. Michigan Farm News Corn Harvest One of Many Agricultural Issues at the Forefront in D. C. I.=~ February 15, 1993 Vol. 70, No.3 At ~o one time has agriculture ever been the use of ethanol, as well as efforts to faced with so many challenges and yet so improve this country's energy self-suffi- many opportunities, according to U.S. Rep. ciency, said Camp. He and several other Dave Camp (R-Midland), Michigan's only congressional leaders have asked Clinton to representative on the House Agriculture leave the Clean Air Bill intact. Committee. Speaking to members attending the annual meeting of the Michigan Agri- Turning to NAFT A, Camp said the new cultural Stewardship Association in Clare administration is already discussing several recently, Camp said agriculture must be in- changes with Mexico to address inequalities volved and in touch with a Congress that's in worker and environmental protec- over 35 percent new. tion/regulations between the two countries. Those changes are expected to be included Conclusion of the North American Free as technical corrections to the current agree- Trade Agreement, USDA structural revi- ment. sions, energy/soil conservation, ethanol, budget and deficit reduction, and perhaps Environmental regulations are an issue that most importantly to Michigan farmers, re- Michigan farmers can expect to see more visions to USDA's disaster qualifications and more of, says Camp. With a limited that include quality for coping with a dismal federal budget, don't expect much in the com crop, are all front burner issues. way of cost sharing to implement new con- servation measures either. Camp hopes that "I've introduced a package of two bills," legislation he's recently introduced will explained Camp. "One would be a recourse form a national program fashioned after the low-interest loan so that farmers could get extremely successful Michigan Energy U. S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland) has introduced legislation calling for quality to some operating money. I've also introduced Conservation Program (MECP). Farmers be included as criteria for qualifying corn producers for disaster aid. This handful legislation to change the disaster programs would be able apply for grants to implement of corn from near Grand Ledge was still testing 34 percent moisture as of Feb. 2. to consider the quality of the corn crop, energy saving practices on their farm oper- which is literally a loss in many cases in Structural changes and reassignment of shelved by new USDA Secretary Mike ation. - Michigan." current USDA responsibilities are also Espy, who intends to achieve spending re- likel y, with the Environmental Protection ductions by reducing Washington staff and "The MECP saved $2 in energy cost for Despite refusals by previous USDA Secre- Agency playing a bigger role in agricul- overhead before closing targeted field of- every $1 that was invested in it," claimed tary Edward Madigan to include quality in tural conservation issues, and Health and fices. Camp. "The program would take the MECP disaster qualifications, Camp is confident Human Services assuming administration on a national scale and offer farmers finan- the legislation will eventually be successful. of the food stamp program. The Clinton Administration is reportedly in cial assistance for implementing energy "We already measure for quality in terms of the process of overturning a recent decision conserving practices. The real problem, of moisture and test weight," he said. "We In addition, Camp said the Madigan plan to to include the use of com-based ethanol in course, is finding the resources to give this have to do what we can to help farmers who close 1,200 USDA field offices has been the Clean Air Act. The move would reduce program a chance. " are in a very tough situation right now." The biggest roadblock to this proposal and several other pieces of legislation, how- Soybeans to be the Talk of Town Hall Meetings Move over Ross Perot. Soybeans and re- The teleconference will help inform soy- participate in a panel discussion to address ever, is the growing budget deficit. Budget lated issues are moving into the electronic bean producers of how checkoff dollars are those key issues. issues are going to dominate every discus- age with a satellite teleconference spon- managed, who makes the decisions, how sion in Washington because they affect sored by the United Soybean Board through programs are determined, and how the The town hall meeting format will allow every single program and policy of the fed- town hall meetings. checkoff benefits producers. Updates of producers at any site to ask questions re- eral government, according to Camp. producer-funded soy diesel and production garding any topic concerning the national Town Hall meetings are scheduled for research projects and changes in European soybean checkoff program through a toll- "I believe the budget problems should be Mon., March I, 1993, at 8 p.m. EST, and and Asian marketing strategies will be pro- free number direct to the farmer-panel. addressed and the deficit reduced, but I Tue., March 2, 1993 at 10 a.m. EST at 375 vided. The meetings will include a soybean don;t want to see it done on the backs of Extension offices, colleges, and universi- market analysis and strategy recommenda- The town hall meetings are a result of a agriculture," Camp said. "Of the 12 entitle- ties in 28 soybean-producing states. tions for the upcoming year. successful pilot broadcast in five states and ment programs, production agriculture has been the only program to take budget reduc- 56 locations in late 1992. More details and In Michigan, the 14 locations include: United Soybean Board members, as well as registrations can be obtained by calling tions in the last seven years, while others have seen increased spending." * Delta College, Allied Health Building, university and industry professionals, will 1-800-462-6866 prior to Feb., 20. University Center (Monday); * Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek (Monday); * S.W. Michigan College, Dowagiac (Monday and Tuesday); * Clinton County Services Building, St. Johns (Monday and Tuesday); * GratiotlIsabella Regional Services District, Ithaca (Monday and Tuesday); * Hillsdale Intermediate School District, Hillsdale (Monday and Tuesday); * Michigan Farm Bureau Center, Lansing (Monday); * Kalamazoo Valley Comm. College, (Monday and Tuesday); * Lenawee Intermediate School District, Adrian (Monday and Tuesday); * Monroe County CES, Monroe (Monday and Tuesday); * Owosso Hospital, Owosso (Tuesday); * St. Clair Comm. College, Port Huron (Tuesday); * Glen Oaks Community College, Centreville (Tuesday only) and; * Tuscola, Caro (Monday and Tuesday). Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 Michigan Corn Information Exchange - Page 15 .. Michigan Farm News In Brief ... •• February 15, 1993 Coping With Engler Appoints Air Pollution Control Commission Michigan's Gov. John Engler has announced the appointment o~ ~ichigan Farm .B~rea~ member Matthew K. Moser to the Air Pollution Control CommIssIon. The commlsslO~ ISemp?w- Corn ered to promulgate rules, issue permits, and issue orders for control of aIr pollutIOn. Members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Dilemma Moser owns and operates Moser Farms Nursery, Inc., and is also the general manager?f Orchard Hills Greenhouse, Inc. He is currently a member of the Coloma Charter !owns~lp Planning Commission and was appointed to represent local government replacmg J~lce Wilson, of Fraser, for a term expiring Nov. 15, 1993. Moser is also a member of the ~a~onal Living in the Great Lakes region means putting up with fickle weather patterns. That Federation of Independent Business, and the Southwest Michigan Growers ASSOCIatIOn. was made pretty clear in the 1980's when Michigan farme.rs suffered through bo~h torrential rains and severe drought. The 1990s aren't startmg out much ~etter. This past year was a disaster for many corn producers, as a cold, wet growmg season Espy - USDA Won't Immediately Close Field Offices meant the crop did not mature and/or could not be harvested. USDA Secretary Mike Espy said, he'll start cutting costs from the top in Washington before closing hundreds of field offices as his predecessor had planned. Former USDA Secretary One of the missions of your Farm Bureau organization is to be responsive to the needs of farmers when ~hey face a crop di~aster. Through the fall and winter, we Edward Madigan had proposed closing about 1,200 of the 14,000 field offices to help were in close contact with county leaders m order to gauge the full extent of the streamline the nation's fourth-largest agency, which has 124,000 employees and spends $62 billion a year. corn crop losses. In response to the severe financial distress of farmers, we asked the USDA to allow grade standards to be included in the eligibility requirements used to qualify Michigan corn producers for disaster payments. Unfortunately, the "What I'm first going to do before we start closing offices in the field is to examine the USDA indicated that was not going to happen. operation in Washington, D.C. Before you start cutting farmers' services and local offices in the rural areas, you ought to send a message first that we ought to clean up our own shop As the next step, Farm Bureau began working .with Rep. Dave. Camp (R-Midland), in Washington." He said, he eventually would try to consolidate field offices and make the agency's national cQmputer system more effective. Michigan's representative on the House Agf/culture Committee, and Se'!. Don Riegle (D-Flint) to develop. legislation that will require the USDA to make disaster payments to producers who suffer weather-related losses resulting from the re- Russia's Farm Credit Defaults Rise To $245.9 Million duced quality of their crops. Two banks filed three farm credit delinquency notices totaling $3.4 million against Russia I don't think there's any doubt that there's a growing recognition among t~,e recently, bringing Moscow's total delinquencies to $245.9 million, a USDA spokeswoman Michigan congressional delegation of the problems faced by corn farmers. But, It s said. Russia has been suspended from USDA's farm credit programs for almost two months going to take a lot more votes than just those from Michigan congressmen to put for defaulting on farm credit guarantee payments. Private banks issue Russia the loans to these bills through Congress. We need to develop an e~ucational effort direc.ted at buy U.S. farm commodities, but USDA is responsible for the loans in case of default. other lawmakers. We need to build some understandmg of our problem with the new USDA Secretary. And we need to drive home the urgency of this problem with USDA said Russia has not indicated when it will resume payments on the debt. USDA other members of the new Clinton Administration. Secretary Mike Espy said, he is working to clear up the problem soon. Russia and other ex-Soviet republics have received almost $5 billion in fann credit guarantees from USDA. As we continue to work for legislative action, we have also asked Ref? Camp to facilitate the final com deficiency payment (which should ~e the mme City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Contact Your County Office for Local Vendor Information or Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Kurt Inman, Sturgis. CaU 1-800-292-2680 ext. 2015 Michigan Farm News ITOL o -. February 15, 1993 o :D Z m :D Property Tax Cut MUSTFA MFB Position: Sen. DiNello (D-East Detroit) is sponsoring SB. I that MFB Position: S.B. 45, sponsored by Sen. Paul Wartner (R-Portage) of- MEB has not taken a po- would reduce the S.E.V. The bill has no provisions to re- Michigan Farm Bureau fers general amendments to the Michigan Underground sition on SB 1. Policy place lost funds. The proposal would continue county, policy recommends that Storage Tank Financial Assurance Act. The amendments supports property tax re- township & school bonding at 50 percent of S.E.V .. the fund be continued and include redefining "owner" of an underground storage tank duction offset with other amended to allow access to exclude regulated financial institutions. The bill requires sources of revenue which Special Note: There are at least six additional separate pro- to the fund for clean-up of that a detailed billing along with a specific itemized list of do not result in a increase posals on property tax reform that have been proposed. any leaking underground the work performed by the contractor be made available to in tax revenue. More could surface in the future. We will continue to storage tank. the administrator of the fund. The bill also clarifies that the watch the progress of this important issue. owner or operator may receive money from the fund for a MFB Contact: The bill was introduced on release that originates from an aboveground portion of a pe- Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 Jan. 13, 1993, the first day troleum underground storage tank system under certain cir- of this legislative session cumstances. and reported out of the Medical Malpractice Senate Natural and Envi- Of importance to Farm Bureau is the extension of the cur- ronmental Affairs Com- rent sunset to Feb. 15,2003. The fund currently generates MFB Position: S.B. 270 sponsored by Sen. Dan DeGrow (R-Port Huron) mittee on Jan. 27 and approximately 55 million dollars per year through a 7/8 Support both bills and en- and H.B. 4067, sponsored by Rep. Michael Griffin (D-Jack- passed the Senate on Jan. cent per gallon environmental fee on sales of refined petro- couraged their adoption. son) were drafted to reform the medical malpractice system 28 unanimously. leum products (The charge would be extended to include Farm Bureau policy ex- in Michigan. The Senate Judiciary Committee planned to ethanol and methanol). Under current revenue estimates, cerpts: start debate of S.B. 270 at its meeting on Feb. 4, 1993. The MFB CONTACT: the fund is projected to have a deficit of 81.6 million dol- Legislature appears to be in a true bipartisan mood and ac- Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 lars when the funding mechanism is repealed in January Farm Bureau members tion on the floor of the House and Senate will be swift. Ex- 1995. have a real concern for ecutive office aides have indicated the governor is also sup- According to the Michigan Department of Management their family's good porting these bills. and Budget (DMB), the fund will remain insolvent unless health. Adequate health Provisions in the bills would: the Michigan Legislature approves, and the governor signs care is becoming un- - Limit contingency fees in medical liability cases. into law, an extension of the revenue collection period affordable for many - Remove exceptions to the cap on noneconomic damages and/or provides a mechanism to increase revenues avail- Americans and is virtu- and limits the $250,000 cap to each incident. able to pay claims under the program. ally nonexistent in many rural areas. The Ameri- - Defines expert witness. can public perceives the - Requires plaintiffs to notify defendants of the suit and its Michigan Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Act health care/health insur- legal basis 180 days before filing. - Allows countersuits by prevailing defendants. M.F.B. POSITION: S.B. 74, sponsored by Sen. George McManus (R- Traverse ance system to be in a cri- MFB policy supports a City) requires the director of the Michigan Department of sis. We believe that ac- In an unusual move, the legislators writing these bills have comprehensive statewide Agriculture (MDA) to develop and promote voluntary cess to health care is a inserted language into the bills which makes clear the need plan to protect groundwa- groundwater stewardship practices designed to prevent con- basic human right and to change the state's medical liability laws. They said in ter and surface water from tamination of groundwater by pesticides or nitrogen