Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau ... 1-=1 March 15, 1992 Vol. 69, No.5 Mexican Growers Equally Nervous About Trade Agreement MFB President Jack Laurie, a member of use chemicals in strict accordance with the AFBF' s International Trade Committee, EPA guidelines to avoid getting caught was in Mexico recently for a firsthand look with produce crossing the border that's at agricultural production in that country, as chemically unsafe," said Laurie. "I was in a the North American Free Trade Agreement packing plant, using FMC equipment, that (NAFT A) talks gain momentum. could stand side-by-side with U.S. facili- ties. It was extremely clean, well managed, Laurie said that despite fears and miscon- and very efficient. " ceptions, Mexican farmers share many of the same concerns as their U.S. counterparts Regarding the likelihood of a NAFT A in about NAFT A. "They're afraid that the gov- 1992, Laurie pointed to the fact that it's an ernment negotiating the arrangements will election year in the U.S. and that the Mex- tend to leave out the well-being of the indi- ican government appears dedicated to an vidual grower and make the overall econ- agreement, making NAFfA a done deal. omy more of a focal point," he said. "They feel a lack of representation at the national "The terms of the agreement are what we level." need to focus on at this point," Laurie said. "Agriculture's challenge is to assure the "They have the same fear that Canadians do end result isn't an immediate implementa- - that this big ugly U.S. production machine tion of an agreement that doesn't allow is going to cover them up," Laurie said. "The growers opportunity for corrections. ., sincerity of the grower here is as equally American Farm Bureau Federation President Dean Kleckner, and Michigan Farm obvious as the sincerity of the Michigan Bureau President Jack Laurie, inspect Mexican grown asparagus at a packing "What I've seen up to this point indicates grower. They're concerned about their in- facility during a recent trade trip to Mexico .. there's significantly more to be gained than dustry and their own financial future." there is to be lost," Laurie said. "However, sanitation at processing facilities and proper I of t.he misu~derstandings held ~y the U.S. Farm Bureau will not support just any trade Laurie witnessed what he called genuine chemical use in growing and processing agncultural mdustry. "~t~as p~mted out by pact. The other parties must give up as concern by Mexican growers for adequate agricultural commodities, dispelling many every grower that we VIsIted wIth, that they much as we do, when we do." Animal Rights Terrorists Make First Appearance in Michigan Photo Courtesy of MSU Department of Public Safety Animal rights terrorist activity. You read and climbing through the attic, and entering According to the Ani- about it, you hear about it, you talk about it, through a ceiling access door. A substance mal Science Depart- but it never happens here. determined to be sulfuric acid was poured ment Chairman Dr. on all the mechanical equipment in the re- Maynard Hogberg, the That was until Friday, Feb. 28, when a fire search facility, according to MSU's Depart- mink research also as- .~ was discovered in room 132 Anthony Hall ment of Public Safety (DPS). sisted in projecting im- on the Michigan State University campus. pact to human beings in The early-morning fire totally destroyed "From what we've seen, it appears that various water-quality the office of Dr. Richard Aulerich, as well there was some level of planning that went studies because of the as 32 years of his research data. The fire into this," said DPS's Dr. Robert Benson. mink's natural sensitiv- also substantially damaged three other inte- "It wasn't just an amateur situation where ity levels to naturally rior offices, which serve as the center for someone just walked off the street and did occurring toxins and mink research at MSU. this. It involved a fairly high degree of micro-toxins. sophistication. " The East Lansing Fire Department quickly "Look at some of the responded to the fire, preventing further The walls of the building were also spray work done with the EP A damage to the rest of Anthony Hall. Dam- painted with the initials "A.L.F." which several years ago, and age to the offices in room 132 was esti- stands for the Animal Liberation Front, and you'll find that a lot of mated at between $50,000 and $100,000. a threat that "the otters are next." Several of the water quality stan- the mink cages were opened, but none ofthe dards in the U ni ted A breaking and entering also took place at animals escaped. States today were the re- the mink research farm located on Jolly sult of the work done Road east of the main campus. The building Destruction was confined to the office, feed with this research unit," was forcibly entered by tearing off roofing mixing area, and feed storage areas of the Hogberg pointed out. research facility, with damage estimated at $20,000 to $25,000. According to Hogberg, a current research proj- In the words of Dr. Fred Poston, vice pro- ect involving a strain of vost of the university and dean of the Col- genetically deaf mink, lege of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was part of a joint re- the activity was not only