Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau 111=1 May 15, 1992 Vol. 69, No.9 Michigan Agricultural A viator's "Operation Safe" a Success Imagine trying to analyze your spray rig's lyzed via computer to graphically spray pattern while travelling .140 miles per demonstrate the spray pattern of the plane. hour, covering a 60 foot swath over your There are only 12 such systems in existence in the world. In addition, a measuring kit ., fields. Seems nearly impossible, doesn't it? originally developed by NASA uses string But, thanks to one-of-a-kind calibration and photo analysis to verify calibration of equipment and the joint efforts of the Mich- the equipment. igan Agricultural Aviation Association, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and During the morning portion of the program, the Cooperative Extension Service, that big each plane flies two passes across the string task is made relatively quick and easy dur- and the spray cards, spraying a mixture of ing an annual agricultural aviator fly-in. water and red dye to simulate an actual spray pass. The cards are passed before a Nearly 30 pilots from Michigan, Ohio, Indi- light to capture the pattern on a computer, ana, Illinois, and Wisconsin attended the while the string is wound up on a spool and two-day program recently near Pinconning, fed into a computer for image analysis. honing their skills by testing their equip- ment and themselves, according to Bill Hat- According to Hatfield, after the analysis, field, an agricultural pilot of 27 years from spray equipment adjustments are made ac- the Nunica area. cordingly, which may include changing the nozzle or boom placement, or changing "We consider this program very important plane height while in the spray pattern. The because we can prove where the pesticide plane is then retested by flying another two has gone from the time it has been mixed passes over the string and cards. "We basi- into the mix tank until it has been sprayed," cally try to fine-tune the pilot and the equip- Traveling at 140 miles per hour, just three to five feet off the ground, this Air Tractor explained Hatfield. "Using the equipment ment to do the best job possible," he said. A T-400, manufactured in Texas, makes a pass across the string and test cards we have available, we can analyze the quan- during the calibration trials at the fly-in. The plane, flown by Mike Schiffer of AI's tity of the material that has been deposited According to Hatfield, the growing envi- Aerial Spraying from Ovid, is powered by a 6BO-horse Pratt and Whitney turbo-prop and where." ronmental sensitivity has put a damper on and is equipped with a 400-gallon hopper. the more traditional agricultural aerial pes- well as new relationships for the industry. I ment," he said. "We try to be involved with The high- tech equipment Hatfield referred ticide application. The increased need for "Often times, various groups will be push- those groups and justify the use of altern a- to includes a computerized swath deposition gypsy moth and mosquito control, however, ing a biological insecticide versus one that tive pesticides, as long as it's economically system utilizing spray cards that are ana- has created new business opportunities as may be more hazardous to the environ- feasible." Sen. Posthumus - State's Political Conflicts a Difference of Visions Posthumus, who owns and operates a 600 tax structure that will attract industry, not Michigan's tax future may be one without a The political battles taking place in Lan- acre cash crop farm near Alto, likened the chase it across state lines .. single business tax, according to sing and Washington, D.C., aren't just petty challenge faced by Gov. Engler and Mich- Posthumus, who feels the tax served Mich- partisan politics, but actually a change of igan Republicans to that of turning around Posthumus said the current educational sys- igan well as a manufacturing economy, but attitude about government that will shape a herd of runaway cattle, saying that al- tem has developed into a monopoly that's that it's a disincentive for attracting service the future of Michigan and the United though it's been a slow process with con- producing graduates who aren't properly industries to Michigan. States, said Senate Majority Leader Dick siderable conflict and confusion, the steps trained to meet the needs of industry and Posthumus (R-Alto), during comments at a taken to cut state spending and down-size doesn't allow a parent to make a choice of Posthumus said Engler's Cut-and-Cap pro- recent MFB board of directors meeting. state government have been necessary. where their children can go to school. posal is designed to cut property taxes by 20 percent over a five-year period and cap fu- "The battle in Lansing is, in fact, a major "Some people said why not take more time "I can choose where to buy toilet paper for ture assessments to three percent increases conflict of visions of the direction of Mich- and avoid radical changes so quickly," my house, but I can't choose where to send or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. igan," Posthumus explained. "It's time for Posthumus related. "I'm here t And they're off...finally! 92' to!;!: A wet and cool spring has frustrated l:l &r ~ g. many Michigan farmers, delaying field co :;, 2l2. work and slowing development of over- ~~ wintering crops. At right, spring field ~!?r work gets underway at the Jim May ~ .g. :c;:;, farm near Sparta in Kent County. ~~ ~. 3 III :e to c: Sugarbeet producers will be especially :I: CD anxious to make up for lost time with ~ ~ only 5 percent of total acreage actually !; planted, compared to 70 percent on av- ~ S' ~ erage as of May 4. ~ ~ Fruit growers have apparently survived ~ severe frost damage, according to Craig Anderson, assistant manager of MACMA's Apple Division. He says pro- duction potential remains excellent at this point across most parts of the state. Capitol Corner - Michigan Farm Weather _ Farm Business Outlook - Michigan Farm News •• May 15, 1992 Election Year In Brief ... 1992 - Utilizing FPC Streamlining Operations the AgriPac Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. (FPC), a regional cooperative formed in 1942 by the Process for Michigan Farm Bureau, has announced plans to streamline the cooperative to be a more effective supplier of farm supplies for the local cooperative network in the future. Agriculture's At a meeting on April 23, 1992, the board of directors of FPC directed management to pursue a plan that would divest the cooperative of retail center operations. The move will Benefit enable the cooperative to more efficiently use its assets to support the marketing efforts of the local cooperative structure. To some degree, every election is important to farmers. But the 1992 state legisla- tive and congressional races here in Michigan are probably the most agriculturally The board of directors is committed to posturing the cooperative to positively affect the significant of this decade. Reapportionment has redrawn districts across the state wholesale farm supply needs. When the plan is carried out, it will allow FPC to focus its in a manner that offers some new opportunities for representation of agricultural efforts on its distribution function to its member cooperatives and dealer base. "We have to concerns. In addition, retirements have created six open U.S. House seats. These address the needs of our members and owners while guaranteeing a viable, profitable future changes offer a chance for those of us in the agricultural community to uniquely for FPC," said John Feland, executive vice president and chief executive officer. . influence the election process. In addition to the wholesale supply of traditional items such as fuel, TBAs, lubricants, and Government is becoming increasingly involved in agriculture through rules and livestock equipment, FPC will maintain its propane operation, pursuing the supply of this regulations on wetlands, air and water quality and conservation. In addition, gov- important energy source for the rural Michigan market. FPC supports local cooperatives in ernment decisions on tax, fiscal and monetary policy have a significant impact on propane distribution, as well as operating two retail propane distribution centers at-present. the farm economy. So it is critically important to support and elect candidates who have a first-hand knowledge of the agricultural industry. Michigan Farmland Value Inches Upward At the same time, candidates shouldn't necessarily be backed simply because of The average value of farmland and buildings in Michigan was $1, 105 per acre on Jan. 1, their farm background. An effective officeholder must be someone who can suc- 1992, up $20 per acre or two percent from Jan. 1, 1991, and $100 per-acre above two years cessfully handle political pressure, make compromises, communicate well and ago, according to the FederaVState Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. This is the represent all the members of his or her district. fifth consecutive year that the average nominal price of farm real estate in Michigan has risen. The average cash rent for cropland in Michigan in 1992 was estimated at $47.40 per Deciding who to support for public office can be a difficult decision. Luckily, Farm acre, up $1.90 from 1991. The average cash rent for pasture this year was set at $19.60 per Bureau makes the process easier by providing a process for carefully evaluating acre; that compares with $21.70 in 1991. candidates and their value to the agricultural industry. Across the state, county Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation committees have received training on how to evaluate potential candidates for political office. That evaluation can include per- The nominal price of farmland in states bordering Michigan continued. to rise slightly as well. The value of agricultural land in Indiana rose two percent from 1991 to $1,303 per sonal interviews, written response to questionnaires, voting records and personal acquaintance. acre. The increase in Wisconsin was also two percent, reaching $870 per acre. The Ohio farmland price was $1,249 per acre, a jump of three percent. Average 1991 cash rents for cropland in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio were $85.70, $51.40 and $70.20 per acre, Following these evaluations, the county committees will make primary election respecti vel y. endorsement recommendations to the Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac. The criteria for endorsement recommendations of incumbent candidates includes county Farm Bureau member input, voting record on issues of significant importance to agricul- P.A. 116 Upheld in Kalamazoo Decision ture, communication to farm constituents and involvement of agricultural people in the election campaign. Criteria for non-incumbent candidates are input from mem- A recent decision by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Kalamazoo bers, dedication to the campaign, involvement of agricultural people, recognition of County will strengthen the Farmland and Open Spaces Act (P.A. 116) as a tool to protect the importance of agriculture to the local economy and position on agricultural Michigan farmland, thanks in large part to the efforts of Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau issues. members. After reviewing these county committee recommendations, AgriPac endorses can- The Kalamazoo County board of commissioners had requested that the DNR terminate a didates for the Aug. 4 Primary Election. In early fall, AgriPac also endorses P.A. 116 contract so the property could be used for landfill development, even though the statewide candidates nominated at political party conventions. site was ranked 9th out of 10 potential sites for the project. This month, all Farm Bureau members should look closely at the list of candidates In response, the DNR cited six reasons for refusing to break the P.A. 116 contract, including for public offices. Examine their stand on the issues, and determine how those the fact that three of the more feasible sites were not impacted by P.A. 116. Other reasons stands fit with Farm Bureau policy. If you feel strongly about the merits of a included the lack of evidence that the landfill would be publicly owned and operated; in particular candidate, contact your county Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation com- order for the landfill to be operated at the proposed site, other P.A. 116 contracts would mittee. This is an opportunity to use your organization to effectively influence our have been broken; the original holder of the of the P.A. 116 contract had indicated they political system. were not willing to terminate the contract; and the land in question was bound by a P.A. 116 contract for 30 and 35 years. According to MF~ ~gi~lative Coun~el ~on Nelson, the DNR' s decision to uphold the P.A. 1.16contract IS sIgmficant for MIchIgan farmers. "It shows developers, both public and ~nv~te, that land contract~d under the Farmland and Open Spaces Act, is protected," he SaId. P.A. 116 contracts WIll preserve farmland unless there is no alternative." Fewer Cows Still Produce More Milk ... Milk pr~duction in the 21 major produci~g states rose slightly in March, compared to a year earher, even though the number of daIry cows on farms declined by 13,000 head from February and by 200,000 from March 1991, according to the USDA's Agricultural r. Statistics Board. Among the top five producing states, Wisconsin and Minnesota producers held production below a year ago, by 2.4 and 2.1 percent respectively. New York, Pennsylvania and California gained in production for the month, by 2.5, 2.4 and I percent. Production per cow in th~ 21. states average? 