govern- 31 R Posthumus, ~ick 373-0797 49 ment pass pesticide ordinances that are MPCA Regulation 637, soon to be enacted, 36 R Pridnia, John 373-2413 92 o Mathieu, Thomas 373-0822 20 R Schwarz, John, M.O 373-3447 99 R McBryde, James 373-1789 inconsistent with the Michigan Pesticide establishes a statewide program for posting 19 R Smith, Nick 373-2426 102 R McNutt, James 373-1791 Control Act (MPCA)? and notification. To have each local unit of 2 0 Smith, Virgil.. 373-7748 45 R Middaugh, James 373-0839 government determine specific require- 24 23 0 Stabenow, Debbie R Van Regenmorter, 373-1734 61 51 R Middleton. Thomas R Munsell. Susan 373-1798 373-1784 A. Pesticide use is currently regulated ments for posting and notification would William 373-6920 17 o Murphy. Raymond 373-0589 through a partnership between federal' and send inconsistent and confusing messages 3 0 Vaughn. Jackie III 373-7918 78 R Muxlow, Keith 373-0835 state governments. This regulation is based to citizens of this state about pesticide use. 21 R Wartner, Paul 373-7946 100 o Niederstadt, Roland 373-1797 on scientific analysis and the weighing of 13 R Welborn, Jack Send written comments to: 373-0793 41 R Ny,e, Michael. 52 R 0 Connor. Margaret.. 373-1794 373-1792 risks and benefits. The result of these state O. What is in Regulation 637 and how Senator 25 o Olshove, Dennis 373-1772 and federal efforts ensure responsible use ~l it address notifying persons who are State Capitol 85 o O'Neill, James 373-0152 of pesticides and a safe food supply. sensitive to pesticides when pesticide ap- P.O. Box 30036 103 R Ostling, Ralph 373-0829 plications are being made? Lansing, MI 48909-7536 21 o Owen, Lynn 373-2617 Pesticide regulation must be based on 42 R Oxender, Glenn 373-0832 State Representatives 30 o P~lIaf'!laraAJoseph 373-0140 sound science and not subject to politics or A. Amendments to the MPCA in 1988 29 o Pltonlak, \.:lregory 373-0852 emotion. Agriculture needs a statewide directed the MDA to promulgate rules re- DistrictlPartylRepresentativelPhone (517) 27 o Porreca, Vincenf 373-0845 comprehensive and consistent program to garding pesticide use. Regulations 637 is in 77 R Allen,Oick 373-047e 104 R Power. Thomas 373-1766 22 o Profit, Kirk 373-1771 regulate pesticides. response to that direction. 105 0 Alley, Thomas 373-3817 89 R Randall. Gary : 373-0834 109 0 Anthony, David 97 0 Baade. Paul 373-0156 373-3436 83 R Robertson, David 71 o Rocca. Sa' 373-1780 373-7768 Q. What is wrong with allowing local Applicators must identify sensitive areas 93 A Mandstra. Richard 373-2668 umts of government to enforce the Mich- such as schools, parks, bees, organic farms, 35 R Bankes, Lyn 373-3920 7 o Saunders. Nelson 373-1782 igan Pesticide Control Act? etc., and prevent pesticides from drifting 38 0 Barns, Justine 373-2576 82 o Scott, Thomas 373-3906 39 0 Bartnick, Jerry 373-0828 47 R Shugars.Oale 373-1774 onto those areas. 88 A Bender. Robert 373-0842 94 63 R SikkemB;..Ken R Sparks, \.:lordon 373-0846 373-0615 A. The science of pesticide use is compli- 1 0 Bennane, Michael 373-1705 cated and highly technical. Enforcement All commercial applicators must inform a 34 0 Bennet, John 373-1773 4 o Stallworth. Alma 373-2276 agents should be adequately trained and 64 0 Berman, Maxine 373-1788 11 o Stopczynski, Stanley 373-2277 customer when lawn applications are going 98 R Bobier, William 373-0825 84 A Strand. John 373-1800 knowledgeable about pesticides. If local to be made and leave lawn markers up for 106 R Bodem, ~everly 373-0833 20 R Trim),.~laude 373-2616 personnel are going to enforce MPCA, they 24 hours after spraying. These requirements 44 R Brackenndge, Robert 373-1403 19 R Van'=>lngel.Oonald 373-7317 should be trained and certified by MDA. 3 o Varga, nOn? 373-0823 also apply to application made to a commer- 46 0 Brown, Mary C 373-1785 cial or public buildings, golf courses, com- 13 R Bryant. Wm. R., Jr 373-0154 40 R Walberg, Timothy 373-1706 53 0 Bullard, Perry 373-2577 10 o Wallace. Ted 373-0106 Q. Why is Farm Bureau so set on dilut- munity right-of-way applications, etc. Spe- 60 R Bullard. Willis. Jr 373-0827 66 o Webb, Wilfred 373-3818 ing local control? cial requirements are set for pesticide appli- 58 0 Byrum •.oianm:~ 373-1770 70 o Week!i. L1Qyd 373-2275 9 o Wozmak, Chester 373-0144 cations made in or around public schools, 73 80 0 Ciaramitaro. Nick 0 Clack, Floyd 373-0854 373-7557 74 o Yokich, Tracey 373-0113 A. Farm Bureau has a long tradition qf public buildings, and health care facilities. 16 0 Clarke, Hansen 373-1778 15 o Young, Joseph Jr 373-1008 supporting local control. This philosophy 55 R Dalman, Jessie 373-0830 14 o Young, Joseph Sr 373-1776 has not changed. The issue is the need for Regulation 637 is expected to be passed by 75 0 OeBeaussaert, Ken 373-0820 32 o Young, Richard A 373-0857 5th District Vacant comprehensive, responsible pesticide regu- the Joint Committee on Administrative 91 R DeLange, Walter 373-0840 lation, not dilution of local control. 