costly but sense- search project with the Walls at the m~nk re~earch facility's f€!edroC?mand offices less, since mink are extremely sensitive to University of Michigan were spray pamted m the early mornmg raId by A.L.F. abnormal activity, making them easily to use the animals as a model to study the sensitivity he has for the animals them- prone to stress and even death in severe deafness in humans. "This is going to be a selves." cases. setback to a number of current projects," he said. Efforts to protect against similar occur- According to Poston, the research at MS U rences in the future will be difficult, says was focused on nutrition and the decline of Hogberg was visibly upset by the mis- Poston, since MSU is considered a public the natural mink population. "This terrorist guided efforts of the activists, contrasting institution. "We keep these facilities open activity was aimed toward a long-standing their apparent lack of concern over the to the public," explained Poston. "It would research program largely geared toward safety of the mink and human life with that not be difficult for somebody who was helping the mink, not destroying them," of Dr. Aulerich' s concern. "When the farm planning to do this type of thing to literally said Poston. "If the goal is to help animals, manager called to inform us of the damage walk through the facility." it's a loss to me why one would target a at the research facility, Dr. Aulerich's first research program geared toward protecting question was 'were any of the animals mink populations in the wild." hurt?''' related Hogberg. "I think that shows Story continued with additional photos ... page 5. Capitol Corner - Michigan Farm Weather _ Farm Business Outlook - Michigan Farm News -. March 15, 1992 North American Free Trade Agreement- In Brief ... a Mexico Perspective February Farm Prices Up 2.9 Percent From January The index of prices received by U.S. farmers for their products in February was up 2.9 There's nothing like standing in another farmer's field, or walking in his shoes, to percent from the January level but was down 1.4 percent from February 1991, USDA has really make you appreciate his point of view. That is especially true when it comes announced. to understanding farmers from another culture and country, like Mexico. Higher prices in February for cattle, hogs, wheat and tomatoes were offset by decreased That's why I was pleased to have had the opportunity in late February to be part of prices of milk, eggs, cotton and strawberries, USDA said in its monthly Agricultural Prices an American Farm Bureau Federation trade mission to Mexico. We were there to Report. All feed grain prices except barley increased during February. Wheat prices were visit farms and find out first hand what Mexican farmers think about the proposed up for the seventh consecutive month. The price of rice decreased moderately. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFT A). Wet weather in Florida hampered marketing of tomatoes and contributed to reduced One of the things that struck me is that they have some of the same concerns about supplies and high prices, while milk prices drifted lower as demand for cheese and other agricultural trade that we do! They are afraid that their government, in the process manufactured products weakened. Lower prices "forhogs, cattle and cotton were responsible of negotiating the NAFT A, will tend to neglect the interests of the individual grower for most of the decline from last year, USDA said. in favor of the interests of the overall economy. We often hear our U. S. growers raise the concern that labor costs less in Mexico. "MarketBasket Survey Shows Stable Food Prices But the bottom line when we talk to Mexican growers is that they, like U.S. farmers, A recent survey reveals that consumers paid about the same in the first quarter of 1992 for are concerned about how much labor is costing them. Labor makes up about one 16 popular food choices as they paid in the fourth quarter of 1991, the American Farm third of their cost of production, about the same that it does here for U.S. farmers. Bureau reports. The market-basket of 16 items surveyed on a quarterly basis averaged $29.58, just two Mexican farmers are also worried about competition for their agricultural products. cents higher than the average in the last quarterly survey in 1991. The same items averaged They are worried, much as the Canadians are, about being overwhelmed by a huge a total of $30.95 in the first quarter of last year. U.S. "production machine." It appears to me that there is a great deal of public relations effort to be done in the grower community in all three countries before we Compared to a year ago, meat, egg and dairy prices were generally lower. Pork chops came can maximize the positive impact of a NAFT A. in three cents higher per pound, while bacon was 39 cents lower. Apples were the same It's hard to get a real understanding of these issues unless you can hear a grower, see him in his own field and watch the concern on his face when he talks about price as last year and potatoes were almost a quarter cheaper. Bread and flour were both a few cents higher. Mazola and Crisco oils were substantially cheaper but mayonnaise was the same as in both the first and last quarters of 