Michigan Farm News 111=1 August 15, 1992 Vol. 69, No. 13 New Agriculture Budget Nets $30,000 for State FFA Program Gov. John Engler's recent approval of extensive crop survey program, agriculture turers and wholesalers. This, several agriculture-related appropriations education and training, and support for combined with MDA's annual ,. measures will "plant the seeds for the Michigan's food banks. Michigan Harvest Gathering pro- growth of Michigan's agriculture industry gram benefitting the food banks, well into the next century" according to - The 1993 budget provides for aggressive makes MDA one of the state's Michigan Agriculture Department Direc- protection of Michigan's safe and abun- leading public sector agencies tor Bill Schuette. dant food supply by making food safety providing support for the needy. and quality the number one priority of The governor signed the Michigan Depart- MDA. The FY 1993 capital outlay bud- ment of Agriculture (MDA) fiscal year get launches the $64 million 1993 appropriations bill, enrolled House -The budget contains $120,000 for a much Michigan Livestock Industry Ini- Bill 5517, and the state's fiscal year capital needed three-year rotational fruit tree, veg- tiative with $500,000 for the ar- outlay bill, enrolled House Bill 4580, both etable and nursery stock survey which in- chitectural planning of renova- of which contain good news for Michigan's cludes Christmas trees and ornamental tions and new construction at the farmers. The 1993 fiscal year begins Oct. plants. The survey data will help producers nation's premier land-grant insti- 1, 1992. and growers make better management de- tution, Michigan State Univer- cisions, based on objective, and accurate sity. "This budget maintains our commitment to information. Michigan's safe and abundant food sup- The project, which will expand ply," said Schuette. "It also supports our -$30,000 will provide leadership training the university's research, teach- .. efforts to improve environmental steward- ship and build new programs for economic growth." and education through FF A. -The rural tradition of "neighbor helping ing and Extension efforts, is ex- pected to boost the state's farm- ing industry, creating businesses Above, Gov. John Engler announces (during Ag Expo's VIP Breakfast) a $500, 000 allocation in the neighbor" will continue with $500,000 for and jobs for Michigan citizens. 1993 budget to initiate architectural design of fa- Schuette said MDA's $27 million General Michigan's food banks to directly purchase cilities included in the $64. million Livestock Indus- Fund budget also provides funding for an foods from Michigan's growers, manufac- try Initiative at MSU. Michigan Environmental Risk Analysis Results Announced Michigan's environmental agenda is "Everyone involved - scientists, agency tion commissions to take the recommenda- ferent than those identified by the RRAP, closer to being established with the an- representatives, and concerned citizens - tions back to their respective departments there will likely be a compromise and nounced results of the "Relative Risk Anal- were in consensus on how these risks for further development and public hear- blending of priorities," said MFB Legisla- ysis Project" (RRAP), completing a 10- should be ranked," said Engler. "As we ings and offer plans to implement the re- tive Counsel Vicki Pontz. month effort of an agency, a scientific, and move forward in an era of limited state sulting strategies. That may be easier said a concerned citizens committee to identify financial resources, it's imperative that we than done, since a recent Roper survey of "Farmers should take advantage of these future Michigan environmental issues. make reasoned decisions based on fact. the general public about what they per- opportunities for input because this state's q'he Relative Risk Analysis Project will ceived as emerging environmental issues environmental policies could very well be "All too often in the past, environmental help make sure we're getting the best value were quite different than the findings of the driven by this report," she said. priorities have been set by the 'fad of the for our environmental dollar." RRAP. month,' or because 'we've always done it See "Relative Risk Analysis" that way'," Engler said during a special Engler asked the Natural Resource, the Ag- "Given the fact that the public's perceived continued on page 11 joint commission meeting to announce the riculture, Public Service and Transporta- environmental risks are considerably dif- results. "This fresh, scientifically-based, look at the environmental issues facing Michigan should provide a firm foundation for deciding how we guarantee a clean and Michigan's Crop Outlook - Cautiously Optimistic healthy Michigan today and tomorrow." Michigan has experienced a summer of record cool temperatures and perhaps the The study, funded by the Environmental wettest July in recent memory. Crops that Protection Agency and administered by the had starved for rain seemed to be reaching Michigan Department of Natural Re- for the sky with the first downpour. How- sources, identified 24 priority environmen- ever, with as much as seven inches of rain- tal issues after a consensus building pro- fall in four weeks, crops are showing signs cess by the three committees, said Engler. of stress from too much water. What this means to Michigan's final crop outlook is as varied as the weather itself has been this growing season. Michigan Farm News contacted a number of individuals on August 3 for their crop outlooks. (Bear in mind that we're in Michigan. We may be in the midst of a record-breaking heat wave by the time you read this!) Robert Young, Executive Vice Presi- dent, Great Lakes Sugar Beet Growers Association "If we'd had warmer temperatures, the beet crop would be further ahead than what it is. We're hopeful that we won't have an early frost and that we'll get some warmer weather. We've got plenty of moisture right now, so we don't have to worry about A partly cloudy summer sunset and this field of golden wheat combine for a that. It's hard to guess what tonnage is. We picturesque setting in late July. Michigan's overall wheat yield was reported as good, usually take tests in early September or late despite delayed harvest due to rain and the resulting sprout and high moisture August. But different ones are saying 18 to problems, especially in southern portions of Michigan. 19 ton. We'll probably come in with an average of about 18-1/2 ton, which is See "Michigan's Crop Outlook" continued on page 4. Capitol Corner - Michigan Farm Weather - Farm Business Outlook - I • Michigan Farm News August 15,1992 Q In Brief. Russia's Grain Harvest Not Up to Par The earlier predictions of a much improved grain harvest in Russia seem to have gone into FB Opposing Diesel Tax Bill a tailspin, according to a recent story in the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. House is expected to take up H.R. 5649, which would require collection of diesel The Russians lowered their estimate of the fall harvest, twice in one week, bringing it down tax at the refinery level and color additives to non-tax fuel. The legislation is designed to to around 96 million metric tons, a little less than last year's crop of 97.1 million. prevent fraud in diesel sales and tax collection, but the outcome could spell trouble for agriculture. It would require collection of diesel fuel excise tax at the terminal level unless Previously, Russian President Boris Yeltsin was forecasting a crop of 110 million tons. indelible dyes are added to the fuel at the terminal rack. Farmers, whose use of diesel in Russian farmers, seeing the prospects of a crop shortened by drought and fuel shortages, farm machinery is exempt from the excise tax, would then have to pay the tax and go are now reluctant to sell grain to the state at the stipulated price of 8000 rubles ($59) per through a refund application process to recover their tax payments. metric ton, the Journal said. Farm Bureau opposes the legislation for several reasons, such as farmers being forced to In recent years, Russia has imported about 18 million tons of grain at a price of around erect separate storage facilities to handle dyed diesel fuel. Also, they would be required to $100 per ton. The country has about used up its credit guarantees and lacks trading pay a disproportionate share of the burden of enforcement costs, and pay higher costs to efficiency, storage and transportation to do much better at filling its own needs, according cover dealer expenses for the needless extra handling charges. to the Journal. Farm Bureau has sent a letter to all members of the House urging them to vote no. The bill Early Frost a Potential Crop Danger is on the suspension calendar, which means that a two-thirds vote is necessary to pass the bill in the House. With the drought apparently broken in the Midwest, corn and soybean farmers now have something else to worry about, an early frost, according to Norton Strommen, chief Soy Diesel on the Way Around the World meteorologist of the Washington-based World Agricultural Outlook Board. A 24-foot boat, powered by fuel made from soybeans, is on a two-year trip around the Strommen bases his forecast of a first Midwest freeze sometime in September on a June world to promote the use of soybean-based diesel fuel, which has about the same perfor- 21-22 freeze and the effects of last year's eruption of the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the mance capabilities as petroleum-based diesel fuel, according to a story in the Illinois Philippines, according to a Knight-Ridder News report. Soybean Farmer, a publication of the Land of Lincoln Soybean Association. Speaking to the U.S. Feed Grains Council annual meeting in Denver, Strommen said freeze The voyage is a project funded, in part, by the Illinois soybean checkoff. The journey began forecasts must be based on climatology, not current weather patterns, making it a risky call in San Francisco, July 4, after press previews in Chicago, St. Louis and Peoria. City buses this early in the season. Despite early and mid-season freezes, prospects for Corn Belt crops and airport maintenance vehicles in the St. Louis area already are using soy diesel in tests in 1992 have improved, Strommen said. Some analysts see delayed crop development due funded, in part, by the Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board. to cooler than normal summer temperatures as a warning sign that an early frost could interrupt crop development before maturity. Soy diesel is a bio-diesel fuel, meaning it is developed from a non-petroleum source. One of its benefits is that it is a home-grown, renewable source. Bio-diesels are popular in Europe with tax exemptions in many countries. Its use is mandatory in some water Jordan Tatter Going to Resource Commission recreation areas to stop fuel pollution, according to the article. Gov. John Engler has announced the appointment of current ag commission member Jordan Tatter to the Natural Resource Commission to replace outgoing member Gordon Guyer, EPA's Decision on Fuel Program who left to assume the presidency of Michigan State University. "Jordan Tatter has both in Clean Air Act Not Seen Until December impressive hands-on experience and knowledge of natural resources and agricultural issues," explained Engler. "He will be an effective advocate for change at the DNR to The Environmental