.' Michigan Farm News 1-=1 July 15, 1992 Vol. 69, No. 12 Agriculture in the Former U.S.S.R. - Tremendous Potential, However, if Reforms are Successful Imagine stepping back in time on your with the business currently netting over farm operation. If you're a crop farmer, $200,000 a month, said Driscoll. The farm you're just beginning to use fertilizers and has over 100 employees and is beginning to • experimenting with herbicides and pesti- offer stock options to the employees to en- cides. If you're a dairy farmer, you haven't courage free enterprise. even heard of diseases, let alone treatments, for mastitis, milk fever or pneumonia for The farm is. also creating a savings account your-dairy herd. in essence that will be used to finance loan requests of would-be farmers wanting to Forty farmers and agribusiness representa- purchase their own land. The farm's going tives took that trip back in time when they interest rate? Just 12 percent compared to toured the former U.S.S.R. with stops in the going rate of 65 to 70 percent being Russia, the Ukraine and Beylorussia, as charged by most other financial institutions. part of a People to People International trip coordinated and lead by Michigan Depart- Russian President Borris Yeltzin was so ment of Agriculture Director Bill Schuette impressed with Makharadze's accomplish- and his wife Cynthia, May 19 to June 1. ments, that he named him chairman of Russia's Agricultural Reform Committee. While there, the group had a chance to tour That's a good bet, since the state-owned • a state-owned farm as well as a privately held farm partially financed by an invest- farms have a long way to catch up with modern technology and proces.ses. Most meat is sold in an open air market without refrigeration or wrapping. All meat is sold as fresh, and what isn't sold one day, is stored beneath the counter and brought back out for ment from U.S. agri-business giant, Con- the next day's sales, even though no preservatives are used. To purchase meat, one must Agra. The difference between the two were See "Russia" and more photos .stand in line to select a piece of meat, receive a ticket, stand in another line and pay for the night and day, according to Pat Driscoll, continued on page 8. ticket and get a stamp, and then retum to a third line to actually pick up the meat. executive director of the Michigan Farm Radio Network, and a member of the tour group. Driscoll was sponsored by the Mich- igan Farm Bureau, Michigan Corn Growers Michigan's Tart Cherry Crop - Take Your Pick Association and the Michigan Live Stock What's the size of Michigan's tart cherry USDA's projections were the most optimis- lion pounds total ~orthwest region crop, ~e Exchange. crop? Your best bet at this point is to wait tic from a production standpoint, with 90 group's final estimate fell on 50 mllhon out harvest and get a final tally. Three million pounds forecast for the Northwest pounds. The privately held farm, named Interferma, different estimates were given by Michigan region, 55 million pounds forecast for the was started just four years ago by a former Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Asso- West Central region and 39 million pounds Nationally, MACMA is projecting a total nuclear submarine engineer, named ciation (MACMA), processors and the for the Southwest region. In total, USDA's U.S. crop of 218 million pounds, while Vahtang Makharadze. Because of constant USDA. All three were millions of pounds estimates were 50 million pounds higher USDA is estimating a 270.8 million pound roadblocks and ridiculously low state apart in their forecasts, based on final frost than MACMA's, which could mean a sig- tart cherry crop. Based on national crop prices that were less than half his cost of damage estimates. nificant change in Michigan's tart cherry projections, inventory of frozen cherries, production, Makharadze turned to outside harvest. cost of production and price and supply of sources for investment and expansion. MACMA's estimate for the state of Mich- competing fruits, MACMA' s Red Tart Today his operation is a total vertically igan stood at 135 million pounds, with 50 Northwest Michigan saw the biggest dis- Cherry Growers Marketing Committee is integrated system from production to pro- million projected for the Northwest region, parity in yield estimates, with a 40 million recommending a price of 46 cents per pound cessing to marketing. 49 million in the West Central region, and pound difference between MACMA and at 92 score. 36 million in the Southwest region. USDA. According to MACMA's Red Tart "His company is currently building a chain Cherry Newsletter, MACMA' s estimate, Michigan 1992 Tart of retail stores to sell the products that were Processor estimates were nearly 30 million particularly for Northwest Michigan, was produced and processed from his farm, in- Cherry Crop Estimates pounds higher, with the biggest discrep- based on seasoned estimators who saw cluding cheese, butter, vegetables, and live- ancy from MACMA' s projection occurring blocks of trees with no cherries, and blocks Region MACMA Proc. USDA stock," explained Driscoll. "He is also of- in the Northwest region where they're esti- with full crops and everything in between. Northwest 50.0 73.9 90.0 fering a money back guarantee if his cus- mating 73.9 million pounds. For the state's W. Central 49.0 55.0 55.0 tomers are not satisfied, which is unheard West Central region, they're forecasting 55 Based on the tour, the group estimated this Southwest 36.0 34.2 39.0 • of in that country." million pounds, and only 34.2 million pounds for the Southwest region. year's crop at somewhere less than half of a full crop. Based on an expected 120 mil- Other Total 135.0 0 1.0 164.1 1.0 185.0 The success of this enterprising farmer would be the envy of most U.S. farmers, MSU Sheep Barn Lost to Fire This is all that remains of one of the MSU barns used in conjunction with the MSU Sheep Teaching and Research program. The barn, used primarily for housing ewes on pasture, was a total loss due to the fire that took place early Thursday morning, July 2, at approxi- mately 7:45. A passerby noticed the smoke and reported the fire. No livestock were lost, however, esti- mated dollar loss for the barn and con- tents is expected to be approximately $100,000 dollars. The cause of the fire is still unknown at press time as the investigation continues. Although arson had not been ruled out, investi- gators do not believe the fire was re- lated to the previous A.LF. terrorists activities at the MSU Mink Research Center earlier this year. "Friends of Agriculture" Issues and Endorsements - Pages 9 & 10 Michigan Farm News - July 15, 1992 In Brief ... Can the Tax and Bush Supports Ethanol Tax Break Spend Mentality President Bush announced his support for legislation that would give ethanol blended fuels be Stopped? with less than 10 percent ethanol a tax break. During his comments to a group of agricultural journalists meeting in Washington, Bush said he favors extending the tax break currently available only to 10 percent blends to blends with less than 10 percent. Presently, gasohol with 10 percent ethanol is favored with an exemption from the 5.4 cents Farm Bureau members across the country were deeply disappointed that the U.S. House per gallon gasoline tax, but fuels with low alcohol content cannot qualify. "That change failed, by 10 votes, to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. All the should result in blends that meet the emission guidelines of 1990 clean air legislation," Michigan House Republican delegation voted in favor of the amendment, along with said Clayton Yeutter, White House domestic policy adviser. Democrat Rep. Bob Carr .. The rest of the Michigan House Democratic delegation voted against the amendment. Meanwhile, the National Corn Growers said that while the additional tax exemption is positive news, farmers shouldn't confuse the exemption with the still unresolved role of The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Charles Stenholm (0- Texas), would have required a ethanol in the Clean Air Act's reformulated gasoline program (RFG). "Some have confused balanced budget by 1998 and would have mandated a three-fifths majority in the House and the RFG program issue with the new tax legislation," warns Tim Trotter, NCGA president. Senate to breach a budget or raise the debt ceiling. The plan would also have required a "We want to emphasize that without participation in the RFG program, farmers could have constitutional majority (218 House members, 51 senators) to raise taxes. a $7.54 per planted acre lower return." Once again, the taxpayers of this nation have been frustrated in their efforts to slow down CRP Reaches 35.4 Million Acres Nationally the runaway federal spending machine. Why does it seem next to impossible for lawmakers to understand the depth of feeling across this country in favor of lower govemment USDA has accepted another 998,211 acres of highly erodible and otherwise environmen- expenditures? tally sensitive cropland into the Conservation Reserve Program, bringing total acreage enrolled up to 35.4 million acres nationwide. An insight into this dilemma comes from some research done by economist James Payne of Lytton Research & Analysis. Payne did a study of congressional hearings on spending In the latest sign-up period for the program, USDA accepted land from 39 states. The most programs. He examined 14 different hearings on a wide variety of programs and tabulated. was from Iowa with 100,490 acres, followed by Missouri with 87,992 and Texas with the orientation of more than 1,000 witnesses. His findings? In favor of spending programs: 86,574. Per acre rental payments for the 10 to 15 year contracts averaged $52.35, USDA 1,014 Against spending: 7. said. In Michigan, according to ASCS preliminary estimates, 100,000 acres applied for the CRP, although actual acreage accepted was not known as of press time. Michigan Payne said that letters, phone calls and personal visits to congressmen and congressional previously had over 250,000 acres enrolled in the CRP at an average rental payment of aides all run overwhelmingly in favor of specific programs. Government agencies and $55 to $58 dollars per acre. govemment officials supplied most of the opinion and information to policymakers. "The city of Washington is overwhelmed by advocates of spending programs," Payne said, "and Judge Rules Apple Growers Can Sue CBS congressmen are exposed to their one-sided pitches day in and day out. Since there is practically no one in the system who bothers to contradict this propaganda, the result is a A federal district judge ruled recently that 4,700 Washington state apple growers have • considerable degree of brainwashing. In their heart of hearts, most legislators actually believe grounds to charge CBS, Inc., with disparagement of their product. The suit will be in in spending programs. • connection with the network's "60 Minutes" broadcast alleging that the chemical Alar used on apples was harmful to consumers. The only way to shake this belief is for lawmakers to hear from real citizens out in the country. This summer election season offers a tremendous opportunity for you to make your views T~e ruling i~c~nsidered favorable by the farmers but in another part of the ruling, the judge known to your local congressman. Tell him that all federal spending, including entitlements, saId the plalOtIffs would have to prove CBS showed reckless disregard for whether its must be reduced by an across-the-board cut or spending freeze. Don't let him get away with broadcast was true or false. Since the controversial February 1989 broadcast, federal trying to blame the executive branch for runaway federal spending. Hold his feet to the fire officials have ruled apples treated with the chemical do not pose a threat to consumers. by reminding him that all expenditure bills originate with Congress. In addition to talking to your congressman, consider actively working to elect people who are Americans on Food Stamps at Record-High Levels fiscally conservative. One of the criteria used to select the Farm Bureau AgriPAC "Friends of Agriculture. congressional endorsements listed in this issue of Michigan Farm News is The nation's food stamp rolls grew by about 100,000 during April, setting still another commitment to federal spending restraint. Your Farm Bureau organization will continue to work in support of a balanced budget, across record, USDA reported recently. "Typically when the weather gets warmer, participation drops off because people get seasonal