Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau ..,# April 30, 1992 Vol. 69, No.8 Buying chemicals, seed, parts, fixing ma- conservation plan established by the farmer chinery, too much rain, not enough rain, and the district conservationist. A number finding good help for the planting season ... of those plans call for residue levels of 30 You've got a lot on your mind - but you percent after completion of planting. better add one more item. Dig out your conservation plan and make sure you'll be "It's not a blanket statement that farms have in compliance at the end of the hectic plant- to have 30 percent residue levels after plant- ing season, or you may end up with more on ing; it's what's in their specific plan that we your mind than you bargained for. check them on," explained Gammon. "Thirty percent is a standard measurement According to Shirley Gammon, assistant that seems to work well with most farms." state agronomist with the Michigan Soil Conservation Service (SCS), the Gammon says that if a producer has doubts . organization's field staff will be conducting about being able to meet the required levels spot checks on 5 percent of all farms with of field residue after tillage and planting, conservation plans this year. Fields will be then a phone call should be made im- selected by a random drawing of ASCS mediately to the district conservationist. farm tract records for inspection. "Producers shouldn't just ignore the poten- In addition, those farms that revised their tial for a problem and hope they don't get conservation plans last year, and those pulled for a spot check," cautions Gammon. farms which have complaints filed against "If they foresee a problem, we can often them with the SCS, will also be inspected. come up with possible substitutes that will result in adequate erosion protection, before SCS staff will be looking primarily at resi- a farmer gets into a compliance problem." basically he has to be actively applying his of field residue, as well as tips on things you due levels in your fields after completion of plan and be in compliance," she said. can do to preserve residue levels. planting to see if you're meeting the require- If a producer is selected for a spot check and ments of your conservation plan, called for there is a compliance problem, the farmer Those farm program benefits mean all "If farmers have any questions on exactly in the 1985 farm bill. and the local ASCS office will be notified USDA farm program benefits, cautions what they have to do to stay in compliance, and they will begin withholding farm pro- Gammon. To protect your farm, and main- now is the time to ask the district conserva- Gammon says those residue levels vary gram benefits, according to Gammon. "The tain farm program eligibility, turn to page tionist and clarify those questions rather from farm to farm based on the specific producer does have an appeal process, but 10 for other photo samples of various levels than waiting," advised Gammon. The Former USSR - Has Anything Changed Besides the Name? "In spite of what is often said in the popular the future of the CIS and putting it on a on the real market to acquire press, the CIS economy has not been privat- crash course for failure. tractors, and other farm ized, prices have not been freed, and there equipment and implements, has been no movement toward significant "All of the ministries, all of the institutional nothing will happen," said market reform in the Commonwealth of structures, the vast majority of the person- Ebeling. "The economy Independent States (CIS)," claims Richard nel who ran the ministries and the bureau- needs to be privatized radi- Ebeling, professor of Economics from cracy 12 months ago are, for all intents and cally and prices need to be Hillsdale College. purposes, still the same people in control freed simultaneously so that today," explained Ebeling. prices can communicate in- Ebeling, who spent an estimated three formation about costs and months over the last year in the CIS, spoke According to Ebeling, the lack of reform selling prices. " to nearly 120 members of Michigan Farm even applies to the state owned collective Bureau's Commodity Advisory committees farms, which were to have been privatized Ebeling was equally critical I" about the state of affairs in the former USSR. He claims that despite all the news of reform, nothing has really changed other by March I, according to a decree issued by Russian President Boris Yeltzin, techni- cally abolishing collective farms. of aid extended to the CIS by the United States govern- ment, saying that despite than the name and a few faces, jeopardizing short term gains for U.S. ag- Ebeling (left) says things aren't what they seem in the CIS. Those collective farms were to have been riculture, such aid commits incorporated to allow those who worked on the CIS to almost certain failure. more profitable for you," Ebeling said. "All the farms to become joint stockholders, or you'll make now is some short-run profits they could be divided up into family plots. "What incentives are there to be a private with no long-term improvements for either But Ebeling says those grand plans have farmer in Russia, if the United States is them or us." fallen miserably short of expectations. either giving food away or at a below mar- ket subsidized price that destroys all profit When asked about the role that agriculture "The plans have been ignored, evaded, but incentive in the foreseeable future for the could play in easing hunger concerns in the not implemented," exclaimed Ebeling. "If Russian farmer," asked Ebeling. CIS, Ebeling responded that technological nothing does change in the agricultural sec- education and management skills are des- tors soon, and I mean very soon, it could be Ebeling suggested that farmers would be perately needed and would be very useful an economic disaster for Russia." better off to forego the short term market to the Russian farmer, but again argued that benefits, and that the U.S. government say all the training will be worthless without Ebeling cautioned that without privatiza- no to future aid until the CIS institutes the true reform measures. tion of land, and real reform, the situation radical reform measures needed to get "their will be critical by next fall and winter, since own house in order" so that they can begin "The Russian farmer needs the western surplus food and money previously avail- to pay for their imports. knowledge and expertise that American able was used to get through last winter. farmers possess," said Ebeling. "But all of "While that, in the short run, means a few that technological knowledge is not going "Unless they privatize the land, unless they less dollars in your pocket, I personally to be applied or implemented or taken ad- give the farmers incentives by price and think that in the longer run, if the Russians vantage of unless the institutional changes profit opportunities, unless they privatize do the right thing