~.- Michigan Farm News 111=1 October 30, 1992 Vol. 69, No. 18 Pine Shoot Beetle Discovery Results in Quarantine Photo: U.S. Forestry Service T he first -ever discovery of the pine shoot Although the beetle won't kill the tree, trol, Rauscher advises beetle in a pine tree growing area caused except in severe infestations, it does cause tree growers to keep the Michigan Department of Agriculture to disfigurement. "The adult bores into the their operations clean issue an "internal quarantine" for Monroe current year's growth, and then bores up of scrap that could pro- •. CoUnty Christmas trees, effective Oct. 14. the tree's shoot, causing the shoot to tip vide breeding sites for The quarantine requires a visual inspection down and die, distorting the shape of the the beetle. by MDA before trees can be shipped out of tree," said Rauscher. county, according to Ken Rauscher, in "One of the things MDA's Plant/Pest Management Division. The reproductive stage of the beetle occurs that's practiced very just under the bark of the tree where eggs intently in Europe is The quarantine resulted after discovery of are layed. The larvae stage of the beetle is sanitation, and that the pine shoot beetle in early July on a pine spent under the bark, meaning that logs and means getting rid of tree plantation near Cleveland, Ohio. The lumber with bark still attached, provides an any kind of cut logs, USDA then launched an intensive inspec- ideal vehicle for transporting the beetle into slash piles, and/or cut tion in several adjoining states to determine uninfected areas. stumps, II explained how widespread the pine shoot beetle in- Rauscher. "It's not festation had become. Methods to control the beetle are limited to only promoted, it's fumigation with methyl bromide of logs legislated in Europe Unfortunately, the beetle was found in sev- and lumber. The USDA is researching that those items are eral counties in New York, Pennsylvania, other control options, including freezing cleaned out and re- northern Indiana, northeastern Ohio, and since it's suspected the insect can't survive moved. It's very strin- • one county in Illinois just west of Chicago, below -5 F. Despite that theory, the beetle gently regulated, espe- as well as Monroe County. In lieu of a can easily over-winter in Michigan, said cially in Scandinavia." statewide quarantine, USDA offered MDA Rauscher. "The beetle over-winters at the the option of implementing an internal base of the tree as an adult, under bark flaps quarantine to limit just Monroe County as which are also under snowcover, so the This cut-away opposed to the entire state of Michigan. temperature may very well be above -5 F view of an infested degrees" said Rauscher. "It's demonstrated Scotch pine shoot "We (MDA) decided to implement an in- its ability to survive in Europe in areas shows an adult ternal quarantine for Monroe County, much colder than Michigan." beetle feeding in- which will allow shippers from around the side the shoot. The rest of the state to continue shipping nur- The beetle can fly up to a half mile seeking white spot is the sery stock, and Christmas trees," explained out any kind of pine to feed on, making it point of entrance Rauscher. "USDA is concerned with what difficult to limit movement of the beetle into the shoot. could happen if this pest is allowed to move entirely. With no means of chemical con- into the southern and western pine growing areas of the country." • There are 20 pine tree growers in Monroe Chinese Extension Delegation in Michigan County that will be impacted by the quar- Two of the world's biggest communist that should remind all of us about the merits Just how much trade may surprise many. antine, most of whom operate U-cut Christ- party systems have experienced change. of free-enterprise. China's trade surplus with the U.S. this mas tree operations. A majority of their Russia went about it at a pace that shocked year is expected to top $20 billion. A recent market is in the Detroit and Toledo area, even the most optimistic. China is under- "Ten years ago, we adopted the household trade agreement between China and the says Rauscher, which will require MDA going a much more subtle transformation, responsibility system, which means that U.S. will eliminate China's import licens- inspection of the tree before it can be trans- but it is change nonetheless. It all started 10 each farmer can get land from the state and ing requirements, quotas, and other trade ported outside of Monroe County. years ago in China and it's accelerating they have the right to decide which crop to barriers over the next five years, averting rapidly on a daily basis. It's allowing joint plant," explained Chung. "That is why the the threat of a trade war between the two The pine shoot beetle, a well-known and ventures to take place. It's allowing more Chinese can produce enough food for our countries. feared pest in Europe, likely found its way freedoms in decision making at the farm people to eat and still export food products into the U.S. via pallets and bracing used in See "Chinese Delegation" level. It's improving the standard of living to the U.S.S.R. and other countries." shipping imported products. Rauscher esti- continued on page 8 and the diets of the Chinese people. mates the beetle had been discovered • nearly 100 times in the last five years at Sixteen Extension specialists from the Na- While in Michigan, the Chinese delegation toured the Michigan Farm Bureau and ports of entry into the U.S. and was de- met with several staff members to discuss Farm Bureau's structure and operation. tional Agriculture Technological Exten- stroyed by burning the wood products im- Pictured with the group is MFB Administrator Chuck Burkett and MSU Professor sion Center in China spent 20 days in Mich- mediately. Dr. Frank Brewer (third and second from right, respectively, front row). igan, looking at the MSU Cooperative Ex- tension Service's structure and relationship with agricultural producers, in an effort to tap into some our democratic methods, ac- cording to MSU Agriculture and Extension Education Professor, Dr Frank Brewer. Their impress!on of Michigan agriculture? "Big - very big, much bigger than Chinese agriculture," said Nie Chung, deputy divi- sion chief in the Chinese National Agricul- '. ture Technological Center and interpreter for the group. "Your farmers use many large pieces of farm equipment - that's different from China." How different? According to Chung, the average Chinese farm is just one hectare (roughly 2-112 acres), a majority of the farming is still done by hand, and the aver- age dairy farm consists of 10 cows. Despite those facts, Chinese agricultural produc- tion has nearly doubled in the last 10 years, thanks in large part to major reform efforts, •• Special Member Program Guide in This Issue - PullOut and Save! Michigan Farm New~ .. -. October 30, 1992 Focus on Future In Brief ... and Land Grant Special Alert - MUSTCOM $50 Philosophy'" A Surcharge and Letter a Scam! Mustin New The Michigan State Police Fire Marshall Division i~alerting owners of underground s~or~ge MSU President tanks about payment requests from the MichIgan Underground Tank COm~llSSlOn (MUSTCOM), UST Compliance Section. These payment r.equests have been receIved by many Michigan underground storage tank owners, lllStruct.lll~ them ~opay.a surcharge of The Michigan State University Board of Trustees ~s ~~ginf}~ng th.e process of $50 per tank, and indicating that if owners fail to pay, they wIll JeopardIze theIr MUSTCOM selecting a new president for MSU. We, as farmers, thmk It s critically Important that site clean-up funding. the board hires someone who understands and vigorously supports the land grant philosophy. State Police say that MUSTCOM is not a gov~~nmental agency. Furthermore, refu~al to pay the requested surcharge ~ill n?t affect legItl~?t~ underground storage tank regIstr?- After all, MSU was the pioneer land grant university. It was a leader back in 18.55 tions on file with the State Pollce Fire Marshall DIVISIon.Refusal to pay the surcharge wIll in advancing the then-radical land graf}t concept. that college research ar:d teachmg not affect access to the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Financial Assurance fund should be available to all people, not Just the elite. MS£.! m~eds t9.contmu,e to be a (MUSTFA), operated by the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. land grant leader in the future so that farmers, and all Michigan cItizens will be able to cope with an increasingly interrelated and competitive world economy. Capt. Wade E. Schafer, State Fire Marshal, indicates that State Police investigators, in ~ cooperation with the office of the Attorney .Ge~eral, ~he Department o~ Ma~agement and The future of a healthy agricultural economy in A;1ichiQan.is vitally dependen.f upC?n Budget, and the U.S. Postal Service are looklllg lllto thIS matter for any vlolatlon of the law. a growth-focused teaching, research and extensIon mIssIon at MSU. The university needs to continue to lead the nation in developing improved marketing techniques, Persons with informaton which may assist this investigation are asked to call 1-800-827- new uses for existing commodities, ~ew and (mproved varieties~ inno~ative ma- 8277. This toll-free number was established so that other telephone lines remain available chinery, workable environmental solutIons and Improved (and profitable) mtegrated for regular program needs of Michigan's underground storage tank owners. pest control measures. USDA Raises Crop Estimates Other crucial issues facing a new president include: .. - Rising costs. It's becoming more expensive every year to attend MS£.!. TUItIOnand As expected, the USDA raised its estimate of com, soybean, and wheat crops for the y~ar other fees have been rising much faster than inflation.. The new president ha~ the and adjusted the amounts of each expected to be on hand when the 1992-1993 marketlllg difficult task of aggressively holding down costs while upgradmg the quality of year ends. The agency pegged the com crop at a record-high 8.938 billion bushels, soybeans education. at 2.108 billion bushels and wheat at 3.459 billion, all slightly above the September estimates. The USDA based its predictions on the expectation of record setting per acre - A focused mission. With limited resources, it is important to focus in particular on yields of 124 bushels for com and 36 bushels for soybeans. MSU's rich and unique history of providing agricultural education. MSU must re.alize that it can't be all things to all people .. Young peC?ple~an get a ~olle.ge ed.ucatlon at USDA figures there will be 308 million bushels of soybeans left on hand at the e~d. of many places in the state, but an agricultural university education IS available only 1992-1993, up from 278 million this year. Com carryover is estimated at 1.864 bllllon at MSU. bushels, wheat at 573 million, and cotton at 4 million bales. See page 6 in this issue for MSU Ag Economist Jim Hilker's interpretation, and the latest supply/demand reports. - Support for the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service. The new president needs to be sensitive to the unique featu.res o~ these programs. They are not tuition supported and need specIal consideratIOn for ConAgra/Berger and Klein Brothers Limited Merge general university support. ConAgra/Berger and Klein Brothers, Limited, based in California, have announced their - Communications. Years ago, MSU was a pioneer in using television technolo.gy intention to merge, effectively forming the largest bean handling company in the world. All to provide education and extensiC?n.information to the agricultura.f cC?mmunity. pieces of the new company will reportedly continue to operate as they have, at least through Creative use of modern technology ISImportant to our future commUnicatIon needs. the balance of harvest, but it would seem reasonable that within the next few months all parts will be brought under the same umbrella. - Animal aflriculture. The Board of Tru~tees. is aggressively s,"!pporting t~e animal industry initiative. We recognize the university has other pressmg needs, like a new This merger continues the trend established about 15 years ago toward fewer and larger dry library. But money for the animal indus.try initiative has been. comr:nitted by the bean handlers. This mirrors the same trend in the canning and packaging business. Twenty governor and Legislature. The new president needs to keep this project on track. years ago, there were literally hundreds of independent processors and canners, but through .. mergers and acquisitions, the numbers active in each field have dwindled to a handful. The general news media often focus on issue~ at MSl.!, such as athletic success, that are trivial in affecting the future of our agricultural mdustry. I hope that a clear Vegetable Chemical Use Survey Underway 0.' focus by the Board of Trustees on the !f!JalcC?ncerns Michigan fa,!"ers. will yield our way of life. ~ ~ t~ a new president who can make a positive difference m how the university affects A major Vegetable Chemical Use Survey was started Oct. 16, and will continue through mid-December, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service (MASS). The survey has the support of most major Michigan vegetable organizations and growers are encouraged to participate. lack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau This survey is part of the President's Food Safety Initiative, which is a multi-agency program addressing recent public concerns about the safety of the nation's food supply. St Joseph County Ag-Citing Experience a Success! One of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's roles in this initiative is the Pesticide Data Program. The successful 1990 Vegetable Chemical Use Survey was the start of this program. An every other year rotation is planned between vegetables and fruit chemical "4 use. The primary objective of this program is to provide data to develop an agricultural chemical use data base that is timely, detailed and reliable. Statistics are needed to assemble chemical use information to help address both water quality and food safety issues. The program is intended to strengthen the government's ability to respond to pesticide and food safety concerns and to protect the public health. In Michigan, about 1,000 vegetable growers will be asked to participate in the survey. All growers will be interviewed personally. Data collected will be treated confidentially and used only in the summary of state and national totals. A final report of the vegetable chemical use data is scheduled for release in June of 1993 . The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is publiShed semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm • Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A Application to mail at Second-Class Postage rates is pending at Lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. Over 800 children and 80 adults participated in an "Ag-Citing Experience" recently, Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck thanks to the efforts of the St.Joseph County Farm Bureau, Fair Board, anq the Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, MSU Cooperative Extension Service. A total of 57 volunteers served as to,"!rgUIdes, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; made presentations, drove tractors for hayrides, and answered questIons. from District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West elementary students. Eleven organizations and businesses donated matenal for the project which lasted over three days. Above, St.Joseph County Farm Bureau President Vem Happel answers questions from one of the many third graders about sheep. Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Leona Daniels, Sterling. Young Farmers, Steven Gonyea, Spruce. . . Michigan Farm News October 30, 1992 ITOL o o ::D Z m ::D The 102nd Congre~s Adjourns' Pseudorabies Control & Eradication Senate Bill 1112, sponsored by Sen. Wartner (R-Ponage), ad?pt.s the Federal Pseudorabies Eradication Program. Michigan currently tests and vaccinates for pseudorabies. S.B. 1112 would give the Michigan Department of Agri- culture more authority and responsibility to both test and ~ontrol the movement of the disease through quarantine of mfected herds. The federal program consists of a five stage effort. Michigan currently is in the third stage where the disease is substantially under control, but is not being eradicated. Pseudorabies is contagious within the swine population and when transmitted to other species, such as cattle or sheep, it usually results in the death of the infected victim. As a dead end host, other species do not transmit pseudorabies. The disease poses no threat to human health. Currently, prOducers retain private veterinarians for the testing and Vaccination, which will continue. State fund- ing will be available for additional surveillance efforts on the p~ of MDA verterinarians to ensure every herd in the state IStest~d and quarantined if infe.ction is confirmed. Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) House Bill 5990 and S.B. 1058 would amend the Fluid MFB Position: Milk Act of 1965 and adopt the 1989 edition of the Grade Farm Bureau supports A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). In addition, the H.B. 5990. Adoption of bills would increase the license fee for milk haulers from this bill is important to $10 to $20, clarify the bonding requirements by requiring Michigan producers to a su.rety bond ~or milk buyers and provides additional pro- permit the export of milk tectIOn for theIr solvency. The MDA is given the authority from Michigan to other t~ revoke the license .of any milk plant that does not pro- ~states. VIde one of the securIty arrangements provided for. Viola- ti?ns ~or r~sidue i!1milk are clarified and the penalty for MFB Contact: VIOlatIOnsISalso mcreased. The maximum milk tempera- Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 ture on farms is reduced from 50 to 45 F. Currently S.B. 1058 is in the Senate Ag Committee where several amendments have been attached. The amendment for Over Order Pricing was adopted and included Over Order Premium for Class 1 milk not to exceed $ I .25. The ~arketing Committee which recommends the price to the dlr~ctor of agriculture would consist of nine members ap- p~mted by the governor froI"Qnominations. One individual WIll represent dealers, one the general public, and the Workers' Comll,~i1s~~ion~Adams Fruit c~se other seven ~ilI represent dairy producers, including one MFB Position: . Since the U.S. Supreme Court's 1990 decision in Adams not representmg any cooperative. In determining the "Over MFB Policy reads: "We . Fruit Co., Inc. v Barrett, a migrant or seasonal employee Or.der Premium, the committee shall consider price being support efforts by the may receive workers' compensation benefits and also sue pa~d.by dealers, the cost of production, prices paid in other American Farm Bureau his or her employer in court for additional damages. The adjOInIng states, and concerns of the general public. Federation to correct the case stems from a 1985 incident in Florida, when 19 mi- Th~s.ena~ling legislation would be enacted upon a written Migrant and Seasonal grant workers employed by Adams Fruit Farm were trans- petItIon SIgned by 35 percent of the milk producers and a Agriculture .Worker Pro- ported to the fields in a single van, a violation of the Mi- successful referendum, if more than 50 percent of those tection Act, which does grant and Seasonal Worker Protection Act - MSWPA. voti~g, which r~presents more than 50 percent of the pro- not recognize the "Exclu- After an accident, all of the injured employees received duction, voted In favor of a statutory premium. The same sive Remedy" provision health and income benefits under workers compensation. process would hold for terminating the Over Order Pre- of state Worker Compen- In addition, so~e o! the workers sued Adams Fruit for mium. sation laws. Federal leg- motor safety VIOlatIOnsunder MSWPA. islation is '&needed t f toh over- USe Th controversial., ruhng overturned a longstandmg .. polIcy Limitation of Passengers in the Open Bed of a Pickup turn th ee f lec so ' t ed' .. 0f wor k ers ' compensatIOn . b'emg t hi'e exc USlve source 0 f S upreme C our t s eCl- House Bill 5044 w<:mldlimit transporting passengers in 'o . th Ad F't reme d y &lor Iosses caused by workplace mJury .. or death. S 1 nIne MFB Position: the open bed of a pickup to work related activities. Cities, C h' h ams k rul h Th e S upreme C'ourt, me f& lect, sal'd t h at I'f C ongress h a d m- . m~~e, ~ IC d ma es t ~ tended workers compensation to be the exclusive remedy, Farm Bureau supports townships, and villages with populations of less than wo ran an seasona they should have said so in the MSWPA law. Farm Bu- H.B. 5044. The legislation 30,000 would be exempt from the restriction. rke{S ~~~on:y emPI?Y1.::' reau immediately sought corrective legislation to amend is currently awaiting con- currence by the full House The bill would also prohibit riding in the back of a pickup ebes efitlgIf e °brehceIhv the Migrant and Seasonal Worker Protection Act. on any freeway at any time including those passing ene I s rom ot t and Senate. courts, through tort law- AFBF and others were successful in getting an amend- t~rough such cities, villages, and townships with popula- suits, and workers' com- ment on a bill in the last days of the 102nd Congress. MFB Contact: tIOns less than 30.000. An exemption has been included in pensation insurance." House Resolution 5427, the Fiscal Year 1993 Legislative Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 the bill to permit riding in the back of a pickup for all Branch Appropriations Bill, contained the amendment, farm related activities for family members and employees. '. MFB, and many other state Farm Bureaus joined with AFBF and other interested groups to which was approved by Congress and signed by the presi- dent Oct. 6, 1992. The amendment clearly states that workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy for work-related injuries. It states: Removal of Animal Carcasses from Roadsides MFB Position House BiIl5642. sponsored by Rep. Bender (R - Middle- form the Workers' Com- (I) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, MFB Supports H.B. 5642 ville), requires the Department of Natural Resources to be pensation Integrity, Sta- where a state workers' compensation law is applicable responsible for removal of deer. bear. elk and moose car- bility and Equity coali- and coverage is provided for a migrant or seasonal agricul- casses from roadsides. Because the present law does not tion, (WISE). MFB Contact: tural worker, the workers' compensation benefits shall be clearly state responsibility, many county road commis- Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 the exclusive remedy for loss of such worker under this sions, by default, are having to remove and dispose of MFB Contact: Act in the case of bodily injury or death. these carcasses. Even though counties are not receiving Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 funds to remove carcasses from roadsides, cleanup is esti- The reversal is not permanent, and will sunset in nine mated to cost some counties as much as $96,000 annually. months. Efforts will be made to convince the 103rd Con- gress to enact a permanent statute before the Fall of 1993. MFB policy supports requiring thQ1lkpartment of Natural Resources to be responsible for removal of large animal carcasses from along roadways and right-of-ways. Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 -. Michigan Farm News October 30, 1992 Cooler than normal temperatures persisted during the past 30 days in all but northern sections of the state, where readings aver- $--1 aged near to slightly above normal. Simi- larly, precipitation totals were above nor- mal over nearly all of the Lower Peninsula and sections of the Upper Peninsula. This 9/16/92 to 10/15/92 Alpena Actual Precipitation '?::~~.~~~~2.n Normal linch) 3.12 unfavorable mixture of conditions caused Bad Axe ;;'4.10 ~ lengthy harvest delays in some areas. While 3.02. '---~--_.: Detroit 2.55 many central and northern sections of the Escanaba 1.85 3.07 state experienced killing freeze back in late Flint 3.59 2.55 ~---~ September, crops in southern Lower Mich- Grand Rapids 4.55 3.44 igan continued on into mid-October with- Houghton 3.49 2.94 out frost, especially in southeastern areas. Houghton Lake 4.28 3.12 Even so, all important heat accumulations Jackson 3.89 2.95 during the period were only in the 125-275 Lansing 3.23 2.95 unit range. Marquette 1.84 2.94 Muskegon 3.66 3.21 The outlook for the coming weeks is not Pellston 5.57 3.38 ~ ~ 3.79 promising. The latest 30-day outlook from Saginaw 2.77 the National Weather Service calls for a Sault Ste. Marie 4.02 jetstream troughing pattern to persist over South Bend 3.86 ~:~;;::"1'lli the Upper Midwest through mid-Novem- Traverse City 3.86 3.38:;'} ~ Vestaburg 4~27 3.11.\\ ber, and possibly longer. This would likely lead to frequent outbreaks of cold, arctic air, and put Michigan along a southwest to Observed and normal growing degree day totals Bre accumulat~from March 1. n resen, A Meteoro I'0 northeasterly storm track. The outlook spe- Normals are based on district aver- Je." ... ff Ad. IS t MSU cifically calls for a continuation of below normal temperatures and above normal Given such an outlook, full advantage should be taken of any harvest weather "windows precipitation. of opportunity." Harvest on Hold Across Mic'higan and Cornbelt Michigan Potato harvest was 90 percent complete in Ohio ~ Michigan and Major Commodity Area Harvest activity in Michigan had been spite of the rain and cold. Sugarbeet harvest Corn harvest was behind average as of Oct. Extended Weather Outlook brought to a standstill with considerable had been stalled as well, with 30 percent of 19, as heavy rains soaked topsoils and kept T - Temp. 10/30... 11/15 10/15 12/31 rain and some snow across most parts of the harvest complete compared to 25 per- producers out of the fields, the Ohio Agri- P - Precip. T P T f Michigan. Statewide, corn harvest as of cent on average. Winter wheat planting cultural Statistics Service reported. Only Michigan B A B A Oct. 19, was reported only 5 percent com- was 70 percent complete, with concerns 10 percent of the total corn acreage was W. Corn Belt B A B A plete compared to 50 percent last year, and growing that considerable acreage may not harvested, compared with 75 percent a year E. Com Belt B N B A 30 percent on average. Many farmers were get planted due to late harvests. ago and the 41 percent average. Com was Wlnt. Wheat Belt B N B A Spr. Wheat Belt B N/A B N stilI waiting for significant reductions in rated 25 percent excellent, 49 percent good, Pac. NWWheat B N N B moisture levels before harvesting corn, Apple harvest in Southwest Michigan was 21 percent fair, 4 percent poor and 1 per- Delta B A B A which was rated only 50 percent mature nearly 66 percent complete, but was cent very poor. Com standing in water was Southeast N N N A compared to 95 percent o~ average. slowed by rains and freezing temperatures. a big concern for farmers, who said it will San Joaquin A B A N Concord grape harvest was slowed by be another 10 to 14 days before their com Soybeans were rated 80 percent mature freezing temperatures as well. Many grow- was harvested. The average moisture level A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- compared to 95 percent on average, with mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- ers had been waiting for better sugar con- was 27.4 percent. Harvesting of corn for No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office harvest reported 20 percent complete - well tent in grapes before beginning harvest. silage is coming to an end. behind the five-year average of 45 percent. Grape damage due to the freeze had not Dry bean harvest was 90 percent complete been determined as of press time. Soybean harvest was 65 percent complete, and was rated 65 percent fair to good. versus 84 percent a year ago and the 62 Most vegetable harvest had been nearly percent average. Soybeans were rated 19 completed. Cabbage and cauliflower were percent excellent, 47 percent good, 26 per- Serving Michigan being harvested as weather permitted. On- ions and carrots continued to be harvested cent fair, 6 percent poor and 2 percent very poor. The recent wet weather has kept soy- Farm Families is in some areas of the state. Freezing temper- atures Oct. 17 and 18 brought an end to the beans "puffy" with some farmers reporting moisture levels at 17 percent. Our Only Business fresh market tomato harvest. See "Harvest Progress, " page 5 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- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, Roundup weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the fol/owing stations: Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm PLUS WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm Acta master WPZA WLEW WHFB WKYO WTVB WDOW Ann Arbor Bad Axe Benton Harbor Caro Coldwater Dowagiac 1050 1340 1060 1360 1590 1440 6:15 am 6:30 am * 6:15 am 5:45 am 6:15 am 12:05 pm 12:50 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm ... 