~. Michigan Farm News " 1-=1 August 31, 1992 Vol. 69, No. 14 North American Free Trade Agreement Almost a Reality It's now up to Congress and the countries "Obviously, we're going to be looking very corn shipments and unrestricted ac- Generally, commodities not subject to im- of Mexico and Canada to approve the re- closely at the impact that the agreement cess for those commodities, and oil- mediate trade liberalization after the accord cently negotiated North American Free will have on some of the labor-intensive seeds and oil seed products within 10 takes affect will be afforded declining lev- Trade Agreement (NAFT A). In reacting to and climate-sensitive crops that we pro- to 15 years. els of protection over five, 10, or 15 years. duce here in Michigan," Laurie said. "A lot In addition, there will be safeguards such as • the announcement of the agreement, Amer- ican Farm Bureau President Dean Kleck- ner said the pact "will generally benefit of Michigan producers have concerns about this free trade agreement and Michi- D Duty-free access to half of U.S. farm exports to Mexico the day the accord "snap-back" tariffs to protect against import surges of certain commodities. The U.S. American agriculture." gan Farm Bureau will examine it very care- takes effect. Remaining tariffs on agri- currently has a $500 million positive bal- fully before we endorse it or criticize it." cultural goods would be eliminated ance in farm trade with Mexico. Citing the benefits of the Canadian Free within 15 years. Trade Agreement, Kleckner said, "The ex- Under fast-track rules, the Bush adminis- "Farm Bureau will be deciding its position pected trade expansion in farm products tration cannot sign the accord until 90 days D Current duty-free access to the Mexi- on the NAFT A after a careful analysis of its between the U.S. and Mexico will benefit after it submits a copy to Congress. After can market for cattle and beef would terms and conditions," said Kleckner. "We producers in both countries." Since 1989, the pact is signed, the administration must be locked in and, within 10 years, all may have some concerns with specific as- U.S. agricultural exports to Canada have draft authorizing legislation for the agree- remaining tariffs on U.S. livestock pects of the agreement which will need to increased by 125 percent while Canadian ment, which is then sent to Congress for would be eliminated. be addressed. Overall, however, our studies sales to the U.S. have grown by 29 percent. consideration within the following 90 days. have shown that a NAFT A will be a positive o Mexican licensing requirements for development for U.S. agriculture and we Michigan Farm Bureau President Jack Preliminary studies of the trade pact thus poultry, eggs, cheeses and non-fat dry hope this agreement is one that we will be Laurie voiced similar sentiments, but far show the following provisions: milk would be eliminated im- able to support." added that Michigan's diverse agricultural mediately, and further trade barriers commodity mix will require a careful anal- o Immediate elimination of Mexico's li- would be removed within 10 to 15 See page 9 for further commodity ysis of the final trade pact. censing requirements for wheat, and years. specific analysis of NAFTA GAD Urges FDA to Halt Milk Sales From BST Test Herds In an apparent/move to raise consumer "Milk is one of the most inspected and increasing concerns about indirect health process," explained Kirk. "To my knowl,:, fears over the-safety of the nation's milk regulated food products produced," said effects on humans. edge, the FDA is the only organization with supply, the General Accounting Office Kirk. "It's the only product that requires data from ongoing research projects in (GAO) has issued a report condemning the producers to be licensed before they can The GAO report acknowledges that BST place since 1986, not the GAO, to deter- Food and Drugs Administration's current sell what they produce. The dairy industry itself poses no human health threat, but mine the exact consequences ofBST use." milk inspection system and another recom- has established a number of voluntary qual- expressed concern that cows receiving mending that milk and beef from BST test ity assurance programs, including the Milk BST could have more cases of mastitis Kirk added that it was determined early on herds be withheld from market. and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Pro- and, consequently, receive more antibiotic that BST posed no human health problems. gram, thatthe GAO didn'ttake into consid- treatments, and ultimately increase the The FDA',s focus since that time has been • The first of the two reports criticized the eration." likelihood of antibiotic-tainted milk. on whether there are animal health prob- FDA for a number of perceived shortcom- lems, so the GAO' s report really does noth- ings in the milk inspection system, saying The second GAO report calls on FDA to "The report on BST raises no new concerns ing more than discredit producer and indus- that only a small number of the drugs cur- halt sales of milk and beef from BST test or presents no new information about the try efforts to produce a quality product and rently used to treat mastitis are routinely herds and also urged FDA to withhold product, but it does attempt to use food needlessly raise consumer fears about the tested for under the Pasteurized Milk Ordi- commercial approval of BST because of safety fears to further delay the approval milk they're drinking. nance. The report recommended that FDA develop a comprehensive strategy to mon- itor milk for animal drugs that optimize state and industry monitoring under the eM. rop aturlty ShapIng · Up to be a TIght · Race PMO. Michigan farmers will make Las Vegas The GAO based its observation on reports casino gambling look like child's play from "several veterinarians who treat dairy as the success of this year's crop and cows," totally ignoring a 1991 study which profitablity are coming down to a ner- • showed that less than .08 percent of the milk sampled, tested positive for residues vous race of time for crop maturity ver- sus the first killing frost this fall. and were rejected, according to MFB dairy specialist Kevin Kirk Michigan's corn crop is estimated to be two to three weeks behind, as are soy- beans and drybeans, which were 20 to 25 percent behind in setting pods. Only 20 percent of the corn crop was reported to be in the milk stage com- pared to the five-year average of 57 percent as of presstime. According to the Michgan Agricultural Stastistics Service, just 1 percent of the corn crop had reached the dough stage, com- • pared to the 30 percent five-year aver- age. Southern areas of Michigan were reporting excellent yield potential if they were blessed with a late frost. Oat maturity was lagging behind nor- mal as well, with just 50 percent of the J"\ crop reported ripe compared to the five- Above, Ken Christensen of Ionia County was part of that 20 percent who had year average of 97 percent. As of Au- harvested oats. Ken, a cash crop and cattle feeder near Portland, had just finished gust 17, 20 percent of the oats had his 1992 oat crop when this picture was taken. Although they were "a little green, " been harvested compared to the five- (they were predicting rain the next day) Ken reported a good yield for his oats as year average of 80 percent. well as his wheat crop. As for his corn and soybeans? "We'll need time," he said. Michigan Farm News Introduces a New Classified Ad Section Effective With the September 15 Issue. See Coupon on Page 11! -. Michigan Farm News . August 31, 1992 The Michigan In Brief ... Corn Checkoff -- USDA Announces Regulatory Changes an Industry's In response to President Bush's call for a reduction i~ fede~al paperwor~, ~g. Secretary Edward Madigan announced 14 regulatory changes, I~cludmg a consolidatIOn of forms Self-Help required for participating farm programs. The changes mclude: _ Permission for either spouse to sign a farm program contract when both own an Interest . Opportunity in the farm ..... - A relaxation of the lien requirement on stored wam m wh~c.hgral~ stored on a separate farm -- not considered collateral -- can be sold Without requIrIng a lien release. - A more streamlined method for determining landlord ineligibility for USDA benefits We live in a rapidly changing world where consumer preferences seem to shift in when violations occur affecting wetland conserva~ion pr.ovisions and highly erodib!e lands. the blink of an eye. So, one of the major challenges facing the agricultural industry - Fewer trips to the county ASCS office for mmor OIlseed producers to establIsh loan is finding alternative sources of financing for the product development needed to deficiency payment rates. meet the fickle desires of the marketplace. Other changes include a new definition of a "dai.ry producer". to pro~ide equitable treatm~nt As farmers, we want to control our own destiny. We want to have a say in the to all dairy producers, a provision to allow haymg and gr~zmg dunng the seven ~ol1-pn.n- research and promotion that will result in useful new products for consumers, and cipal growing months designated as Acreag~ Conserv~tlOn Reserve~ cost-shanng assIs- perhaps a little more profit for us. That's why I'm enthusiastic about the opportuni- tance to producers in arid areas who estabhsh peren~Ial. cover ~or Idled acreage and a ties presented by the Michigan Corn Marketing Program. provision to change production adjustment terms apphe~ I~.cer:am ca.ses to ~o~ton, corn, , sorghum, and minor oilseeds to give producers more flexibilIty ~nmakmg deCISIOnsabout Michigan Farm Bureau has been working closely with the Michigan Corn Growers what to plant. For more information, readers should contact their local ASCS office. Association (MCGA) to develop the program proposal under P.A. 232. If approved, the program would place a one cent per bushel assessment on the first sale of corn and deposit those funds in a statewide pool. All funds colle~ted would go toward Up and Down Year for Cattle Feeders promotion, research and market development for corn. A nme-member board of corn growers, appointed by the governor, would control the funds. Cattle feedlot operators, who suffered huge losses in the first quarter of 1992, were a little better able to cover costs in the second quarter, but could be headed for trouble again toward Corn producers will vote on this checkoff at county Extension offices or county the end of this year, according to Ed Uvacek, president of Western Research, Inc. ASCS offices between Nov. 30 and Dec. 11. Feeder calves are relatively scarce and will remain so for the rest of the year, with available The Michigan Farm Bureau board of directors recently adopted a resolution urging feeder cattle and calves not in feedlots of 43.8 million head on the July inventory report, Farm Bureau members to vote 'yes" on the Michigan Corn Marketing Program. The up only 1 percent from a year ago. resolution was approved after the board heard presentation~ by the.MCGA and.a positive recommendation from the MFB Wheat and Feedgrams AdVISOry CommIt- This should not only be encouraging to ranchers, but could ensure a fairly good market for tee. The proposed program, initiated by growers and administered by growers, is feeder cattle this fall. Feedlot operators will be very disappointed by the numbers which certainly consistent with Farm Bureau policy and philosophy. they had expected to be greater. The only good news for feeders was the reduction in their break -even range as feeder cattle dropped into the mid $80 per cwt. range and feed costs There is no doubt in my mind that the future for the corn industry lies in expanding went down a bit. That situation is expected to disappear in the fourth quarter and profits the market for corn through the development of new products. One cent per bushel will be harder to come by or quite likely may disappear, even with slightly better price is a small price for each