Protection Agency probably will not announce a final decision until protect our environment." December on a rule that could determine the fate of ethanol within the Clean Air Act, according to Knight RidderNews. Jordan Tatter, of Watervliet, is director, president and chief executive officer of Southern Michigan Cold Storage Company in Benton Harbor. He was appointed by Gov. Engler in William Rosenberg, EPA assistant administrator, while speaking at a biofuel conference 1991 to serve on the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. Tatter serves as vice chairman at the Midwest Research Institute, said there needs to be more consistent research data of the Michigan State University Foundation and as vice president of the Southwestern before a final ruling can be achieved on the reformulated fuel program in the Clean Air Michigan Growers Association. He Serves on the board of directors of First of America Act. Ethanol is a corn-based fuel additive. The EPA has proposed regulations that could Bank, the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan and the MSU College of Agriculture severely limit the use of ethanol-blended fuels. Although ethanol reduces carbon monoxide and Natural Resources Alumni Association. emissions, it also makes gasoline evaporate quicker which, EPA says, releases volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. Tatter earned a bachelor of science degree in 1958 and a master of science degree in 1960 in Entomology from Michigan State University. He completed extensive post graduate Under the Clean Air Act, U.S. gasoline in nine-major cities must contain 15 percent less work in the fields of horticulture, entomology, and botany and plant pathology. ozone-causing compounds by 1995. Supporters of the ethanol industry, such as the National Corn Growers Association and Farm Bureau, say that the EPA's proposed rules for Tough Times for Farm Equipment Manufacturers implementing the new clean fuel program would severely limit ethanol's role in the Clean Air Act and reduce its demand. Deere and Co. plans to reduce its production of large tractors and combines by 9 percent this year. In remarks to the Wall Street Journal, Emmett Barker of the Equipment Rosenberg said he recognized the economic importance of alternative fuels in agricultural Manufacturers Institute, reports sales of combines have fallen 49 percent in the first half as well as petroleum industries. He was quick to point out that government and industry of 1992, while sales of 100-plus horsepower tractors have fallen 31 percent in the first half. groups last August signed an agreement to support EPA's proposal. However, some of Barker and others claim the poor sales are not so much the result of a faltering economy, those participants now are having second thoughts, he said, apparently referring to the but instead the result of cautious buying by the nation's farmers. It appears some of the NCGA and other groups that support an expanded role for ethanol. money that would otherwise be spent buying tractors and combines is being spent on no-till equipment needed to meet the 1995 conservation compliance requirements. Chippewa Farmers Welcome Tourists to the U.P.! "Farmers - Professionals From the Ground Up" welcomed tourists to Sault Ste. USDA Team to Help Plan Soviet Farm Model Marie and the Soo Locks for a week during June. The sign, located on the Ashmun Rob Nooter, an assistant director of national affairs for the American Farm Bureau Street bridge in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, was sponsored by the Chippewa Federation, is a member of the USDA team of agricultural experts helping coordinate and County Farm Bureau in honor of June Dairy month and Eastern Upper Peninsula develop a plan for a model farming community in the former Soviet Union.The community farmers in general. is envisioned as an integrated group of private farms operated by Russians with advice and technical assistance from experienced farmers from the United States. The USDA team, which also includes Extension Service personnel, a soil scientist, an agricultural engineer and a USDA attorney, will select Russian citizens to participate in 5AULLSIiJARI| the private farming community and coordinate the involvement of Russian government entities that will participate in the project. The project is designed to encourage private E.U.P. FARMERS ownership and private enterprise in the newly independent republics of the former Soviet PROFESSIONAL FROM THE Union. GROUMD UP CHIPPEWA FARM BUREAU The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN ) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, December June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by M.chigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Sag.naw Highway, Lansing, Ml 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is pending at Lansing Ml and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Ed.tor Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Ml 48909-8460. POSTMASTER- Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Ml 48909-8460. W l b e ^ H e ^ HuisS 3 1 ' * * " " * ^ ^ ^ Mana96r ^ Con,ribu,ors: Mite Rogers; Connie Turbin; Donna S S I P ! T n . l l n , ? f o f"™t™:Cer'Tom P a r k e r Secr - etary, William S. Wilkinson. Doctors: District 1, G u T ! n S T £ £ £ ? u ? ? e , V a , 2 S i c k l e ' M a r s h a » ; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom 1 S C h a r , t t e ; DiS,nCt 6 W a n e W o o d Mar| S L ^ S I S S S ? Q n ' ° ' y ' e«e District 7. Larry Snider, Hart; B anch n " S r i 1 R o n " ^ 7 1 2 ' T * * J ° S h U a W u n S C h ' T r a v e r s e C ^ District 10. Margaret Kartes, West D U 9 a S Dar n Adam Snover Jan Z T ^ n T ' ^ T ^ ^ ° ' " 9' M a ^ Jack ^ Cass C ^ ^ Gonyea Spruce Z«^on. Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers, Steven Michigan Farm News ITOL o -. August 15, 1992 o :D Z m :D Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act US-23 Highway Bypass Early this year, the House Agriculture Committee ap- Northeast Michigan's US-23 Highway north of Bay City MFB Position MFB Position proved H.R. 2407 with strong provisions imposing federal has for many years been recognized as needing improve- Opposes the Judiciary Farm Bureau supports the penalties for criminal acts involving damage to facilities ment. The present highway alignment is not able to safely Committee substitute and Southern Bypass alterna- housing animals, such as farms and research laboratories. accommodate the large numbers of vehicles which travel it. supports the Agriculture tive which connects l..JS- Committee version. Farm The bill was then referred to the House Judiciary Commit- 23 from 1-75, south of The Michigan Department of Transportation (MOOT) has Bureau will support ef- tee, which has jurisdiction over legislation with criminal Standish to the M-65/US- been completing research to establish the best improvement forts to win House ap- penalty provisions. 23 junction, near AuGres. approach. MOOT is considering three alternatives: proval of the Agriculture The Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 2407 after several I) Southern bypass south of Standish connecting at M-65 ~ommittee version. damaging amendments were added~ The Judiciary Commit- MFBContact near AuGres; tee limits application of the bill only to commercial enter- Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 2) Short bypass around the city of Standish; prises as compared to the Agriculture Committee version 3) Widening of the present US-23 corridor through Stan- ,\,hichfQvers attacks on any aniillal enterprise including dish. farms:rooeos,Jairs,4-H andFFAevents. The Judiciary The department is completing a management evaluation of Comtp~ttee alsolhni~ the bilLonly to those incidents the project alternatives and is expected to announce its se- whe~~(:ICllIlagetoal1imal facilities exceeds $25,000 or lection by the first of September. Improved highway access mq~?~~~i~dama~~Jhreshold would allow devastating is critical to Northeast Michigan's economic future and has cri~.g~.tg9c;:cuLa~ainst animal facilities without triggering been supported by Governor Engler . ...feder~ld ~risdic..tion; Medical Malpractice Farm Bureau continues to support both S.B. 249 and H.B. MFB Position 5435, which would reform the medical malpractice laws in Farm Bureau supported Sens.lnouye(D-Hawaii) and Lugar (R-Indiana) are spon- Michigan. S.B. 249 was introduced in the Senate on April MFBPositiori both bills and encouraged sori.pg S.B. 2980, which would improve the chances that 10, 1991, and passed the Senate Nov. 6, 1991, before being their adoption. Mic~igap ~Wlll Bl1r~au. safept:;sticideswillbeavailable.for fruits, vegetables, nur- sent to the House Judiciary Committee. H.B. 5435 was in- .strongly supports S~2980 sery stock and other so-called specialty or minor crops. It troduced in the House on Jan. 8, 1992, and also was sent to and haS asked SeIlS. Don MFBContacf is very important to a large number of Michigan farmers. the House Judiciary Committee. Riegle and CarL Levin to Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 cosponsor S. 2980, but l..Jnderthe current Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Ro- Unfortunately, the House Judiciary Committee never con- neither has joined as a co- denticide Act (FIFRA), manufacturers of pesticides must sidered either bill. A large coalition of organizations joined sponsoL submit-comprehensive data to EPA to register or reregister in support of these bills and pushed for the bills to be de- pesticides. This does not pose a major problem for the man- bated by all members of the House. ..MFB Contact ufacturers of-pesticides used on major crops such as corn, On June 9, 1992, a representative group from the coalition, Al Almy, Ext. 2040 because the volume of such pesticides is large enough to re- including Farm Bureau, met with the Speaker of the House cove121helarge cost of supplying the data to EPA. - in an attempt to persuade him to allow the reform bill to be However, this is not the case for many fruits and vegeta- put on the House floor for a vote. The Speaker did not bles which are considered "minor crops," because the total agree to the proposal, but did authorize Rep. Gubow to acreage grown is not large. Pesticide manufacturers are re- chair a committee to negotiate with the Michigan State Bar luctant to pay the large cost of registering or reregistering Association and the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association. minor crop pesticides, because the volume sold to produc- Unfortunately, they both remain opposed to medical mal- ers will not be adequate to recover the cost. Therefore, practice or tort reform in Michigan. these important pesticides become unavailable to produc- The legislators and representatives of the coalition negoti- ers of the minor crops. ated for over 60 hours with the Trial Lawyers without S. 2980 would streamline the registration process for agreeing to a package. The coalition had agreed not to push minor crop pesticides and thus reduce the cost to manufac- for a discharge vote to report the bill out for consideration turers while still maintaining the safety of the pesticides. by all members of the House while the negotiations were in The result will be that manufacturers will be more likely to progress. undertake registration or reregistration of minor crop pesti- On June 30, the bills were scheduled for a