Michigan Farm News 1-=1 April 30, 1993 Vol. 70, No.8 Complying With Michigan Safety and Health Protection on the Job gram within 48 hours of an employee The poster included as a supplement to fatality or catastrophe. To report a fat~Jity this issue of the Michigan Farm News is or catastrophe, call (517) 322-1817 from 8 required by the Michigan Occupational a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or (517) 322-0333 Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA). Under after 5 p.m., holidays and weekends. MIOSHA, all agricultural businesses are covered by the act. Agricultural businesses The "employee right to know" or hazard employing one or more non-family workers communication requirements also have a at any time during the year must have a special limited application to agricultural copy of the MIOSHA poster displayed. operations if employees are exposed to haz- ardous chemicals. The MIOSHA program is jointly ad- ministered by two state departments. The Since MIOSHA does apply to every farm Department of Labor's Bureau of Safety with one or more non-family workers, and Regulations administers the safety should every farmer expect a MIOSHA in- provisions of the act, while the Department spection? The answer is no, for several of Public Health's Division of Occupation- reasons. al Health administers the health provisions of the act. A number of requirements con- First, staff and funding resources do not tained in MIOSHA apply to all employers, allow the program to inspect every place of including agriculture. business in the state. Both the MIOSHA safety and health programs use an inspec- At the time that MIOSHA was adopted in tion targeting system to identify which 1974, four federal OSHA standards were places of employment to include on the adapted to apply to agriculture - migratory inspection priority list. labor camps, which is enforced by the Department of Public Health, and slow dar year, immediately preceding the cur- lishments must keep records and par- The MIOSHA priority scheduling system moving vehicle emblems, anhydrous am- rent calendar year. ticipate in the survey. reviews the experience of an industry as monia, and pulpwo~d logging, all of which well as an employer's specific workers' are administered by the Department of In addition, if a farm operator is notified If an employee is fatally injured or there is compensation claim history to identify Labor. that the establishment has been selected by a "catastrophe," meaning that an accident which employers would be included in the the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics to or illness has occurred which required inspection priority list. Based upon this It was also recognized that the agricultural participate in the annual survey of occupa- hospitalization of five or more workers, the industry is unique in that many farms are tional injuries and illnesses, the estab- employer must notify the MIOSHA pro- small businesses, with demanding schedules and special hazards. The act provided that before MIOSHA could ini- tially apply standards to the agricultural community, it must first consult with the agricultural community. As a result of that consultation process, MIOSHA safety standards were developed The proposal would also constitutionally to address the agricultural community guarantee a $4,800 per pupil grant for all covering roll-over protection on agricul- K-12 school districts which levy 18 mills tural tractors, and guarding requirements on for school operating purposes. In .addition, certain farm field equipment. The Depart- The key provisions of Proposal A include the proposal raises the state sales tax to 6 ment of Public Health has added require- rolling back the assessments to 1992 levels, cents and constitutionally guarantees the ments for confined space entry and field which would eliminate the current 1993 additional 2-cent sales tax plus lottery sanitation. assessment increases. It would also limit proceeds to schools. future growth in assessments to inflation or 5 percent, whichever is less. See "Proposal- A " Pullout for The MIOSHA record keeping rules for oc- ;c.The proposed ~onstitutional amendment cupational injuries and illnesses must be School districts will be able to levy up to 18 More Details and Analysis would: followed when an employer has more than ..1.} Eimitforeach property parcel (excluding 10 employees at any time during the calen- non-voted mills and be able to levy up to >~new construction) annual assessment in- In his address to crease to 5 percent or the rate of inflation, Michigan Farm whichever is less. When property is sold or Bureau members transferred, adjust assessment according during the 1992 to current market value. state annual meet- ing, Michigan Gov. 2.) Reduce maximum school operating John Engler taxes to 18 non-voted mills. Permit districts promised the to levy up to nine additional voted mills. delegates that property tax would 3.} Reduce the 50-mill maximum property be high on the legis- tax limit to 40 mills. lative agenda. 4.) Increase the state sales and use tax 'There is a need rates to 6 percent. Dedicate this additional and a demand, in revenue and lottery proceeds to schools. my judgment, to both limit the rate of 5.} Establish a minimum state/local per- increases in assess- pupil funding guarantee, annually adjusted ments and actually for revenue changes. Provide a minimum 3 reduce the property percent per-pupil funding increase in 1993- tax burden as a 94. means of financing ~" '_lUOT~''.-If. a.-nil education," Engler Should this proposal be adopted? said. DYes 0 No School Finance Reform and Property Tax Relief - Proposal A Center Spread Pullout Michigan Farm News -. April 30, 1993 In Brief ... Census of Agriculture Proposal A - Only 75 percent of the farmers in Michigan have returned their 1992 Census of Agriculture "Opportunity forms, according to George Pierce of the Census Bureau. This means those who haven't returned their forms could be hindering decisions on farm programs, agriculture trade, and extension programs that affect farmers nationwide. for Change" Data from the Census of Agriculture are essential in allocating billions in agriculture funds. Farm disaster relief, farm loans and the distribution of Extension program funds depend on numbers reported in the census. In addition, government negotiators on agriculture com- modity trade also rely heavily on the data. As you'll read in detail in this issue of the Michigan Farm News, the School Finance Reform and Property Tax Relief proposal that will appear on the June 2 ballot The deadline for returning the forms is May I, 1993. The Bureau of the Census will be represents what Farm Bureau believes is a significant growth opportunity for sending follow-up mailings and conducting phone calls to non-respondents through the end Michigan agriculture. of May. If anyone has questions, or has lost their form and needs another, call toll free at 1-800-233-6132. In recent years, property taxes have been a major expense for every farm opera- tion. Even with the Homestead Credit (P.A. 20) and P.A. 116, property taxes have been a significant financial burden for family farmers. This reform proposal, by BST Approval Not Likely For Two Months rolling back assessments to the December 1992 levels and capping future assess- ment increases, takes a major step forward in easing the financial burden posed Don't expect Food and Drug Administration approval of the bovine growth hormone for by our current property tax system. at least one or two months. The FDA has decided to consider the issue of labeling at its May 5-7 Food Advisory Committee meeting. If this reform proposal passes, we as farmers will enjoy lower property taxes than we would otherwise. With lower property tax costs, Michigan farmers should find It is not yet known whether this hearing will focus on the narrow consideration of whether that their operating expenses will be much more competitive compared to farmers dairy products from BST treated cows must be labeled or whether it will consider the in surrounding states. In addition, as the property tax burden is reduced, Michigan broader issue of labeling biotechnology-derived food products in general. The hearing may businesses in general will be able to reinvest those dollars. That will translate into be a response to a request for a public forum on the labeling issue by Sen. Patrick Leahy expansion, more jobs and better off-farm income opportunities for farm families. (D- Vt.) and Sen. Russ Feingold (D- Wis.). Undoubtedly, the school finance reform proposal is a substantial change in the U.s. Grain Exports Lose Market Shares philosophy of school finance. If you agree that there needs to be a major shift in the way we finance schools, then approving this proposal is a significant step U.S. grain exports are projected to rise to 42.5 million tons in the 1992-93 marketing year toward that goal. -- up about two million tons from last year. Net exports of com, however, will be over five million tons lower than the average of the 10 years from 1981-82 to 1991-92. according to Historically, the state of Michigan has provided major funding for K-12 education. the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Grain and Feed Division. But over the years, millage and assessment increases gradually increased the portion of local support for school funding. This contributed to significant funding Interestingl y, at the same time, net exports of coarse grains from the European Community inequities between school districts. currently are forecast at eight million tons, compared to average net impons of three million tons during the 10-year period. Our loss is EC's gain. The school finance reform proposal addresses this situation by providing a "foun- dation guarantee," which for many districts will represent an increased level of Action Called For Against Canadian Potatoes funding that has not been possible under the current structure. The Farm Bureau has asked Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy to apply a so-called "snap- Because rural school districts have historically received fewer dollars under our back" tariff on Canadian potatoes moving into the United States at prices deemed lower current system than have urban and suburban districts, the "foundation guarantee" than the allowed level under the U.S-Canada Free Trade Agreement. will generally be a positive development that will help equalize funding for all students. In a letter to Espy, Farm Bureau said Canada has used the "snap-back" provision several times. It is a mechanism written into the law for just such purposes as now represented by In addition, the proposal broadens the base of school funding. Through its constitu- Canadian sales of potatoes in this country, Farm Bureau stressed. Its use should not provoke tional (not statutory) changes in the sales tax, it spreads the burden of school calls for retaliation or complaints of protectionism. It is a justifiable, temporary reinstate- finance more fairly across all sectors of society. ment of a slightly higher tariff to prevent unfairly priced imports of perishable products. As we look to future, it's clear that this proposal may not be the total answer to our school finance problems. But, it is a major change in course that limits property tax Increase In Beef Exports To Japan Expected increases, promotes economic growth and provides more equitable school fund- ing. I urge all Farm Bureau members to join me in voting "yes" on June 2. Now that Japan has reduced its tariff on beef from 60 percent to 50 percent, beef sales to Japan are expected to jump by a corresponding percentage. A spokesman for the National Cattlemen's Association (NCA) says there has been at least a I-to-I ratio of sales increases to tariff reductions in the past. When the tariff went from 70 percent down to 60 percent in 1992, U.S. beef exports to Japan increased by 18 percent, Jack Laurie, President said Clay Daulton, chainnan of the NCA's Foreign Trade Committee. Michigan Farm Bureau The latest reduction is expected to produce an increase in exports throughout the next few years. The U.S. beef industry will continue to seek tariff reductions in Japan. Sales of U.S. Clinton Budget Would Merge Three USDA beef to Japan rose to $2.145 billion in 1991 from $493 million in 1980. Japan is the number one export market for U.S. beef, with purchases of 275,270 metric tons in 1991, according Farm Services Operations to a Reuter news report. As part of ongoing efforts to restructure USDA, the Clinton administration budget proposes the merger of three separate farm agencies to achieve an estimated $700 million in savings Freight Issue To Hold Up Shipments To Russia in fiscal 1994 (Oct.-Sept.) through 1997, according to Knight-Ridder Financial News. Congress must tackle the freight issue before movement of the new food assistance package USDA Secretary Mike Espy said combining the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation to Russia can begin. Most of the $30 million the law allows for shipping expense on exports Service, the Farmers Home Administration and the Soil Conservation Service would allow funded under the Food for Progress program has already been used on previous shipments. farmers to do "one-stop shopping" to take care of all their government program require- ments. The other funding programs, which do not have a cap on transportation costs, cannot be used until Russia settles its overdue payments on U.S. guaranteed loans. Complicating the Currently, farmers sometimes have to travel to several different county offices to fill out .all funding problenl is the cargo pref~rence requirement that 75 percent of the merchandise the paper work to comply with, or apply for, USDA programs. The new Farm Serv~ce must be loaded on U.S. vessels, which charge substantially higher rates than foreign ships. Agency will make USDA programs "more farmer-friendly, more user-friendly, and certam- ly more accessible," Espy said. The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, The change would have to be approved by Congress, which has stipulated the existence of December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm certain USDA agencies in law, said USDA Budget Director Stephen Dewhurst. Also, a lot Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual of work would have to be done between now and the beginning of October to turn the three dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm agencies into a single functioning unit at both the headquarters and field service level, he Ne~ to non~~emb~rs and outside the C?ntinental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and predicted. additional mailing offices. Letters to the edItor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. The Clinton administration has proposed a fiscal 1994 budget of about $33.6 billion dollars for the Farm Service Agency, or about 300 million less than the combined budgets of the E~itorial: Dennis .R~dat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin; Donna Wilber; Henry HUlsJen. indivldual agencies in fiscal 1993. An expected drop in fiscal 1994 farm program spending levels contributes to that decline. Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck B,urke~; Treasurer an? C~iet Fina,ncial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Jim M.'"er, Colom~; ~Istnct 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom USDA claims a savings of only $60 million in fiscal 1994 from combining the three G~th.ne, De~ton; Dlstnct 5, Ma~ Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; agencies. But through the end of fiscal 1994, the department expects the new organizational D'stnct~, ~Ic,hard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West structure to save $700 million through more efficient operations and lower personnel costs. Branch, Dlstn~ 11, Robert Wah~hoff, Barag~. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover, Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Kurt Inman, Sturgis. Michigan Farm News April 30, 1993 Banks Say Farm Loan Repayment Improved 1992 Corn Chemical A Purdue University survey of bankers found 60 percent think farm borrowers' repayment records were better during the past six months than during the same period a year earlier, Use Summary Released according to Freddie Barnard, Purdue agricultural economist. The USDA's National Agricultural Statis- the most commonly used herbicide with 69 tics Service has published its third annual percent of Michigan's acreage being In the survey, 44 percent of the respondents thought repayments were slightly improved, field crops chemical use summary. treated. Metolachlor and alachlor followed while 16 percent said they were considerably better. Only 12 percent thought repayment with 38 and 28 percent, respectively. Chlor- rates had worsened since a year ago. The bankers expect the liquidation rate to remain about In Michigan, 380 sample com fields were pyrifos was the most widely used insec- the same this year as last, with 1.2 percent forced to liquidate part or all of their assets selected and the corresponding growers ticide. Thirteen percent of the planted because of inability to pay debts. That rate was up from the 0.6 percent in 1991, but not were interviewed in 1992. Growers acreage received one or more applications. nearly as high as the 3.0 percent in 1985, according to Barnard. provided a comprehensive list of all chemi- cals applied to each randomly selected Nationally, nitrogen was applied to 97 per- Interest rates on operating loans for 1993 are about 8.4 percent. That's down from the survey field. Every field planted to com had an cent of the total 1992 com acreage sur- results of 9.2 percent last year. The agricultural lenders expect the rate to creep up to about equal chance of being selected. veyed. Eighty-two percent received phos- 8.9 percent by next March. phate and 71 percent received potash. There were an estimated 2.7 million acres Ethanol's Future Cloudy Once More of com planted in Michigan in 1992, ac- Herbicides were applied to 96 percent of cording to the Michigan Agricultural the total com acreage. Atrazine was the Statistics Service. Of these, 96 percent most widely used herbicide used with 69 Despite ethanol's inclusion in the Clean Air Act, as proposed by former President Bush, received an application of nitrogen, 89 per- percent of the reported acreage being new proposals by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threatens the use of ethanol cent received phosphate and 85 percent had treated. in a clean-burning fuels program set to begin in 1995. The new EP A proposals call for additional restrictions <;methanol's use in the Reformulated Gasoline Program (RFG), potash applied. On average, growers ap- plied 1.9 applications of nitrogen statewide. Insecticides were used on 29 percent of the which could eliminate many of the incentives to use ethanol. acreage. Chlorpyrifos and terbufos were Com growers applied herbicides to 97 per- the most widely used with each being ap- In a letter to EP A Administrator Carol Browner, Kleckner expressed support for the intent plied to eight percent of the acreage. of the proposed rule that would allow refiners to use renewable oxygenates such as ethanol cent of the crop and insecticides were used in exchange for an increase in their vapor performance standards. "We are concerned, on 23 percent of the acreage. Atrazine was however, that the audit trail and compliance reporting requirements of the proposal will be so onerous that the economic incentives for refiners and marketers to use ethanol will be reduced or even obliterated," he said. Rails to Trails Legislation Makes Kleckner urged the EPA to develop compliance and reporting criteria that would allow Statewide Trail System a Possibility agriculture, the environment, and the economy to benefit from the use of ethanol in the A package of bills known as the Michigan during pesticide application and ap- RFG. According to MFB Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm, Farm Bureau is en- Trailways Act, which provides for a system propriate reentry periods. couraging members to write the EP A, prior to the May 14 deadline, to urge a resolution of state trailways to be used for public to the regulatory problems which stand as roadblocks to the use of ethanol. Letters recreation activities, has passed both the S.B. 225 (R-Pridnia) amends the state should be directed to: U.S. EPA (RSD-12), 2565 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 House and the Senate. Transportation Preservation Act of 1976 and requires the Department of Natural Beef and Dairy Participate in Cheeseburger Promotion Farm Bureau offered several amendments Resources to preserve the right of way of to the package consistent with MFB policy any Michigan Department of Transporta- Through a $7 million-plus promotion called "Double Cheeseburger Days," the beef and on abandoned railroads. The language in tion owned railbeds for future use as a rail- dairy industries in Michigan have united with producers across the nation to kick off the S.B. 224 (R-Geake) allows the Natural road line. summer season and tempt grocery store shoppers with delicious cheeseburger recipes and Resources Commission to designate a exciting opportunities to win $650,000 in cash-savings and prizes. Scheduled to run from Michigan trailway only if potential negative S.B. 203 (R-Ehlers) would release private May 10-30, the "Double Cheeseburger Days" promotion will draw consumers to retail meat, impacts oftrailway development on owners property owners from liability for injuries deli and dairy cases. Shoppers, who will learn about the promotion through radio, television or residents of adjacent property are mini- to a person who is on their land or premises and print advertisements, as well as colorful in-store displays, are encouraged to check their mized through all of the following: to enter or exit from or use a Michigan local papers to learn how to win exciting prizes. Funding for "Double Cheeseburger Days" trailway. is provided by beef and dairy producers throughout the beef checkoff - a $l-per-animal a) adequate enforcement, investment that is collected at the time of sale. b) maintenance of trailway crossings for The House passed all three bills unani- agricultural and other purposes, mously. S.B. 224 was amended by the c) construction and maintainence of fencing House to include a statewide trails advisory Complying With Michigan Safety and Health at the expense of the trail owner or operator, council. The package must go back to the Protection on the Job ...(continued from page 1) d) temporary closure of trail ways by the entity operating the trailway to allow pes- Senate for concurrence. process, certain places of employment are processing crops for other farm operations. ticide application on lands adjoining the According to MFB Legislative Counsel identified for a scheduled inspection each It is the work performed that determines trailway. The entity operating the trail way Vicki Pontz, MFB worked closely with the year. Of those place identified, some are which standards apply. may arrange with a landowner for the post- sponsors of the legislation to address con- farms. ing of signs or the closure of the trail way cerns of adjacent private property owners The MIOSHA program does more than en- and did not oppose the package of bills. The Department of Public Health follows force safety standards. The program main- the federal OSHA targeting system which tains an education and training component identifies high hazard industries, however, to help employers, including agricultural a substantial portion of the health operations, learn about MIOSHA require- program's inspection activity is responding ments and provide assistance on how to to employee complaints and referrals from come into compliance. other agencies. In the Department of Labor, the Safety and There are restrictions in the use of Education Training Division (SET) has a MIOSHA program funds to conduct in- staff of field-based consultants who are I spections on farm operations with less than available, at no cost, to work with 10 employees. These restrictions, however, employers at their locations to provide do not prohibit the MIOSHA program from educational programs and worksite surveys conducting special inspections regarding to identify hazards. SET maintains a library accidents, employee complaints and refer- of free safety literature and a lending library rals from other federal state or local govern- of films and videos. ing agencies. There is also a SET grant program which Agricultural inspections represents a very awards grants to non-profit organizations small portion of MIOSHA safety program for safety and health programs and services. inspections. During the program's 1991-92 A grant was awarded to the Huron County fiscal year, just seven inspections or inves- Health Department to present farm safety tigations, out of the Department of Labor's programs in an effort to heighten awareness 9,350 total program inspections, were con- of unsafe practices and risky behaviors on Morton Buildings is leading the industry with: ducted in agricultural operation with Stand- and around the farm. The programs and ard Industrial Classification 01 (Agricul- services are being provided to farmers, farm > New structural designs ~ 5O-year c:obm ... snow-Ioad II'Otection tural Production-Crops) and 02 (Agricul- workers, farm groups and students in > New structural capabilities (with no ~ ami) tural Production-Livestock and Animal Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac counties. > New color combinations ~ 2O-year JI'OtectIOn agamt red rust Specialties). These inspections resulted in > New building styles (b:UIng acid ram) citations for 12 serious and 23 other-than- To learn more about MIOSHA safety pro- > New exterior applications ~ 16-y_ wbHoad II'OtectIoo 011 serious violations. gram requirements or for information on > New interior options > New sliding door tecJuwlogy AUnaSteeI- .... doors (wttb 00 ordering standards or safety literature, con- welgbtamt) The Department of Public Health con- tact the Michigan Department of Labor > New gutter systems Bureau of Safety and Regulation, (517) > New infonnative video tapes ~ 5-y. wbHoad II'Ol8CtIon on CCQIet8 ducted four agricultural inspections out of a total of 1,002. These four inspections 322-1814. > New corrosion protection IIuIIdmg (with no ~ IfIIit) resulted in citations for five serious and 22 Call your /ocaJ office today! other-than serious violations. The MIOSHA health program also has Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 education and training programs, materials 800-447-7436 Agricultural employers should also be and service available to help employers BroWn City, MI (313) 346-2702 Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 aware that additional MIOSHA standards comply with MIOSHA health require- ~~~MORTON may be applicable when other types of work are perfonned. such as operation of a weld- ing shop where welding is done for payor ments. For more information on MIOSHA health requirements and standards, call (517) 335-8250. Rockford, MI (616)874-6400 Three Rivers, MI (616) 2790271 a_. BUILDINGS Michigan Farm News April 30, 1993 3D-Day and 90-Day Forecast - Cooler Temperatures/Normal Precipitation Old man winter made several encore per- formances during the last couple of weeks, Michigan Weather Summary including a near record snowstorm in 3/16/93 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation central sections of the Upper Peninsula on to 4/15/93 Observed Dev. From Actual Normmal Actual Normal April 15 and 16. Accum. Accum. Mean Normal linch.) (Inch) . Alpena 34.1 + 0.4 12 .'15~ 1~76 2.11 Average temperatures near the mean values Bad Axe 35.6 -1:8 17 38' 1.81 2.03 for the last 30 days are misleading, as they Detroit 41.9 + 1.5 50 54 . 3.04 .2~60 are the result of cloudier than normal skies, 3. Escanaba 33.0 + 0.9 1 0.96 2.12 below normal maximum temperatures (the Flint 39.5 .+ 0.7 39 54 2.75 2.60 reason it seemed cool for most people) and Grand Rapids 38.4 - 0.2 24 62 3.50 2.71 above normal maximum temperatures. Houghton 31.2 +1.3 o 14 1.11 2.01 Houghton Lake 35.7 + 0.8 24 15 1.42 2.11 The relatively cool daytime readings kept Jackson 40.1 - 0.5 43 60 1.79 2.50 growing degree day accumulation low, Lansing 39.3 + 0.5 38 60 2.20 2.50 with most base 50 F totals since March 1 Marquette 31.6 + 3.0 6 14 1.11 2.01 falling behind the normals for this time of Muskegon 38.8 + 0.4 25 35 3.47 2.47 year. As a result, spring development of Pellston 35.1 + 3.5 13 21 3.12 2.16 over-wintering crops and insects are now Saginaw 36.8 -;1.8 18 38 2.15 2.03 lagging about a ~eek or so behind normal. Sault Ste. Marie 33.2 + 2.8 6 3 2.21 ,2.12 South Bend 42.0 +0.4 ,47 62 .-2.88 ..2~71 Latest outlooks for Michigan indicate more Traverse City 36.3 + 0.8 16 ,21 3.03 2.~6 of the same, at least over the next few Vestaburg 36.9 -1.9 19 37 2.75 2.24. weeks. The latest National Weather Service 30-day outlook for mid-April through mid- Observed and norm~1 growing degree dayiotals are aC9um~/ated f~om March 1 May calls for temperatures over much of Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andre!!~n,AgMeteorologist, MSU the Great Lakes region to average below normal. Precipitation is expected to be near The 90-day outlook for April through June is similar, calling for both temperatures and normal. precipitation to average near to slightly below normal. MSU's Seeding Recommendations in View of ASCS Changes in ACP Cost Sha ring Deletions wild ~hite clo.verand alsike clover,.which can F~r well ~rained soils, the re~ommended grass be mixed With grasses. The pnmary ad- mixture IS four pounds of timothy and seven Michigan and Major Commodity Area vantage of mixing a legume with a grass for pounds of smooth bromegrass per acre. The Extended Weather Outlook Michigan farmers will no longer be able to a long-term stand is the nitrogen made avail- recommended grass and legume mixture is T - Temp. 4130 5/15 3/1 .5/31 receive cost-sharing for alfalfa or birdsfoot able by the legume. It is well documented that five pounds of red clover (or two pounds of P - Preclp. T PT f trefoil used in their agricultural conservation a legume can provide all of the nitrogen needs white clover), two pounds of timothy and four Michigan B N N N programs (ACP). The Michigan Agricultural W. Corn Belt B N N N to a grass-mixed stand for a long period, says pounds of smooth bromegrass per acre. Stabilization and Conservation Service Wally Moline, MSU Extension agronomist. E. Corn Belt B N N N (ASCS) State Committee made the decision Wlnt. Wheat Belt N B B N in January and earmarked the money for other For fairly well drained soils, the recom- Spr. Wheat Belt N N N B If only ~rasses are used in the ACP, annual mended legume and grass mixture is five conservation and water quality programs. applications of nitrogen may be required to Pac. NW Wheat N A A N pounds of red clover, two pounds of ladino Delta N B B N maintain the stand for erosion control and clover, four pounds of timothy, and either four MSU Extension agronomists say that several production purposes. If only legumes are used Southeast B A B N grasses and grass-legume mixes should do as pounds of smooth bromegrass or five pounds n Joaquin N N A BIN in the ACP, they should provide adequate of Kentucky bluegrass per acre. The recom- well as alfalfa or birdsfoot trefoil in an ACP. vegetation and nitrogen fixation for about five mended grass mixture is four pounds of -Above Average. B-Below Average, N-Nor- years under careful management. Careful timothy, seven pounds of smooth bromegrass Grass seedings suitable for ACP seeding in- management includes following the proper mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- clude smooth bromegrass, timothy, or- and four pounds of orchardgrass per acre. No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office establishment procedures and, in the case of chardgrass, reed canary grass and Kentucky red clover, either letting the plants go to seed blue~rass. Recommended legumes for ACP On poorly drained, wet soils, the recom- at least once every two years or frost reseeding mended grass is reed canarygrass at eight seedmgs include red clover, ladino clover, every few years. pounds per acre. The legume and grass mix- ture recommendation is four pounds of alsike MICHIGAN FARM For droughty soils, recommended grass mix- clover or one to two pounds of white clover, Serving Michigan tures include four pounds of timothy and seven pounds of smooth bromegrass per acre. and four pounds of timothy per acre. MFRM RADIO NETWORK Farm Families is Our Only Business The recommended legume and grass mixture is five pounds of red clover, two pounds of timothy and four pounds of bromegrass per acre. Land intended for grazing with large amounts of ladino clover can cause bloat. Grazed land that contains alsike clover has been known to cause photosensitivity in some horses. Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in .Michigan. Thr,?ugh these sta- . tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides thfJ latest In markf!t ana/~sls, ROOTS TO PROFITABILITY weather and news to Farm Bureau members dally on the follOWing stations: Station Cltv FrsquBn~y Morning Farm NoonFarm WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm WPZA Ann Arbor 1050 6:15 am 12:05 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 * 12:30 pm WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:45 pm wrvB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am ... WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:15 am 12:15 pm WACY Fenton 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 12:45 pm WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm 1992 Michigan grower test plots yielded an average of WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 12:15 pm 8.9 more bushels of corn per acre where ACA was used. WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm ACA can be applied with your side dress, WWGZ Lapeer 1530 * 12:15 pm starter or preplant fertilizer program. WNBY Newberry 92.5 12:15 pm WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm WHAK Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm 1992 ACA Yield Advantage = +8.9 bu./acre WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm 1990-91 ACA Yield Advantage = +6.9 bu./acre WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm 1989 ACA Yield Advantage = +7.3 bu./acre WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WKZC Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm GET THEACA ADVANTAGE! WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm WKJC WLKM WTCM Tawas City Three Rivers Traverse City 104.7 1510/95.9 580 6:15 am 5:55 am 12:45 pm 12:15 pm 12:40 pm • Stronger more fibrous root system • Plants are more vigorous and productive • Easy and convenient to apply 1111 Contact your local • Enhanced spring root growth Clean Crop Dealer • Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times mange with sign-on times. • Enhanced drought tolerance or call 1-800-292.2701 for addltfonallnformatlon on .. Station airs various farm reports between 5:50 and 6:20 pm . • Affordable and effective THEACA ADVANTAGE! ... Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. Michigan Farm News •• April 30, 1993 Michigan Farm News , April 30, 1993 ....... ...... •••••••• .... ••••••• r• ••••• ~.,J ,. ...... Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Market Outlook ... Seasonal Commodity WHEAT E~RM•••••••• . •••• rl••• .r••...... ~ ' .....;::;.. •••••••• , ~~ Price Trends While projected ending stocks for 1992-93 Weather Weather Weather are fairly tight relative to history, we are BUSINESS We have entered the time of year when weather plays a role that overshadows everything else due to its ability to make Wheat -- quickly approaching harvest in many wheat growing areas. And the growing conditions in both the major winter and spring wheat OUTLOOK large potential shifts in supply. There is no fool-proof way to prepare for this season. Corn --i areas appear to be quite good. These condi- tions are reflected in the new crop contracts But you must make some decisions, and remember, no decision is a decision. Soybeans --f for wheat. lowered projected ending stocks. If you have any old crop wheat left unpriced, per- Consider setting some realistic pricing Hogs i ? The major change the USDA made on its supply/demand estimates based on the last haps you should be making a decision soon. As can be seen in Table 2, wheat prices for goals (ranges) for each of your crops. Then Stocks Report was to increase 1992-93 feed both old and new crop seem to match up place selling orders at your elevator to sell portions of your crop as prices move Cattle ,1' use 25 million bushels. This, of course, pretty well with fundamentals. through the range. SOYBEANS In determining the size of the portions, first The USDA made no significant changes in more than com in the sense that some more determine the size of your projected crop. its latest Supply/Demand Report based on acres could get shifted to soybeans. As you Don't price in too small portions. People pear like they are not going to reach the the Stocks Report. This is counter to my can see from Table 3 below, new crop for- tend to price too little versus too much. initially projected ranges, it's probably thoughts in the last issue that they may up ward pricing contracts are higher than fun- time to rethink your pricing goals. Another usage. Exports are going as expected and so damentals would project for the 1993-94 The danger here is you have not given your- method is to put a floor under them using is the South American harvest. soybean marketing year. Consider pricing self any downside protection. If prices ap- options. some new crop soybeans while November The later than usual planting dates that ap- soybean futures are over $6. Speed up pric- pears we will have, may affect soybeans CORN The USDA released its latest sup- The old crop corn basis has tightened con- CATTLE ply/demand estimates on April 12. These siderably since harvest, enough to cover were the first estimates to include the infor- on- farm storage. If your corn has no signs Cattle prices were holding up well through My analysis would say that the live cattle mation from the quarterly Stocks Report of spoiling, consider waiting to price some the first two weeks of April. As we go into futures market through the end of the year discussed in the last issue. of it for a further tightening and a possible May, I suspect they will fall under the $80 matches up quite well with fundamentals. spring rally. per cwt. level. However, it does not appear And they would indicate that you should The one major change they made was to that the market will fall rapidly. Weights are keep very current. It also means that there increase projected feed use 50 million If warmer weather could put your stored running lower than a year ago which is an are not any great forward pricing oppor- bushels to 5,200 million (one percent) for corn at risk of further damage, consider indication that the market is current. So tunities. At this point, as is often the case, the 1992-93 corn marketing year as shown moving it. If you want to stay in the market, while the Cattle-Dn-Feed Reports show any forward pricing decisions would be in Table I. This is positive in the respect that consider a basis contract. Also, discuss more cattle will be coming to market, it based on your ability and willingness to it lowers carryover stocks, lowering the other pricing tools and opportunities with does not seem like it will be a flood. bear the always present downside risk. potential supply for 1993-94. However, we your local elevators. Many have new, in- still have 26 percent more corn on hand than novative alternatives which may fit your HOGS we will use this year. needs. Through the middle of April, hog slaughter If the report does turn out to be close to Exports are running at a rate that will meet New crop forward prices for the 1993 crop continued to defy the March 1 Hogs and correct as we move through the summer and the projections below, but sales have are above the fundamentals I present in the Pigs Report. Slaughter has been down 2-4 fall, then I would predict the futures market slowed a bit. They will have to pick up to third column of Table 1. An annual price of percent and the report indicated it would be in all months could drop $1-2 per cwt. That keep shipments high. Perhaps the Russian $2.10 represents a harvest price under $2.00 up 4-6 percent. is beyond the drop we saw the first half of aid package will help. per bushel. While new crop bids of $2.25 in April. While the forward pricing oppor- central Michigan may not seem very good, Again, the best advice is to keep current tunities are not as lucrative as they were in At this point, we have plenty of com. This remember forward pricing decisions need near term. While I am expecting a seasonal March, if you are a large enough producer, means it will take more of a weather scare to be based on what you can get now versus increase in cash prices, there is the danger consider locking in some of your future than last year, when we had low ending what you think it will be, not what you want that the report will be correct as we move production on rallies if you have not already stocks. to have large effects on prices. it to be. through the weight classes. done so. Table 1 SupplylDemand Balance Sheet For CORN USDA Hilker Proj. Proj. 1991-92 92-93 93-94 Corn Acreage (MillionAcres) Wheat Acreage Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Diverted 4.7 3.5 7.0 Diverted 10.0 Acres Planted 76.0 79.3 76.5 Acres Planted 69.9 Acres Harvested 68.8 72.2 69.4 Acres Harvested 58.1 BuJA. Harvested 108.6 131.4 121.5 BuJA. Harvested 34.1 Stocks .. Stocks (MillionBushels) Stocks (MillionBushels) Beg. Stocks Beg. Stocks 1521 1100 2187 Beg. Stocks 866 472 520 Production Production 7475 9479 8432 Production 1981 2459 2469 'Imports Imports 20 3 6 Imports 41 68 51 Total Supply.'" " 9016 2888 2999 3040 Use: Total Supply 10,582 10,625 Total Supply Use: Use: Crushlngs 1254 1265 1260 Feed 4897 5250 5225 Food 785 810 840 Exports 685 760 720 FoodISeed 1454 1495 1535 Seed 94 93 100 Seed, Feed and Total Domestic 6332 6745 6760 Feed 256 250 185 Residuals 102 112 105 Total Domestic 1135 1153 1125 Total Use 2040 2137 2085 Exports 1584 1650 1700 Total Use 7915 8395 8460 Exports 1281 1325 1325 Ending Stocks 278 340 305 Ending Stocks 1100 2187 2165 Total Use 2416 2478 2450 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks 472 520 590 Percent of Use 13.6% 15.9% 14.6% Ending Stocks Percent of Use 13.9% 26.1% 25.6% Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $5.02 $5.02 5.02 Regular Loan Rate $1.62 $1.72 $1.72 Percent of Use 19.5% 21.00k 24.1% Regular Loan Rate $2.04 $2.21 $2.45 U.S. Season Average U.S. Season Average Farm Price.SlBu. $5.58 $5.50 SS.55 Farm Price.Wu. $2.37 $2.05 $2.10 U.S. Season Average Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price. SlBu. $3.00 $3.25 $3.00 Source: USDA & Hilker Michigan Farm News April 3 0 , 1 9 9 3 •••••• •M •B •M•BIAfI , Managing Insects in Michigan Field Corn: | | | r ^ i tw ^ i * A | Results of a 1992 Grower Survey • •F AAA MB' JM $10 per acre for insecticide plus applica- tion, the profitability of treatment depends on the amount of corn yield saved and how much that yield saving is worth after har- FARM "iSS AHAAMA •••••• vest costs are paid. At $2.00/bu, a grower would have to save more than 5 bu/ac to make money from treatment. At $2.50/bu, Continued...page 8 OUTLOOK Table 2. Producers' average estimates of insect-free corn yield and yield losses expected and experienced due to insects, Michigan, 1982-91 (in bushels per acre). Corn Yield Characteristic Mean (bu/ac) Normal Pest-Free Com Yield 125 Maximum Yield Loss: Expected from Severe Corn Rootworm Infestation 41 Actually Experienced from a Corn Rootworm Infestation (Only respondents with a loss) 26 Normal yield loss expected from all insects: First-year corn 4 Second-year corn 13 Continuous corn 22 Scott Swinton and Douglas Landis to 11.2 percent of first-year corn acreage, Departments of Agricultural Economics and 62.3 percent of second-year corn, and 80.5 Entomology, Michigan State University percent of the continuous corn. J\ survey of Michigan field corn growers A surprising 19 percent of producers reveals new trends in insect management reported using products at three-quarters or and opportunities for further improvement. less of the recommended rate. However, Corn growers reported using more insect the typical use rates were generally equal scouting and more reduced insecticide rates to, or slightly below, the recommended rate than in the past. Nearly a quarter of for corn rootworm control (based on 30 producers have used insect scouting in the inch row spacing). Lorsban™ 15G and past 10 years. Nineteen percent apply soil Counter 15G were the most popular soil insecticides at rates that are three-quarters insecticides, totalling almost 60 percent of or less than the recommended rate. The all responses. survey was conducted during the summer of 1992 by the departments of Entomology Cora rootworms, cutworms, and European and Agricultural Economics at MSU. corn borer are the top three targets for soil insecticide applications in corn regardless Corn rootworm was the number one insect of crop rotation pattern. As expected, corn pest reported. Some corn growers reported rootworm was cited as the main pest of applying soil-applied insecticides to control second-year and continuous corn. More corn rootworms in first-year corn. These surprising was that 80 percent of producers producers have an opportunity to cut costs who used a soil insecticide on first-year by cutting insecticide use. Rootworm infes- corn were primarily targeting corn root- tations in first-year corn are rarely severe worm. Corn entomologists do not consider enough to cover the cost of insecticide ap- corn rootworm to be a significant threat to plication. first-year corn. Neal, Kelly, Pat, Harold and Marty Travis operate North Valley Farms, a 300-cow dairy Over 80 percent of corn producers have European corn borer was consistently cited operation at Shepherd, Ml. The four brothers farm with their parents, Pat and Evelyn Travis. suffered yield loss from European corn as the primary target of soil applied insec- The farm has a 20,500-lb. milk RHA and produces 1,000 acres of hay and corn. borer. Some of these growers aimed to con- ticides for 16 to 19 percent of the trol European corn borer with soil-applied producers. This runs counter to en- insecticides. Since corn borer is effectively controlled only by insecticides sprayed tomological research showing that soil in- secticides applied at planting generally do How A DROUGHT SET directly onto growing plants, these not effectively control European corn producers have a chance to cut costs by cutting back on soil-applied insecticide use. borer. SEEDS OF EXPANSION Thirty-four percent of 2,110 corn growers Yield Losses from Corn Insects FOR THE TRAVIS FAMILY. contacted responded to the mail survey. Growers estimated that a severe corn root- Survey respondents represent 10.7 percent worm infestation could cause them to lose " We've just completed the second phase of a dairy of estimated 1992 total corn acreage planted an average of 41 bushels per acre (bu/ac), expansion that includes a free-stall, center-feed barn and in Michigan. The farms surveyed ranged in or 33 percent of their average reported size from 15 to 5,800 acres, with an average yield of 125 bu/ac (Table 2). However, the double-8 milking parlour. The expansion began in 1988 after tillable area of 865 acres, 439 of which were majority had not experienced yield loss a severe drought forced us to make some serious decisions. from corn rootworm during the past ten in corn. years. Among those who had, an average As brothers, we knew we wanted to farm together with our Crop Rotation and of 26 bu/ac was lost. Most of these growers folks but a cash-crop business was too risky for all of us had experienced losses in fields where corn Insecticide Use was grown for two or more years without to depend on. Most Michigan corn is rotated annually insecticide. Normal expected yield losses "Looking back, 1988 wasn't a pretty year to begin an with another crop (Table 1). First-year corn without insecticides averaged 4 bu/ac in expansion, but Farm Credit had confidence in us and stood accounts for 49.7 percent of corn acreage, first-year corn, 13 bu/ac in second-year while second-year corn accounts for corn, and 22 bu/ac in third-year corn. behind our decision. Our loan officer has been a tremendous another 20.7 percent, and continuous corn planning resource and helped us work through countless (three years or more of corn) accounts for These responses indicated potential for 29.6 percent. Soil insecticides were applied cost savings on insecticide use. If it costs 'what if' situations on the computer. "A lot of lenders wouldn't have been able to grasp our Table 1. Shares of Michigan corn acreage in three rotation vision for this family dairy business but Farm Credit not patterns and the proportion of each rotation pattern only grasped it, they helped us figure out a better way to treated with a soil insecticide in 1992. make it happen. If it hadn't been for the facilities expansion Rotation Share of Treated with loan and other help from Farm Credit, there's no question pattern acreage soil insecticide that several of us couldn't be in this operation today." 1st year corn 49.7 percent 11.2 percent 2nd year corn 20.7 percent 62.3 percent Continuous corn 29.6 percent 80.5 percent ^W FARM CREDIT SERVICES V Deep roots, good people, and a will to serve. Michigan Farm News April 30,1993 Managing Insects in Michigan Field Corn: Results of a 1992 Grower Survey...(continued from page7) Performance of Corn Rootworm That so many growers had encountered it would take 4 bu/ac of yield saved for Management Strategies poor corn rootworm control with insec- mm treatment to be profitable. ticides was surprising. However, the num- Michigan corn growers use three methods ber of reported failures may be exaggerated Based on their survey responses, most to manage corn rootworms: due to factors besides corn rootworm Michigan corn growers do not need to treat 1) crop rotation damage which may also cause corn plants first-year corn in a "normal" year, since they 2) integrated pest management (IPM), to lodge (tip over from the base). expect to lose less than 4 bu/ac. This is which uses insect scouting to predict the especially true for soil-applied insecticides, need to treat with soil-applied insecticides, Also, preventive treatment has been much since they are primarily effective against and more common than IPM in the past 10 corn rootworm and growers expected less 3) preventive insecticide treatment. years, so there was more chance for than 60 percent of yield losses to come from growers to have experienced failures. corn rootworms. How reliable are these methods? Growers Nonetheless, these results suggest that were asked what percentage of their fields scouting and rotation may be attractive From Farm Bureau Insurance However, an insect management program is had suffered a noticeable yield loss of more strategies. clearly needed in second-year and con- than 5 bu/ac at some point during the last 10 years. They reported that rotation worked Concerns About Risks From tinuous corn, since producers expect "nor- Nearly a quarter of growers (23 percent) mal" yield losses to surpass economically best: 22 percent of fields had noticeable Soil Insecticides reported scouting some corn acreage in damaging levels. yield losses. Scouting came in second, with 1991, amounting to 17 percent of total corn Corn producers are concerned about possible 35 percent of untreated fields having some acres. risks connected with soil insecticides. Top- Even in continuous corn, there is a potential level of loss. ping the list of their concerns were long-term to reduce costs and chemical use. Although Over 90 percent of growers had IPM scout- and immediate threats to human health, growers expected to lose an average of 22 Preventive insecticide treatment ranked ing services available. Their sources in- groundwater pollution, and toxicity to bu/ac from corn insects on continuous corn last, with 47 percent of growers reporting cluded themselves (34 percent), MSU Ex- beneficial organisms. in a "normal" year, 42 percent of them ex- noticeable yield loss following insecticide tension Service (20 percent), independent pected a noticeable yield loss (more than 5 use. Forty percent indicated that failures crop consultants (15 percent), or farm supp- Failing to recover the application cost in the bu/ac) to occur less than five years out of had occurred on more than a fifth of their ly dealers (14 percent). value of increased yield ranked fifth. Other ten. insecticide-treated acres. risks listed also considered important in- cluded risks to animals and plants, surface water pollution, and financial liability for health problems suffered by farmworkers and neighbors' animals. TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS The corn insect management survey received financial support from the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, and Michigan State University Extension. Promotional assistance was received from the Michigan Corn Growers Association and Michigan State University Outreach Com- munications. Severe Soil Problems Created During 1992 Corn Harvest Should Be Corrected Later This Summer Unless spring is unusually dry, farmers who have badly rutted cornfields should probably wait until late summer or early fall to conduct soil corrective tillage. The immediate problem this spring will be finding time under good conditions for ade- quate seedbed preparation without further damaging rutted soils, says Tim Harrigan, MSU Extension agricultural tillage specialist. "Farmers need to consider the options they have that will give them more time to com- plete their field operations in a timely way," Harrigan says. "That could include rotating to a small grain rather than early planted corn or omitting tillage in fields where there are no ruts and residue is not heavy." The well drained fields should be worked first. Ruts can be repaired with shallow til- lage. Disks and disk-chisels can compact Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family wet soil, so delay repair until conditions are receive the dental care services you require — even when sudden and costly needs arise. suitable. Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! If wet slabs or ribbons of soil are pulled to Single $18 per month • Couple $32 per month the surface by the disk or disk-chisel, either the tillage is too deep or the soil is too wet, Member/Child $32 per month • Family $41 per month Harrigan says. MICHIGAN Don't try to do any sub-soiling this spring - es FARM BUREAU TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION , PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1 800-292 2680 EXT- 323ft there is a good chance that will only increase soil compaction problems. There aren't many options other than moldboard plowing or light disking on Please Print rutted ground for early crops, that will be planted in fine-textured soils. Early planted Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name crops may have to be delayed until the soil Membership Services dries sufficiently for tillage. P.O. Box 30960 Address Lansing, M l 48909 "There just aren't any magic solutions as far City_ State ZIP as tillage goes, and it's going to take a while to correct the soil problems that occurred last Phone fall and this winter during harvest," Harrigan £ojinry_ says. "It will be best to try and live with Continued... See page 15 MFN Supplement to the Michigan Farm News, a publication of Michigan Farm Bureau. School Finance Reform and Property Tax Relief II. - Proposal A - II. Highlights of the Schools' and Taxpayers' Agenda for Reform "STAR" Plan Q. What does Proposal A do? D Reduces school funding reliance on Proposal A - The Impact on School Financing? property taxes. D Rolls back the 1993 assessment in- This proposal is a major change in tax policy and school finance. The proposal moves the burden crease to three percent. D Creates a more stable source of dol- of funding K-12 education from local property tax to state revenues. Under the proposal, bonded lars for school funding. indebtedness would be excluded from the 27 mill cap on school operating. Today the average D Limits future assessment increases to school operating millage is approximately 34 mills. The proposal would constitutionally cap the the rate of inflation or five percent (whichever is less). Q. What are the benefits for taxpayers? total millage at 40 as compared to the current 50 mills. D Property taxes are cut significantly, Schools Less Dependent on Property Taxes D Cuts school millages to 18 mills, with with four out of five districts reduced local voters able to approve an addi- by 10 mills or more. Percent of Total K-12 Funding tional nine mills. D The assessment cap helps people, D Creates a $4,800 per pupil guarantee especially those on fixed incomes, for every school. keep their homes. 70% 63% D Constitutionally allocates all lottery D Local taxes are more equitable. 60% 58% money for education. Q. What are the benefits for Michigan? 50% D Increases Michigan's sales tax 2 cents. 42% D Makes Michigan a better place to 40% 37% Q. What are the benefits for students live, go to school and raise a family. anil schools? 30% D Creates a balanced tax structure that D Gives children greater educational op- helps Michigan be more competitive 20% portunity. with other state. D 10% Makes K-12 school spending per D Pumps more than $1 billion into pupil more equitable. Michigan's economy this year to spur investment and create additional jobs. 0% Current Law 1992-93 Proposed 1993-94 Proposal A - The Impact on Your S.E. V.? For the past two years, the State Equalized However, many assessments have in- • Local o State Aid Value (S.E.V.), which is 50 percent of the creased substantially, in some cases over market value of properties, has been frozen. Source: Michigan Department of Treasury 100 percent. Rapidly escalating assess- With the freeze off, properties have risen ments will result in increased tax bills even ed S.E. V.' s under the Proposal A plan as substantially - with a statewide increase average of approximately 11 percent. with the Headley rollback. The following chart shows a comparison between project- I compared to our current system. The chart Proposal A - What's the is calculated on a basis ofa $250,000 S.E.V. Impact to P.A. 116 S.E.V. COMPARISON NOW VS. PROPOSAL-A The STAR proposal will lower the reliance on property as a source of revenue for funding K-12 education. P.A. 116 will still provide a (NOW +11 % THEN +7% STAR; +30/0 THEN +50/0) safety net for fanners with low income or who experience a very difficult year. The benefits 430 to those in P.A. 116 will continue. 420 Fanners taking P.A.116 credits would receive [J S.E.V. NOW a reduction in the dollar amount claimed be- 410 cause the total property tax would be reduced. 400 This would be favorable considering the time 390 $389,208 frame between paying of the local property + S.E.V. PROPOSAl-A tax and the receIpt of credits from the state. 380 A fanner who is required to borrow money to 370 pay taxes will borrow less money. In addition, 360 at the termination of the agreement, either early on or at actual expiration of the agree- 350 ment, the amount of payback will be reduced. 340 Proposal A will reduce the cost of property 330 taxes in more profitable years when a fanner's property tax is less than seven per- 320 cent of their household income and no P.A. 310 116 credit is received. 300 For those individuals who may have only a 290 portion of their land in P.A. 116, there may be a major reduction in their property taxes on 280 the land not enrolled in P.A. 116. 270 $270,375 Proposal A does not impact the other benefits 260 of P.A. 116 including: • Reduced inheritance tax liability. 250 • Exemption from special assessments. 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 • Protection from unwanted development. . ; Proposal A - Sales Tax Impact? Michigan, in com- Sales Tax Rates parison to other Average Four + Two = Six states, has a rela- 8.0% Income Cents Cents Cents tively low sales tax 7.0% and a relatively high ,$10,000 210 + $105 = $315 property tax. If ap- 6.4% 6.0% 6.0% 6.00~ proved by the voters $20,000 $342 + $171 = $513 Proposal A would allow six cents of $30,000 $450 + $225 = $675 sales tax to be col- 4.0% lected in the state. $40,000 $546 + $273 = $819 $50,000 $632 + $315 = $948 Wi th Michigan being a major tourist 2.0% $60,000 $712 + $356 = $1,068 state, this would pro- v ide addi tional $80,000 $854 + $427 = $1,281 revenue from 0.0% tourists. The exemp- $100,000 $980 + $490 = $1,470 tion on food and Industrial States Great Lakes Average Average Michigan u.s. Average Source: Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis, Michigan Department of Treasury drugs continues, Sowce: ACtA, SIgr1IIaInt FealIne of FI-' Federdan StalIfld Loc:III Sales T axea, 1a92 meaning only those products and services which are now taxed at 4 percent would be increased to 6 percent. School Finance Reform and Property Tax Relief ,,= - Proposal A - What's The Impact on Your Pocket Book? Personal savings from the STAR program will be dependent upon a person's income and The following is provided for you to calculate the benefits under the proposal.For farmers the property tax. Farmers in general own more property and thus, have a higher S.E.V. who do not have property enrolled in PA 116 and are limited to the $1,200 maximum relative to their income compared to other sectors of the economy. Each individual will be Homestead Credit, there is potential for significant property tax savings. Refer to the affected differently depending on their income, the S.E. V., and the school millage levied worksheets below to determine the impact to your operation. in their area. PROPERTY TAX LIABILITY COMPARISON HOW DOES PROPOSAL A IMPACTYOU? (1992 BASE SEV = $250,000) LINE YOU EXAMPLE LINE NO. NO. Line NOW Proposal A Line 1. Household $30,000 1. Income -- No. No. 2. 1993 SEV Take your 12/31/92 SEV and $257,500 2. 1. Income $30,000 $ 30,000 1. -- increase by 3% [92 SEV x 1.00J 2. SEV $2n,5OO $257,500 (3% increase) 2. 3. Millage Rate See table below and find your .038 (38 mills) 3. (11 % increase) -- school district'smillage reduction and 3. Millage Rate .05 .038 (38 mills) 3. subtract that figure from your (50 mills) totalmillage on your 1992 Property Tax Statement 4. TOTAL PROPERTY TAX $13,875 (Une 3 X Une 2) $ 9,785 4. 4. TOTAL PROPERTY (Una 3 x Une 2) $ 9,785 4. TAX -- Homestead Property Tax Credit Calculation for P.A. 20 Homestead Property Tax Credit 5. % of taxes NOT .035 ( 3-1/2%) .035 5. (P.A. 20 Calculation) eligible fOl' credit 5. % of taxes NOT .035 (3 -1/3%) .035 5. 6. Taxes NOT $ 1,050 (Une 1 x Une 5) $ 1,050 6. eligible for credit eligible for credit 6. Taxes NOT (Una 1 x Une 5) $ 1,050 6. -- 7. $12,825 (Une 4 - Une 6) $ 8,735 7. eligible for credit 7. (Une 4 - Una 6) $ 8,735 7. 8. P.A . 20 Credit (Maximum $1200) $ 7,695 (Une 7 x .60) $ 5,241 8. -- 8. PA 20 Credit -- (Una 7 x .60) $ 5,241 8. 9. $ 1,200 (Maximum credit allowed) $ 1,200 9. (Maximum $1200) 9. $ 1,200 (Maximum credit allowed) $ 1,200 9. 10. TOTAL PROPERTY TAX $12,675 (Une 4 - { Une 8 or Une 9}) $ 8,585 10. DUE IF NOT {~isl9ss} 10. TOTAL PROPERTY (Une 4 - { Une 8 or Une 9 }) $ 8,585 10. -- IN P.A. 116 TAX DUE IF NOT {whichever is less} IN P.A.116 Farmland Preservation Tax Credit Farmland Preservation Credit Calculation (P.A. 116) Calculation for (P.A. 116) 11. % of taxes NQI .07 (7%) .07 11. 11. % of taxes NOT .07 (7%) .07 11. eligible for credit eligible fOl' credit 12. TaxesNQI (Una 1 x Une 11) $ 2,100 12. 12. Taxes NOT $ 2,100 (Une 1 x Una 11) $ 2,100 12. eligible for credit eligible fOl' credit 13. TOTALP.A.116 (Una 4 - Una 12 ) $ 7,685 13. 13. Total P.A.116 $ 11,n5 (Une 4 • Une 12) $ 7,685 13. TAX CREDIT Tax Credit 14. Total Property (Una 10 - Une 13) $ 900 14. 14. Total Property $ 900 (Una 10 - Une13) $ 900 14. Tax Uability if Tax liability if IN lli...PA 116 PA 116 Millage Impact By School District By County CHG CHG CHG IN IN IN COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS ALCONA Alcona Community Schools -4.5600 BENZIE Benzie County Central Schools -8.6089 CASS Marcellus Community Schools -13.7000 ALGER Autrain-Onota Public Schools -9.1496 BENZIE Frankfort Area Schools -0.9118 CHARLEVOIX Beaver Island Comm Schools 2.1670 ALGER Burt Township School Distr. -3.8058 BERRIEN Benton Harbor Area Schools -14.7260 CHARLEVOIX Boyne City Public Schools -13.0917 ALGER Munising Public Schools -12.9150 BERRIEN St. Joseph Public Schools -9.6582 CHARLEVOIX Boyne Falls Public Schools -14.9091 ALGER Superior Central School Distr. -16.6150 BERRIEN Lakeshore School District -15.1260 CHARLEVOIX Charlevoix Public Schools -2.0446 ALLEGAN Plainwell Community Schools -16.6100 BERRIEN River Valley School District -9.1466 CHARLEVOIX East Jordan Public Schools -19.5000 ALLEGAN Otsego Public Schools -12.5900 BERRIEN Galien Township School Distr, -18.0114 CHEBOYGAN Cheboygan Area Schools -11.7180 ALLEGAN Allegan Public Schools -13.8155 BERRIEN New Buffalo Area School Distr. -1 .1327 CHEBOYGAN Inland Lakes School District -9.0000 ALLEGAN Wayland Union Schools -14.4300 BERRIEN Brandywine Public Sch Distr. -15.2068 CHEBOYGAN Mackinaw City Public Schools 0.7369 ALLEGAN Fennville Public Schools -15.9674 BERRIEN Berrien Springs Pub. Schools -11.0774 CHEBOYGAN Wolverine Comm. Schools -10.9500 ALLEGAN Martin Public Schools -15.0867 BERRIEN Eau Claire Public Schools -9.8492 CHIPPEWA Sault Ste Marie Area Schools -17.4752 ALLEGAN Hopkins Public Schools -11.5764 BERRIEN Niles Community School Distr. -18.3224 CHIPPEWA Detour Area Schools -1.5054 ALLEGAN Saugatuck Public Schools 0.0180 BERRIEN Buchanan Comm. Schools -15.9708 CHIPPEWA Pickford Public Schools -16.0200 ALLEGAN Hamilton Community Schools -15.4882 BERRIEN Watervliet School District -15.0760 CHIPPEWA Rudyard Area Schools -13.0000 ALLEGAN Ganges School District No.4 -5.9789 BERRIEN Coloma Community Schools -12.0416 CHIPPEWA Brimley Area Schools -8.5000 ALPENA Alpena Public Schools -14.4552 BERRIEN Bridgman Public Schools 0.7746 CHIPPEWA Whitefish Schools 3.7456 ANTRIM Alba Public Schools -20.5358 BERRIEN Hagar Township School Distr. 6-9.0000 CLARE Clare Public Schools -17.3500 ANTRIM Central Lake Public Schools -6.4108 BERRIEN Sodus Twp. School District 5 -8.0000 CLARE Farwell Area Schools -13.3500 ANTRIM Bellaire Public Schools -3.7650 BRANCH Coldwater Comm. Schools -17.4099 CLARE Harrison Community Schools -13.9500 ANTRIM Elk Rapids Schools -2.7489 BRANCH Bronson Comm. School Distr. -13.0000 CLINTON Dewitt Public Schools -21.4316 ANTRIM Ellsworth Community Schools -16.9590 BRANCH Quincy Comm. School Distr. -12.2938 CLINTON Fowler Public Schools -19.9595 ANTRIM Mancelona Public Schools -14.3572 CALHOUN Albion Public Schools -18.1800 CLINTON Bath Community Schools -21.4854 ARENAC Arenac Eastem School Distr. -10.6000 CALHOUN Battle Creek Public Schools -18.5251 CLINTON Ovid Elsie Area Schools -20.9526 ARENAC Au Gres Sims School District -8.9819 CALHOUN Athens Area Schools -17.5000 CLINTON Pewamo Westphalia Schools -20.4160 ARENAC Standish Sterling Comm Schs -9.9000 CALHOUN Harper Creek Comm. Schools -18.5000 CLINTON St. Johns Public Schools -20.4319 BARAGA Arvon Township School Distr. -1.1916 CALHOUN Homer Community Schools -16.0000 CRAWFORD Crawford Au Sable Schools -10.3500 BARAGA Baraga Township School Distr. -7.8000 CALHOUN Lakeview School District -20.4276 DELTA Escanaba Area Schools -18.5000 BARAGA L' Anse Area Schools -13.8000 CALHOUN Mar Lee School District -16.5000 DELTA Gladstone Area Schools -17.2700 BARRY Delton Kellogg School Distr. -17.8195 CALHOUN Marshall Public Schools -18.5700 DELTA Rapid River Public Schools -16.7300 BARRY Hastings Area School Distr. -17.7797 CALHOUN Pennfield School District -20.4000 DELTA Big Bay De Noc School Distr. -16.1749 BARRY Thomapple Kellogg Schools -18.1000 CALHOUN Tekonsha Community Schools -19.8200 DELTA Bark River Harris School Distr. -13.7500 BAY Bay City School District -14.7684 CALHOUN Union City Comm. School -13.2000 DELTA Mid Peninsula School Distr. -9.9000 BAY Bangor Township Schools -16.0000 CASS Cassopolis Public Schools -16.4000 DICKINSON Iron Mountain City Schools -15.7700 BAY Essexville Hampton Sch Distr. -4.5041 CASS Dowagiac Union Schools -11.2000 DICKINSON Norway Vulcan Area Schools -13.0500 BAY Pinconning Area Schools -17.1360 CASS Edwardsburg Public Schools -15.2500 DICKINSON Breitung Twp. School District -10.7600 School Finance Reform and Property Tax Relief - Proposal A - If. Millage Impact By School District By County CHG CHG CHG IN IN IN COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS DICKINSON North Dickinson Co. Schools -14.2500 HURON Bloomfield No 1 Red Schools -3.0000 KENT Kenowa Hills Public Schools -9.4159 EATON Bellevue Comm. Schools -15.4728 HURON Ubly Community Schools -12.3987 KENT Kent City Community Schools -13.3000 EATON Charlotte Public Schools -19.5000 HURON Bloomfield Twp. School Dist. 7f -5.0000 KENT Kentwood Public Schools -12.1014 I. EATON Eaton Rapids Public Schools -19.4700 HURON Colfax Twp. School Distr. 11 0.6285 KENT Lowell Area School District -19.4171 EATON Grand Ledge Public Schools -20.3372 HURON Sigel Twp. School District 3 -5.0000 KENT Rockford Public Schools -19.3012 EATON Maple Valley School District -11.0100 HURON Sigel Twp. School District 4 0.8456 KENT Sparta Area Schools -16.0000 EATON Olivet Community Schools -17.0000 HURON Sigel Twp. School District 6 -3.7525 KEWEENAW Grant Township Schools 0.0000 EATON Potterville Public Schools -18.7651 HURON Verona Twp. School Dist No 11 -6.0000 LAKE Baldwin Community Schools -6.9683 EATON Oneida Twp. School District 3 -14.0000 INGHAM East Lansing School District -12.6000 LAPEER Lapeer Community Schools -18.0936 EATON Roxand Twp. Schools Dis 12 -22.0000 INGHAM Lansing Public School Distr. -18.5884 LAPEER Almont Community Schools -16.4479 EMMET Harbor Springs School Distr. 1.2064 INGHAM Dansville Ag School. -20.7214 LAPEER Dryden Community Schools -18.9846 EMMET Littlefield Public Schools -16.2370 INGHAM Haslett Public Schools -19.8080 LAPEER Imlay City Community Schools -13.7250 EMMET Pellston Public School Distr. -11.0376 INGHAM Holt Public Schools -17.9032 LAPEER North Branch Area Schools -13.8000 EMMET Public Schools of Petoskey -10.7389 INGHAM Leslie Public Schools -17.9500 LEELANAU Glen Lake Community Schools 0.4879 GENESEE Flint City School District -18.9665 INGHAM Mason Public Schools -20.8264 LEELANAU Leland Public School Distr. 2.6626 GENESEE Grand Blanc Comm. Schools -17.3804 INGHAM Okemos Public Schools -13.6005 LEELANAU Northport Public School Distr. 3.3207 GENESEE Mt. Morris Consolidated -17.9572 INGHAM Stockbridge Comm. Schools -19.5314 LEELANAU Suttons Bay Public School -9.8739 GENESEE Goodrich Area Schools -14.6100 INGHAM Waverly Schools -9.7500 LENAWEE Adrian City School District -19.5000 GENESEE Bendle Public Schools -17.6500 INGHAM Webberville Comm. Schools -20.5622 LENAWEE Addison Community Schools -17.1966 GENESEE Genesee School District -19.1100 INGHAM Williamston Comm. Schools -20.6165 LENAWEE Blissfield Community Schools -12.5205 GENESEE Carman-Ainsworth Schools -15.7818 IONIA Ionia Public Schools -13.1000 LENAWEE Britton Macon Area Schools -21.7156 GENESEE Fenton Area Public Schools -20.7981 IONIA Palo Comm. School District -16.9500 LENAWEE Clinton Community Schools -14.5486 GENESEE Kearsley Community Schools -20.7875 IONIA Belding Area School District -14.3763 LENAWEE Deerfield Public Schools -19.1056 GENESEE Flushing Community Schools -17.5000 IONIA Lakewood Public Schools -15.9500 LENAWEE Hudson Area Schools -14.7500 GENESEE Atherton Comm School Distr -18.9000 IONIA Portland Public School Distr. -16.7027 LENAWEE Madison School District -12.7149 GENESEE Davison Community Schools -16.9000 IONIA Saranac Community Schools -14.1000 LENAWEE Morenci Area Schools -17.0000 GENESEE Clio Area School District -17.5000 IONIA Berlin Twp. School District 3 -19.7000 LENAWEE Onsted Community Schools -17.1847 GENESEE Swartz Creek Schools -20.8489 IONIA Easton Twp. School District 6 -13.3000 LENAWEE Sand Creek Comm. Schools -20.5074 GENESEE Lake Fenton Schools -13.8657 IONIA Ionia Twp. School District 2 -16.6000 LENAWEE Tecumseh Public Schools -20.8103 GENESEE Westwood Heights Schools -20.8114 IONIA Ionia Twp. School District 5 4.5753 LIVINGSTON Brighton Area Schools -16.1346 GENESEE Bentley Community Schools -20.1500 IOSCO Oscoda Area Schools -8.1199 LIVINGSTON Fowlerville Comm. Schools -16.2142 GENESEE Beecher Comm. Schools -20.6444 IOSCO Hale Area Schools -8.9300 LIVINGSTON Hartland Cons. Schools -20.2187 GENESEE Linden Comm School District -19.8200 IOSCO Tawas Area Schools -11.8500 LIVINGSTON Howell Public Schools -20.4482 GENESEE Montrose Community Schools -20.3716 IOSCO Whittemore Prescott Schools -11.5000 LIVINGSTON Pinckney Community Schools -17.8300 GENESEE Lakeville Comm School Distr. -15.7000 IRON Forest Park School District -12.0000 LUCE Tahquamenon Area Schools -12.0000 GLADWIN Beaverton Rural Schools -11.5000 IRON West Iron County Schools -18.4322 MACKINAC S1.Ignace City School Distr. -12.1166 GLADWIN Gladwin Community Schools -16.0400 ISABELLA M1.Pleasant City School Distr. -19.2580 MACKINAC Bois Blanc Pines Schools 0.5889 GOGEBIC Bessemer City School Distr. -15.9000 ISABELLA Beal City School -18.5000 MACKINAC Les Cheneaux Comm. Schools-12.5021 GOGEBIC Ironwood Area Schools -13.0000 ISABELLA Shepherd Public School Distr. -17.0369 MACKINAC Engadine Consolidated Schs -4.3160 GOGEBIC Marenisco School District -6.5000 JACKSON Western School District -19.3000 MACKINAC Moran Township School Distr. 