of us to pay to participate in charting a new course for the levels. Uvacek sees fed steers averaging between $74 and $77 per cwt. in the fourth quarter, corn industry. with feeder steers going for around $85-$88 per cwt. Biodegradable plastics, ethanol-blended fuels, super absorbents, .road de-ic~rs and specialty chemicals are just a few of the products that are rapIdly expandmg Ag Spending Bill Goes to President the market for corn. And with the swift growth of biotechnology, who knows what The Senate passed a $60.5 billion agricultural appropriations bill late Tuesday and sent it additional innovative corn-based products may be developed in the future? A to the president for final approval. The bill includes $13.5 billion for agriculture programs, successful Michigan Corn Marketing Program will help us tap into the market including crop insurance, food inspections and research; $28 billion for the food stamp potential of our industry and give us a significant voice in the direction corn research program and $6.8 billion for child nutrition programs. The measure previously was will take in our state. approved by the House of Representatives. With declines in state-supported commodity research, isn't it time th~t corn produc- The final bill sparked criticism for what it did and did not include. The measure included ers took their destiny in their own hands? This December, vote m favor of the Michigan Com Marketing Program. ~ ~ 'i~ $148 million for the market promotion program, which provides advertising and promo- tional assistance to businesses exporting U.S. farm prooucts. Defenders of the program say it is needed to put U.S. companies on a par with the EC, which spends $1.5 billion annually on such promotions. ~ Jack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau The final package deleted funding for the Wetlands Reserve Program. Ken Cook, vice- president of the Center for Resource Economics, described the action as scandalously Corn and Soybean Output Could Set New Records anti-environmental. He said the action would force environmentalists to switch their support from voluntary incentive programs to stricter regulation. The USDA released its August crop report estimating 1992 com production at 8.762 billion bushels and soybean output of just over 2 billion bushels. The agency also raised its estimate Canada Suspends Grain Shipments to Russia of the yearly wheat crop to 2.336 billion bushels, more than 100 million higher than its July estimate of 2.232 billion bushels. The Canadian Wheat Board has suspended all grain shipments to Russia due to that country's inability to service interest arrears on its $1.5 billion Canadian line of credit, These record com and soybean production figures, of course, would require that crops not according to Knight Ridder News. be stunted by an early frost. Peter Leavitt, executive president of Weather Services Corp. in Bedford, Mass., says the current pattern of below-normal temperatures could mean frost Debra Ham, CWB information officer, said the suspension will continue until the arrears about 10 days earlier than normal. are cleared. She would not quantify the amount, but said it was significant enough to warrant the action. The CWB is currently awaiting word from Russia on how it plans to However, Dave Strait, agricultural meteorologist for Cropcast Services in Rockville, Md., clear the arrears, she said. said even with an early frost, "the bulk of the crop should escape damage." Crops in South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin are more likely to be harmed by an early frost than those The current long-term grain agreement between Canada and Russia was signed at the end elsewhere in the Midwest, according to Strait. of January, and calls for the purchase of 25 million tonnes of Canadian wheat and or barley between Feb 2, 1992 and Jan 31, 1997. At the end of June, Canadian Grain Commission - 1992 AFBF Crop Survey Summary - data shows Russia had purchased 2.896 million tonnes of wheat, 969,200 of durum and 371,700 of barley. In June, the CWB began arranging ocean freight on behalf of Russia on Harvested 92191 92191 Production change a limited CIF basis, at Russia's request, in an effort to increase sales of grain to the Republic. Crop acres change Yield 8,746 mil bu. +17% Previously, the CWB practice was for all sales of wheat and/or barley to be conducted on Corn 72.2 +5% 121.1 bu. an FOB basis. Soybeans 58.0 +0% 35.9 bu. 2,084 mil bu + 5% Dry Beans 1.5 -17% 14.5 cwt. 22,289 1,000 cwt. -32% Winter Wheat 42.6 + 8% 39.7 Bu. 1,690 mil bu. +23% The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN ---------) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, All Wheat 63.1 +9% 40.0 bu. 2,523 Mil. Bu. +27% December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm Environmental Groups Wearing Thin to Contributors News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is pending at Lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be Some environmental organizations are feeling the pinch.oflower finan.ces t~ey try to bla~e sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address on the recession, but observers say their same old stones are becommg tIresome to their changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. supporters. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. Years of double-digit growth in members and contributions are coming to an end for groups Officers: President. Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Martette; Administrative Director, Chuck like the Wilderness Society, the Sierra Club, the Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Resources Defense Council and others, according to recent stories in Washington-based Jim M.iIIer, COlom~; ~istrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom publications such as the Chronicle of Philanthropy, City Paper and Environment Writer. Guthne, Delton; Dlstnct 5, Mark Smuts, Chartotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Martette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, ~i~ard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; Dlstnct 11, Robert Wah.mhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darting, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Some of the groups have more difficulty collecting money now ~an in the recent past, and Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterting. Young Farmers, Steven a few are cutting expenses and laying off s.taff m~mbers, accord~ng to ~e ~eports. ~ome of Gonyea, Spruce. them are responding to the trend by expandmg their efforts to cultivate eXlstmg contnbutors. ~. Michigan Farm News August 31, 1992 ITOL o o :II Z m :II Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act (Renamed: "Animal Enterprise Act of 1992") MFB Position Identical bills H.R. 2407 and S. 544 have passed their ap- This is an important vic- propriate house and are headed to the president for his sig- tory for agriculture and nature. AFBF has sent a letter to the president urging his Farm Bureau. signature and we expect to obtain presidential approval. Earlier this year, the House Agriculture Committee ap- MFBContact proved H.R. 2407 with strong provisions imposing federal Al Almy, Ext. 2040 penalties for criminal acts involving damage to facilities housing animals, such as farms and research laboratories. The bill was then referred to the House Judiciary Commit- tee, which has jurisdiction over legislation with criminal penalty provisions. The Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 2407 after several damaging amendments were added. Farm Bureau was able to defeat the Judiciary Committee amendments on the floor and was successful in passing the Agriculture Committee version which covers attacks on any animal enterprise, in- cluding farms, rodeos, fairs, 4-H and FFA events. An amendment was added to the Agriculture Committee ver- sion that would establish a $10,000 damage threshold trig- gering federal jurisdiction. EPA Not Considering Ethanol Tax Break Environmental Protection Agency Chief William Reilly has announced that regulators are not considering granting major tax breaks for ethanol-blended fuels to spark sales. But Reilly insisted that the Bush administration remains committed to expanding use of ethanol blended fuels. Com producers have been hoping the EP A would grant a waiver to the Clean Air Act and issue tax breaks for the fuel's sales in heavily polluted cities. There is a disagreement about whether ethanol is dirtier than other fuel blends. Reilly, interviewed after speaking to the Republican national convention, said, "We don't need to relax the Clean Air Act to spur et,hanol sales." The agency could still decide to grant the tax incentives in polluted cities ,.•fOt:only certain months each year, or for fuels containing small amounts of ethanol. It had been widely anticipated that Reilly would use his speech to announce that the EPA \:Vasgranting new incentives for the use of ethanol-blended fuels, a move that farm-state politicians have been demanding. Conservation Program Three- Year Report Released Implementation successes and deficiencies over, the provisions have achieved substan- The study was based on a series of field The landmark legislation, known as the were identified .in a three-year Soil and tial gains in soil erosion control, and wild- visits in 49 counties across 29 states. De- Food Security Act of 1985 or '85 Farm Bill, Water Conservation Society study of how life habitat protection and enhancement. tailed information was collected from more included the conservation reserve, conser- the U.S. Department of Agriculture than 1,500 farms and in interviews with vation compliance, sodbuster, and (USDA) and cooperating agencies had im- At the same time, however, questions have local USDA program managers; Fish and swampbuster programs to achieve conser- plemented sweeping soil conservation and arisen about the effectiveness of the various Wildlife Service wetland coordinators; vation of soil, water and wetland resources wetland protection programs in the Food provisions. Enforcement of the compliance members of county-level producer commit- by farmers who participate in USDA-ad- Security Act of 1985 (' 85 Farm Bill). provision was uneven at the time of the tees, including conservation district gov- ministered programs. evaluation. erning board members, Agricultural Stabi- According to the recently released study, lization and Conservation Service county The three-year evaluation project was con- the compliance provisions of the law have Concerns exist that natural resource protec- committee members, Extension advisory ducted by the Soil and Water Conservation accomplished a great deal in six years. The tion gains achieved under the Conservation council members; and Farmers Home Ad- Society with the financial support of the client base of federal soil conservation Reserve Program may not be lasting gains, ministration advisory council members; Joyce Foundation and USDA's Soil Con- agencies has expanded significantly since given the uncertainty of USDA policy and representatives of the local agribusiness servation Service. the Food Security Act became law. More- economic pressures. community; and farmers. Peace Corps Needs Skilled Agribusiness Pros for Soviet Union MDA Hearing Scheduled for Americans with agricultural backgrounds have a unique signments will not be directly involved in agricultural pro- Corn Marketing Program opportunity to play an important role in the historic changes duction. Volunteers will be involved in establishing supply now occurring inside the former Soviet Union. and marketing outlets, warehousing facilities and food pro- A public hearing to consider the establishment of the pro- cessing plants. They may also participate in the privatiza- posed Com Marketing Program under Public Act 232 has Several newly independent former Soviet republics have tion of state collective farms and assist local officials in the been scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 24, by MDA Director Bill asked the Peace Corps to provide highly skilled volunteers decentralization of the existing food processing industry. Schuette. The hearins will begin at I :30 p.m. in the Forum to assist in the transition from centrally-controlled, com- Room, Michigan Library and Historical Center, 717 W. mand economies to western-style free markets. As a result, Applicants for these programs must be American citizens Allegan, Lansing, Michigan. Peace Corps has an urgent need for business and agribusi- and should have a college degree in business, agribusiness, ness professionals with experience in agronomy, crop and or agriculture economics and three years of relevant work More than 200 com growers submitted petitions requesting livestock production, marketing, food processing, small experience. All applicants must also pass a physical exam- a referendum on the establishment of a com marketing enterprise development and general business. ination and meet legal requirements. These positions re- program. Public Act 232 requires the MDA to hold a quire a 27-month commitment and offer world class lan- hearing on the proposed marketing program to determine if Peace Corps volunteers in the former Soviet Union will be guage, cultural and technical training. Volunteers also there is sufficient interest to conduct a referendum. working in one of two possible assignments within the enjoy a professional in-country support system, paid travel, republics of Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Armenia. free medical and dental care, a comfortable living allow- The proposed program provides for the growth and devel- Selected volunteers will establish and run small business ance, and a $5,400 end-of-service bonus. opment of the Michigan com industry through foreign and centers in medium or large cities, providing assistance to domestic market development, promotion and research that fledgling businesses in the surrounding area. Remaining The Peace Corps application process takes a minimum of will stimulate demand for com. volunteers will work as business and agribusiness advisors 90 days to complete, so interested business and agribusiness in smaller towns that serve, as farming centers, using the professionals should apply immediately. Additional busi- Interested persons who cannot attend the hearing may sub- Peace Corps Small Business Centers as a resource. ness and agriculture assignments are also available in Af- mit testimony in writing until 5 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 1, 1992. rica, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Central Europe. For Written comments should be sent to Katherine A. Fedder, Peace Corps volunteers will assist in the development of additional information, call the Michigan and Ohio Peace Interim Director, Marketing and Market Development, services required by private farmers and consult with farm- Corps Recruiting Office TOLL FREE at 1-800-52 I-8686, Michigan Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 30017, ers on business and financial aspects of farming. The as- extension 442. Lansing, MI, 48909. Michigan Farm News August 31,1992 Record breaking cool temperatures contin- Are Near-Normal Teniperatures in Store for Michigan ? ued through mid-August, with frost and freezing temperatures reported on the l lth Michigan Weather Summary and 12th in the Upper Peninsula and an 7/16/92 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation unconfirmed report of snow in Gratiot to 8/15/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Actual Normal County on the 14th. Mean Normal Accum. Accum. (inch,) (inch) Alpena 62.1 -4.7 1135 1486 1.17 3.19 Temperatures for the last 30 days ranged Bad Axe 63.8 -6.2 1333 1796 4.75 2.87 from about 3 degrees below normal in the Detroit 69.0 -3.0 1767 1955 5.90 3.11 far south and northern sections of the state Escanaba 63.1 -3.6 961 1166 2.20 3.46 to nearly 7 degrees below normal in.central Flint 66.4 -3.7 1649 1955 7.28 2.90 sections of Lower Michigan. Grand Rapids 66.2 -4.5 1659 1993 2.91 3.06 Houghton 61.3 -3.7 1044 1362 0.64 3.53 At the current time, when June, July, and Houghton Lake 62.9 -4.3 1291 1486 1.52 3.19 August are averaged to obtain a summer Jackson 65.8 -6.9 1626 1957 3.80 3.21 mean temperatures, only the summer of Lansing 65.1 -5.1 1573 1957 3.17 3.21 1915 has been cooler during the last cen- Marquette 59.8 -4.1 993 1362 2.69 3.53 tury. With the cool temperatures, develop- Muskegon 65.9 -4.3 1468 1712 1.17 2.94 ment of many warm-season field crops has Peflston 61.4 -4.1 1190 1535 0.34 2.88 lagged far behind normal, raising the pos- Saginaw 65.6 -5.6 1572 1796 1.62 2.87 sibility of a season-ending first freeze, es- Sault Ste. Marie 59.6 -4.9 884 1166 3.56 3.46 pecially in northern and central sections of South Bend 68.6 -2.9 1869 1993 3.29 3.06 the state. Traverse City 64.1 -5.6 1379 1535 0.41 2.88 Vestaburg 64.1 -7.0 1475 1784 2.09 3.15 In contrast, the cool weather has greatly benefitted some crops, such as cool-season Observed and normal growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1. vegetables and forage crops, which were Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen> Ag Meteorologistt MSU hurt by dryness earlier in the growing sea- son. While both the latest National Weather Service 90-day outlook for August-October and the 30-day outlook for August call for a continuation of cooler than normal temperatures Extended outlooks are beginning to show and normal to above normal precipitation, the recently released 30-day outlook for signs of a possible change in weather pat- mid-August through mid-September calls for a shift in the Jetstream troughing pattern over terns over the week or so. Don't expect the Great Lakes back in Canada, resulting in a return to near normal temperatures statewide anything in the category of unseasonable for the period. Precipitation is also expected to be near normal, except for western sections heat, though. of the Lower Peninsula, where above normal totals are possible. Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook P - Precip. T.... 9/15 P A 8/31.. ..10/30 T.. B.. Q. July's Moisture Improves Most Yield Outlook and needed some warm, sunny days to son. The all hay yield is estimated at 3.23 W. Com Belt B.„. A B.. .... N/A Wet July weather improved this season's reach full maturity. tons per acre. All hay production, at 4.5 E. Corn Beit B/N.... ..N/A B/N.. A yield prospects for most field crops, accord- million tons, is down 14 percent from last Wint. Wheat Belt B.... N B.. .... N/A ing to the Federal/State Michigan Agricul- The corn yield is forecast at 105 bushels per year's 5.3 million tons. The expected al- Spr. Wheat Belt B.... N B.. N tural Statistics Service. acre, 5 bushels below last year's yield of falfa hay yield, at 3.6 tons per acre, is down Pac.NW Wheat N.... N A... B 110. Acres for harvest as grain is 2.4 mil- Delta B/N.... .N/A B.. N eight percent from last year's estimate. Southeast N.... A B/N.. N However, season-long low temperatures lion, up 100,000 acres from last year. Total B A. N have continued to hamper crop develop- production at 252 million bushels, is down The winter wheat yield is forecast at 50 ment this year. Many farmers are concerned 1 million bushels from the 1991 harvest. bushels per acre, up 5 bushels from July, A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- that the first fall freeze will occur before Soybean production is estimated at 50.4 and up 7 bushels from 1991. Total produc- mal. MA-Much Above MB-Much Below, NP- their crops are able to fully develop. Based million bushels, a decrease of five percent tion is up 31 percent from last year to 31.5 No Precip. Source: National Weather Office on conditions reported by farmers as of from 1991. The expected yield is 35 bush- million bushels. Oats production is esti- Aug. 1, crops were about two weeks behind els per acre, down eight percent from last mated at 6.36 million bushels, up 18 per- year's 38 bushels per acre. cent from 199 l's production. The expected yield is 53 bushels per acre, 8 bushels MICHIGAN FARM Sugarbeet production is forecast at 3.22 higher than a year ago. Summer potato v Serving Michigan million tons, up 25 percent from last sea- production is forecast at 3.1 million cwt. Farm MFRN Families is RADIO NETWORK Our Only Business Dry Bean Production Expected Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective Down in all Major Producing States has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- 1 he 1992 Michigan dry bean production of 310,000 acres is expected to be har- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- is forecast at 4,030,000 hundredweight vested, down 10 percent from 1991. tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, (cwt.), 35 percent below 1991 crop. As of weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Aug. 1, yields are forecast at 1,300 pounds Acreage planted to navy beans is estimate per acre, assuming normal weather condi- at 235,000 acres, down 20,000 acres from Station City Freauancv Morning Farm Noon Farm tions for the remainder of the season. las year. Planted acreage for all colored WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm classes of dark beans is estimated at 95,000 WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm Planting of this year's crop was delayed acres, the same as last season. Class break- WP2A Ann Arbor 1050 6:15 am 12:05 pm until late June and early July, due to dry downs for planted acres within the colored WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm conditions in June. The below normal tem- category were as follows: dark kidney, WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 * 12:30 pm peratures and excessive rains in July have 9,000; light kidney, 8,000; cranberry, WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:45 pm slowed development in most of the state, 26,000; black turtle, 42,000; pinto, 7,000; WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am *** causing fields to have uneven growth. The small white, 1,500; other, 1,500. WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:15 am 12:15 pm crop is two to three weeks behind normal. WACY Fenton 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm Nationally, the 1992 crop of dry beans is 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm Planted acreage of all dry beans at 330,000 expected to total 23.1 million cwt., down 30 WGHN Grand Haven acres, is 20,000 acres below the 1991 crop. percent from last year and 29 percent below WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 12:45 pm The August acreage estimate is based on a two years ago. Production in North Dakota WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm special survey of about 1,500 farmers in the is expected to total nearly 4.8 million cwt., WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm 18 largest dry bean producing counties. down 37 percent from 1991. Production in WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm The survey was conducted during July after Minnesota is expected to reach 1.3 million WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 12:15 pm most of the planting was completed. A total cwt., down 33 percent from 1991. WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm WWGZ Lapeer 1530 * 12:15 pm WNBY WOAP Newberry Owosso 92.5 1080 6:15 am 12:15 pm 12:30 pm 1992 Fruit Production Suffers WHAK Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm U nseasonable weather in July hampered Pear production is forecast at 4,000 tons, WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm fruit production in most of the state as well. down 20 percent from the 1991 crop, but up WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm A cool, wet July, combined with a dry, 60 percent from 1990. WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm windy, frost-ridden spring, slowed most WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm fruit crops development. Nationally, apple production is forecast at WKZC Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm 10.2 billion pounds, three percent above the WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm Michigan's apple production is forecast at 1991 crop. Grape production is forecast at WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm 750 million pounds, down 19 percent from 6.13 million tons, up 10 percent from 1991. 