hearing by the cides and producers of these commodities will be able to Judiciary Committee, but the meeting never took place. continue producing the commodities. This was the first time the bill had been scheduled to be considered since it passed the Senate in November of 1991. A vote was then taken on the floor to discharge the bill Fire Blight Reimbursement Amendment from committee, but it failed on a 51 to 52 vote. The bill MFB Position During consideration of legislation to provide aid to Rus- had bipartisan support before the negotiations commenced, Supports the fire blight sia, Sen. Riegle offered an amendment to reimburse fruit with several Democrats in support of a discharge. Leader- amendment approved by farmers for replacing trees destroyed by fire blight. Fruit ship, however, indicated this issue needed more time for the Senate growers affected by fire blight, a bacteria that attacks fruit study. . trees such as apple and pear, would be eligible for reimbur- This was one of the most coordinated and strong efforts to MFBContact sement. . get a bill that would lower health care costs in recent years. Al Almy, Ext. 2040 The amendment was approved by the Senate as was the Its failure seriously dims the prospects of passing any kind Russian aid bill. A Russian aid bill is currently pending in of health care reform or other health reforms proposed by the House. Farm Bureau members in their current policy positions. Ef- forts will continue. Wetlands Delineation Manual Revisions Revisions proposed in the Federal Wetlands Delineation Manual last year would provide The report says personal knowledge or detailed water level records would be required to meaningful, reasonable and common sense regulation of wetlands by federal agencies. The determine an area's status. The report concludes that not only is this type of information revisions are strongly supported by Farm Bureau and members throughout the nation unavailable or extremely expensive, but in year-to-year fluctuations, such observations are submitted thousands of supportive comments to EPA. of limited utility, even when available. However. environmental groups and state agencies responsible for regulating wetlands This discussion obviously indicates the sponsors of the report believe areas that are dry strongly oppose the proposed revisions. An example of such opposition to common sense more often than wet should be regulated as wetlands. Their view that 21 days of saturation regulation of wetlands is found in a recent report entitled, "How Wet Is a Wetland? rhe at soil surface level or 15 days of standing water cannot be measured is equally interesting. Impacts of the Proposed Revisions to the Federal Wetlands Delineation Manual. " The If so. how can they accept the Army Corps of Engineers designating an area as a wetland report is the result of a joint effort by the Environmental Defense Fund and the World if the soil is saturated for only seven consecutive days at a depth 18 inches below the soil Wildlife Fund. surface? If the Corps can determine such saturation, it should be no less difficult to determine if the 21 day saturation or 15 day standing water criteria have been met. An interesting example of the direction the report takes toward wetlands protection is found in discussion about the definition of a wetland. The report states the proposed wetland The report concludes by calling for an independent advisory panel, such as the National definition of 21 consecutive days of saturation at soil surface level or 15 consecutive days Academy of Sciences, to provide a comprehensive basis for delineating wetlands. of standing water, both during the growing season, have no biological significance. MFB Position: Farm Bureau continues to strongly support the wetlands definition in the proposed Michigan Farm Bureau Federal Wetlands Delineation Manual. (517) 323-7000 MFB Contact Al Almy, Ext. 2040 Michigan Farm News rs August 15,1992 Abnormally cool weather continued during July, with new record low monthly temper- atures set at several stations in Michigan Michigan Weather Summary and across the northern Great Plains and 7/1/92 Temperature Growing Deg ree Days Precipitation New England. The cool temperatures to 7/31/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Actual Normal greatly slowed growth and development of Mean Normal Accum. Accum. (inch.) (inch) most summer crops, with seasonal growing Alpena 61.8 -5.1 938 1236 3.36 3.18 degree day total snow lagging from 1-2 Bad Axe 64.3 -5.7 1132 1513 5.66 2.92 weeks behind normal in most locations. Detroit 69.0 -3.0 1505 1647 5.90 3.11 Accompanying the cool temperatures in Escanaba 61.7 -5.1 761 944 4.03 3.19 southern Lower Michigan were exces- Flint 67.5 -3.0 1402 1647 9.34 3.11 sively heavy rains, which exceeded six Grand Rapids 67.8 -3.8 1416 1686 8.84 3.09 inches in many locations and over 10 Houghton 59.9 -5.1 867 1133 3.53 3.42 inches in a few spots. In northern sections Houghton Lake 63.4 -4.1 1089 1236 2.86 3.18 of the state, heavy rains early in the month Jackson 67.7 -5.2 1392 1660 6.08 3.22 helped reduce the effects of two or more Lansing 66.9 -3.9 1345 1660 6.48 3.22 months of persistent dryness, although dry- Marquette 59.0 -5.8 828 1133 4.86 3.42 ness and moisture shortages returned by the Muskegon 66.5 -3.7 1227 1436 2.68 2.54 end of the month. Pellston 61.2 -4.6 995 1282 2.12 2.99 Saginaw 66.5 -5.1 1338 1513 5.08 2.92 The cause of the abnormal weather so far Sault Ste. Marie 58.0 -5.8 717 944 4.90 3.19 this summer? A Jetstream pattern running South Bend 70.2 -1.7 1594 1686 5.19 3.09 much too far south for this time of year is Traverse City 64.0 -5.7 1157 1282 1.84 2.99 the primary factor (the pattern over the last Vestaburg 65.5 -6.0 1266 1503 5.93 2.97 few weeks has been much more typical of September or October than July). A dip in Observed and normal growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1. the Jetstream over the Great Lakes and New Normals are based on district averages. , „ . . . ., . . . . .,<«., England led to the frequent intrusions of Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU cool Canadian air and periods of showers both call for cooler and wetter than normal conditions to continue in the Lower Peninsula, and thunderstorms. with cooler than normal temperatures and near normal precipitation in the Upper Peninsula. Whether or not the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo While some summer crops, such as peppers and tomatoes, may never reach maturity given in the Philippines is a factor in this shift of this scenario (especially in northern sections of the state), statistical studies of past growing the Jetstream is not clear. Past studies of seasons show that for crops such as corn and soybeans, abundant precipitation (and not volcanic eruptions and subsequent impacts temperatures of one category or another) is the key to high yields. It thus appears one of Michigan and Major Commodity Area on climate have revealed only a weak cor- the most important unknown factors in determining yields this season will be the date of Extended Weather Outlook relation between the two. first frost/freeze. T-Temp. 8/15 8/31 8/15 10/30 P-Precip. T P T P Possibly more importantly, we must also Michigan B A B. ....A remember that many of the last several Michigan's Crop Outlook ...continued from page 1 W. Corn Belt B N B. N/A summers have averaged warmer than nor- E. Corn Belt B N/A B/N. ....A certainly much better than last year. The tentially for a corn crop. There's a little Wint. Wheat Belt N N B. N/A mal, and that climatological statistics have a way of "evening out" sooner or later beets are long, the roots extended them- frost concern because many of those states Spr. Wheat Belt N B B. ....N ....B (along the same line, remember also that selves earlier in the season, but we need are a little behind, too." Pac.NW Wheat A B A. Delta N N/A B. ....N the colder than normal winter was back in warmer temperatures. I think that goes for Southeast N N/A B/N. ....N 1985-1986!). most any crop." Philip Malefyt, Senior Grain Merchan- San Joaquin N B A. diser, Michigan Ag Commodities The outlook for Michigan calls mostly for Ben Kudwa, Executive Director, Michi- "The corn crop is real late and there's no A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- gan Potato Industry Commission mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- more of the same type of weather. Specif- sign of it speeding up -we continue to lose No Precip. Source: National Weather Office ically, the National Weather Service 30- "Potato acres for 1992 are down signifi- ground on it. It looks good, but there's a and 90-day extended outlooks for August cantly for 1991. In fact, they're down real question in a lot of people's minds as and the period August through October 71,000 acres nationally. Unfortunately, to whether it makes corn or not. Unfortu- that hasn't resulted in increased prices right nately, it really doesn't matter to the price now for growers. of corn what happens to Michigan's crops. Farther south of us, it tends to be warmer "We started harvesting our summer crop and they tend to always have enough grow- and we were in the market the same time as ing degree days. some of the Eastern states, so our summer market prices have really taken a nose-dive "The market believes that the corn crop is recently. We expect that the fewer acres are huge. They just don't know how big and going to translate to higher prices, but that the demand is not particularly good, so probably won't occur until later in the sea- everybody is quite bearish. The corn's in a son. big downtrend and they're selling it off SEE THE DIFFERENCE ON WHEAT "Michigan is having a good crop. We're hard at the moment. pleased with what we see, in spite of the "Wheat crop yields were real good across INCREASE WHEAT YIELDS - ^ cold weather. Potatoes, being a cool the state. Sprout damage was not as big a weather crop, are responding very well problem as people had been afraid of. A lot v Now is the time to treat wheat even though it's been one of the coolest of the wheat came off in reasonably good growing seasons on record. We started late with ACA to gain your advantage. in almost every area; putting in the crop shape. Price wise on the wheat, we are ACA can be impregnated on your again into a price war with the Europeans maybe two weeks to three weeks later than as to who gets what little export business fall starter fertilizer or topdressed in we normally would be. there is and it's a real battle between us and the spring to boost your yields. Europeans as to who cuts their prices the "We always have the threat of an early frost most, the fastest. If corn's as big a crop as which would hurt potatoes. There's no everybody would lead us to believe and it's MICHIGAN 1991 YIELDS question about it. But, that's the kind of a $1.80 or $1.90 a bushel commodity, thing you really can't predict. wheat's not going to stay at $3.30." ACA-treated wheat had an average increase of 4.68 bu/acre with the "It looks like Idaho is very dry and the dry Jerry Forsyth, Area Manager, Grand weather that they had out there this past highest yield increase at 7.82 bu/acre. winter has caused a decrease in snowpack, Ledge Agri-Saies Elevator "We've only had two loads thus far during resulting in less accumulated water in some harvest come in right out of the field under of those big watersheds. As a result, they're SEE THE BENEFITS OF ACA having some trouble allotting enough 15 percent. Limited drying capacity for 20 percent moisture on wheat is showing up as Better root systems water to finish out this crop." a problem at mills. They're not used to that Healthier Plants kind of moisture at receiving time. Yields Keith Reinholt, Executive Director, are good to excellent as a whole. The ma- Easier Harvesting Michigan Soybean Committee jority of the sprout problem to date has "There are areas that seem to have been hit been in wheat that was matured and ripe Increased Profits harder by standing water and late planting. ahead of the last 10 days of rainfall. There are other areas that seem to have a Increased Yields nice stand. Maturity is far behind through- "It appears that the wheat crop south of Proven Performance out the state by anywhere from a week to where the cold front has been the last 30 two weeks because of less accumulated heat units. There's still, I think quite days was more severely damaged, although To see the difference BE A WINNER WITH ACA. frankly, a possibility of an average to above that predominantly was red wheat. To see red wheat at 5, 6, or 7 percent damage and apply ACA with average soybean crop in Michigan. There is some concern, however, among the soy- moldy is not normal. Temperatures south R anhydrous, liquid CALL of the cold front were in the high 70's, low 28% N. Liquid Starter, bean industry with an early frost. 