12:15 pm PLUS LI-700 e -- J.P.!.(I -, WACY Fenton 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm WPLB WBCH Greenville Hastings 1380 1220 6:15 am 6:15 am 12:45 pm 12:30 pm Spells Triple Trouble for Quackgrass. WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm For the most effective weed control with Roundup, we WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm recommend: WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 12:15 pm • Combine Roundup with Actamaster ammonium sulfate, a WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm WWGZ Lapeer 1530 * 12:15 pm soluble crystal spray adjuvant specially formulated for use WNBY Newberry 92.5 12:15 pm wi.th Roundup. (17 Ibs. per 100 gallons of water) WOAP Owosso- 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm • M IX Roundup with L1-700, the premium grade penetrating WHAK Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm surfactant manufactured from soybeans to enhance WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm Roundup's effectiveness. (1-2 pints per acre) WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm Ask your Clean Crop dealer about the success of this win- WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm ning combination-Roundup mixed with Actamaster and WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WKZC Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm L1-700-and for information about custom application. WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm Roundup is a registered trademark of Monsanto. WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm 1I-700 IS a registered trademark of loveland Ind. USE & FOllOW All lABEL DIRECTIONS WLKM Three Rivers 1510195.96:15 am 12:15 pm WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 12:40 pm • Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change with sign-on times . *- Station airs various farm reports between 5:50 and 6:20 pm . p~ 1-800-292-2701 -~ .~ OR YOUR NEAREST DEALER CALL • *- Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Some stations cany ack:titionaJmarket reports throughout the market day. ., Michigan Farm News -. October 30, 1992 Michigan Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Act Senate Bill 1199, sponsored by Sen. may also be established to implement pro- McManus (R-Traverse City), would pro- grams developed under the act. vide for the protection of groundwater from contamination by pesticides and fertilizers "Those farmers participating in the ground- through the development and implementa- water stewardship program would be eligi- tion of a pesticide and fertilizer manage- ble to receive grants for making changes ment strategy for the state, according to consistent with the stewardship practices," MFB Legislative Counsel Vicki Pontz. explained Pontz. "Liability for groundwa- ter contamination would not be imposed on "It would regulate the use of certain pesti- a person in the groundwater stewardship cides and fertilizers in order to prevent program unless he was grossly negligent, adverse effects to human health and the or in violation of state or federal law ." environment, and to protect the state's groundwater resource," said Pontz. A freshwater protection fund would be cre- ated through the collection of groundwater The bill requires MDA to develop and pro- protection fees from chemical registrants. mote groundwater stewardship practices Specialty (non-farm) pesticide registrants I, designed to prevent the contamination of would pay $100 per product per year. All groundwater. MDA would also develop a other pesticide (agricul ture) registrants voluntary on-site evaluation system de- would pay 0.75 percent of the previous signed to provide farmers with the ability registration year's sales with a $150 mini- to voluntarily determine the relative mum. Specialty fertilizer products would groundwater impact potential posed by be charged $100 per product registered, their use of pesticides and nitrogen fertiliz- and nitrogen fertilizer distributors would ers. pay an additional $0.65 groundwater pro- tection fee for each ton of fertilizer sold. A groundwater advisory council would be established to provide educational pro- The funds would be spent for direct assis- grams on groundwater protection and co- tance programs such as closure of im- ordinate technical assistance programs for properly constructed wells, pesticide dis- farmers making changes consistent with posal and recycling programs, and cost the groundwater stewardship practices. Re- share programs for persons in the ground- gional groundwater stewardship teams water stewardship program; indirect assis- tance programs such as education and 't, demonstration programs, technical assis- "Harvest Progress" tance programs for pesticide and fertilizer Winter wheat planting was 70 percent com- users, and research programs; emergency plete, compared with 45 percent a week response and removal of potential ago, 82 percent a year ago and the 65 per- sources of groundwater contamination, cent average. and administrative costs, which could not exceed 20 percent of the total fund. Indiana Com harvest progress was slow as of Oct. The director ofMDA would also establish: 19, because the moisture content of the rules to designate pesticides with ground- grain remained at high levels, the Indiana water concerns as restricted use pesticides; Agricultural Statistics Service said. Com a program to track pesticides; and monitor- harvest stood at 19 percent complete, com- ing programs for the general screening of pared with 85 percent a year ago and 53 groundwater. percent on average. Com was rated 17 per- cent excellent, 69 percent good and 14 per- If the director determines that voluntary cent fair. adoption of groundwater stewardship prac- tices have not been effective in preventing Seventy-five percent of the soybean crop groundwater contaminant levels from ex- had been harvested, compared with 85 per- ceeding the groundwater resource response cent a 'Year ago and 65 percent on average. level (30 percent of the Maximum Contam- Soybeans were rated 12 percent excellent, inant Level set by the U.S. Environmental 70 percent good, 17 percent fair and 1 per- Protection Agency), he or she may promul- cent poor. Seventy-percent of the wheat gate a groundwater protection rule that de- acreage had been seeded, down from 86 fines the scope and region of implementa- percent a year ago and 81 percent on aver- tion. This rule could mandate practices that age. are protective of groundwater or cancel the use of a pesticide in the area of concern. illinois Soybean harvesting was active, but com The bill was introduced just prior to elec- combining remained slow as of Oct. 19, the tion break. Some discussion may occur be- Illinois Agricultural Statistics Service said. tween now and the beginning of the next Soybean harvest was 81 percent complete, legislative session. No action is expected compared with 92 percent a year ago and on the bill in this legislative session. MFB 82 percent average. has not taken a position on the bill as intro- duced at this time. Com harvest was only 26 percent complete, compared with 93 percent a year ago and 72 percent average. Sorghum harvest was 45 percent complete, compared with 82 percent a year ago and 65 percent aver- age. Winter wheat seeding was 78 percent complete, compared with 81 percent a year ago and 73 percent average. HARRIS@ SEEDS HIGH QUALITY VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEED FOR THE PROFESSIONAL GROWER Iowa Nothiing fancy. No hard-to-understand pridng schedules. Just high quality Harvesting in Iowa was making slow prog- seed for your vegetable and greenhouse operations at very competitive ress as of Oct. 19, according to the Iowa prices. And we back up our sales with the service that has made HARRIS Agricultural Statistics Service. Moisture SEEDS a company you can depend on, year after year. levels ranged from mid-20 to mid-30 per- cent, allowing only 14 percent of the com You can call for your FREE copy of our 1993 Professional Bedding Plant and to be harvested, behind last year's figure of Vegetable GrOYiers' Catalog: 716-442-0410 62 percent and the average of 69 percent. r-----------------, Soybean harvest in most areas was nearing I NAME' I completion, with 82 percent of the soybean I I crop harvested, compar.ed with 88 percent I STREET I last year and the average o~ 92 perce~t. OR RETURN THIS COUPON TO: Soybean yields were very high except III HARRIS SEEDS I CITY I some areas of south-central Iowa that expe- rienced heavy flooding. The winter wheat P.O. BOX 22960 I STATE ZIP I crop was sown on 73 percent of the in- ROCHESTER, NY 14692-2960 IL 9311 JI tended acreage, compared with 83 percent last year and the average of 93 percent. Michigan Farm News October 30,1992 Market Outlook ...... •••••••• ••••••• ••••• ~.'I ••••••• . .. •••• 'l•••~~ •••• ' ..~::.. ,j ••• r. 11 Corn The Oct. 8 USDA Crop Report told us the U.S. will have a record com crop this year, Seasonal Commodity Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU R~RM ~ •••••••• •••••••• 8.938 billion bushels. Not only that, but history tells us big crops tend to get bigger Price Trends BUSINESS in subsequent reports, such as the report to Hogs be released on Nov. ]O. The record produc- tion comes from the second largest har- Wheat ? The only good thing about hog prices is OUTLOOK vested acreage in the last ten years and a record yield, ]23.8 bushels per acre. The they have hung in there several dollars per previous record yield was in 1987 at ] ]9.8 Corn BT hundredweight higher than expected given hundredweight in November. The futures bushels per acre. A four bus he] increase in the huge supplies. While the credits actu- market has price recovering into the low the record yield is phenomena], and the Soybeans BT ally being allowed to Russia for pork has $40s for the winter. I'm not as optimistic as growing conditions for many parts of the helped the market, it does not come close the $43 to $44 December futures and the country were not optima]: look at Michi- Hogs ! to answering why hog prices have held relatively strong. While there is no reason $42 to $43 February futures we saw as of gan. I wonder what the potentia] is? mid-October. If the hog futures have not Michigan's com yield is projected to be 105 bushels per acre, down from last year's fairly typical 110 bushels per acre and the Cattle - to believe this strong demand will disap- pear, there is the question of how long it can hold up without some rebound in in- collapsed from their mid-October highs by the time you're reading this, consider tak- ing some price risk reduction through next record ] 15 bushels per acre. i Index: = HigherPrices; ~ = Lower Prices; come growth. summer on a portion of your production - TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure especially if you can't handle prices under The USDA released an updated Sup- However, given the expected supplies, hog $40 next spring. plylDemand Report (see Table 1). They to the FSU. However, exports to this point prices are still likely to fall under $40 per updated beginning stocks to 1.1 billion as are running near year ago levels. shown in the September Stocks report. Cattle When added to projected production, we Even with the significant increases in use, have total supply over] 0 billion for the first ending stocks will grow an estimated 764 Check the Quarterly 13-State and Monthly yearlings priced at auctions this fall where time since before the 1988 drought. million bushels. Ending stocks as a percent 7-State Catt]e-on-Feed Report that were the break even price is below the futures of use is forecast at a plentiful 22.8 percent. released Oct. 23 for confirmation, but it prices at the projected sales date. While increases in year-to-year projected This would put the annual average appears we are at or near a short-term top use does make up for all the increase in weighted com price at around $2.10 per in cash cattle prices. About all you can do For those who need to buy corn for feed, supply, it does make a dent in it. Feed use bushels. short-term is keep current. Cash steer pencil through your costs of buying now is projected to be up 270 million bushels prices are likely to trade in the $71 to $74 and paying storage and interest versus for- from last year and ]50 million more than We're likely seeing market lows for cash price range from mid-November through ward contracting for future delivery, con- the September projection for this year, corn about now. In order to reach the $2. ]0 most of the winter. sidering the possibility that corn prices which did not include the September Hogs cash average, we'll likely see a combina- could be 50 cents higher by mid-winter. and Pigs Report that showed continued ex- tion of a rebound in out futures contracts While there may not be great money to be That answer, at least partially, lies in how pansion. Food, seed, and industrial use is and a tightening of the basis. This increase, made, we have seen both feeder calves and much risk you can or are willing to take. expected to be up as well. Exports are pro- while not likely be huge, should more than jected to be down due to less being shipped cover the cost of on-farm storage. Wheat Soybeans The all wheat production number was mark. Some argue they will "find" the raised due to spring wheat yields which bushels in the next report, which will lower It appears that soybeans did not want to be In Table 3, we have the updated USDA were increased in some areas. The updated use. Others argue they did not increase use outdone by corn, as we are projected to supply/demand report. Supply will in- wheat supply/demand report showed total as much as the report called for. USDA have the second largest soybean crop on crease more than projected use. Unlike supply of wheat about 100 million bushels split the difference. Export projections record since] 982' s 2,] 90 million bushels corn and wheat, the ending stocks aren't above last year. When combined with a use were also raised as year-to-date sales are on more acreage. The estimated yield of particularly burdensome. This means that number nearly the same as last year, this now near last year's levels. 