1991. ... those things. The sincerity of the grower in Mexico is equally as obvious as the sincerity of the grower that we talk to back in Michigan. Just as we are, the Mexican producers are worried about their industry and their own financial future. Record Feed Grain Use Projected for 1991-92 Farm Bureau supports a free trade agreement with Mexico, but only if such an U.S. feed grain consumption is projected at a record 186.7 million tons in 1991-92, boosted agreement provides for fair and equal competition. Our policy states that current by larger livestock inventories, higher wheat prices and a continued expansion of food, U. S. grades and standards should not be lowered to accommodate Mexican seed and industrial uses, according to Knight Ridder. imports; the agreement should standardize pesticide regulations so they are uni- form between the two countries; and especially important for Michigan growers: But, U.S. feed grain exports are forecast to fall to 45.7 million tons, down nearly 6 million import-sensitive crops should have a longer phase-in period. tons from last year, "in the face of rising foreign exports and weak import prospects in some critical markets," such as the former Soviet Union, USDA said in a summary of its Feed I stood on the shipping dock in Nogales and heard that they normally run 600-700 Outlook and Situation Report. semis a day into the U.S. through that port of entry. So it's clear that we already have vigorous trade with Mexico. The question is: won't we all be better off if we Despite the drop in exports, total U.S. feed grain "disappearance" is forecast slightly higher have some type of agreement that addresses market demands and trade in an than a year ago and is expected to exceed 1991 output by 14 million tons, the lowest since effective, controlled manner? 1975-76, USDA said. There's significantly more to be gained from a NAFTA than there is to be lost. However, any agreement must be a win-win situation for producers in both nations. ANR Week Program to Discuss Farm Prices, Taxes, A good NAFT A agreement will benefit farmers in both our countries, but the agreement has to be one that is livable on both sides of the border. One that isn't and Projected Land Values simply won't be accepted. The extent to which market prices for dairy, livestock and grain will change from earlier forecasts will be discussed March 24 at Michigan State University as part of the agricultural economics program during Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week, March 21-28. ~~u~~nt Michigan Farm Bureau During ~e pr?gram, which begins at 10 ~.m. in the MSl! Kellogg Center, agricultural economIsts WIll focus on current and projected commodIty prices and the outlook for farmlam.l values and property taxes. Get Rack Solid Value Included in the afternoon program will be discussion about changes in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (P.A. 116) and a new Michigan Michigan land value Without puffing your budget on the rocks su~ey. T~e annual farm management luncheon will be part of the program that will honor MIchIgan s farm managers of the year and businesses that have been patrons of MSU's Telfarm program. 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 The lu~che~m speaker will be Gordon Guyer, MSU vice president for government affairs, w~o wI.ll dISCUSSthe effect that a changing political system is having on the land-grant Mark IV is for today's value consdous buyer. unIversIty . • Technologically advanced, yet simple by design Tickets for the luncheon are $11 per person. Reservations can be made by calling • A fifteen-year history of low maintenance Daune Powell at MSU, (517) 353-9848. More information about the day's activity can • Our standard safety features are offered as options be obtained from Ralph Hepp at (517) 353-7185. on other utility vehicles. Utility vehicles are our only business. Haul Master is dedi- cated to providing its customers a rock solid value. Our The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN -----:--) i~ pu~lished semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and J~ly wh?n only one I~ue IS pnnted, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm name says it all. Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau r~ular mem~rs. Additional subSCription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm New~ to non-m~mbers and out~l~e the CC:>~bnentalU.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is pending at lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor,. M~chigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. E~itorial: Dennis .R~dat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin' Donna Wilber; Henry HUlsJen. ' Officers: President, Jack ~uri~, Cas~ City; Vice President, Wayne WOOd, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck ~urke~; Treasurer an~ C.hlef Flna.nClal Offi~r, Tom Parker: Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Jim M.'"er, Colom~; ~Istnct 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marsh.all; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom Original Hauler G~.ne, De~ton: Dlstnct 5, Ma~ Smut~, ~harlotte: Distnct 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette: District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; e