80's, while we were in the high 60's to low impregnated on i*"~ 1-800-292-2701 "Most Corn Belt states are saying that they 70's and that saved the central Michigan dry or sprayed. wheat quality to this point by slowing down OR YOUR NEAREST DEALER think they've got potential for perhaps a its maturity and making it less susceptible little better soybean crop than they do po- to sprout." Michigan Farm News August 15,1992 MFB and Easter Seals Launch FaRM Fund Drive liach year in Michigan, 350 farmers on average expe- witnesses what can be done by another farmer with The FaRM program rience disabling injuries. A majority of people who similar problems, the road to independence seems is designed to help experience those injuries want to continue farming, but much easier," she said. accident victims lack of adequate rehabilitation services and limited such as Dale Wood. financial resources can often stand in their way. The Iowa program has helped a total of 274 farmers. Dale, pictured with In Michigan, it's expected that FaRM will assist 120 his wife Danelle, MFB and the National Easter Seal Society have farm families in the first full year of operation. An and mother and fa- launched a fundraising campaign for the Family Farm established FaRM program would include a coordina- ther Dorothy and Rehabilitation of Michigan (FaRM) program to meet tor who would travel throughout the state to work Oliver, is a 27 year that need. FaRM is modeled after an extremely suc- directly with farmers to help them become more inde- old cash crop and cessful rural rehabilitation program in Iowa, in opera- pendent. dairy farmer in part- tion since 1986, according to MFB Promotion and nership with his fa- Education Department Manager Julie Chamberlain. The Michigan Easter Seal Society has estimated that ther. He was injured $30,000 of seed money will be needed to launch the in a truck accident "FaRM is designed to help farmers with disabilities program in Michigan. Michigan Farm Bureau has ini- six years ago leav- return to a full life of farming, and family life," ex- tiated a fund raising program among employees with a ing him a quadriple- plained Chamberlain. "The FaRM program, once fully challenge to raise $15,000 of the needed $30,000. gic. Dale is still ac- funded, will allow farm accident victims to receive Since April of this year, fundraising activities from the tively involved in the health care services, vocational counseling, with em- MFB Family of Companies staff have raised an esti- farm operation, phasis on family involvement and the practical use of mated $9,000. doing fieldwork in a low-cost assistive devices, home and agricultural specially equipped worksite modifications, and follow-up referral ser- County Farm Bureaus have been challenged with rais- tractor. He is also vices." ing the additional $15,000 needed with the entire responsible for the fundraising effort culminating during the Easter Seal farm's record keep- The aspect of a peer support group and the referral Telethon in March of 1993. Individual members can ing and also serves services can often make or break the success of a contact either their county Farm Bureau office for as the property tax rehabilitation program for an accident victim, said more information and/or to make a donation to the assessor for the city Chamberlain. "It often comes right down to farmers FaRM program, or contact Julie Chamberlain at 1 -800- ofMarlette. helping farmers, and once a handicapped farmer 292-2680. ext. 3213. Your Farm Can't Afford To Be Without It! MACMA SALE MICHIGAN FARM COUPONS^ $2.00 MFRN, RADIO NETWORK OFF Successful farmers know they can't afford to miss market news that can make or break their operation. That's why you'll hear 11 Michigan Farm Radio Network on radios in more farm vehicles, a kitchens, and barns of Michigan's most successful farmers. Since 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. Through local stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analy- sis, weather and news to Farm Bureau families daily including: D Chicago Board of Trade Analysis and Prices D Michigan Cash Grain Analysis D Grain Market News Io • 11 Major Market and Michigan Cash Livestock Reports 5 CO csi 5 D Chicago Mercantile Exchange Analysis and Prices D • Livestock Market News Michigan Ag Weather Forecasts ° as a p T 8. .TO o> E I § • Daily Market Reports for Potatoes, Fruit, Dry Beans CD 00 • State, Regional and National Agricultural News & TO U4 ^> 1 a.i • Weekly and Daily Dairy Market Reports oo m D Farm Classified 3 § 5 Michigan Farm Radio Network 29 Michigan Radio Stations provide their local listeners with the latest in market analysis and news. 8 Check with your local station for program times. City Freq. Morning Noon Station City Freq. Morning Noon Station. 12:15 pm 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm WJIM . Lansing 1250 5:05 am WABJ Adrian Lapeer 1530 12:15pm 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm WWGZ WATZ Alpena 6:15 am 12:05 pm Newberry 92.5 12:15pm 1050 WNBY WPZA Ann Arbor 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm WLEW Bad Axe 12:30 pm WOAP Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm 1060 WHFB Benton Harbor 1360 6:15 am 12:45 pm WHAK St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm 1590 5:45 am WSJ . St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm WKYO Caro 12:15pm 1440 6:15 am 12:15 pm WMLM Saginaw 790 5:55 am WTVB Coldwater Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12.45 pm 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm WSGW WDOW Dowagiac 5:45 am 12:15 pm Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm 1370/92.1 WMIC . WACY Fenton 1380 6:15 am 12:45 pm South Haven 940 12:15 pm WGHN 12:30 pm WKZC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm Grand Haven 1220 6:15 am WPLB 6:45 am 12:45 pm WCSY Three Rivers 1510/95 9 6:15 am 12:15 pm Greenville 1340 12:40 pm WBCH 1450 12:15 pm WKJC . Traverse City 580 5:55 am Hastings : . . , - , , .fS.,,,: : . 12:15 pm WCSR 590 WLKM Hillsdale WHTC WTCM Holland WKZO Kalamazoo Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business Michigan Farm News • August 15, 1992 •••••••• ...... ••••••• r• •••••~.'I ••••••• 1• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Market Outlook Dairy Outlook FARM •••••••• . •••• •••• .r•••••• ~ '~~::. •••••••• rl••• ,j ••• . ..:::... Corn Larry Hamm, MSU Ag Econ. Dept. This year's weather pattern is not the only unusual pattern. Dairy markets are beset by BUSINESS Seasonal Commodity~: The August 12 USDA Crop Report will have been released by the time you read this article. August is the first month each year Price Trends '. unusual conditions which make market forecasting very problematic this year. A few of the unusual factors affecting current OUTLOOK when the USDA goes out and does a com- dairy markets are enumerated below. prehensive field survey for com and soy- only about 1 percent of U.S. milk produc- beans to come up with the production esti- The weather is causing an increase in milk tion, they were competing against a stag- mate. If the estimate was larger than ex- production. June milk production was up 2 nant milk supply. As the election nears and pected, new crop prices will be under $2.00 percent over last year. The unseasonably passes, DEIP sales will not likely continue per bushel for a while this fall. In this case, cool weather in the traditional dairy regions at the same pace they had earlier this year. unless there is an unexpected rally, consider and the Southeast have caused milk produc- holding further new crop pricing for more tion to stay up rather than drop because of The uneven economic recovery is yet an- information. It is hard to justify holding any the traditional hot humid weather in July other unusual condition. Moderate growth remaining old crop. If the estimate was and August. in early spring pushed dairy product de- smaller than expected, consider finishing mand higher. Like exports, demand in- remaining old crop sales and pricing some The result is that milk processing plants are creases pushed against a stagnant milk sup- new crop if you have not done much up to running extended schedules. Also, no milk ply and helped drive farm prices higher. this point. U.S. economic growth is stalling out again, Index: t= Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; is moving South out of Michigan and Wis- consin. These out-of-state shipments help raising the concern of a triple-dip recession. TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure Higher interest rates abroad are dampening While there is little doubt that the rains that put upward price pressure on the Minne- came across the Com Belt last month turned sota-Wisconsin (M-W) price and usually U.S. export sales. This, combined with con- the U.S. com crop from a potential disaster bly exceeding, the USDA 1991-92 com start the fall M -W price increases. If heat tinued employment uncertainty, is cutting into a large crop, some states, including export projection by August 31. However, waves start, this could reverse quickly. growth slowing dairy demand increases. large parts of Michigan, are not out of the the export demand for 1992-93 is still a big woods yet. The cool summer has left crop question. Feed use this summer is a ques- Higher production this summer may be The dairy price support is so low and development 1-3 weeks behind normal. An tion; on the one side, a lot more hogs are being borrowed from this winter's produc- doesn't provide sufficient stability to jittery early frost could be trouble. being brought to slaughter than expected, tion because of poor feed conditions. As markets. Unusual conditions make the jit- indicating that feed use might be higher forage harvesting is disrupted, some of this ters worse. If markets turn down, the price Exports have been running a little stronger than expected; but on the other side, the winter's feed supply is being used now. support will not stop a free-fall. Likewise, than expected the last few weeks so there cool summer has probably meant high feed Reports from Wisconsin are particularly the CCC has little product other than butter should be no problem in reaching, or possi- efficiency for both hogs and cattle. troubling. All of the production uncertainty to sell back should prices rise rapidly due ~.