36.3 is 2 bushels per acre higher than last there is the most upside potential in the means an increase in estimated ending year's record, and is almost twice the per- soybean market of the three major crops. stocks as shown in Table 2. Winter wheat planting has gone quite well centage increase we saw in com. However, We are at, or will soon see, the market lows in most of the important winter wheat pri- once again, Michigan as a whole is not in for the ]992-93 marketing year. The odds The new estimates took into account the mary growing areas. Unless something on these high yields. Michigan's yield is are quite high that between basis apprecia- surprisingly low wheat stocks reported in changes potential for next year, it will prob- expected to be 33 bushels per acre versus tion and a post harvest rally in the soybean September. The USDA increased expected ably keep the pressure on wheat prices. the last two year's 38 bushels per acre and futures, on-farm storage costs and interest feed usage 75 million bushels, from 175 to There are more bearish factors in the wheat a five year average of 35 bushels per acre. will be more than covered. 250. However, this is still a big question market than bullish factors. Table 1 Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For CORN USDA Hilker Proj. Proj. 1990-91 91-92 92-93 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Diverted 6.3 4.7 3.5 Diverted 3.2 10.0 Acres Planted 74.2 76.0 79.3 Acres Planted n.3 69.9 Acres Harvested 67.0 68.8 72.2 Acres Harvested 69.4 58.1 BuJA. Harvested 118.5 108.6 123.8 BuJA. Harvested 39.5 34.1 Stocks Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) 8,:g. Stocks 239 329 278 Beg. Stocks 1345 1521 1100 Beg. Stocks 536 866 472 'PrOduction v 1926 1986 2108 Production 7934 7474 8938 Production 2736 1981 2459 Imports 2 3 2 Imports 3 20 11 Imports 37 37 50 Total Supply 2167 2318 2388 Total Supply 9282 9016 10,049 Total Supply 3309 2885 2981 Use: Use: Use: Crushings 1187 1254 1265 Feed 4669 4880 5150 Food 796 785 835 Exports 557 685 720 Fo~ed 1367 1445 1485 Seed 90 94 98 Seed, Feed and Total Domestic 6036 6325 6635 Feed 489 259 2SO Residuals 94 101 98 Exports 1725 1590 1550 Total Domestic 1375 1137 1183 Total Use 1838 2040 2083 Total Use n61 7915 8185 Exports 1068 1275 1225 Ending Stocks 329 278 305 Ending Stocks 1521 1100 1864 Total Use 2444 2413 2408 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 866 472 573 Percent of Use 17.golo 13.6% 14.6% Percent of Use -- ~9.6% 13.9% 22.8% 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% 23.8% Regular Loan Rate $1.95 $2.04 $2.21, U.S. Season Average $5.10- O.S. Season Average $1.85- Farm Price, $JBu. $5.75 $5.60 $5.70 Farm Price~SlBu. 12.28 ~40 $2.25 U.S. Season Average $2.90- Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price. Wu. $2.61 13.00 $3.30 Source: USDA & Hilker ,- Michigan Farm News -. October 30, 1992 Comparing The Big To The Average Size Dairy Farm by Sherrill B. Noft Agricultural Economics, MSU Table 1. AVERAGE NET INCOME STATEMENT Michigan is seeing an increasing number 32 Telfarmers, 1991 Expenses Per Cow of dairy facilities being built for dairy herds The expenses per cow are given in Table 2. of 200 or more cows. It requires a consid- The items of labor, interest, fuel and utili- erable investment in facilities and manage- ties are for all enterprises of the farm, not Size rial talent to operate them profitably. Some just the cows. The feed, vet, bedding, milk Mean Biq ask, why bother? Others look at the magni- Income items: hauling, and depreciation on cows would tude of these farms and are alarmed be- Milk sales $157,691 $716,493 apply only to the dairy part of the farm. The cause they don't fit their notion of what a Cull cows, bulls 19,077 82,472 last three depreciation items would be used Calves, steers sold family farm should be. 8,194 28,263 for crops as well as the cows. It was shown Crops sold 17,951 29,735 above that cropping is important on these All other farm income A study of 1987 national costs of produc- farms, on the average. 13,899 39,214 tion data split specialized dairy farms into 10 size groups and concluded, "There was The big farms paid less in 1991 interest, Total income: $216,813 $896,177 substantial variation in operating margins fuel, milk hauling (despite shipping more across farms in each of the size classes. " milk per cow), and depreciation on cows plus machinery on a per cow basis. The below $63,218 $246,792 The average herd size in Michigan is about lower interest implies less total debt, and 18,319 129,877 75 milk cows. However, it seems as if probably lower principal payments. If this 17,541 38,716 several managers are setting up operations is true, big dairy farms do not require each 5,905 17,019 of 300 or more. This is an overview of the cow to service as much debt as do mean 4,833 18,424 profitability these two farm sizes enjoyed farms. 35,601 187,151 in 1991. You should be able to find similar 3,697 22,243 categories in your 1991 income tax sum- The big farms pay more on the average for 3,757 25,615 maries and forms. Try comparing your 6,152 24,322 labor, feed, vet, bedding and depreciation - cows farm to the averages. 3,321 7,407 on buildings plus section 1245 items. The machinery 11,068 43,455 labor bill is explainable, as a fixed family - sec. 1245 38 A group of 16 Telfarmers with over 225 & 2,139 10,637 size cannot take care of all the cows in the - buildings cows were compared to a group of 16 that 2,933 17,640 big group. Added labor has to be hired. The were close to the state average size of 74.4 feed bill is much higher in proportion than cows. Telfarmers use Michigan State Total expense: $178,485 $789,297 is the milk per cow, and hence was unex- University's mail-in accounting system pected. Any edge the big farms had in called Telfarm for management and tax Income: $38,327 $106,880 depreciation on cows and machinery they reporting. The big group averaged 309 nearly lost on buildings and section 1245 cows, sold 18,310 Ibs. of milk per cow, and items. Together, the four depreciation farmed 3.2 owned plus rented tillable acres items total $260 and $255 per cow on the $25,505 in Table 3 would have been preparers tend to group their depreciation per cow. In the tables, they are labeled mean farms and the big farms, respectively. $15,341 or $50 per cow. On a per cow summaries in a similar manner. "Big." They ranged in size from 225 to 700 How does your farm compare? basis, the big herds had less unrecovered cows per farm. cost in livestock than did the mean size Combining the Section and Building lines, Investment Per Cow farms. This may indicate that as a group, the mean farms had $456 and the big farms The "Mean" group averaged 75 cows, Table 3 shows the total and the average the big herds did not recently expand to had $605 per cow of unrecovered cost in ranging from 72 to 78 cows, sold 17,124 investment per cow for the two size groups. their current level by purchasing cows. buildings and improvements. The big pounds of milk per cow and used 5.0 acres Investment is the unrecovered cost or book farms had the burden of $149 more in- per cow. The mean group was apparently value from the depreciation schedule. It is The mean farms had $106 more unrecov- vested per cow in these two categories. more diversified into crops. 'They sold $240 the initial cost minus the tax depreciation ered cost per cow in machinery than did the of cash crops per cow, compared to $96 per actually deducted. It is the cost basis, and big group. Remember the mean farms were National data indicates that the variable cow for the big group. not the market value. It shows how much more involved with cash crop activities on costs per cow do not vary much across the investment is left in the farm for which a per cow basis. There was no attempt to country. Fixed costs appear to be quite Net income averages for both groups earnings should be providing a return. isolate milking center and livestock equip- different in various regions, however. shown in Table 1, don't include inventory These, plus any crop inventories and land ment from total equipment in this study. changes, or anything for operator and un- investment, are the capital assets used in The level of investment in machinery, paid family labor. You should be able to fill generating the profits shown in Table 1. Table 3 mentions the Section 1245 and 38 buildings and improvements have a major your numbers into Table 1 from the sum- categories separate from buildings and im- impact on fixed costs. Table 3 indicates the mary sheets used for income tax filing. If One of the big farms had bought the whole provements. In fact, these sections are also level of investment on two groups of Mich- you sell breeding or replacement livestock, herd within the last two years. The unre- buildings and improvements which meet igan farms. The per cow unrecovered in- your per cow income from bulls and cows covered cow cost was, as a result, substan- special definitions within the IRS tax code. vestments in Table 3 represent what your should be higher than those in Table 1. tially more than any other farm. If that herd They tend to be single use buildings, feed competition is attaining in the way of in- Having no crop sales puts you equal to 5 of had instead shown a zero unrecovered cost storages and field drainage tile. The detail vestment control. Are you doing as well? the mean farms and 3 of the big farms. for cows, the average unrecovered cost of is given in Table 3 because income tax Table 2. SELECTED EXPENSE ITEMS, PER COW Table 3. AVERAGE UNRECOVERED INVESTMENT 32 Telfarmers, 1991 32 Telfarmers, 1991 S1ze 1ze Expense Item Average per farm: Items not detailed below $844 $798 Milk cows and bulls $8,350 $25,505 Cash labor expense 244 420 Machinery, equipment 51,485 179,751 Cash interest paid 234 125 Section 1245 and 38 8,985 87,049 Gas, diesel, fuels 79 55 Buildings, improvements 25,206 100,071 utilities, phone, electric 64 60 Feed and feed supplies 475 605 $94,026 $392,377 Veterinary and drugs 49 72 Bedding, dairy supplies 50 83 Average per cow: Milk hauling 82 79 Milk cows and bulls $111 $82 Depreciation - cows 44 24 Machinery, equipment 687 581 Depreciation - machinery 148 140 Section 1245 and 38 120 281 Depreciation - sec. 1245 & 38 29 34 Buildings, improvements 336 324 Depreciation - buildings 39 57 $1,255 $1,269 Total Expenses: $2,382 $2,552 Dry Bean Supply Picture Supportive to Prices With harvest virtually complete in most In Michigan, traders believe actual produc- Canada may be in the market for Michigan peratures. The October USDA production major production areas, estimates on this tion may be even less than USDA has pro- beans due to the disastrous Ontario bean report reflected a cut in yield projections year's dry bean production are firming ~p. jections. There are three primary questions crop. Charles Broadwell, general manager there by 2 to 3 bags/acre since the Septem- According to USDA's October productlOn in the market, according to Bob Green, of of the Ontario Bean Producer's Marketing ber estimate .. report, total U.S. dry bean production will Mueller Bean in Owosso. One, actual Board, says growers are struggling to sal- be 22,384,000 bags, down 32 percent from planted acreage given the difference this vage something out of their worst dry bean A large volume of beans changed hands in last year due to a combination of reduced past spring between the intentions report crop in 30 years. Last year, Ontario produc- September due to the attractive prices. planted acreage and lower yields. ~SDA and final acreage report; two, final aban- ers binned nearly 2.5 million bags of na- Many of these beans are now at the elevator projects harvested ~creage wIll be doned acreage, in light of the frost and wet vies. This year, as of Oct. 15, 1992, the level at investments above current grower 1,515,000 acres, down over 18 percent from weather; and finally, actual yield/acre given Ontario navy crop was estimated at bids. With the lower production estimates last year. Average yield is projected at the extreme variability of this year's crop. 700,000 to I million cwt. with a consensus and manageable carryover stocks, dry bean . 