work," said spokesman Phil Shanholtzer. - the board spending restraints without new taxes and a presidential line-item veto. These are However, ~ith the new inc~ease, the 25.8 million people on food stamps for the month-- the elements that will help taxpayers regain control of the federal government and move this about one 10 every 10 Amencans--marked an increase of 2.6 million over the same month country back on track toward economic growth and prosperity. last year. Shanholtzer said the number climbed slightly all through 1989 and into 1990. It began to s~oot up faster in the summer of 1990, with a slight leveling last summer, followed by steady IOcreases ever since. USDA says food stamp applications are fueled by the recession and by greater awareness of the program. Expansion of the Medicaid program and improvements in making food stamps accessible also are bringing in more people, says the department. Mexico's Quickie Meat Inspections a Surprise Balanced Budgets Apparently Don't Apply in D.C. Although it should come as no surprise, legislators in Washington, D.C., turned their back one more time on fiscal responsibility when the House of Representatives failed to pass a The ~exican government has suddenly decided to impose border inspections on all meat ent~nng .the country, a move the Meat Export Federation says was done without proper notIficatIon. . constitutional amendment that would have required a balanced budget. The border ~nspections apparently apply to boxed and carcass beef, but apparently do not President Bush blasted the measure's opponents for failing to recognize "the will of the appl~ to vanety meats or pr<><:essedm~ats. The new requirement is that samples of all meat American people." Meanwhile, members of the House criticized the president for never entenng the country be submItted for Inspection at border facilities. having submitted a balanced budget to Congress. They point out that during Bush's tenure, the national debt has escalated to more than $4.1 trillion -- more than $16,500 per U.S. Mexico has prom~sed that turn around time on the inspections will be no more than 10 hours, citizen by some estimates. but h~s not speclfi~d wha.t .aspects au~orities will be testing for. U.S. authorities were surpnsed by the qUIck.deCISIonby ~exlco, ~d said they should have been given 45 days - How They Voted - notIce before a border ISclosed. MeXIcan offiCIals say they were not required to give notice because the border is not officially closed. The balanced budget came up just 10 votes short for a needed 290 votes. Nine of Michigan 's representatives voted no, and one did not vote. Their collective support would have ensured passage of the amendment. Farm Bureau urged a "Y" vote. The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN m ) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, Y - Supported Balanced Budget Amendment December, June, and J~ly wh~n only one i~ue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm N - Didn't Support Balanced Budget Amendment Bureau, 7~7~ West SagInaw HIghway, lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual ? - Did Not Vote dues of MIchigan Farm Bureau r~ular mem~ers. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm New~ to non-m~mbers and out~l~e the CC?~tlnental U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is DistrlctIName Vote DistrictIName Vote pending at .Lansl~g, .MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor,. M~chlgan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address 1 John Conyers N 10 David Camp Y changes to: MIchigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. 2 Carl Pursell Y 11 Robert Davis Y E~itorial: Dennis ~~dat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers' Connie Turbin' Donna Wilber; Henry HUls)en. ' , 3 Howard Wolpe N 12 David Bonior N 13 Barbara Collins N Officers: President, Jack ~uri~, Cas~ City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Direc1or, Chuck 4 Fred Upton Y ~urke~; Treasurer an? C.hlef Flna.naal Offi~r, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Direc1ors: Distric11, 5 Paul Henry Y 14 Dennis Hertel N Jim M.lller, Colo.m~; ~lstnc12, Blaine VanSIckle, Ma~h.all; Distric13, Diane Homing, Manchester; Distric14, Tom G~h.ne, De~on, Dlstnc15, Ma~ Smut~, ~harlotte; DIStric16, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Distric1.7, Larry Snider, Hart; 6 Robert Carr Y 15 William Ford N Dlstnc1.8, ~Ic~ard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnc19, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; Distric110, Margaret Kartes, West 7 Dale Kildee N 16 John Dingell N Branch, Dlstn~ 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Barag? At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie. Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover, Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers Steven 8 Bob Traxler ? 17 Sander Levin N Gonyea, Spruce .• 9 Guy Vander Jagt.. Y 18 William Broomfield Y .- Michigan Farm News ITOL July 15, 1992 o a :I] z m :I] Ethanol Animal Industry Initiative The Joint Capital Outlay Committee approved funding for -MFB Position the MSU Animal Industry Initiative. The funding of Farm Bureau continues to $500,000 will assure that the planning process begins im- strongly support the Ani- mediately. The lengthy procedure to approve funding for mal Industry Initiative at any major project at any of the universities must take place MSU. - prior to money being allocated for planning or construc- tion. The approval of the Joint Capital Outlay Committee, MFBContact with the continued support of the governor, provides the Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 necessary funds for the first major step in hiring architects and consultants to develop the specific site plans prior to the beginning of construction. With this effort, the $67,000,000 Animal Industry Initiative is truly underway. Agriculture Budget for Fiscal Year 92 - 93 MFB Position The $27,OOO,DOO Michigan Department of Agriculture bud- MFB continues to support get provides protection to Michigan consumers and ensures neccessary funds to help the continued level of food safety in Michigan. provide for a strong pro- Some of the programs incorporated within the budget in- duction agriculture in clude ensuring accurate weights and measures for buyers Michigan. and sellers of all types of commodities plus monitoring and enforcement of regulations that protect livestock from dis- MFBContact ease. The MDA budget passed both houses and is on its Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 way to the governor's desk. Health Insural1c,e,Deduction . , ~: . . . Implementation of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance - PMO MFB Position H.B. 5990, sponsored by Rep. Harder (D-Owosso), and Farm Bureau supports the S.B. 1058, sponsored by Sen. McManus (R-Traverse City), legislation. The adoption have been introduced in each respective House. H.B. 5990 of the PMO by states is has been referred to the House State Affairs Committee. voluntary but extremely The revised version of the PMO will assure that consumers important in that a ship- will have the highest quality products available and allow ment of milk destined for Michigan dairy producers to ship milk out of state during out of state is restricted surplus times. The recommendations include temperature unless the individual requirements for both raw and processed milk, lowered an- states have adopted and tibiotic residues, handling procedures, carton size and are following the recom- markings and revises the financial security standards estab- mendations as detailed in lished for the buyer to assure that the producers and dairies the current PMO~. are paid in a timely fashion. Farm Truck Regulations ~ Know Your Obligations? MFB Contact The new PMO was effective July I, 1992. Michigan fre- The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code is the body of law that regulates traffic on Michigan Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 quently ships fluid milk out of state, especially during Au- highways. Fanners have a number of exemptions because of the unique aspects of agricul- gust when relatively large amounts are transported to other ture but there are, a number of laws that farmers need to be aware of and comply with. states where the demand is greater. The federal government allows the states to waive the requirements for the Commercial Local Pesticide Ordinances Drivers License (CDL). The state of Michigan exempts a farmer within 150 miles of home, operating in the fanner's own fanning operation and not hauling hazardous material. The MFB Position S.B. 643, as introduced by Sen. Nick Smith (R-Addison), exemption includes all trucks regardless of size. However, any truck over 26,001 pounds Fann Bureau policy op- would preempt a local unit of government from enacting or GVWR pulling a trailer or a semi, the operator is required to obtain an "F" endorsement. poses local regulation of enforcing an ordinance that contradicts or conflicts with the pesticides and, therefore, Michigan Pesticide Control Act. The Covered Load Law also exempts agriculture but requires that the load be secured and strongly supported S.B. not allowed to escape from the vehicle. If, for instance, chaff from corn should escape, that Amendments added in Senate substitute #4 would allow a 643 as introduced. In an is exempt, but if the corn itself escapes, that is a violation. Further exemptions are provided effort to move the bill local unit of government to pass a pesticide ordinance if un- for hay, straw, silage and water used to transport agricultural commodities. In the case of reasonable, adverse effects on the public health or environ- through the Legislature, water, the amount is limited to an amount which would not cause a traffic hazard and does ment will exist within the local unit of government. The or- Farm Bureau agreed to not include the product itself. support the substitute and dinance must be approved by the director of the Michigan will be seeking amend- Department of Agriculture within 90 days. The transport of hazardous material (HAZ MAT) is creating some confusion. For a fanner ments in the House to es- The substitute also allows the director of MDA to contract transporting anhydrous ammonia, if the tank is towed by a vehicle less than 26,001 pounds tablish standards for certi- GVWR, for instance, a pick-up, the farmer is exempt from the CDL, although placards are with a local unit of government to act as its agent for the fication and training of purpose of enforcing the Michigan Pesticide Control Act. required for the hazardous material. If the vehicle is larger than 26,001 GVWR, a full CDL local officials to ensure S.B. 643 (S-4) passed the full Senate and was referred to with a HAZ MAT endorsement is required. accurate and consistent the House Agriculture Committee. The House Agriculture enforcement across the Committee has met to receive testimony on the bill. A sub- Bumpers are required on all trucks when the bed extends more than 30 inches above the state. committee has been appointed to work on the bill, and is ex- road surface and the rear axle is set in 36 inches or more than an underride carriage, a bumper, is required to extend to within at least 30 inches of the road surface to protect pected to hold hearings around the state over the summer smaller vehicles, such as cars, from driving underneath the truck. recess. A vote isn't expected until this fall. .