- is causing milk product buyers to be very to shortages. Wheat cautious about putting in inventories of cheese and nonfat dry milk powder. The short-term outlook is for the M-W A decent size wheat crop, poor export de- set the basis, and price later; or for a little to go up moderately (20 to 40 cents) over mand, and low com prices do not add up to less risk and most of the potential gain, Another unusual condition has been export the next two months. Early this fall, the good wheat prices. In order to make your consider selling your wheat and buying a sales. Through the first half of 1992, export markets could go up or down rapidly. It pricing decisions, watch for rallies of both call option(s) to take advantage of price sales are running 50 percent above 1991. all depends on how the current unusual the wheat price and the basis. Consider rallies. H your local basis stays wide, con- Most of the increased activity has been conditions play out. Cash flow manage- pricing a significant portion on any near- sider storing some wheat for a price rally through the Dairy Export Incentive Pro- ment techniques will again be in great term prices rallies if you have not already or until the basis narrows. H you want gram (DEIP) sales. Although exports took demand. done so. However, there is room for about some downside protection, while the a 30 cent rally by December. .basis is wide consider a put option. H the July Farm Prices Down From June basis does then narrow and you feel there Watch your local basis carefully; if the is more upside price potential, move to USDA's monthly Agricultural Prices Report showed prices received by farmers for their basis is strong, consider using a basis the basis contract or sell and buy a call products in July was down 2.1 percent from the June level and down 7.4 percent from July .... I contract where you deliver right away, option. 1991, according to a recent Knight Ridder Financial News report. Lower prices in July for oranges, hogs, com and soybeans were tempered by increased Soybeans prices for potatoes, cattle, broilers and milk. USDA said a decline in prices for oranges Since soybeans are generally made in Au- Consider moving any remaining old account~d for most of ~he ?rop from year ago levels, with lower prices for hogs, peanuts gust, and they're already running late, and crop. H you want to stay in for a possible and broIlers also contnbutmg. The index of prices paid by farmers for commodities and the information for the August .12 Crop rally, use the futures or call options after services, interest, taxes and farm wage rates for July was .5 percent higher than in April and Report was collected the first of August, we you have sold the cash. 1.6 percent above July 1991. may not have a good handle on soybean production before the September Crop Re- Soybean exports were higher than expected Table Egg Market port. in July which means, we will probably come in a little ahead of USDA 1991-92 Allan Rahn, MSU Ag Econ. Dept. .. This means that unless we have a sharp export projections by August 31. This will Egg prices have been running at disas- and was nearly 2.5 percent above 1991 's price rally for some reason, there probably mean a little less carry-in for the 1992-93 trously low levels for producers and aver- total during the first half of the year. Signs isn't any real clear new crop pricing deci- marketing year. If exports this next year can aged 58 cents per dozen (New York, Grade of layer number adjustments are evident. sions to be made at this time--especially be close to this past year, we may well see A, large white, in cartons, to retailers), 22 Spent hen slaughter rates are currently run- here in Michigan where we are so late an some price improvement. cents below a year ago during the month of ning above year ago .levels, the egg-type early freeze could be a disaster. July. chick hatch in June was down 5 percent and eggs in incubators on July I was 9 percent Although layer feed costs had been above below last year. Cattle year ago levels earlier in the summer, the However, June placements were up 22 per- recent drop in both com and soybean meal Egg prices are expected to recover into the On July 24, the USDA released the mid- cent in the 7-state report. But with low prices has lowered feed costs and they are upper-60's during August--a price level year Cattle Inventory Report, the quarterly placements earlier and not a lot of feeders currently around 1.5 cents per dozen below that approximates total production costs 13-State Cattle-On-Feed Report, and the available now, that 22 percent will not hit last year at this time. for many producers--and then, in Septem- monthly 7-State Cattle-On-Feed Report. And the news w~ more positive than neg- all at once next fall. . ber, move up into the 70 cent area. Egg ~he f~nd~mental reason for the low price prices during the last quarter of the year are ative. Cattle over 900 pounds were down 15 per- SItuatIon IStoo many eggs. Egg production likely to average around 75 cents per cent on July 1, which means we should not during June was 1 percent above a year ago dozen. Total cattle numbers were unchanged from last year. Beef cow numbers were up .4 have the horrible August-September period percent and the calf crop was up .6 percent. we had last year. Steers in the 700-900 However, beef cow replacements were up pound range were up 7 percent which means Hogs 7.5 percent, which will mean a larger calf production will pick up some this fall. Hog slaughter was up about 13 percent in On August 2, the President directed the crop in 1993. July ~ompared to last year. If this is a sign At this point, keep feedlots current. If USDA to offer the first Export Enhance- October or December futures bounce up of thmgs to come, we are in trouble. The ment Program (EEP) on U.S. pork to the Total feeder supply the second half of 1992 into the mid 70's, consider some forward good part is that we seem to be keeping Commonwealth of Independent State.s appears to be up less than I percent. Basi- pricing. Feeder cattle are expected to re- curre~t. Many .analysts feel prices could (CIS). The USDA will provide EEP credIt call y, this means that we will not see much drop mto the mId-30's this fall. increase in beef production until 1994. main high. If there is a break in feeder to the CIS for 30,000 metric tonnes (66 prices for the fall period, feedlots may million pounds) of U.S. pork. want to due some forward pricing. While I am not quite that pessimistic it The 13-state quarterly report showed cattle may be advisable to take some price p;o- on feed July 1,6 percent below last year and The question is, "Will the CIS have any If feeder steer futures for this fall are still tection on some of your October-Novem- money to buy it, even with the export sub- the 7-state monthly report showed July ber production using options, futures or numbers on feed down 7 percent. Market- in the $82:84 range, feeder producers sidy?" They have little cash and have used may want to take advantage of these forward contracts if you can lock' in up most of their credit allocations. How- ings were down as well due to the lower higher prices and cannoUdo not want to strong prices to price some of their fall ever, if they do, the 388,000 head equiva- placements over the winter. handle the downside price risk. sales. lent would really help given expected fourth quarter pork production. Michigan Farm News -. August 15, 1992 USDA to Save Millions on Computer Purchases Agency also to consider dollar be shelved, in light of a broader initiative to a new computer system scheduled for 1995 manage it like the large corporation it is," saving manageme,nt reforms close costly field offices and merge services or 1996, Lugar's plans may pay big divi- he said. of the largely independent agencies. dends for the USDA and the producer. In a move to streamline the U.S. Depart- "Right now our computers can't communi- "It would have been folly to go ahead with ment of Agriculture and save millions of tax In addition to saving at least $20 million cate between agencies at the state level or at such a large purchase when the structure of dollars on computer purchases, officials over the next five years by streamlining the county office level and that's a real the agency may be radically altered by the have decided to revamp failed nationwide USDA computers, the department is' con- disadvantage," explained Conklin. time the equipment arrives. With this deci- computer systems throughout the $61 bil- solidating its computer procurement pro- sion, Secretary Madigan has demonstrated lion, 135,OOO-employee department. cess for three field agencies: the Agricul- "If we can create efficiencies in sharing his commitment to make real change in the tural Stabilization and Conservation Ser- some commonly used information between agency so that it can better serve farmers Secretary of Agriculture Edward Madigan, vice, the Farmers Home Administration agencies such as farm field acreage figures, while saving precious public dollars. in a letter to Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Indi- and the Soil Conservation Service. then it's to our advantage, as well as the ana), agreed that USDA should stop a pre- producers, to do so," Conklin concluded. "USDA should now make a down payment vious plan to ultimately spend $2 billion on According to Lugar, with this action, of good faith to the American people by equipment for the independent computer USDA is ushering a long-needed unified Sen. Lugar said USDA's decision provided issuing an interim report before the Novem- systems that are scattered throughout the computer system that will make possible potential for the agency to be managed pru- ber election on its plans for merging costly department's 46 agencies. greater efficiency, better service to farmers dently and effectively, with both taxpayer agency field offices and providing one-stop and intra-departmental cooperation. and farmer in mind. "I'm pleased USDA shopping for customers, said Lugar, who II Lugar, ranking member of the Senate Agri- took this critical initial step to streamline the manages his family's com, soybean and culture Committee, had asked in a letter and Michigan ASCS Director Dave Conklin department so the secretary can attempt to tree farm in central Indiana. in a recent committee hearing that the plan said that despite the delay in implementing '.' .ceeds 60 pounds protein. 113 of our active lineuP eX .p More than hear a lot these ~:~~;i~~~t at . ,,' a bUZZwordy?