Dlstnct~, ~I~ard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch, Dlstnct 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Barag~. At-Large: Do~glas Darling, Maybee: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and EducatIon, Leona Daniels Sterling You F St ven lIII/IHaul Master,Inc. Gonyea, Spruce. ' . ng armers, e 1501 1st Avenue • Mendota, IL 61342 • 1-800-848-IIAUL Michigan Farm News ITOL o -. March 15, 1992 o :JJ Z m ' .. :JJ Scrap Tires Leg~I,d., paraUuon by pall Agriculture needs to follow the example of chipping. device when applying toxic chemicals, other industries, which have found per- spray painting, entering confined spaces 13.5 sonal protective equipment to be their best Hearing Protection with toxic gases or oxygen deficit, in ani- tool for making every job as safe as possi- Wear earmuffs or ear inserts when operat- mal confinement buildings, or in areas that This illustration (based on absorption of parathion by body ble. ing noisy machinery, shooting, using contain bothersome allergens. Be sure you part) shows how susceptible your body is 10 chemical absorption. Th~ worst mistake made working with ag power or chain saws, or when milling feed use the appropriate respirator for the job, chemicals is wearing leather/cotton gloves, leather boots What are the hazards you face on the farm? or grain. Wear them also in confinement and make sure it has been fit-tested for you. or rabric rarm caps ... all or which absorb ch~micals and Dust, chemicals, toxic gases, flying or fall- housing when doing such chores as swine re-i:ontaminate you with the chemicals. feeding. Hand Protection Use protective gloves and barrier creams when handling and applying farm chemi- Four cals, performing rough, greasy, or messy jobs, welding, or when using solvents, heavy detergents, or other chemicals. Match your protection to the hazards of Farm Bureau's Finest ••• you're dealing with. Skin Protection Wear liquid-proof gear -- boots, gloves, spray suits, aprons, hats, coveralls -- when In each generation. Tom Carter, ChFC, CLU handling, mixing, and applying farm chem- Rus Gardner there are tHen and 1991 Distinguished Mll1Ulgement icals. Follow label suggestions. 1991 Distinguished Sales Award \votnen \vho strive for Award Foot and Toe Protection Wear safety shoes or boots on all jobs, but excellence. Fann Bureau especially when operating power mowers, Insurance is fortunate to moving heavy parts or materials, handling animals, or operating farm equipment. have so tnany of thetn. including the four pictured here. They are recipients of four Inajor av;ards presented at the Oakland County agent Rus Gardner This prestigious award recognizes Tom continues to break company records cOtnpany\ 1992 sales Carter as our top agency manager in with his oustanding sales and service. Michigan. Tom, who manages 21 agents convention. held For the futh year in a row he has t in Saginaw, Bay, and Arenac Counties, earned the Distinguished Sales Award, recently in Traverse also earned this top award in 1982 and recognizing him as our top agent in the City. 1987. Tom's quality management is state. He has reached levels of reflected by his agency's outstanding production that are unmatched in These four. and our sales and service, and his development company history. of new agents. tnore than 400 other "~ml\ialized mid-1991 resultS indicate agents in Michigan. are areiurn on assets of 1.1 percent at farm bankS, well above the lowof 0.4 percent a big reason \vhy Fann Margaret Dziadziola in 1986 and the current industry aver- Charlie Elzinga age of 0.6 percent, " USDA said. SiIni- 1991 EUon R. Smith A ward Bureau Insurance is a 1991 Michigll1l Farm Bureau lady, farm bank return on equity at mid- leading insurer Membership Award year was 11.4 percent, compared with small non-agricultural banks at 10.4 throughout the state. percent. "Farm banks also were more highly capitalized with a capital-to-asset ratio Four award winners of 10.2 percent, compared with 9.1 per- cent at other small banks," USDA said. "The number of farm bank failures --10 .... working to make in 1991 -- indicates a general absence of serious financial problems among farm banks." your' future more Loan-to-deposit ratios at farm banks Charlie Elzinga, an agent in predictable Wayne County agent Margaret were 56 percent at mid-year 1991, up .= Charlevoix for over 30 years, received one percent from a year earlier. How- Dziadziola earned this major award for ever, farm banks "still showed abil- this important award for his dedication her outstanding membership work last ity ...to extend additional credit" USDA to his profession, his community, and said. ' year. The award honors the agent who Michigan Farm Bureau. The annual produced the most new Michigan Farm award, named in honor of past MFB Bureau memberships during the past Only 2.2 percent of farm bank loans president, Elton Smith, recognizes FARM BIJREAIJ year. As our top membership producer were non-performing at mid-1991. Charlie as a highly-regarded leader in Farm Bureau and the community. INSIJRANCE of 1991, Margaret signed up 203 new Charge-offs of farm non-real estate loans were only 0.1 percent of all such FARM IIUll£AU MUTUAl • FARM BURlAU LIFE MFB members last year. loans through mid-1991. fARM BUIllAU GlN(RAl • F8 ANNUITY Michigan Farm