- Fanners are exempt from logbook requirements and many other regulations. Before traveling out of state with a truck, it is recommended to review the laws of those states. In most cases, reciprocity is extended and if the vehicle and driver were. legal in Michigan, they would be legal in that state. This usually also extends to the license plate although may Statewide Trail System MFB Position Fann Bureau offered sev- A package of bills, known as the Michigan Trailways Act, providing for a system of state trailways to be used for pub- not include the special farm plate, which is the $15 plate used for the transport of the crop eral amendments to the lic recreation activities has passed the Senate. The.1an- from field to storage and for the transport of seed, fertilizer, and spray material from the package consistent with guage in SB 834 (S-2) allows the Natural Resources Com- farm to the field. The regular fann plate allows the fanner to operate the truck for any MFB policy on abandoned mission to designate a Michigan trail way only if potential purposes related to the farming operation and is honored in most states. railroads, working closely negative impacts of trailway development on owners or res- with the sponsors of the idents of adjacent property are minimized through all of the Questions regarding equipment required on trucks may be directed to Motor Carrier legislation to address con- following: adequate enforcement; maintenence of trailway Division, Department of State Police. Through the county Fann Bureau, an inspection day cerns of adjacent private crossings for agricultural and other purposes; construction may be organized to allow fanners to have their vehicles inspected with a motor carrier property owners and did and maintenance of fencing at the expense of the trail officer checking the vehicles for required equipment and assure that it is in compliance with not oppose the package of owner or operator; temporary closure of trail ways by the en- all laws and regulations. This is a brief summary of laws affecting farmers operating farm bills. tity operating the trailway to allow pesticide application on trucks. For more information, contact Ron Nelson, 517/323-6560. lands adjoining the trailway, including the posting of signs MFBContact or the closure of the trail way during pesticide application Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 and appropriate reentry periods. The bills have been re- Michigan Farm Bureau ferred to the House Conservation Committee. (517) 323-7000 Michigan Farm News July 15, 1992 A second abnormally strong arctic air mass 3D-Day Outlook, Temperatures Normal With Below Normal Rainfall settled over the Great Lakes region in late June, resulting in frost and scattered freez- Michigan Weather Summary ing minimum temperatures on June 21 and 6/1/92 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation 22. The record cold temperatures were even to 6/30/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Actual Normal accompanied by a light snow in northeast- Mean Normal Accum. Accum linch.) linch) ern sections of Lower Michigan. Alpena 59.2 - 3.0 559 685 1.69 2.90 Bad Axe 60.4 - 4.9 650 881 2.74 3.08 Frost damage was dependent on location, Detroit 65.5 - 2.2 907 971 2.35 3.36 with the worst problems in low lying areas, Escanaba 58.7 - 2.0 390 471 2.83 3.26 especially on the muck soils. Temperatures Flint 64.2 - 2.1 851 971 2.26 3.36 for June averaged below normal at most Grand Rapids 64.3 - 2.8 857 1005 1.61 3.55 sites, putting degree day accumulations sig- Houghton 58.0 -1.4 546 618 2.39 3.61 nificantly behind normal, with northern Houghton Lake 60.9 - 2.8 658 685 1.78 2.90 areas about two to five days behind and Jackson 63.7 - 4.6 826 991 3.06 3.57 southern areas by as much as six to 10 days. Lansing 63.3 - 3.8 815 991 2.04 3.57 Marquette 56.7 - 2.7 526 618 0.69 3.61 As was the case in May, precipitation was Muskegon 62.0 - 3.7 707 832 1.50 2.94 below normal in nearly all areas. Precipita- Pellston 59.6 - 1.5 631 721 1.26 3.03 tion deficits since March I have now grown Saginaw 64.2 - 2.7 816 881 2.38 3.08 to nearly 6 inches in some northwestern Sault Ste. Marie 56.9 - 1.8 456 471 1.55 3.26 Lower Peninsula locations, with drought South Bend 65.1 - 3.3 959 1005 1.54 3.55 stress a growing problem. Traverse City 61.9 - 2.0 708 721 1.42 3.03 Vestaburg 62.9 - 4.2 743 885 1.08 3.36 Earlier forecasts this summer had called for warmer and drier than normal weather in Observed and normal growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1. June and July. While the growing season Normals are based on district averages. Je(fA ndAM resen, eteoro I'0 IS,t MSU has certainly been drier in almost all loca- tions, temperatures have trended below nor- July and normal temperatures through September. Precipitation is expected to be on the mal, especially in the last four to eight increase over the same period with normal to above normal amounts expected. weeks. This is good news for most parts of the state, however, given the below degree day The latest National Weather Service ex- accumulations and the extended outlook for below normal temperatures, some heat-sensi- tended outlook calls for a continuation of tive, or late maturing crops may have difficulty reaching full maturity before the end of the cooler than normal temperatures through growing season. Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. 7/15 7/31 7/15 9/30 Michigan Corn, Soybean, Sugarbeet and Wheat Acreages Up P - PreciD. T P T .e Michigan farmers are estimated to have 1991. Com expected to be harvested for Winter wheat planted is estimated at Michigan B N N A W. Corn Belt NIB NlA N N planted more acres of corn, soybeans, grain is 2.4 million acres. Soybeans planted 650,000 acres, up 14 percent from 1991. E. Corn Belt N1B N N N wheat, sugarbeets and summer potatoes increased 4 percent to 1.45 million acres. Harvested acreage is expected to total Wint. Wheat Belt N NlA NIB N/A this year, according to the Federal/State Sugarbeets planted, at 177,000 acres, is up 630,000 acres. Oat seedings are down to a Spr. Wheat Belt B A N N Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. 4 percent from last year. Acres expected to low of 140,000 acres, down 7 percent from Pac. NW Wheat N A A NIB Delta A B N N While a dry, cool spring allowed planting be harvested are up 5 percent of 174,000 last year's all-time low. Barley planted is Southeast NlA NIB N N to progress at normal rates, it also slowed acres. If these acres are realized, this will estimated at 30,000 acres, down 5,000 acres San Joaquin B B A N development in all the major field crops. set a record for acres planted and harvested. from 1991. Rye acreage intended for har- Unseasonable late spring freezes have fur- Dry bean planted and harvested acreage is vest is down II percent from last year. All A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- ther hampered development. down 9 percent, at 320,000 and 310,000 hay, at 1.4 million acres, is down 50,000 mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- acres respecti vel y. Acreage planted to sum- acres from 1991. Alfalfa hay is down No Precip. Source: National Weather Office In Michigan, corn planted is estimated to mer potatoes is estimated 12,500 acres, up 50,000 acres, while other hay remains at be 2.7 million acres, up 4 percent from 500 acres from last year. 250,000 acres. SEE THE DIFFERENCE ON WHEAT INCREASE WHEAT YIELDS ~ Now is the time to treat wheat with ACA to gain your advantage. MADE IN THE ACA can be impregnated on your fall starter fertilizer or topdressed in DSA Reel Rain. the spring to boost your yields. MICHIGAN 1991 YIELDS The nation's largest selling ACA-treated wheat had an average agricultural traveler irrigator. increase of 4.68 bu/acre with the Offering the widest highest yield increase at 7.82 bu/acre. range of models. We're not the best because we sell more-we sell more SEETHE BENEFITS OF ACA because Better root systems we're the best! Healthier Plants Easier Harvesting ~ Increased Profits AMADAS IHOUSTnI[S_ Increased Yields American Made Ouality at its Best! Proven Performance Suffolk. VA (804) 539-0231 To see the difference BEA WINNER WITH ACA. -Turbine. Gas Mechanical or Hydrostatic Drtves- apply ACA with anhydrous, liquid 28% N. Liquid Starter, impregnated on dry or sprayed. p~~1.800.292.2701 -~ .~ OR YOUR NEAREST DEALER CALL Michigan Farm News •• July 15, 1992 Michigan Hay Status Varies Considerably Southeast Lower Peninsula - Some Northeast Lower Peninsula - Winterkill As of May I, hay stocks were reported A phone conference call was held June 22 winterkill. Good quality harvested, with and drought conditions reported with yields down 1.5 percent in Michigan, down 74 with MSU Extension campus and field staff yield at 60 to 70 percent of normal. First running 50 to 75 percent of normal. Few percent in Ohio, down 73 percent in Indiana, from across the state regarding conditions cutting averaging $45 to $85 per ton. sales were being reported; however, stand- down 31 percent in Illinois, and down 12 of Michigan's first-cutting hay crop. The ing hay was going at $90 per acre for first percent in Wisconsin. conference call was held at the request of Southwest Lower Peninsula - Some cutting. the Michigan Hay and Forage Council. winterkill and drought conditions reported, The phone conferees offered the following with yields ranging from 70 to 75 percent Eastern Upper Peninsula - Dry and cold recommendations: The council felt this information was vital of normal. First cutting averaging $65 to conditions had prevailed at the time of the 1. Be patient with spring seeded hay crops to Michigan producers because of the dis- $100 per ton. conference call, with little wi nterkil I re- as rainfall in late summer can still make parity of the hay crop due to weather factors ported. Yields were expected to run 50 per- them productive. of late spring frosts, winterkill and drought. Central Lower Peninsula - Timely rain- cent of normal. The results of the conference call were: fall in the Lansing area, resulting in near 2. Prepare summer seedings of alfalfa to be normal yields. First cutting averaging $45 Western Upper Peninsula - Dry and cold seeded in late July to early August. As in the to $80 per ton. conditions were also reported, with little last five years, these seedings have done If Hay Crop is East Central Lower Peninsula - Some winterkill noticed. Alfalfa yields were pre- dicted to -be 50 to 60 percent of normal, very well. Going to be winterkill reported, with most areas expe- riencing drought conditions, resulting in while alfalfa-grass at 60 to 70 percent of normal. Standing alfalfa was averaging $30 3. Ifpurchasing hay, base the price on forage quality determined by a feed test. Not all hay Short, Try Plant- yields 50 to 70 percent of normal. Standing to $40 per acre for frrst cutting, while mixed is $90 per ton hay, even in a dry year. • hay going at $40 per acre for frrst cutting, alfalfa and grass was getting $15 per acre. ing a Short- $125 per acre for all cuttings. Midwest Region Hay Stocks In normal years, hay will range in price per ton from $0.60 to $0.70 per point of relative Season Forage Northwest Lower Peninsula - Some winterkill reported along with very dry A report from Dr. David Petritz, agricultural feed value test. In drought years, it has gone as high as $0.90 to$I.05 per point of relative conditions, resulting in yields 25 to 60 per- economist from Purdue University, high- feed value. A shortfall in the amount of hay put up cent of normal yields. First cutting hay lights the recent USDA Hay Stock Report. Reprinted from the June 24 CA T Alert as haylage or as baled hay can be sup- averaging $50 to $95 per ton. plemented by forage sorghums, hybrid sudangrasses or sorghum-sudangrass. When these crops are planted during late spring or early summer, they usually produce from 750 to 1,750 pounds per acre, depending on the variety grown. Dairymen Forage sorghum can produce between 1,150 and 1,750 pounds per acre, sor- Cut Energy Costs With ghum sudangrass, between 875 and 1200 pounds per acre and sudangrass, between 750 and 1,150 pounds per acre. Mueller Dairy Farm Equipment According to MSU agronomists, the fer- tility requirements of these crops is sim- ilar to com but they do not need a starter and fertilizer (other than initial N) because the planting dates usually avoid cool, wet soils. Consumers Power's Forage sorghums can withstand acid soils better than com and lime is needed "Reduce the Use Rebate" only if the soil pH is 5.5. The ideal pH for these crops is in the range of 5.5 to 7.5. Offer! Reduces The crops can be established through broadcasting the seed or by drilling to a 1 Energy Cost depth of two inches on sandy soils and one inch on heavier textured soils. 2 Flexibility All three of the crops are well suited for Low pasture, greenchop, hay, or silage pro- duction and will continue to grow after 3 Maintenance grazing or harvesting for hay or silage until frost. 