1,343 pounds for the month, up 33 pounds The livin' is easy at Summerfest '92 from a year ago. Only ~lhno.Is, North CarolIna and ~ennessee had lower production per cow for the month. Cahfornla, Tennessee and WashIngton had more cows on farms this March than last. It's the summertime event that's just for fun, so join your friends and neighbors at Summeriest '92, Wed., July 15. Get your tickets early to be one of the 2,500 enjoying a delicious grilled steak dinner (with ALL the trimmings), beverages and desserts. There'll be plenty of fun The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN m __ ) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm for young and old with country music and games to test your skill. Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau r~gular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm Just complete this order form and mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Field Operations Division, New~ to non-m~mbers and out~l.de the C?~tinen~al U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is P. O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909. Order DEADUNE is June 30. Enclose your check or 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 money order made payable to the Michigan Farm Bureau. Tickets are $ 4 each. changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. E~itorial: Dennis ~~dat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin; Donna Name Wilber; Henry HUlsJen. Address 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, City/StatelZip Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; County Farm Bureau District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Barag~. At-Large: Do.uglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye AMOUNT ENCLOSED (TOTAL) Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. Michigan Farm News ITOL o o:J] •• May 15,1992 z m:J] Michigan Statewide Trail System MFB Position A package of Senate bills, known as the Michigan Fann Bureau offered sev- Trai1ways Act, has been introduced to provide for a system eral amendments to the of state trail ways to be used for public recreation activities. package consistent with S.B. 834, sponsored by Sen. Geake (R-Northville), sets up MFB policy on aban- criteria for a Michigan trailway, authorizes the Natural Re- doned railroads. The bill sources Commission to purchase land for use as a future includes language to Michigan trailway, creates a Michigan trailways trust fund, allow a trailway to be and allows the formation of a Michigan trail way manage- closed temporarily to ment council made up of local units of government for the allow pesticide applica- management of a Michigan trailway. tion on lands adjoining S.B. 835, sponsored by Sen. James Barcia (D-Bay City), the trailway. The entity amends the State Transportation Preservation Act of 1976 operating the, Michigan and r~uires that DNR preserve the right of way of any trailway may arrange MOOT -owned rail bed for future use as a railroad line and with a landowner, or shall not Rermit any action which would render it unsuit- other person, for the post- able for future rail use. ing of signs or the closure of the trailway during A substitute for S.B. 92, earlier introduced by Sen. Ehlers, pesticide application and would release private property owners from liability for in- appropriate reentry peri- juries to a person who is on their land or premises to enter ods. Fann Bureau worked or exit from or use a Michigan trail way. The three bills are closely with the sponsors all tie-barred and were reported out of the Senate Natural of the legislation to ad- Resources Committee in late April. dress concerns of adja- cent private property The language in S.B. 834 (S-1) allows the Natural Re- owners and did not op- sources Commission to designate a Michigan trailway only pose the package of bills. if potential negative impacts of trailway development on owners or residents of adjacent property are minimized • through all of the following: a) Adequate enforcement of Michigan trailway rules and regulations; b) Maintenance of trail way crossings for agricultural and other purposes; c) Construction and maintenance of fencing at the expense of the trail owner or operator, where necessary; d) Other means as considered appropriate by the commission. The Department of Public Health, Occupational Health '>.. Standards Commission is proposing administrative rule changes on heat stress that include the following, accord- . ing to the Michigan Register: ';The proposed rules apply to work situations where em- ployees are subjected to factors and conditions which are likely to result in a health or safety risk. These perfor- mance type rules require employers to evaluate their work and work places for heat stress, to take corrective actions, to provide education and training for employees subject to "heat stress, to investigate employee complaints of heat stress, and to create a written heat stress program. These rules are supplemented with extensive informational ap- pendices ,which were written to assist an employer in un- derstanding heat stress and what actions are required by the proposed rules." Farm Bureau opposed the heat stress rules and urged fur- ther consideration of them be abandoned. Points presented during Farm Bureau testimony included: - Fann Bureau does not feel there is a clear and convinc- ing need for these rules and, therefore, under the MIOSHA law, they should not even be proposed for con- sideration. We hope this hearing will demonstrate that there is no basis for this proposed regulatory overkill. - From a Farm Bureau policy standpoint these proposed 'Environmental Policy and Property Right Protection - Increasingly, new laws and rules are not appropriate and are more strict than existing federal OSHA standards because none exist; they are ex- regulations ignore constitutionally protected ownership rights and incentives for economic cessive upon the employer; they are not practical; they do productivity. When landowner use of property is impaired by government decree, compen- not show factual documentation of need; and they do not sation must be made. Environmental improvements can best be achieved through policies actually help to administer basic first aid to injured work- based on incentives and performance standards, rather than by imposing land use restrictions ers. and penalties, command control regulations, and government prescribed technologies. - Farm Bureau urged the department to consider the first Health Care Reform - We believe that health care is primarily the responsibility of the aid poster suggestion in an effort to provide real benefits individual. We strongly support eff()rts~to improve the present health care delivery system. and to discontinue any further consideration of these pro- Future health care policy changes should embrace the following principles: posed rules. I 1. Promotion of personal wellness, fitness and preventive care as basic health goals; 2. Minimal government intervention in decisions between providers and receivers of The hearing testimony will be reviewed by the Occupa- health care; tional Health Standards Commission at a future meeting. 3. Federal tax policies that encourage individuals to prepare for future health care needs; If the rule changes are approved, they will be sent to the 4. Direct government financial assistance for those who are economically unable to pay Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for further con- for health care needs; sideration. 5. Government programs like Medicare and Medicaid properly compensate providers. 6. A 100 percent deduction from federal income tax for health insurance premiums paid by self-employed people is needed immediately. Michigan Farm Bureau MFB Contact: Al Almy, Ext. 2040 (517) 323-7000 Michigan Farm News II. May 15, 1992 30-Day Outlook, Cooler Than Normal Cold, wet weather continues to be a prob- lem for most outdoor acti vities in Michigan. Michigan Weather Summary Preliminary data for April indicate above 4/1/92 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation normal precipitation for many areas in the Actual Dev. From to 4/30/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal state, causing lengthy delays in spring field- Accum. Accum. linch.) Norm Mean Normal work. Some sections of the central and 20 60 2.61 - 0.09 Alpena 38.9 -1.6 eastern Lower Peninsula received more 42 108 4.92 + 2.37 Bad Axe 41.0 - 3.1 than 200 percent of normal precipitation 104 131 4.28 + 1.07 Detroit 46.8 - 0.5 during the period. - 2.7 1 24 2.14 - 0.29 Escanaba 36.3 Flint 44.3 -1.7 81 131 3.84 + 0.63 Compounding the delays were below nor- 44.4 -1.7 79 149 4.03 + 0.62 Grand Rapids mal temperatures and above normal cloud- Houghton 36.8 - 0.6 17' 56 1.23 -1.05 iness for nearly all areas, which greatly Houghton Lake 40.2 - 2.6 46 101 3.15 + 0.63 slowed evaporation rates and spring growth Jackson 44.9 - 2.4 104 146 2.67 - 0.52 of overwintering crops. Lansing 44.1 -1.8 83 146 4.13 + 0.94 Marquette 35.3 -1.6 17 56 1.71 - 0.57 Base 50 degrees F growing degree day ac- Muskegon 43.3 - 2.0 61 101 3.30 + 0.14 cumulations since March 1 reflect the Pellston 39.5 - 0.4 42 72 2.64 - 0.05 below normal temperatures and continue Saginaw 43.2 - 2.3 59 108 5.31 + 2.76 below normal in all areas of the state. In Sault Ste. Marie 35.7 - 2.3 4 24 2.44 0.00 terms of time, degree day accumulations South Bend 46.6 - 2.4 151 149 2.30 -1.11 and the development of many crops now Traverse City 41.6 - 0.6 56 72 1.96 - 0.73 generall y lag 5-10 days behind normal. Vestaburg 41.0 - 4.7 56 111 4.58 + 1.51 30 and 90 Day Outlook Observed and normal growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1. Will these trends continue? Latest forecast Normals are based on district averages. guidance suggests the answer is yes, at least for the next few weeks. The National month ranges from just over 3.5 inches in the western Upper Peninsula to about 2.5 inches Weather Service 30-day outlook for May across northern and central sections of Lower Michigan to near 3.0 inches along the southern calls for temperatures to continue below border. Looking further ahead, the new 90-day outlook for May through July indicates a normal, but for precipitation to be more change to above normal temperatures. Precipitation during the period is expected to be near near the normal. Normal rainfall for the normal. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook Crop Updates - Planting Season Behind A verages in Midwest T - Temp. 5/15 5130 5/15 7/31 P - Preclp. T P T P Michigan cent poor to very poor. Oats seeding is Top soil moisture was rated 3 percent short, Michigan B N A N As of May 4, the only items planted thus far behind considerably also with just 25 per- 72 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus. W. Com Belt B N A N had been a few tractors, according to one cent reported planted compared to 45 per- Subsoil moisture was 12 percent short, 73 E. Corn Belt B N A N Wlnt. Wheat Belt N N A1N N Michigan farmer. Corn planting was re- cent last year, and the five-year average of percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Spr. Wheat Belt A BIN A NIB ported only 3 percent complete compared 70 percent. Pac. NW Wheat A NIB A N to 5 percent for last year and the five-year Illinois Delta B N N N average of 15 percent, according to the Ohio Illinois corn planting as of May 5 was re- Southeast B N NlA N Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Ohio was reporting corn only 6 percent ported 33 percent complete, down from 57 San Joaquin A N A N Sugarbeet planting is seriously behind av- actually planted, down from 28 percent a percent in 1991, and 56 percent from the A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- erage, with only 5 percent planted com- year ago, and the five-year average of 44 five-year average. Reports of yellow com mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- pared to 10 percent last year and the five- percent as of May 5. Less than 1 percent of from frost damage are also circulating. Four No Preclp. Source: National We~ther Office year average of 70 percent. the soys were reported planted compared to percent of the soybeans were planted com- 6 percent last year and the 8 percent five- pared to the five- year average of 10 percent. Wheat is reported 15 percent excellent, 40 year average. percent good, 30 percent fair, and 15 per- Oat seeding was 92 percent complete, with Oats were 74 percent planted with 57 per- the crop reported 5 percent excellent, 76 cent emerged, compared to 88 and 64 per- percent good, 17 percent fair, and 2 percent cent a year ago. Winter wheat continues to poor. Wheat was rated 2 percent excellent, improve with the crop now rated 6 percent 36 percent good, 31 percent fair, 15 percent excellent, 32 percent good, 38 percent fair, poor, and 16 percent very poor. 16 percent poor, and 8 percent very poor. Alfalfa was rated mostly good to fair, al- Hay was reported mostly fair to good, with though extensive alfalfa weevil damage Southeast Ohio expecting to cut hay within was reported in southern sections of the two weeks if the weather holds. Alfalfa state. Cutting of the first crop is just getting weevil infestations were reported across underway. Soil moisture was rated 9 per- the state except in north and northwestern cent short, 82 percent adequate, and 9 per- sections. cent surplus. Soil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 63 Iowa percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus, Ideal planting conditions allowed corn with most of the surplus located in western planting to progress ahead of 1991 levels, and northern sections. with 22 percent of the acreage planted com- MADE IN THE Indiana Corn planting as of May 5 stood at 16 pared to 13 percent last year, but still behind the five-year average of 38 percent. DSA percent complete, compared with 33 per- Oat seedings were reported 95 percent cent a year ago and 39 percent for the complete, with the crop rated 5 percent five-year average. excellent, 53 percent good, 37 percent fair, 5 percent poor. Wheat was rated 5 percent Reel Rain. Indiana's wheat crop was reported improv- excellent, 31 percent good, 34 percent fair, The nation's largest selling ing, but still remains in below normal con- 15 percent poor and 8 percent very poor. agricultural traveler irrigator. ditions throughout the state. Wheat was Offering the widest rated 12 percent good, 57 percent fair, 21 Topsoil moisture supplies were 12 percent. range of models. percent poor, and 10 percent very poor. Oat surplus, 87 percent adequate, and 1 percent seeding was 79 percent complete compared short. Subsoil moisture was 26 percent sur- We're not the best because to the five-year average of 86 percent. plus, and 74 percent adequate. we sell more-we sell more because we're the bestl MFB Supporting Groundwater Protection Efforts MFB is supp<;>rtingthe Michigan Department of Agriculture's efforts to develop a ground- water protectIon proposal. Vicki Pontz, legislative counsel for MFB, said the proposal will ~ focus on preventlo~, through rese3!ch, education and demonstration programs targeted at farmers, of non-pomt source pollutIon caused specifically by agriculture. AMADAS .. OUSTAIES _ American Made Ouality at its Best! Farm ~ureau has bee~ activ~ly in~ol~ed i.na wide range of groundwater protection activities, accordm& to Pontz,. mcludmg dlstnbutmg Water Quality Self-Help checklists; working Suffolk. VA (804) 539-0231 close~y With th~ InstItute of Water Research in developing and promoting the" Agriculture's Role 10 Protectmg Groundwater" program; helping to introduce in Michigan the Farmstead --T't.ubU1e. Gas Mechan1ca1. or Hydrostattc Drtves- Assessment Sys~em ~oprotect gr?~ndwaterdrinking supplies; and supporting Right-to-Farm management gUldehnes on pestICIde and fertilizer usage. "Throu~h our 'Farmers. - Prof~ssionals. From the Ground Up' campaign, Farm Bureau has agg.resslvel,y promot~d .I~novatlve.pla.~lt~ng,tilling and harvesting techniques that emphasize ~g?culture s responslb~hty for ~amtammg and improving groundwater quality," said Pontz. It s not only good busmess - It s good environmental stewardship." Michigan Farm News _.. . May 15,1992 Going No- Till in Dry Beans and Sugarbeets The idea of no-till dry beans may seem strange. Even stranger is the thought of \ no-till sugar beets, but. one Michigan farmer is out to prove it can be done. ,. Midland county cash crop farmer Jerry Wirbel farms 1,000 acres outside of Hope with his wife, Pearl, and son, Louis. "I've always said that no-till would not work in a sugar beet, com and dry bean rotation," Wirbel said. But after listening to Jerry Grigar from the Michigan Soil and Water Conservation speak at a local tillage meet- ing, Wirbel decided to try it. Working with the Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association (MASA), of which he is president, he used conventional tillage and 3~-inch rows on a 25-acre plot of dry beans and no-till with 7 l/2-inch ., rows on a 5-acre plot. The no-till beans yielded 73 pounds per acre more. "This extra yield gave me $10.95 an acre more," he said. "Plus, I didn't have to field or row cultivate." Wirbel was so impressed Louis (left) and Je,rry Wirbel with their new ,!o-till .drill that will be used to plant all with the results, that he purchased a no-till their dry beans thiS year after a successful field tf/allast year. drill to plant all his dry beans in 1992. method also allows Wirbel to direct harvest He thinks that may have to be the standard Wirbel says no-till has many advantages his dry beans. "We're saving time during practice for no-till sugar beets in rotation over conventional tillage: requires less harvest and it's less expensive," he said. after dry beans. "I may have to do some time, less inputs, less cost, not to mention minimum tillage in the fall on the bean the environmental benefits. "We used to Wirbel's next project is no-till sugar beets. fields, just to level the ground and move the plow our cornstalks under and had soil He's planning to plant them where he had straw around a little bit, so it'll rot away erosion problems," he said. "No-till is just the no-till dry beans last year. "I didn't instead of laying on top," he explained. better for the environment and the soil. I've touch the no-till bean ground last fall and even noticed more earthworms. " I'm not going to till it this spring - just plant People ask Wirhel why he changed his till- the sugar beets and cultivate them." age system. To him the answer is obvious; Wirbel warns that no-till is not something environment and economics. "I told a fertil- you can just jump into and expect it to Wirbel is concerned with crop residue from izer salesman what I was doing and he work. You have to learn. He knows people the dry beans. "I don't think I'll have a thought I was crazy," Wirbel said. "He told who have tried no-till dry beans in 3~-inch problem planting the sugar beets, but I may me it wasn't going to work. Well, I've al- rows and they just haven't done well. He have trouble cultivating them," he said. ways said the same thing, but now I'm prov- believes the secret is narrow rows and a tall Last fall he scratched the surface where he ing that it will work." variety with a strong root system. This had conventional-till dry beans. • FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICE • Canadian Rocky "Mainstreet" Breatht~ Washington: Boston Mountain Adventure in Harbor Springs Bermuda History in the Making Weekend Package This adventure is for those who This unique bed and breakfast This excursion jets you to a Visit our nation's capital and Depart Friday evening fron I ant to escape from the normal offers hospitality and charm that private pink sand beach where experience our country's past Lansing and arrive in Boston bustle" of daily life. Upon is unmatched. Your innkeepers you'll spend 3 nights at the firsthand. This 4 day getaway where you will transfer to the 57 algary's airport, an Donna and Jerry open their luxurious Sonesta Beach Hotel includes dinner at Hogates Park Plaza Hotel. The trip directions to house and their hearts to each & Spa. The hotel features rooms restaurant, a one day pass on includes 2 nights at the hotel; ing will be guest. Once you've settled in, with balconies, 2 restaurants, the mobile tour, plus 2 half day plus a Hertz sub-compact car. with take a stroll along the waterfront a nightclub, 3 lounges, a health tours of the city. Round trip Airfare is via American Airlines 'n and visit the many shops and spa, 2 pools, and tennis courts. airfare is additional. An estimated (not available from Detroit). Rates restaurants that make Harbor Airfare is provided from Detroit. fare from Detroit would be $220. are based on double occupancy. rings unique. Rate' transfer and hotel Regular rate: $250.pp* Regular rate: $470.50 pp* rate: $90.pp* (lg. room) t a departure Farm Bureau rate: 8245.pp* Farm Bureau rate: 8459.pp* te: $70.pp* (sm. room) ate: '85.pp* : $65.pp* Princess Cruise for 7 Days Depart from Anchorage or Vancouver with highlights that include stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. You'll visit the plush Denali National Park, breathtaking Fairbanks, and see "crystal like" glaciers. Add on airfare from Detroit is $495 pp. Prices vary depending on the type of cabin, ship and the time of year. We recommend combining this cruise with a land package. Farm Bureau Members can receive a 2% discount on any cruise/tour package. *Per person SUMMER TRAVEL SPECIALS • Grand Ole Opry Weekend • Toronto Weekend • California Fly-DrlveP.cnge • Aruba • Bed & B.... kf •• t London Pack.ge -. Michigan Farm News May 15, 1992 Market Outlook ...... •••••••• .... .... ••••••• r• •••••~.'I ••••••• •••• .r•••••• " ,j ••• ~~ 1• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University Corn Seasonal Commodity Price Trends Two Midwest Farm Credit Banks Merge E~RM•••••••• • ' A..;::;.. •••• ~ •••••••• With planting progress being a day-to-day call due to weather, and since there's Wheat 1'? The Farm Credit Banks of St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis, MO., officially merged May 1 to become Agribank FCB. Now the larg- BUSINESS enough soil moisture in most of the Corn Belt that a lack of rain would not have a noticeable effect until at least June, and Corn i? est bank in the Farm Credit System, Agribank will have total assets of about $10 billion and serve around 130,000 farmers in OUTLOOK given the relatively low stocks, but plenty Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, if we have a good crop, there is still a large Soybeans i? Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin, ac- number of price scenarios that could de- cording to Knight-Ridder Financial News velop for both old and new crop. Hogs t (KRF). ficer of the St. Louis Bank, will be CEO of It also means the market is liable to be very Cattle 1? The two banks had been considering the the new institution. volatile. This means we are in a situation merger for about a year, and it was ap- where rallies could be quite sharp, but at the proved by stockholders of both last March. The merger could mean loss of some jobs in same time quite short. This period could be t Index: = Higher Prices; ~ = Lower Prices; The deal became official with approval of the system, since officials say Agribank critical to those who have a lot of old crop = TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? Unsure the Farm Credit Administration board. C.T. may need about 30 percent fewer employ- remaining and those who have not priced Frederickson, formerly chief executive of- ees, according to KRF. much, if any, new crop. Consider setting projections by the end of August. This is near the rate we have been running, but new yourself both some price objectives and sales have been slow. And the Argentina Wheat Acreage Reduction Debate in Full Gear floors. crop is looking better than projected. American Farm Bureau Federation has rec- AFBF said it could support a "zero percent" The basis is relatively tight in Michigan set-aside requirement under certain circum- The bottom line is, the corn market is not ommended that USDA hold the acreage which means that local demand is strong, stances such as positive developments from likely to get help on the demand side in the reduction requirement for wheat to no more but worldwide the demand for corn has USDA on export sales opportunities, but short-run; all the action will be on the sup- than 5 percent for the 1993 crop. been weak. U.S. exports need to run 28.5 under no condition would a "no set-aside" million bushels per week to meet the USDA ply side. Among reasons a 5 percent reduction would decision be acceptable, according to Tim be desirable, says AFBF, are the encourage- Price, director of the AFBF Commodity and Wheat ment of sound conservation practices, such Marketing Division. as field borders, wildlife strips and stream By the time you receive this report, the first but also much uncertainty on the demand border strips. It also reduces incentives for A wheat acreage reduction in 1993 of less Winter Wheat Crop Production Report will side. The allocations, both in terms of size producers who previously planted set-aside than 5 percent, even as low as zero, would have been released on May 11. However, and timing, to the CIS, continues to playa acres to perennials to convert them back to be acceptable with expanded exports and if this will not be the final call; there are still dominant role. Another major concern is the grain production. production estimates in June put the 1992 a lot of dry areas where there are consider- very slow pace of new crop export sales. wheat output at less than 2.3 billion bushels. able weather risks. They are at a very low level compared to a typical year. The Kansas wheat tour projected produc- tion only slightly higher than last year, but Dairy H there is a rally after the May USDA there is considerable room for change in reports and you have not priced much Larry Hamm that number with the western half having new crop wheat, consider setting several May 1 also brought some price reduction Milk production continues flat and market more potential, but in need of moisture. pricing objectives and amounts to price news. Under the provisions of the "Omni- prices continue to climb. The recent USDA into the rally, and then pulling the trigger announcement on the deficit assessment is bus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 Unlike corn, there is not only the supply if the market reaches those levels. currently the only negative news for dairy (Budget Act)" dairy producers are being side concerns for wheat in the near-term, markets. assessed 11.25 cents per cwt. to help bal- ance the budget deficit. The "deficit assess- Soybeans Both March and first quarter (January- ment" is refundable to those producers who March) U.S. milk production is about equal do not increase production over year earlier The picture is at least as cloudy for soy- At this time, new crop prices are still above to last year's levels. The dairy herd liquida- levels and who also meet other specific beans as for com and wheat. While the size what fundamentals would suggest due to a tion continues with 200,000 fewer dairy requirements. of the soybean crop in South America is weather price risk premium in the market. cows in the U.S. this past March compared pretty well determined, their exportable to last year. Commercial sales are up Because the dairy industry is assigned a amounts are not yet clear. Unless there's concrete information that slightly. Increased export sales have tight- specific total contribution over the life of November soybean futures will continue ened the markets further. These conditions the Budget Act, any refunds must be made While it is clear there will be more South to go up, consider doing some new crop are forcing dairy product prices up. up by increasing current year assessments. American beans available this year for ex- pricing if November futures make it The Budget Act requires the USDA's Agri- port than last, they will not return to the back to the $6.15-6.25 range and then As of May 1, cheese prices on the National cultural Stabilization and Conservation Ser- levels of two years ago. On the supply side, price small amounts into a rally if it Cheese Exchange have been rising contin- vice to make the refund and assessment due to somewhat delayed com plantings, continues. Remember, with normal uously since early March. The current increase announcements in May. planted acreage has again become a vari- yields acreage this year, harvest prices prices of $1.305 and $1.325 per pound for able along with yield uncertainty. will be in the $5.30-5.70 range. cheddar cheese in 500 pound barrels and 40 In the U.S., there were 47,805 eligible pro- pound blocks, respectively, are equal to ducer refund applications for 4.6 billion cheese prices in early November of 1991. pounds of milk amounting to $23,164,000 Cattle Nearly all of the price drop of wholesale made on 1991 milk marketings. Of that cheese prices from last year's highs have total, 1,884 Michigan producers will be re- The April 1 quarterly 13-State and monthly down 2-11 percent from last year, yet prices been made up. Farm raw milk prices will be ceiving $806,000. In total, these 1,884 pro- 7-State Cattle-On-Feed Reports released are much lower. on the rise soon .. ducers marketed 168,607,703 fewer pounds April 24 were bullish for the supply side of of milk in 1991 than in 1990. the cattle market, but demand has been The reason for the lower prices seems to be The current (March M-W) of $10.98 is the weak for this time of the season. The reports on the demand side. Part of it can be related low for the year. The April M- W will in- When the $23 million refund is applied to showed that feedlots are down 10 percent in to the increase in pork and poultry available crease modestly with larger increases due 1992 marketings, the producer assessment the number on feed compared to the same to the market and to lower real i n- in the next few months. Farm blend prices is increased 2.4 cents, from 11.25 cents to time last year. comes. While the economy seems to be turn- are now at th~ir seasonal lows. Dairy 'flar- 13.65 cents per cwt. for the rest of 1992. A ing around, it may take some time for this kets are turnmg around sooner and with similar refund and recalculation process It also showed that placements in the Janu- to show up in the cattle market. more vigor than predicted. will take place again next year. ary-March period were down 5 percent, with February placements being down 12 Lower placements also mean there are more percent in the 7-State Report. Marketings were slightly above year ago levels. feeders available, which means eventually placements will increase. But this delay Table Egg Market does not seem to be in the summer cattle Steers in the 700-1,100 pound range were futures. At this time, keep current -- there Allan Rahn and Henry Larzelere Table egg prices in April averaged about reported as 85-87 percent of year ago levels. doesn't seem to be any good forward than the previous year in every month dur- 10 cents a dozen below a year ago, while Slaughter the last three weeks of April were pricing opportunity. ing 1991. higher ~eed ingredient prices pushed egg productIon costs up around one-half cents Hogs per dozen. Egg movement was excellent during the Easter period, even though it was late in Keep current, but watch for both short- materializing. With the increased produc- Hog slaughter ranged from down I percent Egg production in March was 2 percent term and long-term pricing opportuni- tion rate, however, inventory positions will to up 5 percent the last three weeks of April. over last year and the April 1, 1992 table ties on rallies. The second half of the year quickly be replenished and burdensome egg This is within the range the last Hog Inven- egg laying flo~k was 2.5 percent greater. supplies will likely be higher. Beef sup- supply levels are likely to push egg prices tory Report indicated, but on the lower side Advanced chl~k hatch data imply that plies will also likely increase by the end lower in May .. of the range. These slightly lower than ex- flock productIOn capacity will not be pected supplies, and retailer's featuring of the summer providing more competi- reached until mid-year. pork versus the higher-priced beef, is show- tion. For those needing more corn and Egg prices (New York, Grade A, large ing up in the market as higher than expected meal for the summer, consider making The egg-type chick hatch was down 1.4 white, in cartons, to retailers) in May are prices for market hogs. part of those purchases to avoid paying percent in March and 4 percent lower over expected to average in the upper 50 cent very high prices if a drought occurs. the entire first quarter, but had been higher range, but should move up into the low 60's during June. I ..",. HEALTH AND SAFETY ON THE FARM MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY • AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING - SAFETY PROGRAM • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICET THIS PUBLICATION WAS PRODUCED BY THE MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL HEALTH PROMOTION PROJECT WITH FUNDING FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SPRING, 1992 Rollover protective structures provide a safety zone for the operator Is it your turn for a tractor rollover accident? for a tractor in the 20 to 30 PTO horsepower range In addition to having a certified rollover protective Each year more than 320 American farmers are can cost as little as $500, a small price to pay for structure, a seat belt is a necessity. Without a seat belt, killed in agricultural tractor rollover accidents. Of the something that could prevent a serious injury or the operator may be flung from the safety of the ROPS 88 Michigan farmers killed in farm-related accidents death. With few exceptions (listed on back) all (Cont. on page 2) from 1988 to 1991, 21 deaths were attributed to agricultural tractors built after Oct. 25, tractor rollovers (see chart on Agricultural-Related 1976 must have a rollover protective Deaths on this page). structure if it is to be driven by an em- These statistics show that the "it can't happen to ployee other than an immediate family " me" syndrome doesn't hold water. Statistics from the member. past four years show that Michigan growers from all Never try to construct your own ROPS age groups were killed in rollover accidents. Twelve - there are too many variables in mounting of these farmers were in the 20- to 40-year-old age and material strength to design a rollover group. protection system that is guaranteed to These deaths continue to occur despite the fact protect you. An approved rollover protec- that rollover protective structures (ROPS) have been tive structure is designed to crush down commercially available on most tractors manufactured slightly to absorb some of the impact of a during the past 16 years. But there are numerous tractor rollover. tractors without a ROPS still in use. These tractors Having a cab on a tractor is not a were either built before Oct. 25, 1976, the date that all guarantee that the operator will be pro- tractors with more than 20 PTO horsepower were tected in a rollover accident. Be sure to .. required for employees to be equipped with a ROPS, check for the required label that must be or have had the protective structures removed. These attached to the cab or frame of the tractor ~ .. life saving structures are also available as retrofits for that ensures the structure is ROPS certi- virtually every tractor manufactured. A ROPS retrofit fied. A ROPS provides the operator with a safety zone in a rollover. Rollover accidents account for 55 percent of all tractor fatalities Flipping a tractor over backward or to the side results