by integrating themselves take place, so that people have the opportu- the industrial sectors so that there is a way into a true world market economy, it will be nity in a real market to take advantage of it." Capitol Corner - Michigan Farm Weather _ Farm Business Outlook - ~ Michigan Farm New~ ... April 30, 1992 In Brief ... Disaster Program Payment Allocation Announced USDA has announced that the disaster program payment allocation factor will be 50.04 Flooding of a Different Kind Shuts Down the CST percent. Farmers who have qualified for disaster ass.is~ance on 1990 or 1991 crop losses will therefore receive approximately half ofthe total ehglble payment. County ASCS offices No it wasn't flooded fields across the corn Trading firms with computer, clearing and will begin to make payments available immediately. belt that halted Chicago Board of Trade phone systems at the CBT were hard hit by I (CBT) action for three full days in mid- the flooding, unable to clear trade transac- The allocation factor was higher than the level that had been predicted by many people. April. It was a break in the walls of a tions. Many firms moved temporarily to the However, FB policy calls for seeking full funding of disaster assistance provisions of the network of underground tunnels flooding Chicago Mercantile Exchange which 1990 farm bill. This would require additional appropriations to increase the funding for the the basement of the CBT with Chicago wasn't affected by the flood. payments that will be reduced by the allocation factor announced yesterday, and to cover River waters, that brought trade activity to more than one year of losses. a stop, according to Knight Ridder News. Although it's too early to estimate dollar losses, according to Les Rosenthal of Government Report Critical of Farm Lender Commonwealth Edison spokesman War- Rosenthal/Collins Group, trade volume for ren Vahle said water poured into the base- the month of April was trailing 10 percent The General Accounting Office (GAO) says the Farmers Home Administration risks losing ment of the CBT at a rate of 30,000 to behind last year's pace. Cargill Investor $14 million in loans to troubled farmers previously bailed out by the agency. The GAO 40,000 gallons an hour. Massive pumps Service's operation was brought to a virtual report says that by almost any measure, FmHA' s loan programs have become good were used to remove the water at roughly standstill because their entire phone and examples of how programs should not be implemented and managed. It also said the the same rate to prevent the walls of the computer system were based at the CBT. agency's shaky loan portfolio does not reflect the operations of a prudent lender. The bad building from collapsing. loans were a result of FmHA officials' failure to verify borrowers' debts and inspect According to Bruce Sutherland of Michi- collateral. The report also charges that some large farm loans were restructured on the basis At one point, water was within three to four gan Agricultural Commodities, Inc, if such of incomplete information. feet of critical telephone and electrical an incident had to happen, now was the time equipment. Divers hired by CornEd were since the cash grain movement had been Michigan 1991 Livestock Cash Receipts Down lowered into the CBT basements by cranes quite slow. "However, farmers who did through a hole cut in the sidewalk directly want to trade grain were hesitant simply Cash receipts from 1991 marketings of meat animals in Michigan totaled $505 million, east of the building. The divers were able because they didn't know the direction of down five percent from the previous year, according to the Michigan Agricultural Statistics to determine that most of the water was the market," said Sutherland. "It also af- Service. Cash receipts from hog marketings were $216 million, down 13 percent from entering through a series of conduits that fects us in the sense of lost trade opportuni- 1990. Cattle and calf cash receipts, at $285 million, were up four percent. Sheep and lamb bring fiber optic communication cables ties for our hedging positions." cash receipts from marketings, at $4 million, were down two percent from 1990. from the tunnels into the CBT. Falling market prices for cattle, calves, hogs, and lambs were the reason for the decrease Engler's Executive Budget Order Impacts MDA in cash receipts. Cattle prices averaged $60.80 per hundredweight (cwt.), $2.40 less than the previous year. Calf prices dropped from $99.00 per cwt. in 1990 to $98.20 per cwt. in The executive order issued by Gov. Engler recently to bring the state's budget out of a 1991. Cattle and calf marketings, at 458 million pounds, were up seven percent from the projected $800 million shortfall, is asking the Michigan Department of Agriculture to cut previous year. Hog marketings were down 18.5 million pounds with hog prices averaging another half million dollars from its current fiscal year budget. The 1.8 percent cut follows $47.10 per cwt., down $5.20 from 1990. Sheep and lamb marketings were down one a $14.1 million budget cut last October, at the start of the current fiscal year. percent from 1990. Lamb prices averaged $51.80 per cwt., $3.20 less than 1991. According to MDA Dirtector Bill Schuette, MDA will minimize the impact of the cuts to its food safety responsibilities. "It's not easy - it means that we're lean but we're still getting 80 Percent of Acreage Enrolled in Farm Programs the job done," he said. "There are no budget implications for Right-to-Farm, as an example USDA is reporting that 79.3 percent of U.S. wheat, feed grain, cotton and rice acreage of the things we're doing to make sure we meet out responsibilities to agriculture." were part of acreage-reduction programs in 1991, according to Knight Ridder Financial News. A total of 30.6 million acres were enrolled in 1991, including 17.1 million in the Schuette said the executive order means a reduction in MDA staff, by not filling positions Acreage Conservation Reserve, and 13 million in the 0/92 and 50/92 programs. that have been, or will be, vacant. Legislators have 10 days to approve the executive order. The Legislature hasn't agreed to restore funds vetoed by the governor in the current budget, In addition, 500,000 acres were planted to minor oilseeds under the 0/92 program, USDA which included $1.1 miJlion to Soil Conservation Districts and $5 million in horse racing. said. Farmers had the option last year to reserve 25 percent of their base acreage, and plant a different crop on that land. A total of 4.88 million acres was "flexed" in 1991, USDA Madigan Outlines Changes Over Time in USDA said. Farmers planted mostly soybeans on the flexed acres, USDA said. Almost 4 million acres of the flexed land was planted in soybeans; 195,000 to minor oilseeds; and 690,000 The size of the USDA budget and how the money is spent have changed dramatically over to other non-program crops, USDA said. the past 20 years, Agriculture Secretary Ed