4 Pays For Itself The best time to harvest forage sor- ghums and sudangrasses for maximum hay yields is in the vegetative or boot stages. The feed value and dry matter yields of these forages preserved as hay in the vegetative stage are about equal to high quality hay. Herb Bucholtz, MSU Extension dairy "'AIMLESS ST(EL specialist, says that the only drawback to JACIlET these forages is the potential for prussic acid poisoning. However, most of that risk can be avoided if the crop is allowed to grow to 18 inches or taller before allowing live- stock to graze. Poisoning potential in- DCUry Farm. Equ.ipmen.t e- creases when plants are grown under adverse environmental conditions -- Call Your Mueller Distributor Today for Rebate Details and a FREE Rebate Estimatel drought, flood, cold -- and on soil that is high in N and deficient in P and K. Be Brown Dairy Equipment, Inc. MI Farm Automation Maxson Milk Transport wary also of forage that has been frosted. Bob Brown AI Lettenga Pat Tuckerman Bad Axe, MI48413 Lake Odessa, MI 48849 Pittsford, MI 49271-9802 Silage made from sorghum, sudangrass 517-269-7081 616-374-8803 517-523-2391 and sorghum-sudangrass is usually safe and from prussic acid poisoning when it is Rose Bush, MI 48878 Paul Mueller Co. ensiled or put up as baled hay. Northern Mich. Harvestore 517-433-5712 Hank Kulhawick Tinus Koorn Eau Clair, MI49111 Lake City, MI49651 More information about managing these Handrich Fann Supply forages as a supplement or a substitute 616-782-3647 or 800-641-2830 616-839-3030 Mike Handrich in the ration can be obtained from the county MSU Cooperative Extension Fairview, MI48621 Central Dairy Supply, Inc. Service office. 517-848-2252 Roy Caldwell Lansing, MI48917-9551 517-322-2083 Michigan Farm News , •• ...... July 15, 1992 ••••••••r, .... .. ••••••• ••••• ~.'I ••••••• .r •••••• "" ..:~ 1• Market Outlook Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Wheat The stocks and acreage reports for wheat E~RM •••••••• .'~ J.::::.. •••• •••••••• Economics, MSU were negative. The ending stocks number for 91-92 wheat of 472 was way above last month's USDA projection of 423. And the BUSINESS Writing an outlook the first part of July to be read the middle of July may be a foolish endeavor, especially given the potential of Seasonal Commodity total wheat planted acres of 72.3 million were 2.3 million higher than intentions. good news is the Michigan wheat crop has The OUTLOOK a weather market in either direction. How- ever, there is some important information Price Trends shown improvement months. over the last several that needs to be considered as we are con- tinually updated on yield potential. On June The higher than expected 91-92 ending 30, the USDA released the June I Quarterly Wheat ? stocks figure could be due to a combination Stocks Reports, the June I Acreage Planted of lower use and perhaps larger production This unexpected acreage would make up Reports, and the June I Quarterly Hogs and Corn ? last year than previously thought. Exports for a 1-2 bushel drop in yields. Pigs Report. This information is discussed appeared to have ended up slightly below below in the appropriate sections and is It appears to me that the market has already incorporated in the Supply/Demand Bal- Soybeans ? expectations, perhaps I 0 millio~ b~shels. The remainder must be a combmatlOn of incorporated the negative information into ance Sheets shown in Tables 1-3. The col- umns under Hilker are my projections of Hogs ! lower feed use and higher production. estimates are incorporated into Table 2. My its price and, therefore, has not left any great forward pricing opportunities. Watch for what the reports mean. The USDA will give rallies to consider selling some out of the its version on July 9 and we will report them Cattle !? Planted winter wheat acreage was 0.8 mil- field. Other alternatives include storage, in the next issue. lion acres higher than the January winter if the basis is fairly wide, delayed pricing, or storage and put options. We would t Index: = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; wheat planting report had indicated. On top of that, spring and durum planted acreage need a narrowing of the basis to consider TP= Topping; BT = Bottoming; ? = Unsure Corn in the June report was 1.5 million acres basis contracts, minimum price con- higher than the March planting intentions. tracts, or selling cash and buying a call. Both the corn stocks and corn acreage re- Corn used for feed is projected to increase ports were seen as positive for corn prices. in 92-93 as the Hogs and Pigs Report Soybeans The stocks report showed the U.S. had 2.74 showed, there will be an increase in year billion bushels of corn stocks on June I. to year hog numbers through at least the The news the reports brought for soys was Obviously, the yield could go lower, and if This was well below expectations and spring of 1993. FSI use is expected to somewhat negative. Stocks were slightly the yield dropped to near the 32 bu.lacre showed strong use in the third quarter. To continue its positive trend and exports are higher than expected, but not enough to level, we could be above $6.00Ibu. all year. account for this, I increased the 91-92 feed projected to remain level. Given this sce- cause much worry. The bearishness came use. which in turn lowered the already low nario, ending stocks would increase signif- from the 1.6 million more acres of soybeans For at least some of your production, go 91-92 ending stocks figure. This low poten- icantly as shown in Table I, and 92-93 planted this spring than the March inten- with the odds and consider doing some tial carryover into next year is what makes prices would average below this year. In tions report listed. pricing of new crop at levels over $6 on the weather markets so volatile. The one order to justify the $2.40Ibu. new crop weather, rallies if you have not already worrisome part of the 91-92 use figures is prices, we saw the first of July yield in It would take almost a bushel decrease in done so. the export projection. Exports will have to 92-93 would have to drop into the 113-114 yield from the trend (34bu./ac. to average over 29 million bushels per week bu.lac. range, which is a definite possibil- 33.1 bu.lac.) to make up for the increase in Soybeans have amazing comeback poten- the last nine weeks of the marketing year to ity as of this writing, or demand would acreage. As seen in Table 3, where I lower tial as we saw last year. The South Ameri- reach the projection. The last week of June, have to pick up significantly. the yield about half that from trend, you'd can crop is very good, and the export pro- they were 24 million. see adequate stocks and an average price jection of 650 million bushels is somewhat How do you use this information in your for the 92-93 crop near the 91-92 levels. optimistic. Acres planted to corn for 1992 were re- pricing plan? Calculate your yield risk ported as 79.3 million acres. While this was (how much are you willing to price), 300,000 above the March intentions, it was project your U.S. yield "guess" and risk, Cattle below the average expectations of 80 mil- then do some forward pricing when you The June 7-State Cattle-an-Feed Report showed the total on feed down 9 percent, lion acres. The next part of the equation is feel the price is higher than the odds placements down 3 percent, and marketing down 3 percent all compared to the same period guessing the yield. Usually at this time of would project. Is this easy? No. Is it a year ago. These numbers were near expectations and should keep the market above the the year, we would still use a trend yield, necessary? Yes. Remember what a disastrously low prices we had last summer and fall. However, we would expect place- which would be 119.6 bu/ac. However, in good price has been historically and how ments to begin to pick up late summer and fall and next year's prices are expected to Table I, I used 118 bu/ac as the early short a time period it tends to stay there. Use the price rallies. be somewhat lower. At this point keep current, the July Inventory Report should give weather has taken away some of the yield us more information. "" Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For CORN WHEAT SOYBEANS Hilker Hilker Hilker Hilker Hilker Hilker Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Acres Planted 57.8 59.1 59.0 Diverted 6.3 4.7 3.5 Diverted 3.2 10.0 3.5 Acres Harvested 56.5 58.0 58.0 Acres Planted 74.2 76.0 79.3 Acres Planted 77.3 69.9 72.3 Bu./Harvested Acre 34.1 34.3 33.6 Acres Harvested 67.0 68.8 72.2 Acres Harvested 69.4 57.7 63.1 BuJ A. Harvested 118.5 108.6 118.0 Bu./A. Harvested 39.5 34.5 35.3 Stocks (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 239 329 300 Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Production 1926 1986 1949 Beg. Stocks 1345 1521 1100 Beg. Stocks 536 866 472 Imports 2 5 6 Production 7934 7474 8520 Production 2736 1994 2227 Imports 37 37 Total Supply 2167 2320 2255 Imports 3 20 10 36 Use: Total Supply 9282 9016 9630 Total Supply 3309 2897 2735 Use: Crushings 1187 1235 1235 Use: Food 796 785 Exports 557 690 650 Feed 4669 4921 5025 800 Seed 90 90 95 Seed, Feed and Food/Seed 1367 1445 1485 Feed 489 300 165 Residuals 94 95 95 Total Domestic 6036 6345 6510 Total Domestic 1375 1175 1060 Total Use 1838 2020 1980 Exports 1725 1550 1550 7916 8060 Exports 1068 1250 1200 Ending Stocks 329 300 275 Total Use n61 Total Use 2444 2425 2260 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks 1521 1100 1570 Ending Stocks 866 472 475 Percent of Use 17.9% 14.9% 13.9% Ending Stocks Percent of Use 19.6% 13.9% 19.5% Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $4.50 $5.02 $5.02 Regular Loan Rate $1.57 $1.62 $1.72 Percent of Use 35.4% 19.5% 21.0% Regular Loan Rate $1.95 $2.04 $2.21 U.S. Season Average $5.50- U.S. Season Average $2.10- Farm Price. $/Bu. $5.75 $5.60 $6.00 Farm Price. S1Bu. 52.28 $2.40 $2.30 U.S. Season Average $3.25- Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price. S1Bu. 52.61 $3.00 $3.65 Source: USDA & Hilker wi' A Health and Wellness Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau July 1992 VOL 4, NO.1 froID pri kly heat to heat stroke -:J~ .. J)- ~ GS he body rids itself of warning that your ventilation also include clammy skin, diar- excess heat by sweating, system is under stress. And rhea, rapid pulse, vomiting and • by exhaling air warmed since prickly heat indicates weakness. Most people feel in the lungs and by increasing blocked sweat pores, the condi- better after a few hours of rest blood flow to the skin which tion actually makes you suscep- and plenty of water. allows heat to escape. Hot tible to more serious harm from weather can overwhelm those the heat. Cool off to avoid worse Heat stroke, a potentially fatal mechanisms, especially if you, trouble, which can include: failure of the body's tempera- like mad dogs and Englishmen, ture-control system. Symptoms go out in the midday sun . Heat syncope, fainting caused can include confusion, agitation, •• Sometimes failure of the by decreased blood flow to the hyperventilation, racing pulse, body's cooling system leads to brain when blood pools near lethargy, convulsions, and relatively minor reactions you the skin. Most victims regain prolonged unconsciousness. can care for yourself. Some- consciousness quickly and feel Body temperature soars, some- times, however, it leads to better after spending a few times above 110 degrees Fahr- serious harm, even death. Heat minutes in a cool place. enheit. Heat stroke can damage illness can develop over several virtually every major organ. days or can strike during a single Heat exhaustion, marked by Doctors treat heat stroke by burst of strenuous activity in muscle aches, nausea, and administering intravenous fluids hot weather. feverishness. Symptoms can and cooling the body rapidly. • II• "If,- frorn prickly heat • to heat stroke BEAT THE HEAT A FLUID OUNCE OF PREVENTION Since it can be hard to Heat stroke and the less distinguish heat syncope or serious heat ailments needn't exhaustion from heat stroke, occur at all. Here's how to pre- seek immediate medical attention ventthem: if you or someone else develops Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, ~,.... , ~."':"';:'. any of these symptoms during light-colored clothing. Limit .t M hot weather: vigorous activity during hot, Confusion, lethargy, or agitation. humid weather ..People at high Intense muscle aches, feverish- risk for heat ailments should ness, or nausea. Convulsions exercise in air conditioned places. or even a fleeting loss of con- (Some people, for example, walk sciousness. in shopping malls.) While you're waiting for If you plan to exercise in assistance, a few immediate the heat, start with brief workouts steps can save the life of some- and increase them gradually over one overco~e by the heat: t'..NO weeks or more. Drink water Get the victim out of the heat. before, during and after exertion Sprinkle the person with water. in the heat. Only people doing If the victim is unconscious, intense exercise like running a De-stressing Fanlily Vacations elevate the feet to move blood marathon may need a sports back toward the head. Fan the drink After a workout in the victim with a newspaper or a heat, drink more than you need Travel Tips towel. If