2.7058 GOGEBIC Wakefield Twp. School Distr. -15.0000 JACKSON Vandercook Lake Public Schs -16.0000 MACKINAC Mackinac Island Pub Schools 0.0000 GOGEBIC Watersmeet Twp School Distr 6.1237 JACKSON Columbia School District -16.2500 MACOMB Centerline Public Schools -14.6400 G.TRAVERSE Traverse City School Distr. -14.2600 JACKSON Grass Lake Comm. Schools -20.3500 MACOMB East Detroit City Sch Distr. -19.6955 G.TRAVERSE Buckley Comm. Schools -15.0000 JACKSON Concord Community Schools -18.1500 MACOMB Roseville Community Schools -18.7412 G.TRAVERSE Kingsley Area School -7.5300 JACKSON East Jackson Public Schools -17.9000 MACOMB Anchor Bay School District -21.1575 GRATIOT Alma Public Schools -18.7800 JACKSON Hanover Horton Schools -15.8929 MACOMB Armada Area Schools -20.1271 GRATIOT Ashley Community Schools -19.0000 JACKSON Michigan Center School Distr -15.1869 MACOMB Clintondale Comm Schools -20.7914 GRATIOT Breckenridge Comm. Schools -16.2800 JACKSON Napoleon Community Schools -17.5900 MACOMB Chippewa Valley Schools -19.1216 GRATIOT Fulton Schools -18.0000 JACKSON Northwest School District -15.2500 MACOMB Fitzgerald Public Schools -15.1817 GRATIOT Ithaca Public Schools -16.9800 JACKSON Springport Public Schools -17.5500 MACOMB Fraser Public Schools -16.6461 GRATIOT S1.Louis Public Schools -17.6800 JACKSON Jackson Public Schools -19.3017 MACOMB Lakeshore Public Schools -15.3741 HILLSDALE Camden Frontier Schools -14.4500 KALAMAZOO Kalamazoo City School Distr -19.0361 MACOMB Lakeview Public Schools -11.2321 HILLSDALE Hillsdale Comm. Pub. Schools -14.0000 KALAMAZOO Climax Scotts Comm Schools -20.7555 MACOMB L' Anse Creuse Public Schools-14.9020 HILLSDALE Jonesville Community Schools -16.0000 KALAMAZOO Comstock Public Schools -15.2910 MACOMB M1.Clemens Comm. Schools -18.9340 HILLSDALE Litchfield Community Schools -17.4500 KALAMAZOO Galesburg Augusta Schools -20.7869 MACOMB New Haven Comm. Schools -19.6986 HILLSDALE N. Adams-Jerome Schools -14.0000 KALAMAZOO Gull Lake Community Schools -18.8300 MACOMB Richmond Community Schools-21.3656 HILLSDALE Pittsford Area Schools -14.0000 KALAMAZOO Parchment School District -18.1110 MACOMB Romeo Community Schools -19.7992 HILLSDALE Reading Community Schools -14.0000 KALAMAZOO Portage Public Schools -15.7000 MACOMB South Lake Schools -3.0367 HILLSDALE Waldron Area Schools -19.9500 KALAMAZOO Schoolcraft Comm. Schools -16.8000 MACOMB Utica Community Schools -15.9958 HOUGHTON Hancock Public Schools -13.6000 KALAMAZOO Vicksburg Community Schools -16.0000 MACOMB Van Dyke Public Schools -17.2654 II HOUGHTON Adams Twp. School District -15.5000 KALKASKA Forest Area Comm. Schools -10.2300 MACOMB Warren Consolidated Schools -6.7093 HOUGHTON Public Schools of Calumet -11.8500 KALKASKA Kalkaska Public Schools -8.6400 MACOMB Warren Woods Public Schools -9.9440 HOUGHTON Chassell Twp. School District -13.9000 KALKASKA. Excelsior District #1 -10.2000 MANISTEE Bear Lake School District -16.2140 HOUGHTON Elm River Twp. School Distr. -6.5833 KENT Grand Rapids City Schools -18.1106 MANISTEE Kaleva Norman - Dickson -12.2500 HOUGHTON Osceola Twp. School District -16.5000 KENT Godwin Heights Public Schools -6.7961 MANISTEE Onekama Cons. Schools -5.0193. HOUGHTON Houghton-Portage Twp. -15.5000 KENT Northview Public School Distr. -20.2482 MANISTEE Manistee Area Public Schools -11.5000 HOUGHTON Lake Linden Hubbell Schools -13.6000 KENT Wyoming Public Schools -18.8327 MARQUETTE N.I.C.E. Community Schools -11.3650 HOUGHTON Stanton Twp School District -13.5000 KENT Byron Center Public Schools -12.7264 MARQUETTE Gwinn Area Comm. Schools -8.3180 HURON Bad Axe Public Schools -7.0000 KENT Caledonia Community Schools -5.6464 MARQUETTE Negaunee Public Schools -8.8650 HURON Caseville Public Schools 2.6166 KENT Cedar Springs Public Schools -16.1900 MARQUETTE Powell Township School Distr -6.5598 HURON Church School District -2.1965 KENT Comstock Park Public Schools -19.9392 MARQUETTE Republic Michigamme Schools -8.9924 HURON Elkton Pigeon Bayport Schools-10.9474 KENT East Grand Rapids Schools -19.5568 MARQUETTE Wells Township School Distr 2.6167 HURON Harbor Beach Comm. Schools -12.7126 KENT Forest Hills Public Schools -5.3513 MARQUETTE Marquette City School Distr -14.6150 HURON North Huron School District -7.9235 KENT Godfrey Lee Public Schools -17.7679 MARQUETTE Ishpeming Public School Dist -15.4950 HURON Owendale Gagetown Area -19.7166 KENT Grandville Public Schools -17.7000 MASON Mason County C. Schools -14.9600 HURON Port Hope Community Schools 1.5000 KENT Kelloggsville Public Schools -17.3500 MASON Mason County E. Schools -16.2520 School Finance Reform and Property Tax Relief - Proposal A - •• Millage Impact By School District By County CHG CHG CHG IN IN IN COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS COUNTY DISTRICT NAME MILLS MASON Freesoil Community Schools -14.3723 OAKLAND Rochester Community Schools -8.3016 SHIAWASSEE Laingsburg Comm. Schools -21.0300 MASON Ludington Area School Distr. -2.4000 OAKLAND Clawson City School District -15.7360 SHIAWASSEE Morrice Area Schools -19.7000 MECOSTA Big Rapids Public Schools -15.5000 OAKLAND Lamphere Public Schools -1.0000 SHIAWASSEE New Lothrop Area Schools -19.0000 MECOSTA Chippewa Hills School Distr. -14.7500 OAKLAND Walled Lake Cons. Schools -9.0000 SHIAWASSEE Perry Public School District -17.5299 MECOSTA Morley Stanwood Schools -12.0000 OAKLAND Waterford School District -14.2363 SHIAWASSEE Corunna Public School Distr -17.8500 MENOMINEE Camey Nadeau Pub. Schools -12.7000 OCEANA Ferry Community School Distr. -13.5500 SHIAWASSEE Owosso Public Schools -14.8500 MENOMINEE Menominee Area Pub. Schools-16.9430 OCEANA Hart Public School District -14.9170 TUSCOLA Akron Fairgrove Schools -14.3856 MENOMINEE North Central Area Schools -14.6000 OCEANA Pentwater Public School Distr. -5.7629 TUSCOLA Caro Community Schools -15.3704 MENOMINEE Stephenson Area Pub. Schools-1 0.3000 OCEANA Shelby Public Schools -15.0500 TUSCOLA Cass City Public Schools -12.9000 MIDLAND Midland Public Schools -0.9338 OCEANA Walkerville Comm. Schools -14.0100 TUSCOLA Kingston Comm. Schools -14.5000 MIDLAND Bullock Creek School Distr. -20.3400 OGEMAW W Branch Rose City Schools -13.0791 TUSCOLA Mayville Comm. Schools -17.5000 MIDLAND Coleman Comm. Schools -19.9500 ONTONAGON Ewen-trout Creek Cons. -13.0000 TUSCOLA Millington Comm. Schools -18.6837 MIDLAND Meridian Public Schools -20.6652 ONTONAGON Ontonagon Area Schools -12.1600 TUSCOLA Reese Public Schools -14.5000 MISSAUKEE Falmouth Elem School Distr. -14.0000 ONTONAGON White Pine School District -8.1600 TUSCOLA Unionville Sebewaing Area -16.8262 MISSAUKEE Lake City Area School Distr. -11.5000 OSCEOLA Evart Public Schools -14.5467 TUSCOLA Vassar Public Schools -13.4900 MISSAUKEE McBain Rural Agr School -12.5000 OSCEOLA Marion Public Schools -12.8700 VANBUREN South Haven Public Schools -11.1700 MONROE Monroe Public Schools -12.4835 OSCEOLA Pine River Area Schools -17.4000 VANBUREN Bangor Public Schools -13.0000 MONROE Airport Community School -17.0100 OSCEOLA Reed City Public Schools -13.5000 VANBUREN Covert Public Schools -0.0244 MONROE Bedford Public School Distr. -16.2000 OSCODA Mio Au Sable Schools -10.5000 VANBUREN Decatur Public Schools -13.0800 MONROE Dundee Community Schools -15.2500 OSCODA Fairview Area School Distr. -6.0000 VANBUREN Bloomingdale Public Schools -13.4444 MONROE Ida Public School District -17.9399 OTSEGO Gaylord Community Schools -12.2900 VANBUREN Gobles Public School Distr. -17.3300 MONROE Jefferson Schools-Monroe 1.3468 OTSEGO Johannesburg-Lewiston -2.0500 VANBUREN Hartford Public School Distr. -17.0000 MONROE Mason Cons School District -14.2000 OTSEGO Vanderbilt Area School -15.2950 VANBUREN Lawrence Public Schools -16.5527 MONROE Summerfield School District -15.6847 OTTAWA Grand Haven City School Distr. -8.5120 VANBUREN Lawton Community Schools -18.1561 MONROE Whiteford Agr School Distr. -18.7756 OTTAWA Holland City School District -15.1272 VANBUREN Mattawan Cons. School Distr. -14.1500 MONTCALM Carson City Crystal Schools -18.5000 OTTAWA Allendale Public School Distr. -20.6825 VANBUREN Paw Paw Public School Distr. -12.0700 MONTCALM Montabella Comm Schools -14.4500 OTTAWA West Ottawa Public Sch Distr. -15.3298 VANBUREN Bangor Twp. School Distr. 8 -11.9811 MONTCALM Greenville Public Schools -15.1 000 OTTAWA Coopersville Public Sch Distr. -13.4600 WASHTENAW Ann Arbor Public Schools -2.0708 MONTCALM Tri County Area Schools -13.6806 OTTAWA Jenison Public Schools -16.0380 WASHTENAW Ypsilanti School District -18.0661 MONTCALM Lakeview Community Schools -13.0300 OTTAWA Hudsonville Public Sch Distr. -12.8238 WASHTENAW Chelsea School District -15.7318 MONTCALM Central Montcalm Public -16.7420 OTTAWA Spring Lake Public Sch Distr. -19.7010 WASHTENAW Dexter Community Schools -10.3075 MONTCALM Vestaburg Comm. Schools -15.6500 OTTAWA Zeeland Public Schools -17.1382 WASHTENAW Lincoln Cons School District -20.5430 MONTMOR. Atlanta Community Schools -10.5000 PRESQUE-ISL Onaway Area Comm. School -6.6000 WASHTENAW Manchester Comm. Schools -17.6405 MONTMOR. Hillman Community Schools -8.0000 PRESQUE-ISL Posen Cons School District -12.8952 WASHTENAW Milan Area Schools -18.7386 MUSKEGON Muskegon City School Distr. -18.5820 PRESQUE-ISL Rogers City Area Schools -13.7871 WASHTENAW Saline Area School District -15.0979 MUSKEGON Muskegon Heights Schools -19.2786 ROSCOMMON Gerrish Higgins School Distr. -6.2023 WASHTENAW Whitmore Lake Pub Schools -15.7532 MUSKEGON Mona Shores School District -20.4589 ROSCOMMON Houghton Lake Schools -10.9117 WASHTENAW Willow Run Comm. Schools -18.7734 MUSKEGON Oakridge Public Schools -16.5055 SAGINAW Saginaw City School District -19.8653 WAYNE Detroit City School District -19.5341 MUSKEGON Fruitport Community Schools -19.7000 SAGINAW Carrollton School District -18.8500 WAYNE Allen Park Public Schools -17.2625 MUSKEGON Holton Public Schools -12.3313 SAGINAW Saginaw Twp Comm. Schools -11.2919 WAYNE Dearborn City School Distr -3.9030 MUSKEGON Montague Area Public Schools-18.2500 SAGINAW Buena Vista School District -19.5339 WAYNE Dearborn Hgts School NO.7 -19.6828 MUSKEGON Orchard View Schools -20.2877 SAGINAW Chesaning Union Schools -18.5500 WAYNE Melvindale Allen Park School -13.9000 MUSKEGON Ravenna Public Schools -20.7446 SAGINAW Birch Run Area School Distr. -16.3000 WAYNE Garden City School District -19.5143 MUSKEGON Reeths Puffer Schools -17.7946 SAGINAW Bridgeport-Spaulding Cons. -18.9500 WAYNE Grosse Pointe Public Schools -5.3165 MUSKEGON North Muskegon Pub. Schools -18.2118 SAGINAW Frankenmuth School District -5.2940 WAYNE Hamtramck Public Schools -16.1500 MUSKEGON Whitehall School District -18.3500 SAGINAW Freeland Comm Schools -16.0000 WAYNE Highland Park City Schools -19.8984 NEWAYGO Fremont Public School Distr. -15.5000 SAGINAW Hemlock Public Schools -18.5000 WAYNE Inkster City School District -18.0119 NEWAYGO Grant Public School District -17.1000 SAGINAW Merrill Comm School District -18.1800 WAYNE Lincoln Park Public Schools -20.9612 NEWAYGO Hesperia Comm School Distr. -13.5000 SAGINAW St Charles Community Schools-16.6000 WAYNE Livonia Public Schools -5.8194 NEWAYGO Newaygo Public School Distr. -13.1000 SAGINAW Swan Valley School District -18.8000 WAYNE Plymouth Canton Schools -13.9162 NEWAYGO Pineview School District -17.0000 SAINT CLAIR Port Huron Area School Distr. -16.4719 WAYNE Redford Union School Distr. -17.4786 NEWAYGO White Cloud Public Schools -17.5000 SAINT CLAIR Algonac Community Schools -16.3597 WAYNE River Rouge City Schools -17.6477 NEWAYGO Big Jackson School District -15.0000 SAINT CLAIR Capac Community Sch District -15.2500 WAYNE Romulus Community Schools -18.6500 OAKLAND Birmingham City School Distr. -0.6700 SAINT CLAIR East China Twp School Distr. -1.4336 WAYNE South Redford School Distr. -11.0188 OAKLAND Femdale City School Distr. -17.4900 SAINT CLAIR Marysville Public School Distr. -20.7524 WAYNE Taylor School District -20.0847 OAKLAND Pontiac City School District -21.3132 SAINT CLAIR Memphis Community Schools -20.5647 WAYNE Trenton Public Schools -9.0050 OAKLAND Sch Dist City of Royal Oak -11.4888 SAINT. CLAIR Yale Public Schools -18.0200 WAYNE Wayne-Westland Community -20.1236 OAKLAND Berkley City School District -20.4482 ST. JOSEPH Sturgis Public School Distr. -15.3000 WAYNE Wyandotte City School Distr. -19.7087 OAKLAND Southfield Public Schools -7.8300 ST. JOSEPH Burr Oak Comm School Distr. -19.0000 WAYNE Flat Rock Comm. Schools -18.6760 OAKLAND Avondale School District -5.9537 ST. JOSEPH Centreville Public Schools -15.2700 WAYNE Crestwood School District -5.4711 OAKLAND Bloomfield Hills School Distr. 0.5301 ST. JOSEPH Colon Community School Distr.-15.5000 WAYNE Westwood Comm. Schools -21.5003 OAKLAND Clarenceville School Distr. -14.4000 ST. JOSEPH Constantine Public Schools -15.7500 WAYNE Ecorse Public School Distr. -19.8545 OAKLAND Novi Community Schools -2.2000 ST. JOSEPH Mendon Comm. Schools -17.0000 WAYNE Gibraltar School District -20.9600 OAKLAND Oxford Area Comm Sch Distr. -15.6914 ST. JOSEPH White Pigeon Comm. Schools -13.5000 WAYNE Grosse lie Township Schools -9.5979 OAKLAND Hazel Park City School Distr. -17.6656 ST. JOSEPH Three Rivers Comm. Schools -15.0000 WAYNE City of Harper Woods Schools -4.3889 OAKLAND Madison Public Schools -20.2508 ST. JOSEPH Nottawa Community School -11.0000 WAYNE Huron School District -21.2061 OAKLAND Troy Public School District -3.9940 SANILAC Brown City Comm School Distr~15.0000 WAYNE Woodhaven Public Schools -19.7600 OAKLAND West Bloomfield School Distr. -7.1300 SANILAC Carsonville-Port Sanilac -11.3051 WAYNE Northville Public Schools -4.4237 OAKLAND Brandon School District -19.0092 SANILAC Croswell Lexington Schools -10.5476 WAYNE Riverview Comm. Schools -12.9861 OAKLAND Clarkston Comm School Distr. -16.9964 SANILAC Deckerville Comm. Schools -13.1500 WAYNE Southgate Comm. Schools -20.0448 OAKLAND Farmington Public Sch Distr. -4.5153 SANILAC Marlette Community Schools -16.9648 WAYNE Van Buren Public Schools -19.5361 OAKLAND Holly Area School District -18.6512 SANILAC Peck Community School Distr. -14.0000 WEXFORD Cadillac Area Public Schools -15.2000 OAKLAND Huron Valley Schools -20.0120 SANILAC Sandusky Comm School Distr. -14.1446 WEXFORD Manton Consolidated Schools -13.0000 OAKLAND Lake Orion Comm. Schools -13.9794 SCHL. CRAFT Manistique Area Schools -15.7500 WEXFORD Mesick Consolidated Schools -10.2500 OAKLAND South Lyon Comm. Schools -16.2842 SHIAWASSEE Byron Area Schools -17.0021 Prepared by the Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis, OAKLAND Oak Park City School Distr. -16.3000 SHIAWASSEE Durand Area Schools -19.4500 Michigan Department of Treasury Michigan Farm News April 30, 1993 Lincoln Welders Added to IvlFBGP Product Line Michigan Farm Bureau members can now There are three acetylene cutting and weld- The "Weldanpower" unit doubles as a welder and a portable generator that can include Lincoln Welders and supplies as ing outfits offered to MFB members, in- power auxiliary lights, hand tools, and emergency standby equipment in the field another member benefit that can save them cluding the "BRONZE" package which can or during power failures. The Weldanpower can also be used to thaw frozen pipes, money, while purchasing a quality product weld up to 1/2" thick material and cut or used to TIG weld on specialty alloys with an optional Hi-Freq unit. through the Michigan Farm Bureau Group material up to 4" thick. Purchasing (MFBGP) program. According to MFBGP Manager Bob Harms, MFB members will be able to take advantge of the new service year-around and during The "SILVER" package welds up to 1/2" thick and cuts up to 5" inch thick material, and the "GOLD" welds up ,to I" thick / special sales events. material, and cuts up to 6" thick material. In addition, the Harris "Propane-Pac," which MFBGP recently signed an agreement with is a propane fueled cutting and welding Lincoln Welder, the world's largest outfit, will be available. manufacturer and supplier of welding and cutting products, to market Lincoln welders According to Harms, Lincoln's reputation and welding supplies via their 265 vendors for quality welders and supplies is backed located throughout Michigan. The agree- up by quality service as well, with over 40 ment is the first of its kind between Lincoln warehouses across the country, including Welder and a state Farm Bureau. one located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to assure a quick response on standard "Based on a number of requests from farm products and service. dealers and farm customers of MFBGP, we approached Lincoln to consider adding For more product information, or to con- welding supplies to our product line that we tact your local MFBGP vendor, call Bob could offer Farm Bureau members," ex- Harms at 1-800-292-2680, extension plained Harms. "Lincoln was highly recom- 2015. mended by a number of steel vendors and their customers as a reputable supplier of welding products." That recommendation prompted Lincoln Welder to ask - why not include welders and Harris Torches as part of the product line available to Farm Bureau customers of MFBGP? The agreement now offers Farm Bureau members discounted prices on quality Lincoln Welders and supplies, and ~RRIED an additional 20 percent discount during MFBGP's three annual sales events. "The Farm Bureau member-only discount FACES \. program on Lincoln Welders, welding sup- plies and Harris Torches will allow farm members another opportunity to recoup their Farm Bureau membership in welding supply purchases every year," Harms said. OF OUR "In addition, if a Farm Bureau member pur- chases a welder during one of our three sales, they'll be able to save another 20 INSUREDS. percent on an already discounted quality product." Worry? Not them. According to Harms, those quality products include the AC-225, AC-225C and ACIDC And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a welders which are easy to operate, and fea- ture full range, continuous current adjust- Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? ments. They operate on 230 volt single phase current. The ACIDC has the added Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care. I feature of DC with smooth, stable arc and extra versatility. With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how devastating this can be. Another popular model amongst vendors, according to Harms, is the Weldanpower But it doesn't have to be this way, ISO AC and DC light-duty gasoline engine welders which provide tremendous ver- satility at a low cost. When used with Lin- With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an coln mild steel, stainless, or low-hydrogen American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term electrodes, members will be able to weld on care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.) pipe, sheet metal and structural members. The Idealarc SP-85, SP-I 00, SP-130T, SP- Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for 250 Series are a complete line of single- more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the phase semi-automatic constant voltage DC arc welders. Built to meet NEMA specifica- options available to you. tions, standard features include a gas Representing: regulator and hose and a high-quality Mag- num GMAW gun and cable assembly. AMEX Life Assurance Compan)' (f,; The SP-85 and SP-loo wire welders are a SubSidiary of • TRAVEL compact, portable and reliable and are an RELATED ideal choice for individuals having access ~ SERVICES to liS volt AC input power. The SP-250 is intended for heavier duty applications and 1. Consumer's Guide 10 Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 features the precise control of a microcom- 2. U.S. News & World Repon, Aug. 13, 1990 3. Indepenrlenl anal)'Sts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and puter-based welding system. operating performance. In addition to quality welding products such TO RECENE ADDmONAL INFORMATION AND AN AMEX BROCHURE/APPUCATION - FU.L OUT THE COUPON BELOW as shields and gloves, MFBGP purchasing vendors will also be able to offer Farm OR CAll DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT.• 2724. Bureau members a full line of welding rods Please Print and wire for wire feed welders to meet the ~"M.t:H'6AN specific needs of each member. .... FARM BIJREAIJ Name The Harris Torch line has a well-known Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Address name for high quality products in the field Membership Services of gas torches and related equipment. The P.O. Box 30960 City State ZIP Harris Company was recently purchased by Lansing, MI 48909 Lincoln and the torch product line was of- Phone fered to MFBGP as part of the welder and welding supply product line. County MFN -. Michigan Farm News April 30, 1993 1m Over a Million Michigan Acres Were No- Till in 1992 No-till farming, planting crops Com, soybeans and several other crops through the residue of the last were established on more than a million crop, was the planting system of acres of Michigan's farmland in 1992 choice on over a million acres of without first plowing or otherwise preparing Michigan's cropland for the first the land for planting, according to a recently time in 1992. All no-till increased released Soil Conservation Service survey. 228,438 acres or 29 percent over the previous year. No-till The 228,438-acre or 29 percent increase soybeans increased 50 percent. from 1991 to 1992 is the fifteenth consecu- No-till is becoming recognized as tive year no-till farming has increased in a cost effective way to grow crops Michigan. without soil erosion and as- sociated water pollution. There were 491,700 acres of com, 278,200 acres of soybeans, 124,595 acres of small grains, 33,000 acres of hay, 15,100 of pas- Looking Out For The Environment ture and 71,500 acres of other crops planted in Michigan using the no-till system in the 1992 growing season, a total of 1,014,000 acres of no-till. "The million-acre milestone is evidence that farmers are following our 'Do Not Disturb' advice and that no-till is an economically Pesticide Storage Tips attractive way to grow crops," said Homer Washing Contaminated Safe Use Of Pesticides • Use, secure location Work Clothing R. Hilner, state conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service in Michigan. • Use original • Assume containers they're con- "The no-till concept was introduced in the 60s, developed in the 70s, and tested by M ost people understand the benefits associated with pesticide use. But the ben- contamination results. To avoid accidents, it's important that you "take time for safety" only • Avoid fume taminated • Wash daily many farmers in the 80s. Now it's becoming the system of choice for an ever-increasing buildup in hot number of Michigan farmers," the conser- efits of pesticides can quickly before you use ag chemicals. vationist added. ~ • Avoid tem- water and disappear if accidents occur How would you answer the - - -. - .. heavy-duty safety quiz below? perature No-till is a planting method in which crops and injury or environmental extremes detergent are planted through the residue left after the • Avoid sparks or flames • Keep separate from regular previous crop was harvested. Run-off and wash soil erosion are nearly eliminated when the no-till system is used. This assures the sus- Read The label • Line dry clothes after washing tainability of crop (food) production and • Your guide to safe, legal use • Run an empty wash cycle protects water quality. • Proper with hot water & detergent to Mulch-till conservation tillage increased in clean machine 1992 also, but at a much slower rate. The PESTICIDE ::ication • Precaution- - - Container Management • Triple or pressure rinse con- slower rate is attributed to the growth of no-till. ary state- tainers immediately after use Many farmers change to mulch-till because ments they are not comfortable switching from for users, • Store empty containers, clean-till to no-till, according to Jerry Where do you store your ag chemicals? Are wildlife and environment uncapped, where they won't Grigary, conservation agronomist for the • they kept in original containers, locked away collect water Soil Conservation Service. These fanners from weather and unauthorized access? • Safe reentry intervals often change to no-till when they become • Deliver container to a collec- aware of the costs associated with mulch- What parts of the product label do you read • Emergency response tion site for recycling or till. • infonnation before each use? Do you read the potential other uses hazards to you and the environment in as much detail Protective Equipment Grigary explained that most farmers under- as you do the directions for use? • Read product label for Spill Clean-Up stand that the biggest cost for clean-till • Control the spill and report farming is associated with tillage (big trac- Will the clothing and safety equipment you're guidance tors, fuel and time). They also know that the to appropriate authorities • going to wear protect you? Do you maintain • Routinely wear long- biggest expense for no-till is associated with them properly when not in use? • Begin cleanup wearing materials used to control weeds and insects. sleeved shirt, long pants, proper rubber gloves and boots According to the agronomist, mulch-till has Who showed you how to use ag chemicals and safety • • Goggles and a respirator machinery or tillage costs similar to c1ean- safety equipment? Do you feel comfortable that equipment may be needed till and pesticide costs similar to no-till, you're using them properly? making it difficult for mulch-till to be • Properly economically competitive with either c1ean- What do you do with the clothes worn when Safety Tips dispose of till or no-till. • using ag chemicals? Do you wash them separate- • Wash your hands often the spilled ly from your regular clothes? How do you dry them? material. • Never eat, chew Ag-Expo 1993 to Focus gum or use tobacco What do you do with empty pesticide containers products when work- on High Residue • or extra spray solution? Do you triple or pres- is provided by sure rinse containers? ing This information Planters and Drills the Alliance for a Clean Rural with Environment, a non-profrt, Do you know what to do in the event of a Mark your calendars for July 13 - 15 for pesticides non-political "Vganization MSU's annual Ag-Expo event. Spon- • chemical spill or accident? encouraging environmental sored by the Department of Agricultural • Change and stewardship and protection of Engineering, the show's 1993 field If any of these questions raises a concern or wash work water quality, supported by demonstrations will focus on the latest reveals a practice you'd like to improve, contact clothing the makers of crop protection technologies available for planters and your local Extension agent, regional EPA office or daily chemicals. drills used in no-till operations. In addi- us (800-545-5410) for more information. • Attend training classes tion to the field demonstrations, over 35 acres of machinery and educational ex- hibits are also planned. Michigan Farm News April 30, 1993 m Pythium is Constant Threat to Young Sugar Beets Every spring, Dr. John Halloin receives samples of diseased sugar beet seedlings The severity of pythium, like aphanomyces - Sugar Beet Management Checklist - from the heart of Michigan sugar beet and rhizoctonia, depends on the season, soil country. He and his colleagues at Michigan types and pathogen levels in the soil. Often a combination of these diseases attacks Use these steps to establish a healthy stand and reduce fungi populations. State University analyze samples to deter- mine the cause of disease and, in many cases, pythium is to blame. sugar beet stands. Infection either kills plants or stunts root system growth, result- o Rotate away from sugar beets. A water mold with swimming spores, ing in lower yields. o Plant in cool soils. Most disease pathogens will not grow well at cool temperatures, except pythium. pythium thrives in wet soils and cooler According to Schultz, sugar beet growers temperatures. Poorly drained fields or fields that have been fallow are associated will lose an average of 50 to 70 percent of planted seed to disease and other environ- o quarters Plant shallow to minimize soil moisture. of an inch is recommended. In high-moisture situations, three- with high pythium activity. mental factors, like wind. Many growers "Aphanomyces may be most feared by and researchers believe establishing a heal- thy stand can help plants overcome those o Fertilizer and use tillage practices to promote healthy, vigorous growth. debilitating factors. Seed beds should provide good seed-to-soil contact. growers," says Halloin, plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service at Michigan "I tried the fungicide to control pythium," o Control weeds. Weeds can act as a host for many pathogens. State University (MSU). "But in many cases, pythium is the most prevalent says Hombacher. "But I also had less problems with other diseases, like black o Use a fungicide seed treatment such as apron. pathogen in diseased seedlings. root. Getting the stand off to a good start seems to make it more tolerant." o (There Plant resistant seed when aphanomyces or rhizochtonia is no resistant. variety for pythium.) is a problem. "Pythium is extremely variable," he adds. "It varies by year and location. When con- Ridomil Provides Extra o Use a fungicide, at planting for control of pythium, especially in wet ditions are right, several different species Protection to Sugar seasons, poorly drained fields or in fields such as history of pythium. can be found in most fields." Beets According to researchers, pythium is The effect of pythium on sugar beets can be present in most soils. Pythium ultimum is devastating. Damage can range from sec- the most common species and primarily tions of plants stunted or killed to the entire causes seed rot and pre-emergence damp- stand destroyed. Wet weather conditions, ing-off. It also is responsible for post-emer- poorly drained fields and fields that have gence damping-off in young seedlings. been fallow favor the growth and spread of this soilborn fungal disease. In addition to "The prevalence of pythium is linked to apron-treated seeds, growers can now im- spring temperature and moisture," says plement a preventive Ridomil fungicide pro- John Schulz, Co-op Elevator Co. farm con- gram to protect their crop. sultant, Sebewaing. "With our cool, wet springs, everyone seems to have a problem Ridomil is a systemic fungicide that controls with it. Some years we've had considerable pythium, the cause of seed rot, root rot, and stand loss. pre- and post-emergence damping-off in young seedlings. Ridomil provides two "Certain management practices, like time means of defense. Applied at planting, it of planting, planting depth and rotation stops pythium on contact in the soil, then is give the stand a healthy start, which can absorbed by the roots and works inside the result in better harvests," he adds. "These I plant so seedlings are protected as they practices also can limit the effect of seed- grow. ling diseases." (See chart for recommended establishment practices.) A vailable as a liquid (RidomiI2E) or granular be mechanically incorporated before planting or be moved into the seed zone after planting (RidomiI5G), the fungicide can be applied with 1/2- to one-inch sprinkler irrigation. "Aphanomyces and rhizoctonia are better preplant incorporated or as a surface spray suited to warmer temperatures," says at planting. For either method, apply four to Many growers find that a preventive application of Ridomil pays for itself with healthier, more MSU's Halloin. "Planting during the cooler eight pints of the liquid or 20 to 40 pounds vigorous stands and increases in yield and sugar content. Thirty-one university and field temperatures of early- to mid-April not of the granular per treated acre. For banded trials show treated stands average 13-percent more plants than untreated acres. When only favors sugar beet germination, but applications, a seven-inch band is recom- conditions are right for pythium, the extra protection of a fungicide program is worth gives plants sufficient time to emerge mended. If natural rainfall is not expected investigating. For more Information on Rldomll fungicide, growers may call 1-800-934- before those pathogens are present in before seed germination, Ridomil should 2422. v warmer soils. Unfortunately, the tempera- ture range that favors beet seed germination also favors pythium." v The good news is that gro~ers can effec- tively control the fungus with a two- pronged fungicide program. A combina- tion of fungicide-treated seed and fungicide applications can protect seedlings from FA pythium, especially in fields that are prone to high activity. Results of a 1985 fungicide seed treatment study show emergence is better when seeds are treated with metalaxyl, which has specific activity against pythium, com- pared to thiram, a general seed treatment Heritage of America fungicide. Apron-treated seeds provide seedling protection against pythium, even September 25-0ctober 3, 1993 in cool, wet soils, but seed treatment fun- The beautiful colors of the fall foliage combined with America's most historic areas makes this a most outstanding tour gicides only protect seedlings for a limited for Farm Bureau members. Our travels will include New York City, the city of Brotherly love - Philadelphia, the Amish time. country of Lancaster, as well as Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley. Our adventures will then take us to Monticello, In 1991, Ridomil@ fungicide was labeled colonial Williamsburg, and then to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. to control pythium in sugar beets, extend- This deluxe tour includes air transportation, first-class hotel accommodations, deluxe motorcoach transportation, 15 ing the protection of seed treatments. meals, and full sightseeing and admissions to all attractions. This 9-day tour is available for $1,299 per member. Available in liquid or granular formula- tions, it can be surface applied or preplant incorporated (see sidebar story for more information on Ridomil). Copenhagen Plus October 9-16, 1993 "In certain fields, I'd lose up to 35 percent Scandinavia this fall could be the most refreshing, truly different vacation you have ever had. Scandinavia is different, but of my sugar beets because of pythium," you will feel very much at home. Our one-week vacation offers you the opportunity to enjoy Copenhagen, Denmark- says James Hombacher, Sebewaing. "I tried Ridomil last year on problem areas one of Europe's most exciting capital cities - known for its fun loving spirit! Copenhagen has many fme museums, Royal and had excellent results. Plant counts Palaces, and an old harbour district with colorful cafes and cozy restaurants. The Strogit is the famous pedestrian shopping showed an increase of IS to 30 plants per center - Europe's largest - where you can find the finest of Scandinavian goods and crafts. 100 feet compared to untreated areas. Our package includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations at the 4 star Sheraton-Copenhagen, a 2-nightcruise to Oslo, the "I figure that an extra 10 beets per 100 feet capital of Norway, city sightseeing, Danish breakfast each morning, 2 dinners, and much, much more for the unbelievable pay for the cost of the fungicide program," price of $1,235 for members, $1,255 for non-members. he adds. TO RECEIVEADOrnONAL INFORMATION CALL OIRECT 1-800-292-2680.00.-3067. Michigan Farm News Attention at Calving Time Will Boost Your Profits .... ,.., .. •• April 30, 1993 The most important link in the beef .