Madigan reports. The total ag budget in 1972 was $11 billion, with over a third of it spent on farm price and income support programs. Another 40 percent of the budget at that time went primarily for discretionary programs, Leholm Appointed CES Associate Director largely research, conservation and marketing efforts. The remaining 24 percent was spent Arlen G. Leholm, Extension state pro- on food assistance programs. gram leader for Community Natural Resources and Economic Develop- By contrast, in 1992 the department will spend about $62 billion, almost six times the ment at the University of Wisconsin, expenditure 20 years ago. Only about 20 percent of today's budget is spend on price and has been named associate director of income supports to farmers. About 54 percent (more than twice as much) of USDA Michigan State University's Coopera- expenditures today go for food assistance programs. A record-high 25 million people tive Extension Service, effective June receive food stamps and other food assistance programs are also on the increase. Only about 15. 27 percent of the budget now goes to discretionary programs . Leholm's background includes both farming and business experience, as CANADIAN NATIONAL BREEDERS SCHOOL well as Extension and research. He MAY 27 - 31, 1992 • UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH (ONT.) received his doctorate from the Uni- lu versity of Nebraska and his master's FLl: UJ From the blackboard to barnyard ... this 5th annual school feautres: and bachelor's degrees from North Dakota State University, all in agricul- " • an all-star teaching line-up to include the following three anchors: Dr. Roger Hunsley, executive secretary - American Shorthorn Assoc; tural economics. Dr. Harlan Ritchie, animal science professor, Michigan State University; Before joining the University of Wis- Dr. Gary Minish. animal science professor Virginia Tech University. consin in 1989, Leholm served as di- • presentations by contemporary beef industry speakers covering topics such as marketing, rector of the North Dakota State Uni- reproductive performance, herd health, cattle management, selection, etc. versity Center for Rural Revitaliza- • a lively school format including classroom sessions and hands-on instruction in the cattle tion, and as assistant director of Com- barns giving you the opportunity to apply the blackboard knowledge to the barnyard munity Resource Development from The total registration fee is $395 Canadian (plus applicable taxes) 1987 to 1989. He heid various research Your registration fee includes all meals and accommodation at the university, all school activities, printed and Extension positions in North Da- compendium of school proceedings, and a Canadian National Breeders School shirt and cap. kota and Nebraska, during 1970 Contact the Canadian Charolais Assoc. or the following people for more infonnation: through 1987. Canadian Charolais Association ~i) ~ 2320 - 41 Avenue N.E., Calgary, Alberta TIE 6W8 The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN m __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 ~ ~ (403)250.9242 Fax (403)291-9324 Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual Brian Pogue, Ph. (OMAF) 519/846-0941 Dr. Harlan Ritchie, Ph. 517/355-8409 dues of Michigan Farm Bureau r~gular mem~ers. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm ------------------, Clip and Return this registration form as soon as possible - space New~ to non-m~mbers and out~l~e the ~~tlnen~al U.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, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address is limited to the first 100 registrants: I changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. Name: I Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin' Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. ' I Address: I Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1 Zip Code: Phone: I Jim M.iIIer, Colom~; ~istrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, Ma~sh.all; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, To~ G.uth.ne, De~ton; D,stnct 5, Ma~ Smut~, ~harlotte; Dlstnct 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; I Dlstnct 8, ~Ic.hard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Enclose a S I 00 deposit with this form (Make cheques payable I. Branch; Dlstnct 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Barag~. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye to the Canadian Charolais Association). Mail to the Canadian I <:. Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. PromotIon and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. Charolais As..'\oc., 2320 - 41 Ave. N.E., Calgary, Alta. T2E 6W8 . Michigan Farm News ITOL o o •• April 30, 1992 ::D Z m ::D Rep. Jerry Bartnik (D-Temperance) is sponsoring H.B. 4719 to promote the conservation of biological diversity to avoid the loss of plant and animal species. The goals of the legislation include determining whether there are any bio- logical diversity considerations when land and water man- agement decisions are made. The bill would ask several state agencies to identify ques- tions, concerns and issues related to biologiCal diversity across a range of resource management practices and rec- ommend alternatives to current practices. Under the bill, a tw~year legislative commIttee of three members each from the House and Senate would review reports from depart- ments and devise a state strategy for conservation of biolog- ical diversity. The bill defines biological diversity as the full range of vari- ety and variability within and among living organisms and the natural associations in which they occur. It includes eco- system diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. MUSTFA Sunset MFB Position Rep. Tom Alley (D-West Branch) is sponsoring H.B. 5461 MFB policy on under- to amend Public Act 518 of 1988, which created the Michi- ground storage tanks rec- gan Underground Storage Tank Financial Assurance Fund ommends that the (MUSTFA) and the Emergency Response Fund. These MUSTFA Act be contin- funds, financed through fees on petroleum products, are ued and amended to allow used to assist operators of underground storage tanks who access to the funds for are required to undertake corrective action. clean-up of any leaking underground storage Portions of the act that created the assurance fund, pro- !ank. MFB .s\lpporteq the vided for its revenue source and distribution, and provided bill and is beComing in- for a study on environmental impairment insurance, were volved with a work group scheduled to expire on Jan. 19, 1995. H.B. 5461 would re- to consider amendments peal this expiration provision. The act also required that to MUSTFA. when the assurance fund expired, money in the fund would revert to the Emergency Response Fund. This provision MFB Contact. would also be repealed under the bill. Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 H.B. 5461 was passed unanimously out of the House Con- servation, Recreation, and Enyironment Committee and passed the full House 101-0. Inheritance Tax MFB Position S.B. I, sponsored by Sen. Nick Smith, would repeal the "MFB supports S.B. 1. Michigan lnlieritance Tax and implement the federal Pick- , Given the deterioration in Up Tax. Twenty-nine other states have repealed their estate the state budget however, tax and rely on the federal inheritance tax which exempts ~e ,"House may be very estates up to $600,000. reluctant to move the bill because of its impact on A substitute for S.B. 1 was reported out of the Senate Fi- revenue. nance Committee and phases out the inheritance tax begin- ning Oct 1, 1994, by exempting the first $100,000. On "MFB Contact May 15, 1995, the exemption would increase to $200,000 and finally on Jan. I, 1996, the state inheritance tax would Ron,"Nelson, Ext. 2043 be eliminated and replaced by the federal pick-up tax. The " gradual elimination of the estate tax would minimize the impact on state revenue which is estimated at $120 million. The bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting action by the House Taxation Committee. State Budget MFBContact The Legislature has not agreed to restoring funds vetoed by Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 the governor in the current 1991-92 budget. The vetoes in- cluded $1.1 million to Soil Conservation Districts and $5 million in horse racing. Both the House and the Senate have offered bills to restore the vetoes but have not agreed as to the specific amount or other issues involved. To compound the problem, the Legislature and the gover- nor are attempting to deal with an estimated $800 million in revenue shortfall for the current fiscal year which ends Sept. 30. A portion of the $800 million could be restored through a series of increased fees for various activities, in- cluding water testing, fruit and vegetable inspection and in- spection of food markets. The House has not moved the bills, stating that they are tax increases proposed by the governor and the Senate. MFBContact Al Almy, Ext. 2040 Revenue projections have been more optimistic than realis- tic in the past year. Fiscal year 1992/93 budgets are being developed, with some adjustment in current specific line items, but in total there are no increases and several depart- ment budgets are showing a decrease. Michigan Farm Bureau •• (517) 323-7000 Michigan Farm News 30-Day Outlook, Warmer and Drier Than Normal Following what seemed like an eternity of colder than normal weather - April 30, 1992 Michigan'Weatfje~$ummary' '.," and reports of summer-like temperatures just to our south, spring Temperature Precipitation finally arrived in Michigan during mid-April. Unfortunately, so did 3/16/92 to 4/15/92 Observed De". From Actual Dev~From persistent rain and new reasons to keep spring fieldwork from begin- Mean Normal (inch.) Norm ning in earnest. However, "windows" of weather opportunity may 30.7 - 3.0 1.61 - 0.50 Alpena develop over the next few weeks, possibly by early May. 32.8 - 4~6 2.31 + 0.28 Bad Axe Detroit 38.4 - 2.1 2.23 - 0.37 The latest 3D-day outlook for Michigan calls for a continuation of Escanaba 30.5 - 1.6 1.55 - 0.57 above normal temperatures, but for precipitation to average in the Grand Rapids 36.2 - 2.3 2.96 + 0.25 normal to below normal category. In early May, normal precipitation Houghton Lake 31.9 - 2.9 2.76 + 0.65 ranges from 0.8 inches per week in the western Upper Peninsula, to Lansing 35.5 - 3.2 2.50 0.00 0.55 inches per week in the northern Lower Peninsula, to 0.7 inches Marquette 27.1 -1.6 1.74 - 0.27. per week in the extreme south. Muskegon 35.8 - 2.6 1.98 - 0.49 Saginaw 35.2 - 3.4 2.52 +,0.49 Temperatures over the last 30 days continued to average below Sault Ste. Marie 26.4 -3.9 0.98 ~1.14 normal, generally ranging from one to five degrees below the 3D-year South Bend 39.0 ..2.7 2.94 + 0.23 normals. Greatest departures from normal were in central sections of Traverse City 33.0 - 2.5 1.50~. 0.66 Lower Michigan. Interestingly, precipitation was generally below Vestaburg 34.1 - 4~8 2.93 + 0.69 normal during the period, except for central sections of the Lower Peninsula where 2.5 - 3.0 inches of liquid equivalent fell. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSlI Current Ag Weather Updates A vailable Through MSU Farmers, or anyone else interested in agri- hardware you can buy to enable you to tions may be over the next 5 to 10 days," cultural weather forecasts, can access cur- access the system. Andresen explained. "Based upon the inter- rent information via Michigan State Univer- est shown to date, we think that eventually sity if they have a computer and a modem. The system will be updated several times a the majority of Michigan's growers will be day, five days a week and more frequently able to access our service." With those tools, users can access the MSU if weather conditions warrant changes. Agriculture Climatology Program Bulletin Andresen added that the Ag Weather office Board Service (BBS) for the price of the BBS contains a range of information re- is anxious to receive comments and feed- phone call, 24 hours a day. BBS has been flecting weather conditions in Michigan's back from growers about the service, saying Michigan and Major Commodity Area operating since March 30 and is user 10 climatological divisions. Those divi- those changes will be made as much as Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. 4/30 5130 4130 6/30 friendly, according to MSU Extension agri- sions are: West Upper Peninsula, East possible to provide growers the weather P - PreclD. T P T P cultural meteorologist, Jeff Andresen. Upper Peninsula, Northwest Lower Penin- information they need. "We're at the begin- Michigan A B A N sula (LP), East Central LP, West Central ning stages of this system and we need W. Corn Belt A B A N BBS can be accessed by calling (517) 336- LP, Central LP, East Central LP, Southwest grower input to make the system a useable E. Com Belt N B A N 1075. The modem settings are 2400 baud LP, South Central LP, and Southeast LP. tool in their business management," he Wint. Wheat Belt A N AIN N said. Spr. Wheat Belt A B A B maximum, 8 bit, no parity, and I stop bit. To . Pac. NWWheat A NIB A N log on initially, dial the system, make up and Information available on the system in- Delta B NJA NIB N provide a password of your choice for future cludes a specific minimum temperature Andresen expects the BBS to be available Southeast AIN BIN NIB N use and follow the instructions provided by forecast, an estimated solar radiation table, year-around and carry at least some of the San Joaquin N N A N the system. actual and predicted growing degree days, climatological information currently con- actual and historical amounts of rainfall. tained in the system, depending on user A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- The system also has a weather outlook for demand and the applicability of the infor- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- If