14.77 bags/acre or 17 percent be!ow the Given these concerns, most traders believe that it will be closer to 700,000. In the supplies favor a trend toward firm to in- near record yield of 18 bags/acre 10 1992 it is more likely that the final production MinnesotalNorth Dakota region, yields creasing prices as end users begin to move (see chart for state by state breakdown). figures will be lowered rather than raised. were trimmed by frost and freezing tem- into the market to secure supplies. Michigan Farm News - -. October 30, 1992 IILearn To Deal With Harvest Stress Waving fields of grain, neatly stacked bales of hay, and the opportunity to work the land may make farmers appear to lead charmed lives. But research shows that working in agriculture is actually one of the most hazardous ways to make a living - and farm accidents aren't the only dangers farmers have to deal with. According to a National Institute for Occu- pational Safety and Health study, farmers and laborers have the highest rates of death due to stress-related conditions. Heart and artery disease, hypertension, ulcers, and nervous disorders top the list of killers. From Farm Bureau Insurance The American farmer has to cope with more stress than the average worker does. o Eat a well-balanced diet, and try to limit the amount of caffeine and alco- Droughts, floods, pests, long hours, money hol you consume. If you smoke, try to problems, and other complications can lead quit. to feelings of frustration for farmers and their families. At harvest season, when nerves become frayed and problems seem o Don't minimize your reactions to • magnified, stress often reaches its highest o Acknowledge that stress exists in o Talk out your problems with family, stress. If you keep stress buried inside, it's liable to create mental and physical level. your life. It's the first line of defense. friends, or clergy - or seek profes- sional counseling. Doing so will help problems. Here are tips from the National Safety o Get enough sleep. If you have trouble clear your head and allow you to o Keep all machinery in good condition. Council for reducing stress and improving sleeping, try a little light reading, or focus on eliminating or reducing anxi- listen to relaxing music. ety and stress-related ailments. Eliminating possible breakdowns will your mental and physical condition: help you avoid stressful days. \, . Remember, you can't control the weather- but you can control your ability to deal with stress in productive, not destructive, ways. TAKE'THE BITEOUT OF DENTAl CARE COSTS' · "Chinese Delegation" continued from page 1 ••• In addition to trade, Chinese agriculture is attempting to cope with other issues such as biotechnology, environmental concerns and conservation techniques. "The govern- ment has issued environmental laws to pro- tect the water and the environment, by reg- ulating chemical and fertilizer use," said Chung. "We have recently began using no till farming methods, which have provided a number of benefits to our soil structure." Chinese agriculture has made use of fertil- izers and chemicals for quite some time, but according to Brewer, the amount available is far short of the amount usually required. "That's especially important when your rec- ognize that they're taking as many as three crops off their ground, and their taking the entire plant in many cases," he said. "They'll take the whole com plant, for ex- ample, not just the ear, and they'll even take the brace roots for use in stoves as a fuel." Brewer explained that the Chinese will often interplant new crops among maturing crops, since planting and harvesting is all done by hand, allowing for triple cropping, except in the most northern areas. "They can plant com in wheat, for example, harvest the wheat, and then turn around and plant snap beans around the com plant," he said. With such a labor intensive agriculture, nearly 40 percent of China's population is .. engaged in production agriculture, requir- Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family . ing a large Chinese Extension Service as receive the dental care services you require - even' when sudden and costly needs arise. well. There are nearly 300,000 Extension t • , workers in China, accounting for over half .Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and 'consider the advantage! of all the Extension workers in the world, SiAgle $18 per montb • Couple $32 per month according to Brewer. Member/Ghild $32 per month • Family $41 per month "Extension is run through a centrally ..- _ .. ttr,t:II'GAN' . planned economy, at least in the past - it's part of the government, it's run by the gov- .... ~ARItI BlIIl.EAIJ ernment," said Brewer. "But they're very interested in adapting some of our tech- TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW niques to provide more freedom of discus- . OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 3237. sion in terms of what the local communities want; what the farmers would like to do in Please Print raising and selling crops; and determining Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name which inputs they are going use." Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 Address "These Extensionists now see that they can Lansing, MI 48909 work with these communities with a differ- City State ent model than the top down model that ZIP they've had in the past. They'll be allowin.g Phone the Chinese communities to determine their needs and trying to let them make decisions County they've never made before," Brewer con- cluded. ,- Michigan Farm News IIPolls Show Michigan Voters Favor Medical Liability Reform -= October 30, 1992 Recent poll results show that medicallia- Medical liability cov- Professional Liability Insurance Average Bed Rate bility reform is overwhelmingly favored by erage for hospitals Adjusted for the Major Metropolitan Areas in Each State Michigan voters. and physicians costs (mature claims-made rates at $1 million/$3 million limits) one half billion dol- At the same time, new information shows lars a year, yet only Michigan hospitals with the highest medi- 37 cents of each med- calliability rates in the nation. This substan- ical liability dollar tiates the state's reputation as having the ever gets to the pa- worst medical liability climate in the coun- tient. The rest is spent try. on administrative costs and attorney In recent regional surveys of registered vot- fees. ers, 97 percent in the eastern Upper Penin- sula and northern lower Michigan, 91 per- The surveys in the cent in Wayne County, and 86 percent in eastern Upper Penin- east central Michigan said that the "cost of sula and northern medical liability insurance is driving up the lower Michigan, in cost of health care dramatically in Michi- east central Michigan gan." and Wayne County were conducted by In addition, 94 percent of those surveyed in Public Sector Consul- the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern tants, Lansing, for the lower Michigan, 86 percent in Wayne Michigan Medical County, and 84 percent in east central Liability Reform Co- Michigan agreed "the increasing cost of alition. The statewide medical liability insurance is making it survey was con- Source: 51. Paul Fire end Uerlnalnlurence Co., 1192. harder for people to get access to care in ducted by Market Re- Michigan." search Group, Lan- Cenler lor Cartooraphic Ra.. arch and Spalla' Analylls. Michigan Slala Univarilly, Augull 1992. sing, for the MHA. Support for passage of House Bill 5435, which calls for unlimited economic dam- ages, a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, and limits on fees attorneys can charge in medical liability cases, was strongly endorsed by voters. Michigan's Corn Marketing Program Questions and Answers A nearly identical bill was passed by the Senate almost one year ago, but the House has yet to debate it. In the surveys, 80 per- The development of industrial uses for agricultural commodities cent or more of the voters said it was im- represents a strong growth opportunity for Michigan's farmers. Industrial Use of Com portant that the medical liability reform bill Com, Michigan's most abundant crop, leads the way in its ability be passed by the House of Representatives. to meet America's needs for alternative agricultural uses. The In a separate statewide poll, two-thirds of the voters surveyed believed that H.B. 5435 chart on the right shows the impact that new com uses has on com use. / / should be passed. The same survey showed By passing the Michigan Com Marketing Program, Michigan's jlSD that two out of every three voters would be lZl more likely to cast their ballot for a state com growers can help lead the fight to develop new uses, representative candidate who supports pas- promote their crop, and increase their profitability! ~ ~100l sage of the medical liability reform bill. According to St. Paul Insurance Company's To learn more about the Michigan annual national survey of medical liability rates, Michigan's costs went up nearly 10 Corn Marketing Program, read on! 1976 1979 1982 1985 1988 1991 ;n)1 (IS) percent in the past year, now averaging $5.700 statewide per hospital bed - the ,/' What is a corn marketing program? highest in the country. A com marketing program is a program organized by com farmers to benefit com farmers. It places a small assessment on the first sale of com and deposits these funds in a statewide pool. All funds collected go toward National rates have remained stable for the promotion, research and market development for com. There are currently 18 state com marketing programs in past three years at $1,300 per bed. Detroit the US. Michigan is the second largest corn growing state in the nation without a com marketing program. had the highest rate in the nation of any metropolitan area - $8,600 per bed - more ,/' Will the corn I grow and feed on my farm be subject to assessment? than six and one-half times higher than the No. Only com sold will be subject to assessment. Com you grow yourself and feed on your farm will not be national average. assessed. Seed com, popcorn, and corn grown for silage are also exempt from the assessment. Medical liability insurance rates for hospi- ,/' What will the assessment rate be? tals in cities like Saginaw or Flint are higher The Michigan Com Marketing Program will collect 1 cent per bushel at the first purchaser (usually the local than rates in San Francisco and Cleveland, elevator). On an average 100 bu. yield, that would mean $1.00 per acre of corn grown for cash crop. and nearly identical to rates in New York City. ,/' Who is eligible to vote on the Michigan Corn Marketing Program? Any com grower that has sold over $800 of corn in any marketing season within the last three (3) marketing "Study after study and survey after survey seasons is eligible to vote. If you feed on-farm all the corn you produce, you are not subject to assessment and offer strong evidence of a medical liability therefore are not eligible to vote. system gone awry in Michigan. Yet the House refuses to act on reform," said Spen- ,/' What will my contributions be used for? cer Johnson, president of the Michigan All funds collected will be used to promote corn and corn products. This will be accomplished through research, Hospital Association (MHA). market development, and public promotion of com. For example, ethanol blended fuels remain a significant market for corn and are one way to clean our nation's air. In Michigan, ethanol blended fuels command an 18% "Voters are losing 'patience," added Wil- market share. Corn growers have been a major force behind the development of ethanol markets. liam W. Jordan, D.O., Fowler, president, Michigan Association of Osteopathic Phy- ,/' Will most of the funds collected stay in Michigan? sicians and Surgeons. "They want medical Yes. All funds will be controlled by a nine member board of corn growers, each representing one district and liability reform now, before the election." appointed by the Governor. While some funds will go to national organizations (like the National Corn Growers Association and the US Feed Grains Council), most of the Michigan Corn Marketing Program funds will be used Thomas C. Payne, M.D., president, Mic~i- in the state. gan State Medical Society, called for legIS- lative action now. 'The public and mem- ,/' Will administrative costs of the marketing program be closely controlled? bers of the health care community urge the Yes. All budgets will be developed and approved by farmers. In addition, the program caps administrative House to support medical liability reform," expenses at no more than 15% of funds collected. Typically, most state corn marketing programs operate at said Doctor Payne. much less than 15% of funds collected. Numerous studies confirm that physicians, ,/' How can I vote "YES" on the Michigan Corn Marketing Program? especially obstetricians, orthopedic sur- You need to visit your county extension office or county ASeS office during the voting period, which is geons, neurosurgeons, emergency roo.m Monday, November 30, 1992 to Friday, December 11, 1992. Pick up a ballot, complete it according to the physicians, even family doctors are curtail- instructions on the ballot, and return it via US Mail to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. ing the high risk of portions of their prac- tices or leaving the state. As a result, access For More Information, Call the Michigan Corn Growers Association at (517)323-6600. to needed health care services has been reduced, while higher medical liability costs for physicians and hospitals push up health care costs for all patients. Remember, Vote YES in December for your future! o Michigan Farm News I New Twists in USDA Disaster Assistance •• October 30, 1992 explained Conklin. "These types of losses covering nearly 75 percent of the agricul- The Bush administration and Congress are fall under the Phase-III sign-up period, tural production. The Federal Crop Insur- placing increased emphasis on the role that which started Oct. 13, and will run through ance Corporation plans to expand that cov- federal crop insurance will play in protect- Feb. 12, 1993," he said. erage within five years to include 95 percent ing farmers from future crop failure. Farm- of the total agricultural production. ers seeking disaster assistance on 1991 and Farmers cannot avoid the crop insurance 1992 crops must also apply for crop insur- requirement by delaying disaster sign-up. Another new twist to Phase-III disaster as- ance on their 1993 crops, according to Farmers who purchase crop insurance as a sistance - the payment factor has been pre- Michigan's ASCS Director David Conklin. requirement for receipt of ASCS disaster determined at 50.04 percent. Previously, all payment or debt forgiveness, will be re- disaster assistance applications were sub- Monthly frosts in northern Michigan this quired to obtain a 30 percent .:>rhigher mitted and then a payment factor estab- past summer severely limited forage yields market price selection. Farmers must also lished based on the total losses filed for. and stunted corn growth in some areas. In certify that they understand that failure to "We know now that the factor is going to be addition, Conklin said that spotty frosts on pay the required crop insurance premiums 50.04 percent," explained Conklin. "If you the western side of the state cut into apple will mean forfeiture of disaster payments. have a loss and you're eligible, you'll be production, and severely impacted blue- paid $500.40 on a $1,000 loss claim." - berry and grape production as well as veg- The application for Phase-III disaster aid etables. applies to losses in 1992 and for losses from Conklin suggests that producers intending 1990 or 1991 crops, which did not pre- to apply for disaster assistance, begin to "Producers with crop insurance must have viously receive disaster payments. Accord- compile their past production records now had losses greater than 35 percent to qualify ing to the Conklin, disaster assistance is as well as current production evidence. for disaster assistance," said Conklin. "Pro- available on a per-farm basis for any two ducers without crop insurance must have years of 1990, 1991, or 1992. "If an individual wants to prove yields, had losses greater than 40 percent." they're going to need specific farm produc- Expanded crop insurance options now give tion evidence," Conklin said. "We're in the Producers applying for disaster payments farmers a chance to select coverage that process now of updating our yields for state from USDA on 1992 crop losses must also more closely meets their specific needs, averages and those haven't been released as purchase crop insurance on the same crop with insurance now offered on 51 crops yet, but they soon will be." for 1993, if this year's losses exceeded 65 percent, as required by the 1990 farm bill, Forest Stewardship Going Strong in Michigan e those doctors • Linda DePaul, District Extension Forestry Agent, MSU College of Ag & Natural Resources With fall in the air, many landowners are are t. the'Tare out in the woods admiring the foliage, hunt- ing or taking photos. Take advantage of this time to evaluate your property with a criti- cal eye to see if it is as healthy and produc- tive as you would like it to be. -. If it isn't, the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) and the Stewardship Incentive Pro- gram (SIP) can provide financial assistance for wildlife habitat improvement, tree planting, wetland restoration, fisheries hab- itat improvement, tree improvement, and windbreak construction, renovation and a1 · maintenance . These programs are based on a land ethic .. . ""'..... that encompasses a long-term view of the entire forest community. Specifically, the .