fertiliz- that. government should section 291 B: agricultural chemicals and ers. The director shall also develop a voluntary evaluation have a role in providing fertilizers that includes system to help farmers determine the groundwater impact that care for those who "The Legislature finds and declares that there's a seri- voluntary, incentive potential of their farming practices (The Farmstead Assess- have no other options. ous health care Iitgation problem in this state, resulting ment System). in the high costs of defensive medicine and medical mal- driven programs. MFB We do not support an all- practice insurance. This severely threatens access to, policy recommends that The director shall establish a broad based groundwater ad- encompassing national and cost control of, the health care delivery system for MDA be given primary visory council to establish educational programs, coordi- health care program, but the people of this state and results in a breakdown of authority and responsibil- nate technical assistance programs, and provide inter- favor working through the health care delivery system, severe hardships for ity to respond to agricul- agency coordination of groundwater programs. The coun- the current system of in- the medically indigent, and a denial of access for the turally contaminated cil shall include agriculture producers. Local stewardship surers and prepaid health economicaUy disadvantaged. II groundwater with site spe- te~ may be established to implement groundwater pro- care providers. cific recommendations to tectIOn programs. The legislators have heard the people of Michigan. Recent the producer to mitigate polls confirm that Michigan voters overwhelmingly en- contamination. MFB also A stewardship program will be established. Those farmers We support: dorse changes in the state's medical liability system. In re- supports participation who have completed an on-site evaluation and develop a - A cap on malpractice gional surveys of registered voters, 97 percent in the Upper from agricultural produc- stewardship plan which would be protective of groundwa- settlements. Peninsula, 91 percent in Wayne County, and 86 percent in ers in funding agricultural ter will be eligible to receive grants to implement the plan - Elimination of pain and East Central Michigan said that the cost of medical liability non-point source pro- and be protected from liability for contamination unless suffering settlements. insurance is driving up the cost of health care drama'tically grams, but only when it's he/she is grossly negligent. in Michigan. matched by equal contri- Action Needed: ~ Fresh~~ter Pr?tection Fund will be established by requir- Call your legislators Another poll taken just before the November elections butions from public fund- ing sources. mg pestICide registrants to pay an annual groundwater pro- now and let them know showed that two-thirds of the voters surveyed believed that !ectIo~ f~e for each product registered and nitrogen fertil- you support these bills. the state Legislature should pass medical liability reform. Izer distnbutors to pay a fee for each ton of fertilizer sold. Things are moving fast Farm Bureau policy also The proposed fees are as follows: but letters are also ap- In numerous other polls, state residents consistently favor calls for programs to abate - Specialty (non-agricultural) pesticides - $100 per product propriate until the gov- medical liability reform, believing that skyrocketing medi- nitrate contamination to - Agricultural pesticides - 0.75% previous year's sale ernor signs medical calliability costs reduce access to health care, and con- address all possible sources of nitrates includ- ($150 minimum) malpractice reform. clude that the state's medical liability climate is the key rea- - Specialty (non-agricultural) fertilizers - $100 per product The legislators have son for the difficulty in recruiting physicians in both rural ing all uses of nitrogen fer- - Nitrogen fertilizers (agricultural) - $0.65 per ton sold taken the first bold steps and urban communities. tilizers, animal manure, and they now must be septic systems, urban run- The total fund would be limited to 3.5 million dollars. The Former Sen. William Sederburg, now a pollster and vice off, nitrate occurring natu- supported by grass fund would pay direct assistance to farmers such as cost president of Public Sector Consultants says that over the rally, etc. roots endorsement of share programs for persons implementing groundwater last two years, the belief that Michigan desperately needs their efforts. practices or groundwater protection rules; cost share pro- medical liability reform, both to increase access and reduce Farm Bureau generally grams for persons who notify the director of potential costs, has solidified among state residents. It's only a mat- supports the concepts in We had been looking at sources of contamination; closure of improperly con- ter of time before the Legislature reflects the consensus the bill but will seek sev- years before action structed wells; recycling programs for specialty and agri- that is evident in public opinion. eral amendments to in- seemed possible. Now culture pesticide containers; pesticide pickup programs; we are talking months That time has arrived. The philosophical majority in the cl ude a "general fund monitoring of private well water for agricultural chemi- and maybe even weeks. legislature will pass a bill but they need to hear from Farm match" for dollars to run cals; and removal of contaminated soils and waters. Indi- Urge your legislator to Bureau members so they can feel confident enough to with- the programs, and alterna- rect assistance programs such as education and technical make her or his vote stand any opposition to the passage of these bills. tive response mechanisms assistance to pesticide users, implementation of on-site count now. for nitrate contamination evaluation systems and stewardship practices, and research This is tort reform that Farm Bureau members through to include all sources. programs would also come from the fund. Administrative their policies have been urging for years. Let them know Farm Bureau will also re- costs to include mon.itoring, developing and enforcing MFB CONTACT: you support their bipartisan efforts to enact meaningful Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 quest that a sunset proVI- groundwater protection rules and management of pesticide reform. sion be added to the collec- sales information will be limited to 20% of the fund annu- tion of funds. ally. MFB CONTACT: STATUS: Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 S.B. 74 was introduced on Jan. 13. Discussions continue with the sponsor and the Department of Agriculture. No formal hearing dates have been set. Michigan Farm News 3D-Day and 90-Day Forecasts Both Calling for Warmer and Drier Than Normal January was warmer and wetter than normal over nearly all of the •• February 15, 1993 state. Temperatures for the month ranged from 2-7 degrees above the 30-year normals, while precipitation varied from around 75 percent of normal in scattered sections of southern Upper and Precipitation northern Lower Michigan to as much as 200 percent of normal in Dev. From Actual Normal central and southern sections of the Lower Peninsula. As was Mean 'Normal (Inch.) (inch) mentioned in the last column, several outbreaks of wet, heavy ~Alpen~ ,<22.0 + 3.1 1.24 1.69 snow and/or freezing rain kept late com harvest at a virtual , Bad Axe' 24.8 + 2.8 2.81 1.56 standstill. Detroit 29.1 + 6.4 3.67 1.74 ',-Escanaba 19.8 + 3.2 1.13 1.82 The relatively tranquil, dry weather that set in during the last week Flint 26.8 + 4.9 2.28 1.74 of January may be a sign of things to come. The new National Grand Rapids 26.6 + 4.9 3.45 2.44 Weather Service 90-day outlook for February through April calls Houghton 18.5 + 4.0 2.86 2.02 for warmer and drier than normal weather over much of the Great Houghton Lake 22.1 +3.4 1.85 1.69 Lakes region including Michigan. Jackson 26.6 + 2.7 1.10 1.70 Lansing 26.6 + 4.7 2.71 1.70 Marquette 17.8 +6.8 2.21 2.02 The 30-day outlook is very similar, with warmer than normal Muskegon 26.6 + 3.1 2.29 2.38 temperatures and near normal precipitation expected. I personally Pellston 20.9 +4.6 2.49 1.91 would not be surprised to see below normal precipitation during Saginaw 25.7 + 3.3 3.86 1.56 February also. These outlooks come as good news to those still Sault Ste. Marie 17.4 +3.4 2.21 1.82 waiting to harvest com. South Bend 3.27 2.44 28.5 + 5.3 Traverse City 24.0 + 2.4 1.96 1.91 As is the case with many weather scenarios, however, warmer and Vestaburg 24.8 + 2.6 4.40 1.68 drier than normal weather in the late winter could cause overwin- tering crops to come out of dormancy earlier than normal, leaving them vulnerable to subsequent cold temperatures should that occur. Your Farm Can't Afford To Be Without It! Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. 2115 2128 2/15 4130 P - Precipe T P T .e MICHIGAN FARM Michigan' A B A B W. Com Belt A N A N E. Corn Belt A N N1A N Wint. Wheat Belt N N1A NIB NlA Spr. Wheat Belt A NIB A NIB Pac. NW Wheat A B A B Delta N N NIB N Southeast N N NIB N San Joaquin A N A N A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- No PrecipeSource:. National Weather Office 1992 Michigan Fruit Production Better Than Expected Fruit production was reduced by poor weather that prevailed throughout most of the 1992 growing season, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statis- tics Service. A cool spring ended with harsh frosts in late May. Summer was marked by below nor- mal temperatures and excessive cloud cover. Warmth and sunshine in early Octo- ber, however, benefitted some varieties of apples and grapes. Overall, production ex- ceeded early expectations and was at or above 1991 levels. Apple production reached one billion pounds, up eight percent from a year earlier. The preliminary farm-level value of the crop was 94 million dollars, down 6 percent from 1991. The estimated yield was 18,700 pounds per acre. Michigan ranked third among all states in apple output. Washing- ton and New York orchards produced 4.9 billion pounds and' 1.17 billion pounds of apples, respectively. Stat/on. /" City , Freq. WABJ .. Adrian" 1250 Tart cherry production in the Great Lakes WA TZ .. ~Alpena 1530 State reached 245 million pounds. The uti- WPZA • :" ...Ann Arbor • 92.5 lized production of235 million pounds con- WLEW .. Bad Axe 1080 6:15 am stituted 75 percent of the national total. The WHFB .. Benton Harbor 960 7:10 am yield in Michigan leaped to 7,230 pounds WKYO .• Caro 6:15 am 1580 6:15 am per bearing acre, up from 3,200 pounds per WTVB .. Coldwater 5:45am 1540 ! 6:06 am WDOW .. Dowagiac 6:15 am 12:15 pm 790 I 5:55 am acre in 1991. WACY .. Fenton 6:15 am 12:15pm' 660 6:15 am WGHN .. Grand Haven 5:45am 12:15 pm '. 95.9 5:45 am Michigan was also the leading state in blue- WPLB .. Greenville 6:15 am 12:45 pm 940 berry production, for which official USDA WBCH .. Hastings 6:15 am 12:30 pm 104.7 estimates were made for the first time in ten WCSR .. Hillsdale 6:45 am 12:45 pm 1510195.9 6:15 am WHTC .. Holland 12:15 pm 580 5:55 am years. The 34 million pound output was 30 WKZO .. Kalamazoo 12:15 pm percent of the U.S. total. The farm-level value of this fruit exceeded 27 million dol- lars. About 70 percent of Michigan blueber- ries were frozen or canned. New Jersey Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business growers produced 24 million pounds of blueberries. Michigan Farm News February 15, 1993 MSU's ANR Week Agriculture Programs Will Focus on . Microtel, Trade, Crop Production and Manure Management The program is free, but a luncheon hosted Experts will talk about manure manage- More information about this program by the Michigan Organic Growers Ad- ment costs, trends in manure handling can be obtained from Jake Ferris at MSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Week vancement Project and the Organic Grow- equipment, results of research, and educa- (ANR) Week, Feb. 26 - March 6 at Michi- by calling (517) 355-0144. The program is ers of Michigan is $10. The luncheon reg- tional and demonstration programs in free. gan State University, will offer several pro- istration deadline is Feb. 22. To register or Michigan. Manure management practices grams that may benefit farm managers. for information, contact Laura DeLind recommended in the Right to Farm Act will Participants can attend the President's Lun- at MSU by calling (517) 353-2950. also be discussed. cheon from 11 :45 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost Among the programs are Microtel work- shops March 2 and 3. Each workshop,lim- will be $12 per person. Luncheon registra- Fostering further collaboration between the Registration by Feb. 19 will cost $15 (after tion must be made by Feb. 19 by contact- ited to eight farms, costs $25. The work- farmer and MSU on sustainable agricul- that date, $20). To register, call Jerri shops will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ing Pam Lamb at MSU at (517) 355-0117. tural practices will be discussed from 10 Wardwell at MSU at (517) 355-0209. in 403 Agriculture Hall. The registration a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3 in Al 0 1 Plant and Conference details can be obtained from deadline is Feb. 24. These programs are among the more than Soil Sciences Building. The program will Lee Jacobs by calling (517)-353-7273. 80 educational programs, meeting and ac- review past and future cooperative activi- tivities on agriculture, forestry, gardening, The first workshop will focus on using ties between MSU agronomists and the International trade and Michigan agricul- Microtel for income and expense transac- outdoor recreation and environmental Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Asso- ture will be discussed from 9:30 a.m. to stewardship that will be held during ANR tions. The second will focus on using the ciation. 4:30 p.m. March 4 in the MSU Kellogg Week. Microtel payroll program developed by the Center Auditorium. The morning session MSU Telfarm program. For more infor- Registration is required by Feb. 22. The $10 will focus on international trade policy. mation, contact Nancy Harms at MSU A free ANR Week program guide is avail- fee includes lunch. To register or to get able from the local county MSU Coopera- by calling (517) 355-4700. more information, contact John Durling Speakers will include a national expert on tive Extension Service office. Free copies at MSU by calling (517) 355-0196. the General Agreement on Tariffs and can also be obtained by writing to the Producing organic food at the community Trade (GAIT) and the North American level will be the focus of a session from 10 MSU Bulletin Office, lOB Agriculture Doing a better job environmentally will be Free Trade Agreement (NAFf A). Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824- a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2 in Al 0 1 Plant and the focus of the Michigan Manure Manage- 1039. Soil Sciences Building. The program will ment Conference March 3. It will run from In the afternoon, experts will discuss inter- address local food security, distribution 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the MSU Kellogg national trade and how Michigan producers and economic development. Center Big Ten Room A. can participate in foreign markets. YOUR MICHIGAN NORTHRUP KING SEED DEALERS City Dealer Phone No. Alicia Con Agra Berger & Co. 517-770-4130 Alma McClintic Farms 517-463-1140 Alto Alto Farm Services 616-868-6030 Ann Arbor Strieter Bros. 313-995-2497 Bancroft Gerald Cole 517-634-5212 Belding Birch Run Breckenridge Carson City Jerry Gallagher Con Agra Berger & Co. B&WCo-Op Harvey Milling Company 616-761-3243 517-624-9321 517-842-3104 517-584-3466 lVes Conklin Arends Farm Service 616-899-2136 Constantine Ron Weston 616-435-8219 Corunna Clyde McLosky 517-743-3633 Dimondale John Oakley 517-646-0629 DOff Dorr Farm Products 616-681-9570 Dowagiac Harold Grabemeyer 616- 782-8744 Dowagiac Joe Van Tuyle 616-782-8275 Homer . Tri-County Agra Services 517-542-3196 Lake Odessa Mark Erickson 616-374-8538 Litchfield Blondes Farm Supply 517-542-2996 Merrill Con Agra Berger & Co. 517-643-7293 Middleton M.A.C. 517-236-7263 This superior hybrid can produce top yields. Monroe Calvin Smith 313-269-2710 Exceptional standability means easier harvesting. New Lothrop Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc. 313-638-5868 It has excellent drought tolerance, adapting to New Lothrop Bob Hajek 313-638-5281 a wide range of harvest densities. Adapted to Owosso Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc. 517-723-5205 reduced tillage to help you get the most from Portland Frank Trierweiler 517-587-6540 every acre. Northrup King N4242. Reading Dick Heffelfinger 517-283-2444 Richmond Rockford Saginaw Silverwood Farmers Elevator Ron Porter Seamon Farms John Ferkowicz 313-727-3025 616-874-8196 517-777-2054 517-761-7217 N4242 Sunfield Mueller Bean Co. 517-566-8031 Union City David LaBar 517-741-3204 CPO Vestaburg Con Agra Berger & Co. 517-268-5300 Zeeland Zeeland Farm Services 616-772-9042 NORTHRUP KING Michigan Farm News •• February 15, 1993 Market Outlook ... ...... . ••••••••r. ••••••• ••••• ~.,J •••••••• 1 . •••• ,j••• ..:~ CORN •••• ,J ••• E~RM Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU .' JI.;:=. •••• ~ Corn futures are expected to remain rela- tively soft and drift sideways going into the Seasonal Commodity WHEAT •••••••• •••••••• spring. There is always the chance of Price Trends weather markets in the spring and summer, but with the large expected carryover for this year, the upside potential is not as great The wheat market has probably topped out, at least for the near term. For the most part, BUSINESS Wheat winter wheat conditions are very good as the last two years. It's not that there's no positive news in the Corn across the primary wheat growing areas of the country. OUTLOOK corn market. The problem is that there is a lot of corn for the market to absorb. The Soybeans Yields are expected to be up and abandon- longer, but I suspect there are few Michi- demand side of the corn market has been ment is expected to be down. And while gan producers who have any left. strong. Feed usage is up about 8 percent so Hogs spring wheat yields are not expected to far this year and exports year to date are up meet last year's excellent levels, winter On the new crop side, the pricing decisions wheat yields will most likely more than rest a lot on how much risk you are willing 32 percent, and are expected to be up over Cattle offset it. At this point, next year's demand 4 percent for the year. or able to take. Prices are about what fun- is as big a question as supply. damentals would project. At this point, While futures are expected to stay fairly watch for rallies to start some pricing, es- flat, there is some potential in the cash corn Strategy: On the pricing front, it is hard pecially if you have priced any on previous market. The basis is wide and expected to to justify holding old crop wheat any rallies. narrow, and the spreads between corn fu- tures contracts show the market is looking upside potential. Consider the government HOGS to pay storage. But for many Michigan loan to help with cash flow needs. farmers, the corn pricing alternatives either Hog slaughter was lower in December and were or are few. In order to take full advan- several dollars higher than expected. As of For those who had to sell their corn out of January than the December Hogs and Pigs the end of January, futures contracts out tage of the above, you need to have cash the field or who will not be able to store into Report indicated it would be. At the same corn on hand. through December are on the higher side of the spring, the alternatives are few. One time, weights would indicate producers are the range than fundamentals would project. could buy a call to stay in the market, but in current. It may be there just were not as This means there is probably more down Strategy: For those few who have stor- a sideways market the odds are not good many hogs as thought, or gains have been able corn, consider storing to take advan- side risk than upside potential. that they will help add to your returns with- slow. tage of the narrowing of the basis. A hedge, out a sharp upwards weather market. And with on-farm storage, would pay storage Strategy: If you don't have much, or any, selling a call, which may have good returns At the same time, demand has been fairly and increase your returns relative to today' s of your future production price protected, in a sideways market, is too risky without strong. These two together have kept prices consider pricing some on rallies. prices. But with the corn market at today's having any cash to offset losses if the mar- low levels, there is less downside risk than ket does rally. CATTLE SOYBEANS On Jan. 29 the USDA released the Jan. 1 pounds were up 3 percent and 9 percent, Strategy: If you think the odds are better quarterly I3-State and monthly 7-State respectively; we'll be seeing these from The soybean market is also expected to stay of prices going up, you should deliver cash Cattle-an-Feed Reports. They were bear- now through March or so. in a fairly flat trading range at least until beans and switch to either a basis contract, ish. Inventory and placements were higher spring. However, there are several differ- a minimum price contract, or buy a call. than expected and marketings were lower. ences between the soybean situation and the Steers and heifers in the 700-899 pound Remember, a basis contract gives no range were listed as up 18 percent and 13 corn situation. First, the soybean market has downside protection. Cattle on feed were up 7-8 percent in the percent, respectively. These will make up had a nice rally since harvest. Secondly, the two reports relative to"last year. Placements soybean market is telling you it will not pay the bulk of the production in April-June. If you feel the odds are prices will drop, were up 5 percent in the October-December Steers and heifers between 500-699 were up to store. consider selling your cash beans, a mini- period and up 16 percent in December in 10 percent and 12 percent, respectively. mum price contract, or selling cash and the counted states. Marketings were 98 per- The spreads between futures contracts are These will come to market this summer and buying a call. Many elevators are offering cent of the previous year in both reports. early fall. tight and there is not enough room left in the these alternatives and are willing to work basis to pay storage. This means you do not with you just to get you to move your grain The quarterly reports also have weight want to be in the cash market no matter Strategy: While the strong demand we through .them. Check with several to see breakdowns. Steers over 1,100 pounds which direction you think prices are going. have been seeing will help, prices are likely what they have to offer. were down 9 percent and heifers down 13 to drop off sharply from now through sum- percent compared to last year on Jan. 1. mer as reflected by the futures markets. The TABLE EGG MARKET However, while showing we are current Jan. I Cattle Inventory Report was released and explaining some of the strong prices on Feb. 4. It should give us a better idea of Allan Rahn and Henry Larzelere we've seen, most of these are gone by now. the feeder market and the year's cattle mar- Egg prices in late January were tra~ing in was 4.8 percent, and 22.2 percent of the Steers and heifers between 900-1,099 kets. the 74 cent range (New York, Grade A, flock had completed an induced molt. The large, white, in cartons, to retailers), 5 cents number of egg-type hatching eggs in incu- per dozen above year earlier levels. Al- bators on Jan. 1 was up 7 percent from a DAIRY MARKET though prices have advanced from their year ago, but the pullet chick hatch during December -- the more significant flock size Larry G. Hamm The fact that NFDM markets are firm in upper 60 cent range after the first of the year, they are expected to soften again in change indicator -- was down 10 percent. The dairy markets are into their winter sea- spite of the shift to NFDM production re- February. Lower feed costs have cut egg sonal decline. The large 50 cent drop in the quires further market analysis. The new fac- production costs around 1.5 cents per dozen Egg prices are expected to weaken slightly Minnesota- Wisconsin (M- W) price in De- tor affecting the market for dairy products from a year ago. in February and average around 70 cents per cember is now winding its way into Class I is the contin~ed / active use of the Dairy dozen. Egg prices in March should advance prices and into producer checks. Another Export IncentIve Program (DEIP). The size of the table egg laying flock on again and average in the 72-74 cent range sizeable drop in the M- W will occur in January 1, 1993 was 240 million birds, un- as market conditions reflect the upcoming January. This reflects continuing weakness Before leaving office on Jan. 20, outgoing changed from the previous year. Table egg Easter period demand strength. Egg prices in the wholesale markets for cheddar Secretary of Agriculture Edward Madigan are expected to be relatively weak in the cheese. announced that bonuses for exports of production during December was 1 percent greater than a year ago as the flock is second quarter with the price lows falling in NFDM, butter, and cheeses were available slightly more productive. On Jan. 1, 1993, May. A quarterly average in the low 60 cent As of the last week in January, the prices of for 1993. In a very significant move, the the number of layers being induced molted range is likely. barrels and 40 pound blocks on the National former secretary allocated bonuses for Cheese Exchange had fallen to $1.12 and 204,020 metric tons (450 million pounds) of $1.16 a pound, respectively. Last year whole milk and/or NFDM powder and Dry Bean Stocks Exceed Production (1992), the lowest that cheese prices got 48,415 metric tons (107 million pounds) of was $1.1350 for barrels and $1.1525 for butterfat. This announcement allows but- Commercial elevators in Michigan held cwt. of all other classes. Stocks on hand blocks. These cheese prices resulted in a 4,350,000 hundredweight (cwt.) of dry ter/powder plants to know there is a market Dec. 31, 1991, included 4,000,000 cwt. of M-W low of $10.98 in March of 1992. beans in storage as of Dec. 31, 1992, ac- for current production of NFDM and whole navy beans and 900,000 cwt. of all other Current cheese prices for barrel cheese are milk powder. cording to the Federal/State Michiga!l Ag- classes. An estimate of dry beans held on lower than last year. Logic suggests that this ricultural Statistics Service. farms is not included in this report. spring's M-W will go below $10.98. The magnitude of these DEIP announce- This year's stocks exceed the 1992 crop ments is staggering. The 1993 DEIP alloca- Dry bean stocks are not included in the There is, however, another market force production of 3,875,000 cwt. The record tions for milk powders are nearly double USDA Agricultural Statistics Board system that may temper this spring's price reduc- high stocks carry-over from the 1991 crop what they were in 1992. If all of the 450 of grain stocks reports. Dry bean stocks data tion. There currently is strength in the dry is the major factor contributing to stocks million pounds of 1993 DEIP milk powder in this report were tabulated from informa- milk product markets, especially the nonfat exceeding production. This is only the sec- bonuses were used for NFDM, it would be tion supplied by elevator operators in the dry milk market (NFDM). ond time that Dec. 31 stocks have exceeded more than half of all the NFDM produced Grain Dealers Daily Position Report filed production since stocks estimates began in for human use in the United States in 1992. monthly with the Michigan Department of With cheese prices this low, milk is moving 1983. Agriculture. into butter-powder plants because the man- The DEIP sales announcement is a major ufacturing profit margin is now tilted to- market firming factor. Even with cheese Carry-over stocks account for all beans in Dry bean stock reports are issued twice a ward NFDM and butter production. This is commercial off-farm storage and include a prices weakening, powder prices should year and reflect 'quantities held in commer- a normal pattern which in the past led to the small portion of non-Michigan grown prod- firm, preventing the M- Vo,' fwm falling more cial storage on Aug. 31 and Dec. 31. Stocks CCC having to purchase NFDM because uct. The quantity on hand included dramatically over the next few months, If on hand as of Aug. 31, 1993, will be re- commercial markets were unable to absorb 3,600,000 cwt. of navy beans and 750,000 leased Sept. 30, 1993. production backs-off, this spri ng' s price the increasing supply of NFDM. lows may not go much below last year. Michigan Farm News . II Agricultural Income Tax Reminders •• February 15, 1993 •••••••• ....... ••••••• r• ••••••• ••••• ~.rl 1• .. ••••'l••• . ..: Myron P. Kelsey, MSU Ag. Econ. Dept. Select for the 179 deduction those capital •••• .r•••••• ,j ••• As farmers work through the tax filing season for 1992, there are still potential areas to examine to minimize the state and federal income tax load. Most farmers personal exemptions and the standard de- duction are not fully utilized. Some key items to take full advantage of purchases with the longest Modified Ac- celerated Cost Recovery Sytem (MACRS) lives and depreciate those with the shortest lives to obtain the most rapid deductions. These lines can be found in a table in The E~RM .'