~, "we were emP h ve passed "protein IS . wasn t In, f ur bulls a n when protein, s Today 13~ 0 with Holiday ... eve century GenetiC . k for proteln- 21st . h 60~pound mar nds, ,. , profitability the h!g the list at 80 poubull for Lifetime 'ndex-jUSt heading . also the top Th's brand neWI k bulls Ho~idaYISollars(LPRS). ~iS the first to rankes a Ranking ~dD by 21st centu~ "The formula ta 1value introduce h "bottom I1n~. with a 5 to h 'ng to t e rketIng- dl'fe as t e *TL accord I. k at milk ma. I des her I tloliday ..ET futuristlc.loond fat. plus it InCu Is for sire H 1222 currieS"~aus, 55 herds P for protein a t of type .. trOduce neWtoOires from 21 USDA(7-92l ~OOP +.II%P 84Rei measure;l~nwe contin~e to ~~introduce ned~ateS have P1'A +23~S+~OF _.03%F +~8~~~ And w I I continue,. ouest gra +205M HL 981 LPR 1073 selection. ~~~S~e1ve prorn~~~ bulls. re detailed 21i)G~~~) +0.77 83%Rel TPI+ which ~ode r powerfull!ne d'redory and mO GenetiCS HA(7-9 just jOIne o~f our neWsire tlyour 21st centUry p rfoJ111ance TPI General enetics For a C?PYonLPRS,contac eth proven e R$Trd pTAT information, e in Bulls WI HL LP +1073 13811 S. Cypress representatlv 'Top ...prote F M 192 +0.77 +914 RelP 981 +0.26 +984 Sand Lake, MI 49343 p$ P 60 +1832 932 175 +0.72 Sire +80 84 +88 +2048 954 174 +0.47 +978 616/636..8876 +232 +72 79 :48 +2129 973 181 +988 +0.80 HoUday +259 +69 76 +67 +2173 955 173 +954 21H 1222 captain +0.34 +915 Rich Genetics 21H 1250 +216 +68 99 73 +2028 948 169 +0.40 Target +236 +68 79 +82 +1932 960 169 +832 21HI333 ReX +237 68 81 +64 +1955 975 176 ..0.16 +945 911 West 21H738 +0.20 21H 1605 FestuS Rotate ROCkY +244 +243 +67 81 +54 +2178 988 159 +0.38 +818 +lllO Forester Road +65 97 +98 +1465 968 166 21H 1294 21H 1273 centurian +219 :63 67 : 37 +2143 987 I55 +1.78 +0.79 +941 Sandusky, MI 48471 Christmas +895 21H859 Saranac +236 + 196 62 :61 77 83: 81 76 +1475 + 1963 968 979 163 165 + l.01 313/648..2373 est graduate, *21H 1683 DenbY .NeW Qu +216 +61 72 +65 +2003 21H 1322 stanley +229 60 71 21H 1202 21H2150 lacocC9 +218 + Bart *21H1712 21 )CENnJRY GENETICS :-.. The Rising Power in Genetics I 21" y~'!Y!!~71~~!!~S!. Michigan Farm News •• August 15, 1992 IIProtect Profits With Stored Grain Pest Management Doug Landis and Mike Haas, E~tomology, MSU Preventing Insect Infestations in Stored Grain Grain Protectants Reprinted from the July MSU Field Crops CAT Alert Sanitary Sprays Sprays or dusts of some insecticides.can be mixed direct~y Thorough cleaning in and around the bin and all grain with new grain as it goes into the bl.n to prot.ect the gram Now is the time to prepare bins for on-farm storage of handling equipment (combine, trailers, cleaners, dryers and from insects. A grain protectant IS espeCIally recom- mended if the grain is to be stored longer than one year. harvested grain. It is critical that growers take steps to prevent augers) is strongly recommended. A spray of an insecticide stored grain insect problems, since measures to correct an in cracks, corners and other hidden places that cannot be existing infestation are frequently very costly and may not adequately cleaned is also recommended. Grain protect ants can also be used to c~:)J1trollow i~festa- be completely effective. tions of insects. This involves movmg the gram and The accumulated debris in the space under the false flooring requires an empty bin or other space to put t~e grain i~ as The key to preventing stored grain insect infestations is of the bin is an especially good place for insects to breed. A it is treated. Grain protectants are not relIable agamst through a program of sanitation, cleaning, drying and proper special effort should be made to clean and spray this area. established infestations (where insects can be found with management of the stored grain mass. These practices are little searching) and therefore a fumigant. must be used. These sanitary sprays can be used in any empty bin regard- outlined in Extension bulletin E-934, "Protecting Stored less of the grain that will be stored later in the bin. Grains from Insects." We recommend that this program be Controlling Established Insect followed and the following update be used as an appendix to Special products registered for use on stored grains are listed Infestations in Stored Grains the general bulletin. in Extension bulletin E- 1582, "Chemical Control of Insects Fumigants and Nematodes in Field and Forage Crops." Two Important Notes Fumigants are gases that penetrate through the grain mass 1. Not all formulations of the insecticides noted here are and the grain itself to kilJ insects. They are most com- Surface Sprays monly used to control established infestations of insects intended for use in stored grains. Read the label to be sure Sprays of insecticides applied and raked in the surface of that the product to be used is specificalJy registered for use in stored grains. the grain are used in new grain to aid in preventing insects from getting into the grain and also to control surface in the grain mass. They are sometimes applied to newly- binned grain in place of sanitary sprays and grain pro- • tectants. Fumigants are fairly costly and difficult to apply feeding caterpillars such as meal moth or Indian meal moth. safely. 2. Insecticides and fumigants are effective only in properly dried and cleaned grain. Check the grain and clean and dry The caterpillars are often abundant in poorly ventilated it if needed before applying the chemical. Analysis of the cost of the fumigant and its application grain where moisture has condensed at the surface. Remove versus the value in protecting grain quality should be the damaged grain before spraying, then keep the grain made before they are used. An important point is that, well-ventilated. while fumigation kills all stages of the insects, they do not repair damaged grain nor remove the dead insect bodies. There are times when feeding the infested grain or selling it at a discount outweigh the return from the cost of fumigation. Unfortunatel~ Growers must be certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture in the fumigation standard to buy and use fumigants. New restrictive standards on the use of fumi- the only one gants have been established. These include the use of self contained breathing apparatus (scuba gear) in place of a gas mask and the use of gas detection devices in some who knows if there is a situations. PLA Revisions Needed stray volta e problem for Speedier Harvest isrit · g. Price Later Agreements (PLAs) have been available for several years, providing an attractive marketing option to growers. They're a tool of the grain trade which is pro- vided under the Uniform Commercial Code and offer producers an opportunity to deliver grain to an elevator . and pass title to the commodity to the elevator while , I retaining the privilege to price the commodity at a future date. Currently, producers are required to sign a price later agreement on the individual deliveries of grain to their elevator. Elevators must have a signed PLA prior to shipping the grain from their facilities. The law provides up to 30 days for an agreement to be signed. However, during peak harvest time, elevators could potentially reach capacity before obtaining all the necessary signatures. Combined with the fact that this is a busy time for both the elevator and the producer, the person delivering the grain to the elevator is often not the legal owner, and therefore is unable to sign the PLA. Th is causes the elevator added ex pen~es and t II Ill: in tryi ng to contact the producers individually. At a recent meeting at the Michigan Agri Business Association, attended by representatives from Michigan Department of Agricul- ture, as well as Michigan Farm Bureau, several ideas were discussed to further streamline the PLA process. The elevator industry is proposing a revised price later agreement that would he signed prior to delivery and be an all-encompassing agreement. The new agreement would cover all future deliveries of a particular commod- ity to an elevator. This would be a voluntary option to be used in place of individual agreements by farmers who have made their plans for marketing earlier in the season and wish to avoid the hassle of signing multiple agreements. The agreement would allow the farmer to change his If you think you have an electrical problem affecting marketing plans at any time by simply notifying elevator before delivery took place. The new agreement the your farm production, please call us for help. would require amending the Grain Dealers Act, according to MDA representative Jane Mosier. In order to obtain producer comments, this issue will be a @coDsumers ~ Power topi~ at the sumT1.ler Michigan Farm Bureau Commodity AdVIsory Committee meetings. Your comments on this PflWUUIII& s.ubject ~re.weIcome at Michigan Agri Business Associa- MICHIliAN'S I'IUIIiIlBS tIon, Mlchl~a~ .Farm Bureau Commodity Activities and Res~arch DIVISIon, as well as Michigan Department of Agnculture Food Division. Michigan Farm News •• August 15, 1992 Young Farmer Discussion Meet District Contests Scheduled Michigan Farm Bureau's State Young between the ages of 18 and 30 who are either regular members themselves, or through 3 Sept. 3 Ann Arbor 8 Aug. 20 (Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Midland II (Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, Farmer Committee ,has announced the dis- their parents if under 21 years of age. Washtenaw and Wayne) Isabella, Midland and Saginaw) cussion topic, "How does o~r public's en- vironmental concerns affect agriculture?" For more contest information, contact either 4 Oct. 1 Middleville 9 Aug. 21 Cadillac will be used for the 11 district discussion your county Farm Bureau office or MFB's (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent and Ottawa) (Benzie, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, meet contests, scheduled to kick off Aug. Young Farmer Department at 1-800-292- N.W. Mich. and Wexford) 20 in Midland. 2680, ext. 3234. 5 Sept. 12 Lansing (Clinton, Eaton, Genesee. Ingham 10 Sept. 10 Gaylord District contests mark the beginning for one District Date Location and Shiawassee) (Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, state winner who will receive the grand 1 Sept. 1 Kalamazoo Cheboygan, Emmet, Iosco, Montmor- prize, a Honda FourTrax 300 ATV, compli- (Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph 6 Sept. 8 Sandusky ency, Ogemaw, Otsego and Presque Isle) ments of the Honda Motor Corporation. Of and Van Buren) (Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, the 11 district contests, 3 winners will be Sanilac, St. Clair and Tuscola) 11 Aug. 31 Escanaba selected for state level competition in De- 2 Sept. 23 Jackson (Chippewa, Copper Country, cember during the MFB State Annual in (Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson 7 Sept. 28 Stanwood Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce and Grand Rapids. and Lenawee) (Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Menominee). Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola) Other discussion topics at state level com- petition will include: • What should be the role of the U.S. agri- culture regarding foreign aid? • Term Limitation - Should terms of office be limited in the American system of gov- HERITAGE ernment? BUILDING SYSTEMS 30 ll50 ll10 800-643-5555 u.-s 40 ll5Oll12 CCell$ • Can agriculture be assured of a reliable 50 lll00 ll14 liO II '00 II20 .".n5 .'11,7lI5 labor supply? 10 II 150 II20 rT1 ,lIll5 BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY The Young Farmer Discussion Meet con- ~ do ___ II,.......- 5,OllO __ _...-. -..,.- -'.Iarv-l ~ AI __ ~ _ .. --.., _or, ---- ....- We _ lor lhe MMlped - test is not a debate, but rather a discussion pemlll d,. ...... 10_ .11Ioc:el lIullcllftg c--. 20 ,.. ,00/ about the issue and possible solutions. Con- ....-.n.g •• rranty, end p.lnted pIonla _ •• n•. c.II Prlc••• .. -., r. F08 for. __'ro .. our • testants are scored on their opening state- ~_ .... an _ ... ...-,.