\ ~ ~ .,;,::- !- " "i /. LJ ... • programs assist landowners in making ten- ..... ~l~,.../ 29 At leI, we know all physicians don't year plans for improving or protecting the squeeze their patients for money. We just environmental quality of their property and f then helps them implement these plans. wanted to make a point about the small group of doctors that's been speaking out Landowners who have at least 12 acres of against milk. We think these guys are contiguous ownership and not more than way off in left field. And we'd like 1,000 acres of forest may be eligible for the dairy farming community to cost-share assistance underthese programs. The cost-share or reimbursable amount var- know it has our full support. ies with the practice from 50 - 75 percent of Your industry doesn't deserve the cost. Individual components under the this kind of unfounded attack. practices include: planning, seeding, plant- After all, even the ing, fencing, weed control, mulching and site preparation. American Medical Association has called these doctors "a The stewardship programs in Michigan are fringe organization of question- a cooperative effort between the Depart- able repute" with "absolutely no ment of Natural Resources, the MSU Coop- scientific proof" to support their erative Extension Service, the Soil Conser- radical claims. vation Service, the Michigan Department of Agriculture,' and the Agricultural Con- So we suggest they stick to servation and Stabilization Service. practicing medicine and leave the milk. ing to the real experts. The hard-working It's guided by the recommendations of the dairy farmers of America. e Michigan State Stewardship Committee, a 29 member group representing education; environmental concerns; state, local and federal government agencies; agriculture; and private landowners. Seeds For more information on eligibility and For more information, call: signup for FSP/SIP cost-share assistance, contact your local ASCS or CES office. 1-800-348-2742 6945 Vista Drive, Wesl Des Moines, IA 50265 926111 October 30, 1992 Wetland Cells Assist in Disposal of Livestock Yard Runoff Researchers at Purdue University in Indi- ana are investigating ways to reduce farm animal waste runoff while providing poten- Photo: Purdue University water quality, but also the creation of wet- land cells. That's one of the things that the II tial wildlife habitats and reaching common environmental community and citizens in ground on the wetlands issue between farm- general have indicated over the past several ers and environmentalists. years, that they feel are very important, not only from a water quality point of view, but The objective of the Purdue. project is to also from a wildlife habitat point of view." find a way to prevent possible contamina- tion of lakes and streams by surface water The wetland filter system appears to be a runoff from nearby livestock farm yards relatively inexpensive waste disposal op- and feedlots. tion even for small farms. With the knowl- edge obtained on the experiments, research- The project involves placing wetlands be- ers will to be able to calibrate the size of the tween the waste origin and the body of wetland for each particular operation. water. Animal waste is high in nutrients, especially phosphorous and nitrogen, The wetlands not only have potential to which aquatic plants thrive on. When lakes become wildlife habitats, but could also and streams are polluted by this waste, they give the farmers an economic return. "Some experience high plant growth which even- farmers who are close to a fishing area may tually chokes out fish and other aquatic life. want to put some bait minnows in there and then harvest them for sale," said Lovejoy. Wetlands, on the other hand, are full of nutrient utilizing plants and by placing one "We're also looking at some potential crops between the waste source and body of in the wetland that could be harvested for water, the excess nutrients are used up, pro- forage for certain types of species. We want viding the lake with clean water and slow- Above, (I-r) Steven B. Lovejoy, Department of Agricultural Economics, and coordinator, to make sure that we're not only producing ing down the eutrophication process. Center for Alternative Agricultural Sysytems at Purdue University and Paul J. Duboy, an environmental good, but we're also pro- assistant professor of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, ducing some economic good." "As the water travels through the wetland inspect a wetland cell constructed to filter water runoff from the livestock yard in background. cells, the nutrients that are in that water will be taken up by the wetland plants, and then the water that would be discharged into the lake would be clean water and not present any kind of a problem for water quality in the lake," said Stephen Lovejoy, professor of agricultural economics and director of Purdue's Center for Alternative Agricul- tural Systems. Purdue's first project involves three test wetlands on an Indiana dairy farm in La- Grange County. Researchers placed three long, shallow cells 20 feet wide and 150 feet long between the farm operation and a nearby lake. The individual cells enable researchers to test the water and adjust nu- trient levels so the water that leaves the wetlands is as clean as the water in the lake or stream. The tests will also determine how large the wetlands should be and how many will be { needed for certain types and amounts of waste. "What we're going to find out is how efficient these wetland cells are at taking out the nutrients from this kind of livestock waste," said Lovejoy. Large farms with an excess of 1,000 head of cattle must have a special permit for waste disposal from the Environmental Protection Agency. Smaller operations are not regulated yet, but with the clean water legislation currently being debated in Con- gress and the heightened environmental awareness of the general population, regu- lation of waste on small farms may not be too far away. "One of the unique things about this project is that it satisfies the need of farmers to be more responsible in how they handle their If life insurance had a face, it would look like your animal waste," said Lovejoy. "It certainly child's ... friendly, sincere, and full of promise. fulfills an environmental need for not only And if you had to choose a company that cared about Endangered Species your child's future, it would be Farm Bureau Life Insurance Act Reform Possible Company of Michigan. Farm Bureau Life has the strength and stability to Legislation introduced to reform the En- dangered Species Act "should restore guarantee a secure future for you and your loved ones. balance, scientific integrity and common sense to an important environmental We protect 100,000Michigan families, but the face we law," according to MFB Public Affairs see behind each policy is your child's. Director, Al Almy. See your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today for a life The proposal would require the federal insurance plan tailored for you and your family. It's the government to consider the effect on local and regional economies when best way to face the uncertainties of life. designing recovery plans for threatened or endangered plants and animals. Almy said the bill will speed up the pro- MAKING YOUR FUTURE MORE PREDICfABLE cess of protecting endangered species by requiring recovery plans to take effect ~. FARM BIJREAIJ within 18 months for species newly listed and within 2 years for species already ••• FAaM @ INSVRANCE IUtEAU MUl\JAl. • FARM BUltfAU tiFf • FARM IlURfAU G9IBW. • FI ANNUITY listed. It would also provide a timetable and goals for boosting the population lev- els of listed species. ,,- I Michigan Farm News I October 30, 1992 1m MLSE's Live Stock Feeding Program - Uni"ue and Growing In the mid 1980s, Iive stock producers had minus the marketing fee and a service fee. and try to convince them to start lending ing funds for live stock purchases to MLCC. difficulties obtaining agricultural credit This enables the producer to take full advan- funds to farmers again. "The banks were so "I believe within the next five years the LFP from conventional banks. To help keep tage of the market trends. impressed with our program that rather will be the majority portfolio for livestock many of their members in the cattle busi- than taking producers back, they started in Michigan," he stated. In that event, Reed ness, the Michigan Live Stock Exchange "His profit is the same as it would be if he referring more to us," said Reed. estimates the current $40 million portfolio (MLSE) developed the Livestock Feeding had owned the cattle and had borrowed his would grow into $250 million. Program (LFP). money from the bank," said Reed. He also "It has become a partnership with the adds that the program has definite risk ad- bank," he said. The banks said that since "It's exciting, because we'll have a joint The LFP was started by the MLSE in 1986 vantages over dealing with a bank. "If the MLCC knows more about live stock than relationship with the banking community," when many members who were second and farmer has a very big loss in a particular the bank, MLCC should take care of that he said. Reed feels the banking community third generation live stock producers could year, the bank may take a piece of his farm. portfolio. Some banks have even offered should learn more about the agriculture in- no longer receive traditional financing, ac- In our program we're sharing some of that financial assistance should MLCC need it. dustry, which may make it easier for farmers cording to MLSE General Manager Tom risk. If he gets less than costs back, we also to obtain financial assistance. "Any joint Reed. The MLSE felt the need to assist the have to absorb some of that loss." There are nearly 500 producers currently venture we can do will build the comfort farmers. "We tried to find a way to provide participating in the program with a live- level of the banking community and provide them with funding so they could stay in Reed said that the LFP has cut through the stock portfolio close to $40 million. When more money, therefore, helping growth in business until the banks came back into the red tape that farmers generally go through the program was started just six years ago, the industry," explained Reed. arena," said Reed. with the banks. "The farmer doesn't need to the initial portfolio was $6 million. "There fill out long financial statements; all we care was a period of time over the last two years The LFP in Michigan has been so successful "We're not a bank, so we can't loan about is whether he has the feed, the facili- that it was pretty tight; it barely held it's that other states are forming programs based money," said Reed. After researching many ties, the integrity and the knowledge to feed own, but MLCC is making a profit now," on it. Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin options, the MLSE decided to form a sub- our livestock," he said. noted Reed. "It is actually growing equity and Minnesota all have programs similar to sidiary, the Michigan Livestock Credit Cor- now to the point that we have excess money the LFP and the Dakotas are beginning a test poration (MLCC). The MLCC's objective In the beginning, the program was not re- in the corporation that can be loaned." program. "The program is becoming very is to borrow capital and purchase live stock cei ved well by the banking community. widespread and used a great deal around the to place with farmers having difficulty get- "They were laughing at us," commented Reed is optimistic about the future of the country," said Reed. "It's a good way for a ting conventional credit to purchase cattle. Reed. "They said we were going to go broke LFP and said they are negotiating with farmer/owner cooperative to assist the pro- "We're contracting producers to feed cattle the first year." A few years later, MLCC sent- banks and farm credit systems to have the ducer in his live stock production." that we retain ownership of," Reed said. a representative out to explain the program financial institutions refer anyone request- Traditional feeding programs give the farmer a set price per pound of gain. The LFP treats the producer as if he is renting the cattle from the MLCC. The farmer is actively involved in marketing and place- ment of the cattle. When the cattle are sold, the farmer receives a check for the livestock Elsey MFB September Volunteer of the Month Travel to England, European Adventure Tour Ireland, Scotland, visiting Austria, & Wales Svvitzerland & Italy July 8-23, 1993 August 14-25, 1993 One does not need the "Luck of the Irish" to enjoy the Our 12 -day central European tour takes in the beautiful many attractions included in this deluxe package. This ., countryside of Austria, the mountains of Italy and the 16-day tour is full of many great attractions including lakes of northern Italy as we visit Fairy tale Bavaria, the such things as Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Blarney Passion play village of Oberammergau, the