28 0 DeMars, Robert 373-0855 Send written comments to: Rules and in effect by this coming spraying 24 A 00bb.Barbara 373-1799 Aep. season. 31 0 Oobronski. Agnes 373-0847 State Capitol The face of agriculture continues to change 86 0 Oodak, Lewis 373-0837 P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 as urban populations move out to the coun- 69 R Dolan, Jan 373-1793 Michigan's 110 Michigan's 38 House Districts Senate Districts * For derail of ~yne, Oakland and * For detail of ~yn8, Oakland and Macomb Counties, see inset. Macomb Counties, see inset. House Districts: Senate Districts: Weyne, Oeklend end Wayne, Oakland and Mecomb Counties Mecomb Counties 17 . Michigan Farm News •• February 28, 1992 March Discussion Topic: "What is the Future Of the FFA and Agri-Science Programs In Michigan?" III Gov. Engler in October line-item vetoed program and the specialist positions. Of The long-term value of participation in FF A the 1992 MDA grant which would have major importance is policy approved at the is demonstrated by the vast number of FF A continued the funding of the FF A awards 1991 Michigan Farm Bureau annual meet- alumni who are in leadership positions in program. In addition, the Michigan state ing that recommends Farm Bureau work agricultural organizations across the state. Board of Education grant for 1991-92 to with the Micliigan Department of Educa- The future of this important program de- MSU for the FF A project office was in tion, Michigan State University, the private pends on finding creative and innovative jeopardy of being greatly reduced because sector, and the FF A organization, to address solutions to its funding needs. new amendments to the Perkins Act dis- the need for adequate funding for the FF A. tributed more of these funds directly to local school districts for other career and As a result of this policy, Michigan Farm Discussion Questions: technical education purposes. Bureau on Jan. 3 held a meeting with state 1. How many active FFAIAgri-Science agricultural groups to examine the FF A and education programs do you currently However, a fund reallocation allowed the agricultural education program funding crj- have in your county? board to grant the same amount of funds as sis. The groups will meet again in early the previous year to MSU for the FF A April to hear a report on funding alterna- 2. What has your Community Action The Michigan FFA plays a crucial role in project. But, even with that funding, the tives by a subcommittee chaired by Fred Group and/or your county Farm Bureau developing leaders for the state's agricul- project was still short approximately Poston, vice provost and dean of Agricul- done to support the FFA and agri-sci- tural industry. But despite a strong tradition $10,000 because of increased costs. ture and Natural Resources at MSU. ence education in your community? of excellence, the future of this important What can be done? program is clouded by the tight state budget The bad news is that starting in October Michigan Farm Bureau policy also suggests and uncertainties in federal funding. 1992, the board will not be able to fund this that county Farm Bureaus make a financial 3. Should local FFA and agri-science project at an adequate level. So, additional contribution to FF A, and that Michigan classes offer science credits and ad- For the past 47 years, the programs and funds from other sources will be needed to Farm Bureau match the contributions up to vanced placement credit for high school activities of the FFA have been funded by a .just maintain the current FF A activities. $2,500 as determined by the MFB board of students? grant from the Michigan Department of Ag- directors. County Farm Bureaus are also riculture (MDA). The grant totaled nearly The regional agri-science education spe- asked to assist in state and local FF A alumni 4. How should funding for the FFA pro- $30,000 for the fiscal 1991 budget. How- cialists positions at MSU were another part activities and help local FF A chapters with jects consultant position and the state ever, it had been $15,000 for the previous of the agri-science program effected by community projects and events. FFA office be generated? (From founda- six years. budget vetoes. These positions were tion support, MSU, state Board of Edu- funded in 1990-91 by a state Board of Another- policy dealing with the revitaliza- cation, etc.?). Another source of funding for FF A has been Education grant. However, the 1991-92 tion of agriculture education supports the the Carl Perkins Career and Technical Ed- grants were vetoed by the governor. concept of establishing a Michigan Agricul- 5. Should MSU and the Cooperative Ex- ucation Act. The Perkins Act