the victim is fully con- to satisfy your thirst - up to half scious, offer plenty of fluids. Use again as much. Avoid alcohol When planning your vacation, remember a sports drink suc.has Gatorade before, during and immediately that good vacations offer a OOlance between familiar things and if there's one handy, since salt after exercising in the heat. new experiences. depletion may be part of the Alcohol causes you to lose more problem. But don't waste time fluid than you drink. Provide plenty of back-seat activities & car looking for a sports drink if water snacks. A wallanan is good for kids who get carsick and carmot - or in a pinch, any non-alco- "From Prickly Heat to Heat Stroke." Copyright 1992 read or play in the car. ' by Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., Yonkers, NY holic drink - is more readily 10703-1057. Reprinted permission from Consumers available. Reports on Health, June 1992. . Consider renting a small trailer or roof-top carner to keep the passenger area comfortable (and to keep it free of heavy objects that could become launched in a crash). Anticipate problems & make wrttten ground rules as a family. Excnnple: window seats will be alternated on an equal basis by days. Alternate busy days & rest days; or plan busy mornings and restful afternoons. Another idea: try mental activities such as ~useums a;nd sight-seeing in the morning and physical activities ill the evenmg. Return home a day or two early to adjust catch up on mail, do laundry, etc. ' Safety and Health , Prepare a simple medical kit for city /town travel. If you won t have easy accessto drug storesor medical care get professional advice or read travel books on how to prepare more extensive medical kit. a Carry an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses . . Have your car in good repair. Check your spare tire, flares and other emergency equipment. Check with your healthinsurancecrm1.er ab:>ut out-of-town coverage. Never leave kids or pets waiting in a hot car. Buckle up. Protect from sunburn. Don 1drive after drinking. Reprinted with permission, HOPEPublications, Kalamazoo. MI (616) 343-0770. / ---- ~lliove l the warm weather fun and novelty of amusementrlaes at the~eparks, waterparks,cou~fuirs or hometown festivals. And you'll have more fun if you follow some sim~le safety guidelines for selecting Ades and supervising young children. If your family's vacation p;ani)afe you to another state, check to see-it: i is one of the approximately half in the nation that requires inspection. In Michigan, the Carnival and Amuse- ment Safety Inspection Unit of the Department of Licensing and Regula- tion requires annual inspections of every ride. Similar inspections are re- quired in neighboring Ohio which attracts hundreds of thousands of visi- tors to Cedar Point and Kings Island each season. ~ ~ Vivian Kramer Fancher, author of Explain the reasons fOr"tfierules," M~. wandered off. Tell children to get help Safe Kids- A Complete Child Safety Kramer Fancher writes~eikewise, from a park employee ifthey can't find Handbook and Resource Guide for adults should not attempt 'to board you. (Note: Some pre-school educa- Parents, advises parents to resPeCt the rides that have been designed/for ~hib 'Yhether the ride is appropriate for tors advise lost or separated children ride guidelines established by the park. dren. The size of the seats and motions , your child. Also, most parKs recom- to look for "a mom with children.") "If your children don't meet the height of the ride as well as the restraint mend that elderly people, expectant and weight requirements for boarding system, might not be appropri~ mothers~and those widi heart or back Riding safely on amusement and carni- a ride, don't try to sneak them on. adults. problems, or~her. physical limitation val attractions means following these not board certain rides. GeneraIly signs basis safety rules: .... are posted near the ride attraction. - Make sure your ride has a working ! ~.': Smokeless tobacco is less harm- Here are some tips from Safe Kids for seat belt or lap bar and that the door of ful to your body thon the tobacco in cigarettes? choosing rides: the vehicle or ride gondola is shut securely. If you said folse, you are correct. Most smokeless - Watch people getting off the ride. - Secure all loose garments, glasses, tobacco users absorb os much nicotine os a one- Look for their expression. Ask them hats, cameras, etc., while riding. pock-o-doy cigarette smoker. This craving for about the ride. - Use the ride equipment as indi- nicotine is octuol~ a drug addiction. - Don't take children on a ride that cated. Never change seats while the you feel uncomfortable about. A scared ride is in motion. Don't stand up on According to Dr. Morie Swanson, director of or nervous adult is no help to a young- roller coasters, rock the ferris wheel, Michigan State University's Cancer Center, ster. etc. Keep your hands inside the ride smokeless tobacco has ten times the amount of - Take time to observe the ride opera- and always wait until the ride comes to mncer -producing elements found in cigarettes. tor. Be alert for safety practices such as a complete stop before getting off. The risk of mouth mncer also increases by 50 making sure the restraining device is - Major rides that run multiple v~- percent with long-term use. properly secured, and proper screen- hicles simultaneously operate with au- ing of riders with regard to age or tomatic spacing. It is likely that your The body rapidly absorbs the nicotine through the condition. vehicle will stop at another area than hning of the mouth. Within 30 minutes, the heart - Ask the operator questions before where you boarded. Stay seated and rote and blood pressure rise and the blood vessels boarding ifyou are uncertain about the listen to the public address system or constrict. advisability of a ride. ride operator until your vehicle is un- - Delay riding during periods of in- loaded. After on~ three to four months, users of chewing clement weather such as rainstorms or - Be careful when getting on or off tobacco report experiencing bod breath, the high winds. rides. need to spit, whne potthes inthe mouth, receding - Help children select rides. It is - Don't use a water slide with one gums, tooth staining and bone and tooth loss. unwise and .unsafe to let children loose person sliding between another's legs. Worse, saysSwanson, are the 9,000 cases of oral in an amusement park. For their per- It increases the risk of injury. mncer that result in death each year. sonal safety, provide supervision - When visiting a fair or an amuse- throughout the visit. ment park, watch where you walk and Oral cancers hove increased by 35 percent since - Select a prominent place to meet in don't run. If you run, you may trip over 1980 and by SO percent for men. Also oral case you are separated from your fam- electrical cables or ropes on the ground mncers occur at eoner ages than most mncers. ily or group. Notify park authorities that provide support or power to the immediately if one of your group has rides. Poison ivy pointers for the regularly, urushiol. Dogs and cats are unafficted by treatment may include steroid medication by and recently, allergic. poison ivy, but they can carry the oily injection or a tapering dose if oral steroids over substance on theirfur. Tools and garden a week to 10 day period; prescription-strength You may be surprised to learn that equipment can also be "contaminated" fOr topical steroid medication; and/or antibiotics if poison ivy is the most common allergy, many months. Burning poison ivy can be very infection has developed in the blistered area. afficting about three out iffOur people in the dangerous since burning turns urushiol into a United States. Each year over two million smoke that travels through the air. For milder cases if ivy poisoning rinsing Americans if all ages come down with a case the afficted area under cold water or using cold if ivy poisoning. Some are bothered by If you are allergic to poison ivy, contact compresses should offer temporary relief, but be uncomfortable itching and others become very will cause the body to release a strong chemical sure to usefresh cloths and wash the used sick and may even need to be hospitalized. called histamine. Histamine isfOund in certain compresses as a precaution against spreading . There are a lucky few who are unafficted by cells if the body and is pe1ftctly hannless until any residual urushiol that may have been on contact with poison ivy, however, a person it is released into the blood stream. Histamine the skin. can lose his immunity at any time and causes the body to react in the same way it without warning. reads against genns and injuries - inflamma- Tried and true home remedies if tion. baking soda and water paste, or a solution if The allergen is urushiol, a very 1- 2 teaspoons if baking soda or Epsom salts powerfUl, oily substance present in every part Symptoms usually appear twenty-fOur mixed with one cup if water applied to the if the poison ivy plant - leaves, sap, tofOrty-eight hours after contact although the skin also provide relief. Commercial prepara- flowers, berries, bratuhes and stems, and reaction may be evident in just afew hours tions, s';lchas calamine lotion or Burow roots. As little as one part per million will or appear after a week. The first indication is solution, can help relieve the symptoms. cause an allergic reaction in some people. a red, itchy rash and some swelling if the skin, Contact your doctor before using over-the- sometimes in raised streaks. counter medications containing antihistamines. The plant is most dangerous when it is Hleafedout," but even the donnant plant As the allergic reaction progresses, the Take tepid showers, not baths. Do not contains urushiol and can cause a bad case if afficted area will raise little, fluid-filled blisters apply greasy or oily products to the skin. poison ivy. In fact, researchersat Cornell £?!tenin short, straight rows. In severe cases, AND DON'T SCRA TCH! You cannot University cut branches if poison ivy and the blistersgrow large and may run together get poison ivy from touching the rash if exposed them to the elements for 18 months. fonning a patch if blisters and more pro- another person, but if you have it your whole When taken into the laboratory and tested on nounced swelling. Although only afew people body will be sensitized and scratching or volunteers, they found that the Hdead" have very severe reactions to poison ivy, they touching the rash can contribute to the spread branches were still poisonous. may experiencefever, swollen glands, muscle if the blisters. If you must, scratch very gently aches and pains, and there is also the possibil- through a layer if clothing. Wash your hands Without exception, there must be ity if kidney damage. frequently. contact with the skin fOr the body to react, See a doctor at once if you have however, contact may be indirect. For swelling or large blistered patches, or if the rash The symptoms will lastfOr approxi- example~ clothing may pick up traces if appears on theface orgenitals. Physician's mately two weeks. Michigan Farm News -. July 15, 1992 Market~~OutlookContinued ... DAIRY milk powder inventories are lower in 1992 ber operating in 1990. For example, 44 Larry Hamm than last year with powder inventories cheese plants closed during 1991. These The strength in the dairy product markets being at half the levels they were last year. comprised 8.5 percent of all cheese plants continues. Therefore, the basic milk price in the U.S. Current estimates are that there mover, the Minnesota-Wisconsin (M- W) Tighter inventories and stagnant milk sup- are only 472 cheese plants operating in the ply may have dairy product buyers nervous U.S. WIRELESS DRIVEWAY price will likely continue to increase over the next few months. The June M-W an- about the availability of supplies. This sug- ALARMS nounced is $12.46, $.40 higher than May's gests th~t this spring's price strength may The number of human grade nonfat dry Let's you know any time M-W of$12.06. be com 109 at next fall's price increases. milk plants dropped by an even greater someone walks or drives into Some trade information suggests that milk percentage than cheese plants. An esti- your place! This makes the third month in a row that the supplies are starting to build in the Upper mated 9.2 percent of the dry milk powder M -W has increased and assures that farm Midwest. If so, then the M-W may peak plants went out of business in 1991. • Easy Installation milk prices will continue to increase over early. Call