in 55 percent of all protective structure (ROPS) and wear a seat belt. However, not all tractors in use agricultural tractor-related deaths in the United States. are equipped with a ROPS. With a few exceptions, a ROPS is required on all The best preventive measure to reduce overturn deaths is to install a rollover employee-operated tractors manufactured after October 25, 1976. Tractors manu- factured before this date can be operated by employees without a ROPS. There are no ROPS requirements for immediate family members working on the farm, but a 1988 - 1991* Michigan rollover protective structure can save lives. Whenever possible, everyone should use a ROPS equipped tractor. Tractors without ROPS can be retrofitted with a Agricultural Related Deaths structure specifically designed for the individual tractor. The cost of a retrofit is about $500 for a 20 to 30 horsepower farm tractor. A rollover protection source directory/price list is available from all Cooperative Extension Service offices. In the absence of ROPS and a seat belt, the next best preventive measure is to avoid tractor overturns by operating in a safe manner. Tree Removal 6 Preventing a tractor turnover to the rear Animal Handling According to the National Safety Council, 85 percent of rear turnovers result in 6 death when the tractor is not equipped with a rollover protective structure and a seat belt is not in use. A rear rollover generally happens too fast for the operator to react; it takes only 3/4 of a second to reach the point of no return. Most rear roll overs are the result of changing the tractor's center of gravity. Grain/Forage Hand, 18 Normally, a tractor's center of gravity is located about two feet in front of and ten inches above the rear axle. Hitching above the drawbar or in a location not desig- Total deaths = 88 nated by the manufacturer increases the risk of a rear turnover. * 1990 & '91 estimated (ConI. on page 4) 2 Farm Health and Safety ~~ Older tractors can be retrofitted with RaPS cabs or frames, check I'lIo'" ~ ~ '.0 with your dealer. This is the only typ~ of tractor a child should ride on. Rollover structures No extra riders - No exceptions (Cont. from page 1) an agricultural tractor was not designed to pull, or when an imple- It's tough to tell that cute child begging for a ride on a tractor that "No, into an area where the tractor may crush ment or tow chain is hitched to the you can't come." Those "please, can I come too," cries may be coming him or her. tractor in the wrong place. from your grandson who lives in the city and is visiting his grandpa for the • Always set brakes securely when- weekend -- sounds like a good chance to give the kid a real treat. Or, ever the tractor is stopped. Use park Employee tractor safety lock if available. perhaps it's your son wanting to go with dad and it brings back fond memories of riding on your father's tractor -- it was OK back then so it Employees must receive instruc- should be fine to take him for a short ride. tions whenever they receive their first Exemptions to the farm tractor operation assignment and Whatever rationale you use to justify breaking one of the most impor- at least once a year thereafter. Include ROPS standard. tant safety rules in operating a tractor, remember, the risks are too great. the following instructions : Exemptions to the requirement for Just because you enjoyed riding on a tractor as a child doesn't mean it was • Fasten seat belt if the tractor has a the mandatory ROPS are: safe, it just means you were lucky. A 20-year national study of tractor rollover protective system. • Agricultural tractors with 20 horse- fatalities involving an extra rider shows that 73 percent of those killed • Avoid operating a tractor near power or less (horsepower measured were children under 10. Numerous Michigan children have been killed ditches, embankments, and holes at the PTO). because they fell off a tractor or wagon and were runover by the tires whenever possible. • Using the tractor with mounted before a parent or grandparent had time to react. Even a tractor cab is no • Reduce speed when turning, crossing equipment that is incompatible with guarantee that the child is safe; bumps can jostle the child out an open slopes, and on rough, slick or muddy a ROPS cab or frame. surfaces. • Low-profile tractors used in Of- door and into the path of those big rear tires. • Stay off slopes too steep fOf safe chards, vineyards, farm buildings, or Don't jeopardize a child's life and cause a life-long nightmare for you operation. greenhouses where the clearance of by giving into pleas for a ride. No matter how much it pains you to leave • Watch where the tractor is headed, the frame or cab would interfere the crying child behind, the loving thing to do is to JUST SAY NO TO especially at the ends of field rows, with normal operations. EXTRA RIDERS. on roads and highways, and around • If used by employees in other trees or other obstructions. locations, a low-profile tractor must • No riders, especially children. have a ROPS, except to drive • Smooth operation of the tractor means no jerky turns, starts, or between the farmstead and the orchard or vineyard, and for acti vi- About this publication stops. ties directly incidental to work in This publication is part of the Michigan Agricultural Health Promotion • Hitch only to the draw bar or to hitch exempt locations. A low-profile Project (MIAHPP). MIAHPP is a joint project of Michigan State University's points recommended by tractor tractor has a chassis to ground College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Cooperative Extension manufacturers. clearance of 18" or less, with a hood Service, the Department of Agricultural Engineering - Agricultural Safety, and • Needless deaths occur when tractors height of 60" or less, and having a the College of Human Medicine. "flip" when trying to pull something wide front-end. The Michigan Agricultural Health Promotion Project, primarily through the Center for Michigan Agricultural Safety and Health program (CMASH), links Rollover protective structures do not prevent a turnover; they are designed to county Cooperative Extension Service staff and rural physicians with a health protect the operator in the event of a rollover provided the operator is wearing a and safety network at Michigan State University. seat belt. CMASH is a joint effort of faculty members from the Cooperative Exten- sion Service and the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, the Center MIAH PP Directors Howard J. Doss for Environmental Toxicology and the Pesticide Research Center. Kenneth Rosenman M.D. Editor William R. McLeod Information in this publication is for educational purposes only. Refer- Contributing writer Corn ita Tilma ence to commercial products or trade names does not imply an endorsement by the cooperative Extension Service or bias against those not mentioned. References: Cooperative Extension Service programs are open to all without regard to State of Michigan Standard for Agricultural Operation: Part 51, Agricultural race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap. Tractors (effective 5/14/77) 20 pages, available through the Michigan Department of Labor, Safety Standards Division, P.O. Box 30015, Lansing,. MI 48909. Fundamentals of Machine Operation, Agricultural Machme Safety. 1987. Deere MSU is an affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. & Company, Moline, Illinois. p 2 .. ' Anhydrous Ammonia Safety, MF-990, July, 1991, Cooperative Extension Funding provided by the Michigan Agricultural Health Promotion Project, Service, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. a cooperative agreement among Agricultural Engineering, the Cooperative Tractor Safety, MF-984, April 1991, Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas Extension Service Agricultural Safety Program, the College of Human State University, Manhattan, Kansas .. Medicine and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Cover photo courtesy of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. I Farm Health and Safety' 3 Checklist for safe anhydrous ammonia handling Don't let this spring's wet, cold weather rush you • Are both ends of the hose secured to prevent • Is the shut-off rope the right length and in good into an accident by trying to make up for lost time damage to the hose and connections during trans- condition? when preparing to plant. Spending a few minutes to port? • Are you using locking hitch pins? inspect anhydrous ammonia equipment before taking • Is the emergency water supply full? Is the • Is the nurse tank secured with a safety chain? it from the dealer may help reduce problems or acci- grabhose clean and free of any slimy internal dents that can cause delays or injuries the operator. • Is all low-pressure tubing securely clamped and buildup that would impede or contaminate water free of pinches, nicks, weak spots and leaks? Follow this checklist to minimize the risks associated flow? Folding and unfolding the applicator wings can with anhydrous applications. If the answer to any of these questions is no, pinch hoses so always inspect them before using. don't take the tank. Ask the dealer to fix it or Are hoses clear and flexible? Hoses that are request another tank. Although the dealer is respon- weathered, cracked, discolored or brittle need to Supply/nurse tank checklist sible for maintaining equipment in proper working be replaced. Check all hoses, connections and condition, you are the one who may be injured in an tires daily. Are the fittings and valves clean and free from rust accident. Take the time to inspect the equipment to • Is the regulator working properly? and wear? reduce the risk of a serious accident. Never take a Is the kingpin in good condition and welliubri- • Is the applicator tool bar equipped with a questionable tank home and try to repair it your- cated? breakaway coupler that is in good physical condi- self. Is the high-pressure hose secure, with no cracks or tion? signs of wear? Replace the hose if you can see the • Is the emergency five-gallon water tank filled with braided layer. Transport checklist fresh water? Is the hose free of cuts, soft spots, blistering, Always empty and refill the water tank at least kinking, flattening, or indications that it may have Before you tow the tank home, make sure: once a day to ensure an adequate supply of fresh been stretched? Is there slippage at any coupling water. • Towing connections are in good condition, cor- connector? Check for leaks, kinks, and bulges, rectly adjusted and firmly secured. • Do you have a second five-gallon water tank filled especially near the couplings. with fresh water on the tractor? • Hitches are secure and equipped with locking pins. Is the tank free of rust? Is the paint in good A ruptured hose and the failure of a safeguard may • Safety chains are securely connected. prevent you from reaching the water tank on the condition? nurse tank. A five-gallon water tank on the tractor Does the tank have a slow~moving vehicle (SMV) may be your only available source of water. emblem mounted on the rear of the tank that is in Application equipment checklist • Do you have a small squeeze bottle of fresh water good condition? • Are applicator knives in good condition and not in your pocket that will be readily accessible if Are the tires in good condition and properly ammonia gets in your eyes? plugged with soil or other material? inflated? Preventing anhydrous ammonia burns Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most efficient safeguards to reduce the risk of injuries from ruptured University research shows that in 80 percent of the sources of nitrogen fertilizer and is popular among hoses, valve or coupler failures, or any host of prob- accidents involving anhydrous ammonia, 80 percent Michigan growers because of its relatively low price. lems that can happen in a split second. Without of the workers had access to gloves, but only 29 With proper precautions, it is safe to handle, but the proper protection, the operator is defenseless. Skin percent were wearing them. Likewise, 60 percent had number of accidents related to anhydrous ammonia in bums are the most common injuries reported from goggles, but only 22 percent were wearing them. the United States has increased in recent years. These accidental exposure to anhydrous ammonia, but eye . increases are due, in part, to older transport and injuries