and other fed- tural Education Foundation. The foundation tension Service take an increased role erallegislation have provided support since For the first six months of this fiscal year, would bring together agricultural organiza- in funding the FFA and the development 1972 for Michigan's six vocational student the College of Agriculture and Natural Re- tions, agri-business and educational institu- of an agri-science curriculum? organizations, one of which is the FF A. sources at MSU has been able to continue tions to develop and fund agricultural edu- This allocation to Michigan from the fed- these specialists positions out of the MSU cation programs in Michigan under the 6. How should Farm Bureau and the eral legislation has been granted by the budget. At this writing, these funds will be leadership of Michigan Farm Bureau. This private sector address the long term Michigan State Board of Education to depleted by March 30, 1992. foundation could play an important role in funding needs of the FFA at the state Michigan State University to provide for state FF A activities. level? the state FF A project office and director Several options are being considered to -position. provide for the long-term future of the FF A • FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICE • Canadian Rocky "Mainstreet" Breath~ Washington: Boston Mountain Adventure in Harbor Springs Bennnda History in the Making Wefiend Package This adventure is for those who This unique bed and breakfast .This excursion jets you to a Visit our nation's capital and Depart Friday evening from ant to escape from the normal offers hospitality and charm that private pink sand beach where experience our country's past Lansing and arrive in Boston bustle" of daily life. Upon is unmatched. Your innkeepers you'll spend 3 nights at the firsthand. This 4 day getaway where you will transfer to the 57 algary's airport, an Donna and Jerry open their luxurious Sonesta Beach Hotel includes dinner at Hogates Park Plaza Hotel. The trip directions to house and their hearts to each & Spa. The hotel features rooms restaurant, a one day pass on includes 2 nights at the hotel; ing will be guest. Once you've settled in, with balconies, 2 restaurants, the mobile tour, plus 2 half day plus a Hertz sub-compact car. with take a stroll along the waterfront a nightclub, 3 lounges, a health tours of the city. Round trip Airfare is via American Airlines 'n and visit the many shops and spa, 2 pools, and tennis courts. airfare is additional. An estimated (not available from Detroit). Rates restaurants that make Harbor Airfare is provided from Detroit. fare from Detroit would be $220. are based on double occupancy. rings unique. Rate' transfer and hotel Regular rate: $250.pp. Regular rate: 8470.50 pp. rate: $90.pp. (lg. room) t a departure Farm Bureau rate: $245.pp. Farm Bureau rate: $459.pp. te: $70.pjJ. (sm. room) ate: '85.pp. : $65.pp. Princess Cruise Cor 7 Days Depart from Anchorage or Vancouver with highlights that include stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. You'll visit the plush Denali National Park, breathtaking Fairbanks, and see "crystal like" glaciers. Add on airfare from Detroit is $495 pp. Prices vary depending on the type of cabin, ship and the time of year. We recommend combining this cruise with a land package. Farm Bureau Members can receive a 2% discount on any cruise/tour package . • Per persoD SUMMER TRAVEL SPECIALS • QfllncI 01. Opry Weekend • Toronto Weekend • C.lllom" FIy-DrIv. Packag. •~ • Bed & ..... Id.st London Package Michigan Farm News Agricultural Institute for Educators Now at Two Locations •• February 28, 1992 Summer Institute for Educators, origi- sing Northwestern third-grade teacher nally created and sponsored by the Michi- Mary Schultz, has integrated a tremendous gan Farm Bureau and the Department of amount of those ideas learned at that first Agricultural and Extension Education, institute into her curriculum. She received Michigan State University, is going a recognition award in 1991 from the Mich- through growing pains. igan FF A during their state annual meeting for her agricultural literacy efforts. That's good news for teachers interested in learning how to integrate agriculture into Schultz's classroom was also recently vis- their K-12 classroom curriculums, accord- ited by a delegation of teachers from the ing to MFB Promotion and Education De- Commonwealth of Independent States partment manager Julie Chamberlain. (CIS) to learn more about her teaching pro- cess. While visiting, the CIS teachers were "Teachers can now either attend a summer able to witness first-hand, how Schultz uti- institute in central Michigan at the Kinawa lizes agriculture and natural resources into Middle School in Okemos, June 22-30, or her third grade curriculum. in southeastern Michigan at the Michigan