• Michigan Farm News • ~ISOVINKI_ -.--- September 30, 1992 Vol. 69, No. 16 Madigan Announces "Michigan Farmers for Bush" Coalition USDA Agriculture Secretary Edward Madigan took issue with the Democratic "As the president said in Madigan was in Michigan Sept. 10 to take platform' and its apparent lack of concern his EEP announcement, part in the announcement of a formation of over the future of U.S. agriculture. He said he has pulled the GAIT • "Michigan Farmers for President Bush" coalition, consisting of more than 200 farm the platform only contained seven senten- ces on agriculture and only focused on sus- trigger - it was a very aggressi ve action for leaders, including Michigan Farm Bureau tainable agricultural policy and the the president to take but President Jack Laurie. proposed elimination of the honey subsidy. it's not the only thing that we're going to do," Madigan, who made appearances in Grand "Not a word was said about exports, not a cautioned Madigan. Rapids, Alpena, Traverse City, and finally word about net farm income, not a word "There are going to be in Lansing for a Farm Bureau hosted recep- about growth, not a single word about wet- other things that we can tion, reminded farmers in Grand Rapids of lands and all the other issues that are so very . do to impress upon the transition that agriculture has ex- much on the minds of farmers," concluded them (EEC) to bring the perienced during the Bush administration's Madigan. "Obviously, Clinton has put no GAIT to a successful first four years in office. real thought into assisting the interests of conclusion. " the American farmer." "Farm debt in this country has been In addition to the es- reduced by $54 billion dollars and farm Turning his attention to the stalled GAIT timated 150 farmers on equity has improved by 42 percent," said talks, Madigan expressed frustration over .hand in Grand Rapids Madigan. "Agricultural exports out of the the European Community's unwillingness for Madigan's com- • United States have risen to $41.5 billion, to negotiate in good faith on an agreement ments, Michigan's compared to an average of $27 billion that basically has the support of the rest of Governor John Engler, during the 1980s. Agriculture will con- the world. That unwillingness, said MDA Director Bill tribute an $18 billion positive balance of Madigan, prompted Bush's recent an- Schuette, and the state trade to the U.S. economy this year." nouncement of an expansion of the Export FF A officer team were Enhancement Program. also in attendance. Madigan added that Bush's commitment to international trade and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFT A) will as- sure long-term benefits and growth oppor- tunity for U.S. agriculture as well. "Inde- Credit Guarantees to Russia on Installment Plan pendent studies done by universities, not The United States has granted an addition- value added products, such as pork and year. Commodities the Russians need most the USDA or the White House, show that al $900 million in guaranteed loans to Rus- dairy products, according to Russian food are meat, cheese, cereals, vegetable. oil, tea, American agricultural sales as a result of sia and another $250 million in food aid. buyers and congressional sources. and dairy products. NAFf A will increase $2 billion," he said. The guaranteed loans will become available • "Obviously, we have some commodities that are going to be impacted negatively by in three segments, $100 million immedi- ately, $500 million after October 1, and Apparently USDA is prepared to give the Russians additional credits saying, more There is considerable speculation that U.S. pork products will be included in the export NAFT A, but we've taken steps to provide $300 million after Jan. 1, 1993. food assistance or credit guarantees could credit guarantees that have not yet been for a 15-year transition period for those be made available later. allocated. Russia has been targeted to buy commodities. " Analysts said the amounts were about as 30,000 tons of subsidized U.S. pork under expected by the trade and would provide Russian officials meeting with USDA offi- the Export Enhancement Program, but it American agriculture is now the single little support to the markets. The first in- cials said they're seeking up to $1 billion in needs export credits to buy the meat. largest industry in the United States, ac- stallment of $100 million will be used to credit guarantees to buy food at least until counting for 16 percent of the gross nation- purchase $66 million in feed grains, $24 December. Since Dec. 1990, the U.S. has The U.S. pork industry has lobbied hard to al product, and bigger than the defense million in protein meal, and $10 million in provided $4.8 billion in export credit have pork included in the USDA credit industry, or the health care industry, said wheat. guarantees to the former Soviet Union. packages. USDA has consistently said that Madigan. "Basically, if you take the first the makeup of commodities is entirely up four Bush years and compare them to any Although USDA said it would provide more According to news reports from Russia, to the countries receiving credits, since they president in the United States during the details later on the remaining credits, it's food production in the country has dropped represent purchases, not donations. 20th century, you'll find that these four expected that later installments may include an average' of 22 percent .compared to last years of Bush have been the best presiden- tial tenure for net farm income than we have had in the 20th century," he said. We caught Spitzley Eaton this running County field farmer Steve of dry beans on Sept. 14, just prior to a rain. This was Spitzley's second field of navy beans with yields running between 23 to 25 bushels per acre, with an average 1 to -ol- b-o 2 percent damage reported because of . c: OJQ: 0 o. pumpkins (immature beans) . )( ll> ~g- CD:J ~9. However, acres Spitzley, of corn, who wheat soybeans, farmsand1,000 dry ~~ ~2: beans, estimated that his total average :E'&l:J • for al/150 acres of dry beans would be ~~ considerably less than 25 bushels per • ~. 3 ll> ~ ::r:iil OJ c: acre. "This will be the best field I've got - it all goes downhill from here, " Spitzley' ~ ~ said. "I've got some fields that Will r ll> probably only do 12 or 15 bushels. Last i :i" year, we were well up into the 30 and 40 'P ~ bushel average yields. " ~ ~ Spitzley's corn had fully dented; how~ ever, he estimated that another 20 days would be needed for the crop to reach full maturity. "The wheat was good, and the com and soys look good, if we just keep getting the heat, " he concluded. • In This Issue: Medical Coverage Options for Farmers - See Page 7 Michigan Farm News Classified Ad Section - See Coupon Page 15 . Michigan Farm News September 30, 1992 Cooperative In Brief ... Month Means Bush Says U.S. Would Drop EEP if GA TT Succeeds Farmers President George Bush has indicated that the U.S. would be willing to scrap its Export Enhancement Program for u.s. farmers if an agreement could be wor~ed out in the current Working to round of global trade negotiations to eliminate agricultural trade barriers. In an interview on NBC television, Bush defended his decision to boost export credits for Help Farmers grain sales, and called the EEP "a good program." But Bush then went on to say: "We can get rid of that, incidentally, if we're su~cessful in Farmers have a long and proud tradition of helping their fellow farmers in times of negotiating a successful conclusion to the GAIT round. In other words, get nd of these need. When a natural disaster or a personal tragedy hits someone in a rural barriers, and the American farmer can compete with anybody. "But we're not going to let community, the farm neighbors are the first to come together and lend a hand. They him compete with one hand tied behind his back," Bush concluded. do so because farmers are caring and compassionate people. But they also recog- nize that each of them as individuals may, at some time, find themselves in need of Senate Gives Ethanol a Vote of Confidence the help of the greater community. Their cooperation now is like a "deposit" that they may draw upon in the future. With a non-binding resolution the Senate sent a message to the Environmental Protection Agency urging it to reopen its rule-making process for reformulated gasoline, which would This willingness to join for the purpose of serving the common good also serves as open the door for including more com-based ethanol in fuel. the foundation of the cooperative movement. Participation in agricultural coopera- tives is not just a financial commitment on the part of the farmer. It is and has been The resolution passed on a voice vote as an addition to a spending measure for the Veterans a philosophical commitment to the idea of working together to accomplish a task or Administration and Housing and Urban Development Department. The resolution, cospon- provide a service which otherwise would not be available. Agricultural cooperatives sored by a number of Midwest Senators, asks the EP A to drop its simple model for were formed to meet a specific business or service need. Farmers, invested in the reformulated fuel which, it is believed, would exclude ethanol for use on the basis of its services and products, and periodically made a "withdrawal" out of the benefits that greater volatility than other potential fuel additives. Opponents say reopening the rule the cooperative provided. would violate a regulatory negotiation deal struck last summer between industry, environ- mental groups and the EPA. Through the years, agricultural cooperatives have been tremendously valuable to farmers. Product lines have typically been higher quality because these farmer-con- trolled businesses had products meant to be used, not just sold. The products and Reasoned Support for Lower Grain ARP Setaside services always provided the co-op member the best value for the money. Coopera- In comments on USDA's 1993 Feed Grain Acreage Reduction program, the American tives also helped keep the marketplace on an even keel for farmers by helping to Farm Bureau Federation voiced support for a reduction between 5 and 10 percent. While counterbalance the prices set by the co-op's competitors. the maximum permitted under the law would be 12.5 percent, Farm Bureau pointed out that past acreage reduction programs have proved ineffective in reducing total world grain But many challenges face cooperatives in the future. From a competitive standpoint, supplies. there are all kinds of sources of supply out there for farmers to choose from. Many younger farmers weren't around years ago when ma'!y of to.day's co-ops "!l!re Production in other countries over the years has responded almost one-for-one to replace formed in order to supply a product that wasn't otherwIse available. So, retammg acres diverted from coarse grains in this country, according to Dave Miller, director of the member loyalty and maintaining the favorable price/value relationship of the product AFBF Wheat, Feed Grains and Soybean Department. for members is going to be more difficult. Recognizing the strong competitive position in world markets at this time and depressed The hotly competitive business environment of the future may also mean that some . export opportunities make it inadvisable at this time to aggressively return to full produc- cooperatives will face a conflict between being "all things to all members" and being tion. Farm Bureau says farmers lose net profit for each 1 percent of acreage reduction from efficient and financially strong enough to survive. Perhaps the cooperatives that will o to 12.5 percent. . be really successful will be the ones that place a high premium on creatively meeting the needs of members while developing a strong and healthy balance sheet. "We would support a lower ARP percentage, as allowed by law due to failure to secure an agreement in the current round of GAIT negotiations, if efforts are undertaken to aggres- It's important to remember the purpose and origin of cooperatives as institutions sively move any excess production into world markets," concluded the Farm Bureau designed by farmers to meet their needs. The challenges that face agriculture comments. tomorrow will be very different from those of the past. But the cooperative movement opportunities and problems of the future. ~ 'ia;..v.:... has shown that working together for a common goal is still the best way to tackle the USDA Forecasts Net Farm Income at $42 - $47 Billion Government disaster payments and an improved situation for dairy and hog producers ~ Jack Laurie, President should help lift U.S. net farm income to $42 to $47 billion in 1992, up from an earlier Michigan Farm Bureau estimate of $37 to $45 billion, according to USDA figures, reports Knight Ridder Financial News. "More complete information" also indicates that 1991 net fann income totaled $45 billion, up $4 billion from the May estimate, USDA said in its Agricultural Income and August Farm Prices Lower Finance report summary. Net farm income peaked at $50.8 billion in 1990. The Index of Prices Received by Fanners in Michigan for all products as of Aug. 15 was Total direct government payments to farmers are forecast 17 percent higher in 1992 at $') 124 percent of its 1977 base, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics to $10 billion. That includes about $1 billion in crop disaster payments for 1990 and 19~i Service. The August index was 2 percent lower than last month's level of 127 and was 1 losses and $100 million in payments to producers who have idled land under the con<:er- percent above last year's index of 123. vation reserve program, USDA said. The price index for all crops in Michigan fell 4 percent from its July level. Feed grains were Total crop subsidies are expected to be unchanged from 1991, as lower food grain payment~ down 7 percent, with oats down 10 percent, com and hay both were down 7 percent from offset higher cotton payments, USDA said. Dairy receipts in 1992 are forecast at $18 to last month. Cash field crops were 2 percent lower than a month ago. Dry beans rose 17 $22 billion, up 10 percent from the May estimate and near the 1990 record, because of percent, partially offsetting potatoes, which fell 24 percent from July. Winter wheat and higher milk prices, USDA said. soybeans fell 8 and 4 percent respectively from a month ago. Hog prices still are forecast to show the largest decline from 1991 in the livestock sec~or, The Livestock and Products Index dropped 1 percent from last month. Eggs and milk fell USDA said. However, production now is expected to push total receipts in 1992 to ~.9to 5 and 2 percent respectively. Calves dropped 8 percent from last month. Only slaughter $11 billion, compared with the May estimate of $8 to $11 billion. cows and beef cattle improved from July, rising 3 and I percent in that order. Total crop receipts in 1992 are forecast to $80 to $83 billion, down from the Mtty estimate Nationally, the August All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Fanners moved down of $81 to $84 billion. Large com and soybean crops are expected to weigh on prices and 0.7 percent from July to 137 percent of its January-December 1977 average. Price decreases reduce total receipts. However, increased marketing and higher prices could push wheat for com, wheat, oranges, and potatoes more than offset price increases for lettuce, cattle, receipts 25 percent higher in 1992 to $6 to $8 billion, USDA said. strawberries, and onions. The Index of Prices Paid by Fanners for commodities, services, interest, taxes, and farm wage rates for July was 192 percent of its 1977 average. The index was 0.5 percent higher The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN 1063-598X) is published semi-monthly except in the months 0: November, than April and 1.6 percent above July 1991. Since last surveyed in April, prices increased December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by ....ich;gan Farm for fuels, feeder cattle, and calves. Feed grain and building material prices were lower. Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 induded in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for maili!1g Michigan Farm Unverferth Enters Zone-Till Market Agreement With News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Application to mail at Second-Clats Postage rates is pending at lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news artides should be Michigan-Based Rawson Coulters sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News. P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. POSTMo\STER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike R<>{;ers;Connie Turbin; Donna with Rawson Coulters, Inc. of Farwell, Michigan. The Rawson family pioneered and Wilber; Henry Huisjen. marketed this tillage practice and related products, such as Zone-Till Tillage. Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Mar1ette; Administrative Director. Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, WilUam S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, The Rawson products include a patented three disc coulter assembly for attaching planters, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane HOi"ing. Manchester; District 4, Tom a coulter caddy complete with fertilizer injection unit, and other residue management Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Char1otte; District 6, Wayne Wood, MQ.r1ette;District 7, Lany Snider, Hart; planting accessories which facilitate Zone-Till practices. These products will continue to District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse r.lty; District 10, Margaret Kartes. West be manufactured in Farwell with expanded production at Unverferth' s Kalida, Ohio, and Branch: District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Dar1ing, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Shell Rock, Iowa, manufacturing facilities. Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc. is a Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Ster1ing. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. leading manufacturer of agricultural wheel systems, grain handling, seed handling, tillage equipment, and the Brent line of products. Michigan Farm News September 30, 1992 ITOL o o ::D Z m ::D Michigan Farm Bureau's Policy Development Committee in Full Gear Twenty farmers from across Michigan are Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, Northwest performing one of the most important func- Michigan, and Wexford. tions within the Michigan Farm Bureau policy development process as members of Willis Walker of Johannesburg is an Otsego the State Policy Development Committee. County dairy farmer, representing District Each of the 11 Farm Bureau districts are X. Counties in District X include Akona, represented as are the MFB Young Farmer Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Committee, the MFB Board of Directors, Emmet, losco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ot- plus three at-large members from across the sego, and Presque Isle. state. Robert Desjarlais of Daggett is a This committee is charged with drafting the Menominee County dairyman representing policy recommendations that are discussed members in District XI. District XI consists and voted on at county levels and eventually of Chippewa, Copper Country, passed. Ten different subcommittees will be Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac- Luce, and sorting through the over 1,200 policy Menominee counties. recommendations sent to them from the 69 county Farm Bureau annuals currently in Raymond Baker of Burr Oak is a St. Joseph process. Similar policies are consolidated County livestock and feed grains producer and final policy proposals are drafted for and represents the MFB Young Farmer further discussion and voting at the state Committee. level during the MFB annual meeting in Grand Rapids in early December. Fred Prichard of Evart is an Osceola Coun- ty dairy farmer, serving as a representative '. In addition, each subcommittee will hear of the MFB Young Farmer Committee. from resource people on key issues before drafting final policy proposals. The 10 sub- Pictured above are members of the 1992 MFB Policy Development Commmiffee Pam Brighton of Adrian is a Lenawee committees include: County cash crop farmer raising com and (front row I - r): Ray Baker, Ron Bodtke, Carmen Cousino, Pam Brighton, Lorna - Transportation soybeans. Pam serves as a representative of Wilson, Don Suffo, (second rowl- r): John Bull, Willis Walker, Judie Burmeister, Judy - State Affairs Emmons,.(third row 1- r): Duane Tirrell, Charlene Delisi, Mike Tulgestke, (fourth row the MFB Young Farmer Committee. - Health, Welfare & Safety 1- r): Keith Brown, Ivan Top, Joshua Wunsch, Diane Horning, and chairman Wayne - Commodities & Marketing ;Wood.. Judie Burmeister of Shelby is an Oceana _Natural'Resources" ,;. J. County farmer raising cherries and - Taxation Keith Brown of Jonesville is- a Hillsdale Charlene Delisi ~f Capac is a St. Clair . asparagus. She serves as an at-large member - Labor County dairy farmer in addition to raising County greenhouse and bedding plant on the MFB PD Committee. - Education percheroh horses.' Keith represents District operator, representing members in District - National & International Affairs' II, covering Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, VI. District VI counties include Huron, Ivan Top of Hamilton is an Allegan County - By-Laws & Internal Affairs ' Jackson, and Lenawee counties. Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, and Tuscola hog and cash crop farmer. He serves as an ,Counties. : ~t-large member on !he MFB Policy Members of the MFB Policy Development Carmen Cousino of Temperance is a Mon- Developme~t COnimitte,e. ' Committee, their farm background, and the roe County sugarbeet and cash crop farmer Judy Emmons of Sheridan operates a counties they represent, are as follows: representing members in District III. Dis- registered Holstein dairy farm in Montcalm Mike Tulgestke of Hawks is a Presque Isle trict III consists of Livingston, Monroe, County. She is the state PD representative County dairy farmer. He serves as an at-large Wayne Wood of Marlette operates a dairy O~and, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. for District VII members. District VII coun- member on the MFB Policy Development and cash crop farm in Sanilac Comity in ties are Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Mus- Committee. partnership with his father, brother and son. Lorna Wilson of Nashville is a 1,200 acre kegon, Oceana, and Osceola. Wood, who is currently a member and vice cash crop operator from Barry County, rep- Diane Horning of Manchester is a Wash- president of the MFB Board of Directors, is resenting District IV. District IV counties Don Sutto of Saginaw is a Saginaw County tenaw County dairy farmer. She serves on serving as an MFB board representative and are Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, and Ottawa. cash crop farmer raising com, soybeans, the MFB Board of Directors and is a board committee chairperson. and sugarbeets, and represents District VIII. representative serving on the state Policy Duane Tirrell of Charlotte operates a District VIII consists of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Development Committee. Ron Bodtke of Grand Junction grows diversified family farm in Eaton County, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and blueberries, com, soybeans and timber in raising sheep, strawberries, com, soybeans, Saginaw counties. Joshua Wunsch of Traverse City is a Grand Van Buren County. He represents Farm wheat, and hay. He represents Farm Bureau Traverse County fruit farmer. He serves on Bureau members in District I. District I members in District V. District V counties John Bull of Arcadia is a Manistee County the MFB Board of Directors and is a board counties are Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. are Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, and fruit grower. He represents members in Dis- representative serving on the MFB Policy Joseph, and Van Buren. Shiawassee. trict IX. District IX counties are Benzie, Development Committee. AFBF Analysis Shows Wetlands Testing Skewed A 1992 wetlands proposal, based on the "Backed by these results, groups supporting percent of the field test sites should have Based on information provided by Martin findings of faulty and biased government stronger wetlands regulations continually been classified by the testing teams as wet- and other scientists, AFBF suspects that field testing, is expected to be announced have misrepresented the impact of the 1991 lands under the 199 I manual. but were not. government field tests were skewed, ac- soon. And, if reports are correct, the latest wetlands revisions," Kleckner said. "The cidentallyorpurposefully, to reflect greater Bush administration proposal will back- proposed 1991 revisions recognized the "According to the data forms, those test losses than would actually occur. Results of pedal on a number of key wetlands issues scientific reality that wetlands should be sites were clearly wet, but the testing teams the field testing, conducted by the Army vital to America's farmers and ranchers, reasonably saturated. Without that key in- did not call them wetlands," Kleckner said. Corps of Engineers, the SCS, the U.S. Fish according to the American Farm Bureau. dicator, many of America's farmers and "They clearly should have been." and Wildlife Service, and the EPA, were ranchers will once again find themselves used to discredit the 1991 revisions. "Many of the common-sense, science-based caught in the same old quagmire of over- The Farm Bureau analysis shows that the changes in wetlands policy that would have regulation the administration had promised remaining 12 percent of the test sites clearly Kleckner also says there are indications been made by proposed revisions in the to eliminate." did not have the wetlands criteria -- specifi- that small marginal sites adjacent to larger 1991 manual now could be totally dis- cally, indicators of soil saturation -- needed true wetland areas were hand-picked for the regarded," said AFBF President Dean Farm Bureau based its charges against the to designate these sites as wetlands. "If field tests. When marginal sites did not Kleckner. "Many of the issues important to government's field tests on information water saturation is lacking, you can make a meet the 1991 wetlands criteria, the America's farmers, including protection of received from the Environmental Protec- convincing argument that the land is not a government testing teams then falsely true wetlands, and the recognition of pri vate tion Agency. With the aid of independent wetland," Kleckner said. "These lands are portrayed the impact of the 1991 revisions property rights, could be all washed away by wetlands experts, Farm Bureau re-ex- not the equivalent of the Everglades, which as causing a loss of federal jurisdiction over a flood of misinformation that began with amined field test information. deserve protection. " the larger adjacent true wetlands areas. imprope~ government field tests." Scientists analyzed information from sites According to Kevin Martin, president of AFBF believes that if the field testing data Despite those tests, Kleckner said that in their regions. Farm Bureau's analysis North Carolina-based Soil and Environ- was re-examined, there should be an admis- revisions made in 1991 still would have shows that when tested under the 1991 mental Consultants, Inc. and one of the sion that either it was analyzed incorrectly, protected true wetlands, including areas criteria, 50 percent of the test sites showed wetlands experts who studied the field test it was intentionally biased, or the testing such as the Everglades and the Great Dismal no change in prior wetlands status. results, the 1991 revisions, when properly teams just misunderstood how the revisions Swamp, which wetlands preservationists applied, help distinguish areas falsely would be used. falsely said would be lost under new rules. According to Kleckner, Farm Bureau's tagged as "wetlands" by the 1989 manual. analysis also sh9wed that an additional 38 Michigan Farm News September 30, 1992 Temperatures rebounded to above normal values during the past week or two over 3D-Day Outlook - A verage Temperatures much of Michigan, although averages and Possibly Wetter Than Normal degree day accumulations for the previous 30 days remained below normal. Base 50 degree day accumulations from Michigan Weather Summary March 1 through Sept. 15 now generally 8/16/92 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation range from 300-500 units below normal. to 9/15/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Actual Normal Precipitation during the past 30 days was Mean Normal Accum. Accum. (Inch.) (inCh) generally above normal across Lower Alpena 61.4 -1.1 1527 1929 2.49 3.29 Michigan except for scattered northern sec- Bad Axe 62.9 - 3.8 1746 2317 3.76 2.70 tions and below normal in the U.P. Detroit 66.2 - 2.6 2278 2522 5.46 2.83 Escanaba 60.4 - 2.0 1299 1537 3.28 3.60 As mentioned in the last