-..,. ments, their delivery, their problem solving 50' X 100' l 16' ROOF SYSTEI.I and implementation suggestions, their co- EOUIPI.1ENT & HAY STORAGE operative attitude, analysis of the topic or $10.985 problem, and finally their closing state- ments. The contest is open to young farmers Canola Planting Window Quickly Approaching. WIRELESS DRIVEWAY ALARMS heavy residues of wheat straw or set-aside should be reviewed including: Pursuit, Below are a few reminders which may help Command, Scepter, Glean, Ally and Let's you know any time residue tilled into the soil prior to planting with canola planting this year: may tie up nitrogen and require fall applied Princep. Please follow label instructions someone walks or drives into nitrogen. Canol a nitrogen uptake and carefully. your place! Planting Tips usage occurs in the spring months. Moisture management will improve canola Preferred Varieties for North Central • Easy Installation stands. As soon as possible after harvesting Continue to apply phosphate (PK) and Region Call or write for free brochures. small grains, plan to till small grain residue other micro nutrients, when needed, in the Ceres is known for its high yields. Ceres into the soil. This will allow rainfall to has good resistance to lodging and pod Paxton Enterprises fall. High residual phosphate levels have recharge the soil before planting canola. The proven beneficial for winter survival. shatter. It is a medium height variety and 48E 600N use of a chisel disk or offset disk will leave stands well under high nitrogen fertility. enough residue to control erosion. Early Ceres is the most widely grown variety in Fortville, IN 46040 Don't forget to examine your fields for tillage will also assist in controlling volun- possible chemical carryover. Some dam- the U.S. Phone or FAX teer wheat. age has been noted in fields where canol a Falcon is a medium early winter variety 800-872-9866 or 317-326-2838 followed com or grain sorghum when the Field selection and seed bed preparation are Atrazine rate exceeded two pounds per with good lodging resistance and excellent very important. Fields that are rolling and acre. In general, canola can follow these yield potential. It is similar to Ceres for have good internal and external drainage crops in years of normal rainfall. Chemi- agronomic characteristics but shows in- usually produce the best yields. Canol a does cals have plant-back restrictions which creased disease resistance. not like wet soils and, like alfalfa, will not survive under these conditions. Prepare the seed bed carefully; it should not be cloddy or have an excess of plant residue that will interfere with seed and soil contact. Drilling canola gives best stands. Over the past five years, we have seen canola seeded with a drill gets off to a much faster an~ more uniform start due to better seed soIl contact and placement 1/4 to 3/4 inch deep allows for better moisture access. If a drill is unavailable, broadcast planting can work, but often results in less than optimum stands under less than ideal planting conditions. Plant canola about six to eight weeks before the first expected hard freeze. Canola sh<;>uld have about six to eight true leaves to achIeve maximum winter hardiness. Choosing Fields Choose fields with good fertility levels. Canola, like com, soybeans and wheat, yields best on fertile soils. Fertilize accord- ing to the soil test. Avoid fields with high soil levels of nitrogen (N), such as field that had manures applied during the summer months. Reducing N rates in the fall may prove to be beneficial. It is important that canola not go into freeze with lush growth. Make the crop struggle somewhat to harden off prior to freez~ up. Dr. Ellsworth Christmas, Purdue Umver- sity, suggests early tillage of wheat fields to allow the straw to break down and reduce nitrogen tie up at planting. Fields that have Michigan Farm News •• August 15, 1992 Group Purchasing Adds "PowerTwist'; to Product Line Just in time for the upcoming fall harvest With PowerTwist v-belts, no special tools season. Farm Bureau members now have are required for replacement. All you need access to a relatively new concept in v-belt is a twist of the wrist to uncouple or couple technology designed to reduce downtime the belt to any length. Assembly or disas- and teardown for replacement of broken sembly can be completed in five seconds. drive belts on items such as combines. ele- In applications where replacements pre- vator legs and dryers. viously required dismantling machinery, PowerTwist v-belts can be installed in per- PowerTwist. known as the zero downtime fectly matched sets. v-belt, offers a unique, yet simple twist and lock construction that guarantees quick in- The PowerTwist v-belt is currently used in stallation. The replacement belt provides many non-agricultural applications that excellent resistance to abrasion, oil and really put it to the test. such as metal pro- chemicals, while the raw edge cog design cessing, coal and aggregate handling, ma- offers outstanding durability. chine tools, and petrochemical. In field tests the belt has lasted up to 15times longer "PowerTwist v-belts are manufactured than conventional rubber v-belts. from an exclusive high strength composite material, called urethane elastomer, rein- Available in 3L, A/4L, B/5L and C sec- forced with multiple plies of polyester fab- tions, in packs of T, 25', and 100' lengths, ric," explains MFB Group Purchasing PowerTwist will reduce the dollars you'll Manager Bob Harms. "The final product is have tied up in spare belts, and still give you an incredibly strong, yet flexible belt that instant availability. For more information can withstand the toughest work condi- about the PowerTwist v-belt, contact Bob tions. They can withstand temperatures Harms at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2015, or from -40 F to +240 F." your local Group Purchasing vendor. Wisconsin Cranberry Production - Exploring Michigan's Potential Will cranberries be the newest entry to the Cranberry Market/Economics list of diverse agricultural commodities The cranberry market is characterized by produced in Michigan? It could be if a strong demand and a short supply accord- group that toured Wisconsin's cranberry ing to Boehm. "Growing consumption of country recently has anything to say about bottled juice, canned sauce, and frozen con- it. Western Michigan University staff, centrate now account for about 90 percent farmers and representatives from Michigan of the total market," he said. "Ocean Spray Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension Ser- Cooperative is the dominant player in the vice and Michigan Department of Agricul- cranberry industry, controlling 80 to 85 per- ture spent several days there in July. cent of the total crop." The tour, organized by Western Michigan Common production units are based on 100 University's Horticultural Economic De- pound barrels, with yields ranging from 100 velopment Center, was intended to provide to 400 barrels per acre, depending on plant variety, age of the marsh and weather con- ditions. Prices over a ten-year period have averaged $48. Before pulling out the calculator and get- Above is a look at one of the several cranberry marshes and ditching systems ting big ideas, however, you should realize toured by the group. The marshes all require considerable water for irrigation during that the cost to establish a new marsh will the summer as well as for frost protection and to assist with harvesting. average an estimated $10,000 per acre, and Tailored Building~y'stems growers an opportunity to explore the fea- today a $80 million industry, making Wis- the first full harvest normally isn't expected sibility of commercial cranberry produc- consin second in the nation for cranberry until ~he fifth year. "The construction of The Sign of Quality tion in Michigan first hand, according to production. dikes, dams and ditches, as well as irriga- Since 1967 MFB commodity specialist Bob Boehm, tion equipment, represent a significant por- who participated in the tour. Nearly 150 growers manage 110,000 acres tion of the investment," said Boehm. of wetlands and uplands that provide the Over 40 percent of the nation's cranberries water needed for an estimated 10,000 acres Cranberry plants are a relatively short plant, are produced in Wisconsin, in an area that of cranberry marshes. An additional 2,000 reaching only 6 to 8 inches in height, and was once abandoned by would-be row crop acres are expected to be in production have a shallow root system of only 3 to 4 farmers due to frost and acidic soil prob- within another 2 to 5 years, despite expan- inches, making water management the most lems. Eventually, wild cranberries took I sion problems being encountered due to critical ingredient to successful production. over the cleared ground, starting what is growing sensitivity over wetlands. said Boehm. "The operations we visited had six to 10 acres of water reservoir area for each acre of production," he said. Why'mport? ,4~~.' Potential in Michigan? We can grow canola herel C:ountrymarll Water, the most critical ingredient for cran- berry production, will likely be the biggest hindrance to production in the state of Michigan. Western Michigan University and MSU's CES are exploring potential VI c production areas, but obtaining the neces- .2 sary permits to construct the marshes is u .;:: expected to be a major roadblock to com- a; mercial production. Researchers are look- E '0 ing at alternative cultural practices that VI would require less water, such as dry "'0 c Presently your local Countrymark COOP has the Canola, harvestesting and snow machines or covers o VI Inc. canola seed you need, as well as the technical to protect against winter kill. :J o expertise to help you with your first year of canola ...r:. I- production. From planting to harvest your Countrymark There are several farmers in Michigan at- COOP can help make your first year a successful year. tempting to establish commercial opera- tions. One farmer near Paw Paw has actu- ally received the necessary permits to begin construction of the marshes and Boehm 1986 1988 1990 1992* CANOLA, INC. says that several blueberry growers have U.S. Imports of Canolo - - -- ~ ---- --- expressed interest in cranberry production. * 1992 metric tons are projected. - ------ "The acidic soil type needed for blueber- LEADING THE WAY ries, as well as the similarities in handling Imports of canolo have jumped off the charts! U.S. and "processing equipment, have prompted consumers are eating record amounts of conola oil and several blueberry growers to look to cran- for good reason: Canola contains no cholesterol and is All products subject to Canola, Inc. warranty berries as a potential alternative," he said. the lowest in saturated fat 16%) of all the vegetable oils. limitations. The group that attended the Wisconsin tour For Free information about canolo production and a list is now attempting to form an association to CANOlA, INC. 8910 Purdue Rd., of elevators buying canola in your state ... Call (3171 direct efforts of creating a cranberry indus- Suite 150 839-0254 or contact your local Countrymark COOP Indianapolis, IN 46268 try in Michigan. Member location. Michigan Farm News July 15,1992 September Discussion Topic ~ "Private Property Rights" Parmers and other people interested in John Rademacher, general counsel for the ment to the Constitution, any time public have