News March 15, 1992 Dairy Refund Program Changes Announced March 16, Deadline Quickly Approaching, for Signed Applications Secretary of Agriculture Edward Madigan Adding or removing persons to those cows without it being considered a new has announced a revision of the Dairy Re- shown as marketing milk for commercial operation. fund Payment Program (DRPP) to allow purposes from the dairy unit will not be additional persons to receive payment as considered a change in operation if the per- Also, a transfer of milk marketing history long as there's no increase in that dairy sons being added or removed do not have will be permitted if all the dairy cattle and operation's production or number of cows. their own dairy cows that will be combined dairy equipment are transferred to a family The safest, most efficient with or removed from the dairy cows al- member. Transfer of the land which pro- wood heal system on the ready in the operation. vided feed for the dairy operation and the market, the TAYLOR The revised policy will make those dairy water stove sits outside operators previously ineligible for refunds, dairy facility is no longer a requirement for and heats your home eligible under the DRPP when another per- There are two exceptions: a transfer of milk marketing history to and 100% 01 household son was added to or removed from the op- 1. A minor child of the dairy owner, who is occur. hot water. eration . involved in a4-H, FFA or other educational • UL listed i project, may be added to the dairy unit Dairy producers should contact the local • Thermostatic control : ~ _ • 12 to 24 hour burn lime •..:.~ ~ - . This change, Madigan said, "will make our along with a small number of dairy cows. Agricultural Stabilization and Conserva- rules simpler and more equitable for dairy- tion Service office before if they have not TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, INC. men who made a good-faith effort to hold 2. Two individual dairy producers who are applied or been disapproved because of PO Box 518. Elizabethtown. NC 28337 the line on production and allow them to married during the base or refund period previous policy. The deadline to file a Call 1-800-545-2293 for more details. receive assessment refunds." may combine their dairy units and dairy signed application is March 16, 1992. 53 USDA County Offices Targeted For "Speedy Closure" as the Budget Axe Falls ...None in Michigan, Yet Lugar, the top Republican on the Senate efits it pays to farmers. In the remaining 52 Sen. Richard Lugar has identified 53 high- Agriculture Committee, has made reduc- offices, the ratio of costs-to-benefits ranges Tailored 8uilding~):stems cost USDA county offices which he has ing waste at USDA one of his top priorities from $1 to $8.50. recommended to be closed, and said his this year. A lot of his motivation, he said, The Sign of Quality staff would continue to look for other "comes from making sure that friends of USDA spokesman, Roger Runningen said, the family do at least the first cut" on Since 1967 USDA field operations that could either be Madigan was "grateful" for Lugar's interest consolidated or eliminated. USDA's budget. "because it will help move the bureaucracy along in the request for information." But, Lugar, (R-Indiana), told reporters he tar- Noting the large U.S. deficit, Lugar said, it he said he could not "put a timetable" on geted the 53 offices because each cost more is inevitable that USDA will come under how quickly USDA would be able to re- to operate than they paid out in benefits to further pressure to trim fat. "If we don't do spond to Lugar's recommendation. farmers. He called upon USDA Secretary it now, people will come along later and Edward Madigan to move quickly to close take larger chunks," he said. "We have to have accurate data," before we the offices, most of which are in North can decide whether to close too many of- Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia, or Other states with county Agricultural Sta- fices, Runningen said. An administrative explain their continued operation. bilization and Conservation Service of- effort to gather information on USDA fices that Lugar has targeted for closing are county operations has already begun but, it "It will be difficult, under any circum- stances, to justify maintaining these of- Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, is a difficult and .lengthy task, he said. COMPACTED fices," Lugar said, in a letter to Madigan. "Absent a compelling reason to continue Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. USDA has offices in 2,977 counties, or 94 percent of total U.S. counties. That includes SOIL? operating these costly offices, I recommend In the most extreme case, the office in ASCS offices, the Soil Conservation Ser- a speedy closure of these facilities through Leslie County, Kentucky, spends $20 on vice, Farmers Home Administration and your administrative powers." administrative costs for each dollar in ben- Extension Service. Agri-SC ••• MSU/Young Farmer Discussion Meet Contest Grows • Softens hard, compacted soil Approximately 50 Michigan State Uni- versity students from the College of Ag- • Improves water infiltration & aeration riculture and Natural Resources com- peted in the second annual MSU/MFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet. • Reduces erosion At right, animal science major Paul • Enhances nutrient uptake Samp of Alpena County, shares his views on the impact of a growing federal deficit on American agriculture during • Reduces soil shear strength for easier final round competition in the four-year category. Mary Rassano, an animal sci- tillage ence major from Ingham County went on to win first place honors . • Low per acre cost In the two-year contest, Mike Smego, an agri-business major from Cass County, • University tested took first place honors. Smego, who also serves as the Michigan state FFA Pres- ident, and seven other finalist discussed the government's role and responsibili- ties in education. 