weather column, Flint 65.0 - 1.6 2121 2522 3.83 2.83 jetstream patterns have changed from the Grand Rapids 64.8 -2.5 2128 2573 5.90 3.14 persistent northwesterly pattern of the past Houghton 59.8 - 0.6 1363 1759 1.53 3.94 summer to a transitional, quickly-changing Houghton Lake 61.9 -1.8 1690 1929 3.21 3.29 pattern. Jackson 64.1 -4.4 2076 2510 5.15 3.03 Lansing 63.7 -3.5 2016 2510 3.81 3.03 The latest 30-day outlook reflects this, call- Marquette 58.5 - 1.2 1297 1759 2.99 3.94 ing for near normal temperatures and near Muskegon 64.1 - 2.6 1918 2212 2.91 3.59 to above normal precipitation. On a day-to- Pellston 61.4 0.0 1578 1995 4.29 3.40 day basis, temperatures wi111ikely be high- Saginaw 64.2 - 2.8 2025 2317 4.49 2.70 ly variable, ranging from very cool to sum- Sault Ste. Marie 59.9 - 0.8 1220 1537 4.89 3.60 mer-like within the same week. Even South Bend 67.1 -1.4 2406 2573 7.47 3.14 though no long term outbreaks of Arctic or Traverse City 63.9 -1.8 2116 1995 3.21 3.40 Canadian-origin air are foreseen during the Vestaburg 62.5 - 4.0 1889 2287 4.34 3.41 next few weeks, a short blast of cold air with some scattered frost or freezing Observed and normal growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1. temperatures is possible given the season. Normals are based on district averages. JeffAndresenA MeteoroiDist MSU Mkh~anandM~orCommom~Area Midwestern Corn Harvest Slow to Start ExtendedWeatherOutlook T - Temp. 9/30 10/15 9130 11/30 but Early Yield Reports are High P - PreciD. T P T .e Although in its earliest stages, the Mid- said Dennis Epplin, an ASCS crop systems than last year. Moisture content was 30 Michigan N A B A western corn harvest is confirming specialist in Mt. Vernon, Ill. percent. W. Com Belt N N B N E. Com Belt A N B NlA forecasts for very high yields, reports Wlnt. Wheat Belt N N B N Knight Ridder News. Most producers are electing to allow the In the Missouri Boothe~t corn harvest was Spr. Wheat Belt B N B N crop to dry down in the fields rather than slow to start, but has been in full swing for Pac. NW Wheat N N A N An elevator operator in Mound City, 111., harvest com with higher moisture levels about two weeks. New Madrid County Delta A :.. N BIN NlA Agent Dale Kolbe said harvest was about along the Ohio River, said farmers harvest- and pay drying charges at the elevator, Southeast A N N A ing hilltop fields had reported yields from Epplin said. 60 percent completed on 67,000 acres. San Joaquin N N A N 120 to 125 bushels per acre, with moisture A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- content of 20 to 25 percent. Dave Mengel, agronomist at Purdue Yields are 180 to 220 bushels per acre on mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- University in West Lafayette, Ind., said irrigated land and 150 on dryland acres, No Precip. Source: National"Weather Office Early indications suggest yields should be corn harvest normally began the week after Kolbe said. In Mississippi County, county close to or above USDA's estimate for Il- Labor Day, but this year was running about agent Tim Schnakenberg said harvest was linois com yields of 130 bushels per acre, two weeks behind. about half completed on 50,000 acres, with 180 to 200 bushels per acre on irrigated An elevator company in the Princeton area acres and 130 to 140 for dry land corn. of southwest Indiana reported taking in its USDA currently pegs Indiana corn yields Serving Michigan ~ ~MFiiNJ RADIO NETWORK Farm Families is Our Only Business first load of corn Aug. 27, two weeks later Michigan Crops Continue to Lag Most of Michigan's field crops remain two to three weeks behind normal in at 130 bushels per acre and Missouri at 11-5. weight (cwt.) per acre, up 10 cwt. from last year. Production is set at 3.1 million cwt., Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- development due to unusual weather condi - up 9 percent from 1991. tions, according to the Federal/State ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Nationally, corn production is forecast at tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, Temperatures throughout the state 8.77 billion bushels, up 17 percent from weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: 1991. The yields are forecast at 121.4 remained below normal during most of Ststlon City Frsqusncv MorningFsrm NoonFsrm August. Yields of most crops are predicted bushels per acre, up slightly from last year. WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm to be good if the first frost held off long WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm enough. Soybean production is forecast at 2.08 bil- WPZA Ann Arbor 1050 6:15 am 12:05 pm lion bushels, up 5 percent 1991. Dry bean WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm Yield and production forecasts are based on production is forecast at 23 million cwt., a WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 • 12:30 pm conditions as of Sept. 1, and assume decrease of 30 percent from 1991. favorable conditions which will allow for Fruit Harvest Late as Well WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:45 pm normal crop maturity and development. WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am .** Late May frosts and below average WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:15 am 12:15 pm temperatures throughout the summer are Com yields in Michigan are forecast at 105 delaying Michigan's fruit harvest. The WACY Fenton 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm bushels per acre, unchanged from last WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm Michigan grape forecast is 40,000 tons, WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 12:45 pm month, ~)Ut ? bushels below last year. down 13 percent from 1991. Harvest of the ProductIOn IS forecast at 252 million Niagara white juice grapes is slated to com- WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm bushels, down less than 1 percent from the mence about Sept. 23, and harvest of the WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm 1991 harvest. Concord purple juice grapes should start a WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm week later. This schedule is a week to 10 WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 12:15 pm The expected soybean yield is 33 bushels days late. WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm per acre, 5 bushels below last year's record WWGZ Lapeer 1530 • 12:15 pm yield. Production is estimated at 47.5 mil- The pear forecast is 5,000 tons, equal to the WNBY Newberry 92.5 12:15 pm lion bushels, down 10 percent from 1991. 1991 output. Harvest is done in the South- WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm Onl y 60 percent of the crop was setting pods west, underway in the West Central Dis- at the end of August; normal is 90 percent. WHAK Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm trict, and in the Northwest. The prune and WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm plum forecast is 7,000 tons, 22 percent Dry bean production is forecast at 4 million below 1991 and 25 percent less than the WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm hundredweight (cwt.), down 35 percent WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm 1989-1991 average of 9,300 tons. Quality from last year. Yields are forecast at 1,300 of fruit picked thus far has been good. WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm pounds per acre, down 500 pounds from last WKZC Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm year's record yield. Only 15 percent of the The U.S. grape forecast on Sept. ] is 6.14 WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm crop was turning at the end of August. nor- million tons. That compares with 5.56 mil- WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm mal is 45 percent. ' lion tons in 1991. California produces about WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm 90 percent of the nation's grapes. WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 12:40 pm Sugarbeet tonnage is forecast at 3.2 million tons, up 25 percent from last year. Michigan * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change with National pear production is slated at growers expect to harvest 8,000 more acres 942,000 tons, ] 04 percent of the ] 99] out- sign-on times. ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:50 and 6:20 pm. than last fall. Yields are forecast at ] 8.5 tons put. Prunes and plums in the four major *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. per acre, up 3 tons from last year. Summer states, excluding California is forecast at Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. potato yield is estimated at 260 hundred- 42,600 tons, up 70 percent from last year. I Michigan Farm News EPA Issues Last Call for -. September 30, 1992 Ammonia Fertilizer Contract Launched The Chicago Board of Trade's tally of Traders have modest expectations for the Disposal of Banned Dinoseb fertilizer contracts has grown to two with contract, but hope for volume equal to or Ep A reports that the disposal of the known Dinoseb (trade names include Premerge, the start of trading in anhydrous ammonia greater than the exchange's diammonium stocks of the banned dinoseb pesticide Dynamite, Dinitro, Dyanap, Ancrack, Hel- contracts, according to Knight Ridder phosphate futures, introduced in late 1991. products is 99 percent complete. Ap- Fire, and General Weed Killer) was Financial News. Anhydrous ammonia "seems to have more proximately 2.3 million gallons of dinoseb suspended in 1986 and finally canceled in • Some 325 contracts of anhydrous ammonia interest than DAP, but it's very seasonal - interest comes and goes," said Gary have been accepted by EP A for disposal. The agency has set Dec. 31 as the date by 1988. Dinoseb was used to control broad- leaf weeds, as a fungicide and desiccant and to control vegetati ve growth. futures changed hands in December, March Sandlund, trader with Peters and Co. and June, according to CBT figures, equal- which holders of leftover dinoseb stocks ing 32,500 short tons of fertilizer. For the start of the new contract, the CBT must have applied for federal disposal as- The suspension/cancellation actions were has rounded up two market makers and sistance and must have shipped such stocks issued after EP A reviewed data which Dan Henning,. fertilizer and wheat trader, three permit holders to generate liquidity. to the EPA contracted facility. Because of showed that dinoseb is acutely toxic to said opening day had unearthed "a good mix In promoting the new contract, the CBT has the time needed to process the necessary humans and that exposure has the potential of participants." Cargill was the major stressed historically high levels of price paperwork and prepare containers for ship- to cause birth defects, male sterility and buyer, with selling from Refco, Inc. and volatility for anhydrous ammonia. ment, holders of dinoseb should not delay cancer. Under provisions of the Federal In- Cargill Investor Services. in applying for disposal assistance. secticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Although storable, the product is expensive (prior to the 1988 Amendments), EP A is In more general terms, the CBT expects to store, so inventories are usually kept at a Holders of dinoseb are responsible for the required to indemnify holders of suspended participation in the contract from fertilizer very low level, which tends to promote costs of safe storage and transportation of and canceled pesticide products and to ac- producers, wholesalers, retailers, traders, sharp moves in price, Henning said. their stocks until they arrive at the Chemi- cept these products for safe disposal. and exporters, as well as locals and outside Volatility is also boosted by instability in cal Waste Management, Inc. facility in Mil- • speculators. the former USSR, the world's largest producer and exporter. lington, Tenn., where the stocks will be prepared for disposal. Persons wanting to apply for federal dis- posal of dinoseb stocks should do so as December anhydrous ammonia closed at soon as possible by contacting Don Eck- $89.20 per short ton. Henning said he was The U.S. is a net importer of anhydrous After Dec. 31, holders of dinoseb stocks erman of EPA at (703) 305-5062 or by somewhat surprised at the premium carried ammonia. More than 47 percent of applica- will no longer be able to participate in the writing to: Disposal and Analysis Section to the spot market, which is said to be trad- tions in the U.S. are in Iowa, Illinois, EP A disposal program and will be respon- (H7506C), U.S. EPA, 401 M St. S.W., ing at $82 to $85. Nebraska and Minnesota, with spring and sible for the cost of disposing of such stocks Washington, D.C. 20460. fall the biggest periods for usage. through private facilities. Your Michigan Craw's Dealers When I Plant Crows • Stephen Smith, DSM Dennis Lasceski Wendell Norder Blissfield Filion Laingsburg 517/486-2854 517/269-7980 517/651-5409 I Get More Than Good Hybrids! Noble Harper Deckerville 313{376-4987 Lance Kalbfleisch Brown City 313{346-2234 James D. Crow Camden 517/254-4512 John Bihlmeyer Manchester 313/429-7527 Jay Gould Morenci 517/458-2573 Les & Orville Sieler Adrian 517/263-2458 Cyril Van Brandt Morence 517/458-7248 Ron Gudakunst Onstead 517/467-7041 Addison Brooks Litchfield 517/542-3273 Golden Acres Jasper 517/443-5526 .e' Scott Lantis Jackson 517/536-8246 Donald Isley Blissfield 517/447-3683 Thomas Ruehs Dundee 313/529-3825 Richard Bella Ottawa Lake 313/856-5612 Carlton Wells Eaton Rapids 517/663-3380 Crow's dealers aren't all Regional Managers, Paul Smith Mason 517/676-4413 Doug Noveroske, DSM Kalamazoo 616/375-6304 alike but they do have everybody - any time. Robert Molyneux Coopersville 616/837-8710 one thing in common: It causes a lot of conster- Ross Vander Band Belding 6161761-3585 They work for a company nation sometimes but Don Hassevoort Hudsonville 616/875-8403 that wants' em to be it's all worth it It's one ,. Ron Wenger Mark Hilaski Richard Stank Belding Hopkins Lake Odessa 616/897-8958 6161793-4541 616{374-7394 helpful to their customers - especially after the sale. They of the nice things about being an American family owned company Dolphie Eisenlohr Shelby 616/861-2318 know they can call instead of a huge Richard Zenner Kingsley 616/263-5339 Crow's any time and bureaucracy. We like it Joe Bennett Edmore 5171762-5480 Ned Cutler Weidman 517/644-3367 get answers. They do it! Dealers like it Farmers Andy Sparks Fremont 6161924-5945 They call research, need it It works. Find Larry Roberts 'Three Rivers 616/279-2117 quality assurance, the out for yourself. James F. Crew Quincy 517/639-8352 Loren Clemence Battle Creek 6161965-4034 Ed Groholski Burlington 5171765-2111 _. Art Blight Herbert Haight Albion Homer 517/629-2582 517/568-4072 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 5171741-3698 DeMann Dairy Kalamazoo 616{372-3887 Robert Markle Plainwell 616/685-9300 Bronson. 