1991, but equal to 1990's production level. WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm Grape production is expected to total WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 12:40 pm Production of peaches is forecast at 2.52 40,000 tons, 13 percent below last season's billion pounds, six percent below the 1991 * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farmtimeschange with crop. Peach production is forecast at 40 crop. Plum and prune crop is expected to sign-on times. million pounds, the same level as the 1991 total 41,600 tons, up 66 percent from last " Station airs various farm reports between 5:50 and 6:20 pm. crop. The plum and prune crop is expected year. Pear production is forecast at 941,450 "* Station airs various farm reports between 12 00 and 1:00 pm. to total 6,000 tons, 33 percent below the Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. tons, up four percent from 1991. 1991 crop, but equal to the 1990 crop. Michigan Farm News August 31, 1992 MSU Cr:opping Syst~lTJs Tour: on Fruit Chemical Usage Summary Released Sept~mber:1 0" The National Agricultural Statistics Ser- tion was collected on the major fertilizers cides were simazine (Princep), diuron vice (NASS), through the Federal/State and pesticides applied to Michigan fruit (Karmex, Direx), glyphosate (Roundup, Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service, crops. Rattler), and 2,4-D. has published its first Agricultural Chemi- cal Usage Fruit and Nuts Summary publi- Nitrogen was applied to 92 percent of the The most frequently used insecticide was cation. The survey was funded by the blueberry and peach crops. The lowest rate azinphos-methyl (Guthion), with applica- United States Department of Agriculture's was 80 percent, which was applied to ap- tion to 87 percent of apple acres and 75 (USDA) Pesticide Data Program. ples. Phosphate applications were made to percent of sweet cherry acres. Malathion 49 percent of the raspberry bearing acres was a commonly used insecticide for the The purpose of the program is to upgrade and to 36 percent of the blueberry bearing berry crops. Phosmet (lmidan), carbaryl the reliability of pesticide use statistics and acres. (Sevin, Sevit), chlorpyrifos (Lorsban), es- the quality of information on pesticide res- fenvalerate (Asana), and ethyl parathion idues in food. This report includes farm use Other targeted fruit acres received phos- were other insecticides applied to Michigan of fertilizers and pesticides for the 1991 phate application rates that ranged from 21 targeted fruits. crop year for fruit, nut, and berry crops in to 28 percent. Raspberries received potash twelve major producing states. treatments on 81 percent of the acreage, and The most commonly used fungicide on 79 percent of the blueberry acreage was Michigan's bearing fruit acres was Captan. The major producing states surveyed were: treated. Grape acreage received 60 percent Captan was applied to 97 percent of the Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, potash treatment and peaches had 56 per- apple acres. It was also applied to 80 percent Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Or- cent treated. The lowest potash application of the peach crop. Other fungicides fre- egon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, rate was on apples, where 42 percent of quently used were sulfur, chlorothalonil Texas, Virginia, and Washington. bearing acres were treated. (Bravo), fenarimol (Rubigan), ferbam (Car- bamate), and benomyl (Benlate). In 1991, Michigan represented a total of Paraquat (Gramoxone) was the most widely 131,200 bearing acres of the survey's tar- used herbicide on Michigan fruit acreage. The trade names are provided as an aid in geted fruit. Michigan's targeted fruit crops Paraquat applications were made to 69 per- reviewing pesticide ciata. NASS does not included apples, blueberries, grapes, cent of the grape acres and 30 percent of the mean to imply use of any specific trade peaches, prunes, plumbs, raspberries, peach acres. Other commonly used herbi- names. sweet cherries, and tart cherries. Informa- One other stop will be at the MSU Ex- tension/Soil .District com phosphorus plots. Here you'll see whether or not 50 pounds of phosphorus over the MSU recommended rates will increase yields. This is year five for these plots. It will Dairymen feature both conventional and no-till com grown und,er both irrigated and dry- land systems. Cut Energy Costs With After the free lunch, farm equipment dealers will briefly speak about each Mueller Dairy Farm Equipment piece of equipment they have on display there. I and For those wishing to see how non-tradi- tional fertilizers work, there will be a tour of the Blough Brothers com fertility Consumers Power's plots a few miles toward Lowell. Pre-registration is required! Call the Ionia County Extension office at (616) "Reduce the Use Rebate" 527-5357 to register! The MSU Clarksville Experiment Sta- Offer! Reduces tion is located .5 miles south and .5 miles west of exit 59 (Clarksville) off 1-96. 1 Energy Cost 2 Flexibility Insect Fighting Low Virus Has 3 Maintenance Encouraging Future 4 Pays For Itsell A naturally-occurring virus known as the "celery looper virus," may one day represent a deadly diet for several insect pests that now cost farmers thousands of dollars a year in crop losses and insecticide applications, Ag- riculture Department scientists say. The looper virus, now being tested in fields in California, Arizona and Mississippi, ITA'Nll'S snlL causes such pesky caterpillars as the tomato JACKEt horn worm, tobacco bud worm and cotton bollworm to lose their appetites and die, according to researchers. "The looper virus could be purified, pack- aged and sold as a new, environmentally- friendly control for insects that attack cot- Dairy Far:I:n. EQ:u.ipm.e:nt ton alfalfa tomato and other vegetables," said Patrick V. Vail of the USDA Agricul- Call Your Mueller Distributor Today for Rebate Details and a FREE Rebate Estimatel tural Research Service. Brown Dairy Equipment, Inc. MI Fann Automation Maxson Milk Transport This pesticide kills a broader array of pests Bob Brown AI Lettenga Pat Tuckerman than four viral insecticides already approved Bad Axe, MI48413 Lake Odessa, MI48849 Pittsford, MI 49271-9802 by the Environmental Protection Agency, 517-269-7081 616-374-8803 517-523-2391 according to Vail. and Rose Bush, MI48878 Paul Mueller Co. Nonhern Mich. Harvestore Once ingested by the insect pests, the virus 517-433-5712 Hank Kulhawick Tinus Koom spreads throughout their bodie~, causing de- Eau Clair, MI49111 terioration and death. The reSIdue then be- Lake City, MI 49651 Handrich Fann Supply 616-782-3647 or 800-641-2830 616-839-3030 comes poisonous to others of the species. Mike Handrich Fairview, MI 48621 Central Dairy Supply, Inc. Researchers say the natur~l' insec~icide 517-848-2252 Roy Caldwell could possibly be commercIally avatl~ble within five years, if test results contmue Lansing, MI48917-9551 favorable. 517-322-2083 Michigan Farm News August 31,1992 • •••f, !•• • •• •' ••' 1• i | tW MlS^M •f • • • • ' JHHM *£& Market Outlook FARM • • • H H • •••• BUSINESS Dr. Jim Hilker. Dept. of Agricultural Seasonal Commodity Wheat Economics, MSU Price Trends For a crop that was "lost" a couple of times, OUTLOOK estimated production numbers are fairly high. U.S. production is estimated at 2.34 use is expected to drop off 85 million bush- Wheat billion bushels, up 18 percent from last els from this past year due to the corn/wheat Corn year. price relationship. On top of this, exports Corn are expected to drop off 150 million bush- The August Crop Production Report left The U.S. yield is expected to be 37 bushels els due largely a larger FSU (formerly So- little doubt that the U.S. com crop will be Soybeans per acre, up nearly 3 bushels and harvested viet Union) crop. In addition, exports for huge this fall. While there are areas which acreage is projected to be up 5 million the 1992-93 marketing year, which began will be susceptible to an early frost due to acres. Michigan's yield is expected to be 50 last June 1, have be very slow. the lateness of the crop, like Michigan, the Hogs bushels per acre. While up 7 bushels from chances of a sharp decrease in U.S. produc- last year, it is still way below the record of Despite the rather pessimistic view, there tion from the August report are small. The Cattle 60 bushels per acre. is upside potential. However, because of USDA report, based on August 1 conditions the risk, I would not want to be heavy in and released August 12, estimated the U.S. The supply/demand numbers go a long way the cash market. Consider purchasing com crop at 8.762 billion bushels, not far Index: = Higher Prices; * = Lower Prices; in explaining the large drop in prices. Total cheap out-of-the-money call options to behind the 1985 record of 8.875 billion. The TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? « Unsure supply is expected to be near last year's replace cash sales in order to cash in on USDA in the first field survey sample of this levels with smaller ending stocks offsetting any rallies in the market. In this down year's com crop projects a U.S. yield of sales and lower prices also indicate exports the increase in production. What has hurt relatively low volatility market, call op- 121.3 bushels per acre, smashing the old will grow slightly, although much depends prices is the expected drop-off in use. Feed tion prices are not real expensive. record of 119.8 bushels per acre. yet on the final size of the rest of the world crop and the world's economic health. The Michigan's com crop was estimated to be bottom line is an expected 65 percent in- Hogs 252 million bushels, slightly higher than crease in U.S. ending stocks. The projected last year. The expected yield is 105 bushels ending stocks of 1.8 billion bushels is 22.5 Hog slaughter has been running well above per acre, 5 bushels below last year. How- keting. If we do see a rally, consider some percent of use. This translates into an an- year ago levels and is expected to continue ever, as any of you who have traveled nual average price of around $2 per bushel, downside price protection. at higher than year ago levels through next around the state know, there is a lot of and 10-15 cents lower at harvest. spring. variability. Harvested acreage is projected The Export Enhancement Program (EEP) to be 2.4 million, up 4 percent from a year for pork, a first offered to the FSU, will For those with old crop corn left, move it The cheap com we are seeing will likely benefit the hog industry. It basically ago. Remember, this projection is based on for cash; the old crop basis is tight. If you Aug. 1 conditions and does not include the keep the industry out of the liquidation amounts to one day of U.S. production. The want to stay in the market, buy a cheap stage until we see prices under $40 per cwt. biggest question is, how will the FSU come possibility of an early frost. Much of the out of the money call option. com in the state will need decent weather for a quarter and then it will take over six up with the rest of the money? They may well into October to mature. months before we see a turn-around in need more credit and I suspect this, being For new crop corn, be ready to price on prices.We will likely see the low prices this an election year, they will get it. frost scare rallies. If the basis is wide, fall. Keep extremely current on your mar- The USDA also released a new Supply/De- consider using put options; if