none of this makes sense, call the MSU Ag Weather Office at (517) 355-0231. each of the state's climatological divisions mation for the season. I No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office Someone there will walk you through the and weather advisories. system or provide information about the The BBS is a joint venture between the "This should give a person a real good idea MSU Cooperative Extension Service, the of how they stand at any given point in the Department of Geography, Agricultural Ex- growing season and an idea of what condi- Crop and Planting Update - Wheat Suffers Iowa Soil moisture is rated 15 percent short, 74 Corn planting was underway in all parts of percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. the state, with 3 percent of the acreage reported planted the week beginning April Indiana 20, according to Knight Ridder News. The winter wheat crop has improved in SEETHE DIFFERENCE ON CORN southern portions of the state, but consider- Corn planting is proceeding at a faster pace able acreage is reported lost due to winterkill. than in 1991 and is slightly ahead by 1 Statewide, 5 percent of the wheat is rated INCREASE CORN YIELDS ~ percentage point. Oats are reported well good, 37 percent fair, 34 percent poor, and 24 ahead of normal with. 85 percent of the percent very poor. Now is the time to treat your corn ~ acreage planted, compared to 71 percent with ACA to gain your advantage. for the same time in 1991. Over 20 percent Three percent of the corn acreage is reported Use ACA at planting or as a side- is reported to have emerged compared to planted for the week beginning April 20, up the five-year average of 15 percent. I percent from average. Tillage is 76 percent dress to enhance your plant growth. complete, a week ahead of the 70 percent The state's winter wheat crop is rated 3 tilled last year at this time. percent excellent, 25 percent good, 42 per- MICHIGAN TESTPLOTS cent fair, 24 percent poor and 6 percent Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, very poor. Early indications are that 19 58 percent adequate, 4 I percent surplus. Sub- ACA-treated corn plots had percent of the winter wheat crop and 13 soil moisture was rated 26 percent short, 63 an average increase of 6.87 percent of the state's alfalfa acreage will be percent adequate, and I I percent surplus. bushels per acre in 1991. lost due to winterkill. Ohio Topsoil moisture is rated 2 percent short, Corn planting is reported to be nearly average 73 percent adequate, 25 percent surplus. compared to the five-year average, with 4 SEE THE BENEFITSOF ACA Subsoil moisture is rated 88 percent ade- percent of the acreage planted. Oat seedings quate, and 12 percent surplus. Better root systems are reported 59 percent complete compared to the five-year average of 62 percent. Winter Healthier Plants Illinois wheat was rated 4 percent excellent, 30 per- Easier Harvesting Farmers in the southern third of the state cent good, 4 I percent fair, 18 percent poor, have made solid progress in corn planting, and 7 percent very poor. Increased Profits while cool temperatures and intermittent Increased Yields rain slowed activity in northern portions of Michigan the state. ~ittle, if any, corn had been planted at press Proven Performance ~lme, although recent warmth has many talk- Corn planted beginning the week of April mg about finally getting started. A "few scat- 20 was 13 percent complete, up from 8 tered acres" of sugarbeets were planted in the To see the difference BE A WINNER WITH ACA. percent for the same period in 1991. Oat Saginaw Bay area in early April, but most seeding is reported 80 percent done, up were waiting for warmer temperatures to apply ACA with from 75 percent in 1991. begin actively planting. anhydrous, liquid 28% N, Liquid Starter, -~ CALL impregnated on ~~~~ 1.800.292.2701 Winter wheat was rated 25 percent good, 40 percent fair, 17 percent poor, and 18 Mich,igan's wheat crop is reported fair to dry or sprayed. OR YOUR NEAREST DEALER poor m the southeast, good to excellent in the # percent very poor. Wheat in major produc- Saginaw Valley, serious winter kill in the ing areas have shown recent improvement. southwest, with minimum winter kill in cen- Alfalfa is rated 38 percent good, 54 percent tral Michigan, although considerable canola fair, and 8 percent poor. winter kill is reported in the region. Michigan Farm News April 30, 1992 Effect of Warm Winter on Insect Outlook for 1992 Doug Landis, MSU Field Crop Entomologist For example, warm winters have Alfalfa Weevil the potential to allow increased Eggs are typically laid in the spring The unusually warm winter of 1991-92 has survival of the over-wintering although survival of eggs depos- prompted a number of questions regarding how stages of some insects or perhaps ited in the fall is known as far north insect abundance will be affected in field crops in in early emergence in the spring. as northern Illinois. 1992. While long-range predictions of insect abun- dance are, in most cases, impossible, some logical In the following sections, I have Be alert for early weevil damage conclusions may be drawn from a knowledge of a attempted to predict the most due either to over-wintering eggs specific insect's biology and life styles. likely effect of recent conditions (previously undocumented but on the more common field crop possible in extreme southern Researchers recommend scouting for first gen- pests. These predictions are meant Michigan) or early emergence of eration corn borers when the corn plants reach to serve as a guide to your scouting spring-laid eggs throughout the about knee high. The most common symptom efforts, and should not be used in state. Parasites have been effective of early corn borer feeding is the familiar "shot place of a sound scouting program. in suppressing populations in 1990 hole" damage on the leaves. and 1991. Corn Rootworm Adult numbers in 1991 were low Potato Leafhopper in much of the state, however, The severity of infestation is tied there could be higher egg survival to the intensity and timing of due to warm temperatures, moder- spring migration events (typically ate snow cover and lack of soil May and June). A warm winter in drying. Soil type is the dominant the south may have the potential to influence with light soils less sus- promote earlier migrations, but ceptible to com rootworm injury. conditions in Michigan will deter- mine if populations survive. All fields of com in 1992 that will be com again in 1993 should be scouted in July and August to pre- Japanese Beetle and dict the need for rootworm control Bean Leaf Beetle The northern portion of the range Corn borer eggs are deposited in masses of 15 in 1993. for both insects extend into south- to 30 on the underside of leaves. Warm, humid ern Michigan and both populations mild June nights encourage egg laying, while European Corn Borer have been on the increase. Look extremely dry or rainy conditions can lower Huge populations