~ J~:;. •••• •••••••• •••••••• should minimize their 1992 taxes as much as possible, since the 1992 growing season when reporting 1992 income: Fanners Tax Guide, IRS Publication 225. BUSINESS was such a disaster, along with low crop and (a) Utilize the direct expense deduction (b) On depreciable capital purchases in livestock prices. (Section 179 deduction) to its maximum in filing your 1992 return. It can be taken in excess of the 179 deduction, utilize the useful life and depreciation method that is OUTLOOK These will have a bigger affect on reducing lieu of regular depreciation on up to most appropriate for your situation. Where 1993 farm income than they were in 1992. $10,000 of capital purchases of farm per- more deductions are needed, choose spouse in your business to make it possible However, recognize that where possible, it sonal property and certain specialized real MACRS with its guideline lives. Where to obtain an extra $2,000 IRA deduction and probably does not make sense to reduce estate items such as silos, livestock facili- deductions are not needed, choose ADS deduct 100 percent of your medical insur- taxable income below zero so that your ties, and grain storage structures. (alternate depreciation system) which has ance. a slightly longer life. On depreciable capital purchases in excess of the 179 deduction utilize the useful Social Security rates for 1993 are the same life and depreciation method that is most appropriate for your situation. (c) If you do not participate in some form as in 1992, 12.4 percent Social Security and of a tax deferred retirement program, there 2.9 percent hospital insurance for a total of is still time to set up an IRA or SEP (sim- 15.3 percent for the self-employed. Maxi- plified employee plan) and receive a 1992 mums increase to $57,600 for Social Secu- tax deduction. You would be eligible for an rity and $135,000 for hospital insurance. IRA tax deferred deduction of up to $2,000 if neither you or your spouse are eligible If you are receiving Social Security bene- for any other tax deferred program or your fits, the maximum that can be earned by adjusted gross income is less than $40,000 those under 65 is $7,680 without reducing (there is a phase out of the deduction be- benefits. For those age 65 up to 69, the tween $40,000 and $50,000). earned income level is $10,560. Those over 69 may earn any amount without reducing An SEP program may allow a greater de- benefits; however, they will still have to pay duction, since the maximum contribution the Social Security and medical insurance is 15 percent of net profit as reported on the tax. A good reason to explore ways to shift Schedule F or C. Employees who are age income to rent and interest which are not 21 or over and have worked for you in at considered to be earned income upon which least 3 of the last 5 years must be covered the tax is paid. for an equal or greater percentage of their wages. (d) Choose the automobile expense deduc- WIRELESS DRIVEWAY tion which gives you the greater benefit. The standard mileage rate is 28 cents per ALARMS mile (also for 1993). This would require Let's you know any time some kind of record of the business miles. someone walks or drives into The alternative is a record of actual ex- your place! penses and depreciation divided by the business miles percentage. • Easy Installation Dealing With The Loss of the Health (e) Scrounge everywhere you can think of Call or write for free brochures. Paxton Enterprises Insurance Premium Tax Deduction for unrecorded bills and receipts. Expenses tend to be made in a lot of small expendi- 48E 600N tures which can be easily lost or forgotten. If you're in the process of getting your 1992 "You must have a formal employment Fortville, IN 46040 taxes prepared, remember that as a self-em- agreement, whether it's oral or preferably ployed individual you can only claim the 25 written, an employer identification number In planning for 1993, set up your account- Phone or FAX percent deduction on health insurance pre- and a W-4," recommends Jones. "To be ing system to improve on the recording and summarizing of your expenses. Explore 800-872-9866 or 317-326-2838 miums for the first six months of 1992, since considered a legitimate employee, the the previous deduction expired July 1, 1992, spouse must be treated and paid as you alternatives early in the year for hiring your according to Grace Ellen Rice of the Amer- would any other employee. " ican Farm Bureau. Farm Credit Service's State Director of Rice said that despite numerous legislative Farm Recordsffax, Kelly Tobin, agrees attempts to maintain and/or expand the 25 calling a spousal employment agreement a Molton ... ildiqgs is Having a Very Special percent health insurance premium deduc- win-win from a tax and business manage- tion in 1992, all efforts failed. The future of ment standpoint, since it allows a total de- such a deduction isn't very clear either. duction of the health insurance premium as a business expense. Not only can the health "I don't see Congress moving on any such insurance premium be claimed as a busi- legislation until later this spring," said Rice. ness expense on federal taxes, it can also be "Whether they make the deduction retroac- applied as a legitimate business expense tive so that a self-employed taxpayer could against state income tax and the self-em- file an amended return is questionable. Ev- ployment tax. erything hinges on when the economic growth package moves, or when a health "If you can formally employ your spouse care reform proposal is introduced that with legitimate duties such as chores, re- could possibly deal w~th this whole issue." cord keeping, etc., which is not a problem in most cases, you can then include medical According to Dr. Bruce Kirchhoff, profes- insurance as part of the compensation pack- sor at the New Jersey Institute of Technol- age," said Tobin. "You can then take a 100 ogy and former chief economist for the U.S. percent deduction on the medical insurance Small Business Administration, more than premium as a regular business expense, 400,000 self-employed Americans and their which far exceeds deducting it under the dependents will drop health insurance in self-employed itemized deduction pre- 1993 as a result of the loss of the deduction. viously available." We're Opening Our Doors Bright & Early far You 7:111am ID8:IJ pm Employee duties and reasonable salaries February 18, 19 & 20, 1993 "There has been so little publicity about this issue, that many self-employed Americans for a spouse are key to such an agreement Watch for special price ads in your area or are just now finding out about this issue," and will be used as test of legitimacy by the contact your local sales office for a free said Kirchhoff. "Congress and President IRS, cautions Tobin. He urges farmers to informative flyer with pricing examples. Special Clinton should move at once to restore this make sure the compensation package of- prices available during this sale. All buildings will deduction. Any health care reform package fered to a spouse is consistent with what would be offered to any other person em- reflect special sale pricing. should increase the deduction to I 00 per- cent to provide tax fairness and equal treat- ployed on the farm. Sale ~ February 20, 1993. Call Now! ment for the self-employed." Call your local office today! "Though it won't work in every situation, MSU Telfarm Director John Jones says in many cases, the spouse is already ac- Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 800-447-7436 there are few options for dealing with the tively involved in the farm operation with Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 loss of the itemized deduction at this point. various levels of responsibilities," said Kalkaska, MI (616) 25&-2580 Rockford, MI (616)8746400 ~..tMORTON Aa. BUILDINGS One option, however, that should be thor- Tobin. "We're just encouraging our farmer oughly reviewed, is that of formally hiring clients to formalize it and take full advan- Three Rivers, MI (616) 279-6271 your spouse, and including health insurance tage of the benefits. II as part of the compensation package. Michigan Farm News ,,= February 15, 1993 IILoad it and Move it Safely on Your Farm Tractor-mounted front-end loaders make short work of many tough jobs on the D Read and heed the instruction manual. farm -- handling manure and hay bales, moving dirt and debris, and the like. Make sure all your operators are Construction-type loaders and skid-steer loaders are also commonly used by trained and skilled. farmers. Whatever kind of equipment you use, remember these tips for safe loading and moving: D When mounting a front-end loader on a tractor, check carefully to see that everything is tight and hydraulic lines are properly connected and leak-free. Add rear weight if necessary to bal- ance the tractor. Use a tractor with RapS. o Load the bucket evenly from side to side, and keep the load within the specified capacity. Pay attention to From Farm Bureau Insurance the weight and density of the material to be moved -- because a full bucket D Keep children out of the work area. of one type of material may be easy to handle while a bucket of another type D Never use the bucket to lift people or might cause severe imbalance and an take them for a ride. upset. D When moving large round bales, use a o Avoid fast turn's, especially with the bale guard to keep the bale from roll- ing back and then down on you. A bucket raised. Transport a heavy load low, keeping your speed down. Watch bale clamp is also recommended. where you are going. Avoid obstacles and holes, and proceed with extra cau- D Stay clear of the lift arms, and keep tion on slopes and inclines. others away. D Always lower the bucket to the ground when you stop work. Never rely on hydraulics to hold the bucket up. D Be sure your skid-steer loader has RapS as well as protective guards around the RapS frame. Wear your safety belt -- and keep your arms and legs inside the cage at all times. Don't add weight that could upset the machine's stability. Drop the bucket when your work is finished. Michigan Agriculture Commission Adopts Nutrient Storage and Use Practices For the State's Right- To-Farm Law After months of deliberation and hearings, the Michigan Commission of Agriculture has approved a set of on-farm nutrient man- agement practices. The document, now part of Michigan ' s Right- To-Farm-Act, is called "Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Nutrient Utiliza- tion." The recommended practices are the result of collaboration between Michigan State University agricultural researchers and Ex- tension specialists, the Michigan Depart- ment of Agriculture, the Michigan Depart- ment of Natural Resources, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Michigan Farm Bu- reau and the Michigan Agri-Business Asso- ciation. The document contains 24 pages of recom- mendations for on.:farm fertilizer storage and containment, crop fertilization, soil conservation and irrigation management. There are also recommended practices for the fertilization and irrigation of container- grown plants and guidelines for land appli- For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield cation of organic materials; sludges, food have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates processing wastes, industrial organic wastes, etc. with the pwsonalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. "If growers carefully follow the recom- No matter what your needs... mended practices, they should meet the minimum requirements of state and federal small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family - regulations," says Maurice Vitosh, MSU we have the right plan at the right price. Extension agronomy specialist. He believes that the document reflects com- Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service mon sense in on-farm fertilizer storage, provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting handling and use and does not contain rec- ommendations that he would consider un- the "sma"" things in life that are of big importance to you. reasonable. For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. Copies of the document may be obtained by writing to: Robert Craig, Michigan Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box .... /tIICHIGAN 30017, Lansing, ~I 48909. A copy of the .... FAR/tl BUREAU document has also been sent to all MSU Extension county offices. Michigan Farm News Monitor Stored Grain Regularly to Help Reduce Fire Potential -. February 15, 1993 Because ofthe quality and condition of this Streng says, that owners of oxygen-limiting Proper drying and cooling are critical year's com crop going into storage, fire may storages should first call the local dealer if for success in storing a severely be a possibility ifthe grain is not kept in good a problem develops. stressed corn crop. condition. The dealer will have a step-by-step list of If smoke is coming from a standard grain Paul Streng, MSU agricultural engineering instructions to follow in the event of a fire. storage, immediately call the fire depart- specialist, says that checking the stored grain Those steps will minimize damage and ment. Do not enter the structure or at- weekly may prevent a destructive problem. avoid what could be a tragedy if the fire tempt to extinguish the fire. The best way suppression recommendations are not to fight this kind of a fire is to auger the "Watch for an unusual rise in grain tempera- heeded, Streng says. grain from the bin, dousing and separat- ture and sniff around the structure for any off ing the burning material from the rest of odors, such as the smell of burnt popcorn," He suggests that owners seal the structure at the grain, Streng says. Streng says. "If either or both of these are ground level (unloader discharge door, present, call the authorities who can effec- drain trap and pipe cap) as completely as Pouring water onto the grain mass from tively deal with the problem." possible but not enter or climb the structure. the top of the structure may be fruitless, Tightly sealing the structure will deprive the because the water will follow the path of Call the fire department if smoke is coming fire of oxygen so it will die out. If that least resistance and not necessarily reach from an oxygen-limiting storage facility or doesn't work, carbon dioxide or nitrogen the core of the fire. Excessive amounts of from a standard grain storage bin. Do not try can be injected into the structure using water may also ruin the structure. to enter either type of structure. equipment provided by the dealer. "In order for spontaneous ignition to occur, three requirements must be met: a AMEX Long- Term Care Available supply of oxygen, a source of heat and a source of fuel," Streng says. "In this case, Exclusively to MFB Members the source of fuel is the corn and the Last year, senior Americans spent over gan through Farm Bureau Insurance agents, source of heat will be the microbial action $600 billion on long-term care. Nearly half call your local Farm Bureau Insurance that occurred in the corn. If you eliminate of that amount came directly out of the agent or fill out and mail the coupon on the one of the three requirements, a fire can- pockets of patients or their families. bottom of this page. not occur." A rew MFB member service program can ne w help keep you from becoming one of t'tose families, according to MFB Member .:iervices Department Manager Doug Hem- ing. Available through Farm Bureau Insur- ance Agents, the policies are underwritten by AMEX Life Assurance Company, a sub- sidiary of American Express. ~RRIED According to a U.S. News & World Report, one out of every two people age 65 and older are likely to need long term care in FACES their lifetimes. The costs can destroy the financial security of many families that were built over a lifetime, says Heming. "Today many qualified nursing home facil- OF OUR ities cost $60 to in excess of $150 per day - and those costs grow dramatically every year," said Heming. "Statistically, half of INSUREDS. the reople entering a nursing home will stay an .iver?'6e of 2.5 years. At the current esti- rr.ate~. cost of $80 per day, it will cost Worry? Not them. c;,79,360 for the average 2.5 years of long- te:m care. Medicare pays only about 2 per- And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a I ~ent of the nation's long-term care ex- / penses, and that Medicaid coverage begins Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? I only after most assets have been depleted." Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care.1 With MFB' s new long term care program, members can select the plan best suited to With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how their specific needs. You can select the devastating this can be. length of nursing home coverage to help pay for care and assistance - two years, three But it doesn't have to be this way. years, four years, even for life. Members can also choose whether to have daily ben- efit amounts increase automatically to With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an cover rising costs, due to inflation. American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 Ideally, members age 40 to 84 may want to discuss the feasibility of a long-term care plan with their Farm Bureau Insurance Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for agent. Once you're covered, you'll be pro- more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the tected for life, says Fleming, meaning your insurance is guaranteed renewable for life. options available to you. Representing: Your premiums will never increase because of your age or changing health, and there's AMEX no requirement of prior hospitalization for nursing home or home care benefits. In addition the policy doesn't exclude pre-ex- isting conditions, and benefits are provided a subSidiary of @ II Life Assurance Company TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES @ for Alzheimer disease as well as other forms of senility. I. Consumer's Guide 10 Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 13. 