Italian resort Castle, Waterford Crystal factory, Dublin, Edinburgh of Stresa and Linderhof Castle. Castle, an overnight stay in Ruthin Castle in Wales, theatre tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Theatre produc- This European tour includes roundtrip airfare, transfer, Cass County Farm Bureau member David tion, a Medieval Banquet, a visit to Stonehenge, Elsey has been selected as the Michigan deluxe motorcoach transportation, first class and Farm Bureau's September Volunteer of the Buckingham Palace, and a tour of London, as well as Tyrolean-style hotel accommodations, European-style Month for his efforts to restore county fund- London Theatre tickets. Our package includes roundtrip buffet breakfast daily, 1 dinner, and much more. The ing for the county's Sheriff Department. airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations, 24 meals and much Fann Bureau member price is $1,725. Non member price The department had to eliminate half of its more for ,$2,799 per person. is $1,755 per person. road patrol as well as its investigation staff due to county budget cuts. Elsey and his wife, Wendy, farm in partner- ship with his father near Decatur, operating nearly 800 acres and raise out over 5,800 Heritage of America head of hogs. In addition to serving as vice September 25 - October 3, 1993 president on the Cass County Farm Bureau The beautiful colors of the fall foliage combined with America's most historic areas makes this a most outstanding tour Board, Elsey is also a Cass County Pork for Farm Bureau members. Our travels will include New York City, the city of Brotherly love - Philadelphia, the Producer member and serves as Region IV Director on the Michigan Pork Producers Amish country of Lancaster , as well as Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley. Our adventures will then take us to Board of Directors. Monticello, colonial Williamsburg, and then to our nation's capital, Washinhrton, D.C. Elsey launched a considerable effort to pro- This deluxe tour includes air transportation, first-class hotel accommodations, deluxe motorcoach transportation, 15 mote the need for additional law enforce- ment funding in Cass County, including meals, and full sightseeing and admissions to all attractions. This 9-day tour is available for $1,299 per member. chairing a law enforcement committee, de- velopment and mailing of over 5,000 bro- chures, development of a millage proposal, and nearly 35 personal presentations to var- ious organizations and governmental Copenhagen Plus bodies. October 9-16, 1993 Although the "Public Safety Millage" issue Scandinavia this fall could he the most refreshing, truly different vacation you have ever had. Scandinavia is different lost by just 53 votes, members of the Cass bu t you will feel v~ry much a~~ome. ~u r o~~week vacation ?ffers you.the opportunit y to enjoy Copenhagen, Denma rk County Law Enforcement Council voiced - one of Europe s most excltmg capital cItIes - known for Its fun lovmg spidt! Copenhagen has many fine museums their appreciation to Elsey and the Cass Royal ~alaces, a~d an old harbour d,istrict with colorful cafes and cosy restaurants. The Stro~,'it is the famou~ County Farm Bureau for their efforts and awareness of the need for additional law pedestnan shopprng center - Europe s largest- where you can find the finest of Scandinavian goods and crafts. enforcement personnel. "We are fortunate in Cass County to have individuals and Our pa~kage includes ro~ndt~ip airf~re, acco~modations atthe4 star ~heraton-Copenhagen, a 2-night cruise to Oslo, organizations who are caring enough to go the capital of Norway, city slghtseerng, Damsh breakfast each mormng, 2 dinners, and much, much more for the the extra mile in making their community a unbelievable price of $1 ,235 for members, $1,255 for non-memhers. better place to live," concluded a letter of appreciation from the council to Elsey. -. October 30, 1992 Livestock Feeding Program - Opportunity for this Producer For Gratiot County cattle feeder, Delbert Crumbaugh, the MLSE's Livestock Feed- ing Program and his cattle feeding facilities and expertise have been a good Delbert Crumbaugh, an Ashley cattle pro- combination over the last six years. ducer in Gratiot County, is one of 500 live- said the LFP is a good program, because the stock producers involved in the Livestock interest rates have been competitive with Feeding Program (LFP) through the Mich- many banks and it cuts out an entire set of igan Live Stock Exchange (MLSE). people he has to work with. Crumbaugh has been in the cattle business "I was previously financed through the for over 40 years, many of those years with banks, but I like the LFP much better, be- the MLSE, buying and selling cattle. When cause the people you are talking with are the LFP was started six years ago, knowledgeable about cattle," said Crumbaugh was one of the first producers Crumbaugh. "Most banks do not have peo- to get involved. ple who specialize in Iivestock or other farm operations. " The program was started when MLSE no- ticed that many livestock producers were He added that since he had already been having difficulties obtaining credit from working with MLSE before he was in- banks for purchasing cattle. Crumbaugh volved in the LFP, he was able to work with was having the same difficulties as other people he already knew and had dealt with producers, and a representative from the before. MLSE informed him about the LFP. Crumbaugh is an experienced cattle pro- "The program came at a time when banks ducer and doesn't require much assistance were withdrawing from a lot of cattle feed- choosing or managing the cattle he feeds. ers and all farm operations," said He can purchase cattle either locally or Crumbaugh. through the MLSE. Before the LFP, Crumbaugh relied on a Once he has picked the cattle out, he in- commercial bank for his credit needs. He forms a representative of the Michigan Livestock Credit Corporation, the subsid- iary ofMLSE that helps producers purchase the cattle. Crumbaugh is then responsible for the cattle in every way, just as though he ~eorgeto\Nn Home Tour had borrowed money from the bank . ...)~"'ril 23-26, 1993 In addition to having good management '~in us for the weekend as we stroll the historic techniques, cattle producers in the LFP !ghborhoods of Georgetown and visit several homes must have adequate production facilities and experience the beauty and grandeur of these stately and feed for the cattle. mansions. Spectacular decorating and colorful gar- Each year, Crumbaugh feeds about 500 dens await us on each walking tour, to be followed by head of cattle. He sells and adds monthly tea and cookies. Our package includes roundtrip and has nearly 400 head at any given time. ~are, transfers, accommodations at the beautiful The cattle are at the farm between four and and European styled Georgetown Inn, 7 meals, a city eight months. Crumbaugh buys cattle at an average of 600 pounds and sells them when , Our cruise package ~clu"~~ti 20%jliscount cabins, all meals and entertainment, aktransp?rtation, .~ 0r~ ~.~ ,tour of Washington, D.C., and a visit to the National aI!:~~aJlen. .,. ;, ~\ t Me~rs: » $674. Non-members: $694. they reach around 1200 pounds. His feed ration consists of com silage, high group cocktail party, bottle of champagne, and pr:paid moisture com, and hay that he grows on the farm. He also supplements the feed with shipboard gratuities. Cabins l}egin.as'1()W as $2;322. the' com screenings, minerals and protein pur- chased at a local elevator. Once a year, the ,, ':.FARM' BUREAU LFP verifies that the operation has an ade- quate feed supply for the cattle. AustraliaINevv Z~aland ,."TRAVEL SERIES Each month, Crumbaugh is sent a monthly March 2-22, 1.993 statement to verify how many cattle he has and report any death losses. Every other Fann Bureau members are welcome to johi our tour to month, an LFP representative visits the the "DmldDowD.Upder/' where it will he laresununer, Crumbaugh farm to make sure operations instead •.... ~ of. winter, when we get diere. Our 21~ay package to Australia and.BOllithe North-Sollth islands Scandinavian Capitals are running well. of New Zealaridis highlighted by ,isits to the Great and Russian Grandeur "They come out and check the cattle every other month, to make sure everything is Barrier Reef & Cairns, Sydney and the Sydney Opera {June 15-29, 1993 fine," said Crumbaugh. "That's how cattle House, Melhourne,Chrlstchurch, Mt. Cook National Our 13-day cruise upon the new luxurious Crown operations and banks got into problems in Park, Queenstown, MiJlord Sound Rotorura, and Odyssey is highlighted by visits to six great European the past because the banks didn't keep track of their investments." Auckland. Our flight to Australia will include an capitals - Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, overhight stop in Honolulu and we will stop in Figi for Amsterdam, and London, plus St. Petersburg, Russia. Although the LFP cattle do not have to be 3 days upon our return to the Unite.d States. Our Farln Bureau travelers also have the opportunity purchased through the MLSE, they must be for a one-night land excursion to Moscow. sold there. When Crumbaugh is ready to sell some cattle, he takes them to the St. Our tour package includes rOlUldtrip air transporta- Louis MLSE stock yard facility. After the tion, deluxe Dlotorcoach transportation, all transfers, Our cruise includes airfare, transfers, all meals and cattle are sold, Crumbaugh reimburses the deluxe and fIrst class hotel acconunodations, full entertaimnent, cocktail party, bottle of wine, as well as MLSE for the first cattle he purchased and sightseeing, 28 meals and a professional guide through- prepaid gratuities to cruise staff. An optional two-night service charges. This way, Crumbaugh is able to take full advantage of the market out the tour. Experience the "Lind Down Under" plus "London Showtime" package before or after the cruise fluctuations. At times the program has been Hawaii and Figi all for $4,999 per person. is also available. Cabins begin at $4,036 per person. quite beneficial for Crumbaugh, but he would like to see the LFP have a running average cost for the cattle, to even out the cash flow. Brochure Request Form "With a running average cost, you would Please seTld, witlrout obligatioTl, tire detailed information for tire tours indkated below just about know what your cash flow would o o o o o o o o be each month," said Crumbaugh. He has been in the program since it started and feels Panama Georgetown Scandinavian England, Ireland European Heritage Copenhagen Plus Australia as long as the interest rates are competitive Canal Cruise Home Tour Capitals & Scotland & Wales Adventure Tour of America New Zealand with the banks, he has no reason to go back Russian Grandeur to traditional financing. (Please Print) (Please Mail to) "By financing this way, MLSE did more Name Member Travel Services than help the cattle feeder because everyone P.O. Box 30960 they help is their customer, since producers LaruUag,Ml 48909 have to sell their cattle back through the or eRU MLSE," said Crumbaugh. "They kept busi- 1-800-292-2680 ness for themselves by doing so, but they ext. 3067 did it without jeopardizing my freedom to buy and sell as I had been." Michigan Farm News I, October 30, 1992 Goodyear's Trackman'- Makes New Product Profile! a Great Machine Even Better One of the world's most versatile utility tionally have been limiting factors for the vehicles has just become agile with new use of skid-steers, he explained. feet of rubber track that can be fitted on location, announces The Goodyear Tire & "Goodyear rubber track answers those con- Rubber Company. cerns," Kendall said. "Trackman's wider, softer footprint gives the vehicle access to An endless rubber track, called Trackman, areas inaccessible to wheeled skid-steers," was introduced on the skid-steer loader, a he said. "Rubber tracks keeps the skid-steer traditionally wheeled vehicle that has be- on-site working when wheeled version~ are come increasingly popular because of its sidelined." versatility. Kendall said Goodyear chose the skid-steer "Trackman carries the skid-steer into a new as its first application because of the dimension," according to Ned Kendall, vehicle's growing popularity as an all-pur- vice president of Engineered Products at pose work vehicle on farms, businesses and Goodyear. "Our testing and work with orig- construction sites. "Goodyear rubber track inal equipment manufacturers and dealers takes a machine that is praised for its versa- indicate the track-outfitted vehicles go well tility and makes it more nimble, more ma- beyond the capabilities of conventional neuverable," he explained. wheeled vehicles." The retrofit version of Trackman is friction "The retrofit version of the track eventually will be available through Goodyear's 1,400 Pit The retrofit version of Trackman made its driven and easily fits over the skid-steer's Stop servicing dealers," said Ned Kendall, vice president of Engineered Products at debut at the Farm Progress Show. The rub- tires. Other construction, agricultural and Goodyear. "Trackman will be available in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois within 30 days for ber tracks wrap around and are held in place utility vehicles that currently use steel track Melroe loaders and within 60 days in the same states for J I Case loaders," he said. by the vehicle's tires. or tires are targeted for future Trackman applications in both the original equipment "The track will be available throughout the U.S. for Melroe loaders as of Jan. 1 and for Rain-soaked ground, loosely compacted or and retrofit markets. Case loaders by Feb. 1," Kendall added. He noted that rubber track made for Melroe and rough terrain and fear of turf damage tradi- Case will fit some competitors' models. MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU MEMBERS Carhartt CARHARrr 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 3XL4XL 31.99 23.50 WESTERN STYLE JACKETS TALL 6SVT M-2XL 30.49 22.75 JACKET - DUCK - QUILTED 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 cuHs and bottom _ Traditional western with plied yarns _ Water- styling _ Available in six colors C0186 34-50 $ 69.99 $ 51.50 repellent (re-treat after wash- z BIG C0186-1 ing) _ Lined with durable black -- 'o_,~ COLORS: Brown. Navy. Steel Blue, Red. Black, Natural ~0 52-54 75.99 55.50 nylon Quilted to 8-ounces of BIG COl86-2 56-58 82.99 59.75 WEIGHT: 3.8 # a: lD polyester _ Corduroy collar TALL C0196 38-SO 75.99 55.50 with snaps to accommodate BIGfTALL 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 MEMSER 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 34-361S $ 71.49 $ 49.75 < z TALL C0192 79.49 38-SO 57.75 string _ Recessed knit storm cuHs JOl66 38-40/M 71.49 49.75 BIGfTALL C01921 52-54 87.49 62.50 COLORS: Brown, Navy WEIGHT: 4.5 # J0166 42-44/L 71.49 49.75 JOl66 46-481XL 71.49 49.75 TALL JQ176 TALL JQ176 38-40/M 42-441L 78.49 78.49 53.75 53.75 SALE CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (800) 835-1168 SALE TALL JQ176 46-481XL 78.49 53.75 Name ______________________ Daylime Phone TALL JQ176 5O-5212XL 78.49 53.75 Mailing Address (No P.O. Boxes) _ 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.) QUILT LINED - ZIPPER LEG TO WAIST o MasterCard '!i o VISA~ Expiration Dale 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 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 _ Two-way leg zippers with protective windproof flaps with snap How Price Total Price Weight Item Number & Name Color Size closures open to waist _ Two waist and cuH adjustments Many Each # 's dollars cents COLOR: Brown only WEIGHT: 5.5 # ITEM NUMBER SIZE RETAIL IIEMSER COST 9960ZSRT 34-SO $ 89.99 $ 63.SO BIG 9960ZSRT1 52-54 97.99 68.75 BIG 9960ZR2 56-58 107.99 74.25 BIG 9960ZR3 60 115.99 79.SO WOMEN'S - QUILT LINED - ZIPPER LEG TO WAIST RETURNS: No returns accepted without prior authorization. Fill in spaces below on CASH ORDERS only. 29" INSEAM SHIPPING AND HANDLING Total Weigh! I R0906 Sol $ 81.49 S 59.00 CHARGES FOR MAILABLE ORDERS THANK # 's (Add like TOTAL ORDER TOTAL ORDER YOU dollars & cents) SHIPPING WT. RATE SHIPPING WT. RATE COVERALL SIZING: FOR ADD 4% TAX Short fits 5'3" thru 5'7" 1 to 2 Ibs. S 3.95 10.1 to 15 Ibs. S 8.79 YOUR OPTiONAl FARM BUREAU LOGO Regular fits 5'7" thru 5'11" 2.1 to 3 Ibs .. 