the basis is mand Balance Sheet Report on Aug. 12 narrow or you will have to use commer- based on the new numbers for the 1992-93 cial storage, consider forward contract- Cattle com marketing year which begins Sept. 1. ing and buying a call. Even though carry-in stocks will be down Cattle prices have been hanging in there spring will be required to break even — 28 percent, total supply is expected to be up I realize that for many producers going into pretty well as slaughter runs below low even at the low expected corn prices. over 9 percent due to the large increase in the futures and/or the options markets is not year ago levels. Prices may drop off a little What you pay for purchased feeder cattle year-to-year production. Total use is ex- very feasible. However, many elevators as we go into fall and therefore it is very is one of the most important decisions pected to grow 2 percent. will work out pricing alternatives for you important to keep feedlots very current. that predetermine feedlot profits. which will bring the same results as those Feedlots need to carefully pencil through Cheap com and large animal numbers are mentioned above without you actually their needed break-even prices when pur- The other side of the picture is those indicators feed use will be up. Early export being in the markets, work with them. chasing feeders. selling feeders. Prices are generally higher than anyone expected at this time, At present feeder cattle prices, fed cattle so consider some down-side price protec- Soybeans prices in the mid $70's next winter and tion. To some degree, soybeans bring more of If we do see a rally on a scare, strongly the same story. This time, it is projected consider putting on a floor, but keeping Producers Question Lamb Market Declines more supply and about the same use as last some upside potential. The opposite side of year, which translates into lower prices. an early frost is no early frost, a large South Sheep producers are questioning the drop in live lamb and carcass prices, citing low lamb American crop, and a possible deteriorating numbers, higher cutout values and a growing spread between carcass and cutout price levels The August crop report estimates we will world economy. We could see prices well as signals the market is not operating freely. Since the implementation of the new quality have a record U.S. soybean yield, 35.8 below $5 per bushel. Remember, we now and yield grading program in the first week of July, the spread between carcass prices and bushels per acre, up from last year's record have a marketing loan for soybeans the cutout prices has grown abnormally, said American Sheep Industry Association President yield of 34.3 bushels per acre. This trans- $5.02 loan rate could very well not hold the Jim Magagna. lates into 2.08 billion bushels of produc- market up. tion, up 4.7 percent, on about the same He cited the example of a lamb carcass in the Northeast at the 65 pound and up range, number of acres. Once again, look at the basis and storage saying the spread between carcass and cutout value has increased from $15.94 in May to costs to determine which pricing alterna- $27.25 in July. "The widening of this spread is due to an overall increase in the value of Michigan, based on Aug. 1 conditions, is tive to use. If the basis is wide and you gross cutouts during July and a continuing decline in wholesale carcass prices," said projected to have a yield of 35 bushels per have on-farm storage, pencil through the Magagna. He said every industry statistic shows the quality and yield grading program is acre. While this is 3 bushels below last protection received by using a put option. being supported by the retail segment. "But producer-level prices are being pushed down year's record, it is still a fairly high yield despite the increasing value of our product." for Michigan. I would argue the first half of If the basis is fairly narrow and/or you do August was not great soybean weather. As not have sufficient on-farm storage, con- Live prices have also dropped, nearing the 1991 prices in the mid-$50s in most parts of the you all know, better than I, the Michigan sider forward contracts and call options, country. Added to the scenario are lamb numbers that are three to five percent below last soybean crop could not stand an early frost. or at harvest cash sales and call options. year's levels and Mexican lamb exports that continued at a high level, he added. "Rumors If you fear the production risk (such as are flying across the country about this price drop," he said. "They are being perpetuated At this point, total U.S. soybean supply is an early frost) and still want some down by people who have a lot to gain by seeing this program fail. Quality and yield grade is an expected to be up about 50 million bushel, side price protection, you will need to use important marketing tool - one we need to fight for. If we let rumors change our resolve and use up about 15 million bushels com- puts until you have harvested your crop to keep this system in place, we will lose this opportunity to put lamb into the meat case pared to last year. This would increase pro- and know your production. as a competitive product." jected ending stocks for the 1992-93 mar- keting year to 320 million bushels from the Again, consider working with a progressive Magagna pointed to the growing spread between carcass prices and cutout values, saying 1991-92 marketing year's relatively tight elevator to get the best pricing alternative the markets are responding to the added value of a quality and yield graded product and 285 million bushels. for you ~ they want your business. Also, producers must wait for the trend to find its way back to the live animal values. Cutout don't be afraid to ask knowledgeable peo- values are a new pricing tool made available by USDA in May. The cutout value is based Notice we can go from plenty of ending ple questions about these pricing alterna- on the sales price of the four primal cuts that make up the carcass, and does not take into stocks to fairly low ending stocks on a tives. These are difficult concepts and there consideration the value of any value-added cuts. Because the gross cutout does not account swing of 35 million bushels, or a one-half is no reason everyone should understand for these value-added cuts, Magagna said, price spreads between gross cutout and whole- bushel decrease in expected U.S. yield. them, but these are also difficult times and sale carcasses could be even wider than those now being reported. What this means is that a frost scare could you need to take advantage of all the possi- mean a significant rally. And an actual bilities. "Every indication is that our lamb is worth more at the wholesale and retail levels now that early frost would mean higher than pres- this grading program is in place. Unfortunately," he said, "live and carcass prices are not ently forecast prices. yet reflecting that trend." Michigan Farm News II. August 31, 1992 1.1 McFarlane Single-Step Planting, Incorporating and Finishing Manufacturing of simultaneous pre-applied chemi- Sauk City, Wisc., introduces the cal incorporation as well. The flex- Ex-Seeder - a unique new planting ible spike tooth harrow is recom- system that is the ideal marriage of mended for shallow incorporation. two excellent products, the It takes chemicals down to the McFarlane 16-bar flexible spike proper depth for best results. tooth harrow and the Gandy Orbit- Air™ applicator. The air-broadcast The Ex-Seeder is a versatile tillage seeder is front-mounted and deliv- tool. When you are done planting, ers seed ahead of the harrow. This the harrow portion of the Ex- unique design enables farmers to Seeder has many other uses. It plant, incorporate pre-applied performs in practically all types of chemicals and finish fields in a sin- soil and can be used effectively for gle pass. weed control, field leveling and seed bed preparation. The Ex-Seeder uses the Gandy Orbit-Air seeder to broadcast soy- For conservation tillage practices, bean and grain crops in spaces the McFarlane's flexible design seeds more evenly throughout the doesn't plug and leaves crop resi- field. Broadcast seeding, instead due on the field surface. The Ex- of row spacing, gives plants more Seeder offers all these features at room, more sunlight and more nu- a price substantially lower than trients to grow. The trailing 16-bar drills. harrow covers the seeds and lev- els the field. For additional information about the Ex-Seeder, please In addition to planting and field fin- contact: McFarlaneManufactur- is/ ling, the Ex-Seeder can provide ing, Inc. 800-627-8569 Yo,:,rMichigan Crow's Dealers Blissfield 517/486-2854 It Always Makes Sense! Stephen Smith, DSM Dennis Lasceski Filion 5171269-7980 Wendell Norder Laingsburg 517/651-5409 Noble Harper Deckerville 313{376-4987 Lance Kalbfleisch Brown City 313{346-2234 James D. Crow Camden 5171254-4512 John Bihlmeyer Manchester 313/429-7527 Jay Gould Morenci 517/458-2573 I..es & Orville Sieler Adrian 5171263-2458 Cyril Van Brandt Morence 517/458-7248 Ron Gudakunst Onstead 517/467-7041 Addison Brooks Golden Acres Litchfield Jasper 517/542-3273 517/443-5526 (With Crows Competitive Pricing.) SconLantis Jackson 517/536-8246 t 517/447-3683 Donald Isley Blissfield Thomas Ruehs Dundee 313/529-3825 Richard Bella Onawa Lake 313/856-5612 Carlton Wells Eaton Rapids 517/663-3380 Paul Smith Mason 517/676-4413 Doug Noveroske, DSM Kalamazoo 616/375-6304 Robert Molyneux Coopersville 616/837-8710 Ross Vander Band Belding 616n61-3585 Don Hassevoort Hudsonville 616/875-8403 Ron Wenger Belding 6161897-8958 Mark Hilaski Hopkins 616n93-4541 ( Richard Stank Dolphie Eisenlohr Lake Odessa Shelby 6161374-7394 616/861-2318 (With Crow's Competitive Yields.) Craw's Hybrids aren't the cheapest you can buy. They're the most valuable, though. Here's why: Richard Zenner Kingsley 6161263-5339 A Craw's conducts more research than companies twice its size Joe Bennen Edmore 517n62-5480 so we know we have the latest in high performance genetics. Ned Cutler Weidman 517/644-3367 B. Craw's started the single cross com business in 1938 so we have more years Fremont 6161924-5945 of continuous single cross research than anybody. Andy Sparks 6161279-2117 C. Craw's sells com - nothing else. Always has. Result: We live and breathe the business of raising com. Larry Roberts 1bree Rivers That helps us help you select the best hybrids for your fields. James F. Crew Quincy 517/639-8352 D. Craw's research is spread all acrass the Midwest so we know how our hybrids will perform Loren Clemence Battle Creek 6161965-4034 where you live, no matter where you live. Ed Groholski Burlington 517n65-2111 E. Crow's sets its price before we sell a bag of seed. Always has. And, Craw's payment options 517/629-2582 don't leave much to ask for. Art Blight Albion Want proof? See your Craw's Dealer soon. He has yield data and information on all Craw's Hybrids. Herbert Haight Homer 517/568-4072 You'll be impressed. Why not come home to Crow's this year? Carl Sparks Cassopolis 616/445-3195 ~" ~~ . Edgar Miller White Pigeon 616/483-7284 "~{(\~ Steve Baldus Hartford 616/621-2313 Ray Lowman Gobles 616/628-5079 Bill E. Morgan Sherwood 517n41-3698 DeMann Dairy Kalamazoo 6161372-3887 Robert Markle Plainwell 616/685-9300 Jeff Haack Bronson 517 {369-2207 Milford, IL, Nevada, IA and Greenville, 08 Charlotte 517/543-2498 Mark Morgan For more information write: Box 306, Milford, IL 60953or phone 800-331-7201or 815-889-4151FAX 815$-5253 Grand Ledge 517/627-2743 Grand Ledge Produce Roger Theodorski Eagle 517/626-6853 ThereS Only One Crow's! Michigan Farm News II. August 31, 1992 Shield Your Farm Machinery For Safety Power and speed are attributes of the ma- ingly smooth shafts can catch and wrap -Before restarting operation, replace or se- chines that work so efficiently for farmers. clothing if left unguarded. cure all safety shields that you remove or But without proper shielding or guarding, open for access when making