or write for free brochures. the next few months. Since the M- W sets Butter plants declined almost five percent. all the federal order minimum milk prices, Milk Processors In most major product categories, the vol- Paxton Enterprises increases in farm milk prices over the next ume of milk processed equalled the amount 48E 600N few months will largely be the result of the Declining in Numbers processed in 1990. Like dairy farms, dairy national market trends. Farm numbers continue to drop. However, product plants are becoming fewer and Fortville, IN 46040 so do plant numbers. The USDA's National larger. Phone or FAX Dairy market strength continues because Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) re- milk production is static. Production for cently released their estimates of the num- If anything, proportionally the number of 800-872-9866 or 317-326-2838 May was even compared to last year. Total ber of plants manufacturing selected dairy plants is declining faster then the number of natural American cheese and nonfat dry products. dairy farms. Financial stresses, are there- fore being experienced by producer and With the exception of a few whey products, plant operator alike. Because the milk in- Hogs the number of dairy plants operating in dustry is an interconnected system, the im- 1991 was significantly lower than the num- plications of financial stresses are felt by all It looks like the expansion phase of the hog parts of the dairy industry. cycle is still underway although at a slower rate. The June Hogs and Pigs Report was viewed as somewhat negative, especially in the farrowing intentions. All hogs and pigs were up 5 percent, kept for market were up 6 percent, and kept for breeding were up I A NEW MONEY SAVING HEALTH PLAN percent, all relative to a year ago. While these were all in the range of expectations, they were on the higher side. Market hogs over 120 Ibs. in the report were nine percent higher than a year ago. These are the hogs we will see this summer and this will definitely limit upside potential. As we go into late summer and this fall we will see the hogs reported as under 120 Ibs. and they are up four-five percent over last year. In order to keep prices over $40/cwt. this fall, we will need strong demand. To get an estimate of supply next winter, we can look at the June - Aug. farrowing inten- tions which are one percent higher than last year. To get a handle on the spring of 93 numbers, we can use the Sept.-Nov. inten- tions which are projected to be three percent higher. The pigs per litter continue to in- crease and is a significant part of the in- creased production along with the higher farrowings. At this point, there is little pricing advice other than to keep very current. If we have some rallies, one may consider pric- ing small portions oftheir future produc- tion to take away some of the downside price risk. TableEggs AI/an Rahn and Henry Larzelere Egg prices in late June were trading in 67 cent range (New York, Grade A, Large White, in cartons, to retailers), about 3 cents per dozen below 1991 levels. This price level reflects a rebound from a plunge in late May and early June that took prices into the mid 50 cents per dozen area. Higher feed In these toug-h econeJmic times all business owners are looking for ways to improve their bottom line. ingredient costs, however, have also pushed Now Fa:m .~ure~u can help with a new money ~aving group Health PI"anfrom Blue Cross Blue Shield~of Michigan, _ egg production costs around 1.5 cents per dozen higher and are still reducing net re- Thase new plans are guaranteed iss~e no'matter what your health history, locally serviced by Dur 69 county offices and 400 agents s~at~wide, turns further. "and competitively priced to save' farm Qwners and operators-hundreds or even thousands otdollars off their health insurance bill. The size of the table egg laying flock on So, if you're a sole'proprietor or if you have one or more employees, you should call Farm Bureau today for benefit and rate information. June I, 1992 was 230.3 million birds, 1 - . - '. _ /tI.CH.GAN ' ... ,- percent more than on this date last year. Egg production numbers have been running 2 to , fA"ItI'BIJREAIJ 3 percent over year ago levels and reflect a FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION RATE QUOTE - FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT, 3239 OR 3240. more productive flock. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau The number of egg type hatching eggs in Membership Services incubators on June 1 was down 6 percent P.O. Box 30960 from a year ago, but the pullet chick hatch Lansing, MI 48909 during May was down only 1 percent. Spent Please Print hen slaughter rates in late June are above a Name Current Health Insurance year ago but totals for the year are only 5 percent greater. Address Number of Full Time Employees o Sole proprietor (1 person group) Egg prices are expected to gr.adually a~- Phone o 2-4 0 5-9 vance from their current levels mto the mid 70 cents per dozen range during the upcom- County o 10-24 0 25 and over ing third quarter of the year. Type of Farm/Business ,----, ~ Michigan Farm News July 15, 1992 Photos Courtesy of Pat Driscoll Below is an inside look at one of the Red October Farm dairy barns that housed approximately 250 cows. Construction consisted of pre-cast concrete forms and Below is a close-up look at a cow from one of t~e best herds in Ru~sJa. brick. Summer temperatures in the barns averaged 95 to 100 degrees. The neck chain is attached to a lead ball that IS used as a restraining device that hits the cow in the knees if and when it tries to run, since the pastures don't have any fencing to speak of. Driscoll said. t~at a vet on tour with the group diagnosed several cases of pneumoma In the herd. These feed mixing facilities pictured above were constructed over two years ago at the Red October Farm, but have not been used as yet because no one clearly understands how to use the equipment or how to calculate rations. Their goal is to hopefully begin using the equipment next year. Pictured above is part of the relatively new line-up of farm equipment on the privately held and operated Interferma farm, which ~as experienced tremend0l!s success during its four-year existence. The farm still must sell 25 percent of ItS product output to the state at state-mandated prices. Russia continued from page 1 What the tour group saw, however, was a farm operation plagued with inefficiencies The group toured one of those state-owned and outdated technology that, in -Driscoll's farms known as Red October, so named in words, "put their agricultural industry a honor of the Russian Revolution in October good 40 to 75 years behind the U.S. in many of 1917. The 12,000 acre fann, located in respects." Over 350 workers are employed the former USSR breadbasket now known on the state farm that consists of a dairy as the Ukraine, is claimed to be one of the operation as well as field crops of rye, can- best and largest farms in the world. ola and sugar beets and other livestock en- terprises. The farm's dairy herd was housed in pre- cast concrete buildings, without benefit of ventilation, open windows, or fans. Freestalls and milk parlors were unheard of and the milk pipelines were a combination HERITAGE of lead pipes, plastic tubing and cast iron BUILDING SYSTEMS 30150 110__ ._~~ -$4,395 pipes. Most all of the tractors used are Belarus models, such as this one at the Red 40 I 50 112 -------------.$5,&95 October Farm. Planter and equipment technology was way behind U.S. technol- 501100 114 --$11,h5 &0 I 100I 20 101150 I 2O ---'II1,7lI5 -S27,l1g5 Feed rations consisted primarily of pastures ogy, although some items such as combines appeared to be relatively current. The BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY and sugar beets, said Driscoll, who added Belarus tractor plant was to have been toured by the group, but it had been closed ~ _ ~ ~..., _ up ---.., cIIatrlbutar. lor IIle that the group never saw a field of com or indefinitely because the plant was not able to get raw product necessary for _do " 5,DOO .-- __ bul_ "- of~'I............. WgeII -. W. _ _ cornn.cIII _ ~ All .. --... ~ soybeans during the two week period. Milk building the tractors. ~"""'_c:.II -............ ...,--... .. production averaged 8,000 pounds from ,....." dr_tntl \0 ... _ III local ....lIcIlftt coclll, 20 Jill roof •• ".nty •• nd .. antad •• U•• Prlc ••• r. FOB fro .. our • ....... 50' I 100 I -,IorI __ 16 one of the "best herds." What about all the aid the U.S. has been sending over to the Commonwealth of In- "The president of the Ukrainian Academy of Science explained that in 1933 the 'great- ROOF SYSTEr.1 Milk pasteurization was crude at best, with dependent States? "The U.S. should limit est USSR calamity in history took place' EOUIP/.IEln & HA Y STORAGE limited cooling available at the dairy pro- its donations and loans to a bare minimum when the government took farmers from $10.985 cessing operation, and none of the fat was and let them work out their own problems," their land," Driscoll said. "He told us that the ever removed from the milk. No artificial said Driscoll. "We cannot provide them government took away the individual's in- insemination was used, although the herd with what they need. All we're doing with centive to produce and forced agriculture was reported to be a cross between holsteins our aid is prolonging their transition and and society in general to become inefficient and zebras that produce milk that allegedly growing pains. If we really want to help to create more jobs. They continue to do that CENTRAL prevented tooth and gum decay. them, we should leave them alone." today in every industry to employ their MICHIGAN growing population." The herd the group saw exhibited signs of Driscoll based his views on the fact that TRACTOR pneumonia, although workers were not over 85 percent of the old guard from the Driscoll said a new organizational structure PARTS even familiar with what the disease was, former Communist Party are still in place, is desperately needed in the CIS to allow said Driscoll. Calves were housed in poorly and that individual creativity and choices people to think and reason for themselves, Parts For Tractors ventilated facilities as well, with the bull are still being discouraged. The definition as is an effective leadership structure that and calves accounting for the country's beef of privatization consists of leasing property has the best interest of the country in mind Self-Propelled Combines production, since there were no common rights, but the state still owns the property. when making decisions. beef breeds available. Bob Baumgras "Their definition of private and ours is en- In general, Driscoll said the people they 2713 NORTH U.S. 27 Driscoll said the overall consensus of the tirely different," explained Driscoll. encountered were very friendly and had a ST. JOHNS, MI48879 group was that the agricultural industry in "There's not a generation alive over there real desire for independence. "We had peo- all three countries was as bad off, if not that understands risk taking and making ple who came up to us in Red Square and (517) 224-6802 worse, than what most had suspected. "If decisions for themselves. They basically wanted to shake our hands simply because these countries can ever get their act to- want the U.S. to bring them up to current they wanted to shake hands with an Ameri- 1-800-248-9263 (U.s. & CNO.) gether in terms of free ~nterprise .and industrialized standards without truly can." privatization, they'll be major competItors going through the required reform process from an agricultural standpoint," he said. to make it happen. Michigan Farm News II. July 15,1992 Key Issues Analyzed During "Friends of Ag" Endorsement Process County Farm Bureaus reviewed the voting State Issues ing by all Michigan school districts. The House passed the bill Sept. 27, 1991. Farm records of incumbents on 10 key issues for Off-Road Vehicles - Vote on passage of a Michigan House passed the bill Sept. 12, Bureau favored a "Y" vote. both the U.S. House of Representatives and bill to provide a comprehensive system for 1991. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote. the Michigan House of Representatives. the use of off-road vehicles including a No-Fault Insurance Territories - Vote on Those issues and subsequent voting records "closed unless posted open" policy on state Farmland and Open Space - Vote on passage of a conference report to extend in1cude the following: owned lands, funds earmarked for in- passage of a bill to amend P.A. 116 so that rating territories for no-fault auto insurance creased enforcement, and penalties for res- proceeds from lien payments by landown- for an additional one year period. The Nstlonsllssues toration of damage to land or water caused ers would be used by the DNR not only for Michigan House defeated the conference by OR Vs. The Michigan House passed the the purchase of development rights on report Dec. 17, 1991. Farm Bureau favored Handgun Waiting Period - Vote on pas- bill Feb 13, 1991. Farm Bureau favored a a "Y" vote. sage of a bill to require a seven-day waiting unique and critical lands, but also for the "Y" vote. administration of the act. The Michigan period for handgun purchases. The U.S. House passed the bill Sept. 26, 1991. Farm No-Fault Insurance Extension - Vote on House approved the bill May 8, 1991. Farm Property Assessments - Vote on passage Bureau favored a "Y" vote. passage of a bill to extend the expiration Bureau opposes a waiting period for pur- of a bill to freeze property assessments for date of the no-fault automobile law by 90 chases of firearms and favored a "N" vote. 1992 at 1991 levels. The Michigan House MIOSHA Standards - Vote on passage of days to March 31, 1992. The Michigan passed the bill April 18, 1991. Farm Bureau a bill to require state health and safety rules House approved the bill Dec. 18, 1991. Budget Conference Report - Vote on favored a "Y" vote. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote. be identical to federal OSHA standards and adoption of a conference report to set budget levels for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, increase penalties for violations. The Sales Tax Exemption - Vote on passage Michigan House passed the bill Sept. 26, No-Fault Insurance Reform - Vote on 1992. The U.S. House approved the mea- of a bill to exempt the purchase of livestock 1991. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote. passage of a bill to roll back auto insurance sure May 22, 1991. Farm Bureau favored a sold at auction from the state sales tax. The rates 15 percent, following a one year rate "N" vote because the measure did not pro- Michigan House passed the bill June 20, Agriculture Budget - Vote on passage of freeze, without necessary reforms to offset hibit the use of tax increases to fund higher 1991. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote. the rollback. The Michigan House passed a bill to provide a 1991-92 budget for the levels of entitlement spending. the bill May 14, 1992. Farm Bureau fa- Michigan Department of Agriculture Tax Base Sharing - Vote on passage of a which provided continued/expanded fund- vored a "N" vote. Disapproval of Fast Track Procedures - conference report to permit tax base shar- ing for important programs. The Michigan Vote on adoption of resolution to disap- prove a two-year extension of fast track procedures that would require Congress to approve or disapprove trade agreements but not allow consideration of amendments to the trade agreements. The U.S. House de- feated the resolution May 23, 1991. Farm No matter what shape your field is Bureau favored a "N" vote. in, signing up the Penetrator@ from Unverferth will make you a winner Striker Replacement - Vote on passage of in the tillage game. a bill to prohibit employers from hiring per- After all, when you use the manent replacements for union workers on Penetrator, it will be the BIGGEST strike over economic issues. The U.S. PLAY OF THE GAME. The Penetra- House approved the bill July 17, 1991. Farm tor shatters the soil quickly and Bureau favored a "N" vote. smoothly because its spring-loaded, edge-bent shanks deliver excep- Agricultural Disaster Assistance - Vote tional stiffness and reduced deflec- on passage of a bill to provide a disaster tion. Adjustable shank setting aflows assistance program to crop producers for the load to be set at 1250 or 850 1990 or 1991 crop losses. The U.S. House pounds for excellent penetration and approved the bill July 25, 1991. Farm Bu- shattering in any field. And because reau favored a "Y" vote. of this, it's afways the LAST OUT of the field, too. Wetlands Study Amendment - Vote on adoption of an amendment to provid.e Up front, separate spring-loaded $500,000 to the National Academy of SCI- gangs of three- and four-blade ences for a study of the scientific basis of the coulters HIT safely through residue 1991 proposed wetlands delineation man- and SCORE in uneven terrain. ual. The U.S. House defeated the amend- These gangs feature 20 inch rippled ment Oct. 29, 1991. Farm Bureau favored a blades, to maintain their keen edge. "N" vote because the amendment was an Adjustable depth stops aflow you to effort by environmentalists to delay reform STRIKE as deep as 12 inches to rip of wetlands regulations. up compacted soil, while mixing soil and stirring in residue. Shanks Emergency Appropriations - Vote on a spaced on 15 inch centers provide bill to provide funds for various emergency outstanding coverage for the entire programs including $1.75 billion for 1991 HOME FIELD. agricultural disaster relief. The U.S. House Honors for the MOST ERRORS will approved the bill Oct. 29, 1991. Farm Bu- have to go elsewhere because, reau favored a "N" vote. unlike other chisel plows, when you drop the Penetrator,it will Transportation Funding - Vote on adop- not bounce or jump, even tion of conference report to provide $151 across compacted end billion for surface transportation programs rows. through fiscal year 1997 and give states Penetrator models are greater flexibility to decide how their trans- available in widths from portation funds are spent. The U.S. House 9'2" to 17'6", with optional approved the conference report Nov. 27, S-tine leveler. 1991. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote. To DRAFT your own Penetrator or Economic Stimulus - Vote on an amend- for a demonstration of the physical ment to implement a plan to stimulate ~he prowess of this tillage star, call: economy. The plan would cut the capItal gains tax, allow a $5,000 tax credit and penalty - free withdrawals from an IRA for 1.800.322.6301* first-time home buyers, passive loss deduc- * }t)u don't even have to SACRIFICE tions for real estate developers, increase the your own quarter. depreciation for business equipment, and new rules encouraging real estate invest- ment by pension funds. The U.S House de- feated the amendment Feb. 27, 1992. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote because the plan used economic incentives to help the econ- omy without imposing tax increases. Legal Services Corporation - Vote on a bill to substitute a package of amendr.n~nts providing meaningful reform to an ongmal Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. Legal Service Corporation bill that con- P.O~Box 357, Kalida, OH 45853 tained many objectionable provisions for 1-800-322-6301 in the U.S. agricultural employers. The U.S. House de- 419-532-3121 • Fax 419-532-2468 feated the substitute amendments May 12, 1992. Farm Bureau favored a "Y" vote. Michigan Farm News .. I •• July 15, 1992 "Friends of Agriculture" Primary Endorsements u.S. House of Representative Michigan House of Representative Endorsements and Voting Records Endorsements and Voting Records KEY: y or n Voted "yes" or KEY: y or n Voted "yes" or "no. "no" and against Farm and against Farm Bureau position. Bureau position Y or N Voted "YES" or Y or N Voted "YES" or "NO" "NO" and for Farm Bureau and for Farm position. Bureau position. ? Did not vote. Did not vote. • Not elected to House at time of Not elected to vote. I I United States House District and Name Michigan House District and Name I 4 Camp, David IR-Midland) N N N N Y N Y Y Y Y 10 o 0 100 47 Hill. Sandra lA-Montrose) • 10 Carl, Doug IR-Mt. Clemens) • 88 Hillegonds, Paul IR-Holland) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 I 16 Dingell, John ID-Trenton) N y y y Y N Y Y n n 5 5 o 50 65 Hoffman. Philip (R-Horton) y y y y y Y Y n n 7 2 1 70 I 13 Geake, Robert IR-Northville) • 100 Howard. Linda IR-Remus) • 3 Henry, Paul IR-Grand Rapids) y N N N Y N n Y Y Y 8 2 0 80 40 Jamian. John (R-B1oomfield Hills) Y Y Y n Y N 5 o 83 5 Muxlow, Keith IR-Brown City) • 29 Jenkins. Curtis IR-Warren) • 9 O'Neill, Megan IR-Clarkston) • 41 Johnson. Shirley (R-Royal Oak) Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y N 8 2 0 80 12 Pappageorge, John IR-Troy) • 70 Jondahl. Lynn ID-Okemos) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y y 9 1 0 9~-1 15 Rose-Collins, Barbara ID-Detroitl • 17 Keith. William ID-Garden City) ? Y Y Y Y Y Y ? ? y 6 1 3 60 7 Smith, Nick IR-Addison) • 32 Licktenfelt IR-Armada) • 6 Upton, Fred IR-St. Joseph) y N N N Y N n Y Y Y 8 2 0 80 81 london. Terry IR-Marysville) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 2 VanderJaqt, Guy IR-lutherl N N N N N Y Y Y Y 9 o 90 105 Lowe, Allen IR-Grayling) • Michigan House of Representative 62 Martin, William IR-Battle Creek) 76 Mathieu, Thomas ID-Grand Rapids) Y Y Y Y y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n n Y Y N y 9 820 1 0 90 80 •.. Endorsements and Voting Records 99 McBryde, James IR-Mt. Pleasant) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 1 0 90 104 McManus, Michelle IR-Traverse City). 98 McNutt, James IR-Midland) Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y N 8 2 0 80 KEY: y or n Voted "yes" or "no" and against Farm 80 Middaugh, James IR-Paw Paw) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 Bureau position. Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y N 8 2 0 80 46 Middleton, Thomas IR-Ortonville) Y or N Voted "YES" or 60 Morrison, Jackie IR-Kalamazoo) • "NO" and for Farm 66 Munsell, Susan IR-Howell) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y 8 80 Bureau 89 Noe, Carl IR-Jennison) • position. 58 Nye, Michael (R-Litchfield) Y Y Y y Y Y y n Y N 9 1 o 90 Did not vote. 95 O'Neill, James, (D-Saginawl Y Y Y y Y Y Y Y Y ? 9 o 90 Not elected to House at time of 59 Oxender, Glenn IR-Sturgis) Y Y Y y Y Y Y n Y N 9 1 o 90 22 Pitoniak, Gregory ID-Taylor) Y Y Y y Y Y Y n Y y 8 2 o 80 54 Profit, Kirk ID-Ypsilanti) Y y Y y Y Y n Y Y 7 2 1 70 Michigan House District and Name 93 Randall, Gary IR-Elwell) Y Y Y y Y Y Y n Y ? 8 1 1 80 108 Anthony, David ID-Escanaba) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y y 820 80 83 Rhead, Kim IR-Sandusky) • 75 Bandstra, Richard IR-Grand Rapids) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 1 0 90 51 Robertson, David IR-Swartz Creek) n Y Y n Y Y n n Y N 6 4 0 60 ! 56 Bartnik. Jerry ID-Monroe) Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y y 730 70 61 Shugars, Dale IR-Portage) Y Y Y n n Y n n Y N 6 4 0 60 87 Bender. Robert IR-Middleville) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 1 0 90 74 Sikkema, Ken IR-Grandville) Y Y Y Y Y Y n n Y N 8 2 0 80 I 36 Berman, Maxine ID-Southfield'! Y Y Y ? Y Y Y n Y y 721 70 82 Strand, John IR-Lapeer) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y 8 80 101 Bobier, William IR-Hesperia) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 15 Thomas, Douglas I R-Dearborn) • 106 Bodem, Beverly IR-Alpenal Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 57 Walberg, Timothy IR-Tipton) n Y Y Y Y n n Y N 6 3 60 I 79 Brackenridge, Robert IR-St. Joseph) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 97 Wetters, Howard ID-Kawkawlin) • 107 Brower, Shannon IR-Petoskeyl • 73 Wilcox, Marcia IR-Lowell) • 38 Bullard, Willis Jr. IR-Milford) Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y y 7 3 0 70 110 Wolfe, Fayth IR-I-!oughton) • I 68 Byrum, Dianne ID-Holt) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y y 820 80 26 Yokich, Tracey ID-St. Clair Shores) Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y y 730 70 i 48 Clack, Aoyd ID-Flintl Y n Y Y Y Y Y n Y y 730 70 4 Young, Joseph, Jr. ID-Detroit) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y y 820 80 I 45 Crissman, Penny IR-Rochester) • 3 Young, Joseph, Sr. ID-Detroit) Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y y 7 2 70 I 86 Cropsey, Alan IR-DeWitt) • 50 Zelenko, Paula IR-Burton) • 90 Dalman, Jessie IR-Holland) Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y N 8 2 0 80 I 33 DeBeaussaert. Ken ID-New Baltimore) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y y 9 o 90 State Court of Appeals I 72 Delange, Walter IR-Kentwood) Y Y Y ? ? ? ? n Y N 5 4 50 Martin Doctoroff (Birmingham) I 28 Dickinson, John ID-Warren) • Clifford Taylor (East lansing) I 67 Diehl, Polly IR-Dansville) • I 39 Dobb, Barbara IR-Commercel Y Y Y n Y Y Y n Y 7 2 70 9~ Dodak. lewis ID.Montrose) Y Y ? Y ? ? Y Y Y Y 6 3 60 Don't Forget to Vote 37 Dolan, Jan IR-Farmington Hillsi 71 Fitzgerald, Frank lA-Grand Ledge) Y Y Y Y Y y n y Y Y Y Y Y ? n Y ? N N 6 9 3 o 60 90 in the August 4 Primary! 