State Fair Exhibition Center, July 7-15," According to Chamberlain, the institute is explained Chamberlain. "Through a series intended for K-12 teachers, school admin- of lectures, presentations and tours, partic- istrators, counselors, librarians, and yes, ipants will have the opportunity to examine even school board members. While gaining concepts and materials drawn from the exposure to some great ideas to take back food and fiber industry, natural resources, to. the classroom, teachers can also earn economics and life sciences." three MSU continuing education credits. The institute originally kicked off three Topics covered include national public ed- MSU's Dr. Eddie Moore (left) reviews institute information with two teachers and a student years ago with approximately 25 teachers ucation goals, science and technology, from the former Soviet Union, in Lansing recently as part of the St. Petersburg Educational participating. One of those teachers, Lan- global/internatignal education, programs Exctmnge Program, visiting the classroom of Mary Schultz, a former institute participant. for gifted students; international trade, eco- nomics of the food and fiber system, class- room activities that work, Michigan's food and fiber system, and new and emerging career opportunities. Teachers interested in learning more about the 1992 Summer Institute can contact Chamberlain at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3213, or Dr. Eddie Moore, professor, Department of Agricultural and Exten- sion Education, MSU, at (517) 355-6580. Chamberlain suggests, however, that farm- ers, in particular, can be extremely helpful by personally urging teachers within their local school system to consider attending the institute. "I can't think of a better way to help educate the non-farm public about agriculture," said Chamberlain. "If teachers attend and adopt the curriculum ideas pre- sented at the institute, agriculture in general will experience long-term benefits." Going Global Starts With March 17 Workshop The Cooperative Extension Service and the International Business Development Center Health care coverage isn't medical underwriting and will be conducting a workShop March 17 at simple anymore. The bottom carry no pre-existing condition Smith Hall, located on the Clinton County line, however, remains the clauses. Prescription, dental and Fairgrounds'd according to Linda Olson of same: everybody wants the best vision coverage options are also MSU's Agricultural and Extension Educa- possible coverage at the lowest available to qualified groups. tion Department. possible rates. This is where If you're a small business owner The program is designed to introduce would- Farm Bureau has good news be exporters to available resources and steps for small business owners. who is dissatisfied with your • present employee health care to take when considering international mar- keting, and using the Going Global computer With over 40 years of experience plan - or a small business network in international marketing. in providing individual health owner who is ready to initiate care plans, Farm Bureau is now your first employee health care The workshop includes entrepreneurs expe- offering six Blue Cross Blue plan - contact your local Farm rienced in international marketing speaking Shield plans and two Blue Cross Bureau office. We'll listen to on topics such as: Blue Shield PPO plans specially your health care coverage needs, The International Marketplace - Words designed for groups with 2 to 99 tailor a package to suit your of Experience, Dale Kuenzli, Valley Mar- keting employees. All plans have no preferences, and then cut to the bottom line. Assessing Your Readiness to Export - Protecting the interests of small business Using Expert Systems to Help, Dave Farm Bureau, specialists in Zischke, MSU International Business Devel- by understanding the interests of small business... all business insurance needs, opment Center can be depended on to protect the interests of small business Finding Markets and Wading Through because we understand the the Paperwork - Gen Ruff, Michigan De- • interests of small business. partment of Agriculture and Commerce, and Ron Bannon, freight consolidator for the What matters to you Roberts Company of Toronto matters to us. Going Global - Finding your Market via Computer- Giles Roehl and Steve Poindex- For further information, call ter, MSU CES. 1-800-292-2680 or contact WHERE BELONGING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. A. your local Farm Bureau office. T . • _ _ Blue Crou BI~~ .. ,CH,eAN FARIII BUREAU Getting Started - What we Learned, Bob Mitchell, Aerotech Hyou have any questions, please call Giles Roehl at (517) 224-5240 or Linda Olson at (517) 355-6580. Please register before Thursday, March 12. The $10 per person registration fee includes lunch ...