field repairs. farm equipment can quickly turn from use- -Replace any damaged or misplaced guards ful to deadly, inflicting serious injury or or shields. -Keep proper tension on all belts to reduce even taking your life. slippage -- and to keep the operator from -Fashion and install shields on older ma- being tempted to manually "help things Most farm machinery is equipped with pro- chines -- those that were manufactured along." Chain dri ves should also be prop- tective safety shields and warning decals, without them. erlyadjusted. yet each year we hear too many reports of people losing fingers, hands, arms, legs, and -Make sure everyone is clear of the ma- -Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from lives in entanglement accidents. chine before starting the power unit or ac- moving parts of the machine. tivating any drive mechanism. Machine guards protect farmers from the -During operation, stay clear of things that From Farm Bureau Insurance unexpected -- but only if left in place. Un- -Unless the operator's manual tells you to need to be unguarded for proper function of fortunately, farmers often remove the do otherwise, always shut off the engine a machine -- such components as snapping shields and neglect to replace them, inviting before leaving the operator's platform to or husking rolls, straw spreaders and chop- disaster. A recent study by Purdue Univer- sity found that 50 percent of tractors in- adjust, lubricate, clean, or unclog a ma- chine. pers, cutterbars, augers, feed rolls and the like. Farm Bureau spected lacked PTO master shields. -When performing repairs, be sure ma- -Teach children about the hazards of power Commitments Don't gamble with life and limb. Here are chinery is properly blocked to prevent components. Keep them away from operat- tips for safe operation of your farm ma- chinery: crushing injuries or death. ing equipment. Help Snare -Be sure all shields and guards are in place -Wait until all power-driven parts have stopped before attempting inspect or ser- -Whenever and wherever you perform re- pairs, remember this: The job's not done Rehabilitation before any machine is started. Even seem- vice the machine. until the guard is back on. Pilot Project Five counties in Michigan's Thumb have received an $87,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Extension Ser- vice to participate in the AgrAbility Project. The project links Extension Service agricul- tural know-how with disability expertise to keep people with disabilities in farming. The Michigan Cooperative Extension Ser- vice, through the Agricultural Engineering Ag Safety Program, will work with the Eas- ter Seal Societies in Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Saginaw and Bay counties to create the Michigan Farm Family Rehabilitation Management program (MI-FaRM.) This one-year pilot program will establish a com- munity based network to assist farmers and their families with on-the-farm rehabilita- tion services. "Farm Bureau is delighted that Michigan was chosen to receive these AgrAbility funds," said Julie Chamberlain, MFB Pro- "If we want to attract added funds for the future, and expand rehabilitation services statewide, it's critical we raise the $30,000 of seed money to make FaRM a reality. " MFB Promotion and Education Manager Julie Chamberlain motion and Education Department man- ager. "This pilot project represents the first fruits of the Family Farm Rehabilitation of If life insurance had a face, it would look like your Michigan (FaRM) program that Michigan Farm Bureau and the National Easter Seal child's ... friendly, sincere, and full of promise. Society are currently in the process of fund- ing." And if you had to choose a company that cared about your child's future, it would be Farm Bureau Life Insurance Chamberlain said that FaRM is a catalyst for obtaining additional grants and funds for Company of Michigan. farm rehabilitation services. "It's important Farm Bureau Life has the strength and stability to to remember that FaRM is an important vehicle for demonstrating the commitment guarantee a secure future for you and your loved ones. of individual farmers and county Farm Bu- reaus to the goal of allowing farm accident We protect 100,000Michigan families, but the face we victims to once again become functioning see behind each policy is your child's. members of the agricultural community," she said. See your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today for a life insurance plan tailored for you and your family. It's the "Th~s Cooperative Extension Service proj- ect IS only funded for one year," advised best way to face the uncertainties of life. Chamberlain. "If we want to attract addi- ti?~al.funds for the future, and expand reha- bIlitatIOn services statewide, it is critical that we raise the $30,000 of seed money to MAKING YOUR FUTURE MORE PREDICTABLE make FaRM a reality." ,.,. FARM BUREAU Individual members can contact either their county Farm Bureau office for ••• ~ INSURANCE FAaM IUlIAU MUTUAl. • FAaM IUaAU L1R • FAIM IUIfAlJ GUBAI. • FI AHIIJITY more information and/or to make a do- nation to the FaRM program or contact Julie Chamberlain at 1-800-292-2680, Ext. 3213. Michigan Farm News ' -. August 31, 1992 Preliminary AFBF - NAFTA Commodity Specific Analysis sition period. When imports from the U.S. reach a given Horticultural Products All agricultural trade is included in the quantity each year, the original 20 percent tariff will The U.S. exported $220 million worth of fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed agreement between the U.S. and Mexico; "snap back" into place on addition imports. The quantity foods, juices and nursery products to Mexico in 1991. Key U.S. exports in this there are no exceptions. All non-tariff bar- at the outset of the transition period will be a total of category include dry edible beans, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, plums, dried riers will be converted to tariffs and all 68,600 metric tons (all categories of pork cuts combined) fruit, raw peanuts, pecans and other nuts, onions, potatoes and potato products, tariffs will be gradually reduced to zero and will increase by 3 percent each year. The U.S. ex- hops and nursery products. immediately or over five, ten or fifteen ported a total of 28 thousand tons in 1991. At the end of years depending on the sensitivity of the ten years, there will be free access for U.S. pork in Mexico has agreed to open its market immediately for approximately $90 products. Free trade in agriculture will Mexico. million in U.S. exports in the sector, including most fresh fruits and vegetables, therefore exist between the two countries hops, nuts (including peanuts) and nursery products. within fifteen years of enactment of the Mexico exported $391 million in livestock and products agreement. to the U.S. in 1991. The main Mexican export was feeder Mexico will phase out tariffs over five years for about $25 million in U.S. cattle, valued at $361 million. The only other significant exports. Some key U.S. products in this category include fresh and canned Canada declined to liberalize its import re- export was sausage casings at $16 million. pears, apricots, plums, prunes, fresh cherries, various berries, and canned peas, strictions on dairy and poultry in the carrots and olives. NAFf A therefore, effectively excluding it- self from full NAFf A participation in agri- The U.S. will grant immediate tariff-free access to virtu- ally all Mexican products in this sector, and will exempt Continued on page 10 culture. Mexico from the Meat Import Law. Mexico is not a In 199 I, Mexico exported $2.5 billion in significant exporter of meats and the Meat Import Law has traditionally had little effect on imports from Mexico. SAVE UP TO 50% OF YOUR agricultural products to America. U.S. agri- For feeder cattle, the current V.S. tariff of one cent per LIMING DOLLARS * cultural exports to Mexico that year totalled pound will also be eliminated immediately. with MlCBO-CAL@ $3.0 billion. Dairy Products Mld.lllchigiUl's Bevolutionary Liming Product! Both Mexico and the U.S. will utilize tariff- The V.S. exported $121 million in dairy products to • Custom application by • No "Har spars" rate quotas (TRQs) during the transition Mexico in 1991. Nonfat dry milk was the largest single eXP-eriencea operators product in the sector, accounting for $37 million, much with modem equipment. • No dust loss. period to avoid import surges for a small number of sensitive commodities. Mexico of which was provided to Mexico on concessional terms. • Small particle size Historically, nonfat dry milk imports have been strictly for FAST soU reaction • Ideal for: will use TRQs on a somewhat wider range -rented ground of commodities but on a smaller value of controlled by the Mexican government. -established Alfalfa • Qualifies for ASCS trade than will the United States. programs. -No till Mexico has agreed to open a tariff-free quota of 40 In most cases, TRQs will set a limit on the thousand tons for nonfat dry milk from the United States. ...... y........... CeItsI quantity of imports that may be imported U.S. exports in 1991 totalled 23 thousand tons. The Call Mark Miller or Bill Goetsch at (517) 669-8395 each year under the gradually reduced tar- above-quota tariff will be around 139 percent. The quota A GREAT LAKES/ENVIROLAND iff. Once that quantity has been imported, the original tariff would "snap back" into will increase by 3 percent per year and will be abolished after fifteen years. The over quota tariff will be progres- ¥ P.O. Box 139. Dewit\. Michigan 48820 •Actual savlI;gs may vary depending on your location place. The quota level will also be increased sively lowered to zero over fifteen years -- reduced by 24 over the transition period in most cases. percent over the first six years and then by a straight line phase out over the remaining nine years. Health And Sanitary Standards U.S. health and sanitary regulations as they Mexico will immediately eliminate import licenses for cheese and evaporated milk, COMBINES!! apply to food and agricultural imports from Mexico and Canada will be maintained. replacing them with 20 percent tariffs, which will be phased out over ten years. EXPERIENCED COMBINES Imports will still be required to meet all standards set by U.S. regulatory agencies. Many other dairy products will be provided 1991 9600 w1930 header, 1193 sep. hrs. 19899600 w1930 header, 1286 sept. hrs. The sanitary and phytosanitary agreement immediate tariff-free treatment. 1991 9600 w1930 header, 844 sep. hrs. 19888820 w{230 header, 1263 eng. hrs. offers a structure for resolving disputes over 1991 9600 w1930 header, 849 sep. hrs. 19888820 w{230 header, 1232 eng. hrs. health and sanitary regulations that may be The U.S. imports very little dairy product 1991 9600 w1930 header, 847 sep. hrs. 19878820 w{230 header, 1380 eng. hrs. disguised trade barriers, while guaranteeing from Mexico - only $3 million in 1991 -- mostly in the form of processed foods con- 19919600 w1930 header, 913 sep. hrs. 1984 7720 4WD w/224 hdr., 2800 eng. hrs. the right of each nation to protect the health of its people, as well as its animal and plant taining milk products. Mexico is expected 1990 9600 w1930 header, 1151 sep. hrs. 1980 N-7 w/25' header, 3175 sep. hrs. life. to remain a significant net importer of milk 1990 9600 w1930 header, 1470 sep. hrs. 5-L-2 w{24' headers products. 