1990 "MFB members can also take comfort in 3. Independent analYSIS of lhe insurance induslry who base lheir analysis on financial slrenglh and opera ling performance. knowing that this plan is provided by AMEX Life Assurance Company, which pioneered the development of long-term TO RECEIVE ADDmONAL INFORMATION AND AN AMEX BROCHURElAP~UCAnoN - Flu.. OUT THE COUPON BELOW care insurance," explained Fleming. OR CAu.. DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. - 3237. "AMEX is also rated A+ by A.M. Best Company (independent analyst of the insur- _ .. /tIICHIGAN Please Print ance industry who base their analysis on , ... FAR/tl BIJREAIJ Name financial position and operating perfor- mance), and are widely recognized as an Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Addre industry leader in the field of long-term Membership Services care. AMEX is also endorsed by the Amer- P.O. Box 30960 Ci State ZIP ican Health Care Association." Lansing, MI 48909 Ph ne To learn more about this newest MFB mem- ber service, available exclusively in Michi- Coun MFN Michigan Farm News I I •• February 15, 1993 Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Editors Note: This material is reprinted from the Farmstead Assessment Sys- tem (FARM-A-SYST) in Michigan, a Improving Livestock Waste Storage multi agency cooperative effort to in- 4. Providing the storage volume needed crease awareness and encourage cor- to hold all the waste generated during the rection of the potential water quality period between scheduled applications. problems around the farmstead. The FARM-A-SYST materials are based on 5. Timely removal and utilization of the similar materials developed in Wiscon- stored waste in accordance with the waste sin and Minnesota with assistance from utilization plan. the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region Five. This is the first Waste storage is an important management installment of a new column in the Mich- option available to livestock producers. igan Farm News, entitled "Environmen- Manure can be applied to the soil at those tal Stewardship." times of year when crops are not actively growing and soils are open. Waste as used. in this fact sheet, includes livestock manure and urine, milkhouse and This allows manure to be injected or incor- milkparlor wash water, and livestock yard porated by tillage immediately following runoff. The term waste is not intended to application. Handling manure in this way 'imply that these materials represent only a ensures the farmers of the maximum fertil- "disposal" problem. izer value from the waste materials, while reducing risks of ground water and surface All of these materials have some nutrient, water contamination. organic matter or other potentially benefi- cial value that make the "waste" a resource. Waste storage can reduce the need for land If managed improperly, these same proper- application during winter months when soil ties represent an environmental risk, espe- is frozen. This conserves nutrients con- cially to water resources. tained in the manure and minimizes nutri- Photo: MSU Ag Engineering Dept. ent runoff. Storage is also valuable when Manure storage can provide environmental structurally sound, allowing waste materi- To protect the groundwater from possible crops are actively growing making applica- als to seep into the soil. contamination, utilize liners that include benefits by allowing wastes to be stored tion impractical. until they can be safely utilized, which in soils of low permeability, bentonite or sim- most cases means the manure is spread, Long- Term Storage A threat to surface water exists if pits are not ilar high swell clay materials, compacted incorporated into the soil and used by a emptied frequently enough, allowing earthen liner, and flexible membranes. Livestock waste can be stored either in growing crop. The environmental safety of solid, semi-solid or liquid states. wastes to flow over the top of the structure. storing large amounts of manure in one Likewise, check the walls of the earthen Storage Locations facility to be certain that liner materials The location of waste storage facilities in place for an extended period depends on: Solid facilities use walls and slabs for stacking of heavily bedded manure. have not been eroded away by pit agitation. relation to any well is an important factor in 1. The volume relative to daily manure protecting the farm water supply. The min- production, climate, and cropping pattern. Semi-solid facilities use pumps to move A properly designed structure has the ca- imum required distance for any manure fa- manure to containment areas and may sep- pacity to handle waste from a specific num- cility is 50 feet from a well. For temporary 2. The physical and chemical characteris- arate solids from liquids. ber of animals for a known number of days. manure stacks and earthen facilities, the rec- tics of the soil and geologic materials If a pit designed for 180 days of storage and ommended distance is 200 feet. For liquid- within the storage area and overflow areas. Liquid facilities hold manure in tanks, pits receiving designated waste amounts has not tight storage structures, the minimum sepa- or bermed areas. needed pumping for a year, the pit is obvi- ration distance is 100 feet. ously leaking. 3. Proper materials and construction meth- ods to control leaching of stored material Liquid and semi-solid storage systems are Minimum separation distances regulate all toward groundwater. self-contained. Groundwater contamina- Seepage and direct rainfall runoff from new well installations and/or new storage within. a solid or semi-solid facility can facilities. Existing wells are required, by tion can occur only if the facility is not occur. Runoff control is required for any law, only to meet separation requirements in such facility. Runoff storage ponds should existence at the time the well was installed. Contacts and References be designed to handle all runoff for at least a six month period. In addition, it should be Make very effort, however, to exceed "old regulations" and strive to meet current reg- able to contain the runoff from the maxi- ulations whenever possible. Who to call about. .. mum 25-year, 24-hour storm event rainfall Waste storage needs, designing appropriate structures: for the area. While observing these well separation re- Your county Cooperative Extension Service or your local Soil ConservationService quirements may help protect your own well, Office. Storage ponds must be constructed to re- poorly designed manure facilities can con- duce seepage loss to acceptable levels. A taminate the groundwater that supplies Cost-sharing funds: ... Soil Conservation Service Field Office other drinking wells. Financial assistance for animal waste management practIces, mcludmg waste storage, Technical Guides (SCS-FOTG) or the Mid- may be available through the Agricultural Conservation Program administered by the west Plan Service Livestock Waste Facili- Depth to seasonal high water table or frac- ASCS Office ties Handbook (MWPS-18) can be con- tured bedrock, along with soil type at the sulted for details. storage facility location is another important Animal waste management: factor. Depth to water table is sometimes Generally Accepted Practices for Manure Management and Utilization. (Right to Farm If conditions allow, structures such as picket available in the county soil survey, but it Act) from MDA or CES. dams can be used to hold back solids, and varies from county to county. Your CES or grass filter strips help remove remaining SCS office may be able to help you gather pollutants in runoff water. These systems this information. What to read about ... should not be considered on sites with Publications are available from sources listed at the end of this section. course, textured soils; creviced bedrock or Other Management Factors shallow water tables. Many Michigan counties have enacted Health effects of livestock waste in groundwater waste storage facility ordinances, requiring Livestock Manure Management for Crop Production and Water Quality, MSU - Exten- The vegetated area may be either a long, storage facilities to be located and con- sion, WQ12. grassed, slightly sloping channel, or a broad structed to county-adopted engineering flat area with little or no slope surrounded standards. Contact your local CES office for Handling, managment and storage of livestock waste . by a berm or dike. All outside surface water more information. Outside Liquid Manure Storages, 1979, 8 pages, Midwest Plan Sel"Vlce.AED-23. should be excluded from the infiltration Manure Digestion, Runoff, Refeedi~g, Odors, Midwest rlan Services. MWPS-25. area. Vegetation should be maintained and If animal waste storage causes any signifi- Swine Waste Management AlternatIves, MSU - ExtenSIOn,E-l~99. harvested at least once a year. cant water contamination, the Department Legal Guidelines for Swine Waste Management, MSU - ExtenSIOn,E-1160 of Natural Resources can issue a notice of Short- Term Storage discharge, which may require corrective Planning and design of livestock waste storage facilites Short-term storage, (usually 7 to 14 days) is measures. Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook, 1985, Midwest Plan Service, MWPS-18. an important option available to farmers. It Circular Concrete Manure Tanks, 1983, 4 pages, Midwest Plan Service, TR-9. allows them to hold livestock wastes during Abandoned Pits Liquid Manure Tanks: Rectangular, Below Grade, MWPS-74303. periods of bad weather when daily spread- Abandoned manure pits, especially earth- Systems of Runoff Control, MSU - Extension, E-1132 ing is not feasible. The storage facilities ened ones, can pose significant water qual- Lagoon Systems for Swine ~aste System$, MSU -.~xte~ion, E-1341. should be designed and constructed to con- ity problems. Any abandoned structure Estimating Land Area ReqUIrements for Manure UtIlIzatIOn, trol leaching, runoff and seepage toward should be completely emptied. In the case MSU - Extension, AEIS-575. groundwater. of earthened facilities, solid liner material should be "removed to a depth of about two Publications available from ... Designs for manure storage and treatment feet and spread over cropland and incorpo- facilities should meet specifications found rated. 1. Your county CES Office or directly from the Bulletin Office, Room lOB, Ag Hall, in SCS-FOTG. Additional handbooks that MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, (517) 355-0240. There may be charges for can be used are the National Pork Industry publications, postage, and sales tax. The remaining hole should be filled and Handbook fact sheets E-1341 and E-1399 leveled. Manure packs from pole sheds no from MSU and the Midwest Plan Service 2. Your county CES Office of directly from MWPS Secretary, Ag Engineering Dept., longer in use should also be removed and Publication TR-3 for concrete. 217 A.W. Farrall Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1323, (517)353-3297. the waste applied at agronomic rates based on nutrient content. . Michigan Farm News 'It: February 15, 1993 III Livestock Waste Storage: Assessing Drinking Water Contamination Risk Why Should I Be Concerned? can be risky to the environment and to releasing large volumes of pollutants. Ma- Short-term solid manure storage and aban- Storing livestock waste allows farmers to human health if not done properly. nure in earthen pits can form a semi-imper- doned storage areas can also be sources of spread manure when conditions are right vious seal of organic matter that does limit groundwater contamination by nitrates. for nutrient use by crops. Accumulating Facilities for manure stored in. liquid form leaching potential, but seasonal filling and Manure can contribute nutrients and dis- manure in a concentrated area, however, on the farmstead sometimes leak or burst, emptying can cause the seal to break down. ease-causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater. Nitrate levels in drinking water above fed- eral and state drinking standards of 10 mil- ligrams per liter (mg.n; equivalent to parts 1. Use a pencil. You may want to make changes. 3. Then look above the description you cireled to find your "rank number' per million for water measured) nitrate-ni- 2 For each category listed on the left that is appropriate to your (4, 3, 2 or I) and enter that number in the blank under "your rank." trogen can pose health problems for infants fannstead, read across to the right and circle the statement 4. Directions on overall scoring appear at the end of the worksheet that best describes conditions on your fannstead. (Skip and under six months of age, including the con- 5. Allow about 15-30 minutes to complete the worksheet and figure out leave blank any categories that don't apply to your fannstead) your risk ranking for livestock waste storage practices. dition known as methemoglobinemia (blue For categories separated by "OR:' choose only one category. baby syndrome), Nitrate can also affect adults, but the evidence is less certain. LOW RISK LOW-MOD RISK MOD-HIGH RISK HIGH RISK YOUR (rank: 4) (rank 3) (rank 2) (rank: 1) RANK Young livestock are also susceptible to LONG-TERM STORAGE (180 days or more) health problems from high-nitrate-nitrogen Location or all Earthen lined manure Earthen lined manure Earthen lined manure levels. Levels of 20 to 40 mg.n in the water Manure storage less manure storages in storage more than 250 storage more than 250 storage less than 250 than 100 feet up slope supply may prove harmful, especially in feet down slope of the feet up slope of the feet down slope of the of the well. combination with high levels (1,000 ppm) relation to wells. well. Water tight well. Water tight well. Water tight of nitrate-nitrogen from feed sources. concrete or steel, glass- concrete or steel, glass- concrete or steel, glass- lined storages more lined storages more lined storages less than Fecal bacteria in livestock waste can con- than 100 feet down than 1()()feet up slope 1()()feet down slope taminate groundwater, causing such infec- slope from the well. from the well. from the well. tious diseases as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. SEMI-SOLID AND Organic materials that lend an undesirable LIQUID MANURES taste and odor to drinking water are not Steel, glass-lined; Designed and installed Minor leakage on heavy know to be dangerous to health, but their Evidence of overflow, Evidence of overflow, according to accepted clay soils or silt loam past or potential leak- presence does suggest that other contami- cast-in-place past or potential leakage standards and specifi- soils underlain with age onto medium- onto coarse-textured nants are flowing into the groundwater. concrete; concrete cations. Properly clay. textured soils (loam). soils (sands and sandy stave; pre-c8st maintained How will this worksheet help me looms). Water table or concrete panels. fractwed bedrock protect my drinking water? shallower than 20 feet OR D It will take you step by step through your livestock waste storage practices. Earthen. Designed and installed Construction of earthen Evidence of overflow D It will rank your activities according according to accepted materials and storing onto coarse-textured to how they might affect the ground- standards and specifica- liquid manure contain- soils. Uning material water that provides your drinking lions. Properly main- ing fine manure par- integrity broken into water supplies. tained. ticles. coarse-textured soils. D It will provide you with easy-to-under- LOW RISK WW-MOD RISK MOD-InGH RISK stand rankings that will help you ana- HIGH RISK YOUR (rank 4) (rank 3) (rank 2) (rank: 1) RANK lyze the "risk level" of your livestock SHORT-TERM STORAGE (usually 30-90 days; in some cases, up to 180 days) waste storage practices. SOLID, o It will help you determine which of STACKABLE your practices are reasonably safe and effective, and which practices might MANURES require modification to better protect your drinking