517{369-2207 Milford, IL, Nevada, IA and Greenville, 08 Jeff Haack For more information write: Box 306, Milford, IL 60953 or phone 800-331-7201 or 815-889-4151 FAX 815-889-5253 Mark Morgan Charlotte 517/543-2498 ~- Grand Ledge Produce Roger Theodorski Grand Ledge Eagle 517/627-2743 517/626-6853 There's Only One Crows! Michigan Farm News •• ....... September 30, 1992 •...... ••••••••,., .. Market Outlook Soybeans .... . ••••• ......• •••••• •••• '1••• " ~.rl ~A . Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Seasonal Commodity The frost scenario for soybeans is much like corn; if we haven't seen it by now, it's unlikely to have an effect on prices. How- ever, as shown in Table 3, the ending stocks E~RM•••••••• • ~ ' j~::.. •••••••• •••• Corn Price Trends figure for soybeans isn't nearly as impos- ing. If we take a bushel off the expected U.S. soybean yield, we may see relatively BUSINESS If we have had a killing frost in a large part of the Corn Belt between Sept. 18 and now, prices have probably made a substantial Wheat TP? tight stocks with expected strong demand. The October report showed the 1992 OUTLOOK recovery; if you have undamaged corn to average U.S. soybean yield to be 35.9 price, considerate it. If we have not had a Corn ?? bushels per acre. This is . 1 bushel per acre year-to-year again, despite an expected in- killing frost in the Corn Belt up to this point, crease in Brazilian acreage this winter. This higher than the August estimate and 1.6 we are probably on our way to harvest lows, although Michigan will not be out of the Soybeans ?1 bushels per acre higher than last year's leaves ending stocks as shown in Table 3 at record of34.3 bushels per acre. Michigan's 315 million bushels, 15.3 percent of use. woods. Hogs ! yield projection was dropped to 33 bushels per acre in the September report from the The USDA is calling for an average annual price in the $5040 range. The September Crop Report, released Sept. Cattle .-.. 35 bushels per acre August estimate. 10, continued to show a record U.S. corn If there has not been a widespread killing yield and a huge crop just like the August freeze, when you harvest and prices are report indicated. And, without a widespread This high yield adds almost 100 million higher than this level, and you have not killing frost, the next Crop Report to be Index: t = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; bushels to the size of last year's crop; acreage each year was about equal. When forward priced many beans, consider sell- released October 8 will show the same. TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure ing some out of the field. However, if we're Michigan's corn yield was again estimated added to beginning stocks, this 2.085 bil- lion bushel crop gives us the largest U.S. at 1992 lows at harvest, and you have al- at 105 bushels per acre, considerably below from last year's level. While total use is ready forward priced some for delivery, the 1990 record of 115 bushels per acre and expected to grow, ending stocks will grow total supply of soybeans in 5 years. consider storing, especially on farm. The last year's 112 bushels per acre. faster, as seen in Table 1. The bottom line odds are prices will go up more than the is that ending stocks as a percent of use is However, on the use side, things look quite positive. Crush is expected to grow mar- cost of storage, including interest, some- As shown in Table 1 (updated Sept. 10), the projected to be a whopping 22.7 percent. time over the marketing year. USDA projected the 1992 U.S. corn crop at This would suggest a weighted annual ginally and exports are expected to grow 8.77 billion bushels. And even though average corn price around $2.00 a bushel. 1992-93 beginning stocks are quite low, Hogs when they are combined with this year's The USDA is to announce a preliminary large crop, the 1992-93 total U.S. supply of ARP for the 1993 corn crop by September On Sept. 30, about the time you will receive I there parts of this winter. However, the corn will be the largest we have seen in 5 30. With the stocks-to-use ratio at 22.7 this issue, the USDA will release the Sep- futures markets generally have projected years. Domestic use is expected to be quite percent they will be required to set it be- tember 1 Hogs and Pigs Report. Higher prices over $40 per cwt. through this period. strong with low prices and large animal tween 7.5 percent and 12.5 percent. The than expected hog prices this summer and If the report is positive, lower than expected numbers. But exports are expected to falloff final decision must be made by Nov. 15. expected low corn prices for the next year hog numbers, consider forward pricing a ... have many analysts expecting the report to significant portion of your expected show continued expansion. And here we production over the next year. If the report Wheat have a conflict that the report may settle. is negative, higher than expected hog num- bers, then we better hope that pork demand Wheat was the crop that took it on the chin Exports are also expected to drop off, in My best shot at the fundamentals indicate this next year is even stronger than we have in the September Crop Report. Spring spite of all the export credits, as the former that prices will fall under $40 per cwt. this seen this past summer. wheat yields came in higher than expected. Soviet Union countries harvest a somewhat fall and again next spring, and may even be This increased the expected total U.S. larger crop. This all adds up to projected use average wheat yield 1.1 bushels per acre being down 165 million bushels. This puts Cattle from the August report. This increased ending stocks at a burdensome 674 million projected 1992 wheat production by 71 bushels, 200 million more than last year, On Sept. 18, USDA released its monthly Fed cattle prices are expected to hold million bushels. This means, even when and 30 percent of expected use. seven-state cattle on feed report, showing through November, with no clear forward added to the lowest beginning stocks since total cattle on feed down 1 percent; number pricing opportunities expected. Budgets for the 1970's, total 1992-93 supply will grow My advice remains the same as in the last placed on lots in August up 12 percent; and feeding calves versus yearlings favor 37 million bushels from last year as shown issue. Move remaining unpriced wheat on marketed in August down 7 percent, all feeder calves, especially if you lock in in Table 2. rallies between now and the elections. If compared to year ago levels. Cattle placed prices using futures. It appears the only you want to continue in the market or get in August were slightly higher than ex- thing that can hurt feeder prices is an in- Food use is expected to increase marginal- back into the market, consider using call pected, which may pressure distant futures. crease in corn prices due to a killing frost, ly, but due to the low expected corn prices, options where you have no storage costs Marketings were also 3 percent lower than but it would have had to of happened by the feed use is expected to drop significantly. and your possible losses are limited. expected. end of September to cause havoc . •, < •• ' ......, . z ~ Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 .' Supply/Demand ! Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For ; Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For CORN WHEAT SOYBEANS Hilker Hilker Hilker Hilker Proj. Hilker Hilker Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1996-91 91-92 92-93 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and 4.7 3.5 Diverted 3.2 10.0 3.5 Acres Planted 57.8 59.1 59.1 Diverted 6.3 76.0 79.3 Acres Planted n.3 69.9 72.3 Acres Harvested 56.5 58.0 58.1 Acres Planted 74.2 68.8 72.2 Acres Harvested 69.4 58.1 63.1 BuJHarvested Acre 34.1 34.3 35.9 Acres Harvested 67.0 BulA. Harvested 118.5 108.6 121.4 BulA. Harvested 39.5 34.1 38.1 Stocks (Million Bushels) (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 239 329 285 Stocks 1521 1081 536 866 472 Production 1926 1986 2085 Beg. Stocks 1345 Beg. Stocks 8nO Production 2736 1981 2407 Imports 2 5 5 Production 7934 7474 3 20 10 Imports 37 38 Total Supply 2167 2320 2375 Imports -.43 Total Supply 3309 Use: Total Supply 9282 9016 9861 2885 2922 Use: Crushings 1187 1250 1255 Use: 4669 4900 5000 Food 796 785 800 Exports 557 690 710 Feed Food/Seed 1367 1445 1485 Seed 90 94 98 Seed, Feed and Total Domestic 6036 6345 6485 Feed 489 259 175 Residuals 94 95 95 Exports 1725 1590 1550 Total Domestic 1375 1137 1073 Total Use 1838 2020 2060 Total Use n61 7935 8035 Exports 1068 1275 1175 Ending Stocks 329 285 315 1521 1081 1826 Total Use 2444 2413 2248 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 866 472 475 Percent of Use 17.9% 14.0% 15.3% Percent of Use 19.6% 13.6% 22.7% Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $4.50 $5.02 $5.02 Regular Loan Rate $1.57 $1.62 $1.72 Percent of Use 35.4% 19.6% 30.0% Regular Loan Rate $1.95 $2.04 $2.21 U.S.Season Average $5.10- U.S. Season Average $1.85 - Farm Price. 5/Bu. 55.74 $5.60 55.70 Farm Price. $/Bu. $2.28 $2.40 $2.25 U.S. Season Average $2.90 - Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price. $/Bu. $2.61 53.00 sa.30 Source: USDA & Hilker r •• Michigan Farm News Farm Business Management Issues •• ....... September ...... .. •••••••• ••••••••• •••••~.'I 30,1992 ,., . ..: •••• '1••• •••• ,j ••• .r•••••• Deductible Medical Benefits Alternatives For Self-Employed Farmers E~RM .'~ j~::.. •••• •••••••• •••••••• • M.P. Kelsey and G.A. Kale As medical insurance and other medical Since a self-employed person must pay the total cost of any benefits, an income to income, the tax savings are: Federal income tax - $461 BUSINESS costs have skyrocketed in recent years, tax deduction can provide a significant Social Security tax - 627 farmers and other self-employed persons have searched for ways to deduct the cash savings. For example, assume a farmer with $25,000 of taxable income, State income tax - Total annual tax savings $1,230 142 OUTLOOK premiums and costs of providing health who is married, filing a joint return with a care for themselves and their families. A spouse and two children. If health in- Additionally, certain tax credits depend- tax deduction would put them in a similar surance premiums cost $4,100 per year, ent upon the adjusted gross income, such 3. Provide health insurance coverage as an position as employees covered under a tax the standard deduction exceeds itemized as earned income credits and P.A. 116 employer paid benefit for the spouse who free medical benefit program from their deductions, and 25 percent of the health credits, could also be increased. is a legitimate employee of the business. employer. insurance cost is taken as an adjustment There are four alternatives for handling 4. Provide health insurance and a medical the medical expense deduction: reimbursement program as an employer 1. Itemized Deduction I. Treat medical insurance and other fami- paid benefit for the spouse who is a ly medical expenses as an itemized deduc- legitimate employee of the business. •• Every taxpayer has the alternative of deducting health insurance and deductible medical expenses to the degree the total exceeds 7-1/2 percent of their adjusted gross income as tion on the Schedule A Form 1040. Following is a more detailed description of an itemized deduction (Schedule A). 2. Deduct 25 percent of the health in- each of these programs. surance cost on the Form 1040. However, the total of all eligible itemized deductions must exceed the standard deduc- tion of $6,000 in 1992 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return or $3,600 for a single taxpayer. Most farmers do not have enough other itemized deductions to utilize this alternative to advantage. 3. Employer Provided Health Insurance A self-employed individual may provide tion to the owner and potentially disallow health insurance coverage for employees the deduction. as a tax-free fringe benefit to the 2. Deduction of 25 percent of Health Insurance employee and a business deduction for Wages can be paid to spouse-employees the employer. If the employer's spouse is in a non-cash form (such as in com- A self-employed individual may deduct 25 percent of the cost of health insurance for a bona fide employee, the spousal modities) as long as the other rules are met. This reduces the amount of Social .' himself/herself and his/her family as an adjustment to income on the front of the Form employee, children and the taxpayer can 1040. The insurance cannot reduce the earned income from the business below zero, also be covered under the policy. How- Security tax paid. after the other two adjustments to income have been deducted. These adjustments are ever, certain requirements must be met: the deduction for one-half of the self-employment tax and for a Keogh and Simplified If you are leasing net-rental land from Employee Retirement Plan deduction. 