liked. However, it clearly strengthens preserving private property rights were de- AFBF said the court's favorable ruling to- activity or regulation has the effect of re- language in the Constitution's Fifth lighted with this summer's U.S. Supreme ward property rights in the Lucas case re- ducing property value to the point that the Amendment which states that private Court ruling on "Lucas vs. South Carolina turns the "nuisance exception," which reg- property cannot be used for anything and it property shall not be taken for public use Coastal Council." In overturning a South ulators have attempted to apply broadly, to is absolutely valueless, at that point com- without "just compensation." Future court Carolina Supreme Court decision, the high its basic common-law roots. This, in turn, pensation must be paid," said Wyckoff. decisions will likely clarify the level of court said that the state should compensate should expand the range of circumstances "However, the Court noted several times in compensation that will be available to landowner David Lucas for the "regulatory in which state and federal governments its Lucas opinion that local regulation property owners. taking" of his two beachfront lots if it could must pay compensation when regulations would rarely, if ever, have that effect. That not be proved that the taking was justified intended to benefit the public destroy the means that government could go a long way under existing state law. with a regulation that had the effect of re- Discussion Questions value of an individual's property. ducing value without being liable for any 1. On what grounds or for what purposes The Lucas case stemmed from regulations "Mr. Lucas' plan to build a home on a lot compensation." should a "taking" of private property be imposed by South Carolina that rendered adjacent to existing homes clearly should allowed? worthless two lots purchased by David not have been an activity considered to be In light of the Lucas decision, as well as Lucas, who had planned to build a home for a nuisance, and we take heart in the fact that several other recent Supreme Court rulings, his family on one and sell the other. Before 2. Who should make the final determination the nation's highest court agreed," said local planning commissions should make as to the best and most prudent use of the he could do either, the state enacted the Rademacher. "We believe this case will sure their regulations provide reasonable Beachfront Management Act, which left private property in a question dealing with dissuade regulators from applying the nui- use of some type for all property owners, regulations to benefit the public? Lucas's plans, and a sizable investment, in sance doctrine on a whim. That is very according to Wyckoff. "The Lucas case ruin. supportive of agriculture." reaffirms three prior Supreme Court rulings 3. How should compensation for the prop- that said compensation would be available erty be computed in a taking? However, the U.S. Supreme Court also However, the Lucas decision did not in the event of 100 percent taking of prop- asked the South Carolina Supreme Court to change the way that "regulatory taking" erty. Prior to those decisions, the Court 4. Although the Supreme Court ruling will review the question of whether Lucas knew applies to local zoning decisions, accord- simply invalidated the regulations," he said. have little affect on local planning, what can about the beachfront regulations when he ing to Mark Wyckoff, editor of Michigan's Farm Bureau members do to keep abreast purchased his lots. Planning and Zoning News. "The Supreme The Lucas case ruling did not go as far as of future community blueprints for private Court has said that under the Fifth Amend- private property rights advocates would property? "Relative Risk Analysis " The top priority identified by the RRAP, Absence of Land Use Planning, will surely spark a great deal of discussion, and com- A NEW MONEY SAVING HEALTH PLAN promise, based on past attempts to develop a statewide land use plan. Pontz suggests the implications to agriculture could be two sided. "There's a big push for land use planning, which means there will be an effort to pro- tect farmland, which can also spill over into the private property rights debate," cau- tioned Pontz. "This push toward a state- wide land use policy will surely put up a lot of red flags in the minds of Michigan farm- ers." RRAP Rankings High High Risks • Absence of Land Use Planning That Considers Resources and Integrity of Ecosystems • Degradation of Urban Environments • Energy Production and Consumption: Practices and Consequences • Global Climate Change • Lack of Environmental Awareness • Stratosphere Ozone Depletion High Relative Risks • Alteration of Surface Water and Ground- water Hydrology, Including the Great Lakes • Atmospheric Transport and Deposition of Air Toxics • Biodiveristy/Habitat Modification • Indoor Pollutants Medium-High Relative Risks In these tough economic times all business owners are looking for ways to improve their bottom line. • Contaminated Sites Now Farm Bureau can help with a new money saving group Health Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. • Contaminated Surface Water Sediments D Generation and Disposal of Hazardous These new plans are guaranteed issue no-matter what your health history, locally serviced by our 69 county offices and 400 agents statewide, Waste and competitively priced to save farm owners and operators hundreds or even thousands of dollars off their health insurance bill. • Generation and Disposal of High Level So, if you're a sole proprietor or if you have one or more employees, you should call Farm Bureau today fof benefit and rate information. Radio-Active Waste MICHIGAN D Generation and Disposal of Low Level Radio-Active Waste D Generation and Disposal of Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste rs FARM BUREAU FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION RATE QUOTE — FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. 3239 OR 3240. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau U Photochemical Smog Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 • Point Source Discharges to Surface Lansing, Ml 48909 Water and Ground Water, Including the Please Print Great Lakes Name Current Health Insurance Medium Relative Risks Address Number of Full Time Employees J Sole proprietor (1 person group) • Accidental Releases and Responses • 2-4 • 5-9 • Acid Deposition Phone County • 10-24 • 25 and over • Criteria and Related Air Pollutants • Electromagnetic Field Effects Type of Farm/Business -iMFN: Michigan Farm News 1m Michigan Cattlemen's Summer Round-Up a Grand Success •• July 15, 1992 Kurt Hrabal Young Cattleman of the Year Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, derlee of De Witt was awarded the Member Kurt Hrabal of St. Louis, Michigan, was recognized as the Young Cattleman of the Year by the Michigan was the site of the 1992 Mich- of the Year recognition. Kurt Hrabal of St. Cattleman's Association (M. G.A.) at the Sault Ste. Marie 1992 Summer Round-Up. Kurt feeds 1,200 head igan Cattlemen's Association Louis was recognized as the M.C.A. Young of cattle in partnership with his father, Dick and also farms 1,500 acres raising cash crops and feed. Kurt Summer Round-Up. The Cattleman of the Year and Randy Turner of began working with cattle through 4-H and after graduating, he took on more responsibility at the feedlot. Summer Round-Up was con- Turner Farms, Dafter, was honored as Cattle He formulates the feed rations using the farm computer and figures his cost-effectiveness. sidered a grand success with Businessman of the Year. 275 people in attendance. This past winter, he was elected to the M.C.A. also honored Charles Gibson, M. G.A. Board of Directors. The Hrabal Activities included educa- DVM, upon his upcoming retirement, for his operation was featured during M. C.A. 's tional programs that fe~tured many contributions to the cattle industry Gratiot County Cattle Tour in February of discussions about Beef Qual- through bull breeding soundness and scrotal 1992. Kurt says he likes to show people ity Audit results and Value growth studies. around the feedlot and share ideas on Based Marketing. Many of management techniques. Hrabal is also a member of ProFILE - Farm Bureau's the attendees enjoyed the tour ..... --- .. -- .. -.----- - .. - .. - .------ -- ..... train ride and the farm tours. Institute for Leadership Education pro- Andrew's Beef Farm, 1992 County Annual gram. Oleson's Buffalo Farm and Meetings Scheduled Turner Farms were featured He believes the M. C.A. should encour- on the farm tours. Fall means time for harvest and attending age young people to choose a career in the cattle business by showing them how your county Farm Bureau annual meeting to secure financing to feed cattle and The Ox Roast gave the atten- so that you can participate in the all-im- dees an opportuni ty to relax · portant policy development process. For : educate producers about the different and socialize. M.C.A. annual more detailed information, contact your : ways to feed and house their animals. awards were also presented. county Farm Bureau Office. : The Owosso Livestock Sales : County Date : At right Hrabal and his wife Cynthia Company was recognized as Alcona Oct. 26 : accept their award from M. C.A. Presi- the 1992 M.C.A. Agri-Busi- Allegan Sept. 24 : dent Larry Cotton. ness of the Year and Jack En- Alpena Sept. 20 : Antrim Oct. 14 : Arenac Oct. 12 • Barry , Sept. 28 : • Bay Sept. 22 : Benzie Oct. 12 • Berrien Oct. 27 : Branch Sept. 19 : Calhoun Oct. 5 : Cass Oct. 5 : Charlevoix Oct. 10 : Cheboygan Oct. 11 : Chippewa n.a. : Clare Sept. 17 • Clinton n.a. Copper Country n.a. • Eaton Oct. 24 Emmet Oct. 8 Genesee Sept. 29 Gladwin Oct. 6 Gratiot n.a. Hiawathaland Oct. 26 Hillsdale Sept. 8 Huron '" Sept. 2 Ingham , Sept. 26 Ionia n.a. Josco Oct. 14 RfG.10.99 Iron Range : Oct. 29 iI:"I.~I.S Isabella Sept. 24 Jackson Sept. 16 DOUBLE EDGE 6' ALUMINUM Kalamazoo Oct. 6 UFmME HOUSEHOLD Kalkaska Sept. 22 SCRAPER STEPLADDER Kent Sept. 29 • Double-ed~. hiah .~T'tf!.111 Lapeer Oct. 1 corbon steel blaBe .9" long handle rating {#356~3J Lenawee Sept. 22 Livingston Oct. 6 3.99 REG. 5.79 Mac-Luce Macomb Manistee n.a. n.a. Aug. 8 Mason Oct. 13 Mecosta , Oct. 5 Menominee Oct. 13 I Midland Sept. 10 Missaukee Oct. 8 I Monroe Sept. 15 I Montcalm Oct. 22 Montmorency Oct. 28 I Muskegon n.a. I r------- I Newaygo Oct. 8 :.20% I DISCOUNT FARM : I NW Michigan Oakland Oceana Ogemaw n.a. Oct. 15 Oct. 12 : Oct. 29 I II III! BUREAU MEMBER I I I Osceola Otsego Ottawa Oct. 20 Oct. 19 Oct. 6 : The bearer of this coupon is entitled to a I Presque Isle Oct. 18 I 20%discount off the regular price of any I Saginaw Sept. 9 : product sold in our Sherwin-Williams stores. St. Clair Sept. 10 I ~~~~~~~oo:'ilg Of COUPON EXPIRES 8129192 I St. Joseph Oct. 17 ~-----------------~ I I Sanilac Shiawassee Tuscola Van Buren Sept. 9 Oct. 6 Aug. 27 Oct. 23 I Be sure to stop in at your local Sherwin-Williams store today! I Washtenaw Oct. 8 [Guaajeed rx tnled w!ror/y ~ c1Shllnm-w.oms ~ See label /0( detcI1 N pan lhoIrn o6m ale COd COl'lIt'll!lll, ~ as cIreded.,cf992 The S/lenIi/).lWbns Cllnlmt' I Wayne Sept. 22 f«J respallible Irx ~ emJn Of atwort. 9leiwin-1mrnl teSerIeS the r~ 10 COtTed emJn aI pan It psfJmli Sane rrodIJcts rr'Cf rr:i be avaIdJIe aI cf IIores.I I Wexford Oct. 13 L n.a. - Dates not available at presstime -'