water. Stacked in field (on Adequate surface Poor surface drainage Poor SUlfate drainage soil base) drainage on medium to on medium to fine- on coarse-textured soils What do I do with these rankings? fine-textured soils (silt textured soils (silt (sands, sandy loam). loams, loam, clay loams, loam, clay Step 1: Begin by determining your overall loams, silty clay). loams, silty clay). livestock waste storage risk ranking. Total the rankings for the categories you com- pleted and divide by the number of catego- ries you ranked. (Total of rankings divided by categories completed = risk ranking.) Stacked in yard Paved or earthen yard Earthen yard with all Earthen yard with all Earthen yard with low (Not permitted for with all areas receiving areas receiving frequent areas receiving"frequent areas of coarse-textured frequent hoof traffic; hoof traffic; with runoff hoof traffic; with no This ranking gives you a general idea of milk cows) soils and receiving with runoff control control curbs, gutters, runoff control measures limited hoof traffic. how your livestock waste storage practices, curbs, gutters, settling settling basin and grass in place. Yards with intermittent as a whole, might be affecting your drinking basin and runoff filter strip. Well main- use and are on coarse- water. storage. Well main- tained. textured soils. No tained. runoff control measures This ranking should serve only as a very in place. general guide, not a precise diagnosis. Be- cause it represents an averaging of many individual rankings, it can mask any indi- WWRlSK vidual rankings, such as Is' or 2s' that LOW-MOD RISK MOD-HIGH RISK HlOHRlSK YOUR (rank 4) (rank 3) (rank 2) (rank I) should be of concern. RANK LOCATION Step 2: Look over your rankings for indi- vidual activites: Solid Manure Constructed with a Earthen floor con- Earthen floor con- Eanhen floor con- floor of impermeable structed with medium structed with medium strutted with coarse- Storage Structure material (concrete, to fine-textured soils to fme-textured soils textured soils and * Low-risk practices (4s'): ideal; should be asphalt, or 12 in. thick and where rainfall and where rainfall where rainfall runoff your goal despite cost and effort. compacted clay) and runoff and leachate will runoff and leachate will and leachate will have with walls that prevents have direct contact with have direct contact with direct contact with the * Low-to-moderate-risk practices (3s'): leachate from entering the eanhen floor or side the earthen floor or side earthen floor or side provide reasonable groundwater protection. sunounding soils. walls. Leachate and walls. Leachate and walls; or runoff and rainfall/snowmelt runoff are uncontrolled. leachate are uncon- * Moderate-to-high-risk practices (2s'): runoff discharged into a trolled. inadequate protection in many circum- grass filter strip. stances. Bedded Pack Constructed with a Medium to fine-tex- Coarse-textured soils Building has an earthen * High-risk practices (1 s '): inadequate; tured soils, limited under bedded pack with pose a high risk of polluting groundwater. floor of impermeable floor on coarse-texnued material or fine-tex- bedding provided, no continuous use. Some soil and is subject to tured soil. Adequate rainfall or runoff enters rainfall and runoff direct rainfall, runoff . Regardless of your overall risk ranking, any bedding is provided to manured &rea. Water- entering manured area.. from the roof or adja- individual rankings of " 1" require immedi- maintain solid nature of ers in the building. cent land areas. ate attention. Some concerns you can take manure. No rainfall or care of right away; others could be major - runoff enters the ma- or costly - projects, requiring planning and nmed &rea. No water- prioritizing before you take action. ers in the building. Michigan Farm News 0 I Suggestions for Feeding the, 1992 Corn Crop •• February 15, 1993 Steven Rust, MSU Animal Science Dept. Palatability Com that possesses poor bunk stability The immaturity of the com crop has sig- may limit cattle intake unless carefully nificantly altered the characteristics of the managed. Amount of feed delivered daily com to be fed. Unfortunately, very little should be monitored closely. Bunks may research information is available to make have to be cleaned frequently. High levels recommendations. What information is of molds without presence of toxins may available on immature com does not repre- not severely restrict intake. However, com sent the present com crop of Michigan. The that has presence of molds and formed following suggestions represent my intu- clumps, will. Other tips include: itive sense of how to utilize the present com crop. D Immature com is more rapidly de- graded in the rumen which could re- Harvest and Storage sult in acidosis and erratic intakes. Com harvested at temperatures less than 40 degrees F undergoes very limited fermenta- D Blending the wet corn with dry com tion. Consequently, the resulting high mois- will slow the rate of digestion and di- ture com (HMC) has less bunk stability. lute the factors that may restrict in- take. At this late stage, addition of a microbial Corn Quality may limit growth and feed conversion effi- D Feeding whole com will slow the rate inoculant (silage additive) does not appear Much of the com remaining in the field ciency. of digestion. cost effective. contains various types of molds. Com that All wet com harvested and stored at less contains molds should not be uncondition- Nutritive Value D Increasing the level of roughage to 12- ally rejected as livestock feeds. The toxins There are a number of likely reductions in 15 percent (25- 30 percent com silage) than 40 degrees F is subject to rapid deteri- produced by the molds (especially T2 tox- oration during warm weather andlor air ex- nutritive value due to harvest conditions. will stimulate saliva production and ins) can be harmful to cattle. Historically, ReasonlLikely reduction in nutritive value: buffer the pH decline in the rumen. posure. Even com dried below 30 percent T2 toxin has not been prevalent in com in Immaturity/5-10 percent moisture before ensiling is most likely going to be unstable. It would be advisable Michigan. Moldll 0-15 percent Discoloration! 10-15 percent o Feeding Tylan to prevent liver abscesses may be necessary. to feed the wet com harvested now before Kernel discoloration is prevalent in the re- warm weather. Extra foreign materiaV4-1 0 percent maining standing com as well. This is most likely the result of bacterial deterioration. Total Potential Reduction = 29-50% o Using by-product feedstuffs may be a Propionic acid treatment of com harvested greater challenge, particularly if rap- now may maintain the quality in its present A simple method to evaluate the amount of idly degraded in the rumen. Use of a The feeding value of moldy or discolored deterioration is by ash content. Normal com rumen degradable protein source may condition for one year. Before going com is less than the normal harvested com. (561b./bu.) contains 1.3-1.5 percent ash and assist in suppressing accumulation of through the expense of applying acid, it's It should be discounted accordingly. There low test weight com (471b./bu.) has 2.2-2.4 lactic acid. advisable to test acceptability or willing- are no published guidelines to determine percent. Com that was greater than 2.5 per- ness of cattle to consume acid-treated com. the discounts, but it would seem 20 - 40 cent ash probably has been exposed to ex- D Feeding buffers in high concentrate percent should be considered. tensive microbial deterioration. diets has not shown benefits. Processing before ensiling will have less benefit than under normal conditions. If Feeding Strategies There have been reports of very low crude D When possible, utilize dry com in re- harvested com contains a lot of fines, it Three major problems exist with the feed- protein values (less than 6 percent) in the ceiving diets and in adjustment to fin- should pack satisfactorily. From a feeding ing of this unusual com crop. The nutritive com. A laboratory analysis would identify ish rations. Once cattle are adjusted to standpoint, minimal or no processing is value, palatability, and rate of digestion suggested. the low protein com and allow ~ddition of finish diet, wet corn can replace dry supplemental protein. corn as needed. o Your Michigan CARGILL Dealers Cargill Hybrid Seeds Top 1992 Ann Brlggs Terrltory Manager Jones Paul Conkright (616) 435-7124 Michigan State University Corn Trials Williamston 517-349-6969 JR. ones eggle 01 son (616) 244-8123 Ann Arbor A&K Seeds (313) 662-8993 La W I M k (616) 423-8402 wton a ter rocze Brown City Robert Howland (313) 688-2703 Mendon Rex Crotser (616) 496-7204 North Central Mich.- Early South Central Mich. - Late Capac Blumerich Farms (313) 395-4517 M.h . h (616) 657 4351 Paw Paw Bill I ehc - Croswell ... Croswell Milling Co. (313) 679-3400 Huron, Montcalm, and Mason County Trials Kent, Ingham, and Saginaw County Trials Quincy Don Bercaw (517) 278-2851 Average of all entries for a given Average of all entries for a given Dexter Dexter Mill (313) 426-4621 Kn. (5 7) 659 4611 company in 1992 company in 1992 Quincy .1ack Irk 1 - Company Yield Moist. Cargill Company Yield Moist. Leslie Dale Swiler (517) 589-8821 (6 6) 853 6167 Cargill Ravenna John Bonthuis 1 - Advantage Advantage Marlette Dale R. Wood (517) 635-3280 6 6) 651 2111 Sturgis Lowayne Yoder ( 1 - Cargill 143.5 31.3 Cargill 162.2 33.8 Milan Studnicka Bros. (313) 451-8326 6) 435 7774 Asgrow 141.8 33.0 1.7 N.King 159.7 31.3 2.5 Constantine Glen E. Miller (61 - RENK 137.9 29.7 5.6 RENK 153.9 Monroe Clyde Opferman (313) 269-2154 K . h CI k elt ar :r.eJ:r1.t ory Manage r 31.3 8.3 AMCORN 135.1 31.1 8.4 Craw's 152.7 33.9 9.5 North Adams. D. Black's Equip. (517) 287-5704 Rockford (616) 866-1309 FUNKS 133.8 26.9 9.7 Asgrow 152.5 36.2 9.7 Okemos Cook Farms (517) 349-9502 Ashley Rick Beracy (517) 847-3591 Callahan 129.8 32.3 13.7 G. Lakes 150.9 34.8 11.3 Osseo SChmidt Farms (517) 567-8525 Bay City .. Helmreich Crop Servo (517) 684-9449 Stine 124.9 31.7 18.6 Dairyland 150.1 28.9 12.1 Parma Lauren Milligan (517) 531-4024 Buckley Frank Lipinski (616) 269-4040 Crow's 124.0 33.2 19.5 Stine 149.6 35.8 12.6 ................................................ .or (517) 531-4757 96 858 149.5 Cedar Springs ........ Vernon Starr (616) 6 -1 FUNKS 31.7 12.7 Reading ..Reading Feed & Grain (517) 283-2156 G. Harv. 148.4 33.7 13.8 Fremont.. Ken Stroven (616) 924-3758 Saline Tom Hammond (313) 429-2836 2 Hale Dennis Nelkie (517) 728-301 Saline .... L&D Finkbeiner Farms (313) 429-9777 McBain McBain Grain Co. (616) 825-2172 Stockbridge Neal Conway (517) 565-3062 (616) 825-2614 McBain Quist Farms Southern Michigan - Early Southern Michigan - Late Tecumseh Steven Bishop (517) 423-8186 6 Merrill Donald Slodowski (517) 642-840 Monroe, Branch, and Cass County Trials Monroe, Branch, and Cass County Trials Williamston ......... John Hoskins (517) 655-1692 Average of all entries for a given Average of all entries for a given Mt. Pleasant Tom Fox (517) 644-5127 company in 1992 company in 1992 Bob Morse Yerrltory Manager Kalamazoo (517) 373-5495 New Era Dan Lombard (616) 861-4430 Company Yield. Moist. Cargill Company Yield Moist. Cargill Advantage Advantage Albion Charles Frederick (517) 629-5083 Newaygo Bud Beeler (616) 652-7264 Cargill 201.5 26.6 Cargill 189.6 33.3 Bangor Greg Piper (616) 427-8804 Ovid Robert Wilcox (517) 834-2387 DeKalb 199.1 25.3 2.4 G. Lakes 188.5 32.7 1.1 Centreville Hillcrest Farms (616) 467-7805 Paris Dick Ford (616) 796-7939 N. King 192.6 22.8 8.9 N. King 188.3 33.7 1.3 Ceresco William Densham (616) 979-3274 Pentwater Merton Cummins (616) 869-5246 Callahan 190.3 28.7 11.2 RENK 184.8 33.1 4.8 Crow's 181.6 32.8 8.0 Charlotte Charles Bingham (517) 543-0807 Perrinton Gary Mininger (517) 236-5186 FUNKS 189.3 27.2 12.2 G. Lakes 188.5 32.7 13.0 Stine 181.2 32.3 8.4 Coldwater Ross & Rick Byers (517) 278-8690 Pewamo Larry Simon (517) 587-6968 G. Harv. 185.8 27.0 15.7 Dairyland 176.4 32.7 13.2 Coopersville Langeland Farms (616) 857-8951 Posen Hardies & Sons (517) 379-3053 183.6 25.8 17.9 FUNKS 175.8 33.2 13.8 Dairyland Dowagiac Edward Guse (616) 782-7065 Saginaw Rodney Romain (517) 781-2744 RENK 177.2 26.9 24.3 Jacques 174.4 34.0 15.2 AMCORN 173.4 32.6 16.2 East Leroy Fuller Farms (616) 729-4443 Saranac .David Walter (616) 642-9509 Trelay 171.3 29.3 30.2 Crow's 169.7 24.9 31.8 Fennville Clois Ray McCarty (616) 561-2369 Shepard Howard/Elmer Feltman (517) 828-6008 AMCORN 149.9 26.8 51.6 Gobles John Schaendorf (616) 676-5288 Sheridan Richard Thibideau (517) 291-5745 Hastings Crest Hill Dairy (616) 367-4451 St. Johns Rhonda Gingrich (517) 224-4606 Holland Don Boersen (616) 875-8076 Standish Standish Milling Co. (517) 846-6911 Why Not Plant More Cargill in 1993? Holton Bob Bean (616) 821-0159 West Branch Jerry Lehman (517) 345-3906 Save up to 80/0 Through March 31, 1993 - Call Todayl Homer Dwight BucJJ (517) 568-3736 . Michigan Farm News March Discussion Topic - The Cost of Education •• February 15, 1993 America's founding fathers believed that spread perception that property taxes are D Cost containment through increased a representative democracy could only sur- not fair. efficiency and innovation. As this goes to press, the governor and state vive if citizens were educated and well-in- Legislature are unveiling a variety of formed. As a result, broadly available pub- Delegates to the 1992 Michigan Farm Bu- D Funding at 50 percent local/50 percent school finance reform plans. Michigan licly-funded schools have been a tradition reau annual meeting thoroughly debated state, plus lottery revenue. Farm Bureau will closely evaluate these in this country. the property tax question. The final policy proposals to determine their compatibility they approved states a belief that school D Additional funding phased in over with Farm Bureau policy. But in Michigan in recent years, the rising finance reform is needed to achieve equal three to five years, with revenue in- cost of education, the reliance on property educational opportunities for all Michigan creases limited to no more than 15 per- Each Farm Bureau member has a responsi- taxes as the major source of school funding children. cent of the previous year. bility to become well-informed about the and perceived inequities in school spending finances of his or her local school district. have fueled efforts to reform education fi- The policy says that opportunities for re- D Require that school aid state funding Take an active role in encouraging cost nance. Property taxes raise about $6.4 bil- form include: . reflect current year enrollment. containment efforts and efficient spending lion for schools each year, with the state of scarce local resources. With your input, providing funding to the tune of $3.7 bil- D Reducing the current 50 milllimita- Furthermore, the policy states that "all state Michigan schools can move closer to the lion. Because some communities are tion. aid formulas must be fully funded. There American ideal of outstanding education at wealthier than others, per pupil spending also must be full funding for state mandated an acceptable price. across the state varies widely -- from $2,600 D Tax base sharing which requires that programs whether new or amended. Reve- to $8,600. one-half of the growth in commercial nues to be used for school finance must be and industrial property taxes for earmarked for the state School Aid Fund. Discussion Questions: Your property tax bill is based on the S.E. V. school operations be distributed to (state equalized value) of your property 1. What alternative sources of revenue local in-formula school districts on a Reorganization of school districts should be times the millage. Unlike income taxes and should be used to replace lost revenue per pupil basis. studied and considered but should continue sales taxes, which vary depending on the from property tax reductions? to be voluntary. We support a reduction of amount of money you make or spend, prop- D Equalize to the extent possible per property taxes with a shift to other sources 2. How can school districts fulfill state erty taxes are levied regardless of the ability pupil spending. to replace the lost revenue with the shift to pay. So, despite several laws designed to mandated programs, such as handi- being earmarked specifically for education. capped and special education require- provide equity and reduce property taxes for D Full state funding of transportation for However, any change should be revenue ments, and still remain in-formula? retired persons and farmers, there is a wide- students. neutral." 