102 Gernaat. John IR-McBain) n Y N 2 o 66 "Why Vote? My One Vote Won't Make Any Difference" 63 Gilmer. Don IR-Augusta) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y N 9 o 90 96 Ginster. Thomas IR-Saginaw) • In 1960, less than one vote per precinct elected John F. Kennedy instead of Richard M. Nixon. 31 Gire, Sharon ID-M •. Clemens) Y y Y y n Y Y y Y Y 8 2 o 80 78 Gnodtke, Carl lA-Sawyer) Y Y Y y Y Y Y n Y N 9 1 o 90 In 1941, one vote saved Selective Service -- just weeks 20 Goss, Georgina IR-Northville) n Y Y Y n Y ? 4 2 1 57 before Pearl Harbor was attacked. 64 Griffin, Michael ID-Jackson) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ? Y N 9 o 1 90 In 1923, one vote gave Adolph Hitler leadership of the 35 Gubow. David ID-Huntington Woods) Y Y Y Y n Y Y Y y y 8 2 o 80 Nazi Party. 85 Harder, Clark ID-Owosso) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y y 9 1 o 90 In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the United States. 43 Harrison, Charlie. Jr. ID-Pontiac) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n Y y 8 2 o 80 84 Heilig, Julia IR-Ubly) • In 1776, one vote gave America the English language 2 Hertel, Curtis ID-Detroit) Y Y Y y Y Y Y Y Y y 9 o 90 instead of the German language. Michigan Farm News •• July 15, 1992 Discussion Topic - "Biodiversity" Biodiversity is a nebulous term that means Discussion Questions: Larry Hamm Appointed MSU Ag Economics Department Chairperson Larry G. Hamm, whose areas of specialty his master's degree from the University of II different things to different people. Re- include analyzing the dairy industry, has Wisconsin-Madison and his doctoral de- cently passed state legislation defines it as been named chairperson of the Michigan gree from MSU, in agricultural economics. "the full range of variety and variability 1. Are members of your group fa- State University Department of Agricul- within and among living organisms and the miliar with how the term "biodivers- tural Economics, effective July 1, subject to He succeeds Lester Manderscheid, who has natural associations in which they occur. ity" is used by the media? approval by the MSU Board of Trustees. been chairperson since 1987 and will return Biological diversity includes ecosystem di- to teaching in July. versity, species diversity and genetic diver- 2. What impacts would a law to con- Hamm, who began his career with MSU as sity." serve biodiversity have on agricul- an adjunct instructor in agricultural eco- ture? nomics in 1981, served as an agricultural The Michigan Legislature addressed the economist for the U.S. Department of Ag- biodiversity issue this spring when Rep. 3. How do we balance the desire to riculture for nine years. Jerry Bartnick sponsored a bill calling for protect all species, plus maintain a the conservation of biological diversity in viable and productive agriculture? Hamm is recognized as a national expert on the state in order to avoid the loss of plant the dairy industry. He has briefed U.S.leg- and animal species. islators on dairy marketing and made nu- Tailored Building~~stems 4. What practices are utilized in ag- merous national presentations on the state The legislation, which passed the House riculture that defend the statement of the industry. He received the Distin- The Sign of guality and Senate, asks several state agencies to "farmers are the original environ- guished Group Extension Program Award Since 1967 identify questions, concerns and issues re- mentalists"? from the American Agricultural Economics " lated to biological diversity across a range of resource management practices and rec- 5. What role can farmers play in Association in 1987. ommend alternatives to current practices. A getting out the message that a bal- Hamm said he will continue some of his two-year legislative committee of three ance between conserving responsibilities as a dairy economist, but Quality In-House Design. Delivery &: Consuuction members each from the House and Senate biodiversity and productive agricul- that those duties will be reconfigured as his Post Frame &: Steel Construction would review reports from departments and ture can be achieved? departmental administrative duties in- 1-800-955-7005 devise a state strategy for conservation of crease. Hamm received his bachelor's de- biological diversity. gree from Pennsylvania State University, Michigan Farm Bureau was successful in adding several amendments to the legisla- tion to clarify that it is non-regulatory. The amendments also ensure that economic studies and sound science are included in any future state strategy to conserve biolog- ical diversity . FREE RX CATALOG • Other Farm Bureau amendments will en- sure that the study committee includes SAVE UP TO 50% someone from the House or Senate Agricul- ture Committee, and that the committee must also report on the costs, benefits and implications of the strategy on human hab- Michigan Farm Bureau's itat. The committee was also asked to con- sider the effects of conserving biological diversity on agriculture and forestry. Mail Service Pharmacy Program On the national level, the House Science OlTered by Feld Prescription Service 5023 Grover S1.Omaha Nebraska 68106 Committee last year approved a bill aimed at creating a comprehensive federal pro- Most Commonly Prescribed Prescription Medications gram to study and develop guidelines for preserving biological diversity. Call 1-800-228-3353 if you don't see yours. 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I~-----------------------------------~ Michigan Farm Bureau : Michigan Farm Bureau I "This challenge will force a shift in the attitude that one must decide between peo- I FREE HIC PEN I FREE CATALOG I ple and nature, and instead calls upon the I Return this coupon with any order and receive I Simply call Feld at 1-800-228-3353 and receive I entire landscape. Both lands and manage- I a Free Bic Pen compliments of Feld Prescription I your catalog detailing savings on over 5000 health I ment practices are key elements in meeting I Service. Call 1-800-228-3353 for instructions on I care items. Included will be a $3 coupon good on I the goal of a biologically diverse world that L I how to order. Offer expires June 30, 1992. I your first prescription order. ~I sustains human development." I " Michigan Farm News Machinery Purchase •• July 15, 1992 Kissane July Trends Considered Unsafe Volunteer of the Month An improving farm economy hasn't helped farm machinery sales. And that's Clinton County farmer Robert Kissane has bringing more hazardous working conditions to the nation's most dangerous been selected as the July Volunteer of the occupation. Month, based upon his involvement in a unique FFA funding project in cooperation with "Our aging farm equipment base has become a big concern from both the efficiency the Clinton County Farm Bureau's Young and safety standpoints," says Tom Bean, safety specialist at Ohio State University. Farmers. Kissane and his wife Marilyn operate a cash crop and hog operation near St. Johns. The bulk of the machinery used on the nation's farms was purchased in the 1970s They donated the use of their equipment, labor or earlier. Equipment sales grew rapidly during that period and peaked at $14 and time to plant a 15 acre plot of soybeans billion in 1979. and corn for the county's local FFA chapters, C!_ndwill take care of the harvest this fal/. However, during the farm financial depression of the 1980s, sales bottomed out at $6.1 billion in 1986. Tractor and other equipment sales were around $7.6 billion In some cases, it's a matter of adding safety In addition to Kissane's donated labor and last year, off slightly from 1990, and are expected to be in the $7.2 billion to $7.7 features. In others, it's improved mainte- equipment, the land and aI/ other needed in- billion range for 1992. nance. Bean suggests several areas where puts are donated by local agri-businesses, farmers should spend the time or money to leaving the FFA chapters with a 100 percent Despite an improving farm outlook and indications of a rebounding general save their lives: profit margin. Proceeds from the plot are used economy, economists report that farmers are being cautious about major purchases by the chapters to finance field trips and other as memories of the 1980s linger. ROPS. Roll-over-protective structures activities. The Kissanes are also active in local weren't standard on tractors until the mid 4-H activities and the county fair, in addition to An increasingly older farm equipment fleet is an accident waiting for a place to 1980s. But most older tractors can be fitted being active in the St. Joseph Church, local happen, Bean says. Using older equipment can be safe, but it takes more time and with some type of protective roll bar and township and county activities, and serving as precaution~ to avoid injuries. accompanying seat belts. members of-various county Farm Bureau com- mittees and the board of directors. "Ideally, you'd like to see farmers have lots of new equipment with the latest safety Many farmers can't see spending several devices,'" Bean says. "But that's just not feasible financially. So we have to hundred dollars on these protective devices, .encourage th~m to take greater precautions with the equipment they have." Bean says. But tractor deaths account for 40 percent of all farm accidents and 52 percent of fatalities. Shields. Older equipment may not have as many protective shields on moving parts or the original shields may be long gone. Bean recommends auditing the moving parts on all machinery, replacing missing shields and Why not the adding protective devices where there's a danger of moving parts catching clothing or body parts. bestinsuranee Brakes. Tractors, combines and other self- for your farm? propelled equipment are more likely to have worn brakes. A regular check and mainte- nance schedule will prevent a "run-away." Safety shutoffs. Newer equipment has auto- When you work hard to run a quality farm matic "kill" switches that shut it down when operation, don't cut corners where it really the farmer leaves the cab or releases pressure counts - on your insurance. on the operating lever. For equipment with- out "kill" switches, farmers should take extra Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of care to turn off the machine before working on it. Michigan introduced the first Farmowners policy in the nation in 1960. We were the first The Chicago-based National Safety Council and we're still the best. estimated 1,300 deaths and 120,000 dis- abling injuries from farm accidents in 1990. We offer customized protection, fast claims The 1991 numbers aren't available yet, but service, and people who know the insurance are expected to be slightly higher. needs of Michigan farmers. With Farm Bureau Mutual, you know you're getting top quality protection from Michigan's largest Dry Beans May Be farm insurer. Headed for Tough Year You may find better ways to run your farm, With record yields last year, Michigan's dry but you won't find a better way to insure it. bean crop seemed headed in the same direc- Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent tion earlier this spring, but with cold, wet c.onditions persisting across the bean produc- today. tIOn area, Greg Varner, director of research for Michigan's Dry Edible Bean Production Making your future more predictable. Research Advisory Board, says that beans may be in for some tough times. __ • FARM BfJREAIJ ~i~!!.1t; 'AIM -...u ..n\IAl INSVRANCE • FAIM IlJlf.W lIR • FARM IlJlf.W GURAl • FI AHIIUIn "Cold, wet weather causes root rot in dry beans, and because beans aren't growing very fast, other problems can also develop such as diseases and chemical damage," he said. Varner also mentioned that insects were a problem even before the storms late June, and he expects these pests to be with us throughout the season . .'. "Just because the weather took a turn for the worse doesn't mean the bugs will go away. Growers will still have to keep watch of their fields to make sure they treat when insects appear," said Varner. With these problems, Varner says it will take an excellent summer to bring beans along to reach last year's yield levels. "Timely rains, a clear fall and moderate temperatures during blossom will be necessary for beans to per- form. w~ll this season," Varner said. Reports also mdlcate that the same problems exist in the Canadian and North Dakota production "7 areas.