in 1991 were chances of a severe infestation. for these insects to be more numer- due to near perfect conditions for ous and to further expand their the first generation egg laying and disease to seed com. Seed com producers in south- range northward in 1992 due to survival. west Michigan experienced increased numbers of favorable over-wintering condi-. tions. flea beetles in 1991 and should be on the lookout Over-wintering survival is poten- for potential problems again in 1992. Canol a, espe- tially higher, but disease incidence cially spring planted, and sugar beets are also dam- and environmental conditions will Flea Beetle aged by flea beetles and plans should be made to be more important in determining Adult survival tends to be better in watch these fields following seedling emergence. the risk ofa heavy infestation. mild winters. Although this insect Look for earlier than normal emer- is seldom a serious pest of field Reprinted from AfSU CES Field Crop Advisory gence if warm trend continues. com, it does carry Stewart's wilt Team Alert, April 1, 1992/ssue. .g 1-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canadian Rockiesl Brochure Request Form .Calgary Stamped~ IPlease send, Wit/lout obligation, the detailed information for the tours indicated beloltl I July 1-12, 1992 .. o o o o The Alps of Thi~ .unforgettable, 12-~ay,tour of the Canadian Rockies will not only visit the Canadian Rockle" Alaska Beat of "'v~France great and growing cities of the northwest and majestic beauty of the Rockies, Calgary Stampede 81Greece i:ruise Switzerland & Austria but also includes unique features designed to give it special appeal. Special IPiea .. Prlntl IM.ilto:l attractions include the Calgary Stampede Celebration -- rodeo, ~buckwagon Form BUN!flU races, state show spectacular, a ride on a giant llnowmo~~le on.. ~thab~~.co ., Mentber TroW" &,..,we. Glacier, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, an~.oy~rni~t staY8 at P.O. Bos 4577 the beautiful Lake Louise Chateau and Banff Springs Ho~e~:': '. EIUI Lcuuing, Ml 48826 orcaU 1-800-748-0289 Michigan Farm News April 30, 1992 •••••••• ••••••• r• Wheat •••••~.'I ••••••• ,1 .' ......• . •••••• ~A Market Outlook The recent old crop market drop at first ••••• •••• .r j ••• ,j ••• . ..~::. E~RM•••••••• glance is not reflected in the latest USDA Wheat SupplylDemand Report shown in ~ Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Table 2. The USDA increased the 1991-92 export projection by 25 million with only a •••••••• Economics, Michigan State University month remaining in the marketing year. Corn Seasonal Commodity Price Trends This was reflected in lower ending stocks and a tight ending stocks to use ratio of 14.6 BUSINESS percent. A poor crop this year will mean a The USDA incorporated the lower than ex- pected March 1 corn stocks figure (dis- large price rally with the U.S. holding less than 10 percent of the world stocks. OUTLOOK cussed in the last issue) into their April 10 Wheat ? Corn SupplylDemand Report shown in There is little to do in the pricing arena Table 1. Corn usage for feed for 1991-92 Corn ? other than wait. New crop prices are as was lowered 100 million bushels from the low as my 1992-93 supply/demand pro- ing price spread between soft red and previous month's estimate. Soybeans jection in Table 2 would suggest. In other white wheat, in favor of red. This is due words, I do not feel that there is a lot of to both the tightness of stocks and the". The bottom line was not that bad as the downside risk. An interesting item to poor condition of the soft red crop in projection for food, seed, and most im- Hogs keep track of is the continually increas- Indiana and Ohio. portantly, industrial uses was increased 45 million bushels. The net change was re- Cattle Soybeans flected in the 55 million bushel increase in the projected ending stocks. The 1991-92, ply also means a weather rally would have The strong demand for soybeans through 14.6 percent ending stocks to use ratio is more kick. As seen in Table 3, this would the first eight months of the 1991-92 mar- still considered fairly tight and leaves room put us in about the same supply/demand keting year will mean that we will go into for a significant weather market. situation in 1992-93 as this year, with a in the market the next few weeks as long as the new crop year with less than burden- some stocks. The USDA increased their normal yield. Weekly exports have been running near the the Russian political situation stays stable. projected crushings and exports for 1991- expected rate, but are tied closely to credit Be ready to price portions into a rally, Be ready to price portions of remaining 92 in their April SupplylDemand Report allocations. This is tied directly to the weak both old and new crop. New crop price old crop corn if it rally appears. Some seen in Table 3. world demand, most specifically the CIS bids are still slightly above what my sup- region. While we have seen production may want to at least put a floor under ply/demand situation would project for their price using options or minimum This lowered projected ending stocks 20 shortfalls in some areas of the world, we 1992-93, as seen in Table 3. This means it price contracts near the beginning of a million bushels to 305 million, with a stocks have seen increases in others which have rally. One, we may not have a rally; and to use ratio of 15.1 percent. The lower sup- been nearly offsetting. two, it may not be very big. With good A combination of weather and planting weather, prices could drop into the fall Cattle progress will be the most significant factors once we get past June. Cattle prices are likely to stay in their pres- mand period. If this translates into higher ent range through mid-May before grad- packer margins, we may see strong prices Table Eggs uaJly dropping off through August as sup- through May. plies increase and where we may test the Allan Rahn, MSU Ag Econ Dept. high $60's. Slaughter has continued to be At this point, keep as current as possible; The typically strong pre-Easter egg price prices are likely to fall 6 to 10 cents per below last year levels .. a quick drop-off is possible. If we have a rally has not materialized this year. Egg dozen by the end of the month and to aver- rally in the futures which allow you to prices (New York, Grade A, large white, in age in the upper 50 cent area during May. However, red ink for the slaughter plants forward price late summer cattle in the cartons, to retailers) moved up 3-cents per and large numbers of competing meats will $70's, consider it. For those wishing to dozen late in the week before Easter - after The nation's table egg flock is currently keep prices under $80. On the positive side, put some feeders on grass the market is the majority of the Easter trade volume had around 234 million layers, 1.5 percent more we are coming into a typically strong de- expected to drop over the next 30 days. been priced - but had traded in a