3. How can school systems compete for and keep good teachers? Grassroots in Action - MFB's 4. Can you suggest any cost contain- Lansing Legislative Seminar Series ment and/or efficiency measures that might be implemented in your district? Michigan Farm Bureau members will once again be able to participate in the an- nual Lansing Legislative Seminar series, to Van Buren discuss issues such as property tax reform, County Farm Taylor school finance, local pesticide pre-emption, Bureaumem- and medical malpractice with their legisla- bers present WATER STOVE This is the safest. most effi- tors. Rep. Mick cient wood heat system on Middaugh (R- the market today. This is the ideal opportunity for Farm Bu- Paw Paw) • Set Outside reau members to make their views and con- (second from • Non-Pressurized cerns known where it really counts - face to right, front • Provide 100% of house- face with their respective legislators, ac- row) with a hold heat and hot water cording to MFB Public Affairs Director Al • Stainless Steel Elimi- Michigan nates Corrosion Almy. Farm Bureau • UL Usted Policy Book • Thermostatic Control "This conference has built up a great deal of during a past T& T Sales . 12 to 24 hr. Burn Time credibility with legislators over past years," Lansing Leg- said Almy. They know and understand that 2428 W. Saganing Road - Bentley. MI 48613 islative Semi- the people attending these seminars are nar. (517) 846-01 00 Day or Evenings genuine farmers with a genuine desire to meet and talk on issues affecting their farm operations. " Registration is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. each day, followed by a legislative briefing by MFB Public Affairs staff, prior to meeting with respective legislators dur- ing lunch, and during the afternoon. In ad- dition to meeting with legislators in the afternoon, members will also have an op- portunity to attend House and Senate ses- sions, and participate in a capitol tour. Specific meeting dates for respective county Farm Bureaus are as follows: February 16: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Mason, Mecosta, Mont- calm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osce- Travel to England, European Adventure Tour ola, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Shiawassee and Van Buren County Farm Bureaus. Ireland, Scotland, visiting Austria, & Wales Svvitzerland 8« Italy March 30 July 8-23,1993 August 14-25, 1993 Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Huron, Jack- son, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Ma- One does not need the "Luck of the Irish" to enjoy the Our 12-day central European tour takes in the beautiful comb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Sanilac, many attractions included in this deluxe package. This countryside of Austria, the mountains of Italy and the Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne County 16-day tour is full of many great attractions including lakes of northern Italy as we visit Fairy tale Bavaria, the Farm Bureaus. such things as Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Blarney Passion play villageofOberammergau, the Italian resort March 31 Castle, Waterford Crystal factory, Duhlin~ Edinburgh of Stresa and Linderhof Castle. Akona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Castle, an overnight stay in Ruthin Castle in Wales, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chip- theatre tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Theatre produc- This European tour includes roundtrip airfare, transfer, pewa, Clare, Copper Country, Emmet, tion, a Medieval Banquet, a visit to Stonehenge, deluxe motorcoach transportation, first class and Gladwin, Gratiot, Hiawathaland, Iosco, Iron Range, Isabella, Kalkaska, Mac-Luce, Buckingham Palace, and a tour of London, as well as Tyrolean-style hotel accommodations, European-style Manistee, Menominee, Midland, London Theatre tickets. Our package includes roundtrip buffet breakfast daily, 1 dinner, and much more. The Missaukee, Montmorency, Northwest airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations, 24meals and much Fann Bureau member price is $1,725. Non member price Michigan, Ogemaw, Otsego, Presque Isle, more for $2,799 per person. Saginaw, and Wexford County Farm Bu- is $1,755 per person. reaus. For additional meeting information and reg- istration, contact your local county Farm Bureau office. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMAll0N CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. - 3067. Michigan Farm News •• February 15, 1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - r--------------------------~ I I I a_81 _., .1"111 21' AWMINUII grain eleva- tor with 314 hp, dust free electric motor, stored inside POLLED Simmental and heifers, Fleckbieh blood- lines, performance tested, bulls 130 COW Dairy facililty for sale. Harvestore, Slunystore, Trigon Parlor. Extra land and and is good shape. $175 firm. bulls had 7221bs weaning feed available. Free natural WINTER SPECIAL Call 3f3-727-1060 HINIKER RIDGING evenings. tor. 8 row with bean shields Cultiva- weight average. Wm Garvey, Charlotte. 517-543-2938. QUAUTY ANGUS BREED- gas in house. 1-800-982-5687. DAIRY FARM 188 acres, 6 miles west of Owosso with Buy 2 Issues and weighted bar. $8000 or best offer. 616-467-6109, 7pm please. ING STOCK tested, Bulls semen tested. Free delivery. Also Border Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. Performance frontage on M-21 and Baldwin Road. information. 517-485-8885 for UNCOLN WELDERS, weld- Get 3rd Issue ing supplies and Harris Cutting Torches available at money-saving discounts to BORDNER ANGUS FARMS Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. REGISTERED Holstein HillSDALE Vacant farmland, mostly till- able in PA116. Terms, rents COUNTY Farm Bureau members. The Service age bulls from high for $60 an acre. $800 an acre. FREE savings are even greater during the -Early Winter Sale" Dec. 1 - 8. For more informa- producing 24,000 $800-$900. pound dams. MBM Pasch Out of herd. Call 313-495-0482. SAGINAW acres, 60 tillable with nice COUNTY 100 tion, contact your local Group Farms. Call 517-644-3519. home and pole barn. Call Purchasing vendor, or call REGISTERED Yorkshire and Muladore Real Estate 1-800-292-2680, ext., 2015. Hampshire Boars and open 517-799-7460 or Tom Schaf- NEW KRAUSE 24' lands- Gilts. Also bred Gilts, some fer 517-770-4886. man and Krause 18' Rockalex carrying F-l litters. 36 years disk, Krause 15' no-till drill. of quality breeding stock. Deadline for next issue is February 19, 1993 Sweeney Farm., Mich. 313-587-3340. ORIGINAL Maybee, EQUIPMENT Marvin Cook, Mulliken, MI. 517-649-8988 ROl-OYl CATTLE OILERS, .lliBI VISA Call 1-800-968-3129 • Manufacturer tillage parts rated quality at discount prices. A full line of replace- 5 year guarantee, no pumps, minerai oil with Permectin II. Safe on all production lives- WANTED Bine-beater, single drum, 80 inches wide, Olsen or Speedy etc. Gene Syman- to Place Your Classified Ad Today! ment wear parts for plows, chisels and discs for all of your fall needs. For more tock and pets. Brewer Farms, Clare. evenings. 517-386-2773 zik, 8146 Baldwin Ad, Good- rich, 313-636-2775. Mich 48438. Call or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Information call your local SULKIE PACING MARES for Group Purchasing vendor, or sale. Bred and ready to start Michigan Farm News call 1-800-292-2680, 2015. ext. you in racing business. Will rebreed at 1/2 regular price. "}{ "'}!~;I::~{{{{{{{{:~:::~:!~:}~{{:}~;I :11111~111[111!1:!!III~!!:[I!~~1111!ltl!\~1\11!1:I:il[l:!I\!~!I~l\!!I[\l:[:1 Classified Advertising PARTS for Tractors and self- propelled combines, will buy Jack 616-924-3796. Sanderson • CROP INSURANCE It's time used and burned combines. P. O. Box 340, 109 N. Lafayette Contact Bob Bamgras, Centr- al Michigan Tractor Parts, FOURTEEN cows, 7 heifers (Hereford, Cross-bred to start planning for your 1993 crop insurance needs. If you Angus, Charlais) bred to Greenville, MI48838 2713 N. U.S. 27, Sl Johns, MI 48879, 517 -224-6802 or Umousia, due in April, one Umousia b'JII, 2Y1 years. Karl have questions about crop insurance, call your author- ized Farm Bureau Insurance soo..248-9263. Yoder, Blanchard, agent or contact Jim Gallagh- Classified Ad Codes PA TZ New equipment, many 517-866-2348. er in the Farm Bureau Insur- machines in stock. Interest ance home office, - I . 1. Farm Machinery 7. Auctions rates starting at 4.9%. .:.:.:.:.:. :::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::::. 517-323-7000, ext. 2741. 2. Livestock Equipment 3. Farm Commodities 8. Building Materials 9. Real Estate Wyngarden Freemont, anytime 616-924-3176. Equipment MI 49412. Call PATZ USE~ Bia chain pops l"I'I~11 FARMER NEEDS depend- RNEST MICHIGAN GROWN strawberry plants. All state inspected, grown on fumi~ted and asparagus Sandy 4. Livestock 10.8eeds off? We have ihe ans'Ner. able, non-smoking farm hand loam soil. Write for free illus- in exchange for farm labor. trated price list. Krohne Plant 5. Help/Position Wanted 11. Wanted to Buy Reconditioned drive heads ready to go. Service work on Carpentry skills desirable. Farma Rt. 6, Box 586, Dowa- Possible long term situation. giac, Mich 49047. 6. Agricultural Services 12. General Gutter cleaners and silo Details 616-582-6294. 616-424-5423 un loaders. Will go anYwhere in Michigan. Call anytime GOLF-FARMING .... Your liilfl_1 Wyngarde,n Equipment sandy farm might be greener Name Phone ( Freemont,' MI 49412. than you think. Imagine 616-924-3176. creating your own profitable I Address RECONDITIONED PA TZ 98 AG-LIME SPREADING Louis golf course just like a profes- sional. Call 517-291-3322. B Silo Unloader superior to Young Farm. 12196 Quarter- City State Zip new .. Also previously owned HI-TENSilE FENCE line Rd, Constantine, MI SUPPUES pressure treated Patz Gutter cleaner. Wyngar- 49042. Call 616-435-7560, posts and temporary fence Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues den Equipment Fremont, MI 616-435-9665. supplies. Order early for guar- 49412. 616-924-3176. anteed spring delivery. High- Desired Insertion Date(s): . BIRD FERTiliZER est quality materials. USED JD210 DISK JD220 SERVICES .. 1100 N Irving, 517-386-3517 or disk, JD 27 field cultivator, Greenville. Fertilizer, chemi- 517-386-2382. Don Nevill. Glenco disk chisel 11 shank cals, seed; lime, feed. Soil Me~odofPayment . 24 hole International press testing, truck spreading and POWER TWIST and adjust- Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) wheel grain drill. Sweeney custom spraying. Call able V-Belts at discount .Farm., Maybee, Michigan 616-754-3684. prices. For more information, 313-587-3340. Visa Card Number Exp. Date contact your Group Purchas- ing local vendor, or call 'Jltl .'!tlll 1-800-292-2680, ext., 2015. Master Card Number Classified Rates $8 for up to 24 words Exp. Date __ DEXTER dual purpose -Mini" 10 ACRE PARCELS west of Adrian. Mostly tillable, some WIRELESS ALARMS. Lets you know any time someone walks or drives into your place I Easy installa- DRIVEWAY cattle. Also rare registered woods, lots of wildlife. tion. Call or write for free Cotswold sheep and Cots- brochures: Paxton Enter- 30 cents each additional word ,wold cross ewe lambs. Cots- wold fleeces for spinning. $14,900 each parcel. terms. F-731. Faust Eatate Adrian. Real EZ prises, 48E 600N, Fortville, IN 46040. Call 800-872-9866 or Write your ad here, including phone number and area code 616-674-8885 eves best. 517-263-8666. 317-326-2838. 234 5 6 7 8 MCIA SEED TESTING LAB EXPERIENCED ANALYSTS 9 10 11 12 2 REGISTERED SEED TECHNOLOGISTS FAST RELIABLE SERVICE 13 14 15 16 SEED TESTING PERFORMED ON FIELD 17 18 19 20 CROPS, VEGETABLES, & FLOWERS TESTS PERFORMED: Standard Germ Cold Germ I Vigor 21 22 23 24 Purity TZ Viability I Vigor 27 28 Noxious Weed Exam Seed Counts 25 26 Moisture Accelerated A in 30 31 32 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 29 MICHIGAN CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOC. , P.O. BOX 21008, LANSING MI 34 35 36 48909, PHONE 517/355-7555, FAX 517/355-4554 ' 33 SERVING FARMERS SINCE 7904 , L ----------------------~ Michigan Farm News I •• I February 15, 1993 - Michigan Corn Information Exchange - - CORN SELLER'S - Lynn Griffin, Charlotte, Eaton Hogle Truck Lines, Middleton, Gerald Martinez, Rodney, r------------------------------------ I County. Estm. 400 acres. Call Gratiot County. Estm. 4,000 Mecosta County. Estm. 2,000 Larry Wineland, Dewitt, Clinton 517-543-1856 bu. Call 517-236-7225 between bu. Call 616-867-3440 anytime. I I Michigan Corn Information County. Estm. 76 acres. Truck- ing available. Call in p.m. 517- P. John Parrent, Sandusky, 8 a.m and 5 p.m. Trucking avail- able. Gene Weisenberger, New I Exchange Free Listing Coupon 482-6556. Sanilac County. Estm. 50,000 Lothrup, Saginaw County. bu. Call 313-648-3009 or 648- Roger Bloss, Swartz Creek, Estm. 100 acres. Can dry and Name: _ Vaughn Vondrasek, Bath, Clin- 2151 - Ask for John or Randy. Genesee County.Estm. quick and easy loading. Call ton County. Estm. 300 acres. 15,000 bu. Call 313-635-3788 517-845-3366 early a.m. or Trucking available. Call in a.m. Robert Friederich, Petersburg, after 8 p.m. Trucking available. evenings. Trucking available. County:, _ 517-641-4584. Monroe County. Estm. 50 acres. Call 313-279-2539 Brad Goslin, Gagetown, Diffin Farms (Francis), Burt, City:, _ Marion May, Quincy, Hillsdale Tuscola County. Estm. Saginaw County. Estm. County. Estm. 200 acres. Dale Seyfred, Galien, Berrien 40,000+ bu. Call 517-665-2549 50,000 acres. Dry but low test Trucking available. Call in a.m. County. Estm. 45,000 bu. Call p.m. Trucking available (30 mile weight. Call 517-624-9166 any- Phone: _ 517-869-2322 a.m. 616-545-8358 (anytime) Truck- radius) time. Trucking available. ing available. Quantity (in bushels):, __ Dean Shrontz, Olivet, Calhoun Gary Harper, Onsted, Lenawee Richard Belson, Pittsford, County. Estm. 400 acres. Scott Baker, Jonesville, County. Esmt. 25,000 bu. Call Hillsdale County. Estm. Trucking available. Call in a.m. Hillsdale County. Estm. 517-467-4758 after 6 p.m. 10,000 bu. Call 517-383-2280. Fill out this coupon and mail it directly to: 616-781-2180. 10,000 bu. Call 517-894-2864 Trucking available. (anytime) Trucking available. Terry Roggenbuck MSU Outreach Communications Edward Feuerstein, Belding, Richard Kessler,Jr., Montague, (Roggenbuck Farms Inc.) Har- do MCIE, Room 312 Ag Hall Ionia County. Estm. 100 acres. Auburn Bean & Grain, Auburn, Oceana County. Estm. 6,000+ bor Beach, Huron County. Trucking available. Call in a.m. Bay County. Estm.450,000 bu. bu. Call 616-894-8876 after 8 Estm. 100,000 bu. dried -- 400 East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 616-642-9798. Call 517-662-4423 either a.m. p.m. No trucking available. acres standing. Call 517-479- or p.m. Trucking available. 