are the most serious. To protect the eyes, application equipment becoming timeworn. wear goggles specifically designed for handling Water, lots of water, Safety devices built into anhydrous ammonia anhydrous ammonia. There are several brands avail- able on the market that offer the protection needed in and more water application equipment are designed to protect against a major ammonia release, but equipment failures have the event of an accident. Don't rely on eye- or sun- Two or more sources of water are recommended been reported. Operators and anyone in the area are at glasses to protect your eyes; the open area between the in case of an accident. State law requires that all risk for severe bums. eye and the frames allow anhydrous ammonia to come anhydrous transport and application equipment carry a The biggest risk associated with anhydrous in contact with the skin and eye tissue. Recom- 5-gallon container for fresh water. This water must be ammonia handling is an accidental release of NH3. changed daily because anhydrous fumes that escape Inside the tank, ammonia under pressure remains in a the nurse tank will contaminate this water supply. liquid form that maintains a temperature of -28 A small squeeze bottle filled with clear water can degrees F. Once released, whether into the soil or the be kept in your shirt pocket. This bottle will readily air, it immediately becomes a vapor that seeks out the available for flushing anhydrous ammonia from your most available source of moisture. Unfortunately, this 1 eyes or for rinsing small exposures to the skin. moisture source may be the body of the operator, which is composed of 90 percent water. When a ..I A third water container, carried on the tractor, is a readily accessible source of water for any accident. It human body is exposed to anhydrous ammonia the becomes extremely important if an ammonia leak chemical "freeze burns" its way into the skin, eyes or prevents the operator from getting to the water tank on lungs. the nurse tank. Unlike wounds from a fire which tend to sear the If ammonia gets on your skin or in your eyes. flesh, ammonia consumes six times its own weight in flush the areas with clear water for at least 15 minutes moisture from any body tissue available. The only to rinse away all ammonia. If water is not available, treatment is water, lots of water, and then more water. cool coffee, milk, cola, juice or other nontoxic liquid Flushing the burn with water gives the ammonia an may provide temporarily help. An ammonia blast to easier source of moisture to seek out, pulling it away the face could freeze eye lids closed. Never force eye from human tissue. The best advice to ensure the lids open with your fingers; instead, apply water to the safety of the operator is to make sure the equipment is mended goggles are non-vented to keep NH) vapors lids and continue flushing until they open. When in sound operating condition and, in the event of an from the eyes. These goggles fit tight but allow for ammonia is sprayed on your clothes, flush the cloth- accident, take every precaution to protect against a wearing of eyeglasses. ing with water for a few moments until it is thawed, serious injury by wearing basic personal protective Thermal lined rubber gloves will protect your then remove the clothing and continue to rinse the equipment (PPE). hands from "freeze burns" when working with skin for at least 15 minutes. anhydrous ammonia. Turn the cuffs of the gloves out Always seek medical attention after an exposure so liquid ammonia doesn't run down your sleeve. to anhydrous ammonia. Proper medial treatment will Operator protection Also, wear a heavy, long-sleeved workshirt to keep reduce the severity of the injury and speed the recov- Most injuries occur when anhydrous ammonia is the chemical from reaching the skin. Long pants with ery process. Never apply salves or ointment to transferred from one tank to another. It is during this the cuffs outside the boots are necessary for protection ammonia bums. Your physician will advise you on task that operators frequently forget to take the proper of the lower body. the proper treatment of anhydrous ammonia burns. 4 Farm Health and Safety Safe tractor operation a turnover, if you survive. If backing out rocks, holes, embankments or other weight on the front wheels, preventing a tractor is not possible, use another hazards that can change the tractor's (Cont. from Page 1) the tractor from flipping over. tractor to pull the stuck tractor free. center of gravity. Excessive throttle use or applying too If a load must be pulled up a hill, Always make sure the chain is hitched to When working on a sloped surface, much power to a restrained rear axle can keep the operation of the clutch and the drawbar of the pulling tractor. Never use a tractor with a wide front-end and cause the front-end of the tractor to lift throttle smooth. Do not stop or shift place boards in front of the tractor wheels space the rear wheels as far apart as off the ground. As the front end lifts it gears while driving up a hill. or attempt to move the tractor forward by possible. Cross slopes slowly and keep gains momentum and the tractor flips Back out of ditches, holes or places its own power. side-mounted equipment on the uphill over. Without a ROPS and a seat belt the where the tractor is mired or wedged. side of the tractor. Extra time may be spent unhitching and Lock brake pedals together when operator will likely be crushed. Preventing a tractor driving at transport speeds to ensure even Tractors are also subject to rear moving machinery out of the way, but it turnover when driven up a steep incline. will be a fraction of the time that may be turnover to the side braking. Shift to a lower gear before Backing the tractor up the hill keeps the spent healing from injuries suffered from traveling downhill to let the engine and ..... Operating on unlevel ground can transmission reduce speeds. Be sure that change the tractor's center of gravity, any loads are not going to try and outrun making it easier to turn over. Mounted the tractor on the way down a hill. To equipment, especially if the equipment is avoid having a load outrun the tractor, not mounted as directed by the tractor never pull a load heavier than the tractor manufacturer, will also shift the center of can safely handle under any conditions gravity. that may be encountered. Remember, two Always keep front-end loader trips may take longer, but it is better than equipment in the lowest position possible never completing the job. when in transport. A front-end loader in Use rear-view mirrors if you need to the raised position alters the tractor's keep an eye on rear attachments or loads. center of gravity, reducing its stability. Operators twisting to look over their Turning too quickly or too sharply shoulder can cause the tractor to swerve may increase the centrifugal force against abruptly. the tractor and cause it to overturn Be sure the tractor and implements sideways. Always slow down when have adequate lighting and are equipped turning. with a bright slow-moving vehicle (SMV) The operator has less than a second to react to a backwards turnover Tractor speeds should match surface emblem whenever the tractor is driven on once the front end of a tractor begins to come off the ground. conditions. Rough or uneven surfaces a public road. Vehicle accidents on roads require reduced speeds. Be alert for have resulted in tractor overturns. Is your tractor safe? 1. Does the tractor have a rollover were hitched too high on the tractor when - wheels at the widest possible setting there 11. Do you have a slow-moving vehicle protective structure (ROPS), either a trying to pull a stuck tractor, logs or are some tasks that tractors are not meant (SMV) emblem that is in good condition rollover structure on an open tractor or stumps. Always hook to the drawbar and for such as herding cattle, joyriding or on the rear of the tractor and on all a cab with a built-in ROPS and a use a clevis when hitching a chain. driving to town. Any use of a tractor for implements? Are lights on the tractor seatbelt? Hitch safety chains securely, leaving something other than its intended use is and implements equipped with approved Other than safe-operating procedures, just enough slack so turning is not affected, taking an extra risk. reflectors and lights? having a ROPS and wearing a seatbelt is but not loose enough so that they can catch Car and truck drivers must be able to the single most important thing that you on an obstruction. Tractors have occasion- 8. Does the load match the tractor? see your tractor and equipment from a long can do to ensure operator safety. ally flipped over because a safety chain has It's easy to lose control of a tractor distance to allow them time to slow down caught on a rock or stump. when it's going downhill with a heavy and pass. A SMV emblem must be clean 2. Is the PTO shielded? Proper load. This has caused many fatalities. and shiny. shielding will cover the tractor PTO 5. Are the steps and platform clean and Never haul a load that is heavier than the shaft and all U-joints and shafts. free of loose tools and other debris? tractor if you expect to go up or down a 12. Do you review safety procedures in Most tractors now have a sturdy PTO Snow, ice or mud on steps can cause hill. On level ground, the load should be the operator's manual regularly? master shield, but a shield on the PTO shaft you to slip and fall. A fall can result in a no more than twice as heavy as the tractor. The operator's guide is the best safety won't do you much good if joints and serious injury. Brakes on towed trailers reduces the risk of guide you have; use it often. Also, make implement shafts from the tractor to the Chains, tools or other loose objects on losing control. sure that anyone who operates the equip- machine are exposed. the platform cari slide around and obstruct ment is familiar with the safe operation of access to the clutch, brakes or other 9. Are breaking and steering mecha- the equipment. 3. Does the tractor have front-end and controls. Stepping on obstacles can cause nisms, gauges and lights working prop- rear-wheel weights that can be mounted a slip when dismounting. erly? Faulty steering and braking can cause when needed? The center of gravity on a tractor with 6. Is the tractor equipped with an ABC accidents, especially during road transport. Score Yourself a front-end loader moves forward and rated fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, The tractor should stop in a straight line upward, causing the tractor to be unstable dust mask, and ear plugs? When when both brake brakes are locked to- How many questions were you able to and prone to a sideways overturn. Rear- applying anhydrous ammonia (N03), is gether. answer with a "Yes"? wheel weights or ballast adds stability to there fresh water and approved rubber Lights must be in good working tractors with a front-end loader. Always gloves, an N03 respirator and goggles condition to be able to see and avoid 12 -- Excellent, you're the type of transport with the front-end loader in the readily accessible? obstacles at night. Faulty gauges can result farmer who will likely not be forced off the lowest possible position. When you are out in the field or on the in a damaged engine. farm due to a tractor accident. Make plans Front-end weights reduce the risk of a road you're generally a long ways from to dance at your grandchild's wedding. backward flip-over by counter-balancing emergency help. A fire extinguisher and a 10. Do you check all fluid levels, fan heavy rear mounted loads or when towing first-aid kit can keep a small problem from belts, tire pressures and hydraulic lines 9 - 11 -- Good, you're probably better loads in hilly areas. Once the front of a turning into a disaster. for fluid leaks before every use? than a lot of farmers. Take care of the tractor leaves the ground, an operator has Inhaling dust, chaff or other small Underinflated tires develop internal few loose ends and you'll be ready for less than a second to prevent a backwards particles can impair respiratory functions. damage. Overinflated tires are more anything. flip-over. A flip-over to the rear generally Dust masks will minimize exposures. Ear susceptible to mechanical damage from kills the operator on a tractor without a plugs will protect hearing functions on a rocks, stumps, etc., and make the