19899600 w1930 header, 1226 sep. hrs. Marketing Orders l 1:11 Demand in Mexico for quality dairy prod- U.S. marketing orders on fruits and vegeta- BUCKLIN TRACTOR & IMPLEMENT CO., INC. a bles will be maintained. However, Mexico ucts can be expected to increase under free will be given equal treatment with non-mar- trade beyond what the Mexican dairy indus- try can produce, especially if incomes grow. Box 127, W. Hwy. S4 keting order states in allowing products that Bucklin, KS 67834 do not meet grades and standards to be used Canada's decision to stay out of the NAFf A in processing. in agriculture means that access to the Ca- • · . Phone: 1-800-334-4823 · · . nadian dairy market will remain substan- Commodity-by-Commodity tially closed to competitive U.S. products. Review Of The Agreement Livestock The United States exported $1.1 billion in livestock and products to Mexico in 1991. Major commodities included cattle, beef, pork, poultry, animal fats and offals. Mexico will grant immediate tariff-free ac- cess to about $450 million in U.S. livestock products, including cattle, beef and selected hides and skins. Tariffs on $70 million in U.S exports, mainly offals, will be phased out over five years. Remaining products will be liberalized over ten years. A tariff-free quota will be established for poultry meat, with the initial quota level set at 95 thousand metric tons (the average level of U.S. exports of poultry meat over the past three years was 74 thousand tons but the U.S. exported 101 thousand tons to Mexico in 1991). The quota level will be increased by 3 per- cent each year and the above-quota tariff of 260 percent for chicken and the 133 percent tariff for turkey will be eliminated at the end of ten years -- reduced by 24 perc~nt oyer the first six years and then by st~aI.ghthne reductions to zero over the remammg four years. The current 20 percent Mexican tariff on U.S. pork and hogs will be phased out over ten years. However, Mexico ~ill e~ploy a tariff-rate quota safeguard dunng thiS tran- Michigan Farm News " . August 31, 1992 Remember Hessian Fly Free Dates. When Planting Wheat Doug Landis, MSU Dept. Entomolgy Hessian fly adults are active now, laying Table 1. Hessian Fly-Free Dates for Michiganl eggs in volunteer wheat. These adults have emerged from larvae which infested wheat earlier this spring. Hessian flies are small (l/8 inch) mosquito-like insects. Earliest Earliest Earliest Earliest Seeding Seeding Seeding Seeding The adults lay eggs on the leaves of wheat County Date (Sept.) County Date (Sept.) County Date (Sept.) County Date (Sept.) and the larvae feed between the leafsheaths. Fall infested plants frequently winterkill, Alcona 6 Eaton 16 Lapeer 15 Ogemaw 10 while spring infested plants produce less grain and may develop lodging problems. Allegan 20 Emmet 4 Leelanau 8 Osceola 10 Alpena 9 Genesee 17 Lenawee 25 Oscoda 7 Hessian fly is largely controlled byobserv- Antrim 4 Gladwin 12 Livingston 16 Otsego 6 ing the "fly-free date." That's the date in the Arenac 13 Grand Traverse 8 Macomb 18 Ottawa 19 fallwhen wheat can be safely planted with- Barry 18 Gratiot 15 Manistee 13 Presque Isle 8 out risk of fall infestation by Hessian fly. Bay 14 Hillsdale 19 Mason 13 Roscommon 7 Since the fliesemerge in late summer, suf- ficient waiting time prior to planting is crit- Benzie 16 Huron 13 Mecosta 12 Saginaw 16 ical to ensure that all adults have died and Berrien 23 Ingham 17 Midland 15 Sanilac 15 cannot lay eggs in the crop. Branch 19 Ionia 16 Missaukee 9 S~.Clair 16 Calhoun 19 Iosco 7 Monroe 21 St. Joseph 23 Planting prior to the fly free date or allowing Cass 22 Isabella 11 Montcalm 15 Shiawassee 16 volunteer wheat to persist through the fall, increases the risk for Hessian fly damage. Charlevoix 3 Jackson 16 Montmorency 7 Tuscola 15 Volunteer wheat should be controlled in the Cheboygan 4 Kalamazoo 20 Muskegon 18 Van Buren 22 fall with either tillage or herbicides to pre- Clare 12 Kalkaska 5 Newaygo 15 Washtenaw 18 vent the successful over-wintering of Hes- Clinton 17 Kent 18 Oakland 16 Wayne 18 sian fly. Crawford 6 Lake 13 Oceana 16 Wexford 9 Reprinted from the August 12 MS U Field Crop Advisory Team Alert 1 From "Insect Control in Small Grain Crops", MSU Extension Bulletin E-0829. Preliminary AFBF -NAFTA Commodity SpecificAnalysis Continued ... Fresh grapes, onions, peaches and pre- The u.s. exported $12 million in apples to limes, oranges and orange juice, melons, mediately and then phased out over ten served cherries, mushrooms, canned com Mexico in 1991. The tariff-freequota to be mangoes, tomatoes and paste, asparagus, years. and prepared peanuts are among the prod- established for apples will be at the highest frozen broccoli and cauliflower, cucum- ucts that will be tariff-freeafter ten years. level of Mexican imports from the U.S. bers, onions, peppers, olives, eggplant, Grains The export value of allU.S. products in this during the past three years -- 55 thousand squash, and cut flowers. These commodi- The U.S. is a major exporter of grains to category is about $35 million. metric tons. The 20 percent above-quota ties accounted for $1.2 billion of the total. Mexico. The total value of this trade in tariffwill be phased out over ten years. 1991 was $740 million. Sorghum was the Potatoes and potato products will be tariff- The tariffon asparagus during the period single most important commodity in 1991 free after ten years but a tariffrate quota will Finally, Mexico will establish a tariff-free Jan. 1 to Jan. 31 will be reduced im- with exports at $371 million. However, be applied during the transition period. The quota of 50 thousand metric tons for U.S. mediately from 25 per cent to 17.5 percent, Mexican demand for grains, and especially initialquota level for fresh U.S. potatoes imports of dry edible beans (U.S. exports in but this tariffwill then be phased out over for corn, has traditionally depended on the will be 15 thousand metric tons. An addi- 1991 were 38 thousand tons but were as a fifteen year transition period. The 25 per availability of domestic supplies. In 1991, tional 2 thousand metric ton quota will be high as 153 thousand tons in 1990, a Mexi- cent tariffon asparagus imported from Feb. the U.S. exported $147 million in com to established for frozen potatoes. U.S. ex- can drought year). The quota will be in- 1 to June 30 will be reduced on a straight Mexico (1.3 million tons), but just the year ports of fresh and frozen potatoes (not in- creased by 3 percent each year and the line over 15 years. The tariffon asparagus before --a Mexican drought year --the U.S. cluding potato chips) totalled 9 thousand above-quota tariffof 139 percent will be imported during the remainder of the year exported $400 million (3.5 million tons) in tons in 1991. phased out over fifteen years, by a 24 per- will be phased out over five years. The 12.5 corn to Mexico. cent reduction over the firstsix years and percent year round tariffon white aspara- then by a straight line phase out over the gus will be eliminated immediately. Other important U.S. grain exports include remaining nine years. feeds and fodders ($80 million in 1991), The 17.5 percent U.S. tariffs on frozen Mexico exported $1.3 billion in fruits and asparagus, frozen broccoli and frozen cau- vegetables to the U.S. in 1991. Key Mexi- liflower will be reduced to 15 percent im- can exports include bananas, strawberries, Continued on page 11 Tailored Building~xstems The Sign of guaJity Since 1967 This orilinal Weather House Is an authentic miniature of tile tld, cottales that dot the BlaCk forest hillsides. In It live arump, old A Centerpiece for Your Yard 1 Herr Hans Ind his flaxen haired lSaulhter, Quality In-House Design. Delivery &: Construction Brunhlld. When papa Hans strides out with his dlmunltiYl umbrella, watch out for rain or 6\an\ ClASSIC RED BARN Post Frame &: Steel Construction 1-800-955-7005 snowl But when Brunhlld 10'1 for a stroll.b. of 100d cheer for clear drJ weather and sunn, skies ar, ahead! Their movements ar. BIRDFEEDER controlled by an Inl.nlous, ,et Ilmpl' mecha- nism baSld on the principle of t1Jarom.trlcs. P.opl. ev.rywh.re In the world use thlSe quaint Weather Houses to h.1 p for. te'l weatller conditions In their own locantJea. Each Weather House Is metlculousl, hand. made with methodical German Pr.clslon - IVI,., one fashioned with the rich sepia woods - - Ind quality materia' of the Black forest. No. 4I660-WIII_ HOUSI S9.l8 CENTRAL SPECIAl: Two fDt oaJJ SI5.95, TbrII fDt $20.95 MICHIGAN LIMITED OffER: W. have a ve" limited quan- tity of a SUPER DElUXE Weatller House. With TRACTOR ~i' all of the above features, It Is much Iarler In size. A ltandout In home decor. No.4I48D-SuperDelmtWatMrHoust ... $11.95 TELLS THE WEATHER EVERY MORN 'N EVE PARTS /!!!II 11'12" X 123/." Parts For Tractors A "Country Classic" ... the Rcoster Weathervane .. • Garden It!,., II Classl.c" ROOSTER 2 Seed Compartments Silo & Barn and Our full color version stands almost 3 FEET TALL • Fence WEATHERVA N E A varietyofcolorfulsongbirdswillcallyouryardhome. Our Classic Self-Propelled Combines Bob Baumgras and measures 17th" across. Specially crafted for us with heavy-duty metal mounting hardware and weatherproof hi-impact materials. Easy to assem- ble hardware adapts to any angle roof. Attaches to porch, fence or mail box too. Can be mounted • Roof • Porch • House ~,.,~~,. .... .... ';_ .., No. 814Jl Schooner " RED BARN isa dualcompWnent feed....Pullouthopperinbam h Id I 61b I d. S' 0 up 0 s. 0 see 110 hasseparaledowel perchesand hold anotherlib.01seedor more thistle. Comes withhangingwireor can be d~wel moun~ed to%" rodifyoupreler.Eitherway ourRED On pole (inclUded) for your yard or garden ... It BARN willadd realInterest10youryardand you willbe rewarded 2713 NORTH U.S. 27 makes a charming garden accent! And it really witha show ~Ibi~ljfeallyearlong.Fullcolor. Hoppersaretranslu- ST. JOHNS. M148879 does work ... tells which war the wind is blow. ing: look at the price - An old fashioned bargain! 1 ~ c~ntlormO~llonng seed level.Hi-quality, WithstandWind,rainand sun.You must see. hi-impactmaterialsto -~-~----------- - -- - ------------ No. 8143X-Rooster Weathervane $16.95 No. 8155 Red 8a Feeder S2 95 No. 8147X-Schooner Weatheryane $16.95 - m 4. (517) 224-6802 Two Only $45 1-800-248-9263 (u.s.&eND.) Mall Order With.check, cash or money order. Include ~3 .45 posta~e & handling . fee (non- refundable). Allow 4 -6 weeks delivery.All merchandise shipped under no risk, I 30 day home triaL Money back guarantee. N. Y. S. resIdents must mclude local sales tax. Send order to: I ~--------------------------------~-----~ I FOSTER-TRENT INC., DEPT. (243-KB), 29 BEECHWOOD AVENUE, NEW ROCHELLE N.~ 10801 I Michigan Farm News -. August 31, 1992 ~------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcing III A New Member Benefit Effective with the September 15 Issue Michigan Farm News Classified At Michigan Farm News, our commitment to serve Michigan Farm Bureau readers is always a top priority. Beginning with the September 15 issue, readers will be able to read and purchase statewide classified ad- vertising at a cost unmatched anywhere in Michigan. Michigan Farm News has contracted the services and skills of the Greenville Daily News, which also prints the Michigan Farm News, to oper- Approximately 175 young farmers from across the state were in Grand Ledge ate the classified section. Experienced Greenville Classified Advertising August 15 and 16 for the first Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer softball staff will help place your ad, via the 1-800 phone line dedicated exlusively tournament. Twelve teams participated in two days of tournament play, as well as a hog roast on Saturday night. First place honors went to the Montmorency/Presque to Michigan Farm News classified users, or through the mail if you prefer. , Isle County team pictured above. The Branch/Calhoun County team placed sec- ond; third place honors went to Arenac County, with Gratiot County Young Farmers Ads can be paid for either by check or credit card if placed through the mail, or by credit card if placed over the phone. taking fourth place .. In the Michigan Farm News Classifieds, your ad will reach 45,000 real Preliminary AFBF - NAFTA Commodity farm family households across the entire state of Michigan. That's 45,000 actual farm family members of Michigan Farm Bureau from the southern Specific Analysis Continued ... state line to the northern reaches of the Upper Penninsula. wheat ($39 million), rice ($25 million) and barley ($7 million but $27 million in 1990). Mexico will open a 2.5 million ton tariff- with the U.S. system by the seventh year of the transition period. This will require Mex- ico to re-negotiate concessions made to other countires in the GATT. It will also r.l Call1-800-968-3129 ~WSA ] free quota for U.S. com. The quota level mean that the U.S. and Mexico will effec- to Place Your Classified Ad Today! will increase by 3 percent each year during tively have a "common market" in sugar at the fifteen year transition period. The tariff that time. or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to on imports under the quota will be free. The tariff on imports above the quota will be Mexico will eliminate its 15 percent tariff Michigan Farm News 215 percent and this tariff will be phased out over fifteen years -- 24 percent over the on fructose syrup and most other sweeteners over ten years. The U.S. will be permitted Classified Advertising first six years and a straight line phase out over the remaining nine years. to retain its sugar re-export program. 