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F08 ',om our • CoIl ... taRt lor • - war-. lacntue Yleldsl LoweI' Costal """'f"#:rSERV'CES, 'NC • IIWIUlIlclurtng ........ ....-. ~ end • quoIo on ow top.-r"'-'" 2275 North State Road One. PO Box 463 50' X 100' X 16' Call Mark Miller or Bill Goetsch at (517) 669-8395 Bluffton. Indiana 46714 EOUIPMENT ROOF SYSTEM & HA Y STORAGE $10.985 O GREAT LAKES/ENVIROLAND P.O. Box 139. Dewitt. Michigan 48820 •Actual savu;gs may vary dependmg on your locatIon I Agl1-SC Is on exclusive Good for ti,e Earth! product of FOU' Star ServIces Michigan Farm News •• March 15, 1992 FELD Drug - High .Quality Service at Discount Prices Next time you look into your medicine chest to take stock, don't forget to get a copy of the latest FELD Drug discount catalog. It could save you quite a bit of money in the process. "Ours has been a popular program," says Chuck Cooper, vice president of marketing for FELD Prescription Service, a pharmacy that delivers prescriptions through the mail. "We provide good pricing and convenience seven days' a week." The company has operated for nearly 30 years with its home office in Omaha, Nebraska. It currently offers discount services to two million Farm Bureau members in 25 states, including Michigan. FELD Drug has offered special rates to Michigan Farm Bureau members for nearly five years. ADASCO, Inc. announces its new for '92' Not only can prescriptions and non-prescription orders be mailed to farm-sized seed and grain cleaner model the company, but they can be called in as well on the finns toll-free FSZ, with a price tag designed for the aver- line at 1-800-228-3353. age-sized farm as well. The service may be best suited for older Farm Bureau members who The machine is constructed of sturdy 3/4" may need to take regular medication, Cooper explains. "For some exterior grade plywood and painted with one who takes maintenance mediation, we provide a service that enamel. The machine features three helps them save money." . Along with the savings, every FELD Drug catalog comes complete screens, two upper scalping and one lower with extra discount coupons to earn even more off the price of screen for fines removal. FELD Drug operates a retail pharmacy to serve walk-in customers, future. orders. Not only are the prescription drugs available, but but a majority of its business is through mail orders. genenc, non-prescription, over the counter medications, vitamins Aspiration is provided by an air current be- lotions, braces, heating pads, canes, walkers and other medical tween the upper and lower screens, with devices are available as well. dampers to control the air flow. The screens vibrate from side to side allowing maximum Cooper states that FELD's professional service is of the highest exposure of seeds to the screens. All units stan~ard. "We fill our prescription the same way your local phar- are shipped fully assembled complete with a maCIst does - by hand with a registered pharmacist. We just fill a 1/2 h.p. motor and are ready to run. The lot more of them." The orders are then mailed to customers in motor is equipped with an adjustable speed heat-sealed, tamper-proof containers. pulley to provide the proper cleaning speed for all grains. Cooper estimates that Michigan Farm Bureau members could save from 30 to 50 percent on their generic prescription services with The cleaner is rated at 50 bushels per hour savings also available on all name-brand products. for seed, more or less depending on the crop being cleaned. The machine is being offered To receive the latest FELD Drug catalog, call 1-800-228-3353. at an introductory price of $1,495. For addi- Cooper is sure MFB families will be pleased with the services tiona/ Information contact ADASCO, Inc. and the savings FELD Prescription Service otTers. at (612) 471-0672. Michigan Farm News II. March 15, 1992 Non-Point Source Pollution - a Source of Concern Photo Courtesy of Michigan SCS You always read that farmers are the best lot with land owners to try to help solve managers of the land, but they are the worst. these problems," added Sage. They know how to manage land for agricul- tural productivity, but they don't know how The waterways of Ottawa County have fr to manage land to protect water quality," been closely scrutinized lately, due to the according to Grand Valley State Biology large amounts of diluted sewage dumped Department Chairperson Fred Bevis. into the Grand River by the Grand Rapids sewer system. Nearly 380 million gallons Bevis' claims were based on a study on of chlorinated sewage were dumped into water pollution conducted by the West the waterway in 1991, the most since 1986. Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Hopefully, by late March, Grand Rapids Commission and Dr. Bevis. This study will have a new $35 million, 30.4 million comes on the heels of growing controversy gallon sewage retention basin on line that regarding non-point source pollution, espe- is expected to eliminate about 65 percent of cially in Ottawa County. all combined sewage overflows. Ottawa County ranks in the top five coun- Some of the best management practices ties in total farms, cattle, hogs, dairy cows encouraged by Sage and the Ottawa SCS and first in total hens and pullets in the state are developing waste management plans of Michigan, which alarms governmental which aid livestock operators in measuring officials because of their potential non- the amount of fertilizer a crop will use in a point pollution effect on local waterways, year. Ottawa County is starting a residue but area farmers have already taken steps to reduction program this year, working with eliminate their effect on the watersystem. land owners to do test scouting and soil testing in order to know when to apply Michigan Farm Bureau has asked Michigan pesticides or fertilizers. "It's a checkbook State University's type effect on nu- Sage says the increased use of buffer strips and waterways, such as the one pictured above, (MSU) Water Re- trient manage- help dramatically in reducing non-point source pollution search Institute to "You always read that farmers ment, we take off review the study are the best managers to verify its find- of the what has been used by the crops ings. Muskegon, land, but they're the worst. They and add in the Oceana, and Ot- know how to manage land for amounts of nutri- tawa county SCS ents needed," ex- offices were also agricultural productivity, but they plained Sage. contacted to re- don't know how to manage land veal that over 59 The use of 30 to percent of to protect water quality, II Dr. Bevis, 60 foot wide 341,900 acres Grand Valley State University strips of land be- being used for ag- tween water- ricultural pur- ways and agri- poses are practicing a conservation plan. cultural land, known as buffer strips,are There are 106 approved animal waste facil- becooming more common. Buffer strips ities in those three counties as well. are a chance for permanent vegetation on the land to naturally filter out any polluted Michigan Farm Bureau President Jack Lau- sediment before entering the waterway. rie, in response to Bevis' accusations, stated "Most farmers take their responsibility as "Some farmers are using buffer strips, but stewards of the environment very seriously. they are getting taxed for every bit of land," After all, farmers, unlike factories, sewage said Grand Rapids DNR official Janice plant or landfill owners, live and raise their Tompkins. families in the same environment in which they work." "There are programs, such as the conserva- tion reserve, where they (farmers) can put Paul Vlietstra and Jerry DeBlecourt are partners in F. Peterman Greenhouses, Portage, MI. According to Jack Sage, Ottawa County strips along these ditches and waterways They have 160,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse growing area and produce 100,000 units of bedding Soil Conservation Service, in certain areas into permanent vegetation and the USDA plants - annual flowers and vegetables and hanging baskets. there may be a problem and definitely po- would make payment to them for a ten year tential for problems. "But, we're working a period, if they take this land out of produc- tion and stabilize it," added Sage. How THESE GREENHOUSE Develop a Diesel Fuel Protection Plan PARTNERS FOUND A LENDER With the cost of diesel fuel continuing to o Avoid using buckets or cans for WHO KNows PAYDIRT. rise, its more important than ever to protect transferring fuel as this increases it from water, dirt and other contaminants chances for contamination. "Back in the late seventies, we were borrowing from a in storage tanks. bank but we weren't happy with the way our account was be- All above farm storage tanks should have a o Allow as much settling time as ing handled. What appealed to us initially about Farm Credit possible before filling equipment drain valve at the lowest point for easy tanks. was a friendly loan officer and an attractive interest rate. Over draining of water and rust. In tanks where there are no drain valves and in under- o Fill equipment tanks by driving the years, we've used our line of credit to carry us through ground storage tanks, it is absolutely neces- equipment to your portable fuel our growing season and to do quite a bit of expansion. But sary that a pump be used to remove water tank. more importantl~ we discovered that Farm Credit has a solid from the bottom of the tank on a regular basis. o Fill equipment tanks at the end of understanding of the greenhouse and bedding-plant business. each work day to avoid conden- Our relationship with Farm Credit has given us a much At least twice a year, the tanks should be sation during cooler night hours. clearer and in-depth understanding of the financial side of completely drained, flushed and refilled be- cause, diesel fuel will deteriorate in storage. o Take