~ ... permits cows to calve under natural condi- .. production chain is the beef cow and her tions, thus reducing stress . live, healthy calf. Calving time is critical to your economic well-being throughout the Hough recommends checking cows every year. Making sure the cow is in good con- three to four hours. First-calf heifers and dition improves your bottom line. cows you suspect of having problems may need additional checking. The cow will nor- Although the calving period is critical for cows, and especially first-calf heifers, it is \ mally calve in a one to three hour period. If calving is normal, leave her alone. If you a time when you begin to see the benefits of think there could be any problem, call your a successful breeding program. It is benefi- veterinarian. cial for the cows and heifers to be sure the calving period is as stress-free as possible. The period immediately after delivery is especially important. If delivery has been Dr. John Hough, director of education and normal, there will be few problems. The calf research for the American Polled Hereford Association, says one of the first steps for a should stand and nurse within 30 - 45 successful calving program for all cattle minutes. It is extremely important that the calf get the colostrum or first milk from the producers is to avoid all types of unneces- sary stress on cows. Keeping cows in cow. Consider dipping the umbilical or familiar surroundings and following nutri- navel cord of the calf in a disinfectant solu- tion recommendations also help ensure suc- ""',"~ '" tion to help prevent infection. '" cessful calving. "In order to rebreed on schedule, the cow of hay or equivalent, so that an additional ing small grain pasture for four to five hours must recover from calving stress, repair the During the last 30 - 45 days of pregnancy, pound of total digestible nutrients (TDN) is every four to five days. reproductive tract, furnish milk for.her calf cows generally need a 10 - 15 percent in- provided. You can improve ration quality crease in the ration if being fed a stored and start cycling. She can economically at the same time by slightly increasing If possible, select a calving site that is easy meet these requirements as long as she roughage. This can be an extra two pounds protein level. This includes using protein for you to observe cows and heifers. A receives good nutrition and medical care," blocks, supplements, range cubes or graz- small, clean, sodded pasture works well and Hough says. Livestock Profit Still There For the Careful Move W eare a growing company and we're looking for ambitious, friendly, hard- working men and women to help us Producer It may be three or four years before cattle producers have to worry about an ahead • serve the people of Michigan. You'll be associated with the finest agency force in Michigan ... professionals like the four oversupply, but the pork industry faces a much shorter time frame, according to speakers at the recent American Farm In a pictured here, who received major awards at our recent annual sales convention. Bureau Cattle/Hog Cycle Forum. The latest cattle and calf inventory fig- new career • • • These four, and our 425 other agents in Michigan, are a big reason why Farm Bureau ure of 100.9 million head is so close to Insurance is a leading insurer throughout the the previous one as to create doubt, if an expansion is actually taking place, said Ed Uvacek, president of Western Re- Join these winners state. To find out if you qualify for our winning team search, Inc. and professor emeritus at Texas A&M University. as an agent for - and the prestige, unlimited earning potential, He said there is expansion in the breed- ing herd, but so slow as to give producers another three or four years Farm Bureau and trusted reputation that come with it - contact your local Farm Bureau Insurance agency before supplies become burdensome. Some sluggishness could develop in fed Insurance manager or ca1l517-323-7000, ext. 2355. cattle markets in the next several months, if the seven percent more cattle in feedlots reported Jan. 1 bunch up when coming to market, Uvacek said. He sees fed cattle prices averaging in the mid-to-high $70 range for the year, with the high end in the first two quarters. Feeder cattle will price out about $10 per hundred weight higher than fed cattle throughout the year, ac- cording to Uvacek. Rus Gardner Joe SoUtro Dale Van Fleet Margaret Dziadziola Pork production set a new record high in 1992, and December 1 figures 1992 Distinguished Sales 1992 Distinguished 1992 Elton R. Smith 1992 Michigan Farm showed a larger breeding herd than a Award Management Award Award Bureau Membership year earlier, but hog prices have A former high school For the second time, Joe Dale VanFleet, an agent Award produced losses for average producers coach, Oakland County Solitro has been named in Frankenmuth for over in eight of the last 12 months. For the second year in a agent Rus Gardner our top agency manager 25 years, received this row, Wayne County agent That kind of performance usually trig- continues to break in Michigan. An honor for his dedication to Margaret Dziadziola has gers some downsizing, according to company records with his outstanding recruiter, his profession, his earned this major award Glenn Grimes, professor emeritus from outstanding sales and trainer, and motivator, Joe community, and Michigan for leading the state in the University of Missouri. service. For the sixth year manages 17 agents Farm Bureau. The award new Michigan Farm in a row, he has earned serving Berrien, Cass, and recognizes Dale as a Bureau memberships. As Grimes said the hog herd may be about as large in 1993 as in 1992, and with the Distinguished Sales VanBuren Counties. His highly-regarded leader in our top membership abundant feed supplies, there may be a Award, recognizing him agency is a consistent Farm Bureau and the producer of 1992, plateau for a couple of years with as our top agent in the leader in sales and community. around 93 to 95 million head produced Margaret signed up 251 state. service. annually in 1993 and 1994. new members last year. He looks for market prices to average between $41 and $43 per hundred weight for the year, with the strongest Making your future - -@ ~_ FARM BIJREAIJ 4' prices in the second and third quarters. more predictable fARM IURu.U MlJTUAl INSIJRANCE • FARM BUll£AU lifE • fARM BUREAU GENERAL • fB AHHUITY Michigan Farm News April 30, 1993 Stray vol can be a pro evenona well-run farm. An amount of voltage too small to be felt by humans could be enough to affect your livestock. In dairy cows, for example, as little as one volt can affect production and lead to bacteria ...caused mastitis. In all livestock, it can reduce water and feed intake. Of course, these conditions can be caused by other factors, but stray voltage should be on your checklist. This is especially true if your livestock seem unusually jittery. Consumers Power can help you solve stray voltage problems. If you suspect it's'a problem on your farm, call our stray voltage specialists immediately at 1... 800 ...252 ... VOLTor call your local Consumers Power office at 1...800...477... 5050. ~~~ Consumers power "IIWERlllfi 1fI1CJ11fiAII'5 "RDfiRES5 I Michigan Farm News I II~ April 30, 1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - liiFA"frl lIi.,JI•• CASE INTERNATIONAL 365 S-Tine field culivator for sale. 25~' with rolling baskets in excellent shape, REED'S Auger Flighting Repair: Flightmg in stock for most size augers. Tubing, I!. ANGUS BULLS real advan- tages that generate real dollars; easy births, high weaning weights, higher lillill A1I11 REGISTERED blacK Simmental bull sired by Black Maximizer. Performance ONE OF A KINDI Country setting, stately drive lined by maples, 72 acres with 3 a. FISH FOR STOCKING Giant Hybrid Bluegills, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Largemouth black and galvanized, 4-, 6-, tested and semen tested. bedrooms home, 2 baths, 2 Bass, Smallmouth Bass, $6200. Call 1-517-479-6069. 8-. Call 1-517-723-6679 after market prices. Structurally Good EPD. Clean profile. sound guatily bulls, priced fireplaces. Along with a Channel Catfish, Perch and FOR SALE: 8-row Speedy 1pm. $1600. Five Star Farms, Fathead Minnows. LAGGIS' right. Wlnn Farms, Douglas unique 6500' horse barn with bean puller. New style with Rosebush, MI 48878. indoor arena, box stalls, FISH FARM, INC., 08988 crane gage wheels. 300 n45 ZETOR TRACTOR, 313-367-6379. 517-433-2297. Uke new! 500 hours, cab/air, fenced pastures, power and 35th St, Gobles, MI, 49055. gallon Snider tank and 4WD, 95hp, PTP front and REGISTERED Suffolk Ram well, plus 2 additional barns. Call 616-628-2056 days, saddle. 200 gallon Polytank rear, loader wlwide bucket, GOOD SELECTION of regis- Lambs for sale. Suitable for A very beautiful setting. 616-624-6215 evenings. and saddle. 1-517-875-2431. silage scoop, pellet forks, hay tered Yorkshire and Hamp- purebred or commercial Morrls.Richardson Real FISH fresh and smoked on HINIKER RIDGING Cultiva- spear. $21,900 or best oHer. shire Boars. Black Fat and breeders. Defect free. Call Estate. 1-517-345-2828, ask the dock. Bayport Fish Co. tor. 8 row with bean shields 1-616-691-7766, leave Loineye Figures and Days to 517-375-2212. for Greg. Perch, Whitefish, Catfish, and weighted bar. $8000 or message. 230#. Also, open Gilts and Suckers etc. Open 9-5 seven bred Gilts. Some caring YxH REGISTERED Polled Here- UNIQUE, VICTORIAN home best offer. 616-467-6109, fords, breeding age bulls and in city of West Branch. 3 days. 517-656-2121. Caught 7pm pleasfil. ..... .......... ....•.•.... litters. Marvin Cook, Mulliken, by or own boats daily. - - " .. MI. Call 1-517-649-8988. heifers and bred heifers. MSU bedrooms,31/2 baths, formal MF 265. 62hp with low hours. JD baler, 336. 3 bottom, 3 point MF plow. 7' packer. 11' IH disk. Call 616-794-3808. IIIII?J~. HIGH QUALITY Holstein performance tested. Rocky Banner bloodline. Robert Rye, Rogers City, MI. 1-517-734-3005. dining and living rooms, 3 fireplaces, Florida sun room, den, large family room, hard- wood floors, attached 3 car GOLF.FARMING .... Your sandy farm might be greener than you think. Imagine creating your own profitabl& FOR SALE: 1250 Poultry service age bulls for 24,000 garage. custom interior and golf course just like a profes- OMAHA grain and cattle cages with feed troughs, landscaping, wrapping iiiII.JI sides racks. Only for 9' bed, pound herd, good size $800 sional. Call 517-291-3322. automatic waters. Two prop- to $900. MBM Pasch Farms, covered porch. Much, much $300. Albion, Michigan. ane space heaters, two Brock more! Morrls.Rlchardson 1-517-629-6647. 1-517-644-3519. PLASTIC BALER TWINE: feed bins with augers. Call Real Estate. Bridon and Magnum, whole- ORCHARD EQUIPMENT for 616-674-3084 1-517 -345-2828, ask for Greg. sale and retail. Save on April sale. 32- rack and cloth cider QUALITY ANGUS BREED- BIRD FERTILIZER orders. Keegan Hay press. Grinder, elevator, etc. FOR SALE: Randolph ING STOCK Performance SERVICES. 1100 N Irvina, Company, 313-384-6620. all" Donut machince; Donut concrete feed bunk, 48' long, tested, Bulls semen tested. Greenville. Fertilizer, chemi- Robot automatic. 60- golf H type, 6-8' sections with Free delivery. Also Border cals, seed, lime, feed. Soil course mower. 18hp Hardy Storline Auger. Extra good Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. SEPTEMBER 17-19, 1993 testing, truck spreading and SHOW Farmers Antique orchard sprayer, 200 gallon conditionl Climax, MI. BORDNER ANGUS FARMS custom spraying. Call P.T.O. Call 1-616-984-5600. 616-746-4361. Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. Tractor and Engine Associa- r--------------------------, 616-754-3684. tion at Club Farm, 7600 EXPERIENCED Michigan BUYING JOHN DEERE belt Forrister Road, Adrian, Michi- buckles and farm toys. Write gan 49221. Phone - agribusiness attorneys with .- Deadline for next issue is May 5, 1993 farm backgrounds. Know- or call: Kenneth Cook, 10849 1-517-436-3529. Exhibitors - U.S. 31 North, Williamsburg, I ledge and experience in all and Flea Market welcome! ...~. VISA farm areas; restructure, stray MI 49690. 1-616-264-8527. Raffling off Massey Harris I voltage, bankruptcy, estate pony tractor. Thank you for planning. EAST SIDE: donations to Old Rome Farm to Place Your Classified Ad Today! Thomas J. Budzynski, 43n7 :::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::1::::::1'.:::::::::1 Museum Show, September Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. 17-19, 1993. or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Clemens, MI 48036, • WALNUT SEEDLINGS Michigan Farm News 313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. AMAZING AUSTREE new (Carpathian), from choice local seed, excelelnt produc- Classified Advertising Sheridan, Fremont, 49412, 616-924-3760. MI tree grows 8-10' a year in mid-west, great for wind- ers, $6 each adn $5 shipping, 1 to 5 trees, 6 or more add P. O. Box 340, 109 N. Lafayette break, privacy, wildlife shel- ter, prune for shade tree. Free $10. Frank Radose, 4084 --_111:-1 .;.;.;.:.; I: . Kain Rd, Merrill, Mich, 48637 Greenville, MI 48838 brochure 1-800-723-2895. Classified Ad Codes STEELWOOD BUILDINGS: AERIAL PHOTOS 1. Farm Machinery 5. Help/Position Wanted 9. Real Estate Spring specials, 24x28 to 2. Livestock Equipment 200x4oo. Limited quantities. 6. Agricultural Services 10. Seeds Call todayI 1-517-647-2226. 3. Farm Commodities 7. Auctions 11. Wanted to Buy 4. Livestock 8. Building Materials 12. General Name Phone ( ) Address 130 COW Dairy facililty for sale. Harvestore, Siurrystore, Trigon Parlor. Extra land and City State Zip feed available. Free natural gas in house. Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues 1-800-982-5687. The whole picture at half the price! Document your most valuable investment. Desired Insertion Date(s): HILLSDALE COUNTY: Vacant farmland, mostly till- Father's Day Special able in P.A.-116. $800 per II" x 14" Full Color Enlargement Photo Only $95 acre. Termsl Rented for 1993 Method of Payment crop at $60 per acre. Call Call Brooks Enterprises Today Check $ (payable to Mlchlgsn Fsrm News Classified) Robin Greenway, 1-800-546-1011 1-313-495-0482. Visa Card Number Offer Expires May 31, 1993 Exp. Date Master Card Number Exp. Date Classified Rates Save on High Quality OEM Certified $8 for up to 24 words Tillage Parts 30 cents each additional word __ Cutting Parts Write your ad here, including phone number and area code Roller Chains --and Lincoln Welders 2 3 4 rv n Call your local vendor or order direct by calling ,5 6 7 8 U;OUp LUrchasing 1-800-292-2680, ext 2015 9 10 11 12 Order from our Lansing Warehouse inventory by noon, and we'll ship 13 14 15 16 same day UPS at No Extra 17 18 19 20 Charge for OVERNIGHT SERVICE! 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 L ~ Michigan Farm News April 30,1993 Gel Herbicides - A Win Win for You and the Environment With the growing population and increased Water-soluble packaging is not new to the Growers in Michigan have tried the new gel Future trends in chemical management will demands in agricultural productivity, today's chemical industry, but the gel formula is. Ac- formula and have found it very effective. Jim continue to be driven by government regula- farmers are forced to be sound environmen- cording to Rhone-Poulenc, this type of for- Brandon of Nottawa, Mich., used the gel tions on the handling and disposal of chemical talists as well as production agriculturalists. A mula has several advantages over liauid or packs on some of his corn. "The water-soluble containers, and by market demand. "The new technology that will allow farmers to granular chemicals. Gel packs sink to trie bot- packaging is a good step toward eliminating grower wants this type of product," Downing handle, apply and dispose of farm chemical tom of the tank so dissolution is faster and handling disposable pesticide containers," said. "It's better for him, for the environment, containers with greater ease and protection to more complete than granular. Gels can be Brandon said. "The gel formulation worked and it's less hassle." both themselves and the environment is now stored at temperatures from well below zero well. I didn't have any problems. I threw it in available. to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and are less the tank and it dissolved properly." According to Downing, less than five percent likely to leak if packaging is punctured. of all agricultural chemicals are currently pack- Rhone-Poulenc Agricultural Company has Kent Feldman of Schoolcraft, Mich., also aged in the water-soluble packs. Every year, developed a gel formula herbicide that is pack- The packs allow growers to mix more than one found the gel to be an effective and hassle-free more than 20 million 2.5 gallon plastic pes- aged and sealed in a water soluble bag. chemical in the same package and help way of working with chemicals. "Jug disposal ticide jugs are disposed of in the U.S. Buctril-Gel* herbicide is the first crop protec- eliminate measuring and mixing mistakes. has become more and more of a problem for tion product available in the gel formation, The gel formula also provides the grower with the industry. Gel packs are an avenue to solv- "The majority of the industry is looking according to Dave Downing, product manager additional types of chemical products that are ing the problem because the package dissol- towards doing it," he said. "A lot of people are for Rhone-Poulenc. not available in granular form. ves in the tank." starting to put the pencil to the cost of dis- posal." These new gel packs increase the protection to Preliminary market research conducted on farmers from chemical exposure, and decrease 400 corn growers in the Midwest found that the amount of contaminated container waste. the largest problems growers associated with "Severe Soil Problems Created During '92 Corn Harvest herbicide handling were splashing at Each gel pack treats five acres at virtually the same cost as conventional liquid chemicals. mixing/loading, container disposal and con- Should Be Corrected Later This Summer" (continued) Measuring and loading consists of simply tainer rinsing for disposal. With the gel tech- existing problems for the time being and not If soil repair tillage is not required, but corn dropping the pack into the sprayer or mixer nology, these problems are eliminated. subsoil until late summer or early fall when residue is heavy, farmers might want to tank where it dissolves. With common liquid conditions are dry." consider coulter-zone tillage at planting or chemicals, most exposure occurs during Additional research found that three of the four top product attributes that growers look residue management with row cleaners. mixing and