109 N. Lafayette Mexico will eliminate its licensing restric- The U.S. imported $33 million in sugar and related products from. Mexico in 1991, ot Greenville, MI 48838 tions on wheat immediately, reduce its tar- which $26 million was in molasses and iff immediately from 20 percent to 15 per- candies. The U.S. has agreed to eliminate Classified Ad Codes cent and then phase it out entirely over ten restrictions on sugar imports from Mexico years. over fifteen years. The U.S. will im- 1. Farm Machinery 2. Livestock Equipment mediately eliminate the 0.625 cent/lb. 3. Farm Commodities 4. Livestock U.S. producers of wheat, barley and sor- within-quota tariff on imports from Mexico and, over the first six years, will reduce the 5. Help/Position Wanted 6. Agricultural Services ghum will also benefit from free trade with Mexico. The elimination of tariffs either 16 cent over-quota tariff on imports from 7. Auctions 8. Building Materials immediately as in the case of sorghum or Mexico by 15 percent. 9. Real Estate 10. Seeds • over time will allow increased access into Mexico. It will also provide U.S. products In year seven, the U.S. will begin reducing 11. Wanted to Buy 12. General a competitive advantage over other grain the above-quota tariff on a straight line to exporting countries, with the exception of zero over the next eight years. In addition, Canada. if Mexico is projected to be a net exporter, Name Phone ( the U.S. will increase its quota to the amount by which it is a net exporter up to 150,000 Address _ Oi/seeds The U.S. will gain substantial benefits from metric tons. This 150,000 ton limit will be increased by ten percent each year and will City State __ Zip _ free trade in this sector, exporting $524 million in oil seeds and products to Mexico be waived permanently, if Mexico is a net Classified Ad Code Requested. Number of Issues _ in 1991 with soybeans alone accounting for exporter for two consecutive years. $346 million of the total. Soybean meal and Desired Insertion Date(s):. _ pi! accounted for an additional $76 million. The agreement will protect V.S. sugar pro- ducers and the sugar program for at least the Mexico has agreed to keep the tariff on first six years of the transition period. Mex- Method of Payment soybeans at zero for the period Jan. 1 to ico' could increase its exports from about 7 Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) Sept. 30. The V .S. exported $289 million in thousand to 25 thousand metric tons during soybeans during this period in 1991. Mex- this period, but only if it becomes a net Visa Card Number Exp. Date _ ico will phase out its 10 percent tariff on exporter. In any case, an increase to 25 thousand tons is not enough to jeopardize Master Card Number Exp. Date _ soybeans imported during the remainder of the year over a 10 year period. The U.S. the operation of the sugar program. exported $57 million in soybeans to Mex- Classified Rates In the seventh year, however, Mexico will ico during the period Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 1991. be allowed to ship up to 150 thousand tons $8 for up to 24 words (and this number will increase by 10 percent Mexico will phase out its 15 percent tariff each year) but, again, only if Mexico is a net 30 cents each additional word on soybean meal over ten years. The 15 exporter of sugar. Furthermore, if Mexico is Write your ad here, including phone number and area code ( MFN ) percent tariff on other protein meals will a net exporter for two consecutive years, the also be eliminated over ten years. limits on imports from Mexico are removed 1 2 3 4 altogether. The 10 percent Mexican tariff on crude 5 6 7 8 soybean oil will be phased out over ten Mexico has committed to harmonizing its years, as will the 20 percent tariff on refined import regime with the U.S. system within 9 10 11 12 soybean oil. Mexican tariffs on most other seven years. At that time the price ~f sugar vegetable oils will be phased out in the will likely be virtually the same 10 both countries. 13 14 15 16 same fashion. Arguments have been offered that this har- 17 18 19 20 Sugar The lis. exported $114 million in sugar monization should occur earlier, before an~ related products to Mexico i'n 1991, of Mexico is locked into tariff reductions in the 21 22 23 24 which $92 million was sugar shipped under GATT discussions. This is an unnecessary concern, since Mexico will be obliged to 25 26 27 28 the U.S. re-export program. re-negotitate its tarif~ c(:mcession~ in the Mexico will eliminate its variable tariff GATT in any case, If It enters 1OtO the 29 30 31 32 system .on U.S. cane and beet sugar over NAFTA. fifteen years. Mexico has also agreed to 33 34 35 36 harmonize its tariff regime on foreign sugar L -------------------.j Michigan Farm News Roggenbuck July Volunteer of The Month -. August 31, 1992 Sanilac County Farm Bureau member Orvel Roggenbuck has 1992 Michigan Farm been named as the Farm Bureau July Volunteer of the month, for Numbers Unchanged his efforts as Local Affairs Com- The number of farms in Michigan during products were sold or would normally be mittee Chairman. Roggenbuck, 1992 is estimated at 54,000 farms, the same sold during the year" and must be operating who farms near Snover with his as last year, according to the Federal/State on June 1. Land in farms includes: crop and wife, Lucille, and son, Les, rais- Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. livestock acreage, wasteland, woodland, ing sugarbeets, corn and soy- This is the second year since 1983 that farm pasture, land in summer fallow, idle crop- beans, spearheaded two very in- numbers have not shown a yearly decline. land, and land enrolled in the conservation formative meetings for other Michigan has 10.8 million acres of land in reserve program and other set-aside or com- county Farm Bureau members. farms, unchanged from the previous three modity acreage programs. It excludes all years. The average size of a Michigan farm land operated by establishments not quali- One of those meetings was with in 1992 is 200 acres. fying as farms. members of the local county road commission and engineer Of all Michigan farms, 8,000 were in the Nationally farms have continued to grow in to discuss county road construc- $100,000 and over economic sales class. si7.,e,while at the same time, the total acre- tion and needed improvement These large farms operated a total of six age in farming has shrunk as has the number projects, including erosion con- trol structures and local bridges. million acres. Farms with sales between of farms in the U.S., according to a recent $10,000 and $99,999 accounted for 18,000 Agriculture Department report. The second meeting, held be- tween the Sanilac County Exten- farms and 3.3 million acres. Farms with sion office and the County Farm sales between $1,000 and $9,999 repre- USDA said there were 9,320 fewer farms on sented 28,000 farms and 1.5 million acres. June 1 than there were a year ago. The Bureau board of directors, the Farmland numbers and acreage within eco- current figure is 2.09 million farms, down Local Affairs Committee, and the Information Committee, looked nomic sales classes did not change from last from 2.1 million last year. A decade ago year. there were 2.4 million farms in the nation. at critical issues such as CES funding and programming needs. A farm is defined as "any establishment A USDA spokesperson said the report rep- from which $1,000 or more of agricultural resents a gradual trend over several decades. The department's figures indicated that the average size of an American farm has grown from 427 acres in 1982 to 467 acres in 1991 and 468 acres in 1992. The data also show that the total amount of land in farming is shrinking. As of June 1, there were 980 million acres reported to be in farming. In 1991, there were 983 million acres in farms, which is down from 1.027 billion acres in farms one decade ago. Unlike the increase in the number of small farms, the number of mid-size farms, with sales of $10,000 to $99,000, fell from 775,100 to 763,200. There was also a drop from 327,060 to 326,340 in the number of farms with sales over $100,000. Seven states added farms. Oklahoma, Ten- nessee and Washington gained 1,000 farms each, while Oregon added 500, and New Jersey, Maryland and Wyoming each added 200 farms. At the same time, three states each lost 2,000 farms - Texas, Ohio and Kansas .. ) Texas has the most farms in the nation with 183,000. Missouri was next with 107,000 and Iowa was third with 102,000 farms. Nearly 16 percent of the nation's farms are in the $100,000 and over economic sales class. These farms operate almost 52 per- cent of the nation's farmland. While you're busy farming, In the halls of Congress and in MSU Professor Receives Farm Bureau is on the job in the Michigan Legislature, Farm National A ward Lansing and Washington, D.C. Bureau is respected as the voice protecting your'interests. of agriculture. It's a grassroots The American Society of Animal Science Our experienced and highly organization with responsible CASAS) gave one of its most prestigious respected team of lobbyists are legislative clout, powered by awards to a Michigan State University De- there working for you. its members and guided by its partment of Animal Science professor. farmer-developed policies. With the thousands of bills With over seven decades of The Animal Industry Service Award was introduced on the state and experience in the legislative and presented to Harlan D. Ritchie, MSU animal federal level, Farm Bureau science faculty member since 1964. The regulatory arenas, you can count lobbyists work full-time award was presented during the 84th AS AS on Farm Bureau to get results! convention Aug. 8-11 in Pittsburgh, Pa. aggressively supporting legislation that benefits farm Farm Bureau member benefits The award is presented each year to a mem- families while seeking to defeat include: ber of the society for distinguished service measures detrimental to • EducatiOPlO1and leadershiP to animal agriculture. Ritchie was cited for agriculture. opportunities his leadership in beef cattle genetic im- • Health care insurance provement, efficiency of beef production Farm Bureau - always there and proven effective ... and food safety as it relates to animal agri- • Travel program culture . • Discount prescription drugs • Nofee VISA card Internationally known for his expertise in beef cattle production, he has authored or • Farm. auto and life insurance co-authored 250 technical papers and has: been repeatedly invited to make presenta- What concerns you tions to fellow scientists and beef producers concerns us. in 27 states, four Canadian provinces, Mex- ico, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. For your nearest Farm Bureau Ritchie is an MSU Cooperative Extension office call 1(800) 292-2680 Service beef specialist and is the MSU De- extension 3237 partment of Animal Science faculty member in charge of research and teaching at the ~ Lake City Experiment Station.