1. The employer must be a self-employed your spouse, you cannot use the health business or partnership; Subchapter C insurance deduction plan outlined This provision of the tax law expired as of June 30, 1992, but will likely be reinstated corporations already have this benefit above. You cannot be a wage-earner ac- and extended, at least through the end of the year ifthe tax law, currently passed by the available; Sub-S corporations are essen- tively contributing to the farm business House and being debated in the Senate, is passed. A tax measure making insurance a tially ineligible for this benefit, due to the and avoid the material participation rules 100 percent deduction failed in the spring of 1992'. attribution rules (2 percent Of greater required for net leases. The two planning stockholder, husband/wife assumed to be techniques are incompatible. The balance of the insurance and additional medical expenses may be taken as an one stockholder). itemized deduction subject to the restrictions outlined under itemized deductions. If There is apparently no legal correlation either the taxpayer or spouse is eligible to participate in any subsidized health plan 2. The employed spouse must have a between benefits provided and wages maintained by an employer, they are not eligible for the 25 percent adjustment to genuine employer-employee relation- paid to an employee. Plans have been income deduction. ship--there must be some proof that the devised where $40 per week (about spouse-employee performs" substantial" $2, 100 per year) was paid in wages to a services currently rendered and neces- spouse while deducting up to $10,000 in sary to the business. Evidence that the health insurance premiums (with poten- spouse is a "partner" or "works jointly" tial medical reimbursement limits on top 4. Health Insurance and Medical Reimbursement with the employer could invalidate the of that). However, oral discussions with A more comprehensive health insurance per week, but if other employees with employer-employee relationship. various IRS staff indicate they may look and medical reimbursement plan can be similar work have substantially more closely at returns, particularly where set up where the spouse again is in a hours, then the part-time employee may 3. Agreements to pay compensation for wages paid is not reasonably close to the legitimate employer-employee type of work up to (but not including) 35 hours described work performed is required by health insurance benefit covered. relationship. per week. the employer. Oral agreements are ac- ceptable if they can be proven, but writ- It is recommended, but not presently re- Under this program, the deductible and (b) Seasonal is defined as under seven ten agreements are highly recommended. quired, that the health insurance plan be other medical expenses could also be months per year, but if other employees Duties expected must be specified along listed in the spouse's name. This reinfor- paid by the employer up to specified with similar work have substantially more with the form and amount for compensa- ces an "employer/employee relation- limits. Understandably, this plan could months, then the seasonal employee may tion for said duties. Compensation must ship." However, failure to accomplish provide substantially greater benefits to work up to (but not including) nine be "reasonable" for the services this task, for whatever reason, does not rendered. IRS adds in all fringe benefits invalidate the deductibility. If the • the employee . However, if the business hires months per year. 4. Employees represented by a collective (including insurances paid by employer) with wages in determining "reasonable spouse/employee cannot be listed as the primary insured for internal administra- employees other than the spouse, it could bargaining agreement in which health compensation" for services rendered. If tive reasons, document the situation and also be more expensive, as nondis- benefits were the subject of good faith total compensation exceeds the value continue with the plan. crimination rules apply and all bargaining. of services, the employer's deduction employees must be covered except: can be proportionately disallowed. Records, of course, must be kept of all Because of the non-discrimination rules, documents the employer pays for health 1. Employees who have not completed documentation for the correct application 4. VVages paid to the spouse as an and accident benefits so that proper three years of service. of this type of program is very important. employee must meet all the usual re- deductions can be made on the The AgriPlan/BizPlan program, currently quirements of any employee; i.e., pay- employer's Schedule F or C. These 2. Employees who have not attained age available through many tax practitioners ments must be made at least monthly benefits are not reportable in the wage 25. in Michigan, provides the documentation within a week after the pay period ends, statements of the employees and are not and supervision necessary to make this must be from the business account, must subject to income tax, FICA, or un- 3. Part-time or seasonal employees: program work. be irrevocably paid, all income taxes and employment tax [IRC Sec. 3121 (a)(2) (a) Part-time is defined as under 25 hours Social Security taxes must be withheld and Sec. 3306(b)(2)]. on the wages paid, and the wages may be subject to workers compensation, un- It should be obvious, also, that no deduc- employment insurances, etc. Salary or tion is allowed more than once. If all time must be documented and W -4s, W- health insurance is now deducted, that Conclusion 2s and 943s completed, etc. will preclude any deduction for the "25 percent" rule, Schedule A, or the health Health and accident insurances paid by insurance credit portion of Schedule EIC Some farmers, partners, and other self-employed business operators, could realize for the earned income credit. the employer can be on a "dis- significant tax savings from the health insurance premium deduction opportunities criminatory" basis; that is, the employer outlined under Employer Provided Health Insurance. The key requirement is a genuine is free to "pick and choose" which Most self-employed farmers limit their employer-employee spousal relationship. employees to cover. The employer can employee fringe benefits to the health provide this benefit only to the spouse- insurance premiums outlined above. The benefits from taking the next step to a Health Insurance and Medical Reimbursement Rules are straight forward; employees employee and no others, if they so Program will depend upon the number of additional employees to be covered, extent of can be chosen for inclusion; and health choose. However, depending on the cir- non-reimbursable medical costs, and the degree of acceptance and perceived benefits by insurance is the predominant expense cumstances, if this is done, IRS can argue employees. Readers should consult their tax accountant for additional details on these eligible for deductibility for most the benefit is a disguised profit distribu- options and the impact to their particular operations. farmers. I -. Michigan Farm News September 30, 1992 II Fire Extinguishers: Know Your ABCs? Multipurpose extinguishers are commonly available in 2-1/2, 5-, and 10-lb. sizes. Be- Maintain your fire extinguishers according to manufacturers' instructions or the advice W hat should you do if you discover a fire cause many extinguishers discharge rapid- ly, a minimum size of 5 lb. is recom- and supervision of your local fire depart- ment. Contact your fire department to re- in your home? mended. quest fire safety information, including First, get everyone out. training in fire extinguisher operation. Second, turn in an alarm for fire fighting Your farm buildings and farm equipment help. should also be equipped with fire extin- Finally, remember that having fire extin- Third, attack the fire--but only if you can guishers. A farm shop can be a fire-prone guishers in your home and on your farm do so safely with the extinguishing area because of the presence of cutting and doesn't relieve you of the responsibility for materials at hand. welding equipment, gas, oil, grease, diesel other fire safety and fire prevention prac- fuel, and usually some type of heating sys- tices. And fire extinguishers are not a re- Here's what you should have on hand: tem. It is recommended that at least one placement for the fire department and the From Farm Bureau Insurance a multi-purpose ABC fire extinguisher, 1O-lb. ABC dry chemical type extinguisher skill of well-trained firefighters .. which uses a dry chemical--usually am- be mounted on a wall where it is quickly monium phosphate--as its extinguishing agent. and easily accessible. Too Many Farm Deaths Related The ABC designation means that the extin- It's also a good idea to have a 1O-lb. ABC type extinguisher in each other farm build- to Tractor Accidents guisher is suitable for attacking these clas- ing, including livestock areas and I F arm workers involved in tractor over- turns have the highest fatality rate for trac- ses of fire: machinery storage. Extinguishers should tor accidents on the farm, according to the ., A--ordinary combustible materials such as be located in any area that might become a wood, paper, or trash. possible escape route. National Safety Council. B--flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, and other petroleum products. Other good extinguisher locations are near The 1990 reports from 18 states, covering C--electrical equipment. grain drying equipment and electrical 40 percent of the farm tractors in the United panels. Fire extinguishers can also be States, revealed that more than half of the An ABC extinguisher should be adequate mounted on tractors, combines, grain on-the-farm tractor fatalities were from for use on a variety of home and farm fires. trucks, and pickups. overturns. This is an annual rate of 5.1 deaths per 100,000 tractors. The National Safety Council urges all farmers and tractor users to follow safe tractor operating procedures stated in the operator's manual and conduct routine maintenance checks. The following are safety tips that all farm workers should know: o~ o Install a roll over protective struc- ture or RaPS on the tractor. Most newer tractors have these, but older models can be retrofitted with a RaPS. D Fasten the safety belt. o 0 Set the wheel tread as wide as practical. o Train all workers in safe and proper use of the tractor. o Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, em- bankments and holes. Stay off steep slopes. o Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces. o Operate the tractor smoothly. Avoid jerky turns, starts or stops. o Do not let children ride as extras on the tractor. o Lock brake pedals together before traveling in transport gear. Be sure brakes are equal- ized so that the tractor will not pull to one side. If life insurance had a face, it would look like your D When getting off the tractor, dis- engage the power take-off, lower child's ... friendly, sincere, and full of promise. equipment to the ground, turn off the engine, put the transmission And if you had to choose a company that cared about into neutral or park, set the your child's future, it would be Farm Bureau Life Insurance brakes and remove the key. Company of Michigan. The National Safety Council is a not-for- Farm Bureau Life has the strength and stability to profit, nongovernmental, public service or- ganization dedicated to protecting life and guarantee a secure future for you and your loved ones. promoting health. We protect 100,000 Michigan families, but the face we see behind each policy is your child's. See your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today for a life insurance plan tailored for you and your family. It's the best way to face the uncertainties of life. MAKING YOUR FUTURE MORE PREDICfABLE __ • FARM BIJREAIJ ••• FARM IUl£AU MUTUAl @ • fARM INSURANCE BUll£AU L1ff • FARM BURfAU G08Al • FB ANNUITY A Health and Wellness Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau September 1992 VOL 4,No. 1 ,~ EASING INTO ou from getting into a regular exercise program? We know that regular exercise at least five specific areas: coronary artery disease, obesity, osteoporosis, on-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Researchers are now finding that it may ncidence of certain cancers. In general, though, exercise just makes you feel good. lexibility and strength and give you more energy. (c 0 n tin u e d) EASING INTO EXERCISE • o n t -I n u e d If you're like most people, you exercise. Often dismissed in the Muscular strength: Two 20- know you ought to be exercising past as being ''too easy" to be minute sessions per week. While regularly, and there's a good taken seriously, walking recently training with weights is the most chance you've started a program has gained new respect as a effective way to strengthen all only to abandon it because it was means of improving physical fit- major muscle groups, simple cal- such a chore .. The truth is, says ness. Per mile, walking burns ap- isthenics also work muscles cardiologist James Rippe, direc- proximately the same amount of against resistance, enabling them tor of the exercise physiology lab calories as running. to~growor maintain their tone. • Flatten body and back against wall and stretch as high as at the University of Massachu- Other beneficial exercises for be- Flexibility: 10-12 minutes daily. possible while extending one arm above head. setts Medical School, "Exercise ginners include: low-impact As people age their muscles tend can be like brushing your teeth or aerobics(thecamaraderiewillkeep to shorten, sotheolderyou are the taking a shower - it can fit into you going!), bicycling, stationary more important it is to stretch. your daily routine as general main- bicycling, swimming, and tread- Cool down: A minimum of 5-10 tenance for your body." mill. minutes of low-level exercise. Remember that this is an ideal FORBEGINNIRS ONLY A BAlANCED PROGRAM physical fitness program, one that If you are beginning an exercise Here's an ideal physical fitness you should build up to gradually. program for the first time in your regimen as set out by the But what's most important off all, life-orforthefirsttime inyears- President's Council on Physical say experts, is that you enjoy your start out with short frequent ses- Fitness and Sports. The council exercise. Otherwise, you won't sions. Try to exercise for:10 or 15 recommendsa minimumofthree stick with it. Ifyou have minutes a few times a day instead workouts a week, involving a started but failed to of one longer session. You will find mixture of aerobics, muscle continue exer- that you feel less tired and your conditioning, and flexibility cise pro- body will have time to adjust to the exercises. gramsinthe increased level of physical activ- Warm up: five-ten minutes past, here ity. Finding time each day is easy: each exercise session. aresome Aerobics: At least motiva- ... Park a little further from your th ree twenty t ion work or business and walk the minute ses- tips: extra distance. s ion s fir Do .. Sneak out for a short walk or e a c h exer- bicycle ride while dinner is in week of cis e s the oven. s u s - you enjoy. .. Grab a backpack walk or bike tained .... Set realis- on errands instead of driving. aertbb; tic goals and ,.. Take a quick walk during - ex- gradually a work break. ercises work toward t hat them. As you become more fit, longer demand .. Chart your single sessions will provide the increased progress. additional challenge you need to oxygen .. Vary your rou- stay fit. consumption, tine. thereby contribut- ... Exercise with your STARTSLOWLY ingto cardiovascular fit- family or friends. Many Americans are discovering ness. These include brisk walking, Reprinted with permission from the Ameri- can Institute for Cancer Research. Wash- that walking is not only an enjoy- jogging, swimming, cycling (out- ington. D.C. doors and indoors), rowing, stair If you have health problems. smoke or are able form of exercise, it's an ideal over 35. consult your physician before way to build up to more rigorous climbing and aerobics. beginning a new exercise regimen. 