6902, 479-6515 or 479-6761 You can also phone your listing in by calling: Jeff Bristle, Manchester, Wash- Gail Bennett, Caro, Tuscola anytime. Trucking available. tenaw County. Estm. 20,000 Jerry Jacobs, Birch Run, County. Estm. 40,000 bu. Call Michigan Farm News, 1-800-968-3129 bu. Call 313-428-7113. Saginaw County. Estm. 517-673-6934 anytime. Truck- Jack Gerber, Scottsville, or Paul Thelen, Fowler, Clinton 30,000 bu. Call 517-624-9496 in a.m. Trucking available. ing available. Mason County. Estm. 4,000 - Michigan State Univ., (517) 336-1555 6,000 bu. Call 616-843-2773. County. Estm. 3,000 bu. Call Chucl5 or John Adams, Jack- 517-587-6874. Larry Horton, Lansing, com lo- son, Jackson County. Estm. Harry Kline, Wacousta, Clinton Be prepared to provide the same information as re- cated in Gratiot County. Estm. 25,000+ bu. Call 517-536-4625 County. Estm. 7,000 - 8,000 quested above when calling. No additional information Dewitt Grain Corp., DeWitt, 10 acres Call 517-337-5085 or 536-4454 p.m. Trucking bu. Call 517-626-6477. will be taken or used in the listing. Clinton County. Estm. Unlim- Trucking available. available. ited. Will delivery and also do Gary Brownell, Ionia, Ionia grinding. Call 517-669-5950. Nile Clevenger, Stanton, Mont- John B. Hersch, Chesaning, County. Estrn. 50 acres. Call Garry Harper, Onstead, Mueller Bean Co., Sunfield, calm County. Estm. 57 acres. Shlawassee County. Estm. 517-855-2030. Lenawee County. Estm. Eaton County. Estm. 250,000 John Hamilton, Manchester, Call 517-831-4274 anytime. 3,000+ bu. Call 517-845-6238 25,000 bu. Call 517-467-4758. bu. (dry - 15%) Call 517-566- Washtenaw County. Estm. after 3 p.m. No trucking avail- Doug Shannon, Fairgrove, 8031 anytime. Trucking avail- 9,000 bu. Call 517-592-8444. Hitchcock Brothers (Scotty), able. Isabella County. Estm. 40,000 Larry Butchen, Wheeler, able. Williamston, Ingham County. bu. Call 517-693-6369. Gratiot County. Estm. 300 Dave Kent, Alto, Kent County. Estm. 30,000 bu. Call 517-655- Elwyn Schnick, Owosso, acres. Call 517-842-3189 eve- Harold VanBonn, Winn, Estm. 3,500 bu. Call 616-765- 3198 anytime. Trucking avail- Shlawassee County. Estm. Dennis Hefferon, Belding, Kent nings. Isabella County. Estm. 150 3073 or 616-765-3094. able. 6,000+ bu. Call 517-845-6570 County. Estm. 100,000 bu. Call acres (28-29% moisture). Call after 3 p.m. Trucking possible 616-794-2527. Joe Schweitzer, Sparta, Kent 517-866-2275 a.m. or eve- Harold Mennemix, Alto, Kent Ruggles Beef Farm, Kingston, after 1/1/93. County. Estm. 9500 bu. Call nings. No trucking. County. Estm. 195 acres. Call Tuscola County. Estm. 15,000 Warfins Bros., Hemlock, 616-784-6182. 616-868-6639. bu. Call 517-683-2459 Trucking John Seif, Caledonia, Kent Saginaw County. Estm. Terwillegar Farms, Freeland, available. County. Estm. 50,000 bu. Call 12,000 bu. Call 517-642-5849 Dan Hart, Freeland, Midland Midland County. Estm. 80,000 Maxwell Seed Farm, Hope, 616-877-0046. or 642-8590. County. Estm. 900 acres. Call bu. Call 517-835-5653. Truck- Midland County. Estm. 1,200 Albert Ruggles, Kingston, 517-695-5409. ing available. acres. Trucking available -large Tuscola County. Estm. 50,000 Pa41Austin, Cass City, Sanilac Jim Cosenblik, Lennon, Gene- volume. Call in a.m. Farm # bu. Call 517-683-2849 County. Estm. 6,500 bu. Call see County. Estm. 10,000 bu. Omega Farms, Webberville, In- John Coon, Mt. Pleasant, 517-689-3653. 517-872-2249. Call 313-621-3662. gham County. Estm. 50,000 Isabella County. Estm. 15,000 Lonnie Kester, Millington, bu. Call 517-468-3366. - 20,000 bu. Call 517-773-3328 Don Borgic, Wayland, Allegan Tuscola County. Estm. 25,000 Dave Eltman, Pigeon, Huron Gary Krug, Bad Axe; Huron a.m. Trucking available. County. Estm. 8,000 bu. Call bu. Call 517-871-4949 Willing to County. Estm. 18 acres. Call County. Estm. 50,000 bu. Call Dale Schmitt, Standish, Arenac 616-792-2627 after 4:30 p.m. custom store in a Harvestore 517-453-2507. 517-269-9697. County. Estm. 3,000 bu. Call Schlicht Farms, Vassar, until needed at a later date. 517-846-6745. Tuscola County. Call 517- Bob Humpert, Fairgrove, Erwin Rytlewski, Auburn, Bay Clifford Besaw, New Lothrup, 823-3483 or 517-823-7886. Tuscola County. Estm. 100 Schmandt Farms, Vassar, County. Estm. 90 acres. Call Shlawassee County. Estm. Pater Brothers Farms, Grand- acres. Call 517-693-6415 in Tuscola County. Estm. 517-662-6746. 18,000 bu. (dried). Call 313- ville, Ottawa County. Estm. Ken Davis, Ashley, Gratiot a.m. Trucking available. 100,000 bu. Call 517-823-8639. 638-7528 (home) 695-4660 (of- 20,000 bu. Call 616-896-9387 County. Estm. 6,000 bu. Call Trucking available. Don Rickett, Carsonville, fice). anytime. Trucking available. 517-847-3861 p.m. Trucking Gerald Resner, Pinconning, Sanilac County. Estm. 12,000 available. Bay County:Estm. 120 acres. Marlin Herford, Pigeon, Huron bu. Call 313-657-9712. Jenuware Bros., Armada, Ma- Raymond Oates, Waldron, Call 517-879-4760 early a.m. or County. Estm. 370 acres. Call comb County. Estm. 10,000 HlIIsdaleCounty.Estm.80,000 Gordon E. Thompson, late p.m. Trucking available. 517-375-2357 anytime. Truck- DavidVandenBunte, Martin, Al- bu. Call 313-784-5956. - 90,000 bu. Call 517-286-6241. Hillsdale, Hillsdale County. ing available. legan County. Estm. 250 Estm. 100 acres. Call 517-437- Neil French, Munger, Bay acres. Call 616-672-7266. Neil Clevenger, Stanton, Mont- Joe Catarinia, Tecumseh, 4287 a.m. County. Estm. 10,000 bu. Call Bremer Brothers (Dale), Mun- calm County. Estm. 58 acres. Lenawee County. Estm. 517-755-o9n (work) or 517- ger, Bay County. Estm. 10,000 Ralph Ruggles, White Lake, Call 517-831-4274. 15,000 bu. dry, shelled. Call Jim Clark, Mondon Ind. Estm. 659-2265 (home). Trucking bu. (dried; hi-quality com) Call Oakland County. Estm. 100 517-423-4007. 10,000 bu. Call 219-253-7132 available. 517-659-2497 in the p.m. acres. Call 313-887-4992. Ron Balder, Auburn, Bay a.m. Trucking available. Trucking available. County. Estm. 2 million bu. Call Jeff Knoblauch, Blissfield, John Welke, Mayville, Tuscola Hawkins Homestead, Mason, 517-662-4423. Lenawee County. Estm. 7,000 County. Estm. 4,000 bu. Call Pete Rufenacht, Waldron Grain Ingham County. Estm. 400 bu. dry com and 5,000 other. -TRUCKING- 517-843-5320 in p.m. Trucking & Fuel, Waldron, Hillsdale acres. Call 517-628-2050. Gene Meijer, Shepard, Isabella Call 517-486-4627. Trucking Services (hopper trail- available. County. Estm.700,000 bu. seil- County. Estm. 150 acres. Call ers and grain trains) and access ing wet or dry. Call 517-286- John Hersh, Chesaning, 517-828-6476. David Gross, Midland, Midland to large HMC volume. Vick Par- Bill Buckenmeyer, Swanton, 6201 durinQ working hours. Shlawasse County. Estm. County. Estm. 4,000 bu. Call ker, Charlotte, Eaton County. OH Estm. 600 bu. Call 419-829- Trucking available. 3,000 bu. Call 517-845-6238. Carrol R. Parr, Charlotte, Eaton 517-638-7422. Trucking avail- Call anytime at 517-543-3761 4717 anytime. Trucking avail- County. Estm. 50 - 60 acres. able. (office) or 616-967-1554 (mo- able. Roger Root, Cass City, Alvin Bickle, Vassar, Gratiot Call 517-543-4709. bile). Tuscola County. Estm. 10,000 County. Estm. 20 acres. Call M. Marshall, Richfield, Jeff Reed, Owosso, bu. Call 517-872-3718 p.m. 517-652-2380. Willard Jurgess, Bad Axe, Hillsdale County. Estm. Scott Baker, Plainsite Farms, Shlawassee County. Estm. up only. Trucking available. Huron County. Estm. 50,000 80,000 bu. Call 517-452-3162. Jonesville, Hillsdale County. to 100 acres. Calf 517-723- Pat at Sheridan Farm Limited, bu. (Dry, shelled). Call 517-269- Call 517 -894-2864 anytime. 5205 in the a.m. Trucking avail- David Houghtaling, Reese, Fairgrove, Tuscola County. 2305. Will deliver. Tom Todd, Croswell, Sanilac Truck capacity: 900 - 1200 bu. able. Tuscola County. Estm. 350 Estm. 40,000 bu. Call 517-673- County. Estm. 8,000 bu. dry acres. Call 517-868-4219 or 2984. Irvin Wisinski, Parma, Bay and 15,000 bu. wet. Call 313- Terry Wright, Lake City, Gerald Hubbard, Freeport, 659-2478 early morning or late County. Estm. ? Call 517-662- 679-9829. Missaukee County. Call 616- Kent County. Estm. 3,000 bu evening. Trucking available. Gene Wisenbergen, New 6746. 839-4957 either early a.m. or dry & wet ear com. Call 616- Lothrop, Saginaw County. Pete Ratajezmak, Munger, Bay late p.m. Truck capacity: 22 ton. 765-5301 Jim Kozunplik, Lennon, Estm. Large quantity. Call 517- John Schaffner, Manchester, County. Estm. 35,000 - 36,000 Shlawassee County. Estm. 80 845-3366. Washtenaw County. Estm. bu. dry. Call 517-659-3320. Rocky Wright, Gaylord, Otsego Doug Shepard, Birch Run, acres. Call 517-621-3662 eve- 700 bu. Call 313-475-8802. County. Call 517-732-1021 ei- Saginaw County. 'Estm. 100 nings. Steve Holsten, Birch Run, Robert Boettger, St. Johns, ther early a.m. or late p.m. Truck acres. Call 517-642-56n Saginaw County. Estm. 2,000 Bill McClintic, Merrill, Saginaw Clinton County. Estm. 5,000 capacity: 22 ton. Zeeb Farms, Bath, Clinton - 3,000 bu. Call 517-652-9722. County. Estm. 10,000 + bu. bu. Call 517-224-3048 anytime. Steve Hord, Breckenridge, Mid- County. Estm. 35,000 bu. Call Call 517-843-7162 after 5 p.m. Trucking can be arranged. Larry Cline, St. Louis, Gratiot land County. Estm. 50,000- 517-641-6419 or 641-42n in Tom Hess, Tuscola County. Trucking available. County. Call 517-681-5305 60,000 bu. Call 517-842-3830 the a.m. Trucking available. Estm. 6,000 bu. Call 517-823- Tom Zyrowski, Brown City, after 8 p.m. 7026. Randy Walden, Birch Run, Sanilac County. Esmt. 60,000 Robert Hoffmaster, Hopkins, Larry Meyer, St. Louis, Isabella Saginaw County. Estm. 2,000 bu. Call 313-346-3711 p.m. Norm Mihills, Jones, Cass Allegan County. Estm. 5,000 County. Estm. 10,000 - 15,000 Neil Link, Ravenna, Muskegon bu. Call 517-624-5279. Trucking available. County. Call 616-244-5056 or bu. Call 616-793-7116 bu. Call 517-681-2672 a.m or County. Estm. 8,000 - 10,000 646-5105. late p.m. Trucking available. bu. Cafl616-889-5530. McClintic Farms (Art), Alma, Albert Faust, Britton, Lenawee Jeff Beebo, Alma, Gratiot Gratiot County. Estm. 25,000 County. Esmt. 5,000 bu. Call Citizens Elevator, Vermontville, County. Estm. 45,000 bu. Call Nyle VanSickle, Bellevue, Steve Short, Archbold Ohio. bu. Call 517-463-1140 anytime. 517-423-7551 anytime. Eaton County. Call 517-726- 517-463-465q Eaton County. Estm. 85 acres. Estm. 4,000 bu. Call 419-446- Dryer available. 0514. Truck capacity: 35 ton. Call 616-763-3110 anytime. 9493. Has truck for lease. Jon Garner, Vassar, Tuscola Don Day, Ceresco, Calhoun Richard Carpenter, Three Riv- County. Estm. 80,000 wet and K & R Trucking (Roger Pitts), County. Estm. 7,000 bu. (pop- Elmer Gross, Montrose, David Skjaerlund, Mt. Pleasant, ers, St. Joseph County. Estm. dry. Call 517-823-8814. Truck- Camden, Hillsdale County. corn). Call 616-781-5097 Saginaw County. Estm. 9,000 Isabella County, Estm. 18,000 1,000 bu. Call 616-279-2364. ing available. Call 517-254-4119 anytime. bu. Call 313-639-2612 after 7 bu. Call 517-626-6966 anytime. Bottom unloaders. Dean Lindemann, Dexter, p.m. Trucking available. Jeff Knoblauch, Blissfield, J. William Schmidt, Kawkawlin, Washtenaw County. Estm. Citizens Elevator, Vermontville, Lenawee County. Estm. 5,000 Bay County. Estm. 60,000 bu ')avid Uloth, Golden Valley 5,000 bu. Call 313-426-4342 John Richey, Ottawa Lake, Eaton County. Estm. 1,000 - in field - 7,000 dried. Call 517- Call 517-684-1865. Farms, Jasper. Call 517-443- Lenawee County. Estm. 50,000 bu. Call 517-726-0514. 486-4627 a.m. Trucking avail- ~495 anytime. Truck capacity: Peter Kern, S1.Johns, Clinton 45,000 bu. Call 517-486-4147 Will also haul. able. Smith Brothers, Lake Odessa, 900 bu. County. Estm. 10,000 bu. Call anytime. Trucking could be ar- Ionia County. Estm. 200,000 517-224-3422 ranged. bu. Call 1-800-878-2767. L Michigan Farm News February 15, 1993 FFA Convention During ANR Week at MSU About 1,000 members of the Michigan" The FFA conve'!tion will include ski/!ed competitions, business.meetir:gs, election FFA Organization will meet March 3-5 at of state FFA officers and presentat/~n o.f state FFA degrees, mcludmg.thl! 8.tate Michigan State University for their annual convention, which is part of Agriculture Star Farm~r and the State Star Agflbu~mess awards. Chapt~rs across Michigan are preparmg for a number of leadership contests, as was thiS group of students Michigan Commission of and Natural Resources (ANR) Week, Feb, last year from the Lowell FFA Chapter. Agriculture Elects Officers 26 - March 6 at MSU. More information David Crumbaugh of S1. Louis was elected about the FF A convention, to be held at the to a one-year term as chair of the Michigan MSU Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Commission of Agriculture at its January can be obtained from Charles Snyder at meeting in Grand Rapids. MSU by calling (517) 353-9221. Other newly elected officers include: John Crop-O- Rama, intended for FF A and 4- H A. Spero, Birch Run, vice-chair, and Keith members, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 H. McKenzie, Cassopolis, secretary. Don- p.m. March 3 in A155 MSU Plant and Soil ald W. Nugent, Frankfort, and Rita M. Reid, Science Building. Participants will Vulcan, are the remaining members of the demonstrate their skills in crop identifica- five-member bipartisan policy-making tion, soil judging and land use. There will body for the Michigan Department of Agri- also be an. agronomic quiz bowl for high culture. school juniors and seniors. For more infor- mation, call Larry Copeland at MSU at Crumbaugh, a commission member since (517) 353-4595. 1991, farms 1,200 acres of sugar beets, soy beans and feed corn. Appointed in 1991, FFA members can also participate in a Spero farms 550 acres, specializing in sugar Building Our American Communities beets, soybeans, pinto, kidney and navy workshop from 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 3 in beans, corn and wheat. Named to the com- E 100 MSU Veterinary Clinic. The work- mission in 1992, McKenzie owns and oper- shop will focus on the role that local FF A ates McKenzie Highlands, a hog and grain chapters can play in community improve- farm. ment. For more information, contact Louis Twardzik at MSU at (517) 353-5190. Nugent, a member since 1991, owns Nugent Farms; is president of Gateway Products, \. . Inc~; founder, general manager and director of GraceJand Fruit Cooperative, Inc. He served as commission chair in 1991 and TAKE' THE'.BITE OUT OF-DENTAL CARE COSTS 1992. Reid owns a 400-acre fann and is owner and manager of the New Brier Supper Club in Norway. First appointed in 1984, she served as chair in 1987. Tirrell - January Farm Bureau Volunteer of the Month ,.' Duane Tirrell of Charlotte, Eaton County, , , has been selected as Farm Bureau's January Volunteer of the Month winner. Duane and his wife, Pat, have three children and are actively involved in a family partnership with Duane's brother and father raising strawberries and sheep, in addition to the family's dairy and beef operation. Duane was recognized for his efforts and support of new county Farm Bureau presi- Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family dent training. During the recent training receive the dental care services you require - even'when sudden and costly needs arise. program, Duane conducted a workshop on member involvement, goal setting, and Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! working with the media. Duane is a past Single $18 per month • Couple $32 per month county president of the Eaton County Farm Member/C.hild $32 per month • Family $41 per month Bureau and is currently on the county's executive committee. _ .. ,."CH,CAN" . .... J:ARItI BUREAU TO RECEIVE ADDmONAllNFORMATION AND A DENTAL BROCHURE/APPUCATION - FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CAll DIRECT 1-~292-2680, EXT. - 3239. Please Print ~.~.w ~1~1W ~J" ~,~ ~ • 110• 12_ "' .. ' 55.110. '2 -$12.11&5 Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name &5 • 120 lI14 ----$".975 Membership Services BUilD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY ~ .... buIIdInga ~ .., boll up ..-nbIy P.O. Box 30960 Address lor Ill. do II your.ell bullde, I,om Ame,'e.'. I.,,, •• , dIs1rItlutot. w. ,.". _ 5,llClO ~ m.. 01 a/Iotl, Ierm, Lansing, MI 48909 ~. -a.I end ~ buIdWlgL AI_ City e_plete wI1Il ena"- .-ped perm" cIt8WInga 10 _I State ZIP ,. MelIA cocIK, 2lI ~ roof -.nnlJ, IIld ~ ..... c.u US ~ lot ..... Wann8IIon pec:Uge, IIld • quote on our lop ~ buIdlnga 01' building -..onenc partlI. Phnne MINI WAREHOUSE SALE S" 298 County ~ .)A.~ •• I •••• ~ ........ l .: ' ••••• ", :" •• :. ...- :.' ~