flat mid 60 than a year ago. Advanced chick hatches cent range since early March. suggest that more pullets than a year ago will be available for flock additions until Hogs The recent market strength reflects the de- mid year. mand for in-shell eggs as the breaker-liquid Ho~ slaughter the first half of April was up year on rallies. Supplies will be larger egg market is relatively depressed. This Spent hen slaughter capacity is likely to be a lIttle less than expected and this was than last year and we will not have the situation does not bode well for post-Easter a short-run constraint to adjusting the size reflected in prices staying over $40. From strong cattle prices we are seeing now to shell egg market conditions as the pro- of the laying flock and may delay the timing this point through June, we can expect a help support the market. At this point, cessed egg market frequently provides a and magnitude of the typical seasonal price strengthening in prices. Watch for pricing the market seems to be current with floor price alternative at this time. Shell egg advances going into summer. opportunities for the second half of the weights below a year ago. Table 1 Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For CORN Hilker's Proj. Guess 1990-91 91-92 92 ..93 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside and Diverted 6.3 4.7 3.5 Acres Planted 74.2 76.0 79.0 Acres Harvested 67.0 68.8 71.7 BuJA. Harvested 118.5 108.6 119.5 Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) /1'~,f Beg. Stocks 1345 1521 1146 Beg. Stocks 536 866 390 Production 7934 7474 8568 Production 2736 1981 2257 Imports 3 20 6 Imports 37 35 27 Total Supply 9282 9016 9720 Total Supply 3309 2882 2650 Use: Use: Feed 4669 4900 5050 Food 796 775 800 FoodlSeed 1367 1445 1500 Seed 90 90 90 Feed 489 350 165 94 95 90 Total Domestic 6036 6345 6550 Total Domestic 1375 1215 1055 1838 2015 1920 Exports 1725 1525 1650 Exports 1068 1300 1125 329 305 300 Total Use 7761 7870 8200 Ending Stocks 1521 1146 1520 Total Use 2444 2515 2180 Ending Stocks 866 366 470 15.1% 15.6% Ending Stocks Percent of Use 19.6% 14.6% 18.5% Ending Stocks $5.02 $5.02 Regular Loan Rate $1.57 $1.62 $1.72 Percent of Use 35.4% 14.6% 21.6% Regular Loan Rate $1.95 $2.04 $2.21. U.S. Season Average $5.45- $5.30- U.S. Season Average $2.40- $2.10- Farm Price. $/Bu. $5.75 $5.75 $5.80 Farm Price. $/Bu. $2.28 $2.50 S2.50 U.S. Season Average $3.00- $3.10- Source: USDA Source: USDA Farm Price. S1Bu. S2.61 S3.10 S3.80 Source: USDA Michigan Farm News 11= April 30, 1992 EPA Approves New Glencoe SF4500 Soil Finisher New Product Profile From Farmhand To Meet Compli- Atrazine Use ance Requirements Requirements A rugged, new, secondary tillage tool to exceed compliance requirements with max- The Enivornmental Protection Agency imum profit has been introduced by Farm- has approved label changes for the use of hand, Inc. The Glencoe SF4500 I-pass Soil atrazine, a widely used herbicide in com, Finisher combines the tillage action of a disc for the 1993 crop year and will apply to all and field cultivator to save on fuel costs, products containing atrazine. reduce field compaction and produce qual- ity seedbeds that lead to healthy crops. In According to Steve Spain, CIBA-GEIGY's addition, erosion control is maximized to product manager for atrazine, the changes meet compliance requirements. will reduce the total amount of atarzine used and surface water runoff from treated fields. Improved down-pressure on the spring- loaded disc gangs and the addition of 16" The revised label will eliminate non-crop cut out feathering blades provides excellent total vegetation control uses of atrazine. For field leveling. The hitch is designed to im- agricultural uses, the maximum rate for a prove the draft angle and reduce machine single application will be reduced to 1.6 or stress. Four optional leveling attachments, 2 pounds of atrazine per acre, depending on including a new 8-bar spike tooth flex har- the amount of soil-holding crop residue in row and a 5-bar coil-tine harrow, allow ma- the field. Presently atrazine can be applied chine setup for specific soil and residue in amounts of up to three pounds per acre. conditions and incorporation needs. The new label also creates buffer areas be- The SF4500 has four rows of shanks from a 12' rigid frame model to a 38'3" folding wing model. All models carry tween atrazine application sites and surface spaced 30" between rows for ideal soil-stir- Farmhand's new five-year shank and leaf guarantee. For more information water. Atrazine applications will not be per- ring' action. Underframe clearance is 21". contact Farmhand, Inc., P. O. Box 1500, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331 or call mitted within 66 feet of the points where Nine models of the SF4500 are available, the Sales Center at 515-236-6571. field surface water runoff can enter streams and rivers, or within 200 feet of lakes or reservoirs. First Annual Meeting of FCS of Michigan's Heartland Successful Nearly 900 stockholders and guests at- tended the first annual stockholder's meet- ing series for Farm Credit Services (FCS) of Michigan' s Heartland held in early April in Midland, Alpena, Traverse City, and Lansing. According to CEO James Bremer ofFCS of Michigan ' s Heartland, four meet- ings were held to bring the information as close to members as possible. Members approv~d the downsizing of the organization's board due to the recent merger, according to Bremer. "The individ- Compare the interest rates. The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA uals who were serving on the board were and Gold MasterCard is just 15.9 % A.P.R.-one of the lowest interest rates good people, and it was a difficult task for available. In addition, you pay no intereslon new credit card purchases when the membership to select new board mem- your full balance is paid by the due date. bers," he said. Compare the fees. The MemberLine VISA has no annual fees, no mem- New directors for Production Credit Asso- bership fees and no application fee. The annual fee for the Gold MasterCard ciation (PCA) include: is $20 - far lower than [he fee charged for most gold cards. For added Robert Weaver, Leelanau County savings, the $20 fee is rebated every year that you make $3,000 or more in Tom Murphy, Isabella County net purchases. Brent Wilson, Gratiot County Glen Williams, Shiawassee County Charles Wilcox, Ingham County. The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & Compare the premiums. Both the ~lemberLine VISA and the Gold ~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 MasterCard, you'll enjoy [he added advantages of a higher credit line, executive travel Newly elected to the Federal Land Credit why it pays to compare before you privileges, emergency road assistance, purchase protection insurance and a Association (FCLA) were: Gerald Lehman, Ogemaw County apply for a credit card ... warranty extension program - valuable "extras" you and your family can depend