7. Lie flat ~n floor, stretch arms and legs to their greatest length. Press in abdomen to flatten lower back against floor. e ('~ In many homes, the morning 6. With back flat against floor, press head scene looks like America's II and knees into floor, contracting muscles in back, buttocks, & thighs. Funniest Home Videos." Kids fly out the door, eating their breakfast as they run for the bus. Papers flutter out of their -ybu're not a kid anynlore... backpack. Catchy cmd right on target for today's health-conscious Americx:mS, the dairy Let'sface it-not everyone is industry 10lll1ched a bright, new promotion last year, directed at adults. Milk - Because you're not a kid anymore. a morning person. But chil- Probably the best known source of dietary calciwn, moms and kids recognize milk dren too need to learn to get as the food that builds strong bones and teeth. For example, by age 14, a woman has places on time and ready to attained 96 percent of her peak adult bone mass, so that getting the right amount of go to wor~. Here J'1 elemental calcium during the formative and pre-teen years is extremely important. In fact, studies have shown that people who have had a relatively high lifelong daily intake are some tipS \r of calcium (1000 mg. or more a day) are less likely to have bone fractures, than those who to reduce the get less calcium. And we are hearing a lot more about the body's lifelong need for morning "rush calcium to help slow down the onset of conditions like osteoporosis. hour" for your- The human skeleton is the framework that the muscles, tendons, tissue and all other self and your ~organs depend on for support. As we age, the skeletal bone mass decreases, Le., bone family. cell replacement slows down and the bone becomes softer and spongier. Statistically, 50 wrcent of women have osteoporosis by age 70; 100 percent by 90 years; ?lld 50 percen of men have osteoporosis by age 80. A successful morning begins Currently, the only treatment for restoring bone tissue is preventative diet, alo g the night before. Have chil- with dietary supplements of calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Regular exer dren set out everything they'll can help slow the onset in yonnger people and retard bone loss in those already aff need for school. Make sure by osteoporosis. everyone has lunch money, homework and the permis- ~~~ro~~cti~~~r~:O~~onOf~Where er sion slip for the field trip. possiple. Although one can't change one's genetic make-up or bioskeletalstructure, th re me things to be done to rnirrimize the risk of osteoporosis. ~ Increase caldum intake BEFORE menopause to about 1000 mg. a day., Calci Establish a regular bedtime. supplements me available in any drugstore or supermarket without prescription. Children who watch the 11 Supplement dietary calcium with calcium carbonate, calciwn lactate or other products o'clock news can't rise and containing calcium. Most tablets do not contain pure calciwn and many are combined shine at 6:45 a.m. ,willi other elements. Some have Vitamin D to help your body absorb the calciwn. The amount of pure or elemental calcium varies widely from product to product and from one ~eq1ical preparation to another and the only way to tell how much pure cx:nciwn is in Make sure kids fuel their ~eacn tablet is to read the label. morning sched ulewith a good ~ Eat a balanced diet in moderate portions. breakfast => Make certain your water supply is fluoridated. If not, check with your doctor to ask about the need for a fluoride supplement. => Drink less alcohol => /Stop smoking :::;/ Begin a program of moderate, regular exercise. Walking is an excellent form of exercise to preserve bone mass and lifting 1 to 2-lb. weights helps strengthen shoulder- girOle muscles. Women in particular need to exercise the shoulder-girdle muscles and the Examples of easy to fix break- extensor muscles of the l:xlck to improve bone mass in the spine The exercise program outlined here is designed for the woman who has osteoporosis or fastfoods include cerea I,muf- who is at high risk of developing osteoporosis. In addition to these exercises an aerobic fins, toast, oryogurt A peanut program, such as bicycling, or brisk walking, must be done at least 20 minutes each day. butter and jelly sandwich will If these exercises cause any pain, discontinue the exercise and consult your physician. do when kids are in a hurry. Remember proper posture also plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporotic deformities. The body should be kept in an erect position with the chin in and the head up. Avoid twisting and lifting with the l:xlck bent forward. Before everyone leaves, take 5. While lying flat on firm bed, pre s elbows into bed at right angles a minute to say "Ilove you" to each child. Nothing will get their day - or yours - off to 4. With knees flexed and back flat, stretch one arm overhead and the a better start other straight above. - I / MANY of us re- In a study of patients seen at Johns ~e on the look out for hazards to member the day we Hopkins Hospital for evaluation and treat- the patient's safety. Perform a safety re- began high school. ment of dementia, about 25 percent of viewof your home and surroundings look- We lay awake the them were diagnosed as depressed. With ing for things the impaired person may night before, afraid treatment 82 percent of the diagnosed misuse or misinterpret that might cause of getting lost and group got better. an accident. Because the person seems to not finding class- be managing well, you may not realize rooms the next day It should also be noted that depres- that he has lost the judgment he needs to in a strange build- sion may contribute to the deterioration of avoid accidents. ing. Everyday is like that for the the patient with irreversible dementia. In Alzheimer's disease patient. or others either case, depression should always be Remove things that cause prob- suffering from the group of illnessesclas- treated. lems. Here are some precautionary steps silled as dementia. you can take: CoPING WITH HoME CARE A s more people in our popula- CREA:nNG A SAFE ENvIRoNMENT tion live later into life, it becomes crucial They key to coping with the con- that we learn more about these illnesses. fused person is common sense and inge- - Eliminate or significantly limit access to It has been estimated that between two nuity. The first common sense step is to power tools, electrical and gas appliances, to four million people in the United States schedule an evaluation. As we have seen, or car keys. have some degree of intellectual im- there are many reasons why a person -Keep medications out of reach of a pairment due to a form of dementia. may develop dementia. If a treatable person who may forget he has already problem is not found because there was taken them. The word dementia is derived no evaluation conducted, then the pa- - Store poisons and flammable sub- from two Latin words meaning away tient and the fcnnily may suffer unneces- stances in a cabinet with child-proof and mind. The group of illnesses in- sarily for many years. Prompt treatment latches or padlock. cludesAlzheimer's Disease, multi-infarct can intervene to prevent irreversible dam- - Lower the temperature on the water disease, senile dementia, and pre-se- age in some diseaSes. On the other hand, heater to avoid accidental scalding. Also nile dementia. if the diagnosis shows an irreversible con- paint hot water tops a bright color as a While changes in dition, the information can be helpful in visual signal to the impaired person. personality and be- determining care and management of - Stairs and stairwells require special haviors may be in- the symptoms. attention to prevent falls and injuries. In- volved, dementia stall gates at stairwells. Tack down treads does not mean that It is possible to allow independent or carpeting. Secure handrails and con- the person is crazy or assisted living in the early stages of the sider applying reflective tape so that it or p;ychotic. Rather disease, however, as the disease can be seen easily. lit describes a set of progresses, the family may choose to pro- - Place door locks out of the normal line symptoms that may vide home care themselves for as long as of vision - either very high or very low. include mental con- possible. Can the impaired person lock their fusion, memory loss, disorientation, in- tellectualimpairment.lossof motor skills and ability to learn. People who are not knowledgeable about the disease are often surprised to learn that the illness is not a result of aging. It is caused by specific, identifiable diseases. Some symptoms of dementia result from other health conditions and, if properly diag- nosed, can be treated or reversed. The symptoms of dementia are If you are a caregiver for a room from the inside preventing you from the neighbor's is securely fenced and chiefly the result of four illnesses or con- dementia patient. managing the symp- entering? Remove the lock, take the tum- locked. ditions: toms and protecting the loved one will be bIers out and replace the knob, or tape the - Put away lawn and garden tools. helped by following some common sense latch open. - Consider fencing to stop wandering. Thyroid Disease can cause a form practices. - Handrails and grab bars, available - Be sure lawn furniture is stable and will of dementia which can be treated and from medical supply houses, should be not tip over or collQPSe. reversed with the treatment of the thy- A predictable and calm environ- installed in the bathroom. Use a skid resis- - Be conscientious about not leaving hot roid abnormality. ment will help reduce emotional outbursts tant mat or tape in the tub or shower. coals in barbecue grills and make sure and behavioral problems. Establish regu- - Confused people often spill water and that the confused. person cannot operate Alzheimer's Disease is the most lar, simple routines for meals, medication, forget to wipe it up creating the danger of outdoor gas grills. frequent causa of irreversible dementia exercise, bedtime and other activities. Do slipping and falling. Be alert for this. in adults. It progresses from forgeUu1- the same things in the same way every As the disease runs its course, a ness to total disability. Alzheimer's is day. Keep surroundings simple, safe and Outdoors JX>SSible hazards are patient can become disoriented and wan- evidenced by sbuctural changes in the reliable by keeping the furniture in the swimming der away from the safety of home or brain. At the present time there is no same place and putting away clutter. pools, dense fo- shelter care. It's almost impossible to pre- known way to stop or cure the d1sease. liage, tunnels, dict when wandering will occur, butfami- Research1nd1cates thatAIzheimer'srep- B-ecause even small amounts of steep stairs, win- lies need to understand that wandering resents about 50 percent of the cases of excitement or mental and physical stimu- dow and door can be potentially dangerous. Suggested dementia. lation can upset the confused person, glass, balconies safety measures might include: provide controlled activities such as tak- and decks, and Multi-infarct Disease brings on ing a walk, or vis- roadwQYS. Take - Install electronic buzzers, chimes or the symptoms of dementia due to a iting with one old these steps to other security alarms at exits. series of small strokes in the brain. In friend. The key is prevent acci- - Use a safety latch on doors to prevent some cases, treabnent can prevent fur- to simplify and re- dents and injuries: the confused person from opening the ther damage to the brain. About 20 duce the number door. percent of the diagnosed cases of of signals the im- - Examine construction and lighting on - Disguise doors with a screen or curtain. dementia are a result of multi-infarct paired, disoriented brain must sort out. porches, decks, steps, and sidewalks with - Have an identification bracelet or neck- disease; another 20 percent represent an eye to preventing falls. Install bannis- lace made and a combination of Alzheimer's and multi- However, a calm and controlled ters and porch railings. include on it the infarct disease. envirorunent does not mean inactivity. - Check for uneven ground, cracked or nature of the Tailor activities to the person's abilities heaved sidewalks, and other hazards that person's disease Depression, common among older much as you would select tasks for your may cause the person to lose their bal- and your tele- people, can present many of the same children. For example, the woman who ance. phone number. symptoms as dementia. Fortunately, can no longer prepare a full meal may - Swimming pools are very dangerous to It can save you this form of dementia is reversible. still be able to peel potatoes. the confused. person. Be sure that yours or hours of frantic worry. . Michigan Farm News MFB's New Dental Wirbel Selected as -. September 30,1992 Program - Something Midland Farm Bureau Presi- County August Volunteer of the Month to Smile About! dent Pearl Wirbel is Michigan Farm Members can add one more benefit to their list of reasons of Bureau's August why belonging to Michigan F~ Bureau makes good sense, Volunteer of the with the introduction of a dental insurance program. Month recipient. Pearl and her hus- In cooperation with American Medical Security and the Health band Jerry own and Care Exchange's Preferred Provider Dental (PPD) Network, operate a 1,000 acre Michigan Farm Bureau now offers fully insured individual cash crop farm rais- coverage, according to MFB Member Services Manager Doug ing numerous cash Fleming. crops and fresh produce. "The addition of dental insurance has been a long term goal of Michigan Farm Bureau," explained Fleming. "A large percent- Pearl was instrumen- age of our members are self-employed and, therefore, they often tal in organizing a find that getting any kind of dental insurance very difficult or number of informa- just plain too expensive." tional workshops on items such as com- The benefits of the new insurance include no waiting periods mercial drivers for basic services and only a $5 co-pay per visit when members license, farming see a participating PPD Dentist. Basic services include routine legally and implica- exams, x-rays, fillings an~ fluoride treatments. tions on GA IT. In ad- dition, Pearl or- Pearl is also extremely active in Ag in the Classroom projects and presentations, Major services