loading. Problems posed by volunteer corn can best for are safety to the crop, safety to the environ- ment, and safety to the applicator. By be handled by moldboard plowing. How- "Row cleaners alone should be adequate on "With this system, the container actually be- ever, that may not be an option for farmers coarse-textured soils," Harrigan says. "On comes part of the spray solution," Downing eliminating exposure at the mixing/loading said. "The water-soluble pack will, eliminate stage and disposal of containers, the safety to who have a residue management plan as fine-textured soils that may need tillage to exposure to the contents." both the environment and applicator is sig- part of their conservation compliance pro- manage shallow soil compaction, coulter- nificantly increased. gram. They should contact their county Soil zone tillage our coulter tillage along with Buctril-Gel* herbicide is being released in 1993 in limited quantities throughout the Midwest. Conservation Service to see what tillage row cleaners may be the best choice." For more information, contact your nearest sales representative: Don Oleniczak, Belmont, options may be permitted in the overall Mich., (616)364-0122, or Chuck Hemingway, Chelsea, Mich., (313)475-1440. context of a conservation compliance pro- Although the extent to which lodged and gram. lost corn will germinate this year is uncer- tain, volunteer corn may be more of a prob- Harrigan says that farmers who are enrolled lem in some conservation-tilled fields. in a compliance program will probably have to control volunteer corn the best they Harrigan says that conservation tillage will can now with row cultivation. tend to mix the corn residue into the upper two inches of the soil, which could promote For the most part, volunteer corn can be kernel germination. controlled fairly well by cultivating be- tween rows. If the crop following corn is In no-tilled corn residue, where minimal soybeans, dry edible beans or sugar beets, soil surface disturbance occurs, poor seed- volunteer corn in the row can be fairly well soil contact may reduce the likelihood that controlled with wick-applied herbicide or residue kernel will germinate. other herbicide programs. PATENTED AERATION TECHNOLOGY Surface aeration with the Aer-Way* helps make lifeless soils productive. One pass in the fall boosts aerobic activity and starts the decomposition process. Another pass in the spring incorporates fertilizer while balancing air and water levels in the seed zone. The results are better stands, more efficient nutrient uptake, and effective erosion control—all from minimum horsepower To Make requirements. Models up to 24' wide feature Soils bolt-on tines and optional chain harrows. For more information, call: Come To Life 24-Hour Factory Hotline 1-800-457-8310 Special Offer To Farm Bureau Members Now you can save up to 50% on most popular brand name vitamins and prescription drugs. Plus, we offer the leading brands of ostomy and diabetic supplies! Optional Chain Standard Call TOLL-FREE for your FREE Harrows BoIt-On Tines ^gLi-Way) We Have a Variety of Models Available For: Prescription Drug or * Crop Residue Management in Field Crops Medical Supply catalog * Hay and Pasture Management * Intensive Grazing • Orchards and Bluberries * Manure Managment 1-800-228-3353 For the name of your nearest Michigan dealer contact: Neyer Sales H E A R T L A N D FELQCORUG- 3421 West Beal City Road PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES Wiedman, MI 48893 5023 Grover Street • Omaha, N E 68106 Phone: 517-644-3647 Michigan Farm News rs April 30,1993 Nitrogen Fertilizer for Aifalfa? - Not a Good Investment! • • , - Despite numerous claims recently by holds the world's record of 10 tons of alfalfa Table 1 some researchers suggesting that nitrogen per acre without irrigation, grown on plots is a good investment for your alfalfa crop, receiving neither sulfur nor nitrogen fer- How Liquid Manure Affected Alfalfa/Grass Yield and Composition your money is betier spent elsewhere, ac- tilizer. Yield Composition (3rd cutting) cording to MSU Crop and Soil Science Dry Specialist, Dr. Oran Hesterman. Following is an explanation of why alfalfa Manure application rate matter Alfalfa Grass Other does not respond to fertilizer and some ex- gal/A Alfalfa, like other legumes, can fix large \ions/acrej \\.yj\ i 9 / a v < i c / amples of research results from studies that amounts of atmospheric nitrogen (N) if have documented alfalfa's lack of response Spring Application: grown under conditions that promote ade- to applied N. 0 0 6.0 50 35 15 quate nodulation by rhizobium bacteria 1,200 5 5.7 50 30 20 (e.g., proper pH, adequate P, K and In some states (not including Michigan), a 4,800 20 5.4 50 35 15 micronutrients, and inoculation). small amount of N fertilizer (20-60 lb./acre) 14,600 60 5.4 60 20 20 may be recommended at seeding to help It has been estimated that 40-70 percent of seedling establishment prior to the develop- Summer Application: the N in harvested alfalfa is obtained ment of effective root nodules that can fix 0 0 5.6 45 45 10 through symbiotic N fixation; the atmospheric N. 1,200 5 5.5 35 50 15 remainder being obtained from mineraliza- 4,800 20 5.6 30 55 15 tion of soil organic N. This may be especially helpful on coarse- 14,600 60 5.5 5 75 20 textured soils very low in organic matter. It's rare to see a forage yield or quality Early alfalfa plant growth can be limited by response to added N fertilizer with alfalfa. University of Wisconsin, IWarshf ield, Wisconsin N deficiency, responses to added N have According to some reports, there are fer- been documented in some cases. tilizer companies that are currently recom- primary reason for this is that nitrogen In other words, as N fertilizer is added mending addition of N (in the form of am- However, after two to three weeks of (especially in the nitrate form) is a strong (either in the ammonium or nitrate form), monium sulphate) to established alfalfa. growth, under conditions favorable for N and effective inhibitor of the enzymes the presence of that added N tends to fixation, the performance of plants with responsible for nitrogen fixation in the al- decrease the plant's symbiotic N fixation Current recommendations from MSU do added N is similar to those relying solely on falfa root nodules. and no net increase in N nutrition (or yield) not include applying either nitrogen or sul- N fixation for their nitrogen needs. The results. phur fertilizer to alfalfa. In fact, MSU still - Research Examples - • In one three-year study in Oregon, alfalfa yields and plant N concentrations in- A FEW SMALL REASONS creased with N applications only when the plants were ineffectively nodulated. In fact, all N rates (from 25 to 225 lb./acre) actually caused a depression in nodulation. • Researchers in Wisconsin applied five successive N rates (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 lb./acre) in the spring to established alfalfa and measured yield response. They found no consistent effect on N fertilizer at any individual harvest in a three-cut system and found no seasonal yield difference among their treatments. • In Michigan, MSU researchers found no effect on alfalfa yields whether applying 0 or 225 lb./acre of N fertilizer. Yields of 8.5 tons per acre were produced with or without N fertilizer. • In another Wisconsin study, application rates of 0 to 60 tons per acre of liquid manure, applied either in the spring or summer, had no beneficial effects on alfal- fa yields (See Table 1). There is little research to substantiate the benefits of fertilizing alfalfa with N. You may ask, on the other hand, are there problems associated with N fertilization of an alfalfa stand? The answer is yes, there could be. Two such examples: • Promotion of weed growth. If weeds are a potential problem at establishment and they are not controlled via herbicides, N fertilizer application may promote weed growth at the expense of the alfalfa. Re- searchers have found that the number of alfalfa plants decreased and the biomass of weeds increased as N fertilizer was applied to an alfalfa stand at establishment. • Reduction of alfalfa component in alfal- fa-grass mixtures. Application of N to al- falfa grass mixtures will commonly reduce For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield the percentage of alfalfa in the mixture. have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates When manure was applied in the summer in one Wisconsin study (Table 1), alfalfa with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. was reduced from 45 to 30 percent of the mixture and grasses increased from 45 to No matter what your needs... 55 percent as the application rate of manure increased from 0 to 20 tons/acre. small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family — we have the right plan at the right price. There may be special cases in which you would consider using small amounts of N on alfalfa; either at seeding, if on a coarse- Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service textured very low organic matter soil, or if provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting you are trying to maintain an alfalfa-grass mixed stand. the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. In this case, it's best to treat the stand as a grass rather than as a legume. Barring these For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. exceptions, it's not recommended that you apply N fertilizer to alfalfa. You won't see % MICHIGAN a yield or quality increase and you may be ft FARM BUREAU promoting weed and grass invasion. MICHIGAN SAFETY AND HEALTH PROTECTION ON THE JOB THE MICHIGAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT, 1974 P.A. 154, AS AMENDED, REQUIRES POSTING OF THIS DOCUMENT IN A CENTRAL AND CONSPICUOUS LOCATION. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN A PENALTY. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA)-Act No. 154 COMPLAINTS: Employees and employee representatives who believe of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended-provides job safety and health that an unsafe or unhealthful condition exists in their workplace have the protection for Michigan employees through the maintenance of safe and right to request an inspection by giving written notice to the Departments of healthful working conditions. Under MIOSHA and a state plan approved in Labor or Public Health. If a condition exists which may present an im- September, 1973 by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Michigan Departments mediate danger, the Department should be notified in the most expedient of Labor and Public Health are responsible for administering the Act. manner without regard to a written notice. The names of complainants will Department representatives conduct jobsite inspections and investigations to be kept confidential and not revealed upon the request of the employee. insure compliance with the Act and with safety and health standards. Employees also have the right to bring unsafe or unhealthful conditions to The contents of this poster describe many important provisions of the Act. the attention of the department representative during the conduct of an These provisions apply equally to employers and employees in either private inspection or investigation. industry or the public sector. The Act provides that employees may not be discharged or in any manner EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS: MIOSHA requires that each employer: discriminated against for filing a complaint or exercising any of their rights under the Act. An employee who believes he or she has been discriminated 1. Furnish to each employee employment and a place of employment against may file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Labor or the which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to U.S. Department of Labor within 30 days of the alleged discrimination. cause death or serious physical harm to the employee; The U.S. Department of Labor is monitoring the operation of the Michigan 2. Comply with promulgated rules and standards and with orders issued occupational safety and health program to assure the effective administra- pursuant to the Act; tion of the state act. Any person may make a written complaint regarding 3. Post this and other notices and use other appropriate meanf: to keep the state administration of the state act directly to the Regional Office of his or her employees informed of their protection and obligations OSHA, 230, South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60604. under the Act, including the provisions of applicable rules and stand- ards. CITATIONS: If upon inspection or investigation the Departments of Labor or Public Health believe that a requirement of the Act has been violated, a Notify the Michigan Department of Labor within 48 hours of any citation alleging such violation and setting a time period for correction will fatality, or the hospitalization of 5 or more employees suffering injury be issued to the employer. The citation must be prominently posted at or or illness from the same incident. Notification may be accomplished near the place of alleged violation for three days or until the violation is by calling (517) 322-0333. corrected, whichever is later. Make available to employees, for inspection and copying, all medical The Act provides for first instance penalties of up to $7,000 for a violation. records and health data in the employer's possession pertaining to Penalties of up to $7,000 per day may be assessed for failure to correct a that employee. violation within a proposed abatement period. Any employer who willfully or Afford an employee an opportunity with or without compensation to repeatedly violates the Act may be assessed penalties of up to $70,000 attend all meetings between the Departmeot$ Qf 1-jlbpr gLE\lblic_ for each such violation. Employers may appeal the alleged citation, the Heaith and the employer relative to any appeal of a citation by the - proposed penalties or the-abatem~nt periods to the-O"epartment and to the employer. Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals. Employees may appeal the abatement period in a similar manner. Employees also may 7. Give a representative of employees the opportunity to accompany the appeal to the Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals any department during the inspection or investigation of a place of em- decision issued by the Department in response to an employer appeal. ployment and to prohibit the suffering of any loss of wages or fringe Criminal penalties also are provided for in the Act. A person who knowingly benefits or discriminate against the representative of employees for makes a false statement or report pursuant to the Act upon conviction is time spent participating in the inspection, investigation, or opening punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or may be imprisoned for not more and closing conferences. than 6 months or both. Any willful violation resulting in death of an em- 8. Provide personal protective equipment, at the employer's expense, ployee, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or by when it is specifically required by a MIOSHA standard to be provided imprisonment for not more than one year or both. A second conviction at the employer's expense. doubles the maximum monetary penalty and is punishable by imprison- ment for up to three years. 9. Not permit an employee, other than an employee whose presence is necessary to avoid, correct or remove an imminent danger, to operate VOLUNTARY equipment or engage in a process which has been tagged by the ACTIVITY Department and which is the subject of an order issued by the AND COMPLIANCE Department identifying that an imminent danger exists. ASSISTANCE: The Act encourages employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards voluntarily. 10. To promptly notify an employee who was or is being exposed to toxic materials or harmful physical agents in concentrations or at levels The Michigan Departments of Labor and Public Health offer limited on-site which exceed those prescribed by a MIOSHA standard. consultation assistance to employers to assist them in achieving com- pliance with occupational safety and health standards. Training Specialists are available and can give advice on the correction of hazardous conditions EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS: MIOSHA requires that each employee: and on the development of safety and health programs. Department staff are available to conduct seminars and training relative to occupational 1. Comply with promulgated rules and standards and with orders issued safety and health for both employer and employee groups. Requests for pursuant to the Act: service should be addressed to the appropriate Department at the address 2. Not remove, displace, destroy, or carry off a safeguard furnished or shown below. provided for use in a place of employment, or interfere in any way with The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to enforce federal standards the use thereof by any other person. governing maritime operations of longshoring, shipbuilding, ship breaking and ship repairing. These issues are not covered by the Michigan Plan for INSPECTIONS/INVESTIGATIONS: Inspections and investigations are Occupational Safety and Health. conducted by trained personnel. The Act requires that an employer repre- sentative and a representative of employees be given an opportunity to MORE INFORMATION: accompany the department representative for the purpose of aiding in the Division of Occupational Health Bureau of Safety and Regulation inspection or investigation. Department of Public Health Department of Labor 3423 North Logan Street! State Secondary Complex If a representative of employees does not participate, the department Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30015 representative will consult with a number of employees concerning matters P.O. Box 30195 Lansing, Michigan 48909 of safety or health in the place of employment. Lansing, Michigan 48909 Printed under authortly of the Michigan OcaJpational Safely and Health Ad, PA 154 of 1974, as amended. Paid with SET & federal OSHA funds. Total Printed: 45,000. Print Cost: $1438.55. Per Copy Cost: .032. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT - DO NOT COVER!