on. •• Don Hatfield, Mecosta County Cathy Webster, Clinton County Easy to apply for. Simply remove this page from the magazine and fill OU[ Gerald Cole, Shiawassee County the application on the reverse side. Leuerfold and staple the form with the Joann Kinne, Ingham County. mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! At the first board meeting of the new directors, Gerald Cole (below) was elected executive board chairperson, II.. _MICHIGAN FARM BUREAIJ o FIRSfOf AMUIO\.Bank. Gerald Lehman was elected FCLA board chairperson, and Robert Weaver was elected PCA board chairperson. I I I II No Postage Necessary If Mailed Within The United States Business Reply Mail First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI Postage will be paid by addressee FIRST OF AMERICA BANK REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES P.O. BOX 2349 KALAMAZOO, MI 49003-9917 1,1"11,1"11,"11",,.11.1.1 •• 1.1,,,"1111"11 " 1.1 Michigan Farm News April 30, 1992 Educate Tractor Operators In Safety Techniques In Michigan, about half of agricul- ture-related deaths each year are the result of tractor upsets. It is estimated that the use of rollover protective structures (ROPS) on all tractors would reduce the number of those deaths by a third--but safety experts also say that the equipping of all tractors in Michi- gan with ROPS is not a practical expectation. One thing farmers can do is to ed- ucate every user of tractors - From Farm Bureau Insurance whether those tractors are ROPS- equipped or not - about techniques sure they are competent and safety con- that reduce the potential for acci- scious. dents. Here are safety instructions for you to pass You should make sure all the oper- along to anyone who operates your tractor: ators know how your tractor works. Teach them how to drive it D Securely fasten your safety belt if the and operate its equipment. Have tractor has ROPS. them read the operator's manual. Show them the hazards on your D If possible, avoid operating the tractor place and what to do to avoid trou- near ditches, embankments, and holes. ble. Supervise them until you're' D Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces. APPLY NOW D Stay off slopes too steep for safe oper- ation. for a Farm Bureau MemberLinEr VISA or Gold MasterCard D Watch where you are going, espe- FARII BUREAU IIEIIBERUNE- APPLICATION cially at row ends, on roads, and FII'SlName t.Iidcie IniliaI Last Name Social Seady Nlrier around trees. Date of Ilir1h Mos. D Do not permit others to ride. Home Telephone tUnber (1ncbIe AIea Code) ) L&. Previous Adchss r~less than two years IIpresenl dess) Slate D Operate the tractor smoothly. No -' jerky turns, starts, or stops. ~ Presn~ Income from armony, chid ~ or rnai1I8nn:e paymenlS need noI be meaIId a: iI you do noI wish 10 have it as a basis lor repaying \his obIigalian. D Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch J ~ ~. Telephone tU1tJer Posli:Jn Tme at Presn~ o UonIhIy points recommended by tractor manu- ( ) YI'S. Mos. Gross Income from ~ 0 Yearly ~,SIIIe. ~ Code o MonlhIy facturers. o Yearly Scuce of 0IIler Income Tme at Previous ~ YIS. Mos. D When the tractor is stopped, set the brakes securely and use park lock if available. First Name ;;;- c: Remember, too, that youthful hired labor- 5 Presn Street Adchss Date DlIlir1h ers under age 16 are not allowed to operate u Mos. u a tractor of 20 PTO horsepower or more. CD City, Stat. Home Telephone tbnber e (1nckJde AIea Code) ) Exceptions can be made for youths ages 14 :2. Previous Adchss r~less than two years IIpresent dess) Slate and 15, however; if they have completed e. either the 4-H or the Agricultural Science Income tram alimony. chid support. or mai1tenance payments need not be meaIed ~ you do 110I wish to have it as a basis for repaying this abIigalion. tractor operation program, have been in- ~s Telephone Number Tme at Presenl Ef11lIoyment o Monlhly structed by their employer in the safe and ( ) YIS. MIls. Gross Income Irom EmpIoymenI 0 Yearly proper operation of the equipment, and are Ciy, State, ~ Code o Monthly properly supervised. Other Income OY8II1y Source 01 Olher Income Tme at Previous ~ YI'S. Mos. Nearest Relative (110I iving wilh you) Pesticide Application ) - Last Minute Reminders - en Cnlcil ReIlIrences Balance Due o 0Im1luying Home 0 Olher 0 Rent MonlhIy Payment LII $ o Mor1gage Holder or I.Mdord Mortgage Balance Well Locations Z LII $ a: LII o ChedOng Aa:ounl (Bank Name) Eslimated Value o Never clean spray equipment near wells. L&. LII ...is a: $ o Never calibrate sprayers near wells. Have You Ever 0 Yes o Savings Accounl (Bank Name) 0eclar8d 0 No LII a: BankrupCcy? Equipment Preparation o Please check your card preference ItlIIll hereby certiIy thai each oIlhe answers on this CIRlficaIion is true o Properly calibrate and maintain Optional Group Credit Insurance and correct. and is made lor 1he purpose 01 obIaining a 11m or aecttlrom equipment. (choose one design only) lhe Bank. ItlIIll certiIy lIlat all debts owed whether incMIuaI. joint or LII The lXlSt 10 you. 1he Primary Aa:ounl holder (applicant), is $.60 per $100 lor each monlll's o SCENIC VISA o STANDARD VISA lXlITtingent have been cisdosed above and thai none 01 my/1M debts are deinquenl or i1 delault. excepl as ItlIIll have indicated above.1tlIIll hereby o Check solution tanks for leaks. o Z 4 average daily balance. The insIJ'ance wiI be- come ell8diYe when yo.x ad begins. You D~ • aJIhorize 1he Bank 10inYesligale mylr» atllil reoon:Ilo!he extenl it deems necessary arid 10 Vf!dy my/1M cndt, employment arid income relerences. o Mix only enough product for the job a: must be less than age 71 10 be efigibIe lor r;av- ItlIIllIur1her authorize and inslrucI allY person or COITSOOler reporting at hand. J erage. A certificale which more IuDy descmes agency to Ioo1ish to !he Bank MY information thai rt may have or obtain in en ~ the insurance WII be sent when your aedi1 appIicalion is approved. l.klderwritlen by The response 10 such aedil ~. ItlIIllIUl1her agree lhal this applica1ion shaI become !he property 01 !he Bank, whether or not rt is approwd. o ~void overfilling spray tank, t: Prudential Company 01 America, Newcn. New OR Apply for a Gold MasterCard ItlIIll agree lhal ~ 1his appication is accepled arid a card or cards are Including "foam over." c Jersey, and Prudential Property and Casually issued thai arrt use ollhe card(s) wiG be governed by 1he terms and LII a: o Insurance Company, Holmdel. New Jersey. o YES, I'd 1M !he eXIra freedom and IIexbkly - conOlions 0I1he Bank's VlS'JMasterCard Agreement and Disclosure pIOYided before or with deivery 0I1he canl(s). !/we assume, ~ more than o Keep fill hose out of chemical solution. Those choosi1g 10 enrol wiI be maied a cer- Q. J o bficale 01 insurance explaining beneli1s, imila- lions and provisions and rocating lhe ellle- 01 a Gold MasterCard instead 01 the VISA card. II I do not qualily lor the Gold 0 ~~ one joinlly and severaDy, Iiabilily lor aD charges inamd in arty use 01 !he C