require a 12-month waiting period and a $100 ganized local weekly with over 1,000 students participating in one of her farm tours. Her efforts with the deductible before services are provided on a 75/25 co-pay basis. breakfast meetings Midland County Cooperative Extension Service also resulted in an Ag Accident Items covered under major services include root canals treat- with speakers to ad- Rescue Workshop for local emergency rescue personnel. Above, Pearl (right) ments, gum disease treatments, crowns and inlays, bridges, dress local and state accepts her award from MFB At-Large Director Faye Adam during the Midland dentures, and space maintainers. agricultural issues. County Farm Bureau's annual meeting. Dental insurance plans are available start- ing at $18 per month for a single contract, $32 a month foca couple, anq $41 per Michi~~~Li~;;N month for the family plan. Members are billed monthly and have the option of paying through check-o-matic, which will automatically deduct the monthly charge from your checking account. G S For more information on the new dental plan, contact your county Farm Bureau office or Michigan farm aureau at 1-800- 292-2680, ext. 3236. Bureau Farm' Bureau Searching for Farmers to Advise Russians Prescri ption FELD'S VITRUM COMPARE The American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S.D.A. are searching for American farmers who are interested in becoming Program TO CENTRUM AT $12.95 project advisers in a model farm community al Savings near St. Petersburg, Russia. AFBF is working with USDA to recruit and For select several farm couples or individuals who would enjoy the opportunity to serve as advisers to the new Russian community • an Farm. Bureau COMPARE for up to two years. Those who participate must be willing to work closely with and ers! AND live with the Russian farmers as they at- SAVE! tempt to earn a living from the land provided for them. FElO '. "Volunteering to serve as on-site advisers fELir'ORUG to the model farming community will re- quire a pioneering spirit and a willingness to create cultural and institutional change in ACiTA"iAiLm -::"!tlI.'nopt\en Tablets people who have lived their entire lives Compare ~I'l-lree ~ bsl paill relief under a centrally-planned system that has to Regular ~ It II ................... T..... failed," said Rob Nooter, AFBF Assistant National Affairs Director. Tylenol ~ TABlETS. 325 MG. EAOf ' Nooter and a six-member USDA team 1£U1'S recently returned from Russia after select- ing land and arranging to establish the NAiVRAL model farming community. A 2,170-acre VEGETABLE FElf[£DRUG- plot about 100 miles east of S1. Petersburg was selected for division into 21 demonstra- tion farms producing fruit, vegetables, grain and forage crops, as well as livestock. Through further community involvement, :~=-:::.:z:;: POWDER ..~:~==:= ~- LAXATIVE COMPARE ............ ,.,., TO METAMUCIL $599 PRESCRIPTION SERVICE CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-228-3353 the project participants will set up handl~ng, storage, processing and marketIng , • r '" ,- .. AT $9.89 - '-...-- , _" • ASK FOR FREE CATALOG! facilities. Russian farmers chosen for the project will be given an opportunity to suc- ceed on economically viable farming 1------------, 1------------, 1------------, operations using available resources. I I FREE' I I $2.00 OFF I , FREE , lfhe Americans chosen for the project must : Handling and Insurance : lave broad-based technical expertise in : New Prescription Order : : Feld's Comparable : hgricultural production. Knowledge of the I Send this coupon in with your next prescription I I Send this coupon in with your new prescription I I Regular Strength Tylenol , r{ussian language and culture would ,?e I order and receive handling and insurance free. I I order and receive $2.00 off the purchase price, I " Send this coupon in with your next order and I ilighly desirable. Farmers interested m , receive a free 100 tablets bottle of Aceta. I narticipating in the project should con- I I I I plct Nooter at AFBF's Washington Of- I FflQrDRUG I I FflQrDRUG I I FflQrDRUG , rice, 202/484-3617, or Mitch Geasler of L!~C~~N ~R~~ _ Offcrcxpircs I/~~ L!R.:!C~~N~R~E __ ~fcrexpir~1J1/9~ ~R~C~T~ ~RVICE __ Off~xpire~~~ USDA's Extension Service at 2021720- 3381. Michigan Farm News September 30, 1992 Dry Bean Prices Rise in Reaction to Smaller Crop Prices for all classes of dry That acreage reduction, coupled with less than The smaller crop is lending support to the With growing concern over frost and additional beans reflect a strong correlation ideal growing conditions, have caused estimates market with Michigan grower prices for navies harvest losses the price trend may continue on to production, Over the last 20 for the 1992 crop to be lowered to 23,048,000 currently at $22, nearly $7 to $8 higher than last an upswing. year period, average grower cwt. or 30 percent below last year's production. spring's lows. prices for all dry beans have ranged from a low in 1971 of TOTAL U.S. DRY BEAN PRODUCTION U,S. DRY BEAN GROWER PRICES ALL CLASSES 1971 TO 1992 (92 EST.) SEASON AVERAGE 1971 TO 1992 (92 EST.) $10.90 per cwt. to a high of 34 31 $29.90 in the drought year of 30 33 1988. 29 32 28 31 Production of dry beans also 27 30 reflects a high level of 26 29 variability. Total U.S. produc- 25 28 tion for all classes of dry beans 24 27 23 has been as low as 15,520,000 ~ cwt. in 1983 to the near-record II "0 26 ~ U 22 .c 25 21 levels of 32,379,00 cwt. in 1990 ~o ~II Q:: UJ U:J 24 ll. 20 and 32,963,000 cwt. in 1991. o 19 .r: 23 VI Q:: t:. 18 Average prices have fallen from 22 S ..J o 17 21 a $29.90 in 1988 to less than 16 $15.00 last spring. The drop in 20 15 price reflected the large supply, 19 14 and caused U.S. producers to cut 18 13 acreage by 18 percent in the last 17 12 two years. Canadian growers 16 11 have also cut acreage planted to 15 '---.--,----,_,--,.-,..-.--.--.--.--,.--,_,--,.-..,--.--.--.---...-,.--,_,-----1 1 0 L-.---r-,.---,..---..----.---r--r--r----r---r---r---,..---..----.--..,---r--r----r-,.---r---,..---..-----.J 73 75 77 75 77 dry beans. 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 92 SOURCE:USDA ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE SOURCE: USDA ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU MEMBERS Carhartt CARHARTT PURCHASE SALE DUCK VESTS Sale Days PILE LINED _ 12-ounce 100% cotton duck with plied yarns _ Water repellent (re-treat after washing) _ Lined with warm pOlyester _ Heavy-duty zipper front _ Two inset front pockets with elastic shell loops inside _ 3-inch kidney flap COLOR - Brown only WEIGHT: 2.5 # ITEM NUMBER SIZE RETAIL MEMBER COST 6SV S-2XL $ 27.49 $ 21.25 BIG 6SVl 3XL-4XL 31.99 23.50 WESTERN STYLE JACKETS TALL 6SVT M-2XL 30.49 22.75 JACKET - DUCK - aUlL TED FLANNEL LINED _ 12-ounce 100% cotton duck with plied yarns _ Water repellent (re-treat after washing) _ 6-ounce 100% polyester DUCK ARCTIC COATS flannel lining _ Corduroy collar _ Heavy-duty zipper front with protective windproof flap _ Slash front pockets with ITEM NUMBER SIZE RETAIL MEMBER COST • 12-ounce 100% cotton duck snap closure _ Knit cuffs and bottom _ Traditional western with plied yarns _ Water- C0186 34-50 $ 69.99 $ 51.50 styling _ Available in six colors repellent (re-treat after wash- z BIG C0186-1 52-54 75.99 55.50 ing) _ Lined with durable black COLORS: Brown, Navy, Steel Blue, Red, Black, Natural :: nylon quilted to a-ounces of 0 BIG C0186-2 56-58 82.99 59.75 WEIGHT: 3.8 # a: CD polyester _ Corduroy collar TALL C0196 38-50 75.99 55.50 with snaps to accommodate BIGITALL C01961 52-54 83.49 60.00 optional hood _ Heavy-duty COAT - QUILT LINED C0182 36-50 72.49 53.50 zipper front with a protective windproof flap with hook-and-Ioop ITEM NUMBER SIZE RETAIL MEMBER COST closure _ Bi-Swing action back _ Extra-large front combination > BIG C01821 52-54 79.49 57.75 > pockets. Hook-and-Ioop closure on breast flaps _ Waist draw- JOl66 34-3615 $ 71.49 $ 49.75 < z TALL C0192 38-50 79.49 57.75 string _ Recessed knit storm cuffs JOl66 38-40/M 71.49 49.75 BIGITALL C01921 52-54 87.49 62.50 COLORS: Brown, Navy WEIGHT: 4.5 # JOl66 42-44/L 71.49 49.75 JOI66 46-481XL 71.49 49.75 TALL J0176 TALL J0176 38-40/M 42-44/L 78.49 78.49 53.75 53.75 SALE CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (800) 835-1168 SALE Name ______________________ Daytime Phone TALL J0176 46-481XL 78.49 53.75 TALL J0176 5O-5212XL 78.49 53.75 City State Zip Code _ ( DUCK COVERALLS METHOD OF PAYMENT: 0 Cash - Check or money order enclosed payable to: D-S Enterprises. (Calculate full amount payable.) aUILT LINED - ZIPPER LEG TO WAIST o MasterCard (!) o VISA(!) Expiration Date of Credit Card: I I _ 12-ounce 100% cotton duck with plied yarns _ Water repellent (re-treat after washing) _ lined with durable red Card No. I I I I I nylon quilted to 3.3 ounces of polyester _ Corduroy collar with snaps to accommodate optional hood _ Heavy-duty two-way zipper front _ Bi-Swing action back _ Two covered zipper breast pockets _ Two side pockets _ Two rein- forced hip pockets _ Hammer loop and side tool pockets _ How Price Total Price Weight Two-way leg zippers with protective windproof flaps with snap Item Number & Name Color Size closures open to waist _ Two waist and cuff adjustments Many Each # 's dollars cents COLOR: Brown only WEIGHT: 5.5 # ITEM NUMBER SIZE RETAIL lUMBER COST 9960ZSRT 34-50 $ 89.99 $ 63.50 BIG 9960Z5RTI 52-54 97.99 68.75 BIG 9960ZR2 56-58 107.99 74.25 BIG 9960ZR3 60 115.99 79.50 WOMEN'S - QUILT LINED. ZIPPER LEG TO WAIST RETURNS: No returns accepted without prior authorization. 29" INSEAM SHIPPING AND HANDLING Total Weight I R0906 Sol $ 81.49 $ 59.00 CHARGES FOR MAILABLE ORDERS THANK # 's (Add like TOTAL ORDER TOTAL ORDER YOU dollars & cenls) COVERALL SIZING: SHIPPING WT. RATE SHIPPING WT. RATE FOR ADD 4% TAX Short fits 5'3" lhru 5'7" 1 to 2 Ibs S 3.95 10.1 to 15 Ibs. S 8.79 YOUR OPTIONAL FARM BUREAU LOGO 4.19 151 to 25 Ibs. 10.29 Regular fits 5'7" thru 5'11" 2.1t03Ibs. ORDER! $350 EACH Tall fits 5'11" thru 6'3" 31t051bs 4.98 25.1 to 45 Ibs 1419 TOTAL AMOUNT 5 1 to 10 Ibs. 649 Delivery 3-4 weeks. MAIL TO: Michigan Farm Bureau clo D-B Enterprises 807 Lake Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684 Rugged as the men who wear them. Valid for SIO OFF associalion weekly rentals (5 days or time of rental. of any compact Ihrough premium car calegory only. more) on a full size or luxu<)' car only .• (In the US) Vahd from a compact car or ahove. excludmg luxury and for spot selling of surplus crops with the • (In the Uniled Kingdom) Valid for L5 OFF association weeki)' rentals on • (In-the United Kingdom) Valid for £.10 OFF associalion weeki)' rentals on specialty cars. rest stored to take advantage of any ~roup B lhrough group E car calegory only. any group B through group E car categories only .• (In the Uniled Kingdom) Valid from a group B car calegory or above • • Reservalions are subjttt to availabililY at lime of booking. A H.hour • Reservations are subjttt to availability at lime of booking. A 2".hour excluding group E cars and above. strengthened export demand later on. ad, .. nce reservation is required. advance ~rvalion is required .• One cenificate per rental acrepted; must be presenled at lhe Alamo Good said storage costs will be lower • One cenilkale per rental accepted; mUSIbe presenled at the Alamo • One cenilk'at~r rental accepted; must be presented at lhe Alamo counter on arrival. Once redttmed, lhe cenincale is void. A H-hour counler on arrival. Once redeemed. lhe cenincate is ,'oid. counter on arrival. Once redttmed. the cenificate is void. advance reservalion is required. this year because of lower interest rates . • This cenificale and lhe car rental pursuant to it are subjttt to Alamo's • This cenificate and the car rental pursuant 10 it are subject to Alamo's • This cenificate and the car rental pursuant to il are subjttt to Alamo', condilions at the time of rental. May be redeemed for the basic rale of condllions 311he time of rental. May be redeemed for lhe besic rate of the conditions at lhe time of rental. Apphcable 1O".. rd BYassociation Good said higher storage charges at COun tr y e 1eva tors re lat've to on farm . lhe Alamo car rental which does not include taxes and other optional items .• OlTcrvalid through 12/18192 (excepI41l6.'92. "'\8192). Alamo car rental which does not include taxes and other optional items. Offer ''alid through 12/18192 (except '1116.'92. '1118192).• ~r ~:I~ I lhrough 12/18192 (except ""6.'92 _4118192). 1 - For reservalions in lhe U.s. or Uniled Kingdom call your For reservalions in lhe U.s. or Uniled Kingdom call your storage may cause farmers to opt for For reservalions in lhe U.s. or Uniled Kingdom call your Professional Travel Agenl or call Professional Travel Agent or call storage in their own bins. Farmers who Professional Travel Agent or call Alamo all-800-327-9633 (U.S,) Alamo all-800-327-9633 (u.s.) Alamo al 1-800-327-9633 (U.S.) or 1-800-522-9696 (U.K.)..... ~ A or 1-800-522-9696 (U.K.).... -~ A 1ac k adequate storage may c h oose t 0 ~ '- ~"'- or 1-800-522-9696 (U.K.). You mUSIrequesl Rale Code BYand ~.~ __ • You mUSIrequesl Rale Code BYand ~.~ __ • store soybeans in elevators and com at You musl requesl Rale Code BYand use your membership lD number. use your membership lD number. 