4.19 15.1 to 25 Ibs. 1029 ORDER! $3.50 EACH Tall fits 5'11" thru 6'3" 3.1 to Sibs. 4.98 25.1 to 45 Ibs 14.19 TOT At AMOUNT 5.1 to 10 Ibs. 6.49 MAIL TO: Michigan Farm Bureau c/o D-B Enterprises Delivery 3-4 weeks. 807 Lake Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684 Rugged as the men who wear them.e TOLL FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE: Call 1-800-835-1168 If you wish to place an order for Items, or if you have questions about your order. Michigan business hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m./ Monday through Friday. Michigan Farm News - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - •• October 15, 1992 ~ r------------------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN DEERE Manure ,IIAlI.111 A Ne:'::~~~;~enefit Spreader. 450 ~xdra-Push, like new condition. Call 616-979-2n7 after 5:00 pm. WOODLOT MANAGEMENT professional forestry advice, timber sale preparation, 320 ACRE MODERN DAIRY FARM in scenic area, 15 miles from Ludington and Michigan Farm News Classified $3350. stewardship plan writing. 15 Lake Michigan. 235 acres At Michigan Farm News, our commitment to serve Michigan Farm years experience. Call Tom tillable, very good loam soil. White 8600 Diesel Combine Stadt, TREE TECH Bureau readers is always a top priority. Beginning with the September 15 Balance in mixed timber. with 15' grain head, 15' quick 616-671-4098. Ranch type home with issue, readers will be able to read and purchase statewide classified ad- cut and 4 row narrow corn attached garage. Double 4 vertising at a cost unmatched anywhere in Michigan. head. Good condition. Call milking parlor, 70 free stall Thorlund Farms BIRD FERTILIZER barn, separate barns for dry 517-328-2110. SERVICES. 1100 N IrvinQ, cows and young cattle, Michigan Farm News has contracted the services and skills of the Greenville. Fertilizer, chemi- concrete lots, 2 harvestores, cals, £eed, lime, feed. Soil 3 concrete silos, large Greenville Daily News, which also prints the Michigan Farm News, to oper- testing, truck spreading and machinery barn, workshop, ate the classified section. Experienced Greenville Classified Advertising custom spraying. Call feed storaQe barns and grain ."1. 616-754-3684. bins. Farm In P.A. 116. Asking staff will help place your ad, via the 1-800 phone line dedicated exclusively $435,000. More land avail- to Michigan Farm News classified users, or through the mail if you prefer. PAll-98B SILO UNLOAD- able. Excellent hunting and ER fits 12' to 16' silo, large Ads can be paid for either by check or credit card if placed through the wheels, electric winch, as new. 616-772-4881. ~~~Rh1~;J~~I~. 'h~~ mail, or by credit card if placed over the phone. 1 In the Michigan Farm News Classifieds, your ad will reach 45,000 real --- BOARS AND GILTS Hamp and Duroc, York and Chester, Downy Creek Farms, Farm- land Ind. 1-317-468-6099. Call ~A1~~~~~~~n~~V~~ Real Estate, Household and General Auctions. LARRY KAIN, Auctioneer in Coral. 616-354-6532. ness like manner. All sales handled in a personal, busi- GENERAL JD 430 new engine and trans., mounted spray tanks, excellent condi- t Ion. 313-395-7871. $ 2 9 ,00 0 . Ca " J.D. 275 SNOWBLOWER farm family households across the entire state of Michigan. That's 45,000 ••.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. actual farm family members of Michigan Farm Bureau from the southern state line to the northern reaches of the Upper Peninsula. WSA Deadline for next issue is November 10, 1992 Call 1~800-968-3129 • 90- cut, hydraulic, actuating LARGE SELECTION registered Yorkshire and Hampshire Boars and open of chute. $1100. 517-543-1255. to Place Your Classified Ad Today! Gilts. Test date available now, MEAT SAW 24- Commercial, $650. Hobart meat grinder or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to taking orders for spring 1993. and mixer w/attachments, Bred Gilts. Marvin Cook, Mulliken, MI 517-649-8988. commercial $650 or both for $1200. 313-289-1361. Michigan Farm News 135 ACRE DAIRY FARM. REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS September Yearlings Barn, Silos with electric, grain bins, dryer, feed bunker, ACCEPTING BIDS on a C-3 Classified Advertising P. o. Box 340, 109 N. Lafayette ready for service. Bred for Hammond Church Organ. high growth and moderate Spring fed watering area. Two Send bids by November 15th. birth weights. Average bedroom home. PRICE to PO Box 168, Sheridan, MI REDUCEDl $140,000. weights for weaning, 8041bs and yearling 1220. Sired by by top A.1.Bulls. Wlnn Farms OWNER FINANCING. F-599. Faust Realty, Adrian or call 517-291-3611. Greenville, MI48838 Joe 313-367-3183, Doug 517-263-8666. MIXER Van Dale stationary OMF3 170 cu ft mixing cap. Classified Ad Codes a.1 313-367-6379. Excellent condition. $4500. 616-345-7695, SEVENTY-TWO ACRES, 3 616-344-7555. 1. Farm Machinery 7. Auctions bedroom home, 2 fireplaces, 2 baths, stately drive lined NORTHERN MICHIGAN 2. Livestock Equipment 8. Building Materials with maples, 6500 sq. ft. Christmas trees 6' to 10', blue horse barn, indoor arena, box and white spruce, Douglas fir, 3. Farm Commodities 9. Real Estate WANTED Experienced stalls, fenced pastures, 2 superior quality, cut, baled person to do general farm other large barns. Must see. and loaded on your truck. 4. Livestock 10. Seeds work. Benefits and housing Morris-Richardson Real 616-271-3543 evenings and available. Call 517-873-4371. Estate 517-345-2828. weekends. 5. Help/Position Wanted 11. Wanted to Buy 6. Agricultural Services 12. General High Capacity, Low Compaction Name Phone ( 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 30 cents each additional word Write your ad here, including phone number and area code The new Brent Lightfoot Comer Auger minutes with its computer balanced 17" 234 Grain Cart from Unverferth minimizes comer auger for fast return to the combine. compaction, travels smoothly, and carries 5 6 7 8 a 1,000 bushel load. Standard Lightfoot equipment also includes rear lighting package, auger mounted spot- 9 10 11 12 The Lightfoot's exclusive eight wheel and light, twin viewing windows, drop legjack, tire configuration distributes the cart's heavy duty spindles and hubs, Unverferth designed gearbox, and a choice of tractor 13 14 15 16 64,000 pound load evenly for a "light" foot- print of just 14 psi. Fully castered front and green or red paint. 17 18 19 20 rear wheels on each side allow for maxi- mum maneuverability, turning ease, and This 1,000 bushel Comer Auger Grain Cart eliminates the "berming" of soil associated is also available as a two wheeled unit with 21 22 23 24 with tracked vehicles. The eight indepen- 35.5-32 tires. Scale packages are available dently operated wheels provide a smooth, for both units; either factory installed, or as 25 26 27 28 level ride over field furrows and ridges a simple retrofit. without spilled grain. 29 30 31 32 For further information, contact Un- The Lightfoot also features 1,000 plus verferth Manufacturing Company, Inc., 33 34 35 36 bushel capacity and unloads in under four 1).0. Box 357, Kalida, on 45853, or phone 1-800-332-6301. Michigan Farm News -. October 30, 1992 MSU Researcher and Professor of Bio- chemistry Dr. Jack Preiss isolated the gene responsible for regulating starch formation. MSU And Monsanto Researchers Engineer Starchier Potato Plants 1m Cheaper starch and low-fat french fries ported and put on conveyor belts at process- from other bacteria. Some of these may also are benefits expected from new plants ing plants. prove useful, he said. that have been genetically engineered to make more starch. Researchers from The new potatoes are not likely to be in The reason for introducing a supplementary Monsanto Company and, Michigan actual production for several years, depend- gene, said Preiss, is that normal starch for- State University say they added a bacte- ing upon government approval and contin- mation in plants is genetically self-regu- rial gene to potato plants and increased uing development by Monsanto. The lated, automatically limiting the amount of starch content of the potato tubers by up company's policy is not to comment on starch that can be produced. to 60 percent. timetables until testing is completed and approvals are obtained. Preiss says it would be feasible to engineer That's good news because of increasing other plants to make them produce greater demand for starch for food and for in- Preiss said the project was different from amounts of starch, but there would heed to dustrial uses, says Jack Preiss, MSU other successful genetic modifications of be a desirable goal. For example, high- professor of biochemistry. One reason plants. Instead of substituting a bacterial starch tomatoes containing greater than for this demand is that starch can be gene for a plant gene, the researchers added normal amounts of solids might be very converted to sugars (corn syrup, for ex- a bacterial gene to supplement a plant's useful for making tomato paste. ample) and to ethanol. normal genes. Preiss is well known internationally for his Also, because the starch replaces water, The transplanted gene is the one that regu- research on synthesis of starch. He was the resulting potatoes are more solid and lates starch formation in Escherichia coli, a recently honored for his contributions by absorb less oil when fried, offering the type of bacteria often used in experiments. the government of Japan and the Japanese possibility of less greasy potato chips It was isolated by Preiss at the University of and french fries. Society of Starch Science awarded him a California at Davis before he moved to medal for his "distinguished contributions MSU six years ago. to the mechanism of starch synthesis." Finally, the starchier, more solid pota- toes are expected to be more resistant to Since then, he and his laboratory associates In 1990, he was given the Alsberg-Schoch damage when they are harvested, trans- have isolated other starch-regulating genes Award by the American Association of Ce- real Chemists, Inc., and Corn Refiners As- sociation, Inc., in recognition of contribu- tions to the science of starch. Proper Management Can Prevent Damage to Stored Grain Improperly adjusted combines, wet weather and molds at harvest can all come back to haunt corn growers with on-farm grain storage. Mechanical damage to grain causes specific storage problems while also acting as a catalyst to molds and fungi, according to Fran Marier, Northrup King Co. agronomist. Broken kernels may cause more tightly packed bins as fines fill air spaces. This hampers air movement during drying and cooling, leaving pockets of wet grain and hot spots in the bin. Marier says broken kernels also prompt an invasion of mold and fungi, in two ~ important ways. First, damage to the ker- [iJ/CMM1.ro nel provides an entry point forinfection. o CMMSOO ...In addition, the pathogens causing.mold thrive in the moisture and ehat generated o ~-p.tM tpllO by pockets of fines. Marier also cautions growerst 0 be on the lookout for ear molds this fall, especially in fields which re- ceived excessive moisture in September. Current Health Insurance Com growers can minimize mechanical damage to grain during harvest by moni- toring and adjusting combine cylinder speed and concave settings when moving from one hybrid to another. Before growers put the crop into a bin, Marier recommends screening the grain, removing as much mold and as many fines as possible. In these tough economic times all business owners are looking for ways to improve their bottom line .. After filling, he says some growers re- Now Farm Bureau can help with a new money saving group Heallh Plan trom Blue Cross Blue Shield'of Michigan. move a load of grain from the bin to draw - '. r \. out fines and broken kernels which tend Th'ese new plans are guaranteed iss~e nO-matter what your health history, locally serviced by.our 69 county offices and 400 agents s~at!3wide, to fall to the center. Marier also prescribes continual monitoring. and competitively priced to save farm Qwners and operators' hundreds or even thousands otdollars off their health insurance bilL So, it you're a sol~ proprip.!or or it you have one or more employees, you should call Farm aureau today for benet]t and rate inf~rmation . . _"MICHIGAN · , IT... 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 Quality Please Print Since 1967 Name Current Health Insurance Address Number of Full Time Employees o Sale proprietor (1 person group) Phone o 2-4 0 5-9 County o 10-24 0 25 and over Type of Farm/Business MFN