front 5 - 8 -- Watch it, you're on thin ice. ROPS. A minimum of 25 percent of the noisy tractor. Research shows that by age wheels bounce on rough ground which can Don't wait to become a statistic. tractor's total weight should be on the front 60, about one-third of all farmers have cause you to lose steering control. axle, even more if the tractor is operated on suffered a hearing loss that hinders their Hydraulic lines should be checked 4 or less -- Yikes, you're an accident hilly ground. ability to carry on a normal conversation. before each use by passing a piece of waiting to happen. Fortunately you're still Immediate access to fresh water, an cardboard or paper along them. Never use around to read this. Take heed, you could 4. Are tow chains always hitched to the anhydrous ammonia respirator, rubber your hand to check for hydraulic leaks, become a "stifftistic." Reread these drawbar? Are safety chains hooked gloves and goggles can minimize operator high-pressure fluid can penetrate your skin questions and take corrective measures. securely with just enough slack for injury in the event of an accidental release and cause a permanent injury even though proper turning? of anhydrous ammonia. it may not show or cause pain. Seek Hitching chains to the axle or seat medical attention if you suspect that (Editor's Note: No matter how well bracket--anywhere besides the drawbar-- 7. Are the tractor wheels set as wide as hydraulic fluid has penetrated you skin. you score, if you answered no to question puts you at risk for a rear turnover. Nu- possible for the job being performed? Always release all pressure from hydraulic #1 you are at risk for a serious injury or merous tractors have flipped over, fre- The broader the wheel base, the less systems before loosening any connections death (see accompanying stories on quently killing the operator, because chains likely the tractor is to turn over. Even with or fittings. tractor rollovers and ROPS). Michigan Farm News -. May 15,1992 u.s. Grain Group Sees "Paperwork Nightmare" in Proposed IRS Rule New Product Profile A leading U.S. grain industry gr~up is The IRS had previously exempted certain urging the Internal Revenue Service to drop agribusiness firms from filling out tax form a proposed tax rule they say will create a 1099B on purchases from unincorporated "paperwork nightmare" for U.S. grain and farmer sellers. However, it now proposes feed processing firms. that those firms instead be required to col- lect the sworn certifications. Under the proposed rule, farmers would have to certify that they have produced the In its statement, the NGFA said it would be goods they are selling. Firms would have to "impossible to collect the certifications collect those "sworn certifications" from from truck drivers" and others who nor- individual producers at least once a year and mally deliver the grain to elevators because keep the records for four years. producers would be required personally to sign the certifications. National Grain and Feed Association calls the proposal "impractical, costly and con- Collecting the certifications in advance fusing." Truck drivers who deliver grain to also would be impractical because produc- elevators often are not the actual producers ers normally sell their crops to any of a and would "lack the authority to sign such number of grain or processing firms based certifications," the group said. on the prices being offered at the time, the NGFAsaid. At the heart of the issue is an IRS regulation that requires firms to complete tax form Even in cases where the producer person- 1099B when they purchase goods from un- ally delivers the grains, the certifications White 6000 Series Planters- incorporated sellers such as farmers, who would, "at a minimum, create further un- operate mainly as sole proprietorships or loading and processing delays at grain The 6000-Series planters combine the proven air-metering system with partnerships. firms," the NGFA concluded. flexibility in frame configurations and attatchments to fit most planting re- quirements, including soybeans. Models feature air-metering, walking bean Feds Lose Wetlands Case In Chicago ... gauge wheels, state-of-the-art seed trench equipment and other features. The U.S. District Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled in favor of a large private home builder The 6000-Series row unit sets the standard for accurate spacing and depth who took the Environmental Protection Agency to court, over the EPA' s decision to fine control. It also creates an environment for optimum germination and emer- the builder for filling in a small depression in a farm field. gence. Low pressure positive air metering singulates every seed, then drops it consistently. The 18" drop tube is the shortest in the industry to The court said some wetlands fall outside federal jurisdiction, if they are "isolated" or not reduce bounce and seed roll. directly associated with a river or lake. It also struck down a contention that the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution giving the federal government the right to regulate interstate Walking beam gauge wheels control weed depth, even in rough ground, trade can be construed as the right to regulate "isolated" wetlands, simply because they may with depth adjustments possible in 1/8" increments. Population control is be used by migratory birds as a rest stop on their way to winter habitat. easier with a centrally located transmission. All sprockets are in place and The judge characterized as "far fetched" the idea that the potential presence of migrating need only be moved on the shaft to change populations. A variety of ground birds affects commerce. It's reported that Justice Department attorneys who represented the preparation and closing tools are available to customize the planter to EPA in the case are still reviewing th~ decision. specific operations. For more product information, call 1-800-767-3221. Travel Series o o o o Canadian Rockle.t Alaska VeSt of 1tafY-,. Fl1Ince The Alp. of Calgary Stampede & Greece i:rGiM Switzerland a Austrl. (P..... Print' lM.n to:1 Name Farm Burrau Member Tml'el Sen>ices I I A.ddr .... P.O. Bo%45i7 I I Eaat IAruintf, Ml 48826 I I or call I I Phon~ Cou"ty 1-800-748...0289 I I t ~------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michigan Farm News - .. II. May 15, 1992 EPA Urged to Include Ethanol in Clean Air Act Regulation's Gasoline Program The Environmental Protection Agency EPA's analysis does not give ethanol credit Iowa have been put on hold or perhaps lost (EP A) -- not the Clean Air Act -- threatens for all of its environmental benefits. "EP A indefinitely due to the cancellation of ex- to eliminate ethanol from inclusion in the is severely inhibiting future expansion in pansion plans by leading ethanol produc- reformulated gasoline program, John the ethanol industry," White testified. ers, he said. White, president of the Illinois Farm Bu- reau and a member of the AFB F board, told He encouraged Congress. to send a clear Eight percent of all gasoline sold is now a House Agriculture subcommittee. message to EP A that the final rules be writ- blended with ethanol, he informed the sub- ten so that ethanol plays a prominent role in committee. "USDA has estimated that de- "We believe Congress and President Bush the reformulated fuels program. mand for com to produce ethanol has added intended for ethanol to be included in the roughly 20 cents a bushel to the price of my clear air regulations. From what we have "This issue affects American jobs, farm com. In a town where 'a billion here, and a observed at EP A, it appears those inten- income and America's energy indepen- billion there' is the rule, 20 cents may not tions are not being carried out. " dence," White said. "When the Clean Air seem like much -- but to American farmers, Act was passed, officials of the National it is. Provisions of the Clear Air Act adopted in Com Growers and Renewable Fuels Asso- 1990 require certain metropolitan areas ciation estimated demand for ethanol "AFBF strongly urges that the EPA makes throughout the nation to provide oxygen- would increase in the near term by 500 to certain that ethanol is part of the new refor- ated fuels and reformulated gasoline within 600 million gallons. However, if ethanol is mulated gasoline program regulations," stated time periods. EP A has been directed left out of EP A's pending regulations, po- White said. "We believe that it is the role to develop regulations to implement these tential demand could be cut to only 250 President Bush and Congress intended for provisions, and has asked for public com- million to 300 million gallons." ethanol." ments on its proposed regulations. The economic consequences of excluding The comment period will end on June 18. White said EPA has narrowly interpreted ethanol from the reformulated gasoline pro- After the comments are analyzed, EP A will the Clean Air Act to severely limit the use gram are already being felt, White said. review the need to modify the Clean Air of ethanol in reformulated gasolines. Close to 1,500 potential jobs in Illinois and Act regulations. Michigan Farm Bureau's Floriculture Mail Service Pharmacy Program Sales Increase Offered by Feld Prescription Service 5023 Grover St. Omaha Nebraska 68106 Michigan placed fifth nationally in sales of floriculture products in 1991, according Most Commonly Prescribed Prescription Medications to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Only California, Florida, Call 1-800-228-3353 if you don't see yours. New York, and Texas reported larger sales than Michigan. Reports from Michigan's 470 commercial 80 mg 100's 36.75 12.95 Micro-K Extencaps 8 mEq 100's 12.50 growers indicated that the wholesale value 120 mg 100's 49.50 15.95 10 mEq 100's 13.50 7.95 of all floriculture crops was nearly $144 Clinoril Tabs 150 mg 100's 73.50 49.95 Motrin Tabs 400 mg 100's 15.50 7.95 million in 1991, up 5 percent from last 200 mg 100's 89.25 59.95 600 mg 100's 20.25 10.95 year's sales. Bedding/garden plants were the leaders in the Michigan floriculture in- Coumadin Tabs 2 mg 100's 39.95 800 mg 100's 24.75 15.95 dustry with $78 million in sales, second in 2.5 mg 100's 41.25 Ortho-Novum Tabs 1-35 21 or 28 19.50 8.95 the nation. Flowering potted plants were 5 mg 100's 41.75 I-50 21 or 28 19.50 8.95 second with $20 million, cut flowers third 7.5 mg 100's 63.75 Persantine Tabs 25 mg 100's 25.95 5.95 with $12 million, followed by foliage with 10 mg 100's 65.75 50mg 100's 39.25 7.95 $4 million in sales. E.E.S. Tabs 400 mg 100's 19.95 15.25 75mg 100's 51.95 9.95 Michigan leads the nation in potted gerani- Entex LA Tabs 100's 49.95 12.95 Premarin Tabs 0.3 mg 100' s 20.25 10.95 ums grown from seed. The wholesale value Eryc Caps 250 mg 100's 28.50 16.95 0.625mg 100's 26.95 13.95 of the 13 million pots produced was $9.1 Flexeril Tabs IOmg 100's 74.25 50.95 1.25 mg 100's 35.75 15.95 million. Michigan, second in the nation, Inderal Tabs 10 mg 100's 20.75 5.95 2.5 mg 100's 61.95 29.95 produced 1.7 million hanging baskets with Proventil Tabs flowers. The wholesale value of that prod- 20 mg 100's 28.25 6.95 2 mg 100's 30.75 10.95 uct was $9.0 million. 40 mg 100's 35.95 7.95 4 mg 100's 43.25 15.95 60 mg 100's 47.75 9.95 Provera Tabs 10 mg 100's 46.75 16.95 ~ichigan also ranks second in the produc- 80 mg 100's 53.75 10.95 Siow-K Tabs 100's 16.75 8.95 tIon of cut gladioli, at 40 million spikes, Isoptin Tabs 80 mg 100's 37.25 12.95 Synthroid Tabs 0.025 mglOO's 13.25 6.95 valued at $5.8 million; 1.1 million potted 0.05 mg 100's 14.50 7.95 Easter lilies, valued at $3.5 million; and 120mg 100's 48.75 15.95 275,000 bedding geranium flats worth $2.2 Lanoxin Tabs 0.125mg 100's 9.75 2.95 0.1 mg 100' s 16.25 3.95 million. Michigan had 26.1 million square 0.25mg 100' s 9.75 2.95 0.15 mg 100's 18.95 4.95 feet of total greenhouse cover in 1991, in- Lasix Tabs 20 mg 100's 13.75 5.95 0.2 mg 100's 21.75 5.50 cluding both rigid and film plastic green- 40 mg 100's 17.75 6.95 0.3 mg 100' s 28.50 5.95 houses. Only California and Florida have Tegretol Tabs 200 mg 100's 29.95 13.95 more covered growing area. 80 mg 100's 28.50 11.95 Maxzide Tabs 100's. 55.95 10.95 Theo-Our SA Tabs 100 mg 100's 14.50 . 8.95 Nationally, growers who reported a gross 200 mg 100's 19.25 10.95 value of sales of $100,000 or more for the All your non-prescription vitamin and pain relief products are also available at a savings! 