1_' __ home because carrying charges are I_ow_e_r_o_n_s_oY_b_e_an_s_. use your membership ID number, ---J.l~~o~J ~~.:~~~~~~2 Where all the miles ~_~~ -L ~~~~~[~~~~~~~~1~ __ =:~__ Where all the miles -L~~~O~~ ~~.: ~~~~~~2 Where all the rnUes :' :- .J Michigan Farm News . Remember Your Residue Requirements This Fall - Chisel ". September 30, 1992 Plow Residue Test Results Announced by White-New Idea 31 percent to as much as a 58 percent spread residue for a higher residue meas- m.p.h. All measurements were supervised Tests conducted last fall on residue levels residue reduction. urement than an identical setup without a by Iowa Soil Conservation Service person- resulting from various configurations of the leveling bar. nel. White 445 Combination Chisel were The test shows a 20 percent difference be- Description of the actual setups and the recently released by White-New Idea Farm tween the use of 2" straight points and 4" The test field, located near Waverly, Iowa, resulting measurable residue levels are Equipment Co. The tests show measurable twisted shovels. By changing shank spacing had a beginning measurable residue level of available from White-New Idea. To residue can range from a high of 54 percent from 12" to 15", a mere 4 percent difference 85 percent. The field was virtually un- order, write or call for "445 Residue Test to as little as 27 percent, depending on how occurred. Tests also showed a leveling bar touched after harvesting 160 bushels per Results," 123 W. Sycamore, Coldwater, the 445 is set up. This reflects as little as a attachment actually helped uniformly acre of com. All tests were conducted at 5 Ohio 45828 (1-800-767-3221). Test Conditions: Beginning Residue: 85% Yield: 160 bu/acre Travel Speed: 5 m.p.h. Measured by Iowa SCS, October, 1991 Test Conducted Near Waverly, Iowa Test Setup Measurable Test Setup Measurable Residue Residue 1. Concave discs 400/0 4. Concave discs 400/0 15" shank spacing 15" shank spacing Deep till shanks Regular shanks 4" twisted shovels 3" twisted shovels Leveling bar 2. Rippled coulters 540/0 5. Concave discs 38% 12" shank spacing 15" shank spacing Deep till shanks Deep till shanks 2" inch straight points 3" twisted shovels 3. Concave discs 27% 6. Rippled coulters 34% 12" shank spacing 12" shank spacing Regul~r shanks Deep till shanks 3" twisted shovels 4" twisted shovels Levleing bar 3a. With leveling 360/0 bar(not pictured) Michigan Soybean Farmers Promoting SoyDiesel SAVE UP TO 50% OF YOUR N ow available is a friendlier alternati~e to what we know as diesel fuel. SoyDiesel is: bIOdegradable, renewable, cleaner burnmg, lower in emissions, environmentally friend- LIMING DOLLARS * ly, has the same horse power, same m.p.g., has no explosive vapors it is virtually sulphur-free in emissions and is American-grown. ' with MlCBG-CAL@ Mid:Mlchigaa's Revolutionary Liming Product! Esteri~ed soybean oil die~el fuel is made in a simple chemical process that removes the • Custom application by • No "Hor spars" glycenne from soybean OIl. Tests have show that SoyDiesel offers significant environ- e~rienced operators mental benefits and could provide a new market for U.S. soybeans. with modem equipment . • No dust loss. • Small particle size "Now Michigan ~armers can. see the ~oyDiesel at work," says Kam Washburn, Michigan for FAST soil reaction • Ideal for: Soybean Promotlo~ (:omm~ttee chalrp~rson. from El~ie. "We've recently purchased a -rented ground -established Alfalfa 1991 Dodge Ram.plck-up with a Cummms Diesel engme. We plan to fuel this truck with • Qualities for ASCS programs. -No till 40 percent SoyDlesel and 60 percent petro-diesel. The cost factor limits us to a lower percentage of usage. LIcNaM y.......... Cells! "Peop.le have asked 'What needs to be changed on the truck to enable it to bum Call Mark Miller or Bill Goetsch at (517) 669-8395 SoyDI~sel?' The ans~e~ is that no modifications are necessary when using a SoyDiesel O GREAT LAKES/ENVIROLAND P.O. Box 139. Dewitt. Michigan •Actual savl/;gs may vary depending 48820 on your location blend, he added ..Mlchlgan has followed the lead of states such as Missouri, Illinois, and Nebraska, which ha~e d~me research and promotion with SoyDieseL "We want to help ~eep t~e world we ltve In a cl~ane~ and h~althier place by powering the truck with Soy Diesel: Washbur~ concl~ded, We re eXCItedabout Soy Diesel - it's another success story, and IS only possIble WIth producer check-off investment." Michigan Farm News - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - •• September 30, 1992 illJ(fa__ _.- ,. ar.-. ..........~I ,' ........... I •..................................................... ~------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Announcing A New Member Benefit 1936 JOHN DEERE TRAC- CREEKVIEW ELEVATOR ANTRIM COUNTY: 10 beau- TOR Still runs and cultivator. Call 313-421-7581. COMPANY, INC is open for business in Sheridan, offering very competitive prices for tifully Wood Acres. Ideal hunt- ing and camping spot. Near Jordan River and Lake Michigan Farm News Classified BRILLION 25' foldup packer your commodities especially Bellaire. $9500, $300 down, At Michigan Farm News, our commitment to serve Michigan Farm solid. IH 45 field cultivator 27' with Lever. JD 55 Combine dry, edible beans. Call $125/Mo. 11% .Iand contract. Bureau readers is always a top priority. Beginning with the September 15 517-291-3217. Call Northern Land Company square back. 313-753-9932 1-800-968-3118. issue, readers will be able to read and purchase statewide classified ad- vertising at a cost unmatched anywhere in Michigan . • BOARS AND GILTS Hamp and Duroc, York and Chester, Downy Creek Farms, Farm- land 1-317-468-6099. Ind. lIl~ Call KAIN AUCTION SERVICES is Booking Auctionsl Farm, Real Estate, Household and ~...........••......•.....•••.•••••••......•...•..........•.•......••.•...•......... ................................. HORIZONTAL Steel fertilizer tanks glass lined: 20,000 gallon size $1900. 29,000 :.:.:.:.: :.: :.:.:.:.:.:.: Michigan Farm News has contracted the services and skills of the Greenville Daily News, which also prints the Michigan Farm News, to oper- ate the classified section. Experienced Greenville Classified Advertising staff will help place your ad, via the 1-800 phone line dedicated exclusively to Michigan Farm News classified users, or through the mail if you prefer. A ONE REGISTERED Suffolk General Auctions. LARRY gallon size $2900. Good for Ads can be paid for eith.er by check or credit card if placed through the Ram. Also registered Suffulk KAIN, Auctioneer in Coral. liquid fertilizer products. Call mail, or by credit card if placed over the phone. Ewe Lambs. 25 years excel- 616-354-6532. All sales Jerry Buginsky, Lennon, lent breeding. Call handled in a personal, busi- Michigan 517-288-6015. 517-563-8533. ness like manner. In the Michigan Farm News Classifieds, your ad will reach 45,000 real 5 SPEED New Process REGISTERED ANGUS for Transmission, $250. 2 speed farm family households across the entire state of Michigan. That's 45,000 sale privately, 4 bred heifers, rear end 12 bolt pumpkin out also heifer calves. We of 1978 GMC, $300. Or 80. actual farm family members of Michigan Farm Bureau from the southern produced champion stud at Call anytime 517-624-4658, state line to the northern reaches of the Upper Peninsula. Michigan Angus Preview can deliver. Show 1992. Watch for our CUSTOM MANURE IRRIGA- Deadline for next issue is October 8, 1992. consignment to the Gustason nON No job too big or small. Farm Sale in Mason Oct. 31. Our best studs will sell. Call evenings 517-875-2693, Phil POLE BUILDINGS by All- State Pole Structure Inc., Hourly or bid. Calf anytime, best before 7 or after 5, WSA Call 1-800-968-3129 • Michigan's finest from 18' to 616-792-2854. Tuggle. SMALL FLOCK of registered 80' wide. All sizes and shapes, free estimates, resi- MEAT SAW 110/220 V $800. to Place Your Classified Ad Today! Suffolk Sheep. 13 ewes, most dential, commercial, agricul- Grinder $800. Coolers, freez- out. of National Recognized tural, industrial. Also check ers, tables. BOO Machine or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Stud rams. 1 yearling George our home packages. $300. Trays, carts, compres- Brothers Ram sired by the Boz. Call 616-826-3662. 1-800-968-9205. sors, coils, S.S. Sink, Plat- form Scale. Best offer. Michigan Farm News Maybee, Mich. 48159. Classified Advertising - :.:.:.:.:.••. :.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:<.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. 313-587-3026. NA-cHURS Uquid Fertilizer Products. Foliar and starter analysis along with liquid .P. o. Box 340, 109 N. Lafayette WOODLOT MANAGEMENT potash (0-0-30) and trace elements. Soil testing and Greenville, MI 48838 professional forestry advice, FARM 80 ACRES UniQ,ue, delivery included. Dealer timber sale preparation, country stone home 2 miles inquiries welcome. Contact 'stewardship plan writing. 15 from Greenville. 5 bedrooms, .JERRY'S AGRI-SALES Classified Ad Codes years experience. Call Tom formal dining room, good Distributor for Gratiot, Genes- Stadd, TREE TECH outbuildings. 80 acres, all see, Livingston, Saginaw, 1. Farm Machinery 2. Livestock Equipment 616-671-4098. Shiawassee and Tuscola buildings $135,000, 2 acres, Counties. Call collect for 3. Farm Commodities 4. Livestock CREEKVIEW ELEVATOR all buildings $75,000. Call COMPANY, INC is o~n for Bruce or Roz Rasmussen further 517-288-6015. information. 5. Help/Position Wanted 6. Agricultural Services business in Sheridan. Seeds, 6 1 6 - 7 5 4 - 6 683 , fertilizer and soon offering 616-754-2345. 1985 S-10 PICKUP with 7. Auctions 8. Building Materials chemicals for all your agricul- tural needs. Call EXCEL REALTV topper. 95,000 miles, excel- 9. Real Estate 10. Seeds Greenville, Michigan lent condition, $2600. Call ,. 517-291-3217. 754-2345 616-826-3662. 11. Wanted to Buy 12. General New Uni Husk-On Seed Corn Harvesting System to Name Phone ( ) be Demonstrated Near Middlebury, Indiana This Fall Address City State Zip Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues Desired Insertion Date(s): Method of Payment Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) Visa Card Number Exp. Date Master Card Number Exp. Date Classified Rates .... ' $8 for up to 24 words ~ .... . ~, 'j . ..,: 30 cents each additional word Write your ad here, including phone number and area code White-New Idea announces field Additionalnewfeaturesofthe882husk-on 2 3 4 demonstrationsoftheirnewUNI882husk - ear com harvester include a new clean out on seed corn harvester. Based at one of the door on the main conveyor boot for easy, 5 6 7 8 authorized UNI sales and service centers, complete cleaning between varieties and " Gadson Sales & Service, Middlebury, In- removal of any weed seed between fields. 9 10 11 12 diana, the harvesting unit will be on dishlay The new modular main conveyor boot in- as well as available for in-field seed ar- corporates a through shaft with cast iron 13 14 15 16 vestingdemonstrations. flange bearing housine on each end to withstand hard use. T e two main drive The new UNI 882 ear corn harvester fea- shafts incorporate new designs increased 17 18 19 20 tures the new UNI Quadrifan air system, a capac~ bearings to match r~ed com- seriesoffourmolded, aerodynamic fans on merd use.Astronger~dra .cally con- 21 22 23 24 a common shaft which deliver uniform air trolled, swing elevator ows you to posi- flow across the full width of the machine tion it 90 degrees to the right, to the rear or 25 26 27 28 regardless of the power setting. The system 30 degI:ees to the left for easy dump cart includes fully screened air inlets at each unloading. 29 30 31 32 end of the assembly and between each compartment so foreign material entry is For more information, call Ray Gadson 33 34 35 36 ~ virtuallyeliminated. at Gadson Sales & Service, Middlebury, Indiana (219) 768-4077. Michigan Farm News II. September 30, 1992 Florida and Louisiana Farmers Begin to Sort Through the Rubble Photo Courtesy of Florida Farm Bureau In the aftermath of Hurrican Andrew, farmers in south Florida and Louisiana are beginning to assess the damage to their operations now that their more immediate needs of food and shelter are being met. .~ Growers in Florida's Dade County are sur- veying the loss of trees and crops, destroyed sheds, buildings and equipment, as well as the damage to the infrastructure critical for shipping and packing - including many packing houses. The destruction of crops, structures and equipment is expected to ap- proach $1 billion. "The hurricane hit the Homestead area, one of our largest agricultural producing areas, and home of one of our largest county Farm Bureaus," explained Florida Farm Bureau president Carl Loop. "The hurricane took about a 35 mile wide swath and left every- thing in its path in total destruction. There is not a single home or farm building without major damage. The 3,600 Farm Bureau member families, and others in the Homestead area, will surely suffer from this aftermath for years to come." Countless greenhouses are gone, farm buildings have collapsed onto tractors and equipment, and offices are scattered across avocado groves - themselves a mass of uprooted trees and twisted metal from roof- ing and mobile homes. Dade County's lime crop, valued at $29 " , million, was virtually destroyed. About two-thirds of the $18 million avocado crop remained to be harvested when Hurricane Andrew hit, scattering fruit and uprooting trees. The mango harvest was completed, but trees suffered extensive damage. More than 800 nurseries were wiped out at a loss of $171.5 million in plants and untold millions in damage to greenhouses and equipment. Some help is on the way in the form of $775 million in emergency ap- propriations for agricultural disasters. "We have set up a 'Hurricane Relief Fund' which will be used to purchase food and other needed supplies," said Loop. "Those wishing to contribute may do so by making their check payable to the Farm Bureau Hurricane Relief Fund." Checks should be sent to: Dennis E. Emerson Director of Field Service Florida Farm Bureau Federation P.O. Box 147030 Gainesville, FL 32614-7030 In southern Louisiana, more than $128 mil- lion worth of sugarcane was lost due to Hurricane Andrew, destroying an estimated 27 percent of the total sugarcane crop. Corn, cotton and other crops were also severely damaged. A relief fund has been established there as well. Members interested in making a donation should send their checks payable to: Louisiana Farm Bureau Hurricane Relief Fund In these tough econ~mic times all business owners are looking for ways to improve their bottom line. c/o Dick Briody, Director of Accounting Now Farm Bureau can help with a new money savin.g group Heal!h Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield"of Michigan. . ' .... Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation P.O. Box 95004 These new pians are guaranteed iss~e no-matter what your health history, locally serviced by our 69 county offices and 400 agents s~at~wide, Baton Rouge, LA 70895-9004 and competitively priced to save farm Qwners and operators' hundreds or even thousands of. dollars off their health insurance bill,. So, if you're a $ole proprietor or if you have one or more employees, you shQuld call Farm Bureau today for benefit and rate information. - . _ .. ~ItI'CH'IJAN '. ,- . , .... fA"ItI'BIJREAIJ FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION RATE QUOTE - FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. 3239 OR 3240. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Membership Services Tailored Building~y'stems P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, MI 48909 The Sign of guality Please Print Since 1967 Name Current Health Insurance Address Number of Full Time Employees o Sole proprietor (1 person group) Phone o 2-4 0 5-9 Quality In-House Design. Delivery &: Construction County o 10-24 0 25 and over Post Frame &: Steel Construction Type of Farm/Business ____ 1-800-9 51-_7_005 1' MFN