care not to allow dust or dirt our business. It shouldn't be stored over three months in to enter system when making fil- "Our loan officer's grasp of the key ratios for our business summer or six months in winter. Painting ter changes. tanks white will reflect extreme summer - debt per unit sold, debt per square foot, return on assets - heat and help keep the fuel fresh longer. Don't Miss Your FPC Spring has really been valuable. Each year she prepares an analysis Farmers Petroleum Cooperative Inc., offers Open House Sales Deals on our business and reviews our business trends - where these other helpful reminders for cleaner Location Dates we've been and how we're doing compared to plan. We fuel. 51. Johns 3/12 - 3/14 went to Farm Credit for a loan, but looking back, we ended o Nozzles should be capped or Cassopolis 3/12 up with a lot more:' covered to keep out dirt and Jonesville 3/20 - 3/21 moisture. Caro 3/18 Sandusky 3/17 o Tanks should be equipped with proper filters and hoses. Linwood Comstock Park 3/2 - 3/21 3/26 ~~. FARM CREDIT SERVICES o Be certain that no dirt gets into Highland 4/15 ~ Deep roots,good people, and a will to seroe. your storage or equipment tanks Hart 4/2 - 4/4 " . during filling. Petoskey 4/1 - 4/31 Emmet. 4/1 0 - 4/11 Michigan Farm News •• March 15, 1992 Michigan Apples To Gain International Exposure Are the traditional strawberries and cream commodity being able to compete in an "About $40,000 will be spent on market "Michigan has planted the Empire since the at Wimbledon about to be replaced by international market is exciting for the research; the rest will go to promotional 1970s," said Don Ricks, an AES agricultural Michigan Empire apples? Probably not. But whole industry. It is also exciting for MSU activities. The market research will look economist and ex-officio member of the beginning in 1992, this crisp, tasty apple to be part of this global marketplace." specifically at the huge international im- MAC board. "Expansion is gaining speed, will be a more common sight at British porters who control what comes in," Heinze and we expect it to be one of the biggest produce markets, thanks to a grant from the International experience, a strong staff and said. "We first need to assess importer expansion varieties we have." Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS). past state funding were all factors in win- attitudes and retail and wholesale attitudes ning the grant, according to MAC manager toward Michigan apples." "They love this apple over there," Heinze FAS, which spends $200 million a year to Mark Arney. said. "The British like the smaller apple, the help American businesses and commodity MSU scientists are an important part of the crisper apple. The Empire has just appealed groups expand into foreign markets, re- "The FAS looks at experience, staff and successful promotion of Michigan apples, to their palates." cently awarded $208,000 to the Michigan budget to determine if you are a candidate said Patrick O'Connor, MAC public rela- Apple Committee (MAC). The MAC is a for their funds," Arney said. "Fortunately, tions director. The Empire originated in New Yark and is non-profit organization that develops adver- we had some previous experience in the also grown in Ontario. Western states such tising, promotion and publicity programs to U.K. and had received a $15,000 grant from "Research and insight from the agricultural as Washington, the nation's leading apple maintain present markets and create new the state last year." economists, the horticulturists and the plant producer, do not grow the Empire. That is markets for Michigan apples. With help pathologists have affected what we do in good news for the MAC. from scientists at Michigan State Heinze will conduct the market research developing our marketing plans, " 0'Connor University's Agricultural Experiment Sta- that will help the MAC direct its advertising said. "We rely on MSU for insight and di- "We are competing with Washington in the tion, MAC will use the grant funds to pro- and promotional efforts. Though the rection. MSU scientists have been key to the domestic market in a number of other varie- mote Michigan Empire apples in the United $208,000 is a definite boost to the MAC's success of the apple industry in the state." ties," O'Connor said. "But they are not in the Kingdom. annual $1 million budget, Heinze said care- British market with this apple, so we've got ful spending will be essential to getting the "This is an example of how AES researchers an advantage in the U.K. " "Groups like the MAC don't have a lot of most mileage from the money. and state commodities can work hand in money to use in foreign markets - most of . hand to the direct benefit of the state," "We hope this will open doors for some of their dollars go into domestic promotion," "There isn't a lot of room for waste, " Heinze Heinze said. "Proceeds from increased sales our 60 other specialty varieties," O'Connor said Kirk Heinze, co-author of the applica- said. "We'll have to be very selective and will result in increased profits for the indus- said. "If we can carve a niche with one tion that earned the grant. "A Michigan focused in our efforts" . try." variety, that will open doors for others." 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