28 crops surveyed in the 28 states had $2.57 billion, of sales. That was up 2 percent from r-----------------------------------, I Michigan Farm Bureau : Michigan Farm Bureau I 1990's equivalent data. The value of cut ~owers decreased 4 percent to $449 mil- h~n ..Pot~ed flowering plants, valued at $671 mllhon, Increased 6 percent. Foliage plants : FREE BIe PEN I. FREE CATALOG I decreased 6 percent to $446 million. Bed- Return this coupon with any order and receive I SImply call Feld at 1-800-228-3353 and receive I ding plants, valued at $897 million, in- I a Free Bic Pen compliments of Feld Prescription I your catalog detailing savings on over 5000 health I creased 8 percent. The value of cut culti- I Service. Call 1-8oo-22~-3353 for instructions on lI care items. Included will be a $3 coupon good on I vated greens, at $110 million, increased 3 L I how to order. Offer expIres June 30, 1992. your first prescription order. ~ I percent from 1990. A commercial grower is defined as someone who has $10 000 or ifo more in gross sales. '. - Michigan Farm News •• May 15,1992 Forest Stewardship Incentive Program - Can it Work For You? The 1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation ing such vegetation and owned by a private an action-oriented Forest Stewardship and Trade Act authorizes the cooperative individual, group, association, corporation, Plan. 6. Riparian and Wetland Protection Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) to en- indian tribe, or other legal private entity. and Improvement courage management and development of 2. Reforestation and Afforestation Protect, restore, and improve wetlands and private forests lands through cost sharing of Eligible landowners must have an ap- Establish or re-estabnsh diverse stands of riparian areas to maintain water quality and approved practices, according to a recently proved Forest Stewardship Plan and own forest trees through natural regeneration, enhance habitat. released fact sheet on the relatively new 1,000 acres or less of qualifying land. Au- planting, or direct seeding for conservation program. thorizations must be obtained for excep- purposes and sustainable timber produc- 7. Fisheries Habitat Enhancement tions of up to 5,000 acres. Existing manage- tion. Protect and enhance habitat for native fish- Funding of this program - up to $100 mil- ment plans may be modified to meet Forest eries including resident and anadromous lion annually through 1995 - is authorized Stewardship Plan guidelines. 3. Forest and Agroforest species. through the Forest Stewardship Act. For Improvement fiscal 1991, $19.9 million was appropriated, Payments cannot exceed $10,000 per land- Improve forest stand productivity, stand 8. Wildlife Habitat Enhancement with another $19.7 million allocated for fis- owner per fiscal year. Landowners must vigor, forest health, and the value and qual- Establish and enhance permanent habitat ca11992. maintain and protect SIP-funded practices ity of wood products. for game and nongame wildlife species. for a minimum of 10 years. Each state forester, in consultation with the 4. Windbreak and Hedgerow 9. Forest Recreation Enhancements State Forest Stewardship Committee, will SIP Approved Practices Establishment, Maintenance, Establish and enhance outdoor recreation determine cost-share levels, practice priori- Nine SIP practices have been approved for and Renovation activities. ties, and minimum acreage requirements. cost-share assistance by the USDA Forest Establish, maintain, and renovate wind- ASCS will provide administrative assis- Service. Each practice allows for specific breaks and hedgerows to conserve energy; For more program information, contact tance by accepting applications and arrang- technical practices to be considered for protect farmsteads, livestock, and crops; your county ASCS office, Conservation ing for disbursed payments. state programs including: and reduce soil erosion. office, county Extension Service office, or your county Soil Conservation Service of- Qualifications 1. Management Plan Development 5. Soil and Water Protection fice, or the State Forester, Fred Wuerthele Qualifying private forest land includes rural Document private landowner objectives Maintain or improve water quality and soil at (517) 373-1277 in Lansing or (616) 685- lands with existing tree cover and other and management decisions. Recommend productivi.ty on forest land and along wa- 6851 in Plainwell. Program sign-up is woody vegetation or land suitable for grow- resource management practices to provide terways. scheduled to begin May 18. Chemigation Safety A Chemical Mixing Checklist U'.' UL T I It. '0" Q .. 0 ..... _ P.WI!p if surface water is used, vacuwn aiscliarge irrigation pipeline rdiefvalve irrigation / & inspection pump 1- po~ pesJicide tank or container CHECK ALL FEATURES OF YOUR CHEMIGATION SYSTEM FOR PROPER PERFORMANCE. The application of ag chemicals and the irrigation pump and the inlet side of fertilizers through irrigation systems is the double check valves. becoming more popular every year, as Take time to carefully rud the product farmers, greenhouse managers, rAl4 Automatic Low Pressure Drain: The growing season is one of the label and alway8 wear appropriate nurserymen, golf course operators, and L!.J located on the bottom of the busiest times of the year. With all the protective gaar whelMMtl" mixing or horizontal irrigation pipeline between handling au chemical •• sod growers discover the convenience of the discharge side of the irrigation pressures of the job, it's easy to chemigation. pump and the inlet side of the double overlook safety precautions when rw(Be certain pumping equipment has But convenience can lead to neglect, and, unless proper precautions are check valves. handling ag chemicals. The following ~ anti-backflow devices and check taken, contamination of water resources It's important that the drain discharges checklist is a reminder that we can valves. can result. You can protect water at least 20 feet from any water supply never be too busy for safety: resources from ag chemical contam- so it won't re-enter the water supply. tK'Never exceed labeled chemical ination when using chemigation by ensuring that your system is properly rilS Flow Interruption Device: located L!.J in the ag chemical supply line r~ Read the label carefully and take ~ rates, mix carefully, and calibrate your sprayer before applying ag designed. ~ notice of personal safety and Proper (and legal) use of chemigation between the chemical injection unit and chemicals. environmental precautions. requires that certain safety devices be the container or tank you supply the ag installed on your irrigation system to chemical from. A normally closed r~ Prevent leftover chemicals by mixing prevent back-siphoning or direct injection solenoid-operated valve or other similar 'Iv( Wear appropriate personal safety ~ only needed quantities. of ag chemicals into the water sources. device is a good way to positively ~ equipment when handling ag prevent flow of ag chemical or ~ater in chemicals. ~ Never rinse equipment near either direction in case of chemical PROPER SYSTEM COMPONENTS injection system failure or during ~ wellheads, ditches, streams or other shutdown. 9'~ When mixing and loading chemicals water sources. If needed, install a Double -Check Valves: between the irrigation pump located I6l Check Valve: located on the ag L!J chemical injection line between ~ in the field, prevent spills that might contaminate water supplies. longer rinse water hose to move the cleaning operation to a safe distance ~, I~charge and the point where you'll the point of chemical injectio~ i~to . from the well. Inject the ag chemical into the irrigation pipeline. the irrigation system and the Injection unit to prevent the overflow of th~ ~ vr Prevent spray tank overflow by never leaving the filling station 'tfi( Before disposing of chemical ag chemical supply tank or container. ~ containers, triple rinse or pressure Inspection Port: located betwee unattended. rinse them, and pour the liquid into the irrigation pump discharge ~an the mainline check valves. rjl Functional Systems Interlock: the spray tank. L!.J capable of causing the shutdown r~While filling sprayers, avoid back- rjl Vacuum Relief Valve: located on of the ag chemical, i~jec~ion unit if interruption of the Irrigation water ~ siphoning by always keeping the 'ttK' Dispose of equipment and container l!J the top of the horizontal irrigation discharge end of fill hoses above the ~ rinse water by spraying it out over pipeline between the discharge side of flew occurs. tank's water level. the soil following label instructions. Michigan Farm News •• May 15,1992 Political Winds of Change Blowing Across Michigan Whether it's redistricting, the bad check than face 5-term incumbent U.S. Rep. scandal, or a "throw the incumbent out" Sander Levin (D-Southfield). U.S. Rep. mentality, Michigan's political future is up William Broomfield (R-Birmingham) an- for grabs with high stakes and surprises nounced his retirement after serving 18 ST ATE HOUSE DISTRICTS developing daily in both political parties. terms in the House. Congressman Broom- field was ranking Minority Member on the In all, the reapportionment process has elim- Foreign Affairs Committee and also served 1992 inated two U.S. House districts and changed on the Small Business Committee. the boundaries of all the remaining 16 dis- tricts. On the state level, all of the Michigan From within Michigan, 12-term state rep- House of Representative seats have been resentative Mickey Knight (R-Muskegon) either renumbered or the boundaries rear- has announced that he won't seek re-elec- ranged. The Michigan Senate has seen all tion as have Reps. Claude Trim (R-Water- but a handful of district boundaries changed. ford), Thomas Power (R-Traverse City), Perry Bullard (D-Ann Arbor), Roland Who's Out Niederstadt (D-Saginaw), John Bennett From Washingtol), D.C., U.S. Rep. Bob (D-Redford), Stephen Dresch (R-Han- Traxler's (D-Bay City) announced retire- cock), Thomas Hickner (D-Bay City), ment in late April was one of many surprise Keith Muxlow (R-Brown City), Gordon announcements. U.S. Rep. Bob Davis (R- Sparks (R-Troy), and Margaret O'Connor Gaylord) announced his retirement from the (R-Ann Arbor). Washington scene as well, an apparent vic- Grand Rapids Area tim of the House banking scandal. The overall impact of re-apportionment should be beneficial to agriculture, accord- Rep. Traxler served on the Appropriations ing to MFB Public Affairs Director Al Committee and was a IO-term representa- Almy. As a result of population shifts to tive from the 8th district. Rep. Davis served more rural areas, Almy expects the number on the Armed Services; Merchant Marine & of legislators with farm constituents will Fisheries (ranking minority member) com- grow, resulting in a broader awareness of mittees and was a 7-term representative agricultural issues. from the II th district. Reapportionment will provide county Other retirements thus far include: Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation com- U.S. Rep. Carl Pursell (R-Plymouth), an mittees and members with special opportu- 8-term member of the U.S. House, an- nities to review qualifications of new can- Flint Area nounced his decision to retire based on re- didates to determine which will best ad- 47 districting. Rep. Pursell served on the Ap- dress agricultural issues, in general, and propriations Committee. Farm Bureau policy, specifically. Seven-term U.S. Rep. Howard Wolpe (D- The committees will then recommend can- Lansing) announced his intentions to retire didates to the MFB AgriPac committee, based on redistricting that made re-election which will announce its final decisions on unfeasible. Wolpe served on the Foreign July 7. 51 Affairs and Science, Space and Technology committees, and chaired the Subcommittee Almy says Farm Bureau members should on Investigations and Oversight. carefully review the endorsements that re- Producod by WichigO" 1"'o,mo!M>ft c.nta, sult from this evaluation process and sup- l{.chi90" Ooportment 01 llano90ment ond 8ud~ot U.S. Rep. Dennis Hertel (D-Detroit) has port those candidates endorsed as "Friends also announced his retirement plans rather of Agriculture." U.S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS STATE SENA TE DISTRICTS 1992 1992 Pn>duced by Produced by Wichigon Iftlormotioft c.ntor Wichito" Iftlonnatioft c.nta, Il