Michigan Farm News Vol. 70, No.9 Weather Hampers Spring Planting and Crop Development Across Michigan and Corn Belt States Michigan's wet and cool April weather should switch to a shorter season hybrid for pattern kept many tractors and planters in the corn to avoid problems experienced last fall. shed, while farmers anxiously await the ar- According to Cargill territory repre- rival of warmer and drier days. Average sentative Ann Briggs, fanners should careful- statewide growing degree days accumula- ly analyze their own situations before making tions are behind 36 units, while rainfall has drastic hybrid changes. "Farmers need to keep boosted moisture levels to surplus conditions in touch with their seed dealers and let them in 80 percent of Michigan's fields. know as soon as possible if they plan on According to the Michigan Agricultural making a hybrid change," she said. "Typical- Statistics Service, corn planting was 1 percent ly, we 11 exchange 10 percent of our longer complete as of May 3, compared to 10 percent day hybrids for a shorter season in a normal on average. Sugar beet planting was sig- year, and we can usually accommodate that nificantly behind average with just 1 percent change given enough advance notice." planted as compared to 50 percent on average. Oats, potatoes, and acres tilled were also well See Related Articles: behind thefive-yearaverage as of press time. Fruit development was behind average Corn Belt Planting Progress due to the cool, wet weather, as well. Sweet Report. page4 cherries and tart cherries were primarily in the dormant to green tip stages of development, as were apples and peaches. Vegetables were Planter Adjustments For a Wet also lagging, with asparagus production yet to Spring page 5 Above, Art and Da ve Duyck, of Essexville in Bay County, got a start on their three week begin, and strawberries just breaking dorman- cy. potato planting season April 27, by planting round white potatoes using a form of When to Switch Corn Hybrids conservation tillage. The potatoes are planted between rye strips which help to hold According to MSU entomologist Doug With Planting Delays page 12 Landis, continued weed growth in unplanted the lighter soils. The technique was developed by Groulx Farms in Munger. fields could mean increased pest pressures such as seed corn maggot due to cool soil conditions. Slugs and cutworms could also be more prevalent once the corn plant has Proposal A - School Finance Reform Faces June 2 Vote emerged due to slow growth. The bills and the details to implement tinue to be some disincentives for those would see a 10 percent increase, or ap- "With the increased opportunity for weed Proposal A are still being discussed and school districts not providing a core cur- proximately $350 increase funding for a total growth onfields,which we know to be attrac- negotiated as of press time. On June 2, it will riculum and a financial reward for those of $3,850 per pupil. This increase would con- tive for the egg laying of black cutworm, we be up to Michigan voters to decide the future school districts which do. In general, a penalty tinue until the school district reaches the max- might expect some higher risk of cutworm of schoolfinance.Proposal A would constitu- for a lack of quality and a reward for cur- imum $4,800, which will be indexed upward injury if there's a lot of green material in a tionally change the way Michigan finances its riculum that meets the standard will con- annually based on the revenue received by the field," explained Landis. "Having said that, schools and would keep future legislative in- tinue." state." however, we have not had cutworm activity volvement to a minimum, according to MFB Nelson said that local school boards will Most rural school districts will have more in the state yet, and activity in Illinois and Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson have substantial responsibility in developing dollars available for each student under Indiana has been very slow as well." The proposal constitutionally provides a a budget based on the dollars available. With Proposal A. The $4,800 foundation grant will Landis said that the lack of heat units has $4,800 per student foundation grant for those the $4,800 guarantee at 18 mills, any school cover many of the costs currently associated helped to keep insect pressure to a minimum school districts which levy the 18 mills for district below $4,800 will be increased by a with education. The percentage and details of thus far in Michigan and corn belt states. operating. In addition, voters may approve an maximum of 10 percent per year up to $4,800. teacher retirement, adult education and spe- Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio are all additional nine mills for enrichment. "Virtually all rural school districts will see cial education are currently being negotiated. reporting planting delays. Illinois has been "School funding as we know it today will increased funding, many at the 10 percent particularly hard hit with planting reported at change substantially, because most of the 60 maximum allowed," said Nelson. "For ex- only 1 percent complete compared to 46 per- some categoricals will no longer exist," ex- ample, if a school district is generating $3,500 Continued on page 3 cent on average. plained Nelson. "However, there will con- and levying 18 mills, that school district See "ProposalA..." MSU weed specialist Jim Kells said he expects weed management practices will need little modification at this point, especial- ly in conventional tilled fields. "If our plant- Michigan Contributes To 50 Billionth Export Bushel ^A^A^cHgau ^ m G r o w e r s Association Below (l-r) Dan Putnam, chairman of the Michigan Corn Marketing Program; Larry Nobis, ing is delayed much longer, the weeds could (MCGA) held a brief ceremony at the Farm president of the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA); Gary Krug, Chairman of the be bigger and that may require farmers to MCGA; and MFB President Jack Laurie consolidate corn from across Michigan as a part of rethink their burndown approach in no-till Michigan's contribution to the commemora- situations," he said. "It may require higher tive 50 billionth bushel of grain exported from Michigan's contribution to the commemorative 50 billionth bushel of U.S. export corn, during rates, or it may require switching to a different the United States. ceremonies at the Farm Bureau Center in Lansing. program altogether." MCGA leaders mixed corn contributed Kells said the bigger issue is going to from the four corners of the state. The corn focus on hybrid selection and when a farmer was then mailed in a special container to New Orleans, where it was combined with corn from the rest of the U.S. and shipped to Japan in a national ceremony May 6. "The export of 50 billion bushels of U.S. corn is a tribute to the entire corn industry," said Larry Nobis, of St. Johns, president of the MCGA. "Without the exports of the past 15- 20 years, where would U.S. agriculture have been? Exports have definitely been a boost to our industry. Nobis said corn is a major Michigan farm commodity, with corn exports contributing over $200 million each year to the state's economy and providing thousands of jobs. "One of the purposes of the MCGA and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is to develop markets like we have overseas and increase those markets in years to come. The corn industry will also continue to look for new industrial uses for our product." The MCGA is an association of 500 Michigan corn growers and is affiliated with the NCGA. Members are interested in further- ing the economic well being of corn producers in the state. Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 , " Michigan Farm News II. May 15,1993 In Brief ... Survey Puts MSU Ag College in Top 10 in the Nation Keep a Close Eye on Your Alfalfa Stands The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is among Many Michigan farmers may be in for a rude awakening as their alfalfa stands start to the top 10 schools in the nation that stand out for their general excellence, according to a actively grow with warmer temperatures, according to MSU Crop and Soil Scientist, Oran survey by Fann Futures magazine. Results of the survey appeared in the mid-March edition Hesterman. Despite what were apparently ideal winter conditions, he says that, upon closer of the national farm business magazine with a circulation of more than 200,000. inspection of alfalfa stands, the damage is some of the worst he's ever seen, with possible yield reductions of 30 percent or more. The article notes the past few years have been hard on the country's agricultural colleges, which have experienced budget cuts and enrollment fluctuations. The best schools, accord- "We're seeing many fields with areas of dead plants or if the plants aren't dead, they're ing to the magazine, "are delivering an education that's every bit as thorough as in the past, growing very slowl y, " Hesterman said. "As we dig up the roots of these plants, we're finding but they're doing it wjth fewer resources." The survey of ag deans across the nation that they are very water logged and mushy. It does not appear to be a disease problem. It indicated that the top schools offer programs with unusual breadth. would appear the damage is due to the roots being water logged and under anaerobic conditions ever since last fall." In citing MSU, the magazine said, "Michigan State, highly regarded for its teaching, research and Extension activities, specializes in livestock and subjects other than the According to Hesterman, the damage appears to be more, prevalent in the older, established traditional grain crops of many midwestern states. Blueberries, cherries, apples and other stands, and in those stands that may have been exposed to additional stress, such as frequent horticultural crops are among Michigan State's specialties, as are a diverse range of other cutting, and/or late fall cutting last year. However, the damage to fields seeded last year, crops, from Christmas trees to dry beans. With a strong international bent as well, the ag either in the spring or in the summer, mysteriously appears to be minimal, he said. college is heavily involved with Third World development projects." Hesterman suggests that farmers monitor their alfalfa stands closely and determine if stand Vote Slated On Dairy Promotion loss and potential yield loss is bad enough to warrant plow down to either reseed, or plant to another crop, such as corn, to meet anticipated forage needs. In severe crown injury cases, Ag Secretary Mike Espy has announced an August referendum of U.S. dairy farmers to the roots will be white on the outside, with brown discoloration down the center of the root. determine whether they favor continuing their national dairy promotion and research Odds are not good- that these plants will survive. In the most severe cases, the roots will be program. The program's mandatory national checkoff funds the National Dairy Board and mushy and partly rotted, and the top growth will easily be pulled from the crown. state and regional milk promotion programs. Details regarding the referendum will be announced later. "There are clearly some fields that are not going to be worth keeping in alfalfa," Hesterman claimed. "Farmers are telling us that fields with excellent stands last year, are not worth USDA also is seeking public comments on a proposal to establish a national fluid milk keeping this year. Based on the number of plants per square foot, we could be looking at a promotion and consumer education program. The program would be'funded by a mandatory 30 to 40 percent yield reduction in some of those fields that we have inspected." assessment on all fluid milk products marketed in consumer-type packages. Comments may be sent in duplicate, postmarked by May 21, to the Hearing Clerk, Room 1083-S, USDA, Washington, D.C. 20250. Investment Tax Credit In Doubt The Bureau of National Affairs daily tax report says members of Congress are already USDA Details Russian Food Aid.Package declaring the president's temporary incremental investment tax credit (ITC) dead. Law- makers are casting around to find something to do with the money they hope to save by not The details of a $700 million dollar package released by USDA, includes $500 million for allowing the investment tax credits, which incidentally would be money they do not have. commodity purchases and $200 million for freight. The $500 million commodity portion of the package will include $433.5 million in credits to Russia and $66.5 million in Some favor increased business expensing, while others favor using ITC savings to reduce donations, according to Knight Ridder Financial News. Clinton's proposed increase in the corporate income tax. Still others want to scale back the Clinton proposal to increase the.amount of Social Security benefits subject to tax. The package includes $227.5 million for corn, $105 million for soybean meal, $66.5 million for butter, $56 million for wheat, $5 million for sugar, and $40 million for high value Senate Working On EPA Cabinet Bill products like vegetable oils, peanuts, poultry and rice. The Senate is considering legislation (S. 171) that would elevate the Environmental Of the $56 million for wheat, $12 million consists of donations. This is part of a compromise Protection Agency to cabinet level, as the Department of the Environment. The measure worked out with the Russians who complained that they could otherwise buy the wheat could lead to tougher environmental regulations. Among other things, the bill would abolish cheaper on the world market. the Council on Environmental Quality and transfer its responsibilities for compiling environmental statistics to a bureau within the new department. Of the $66.5 million designated for butter, a readily available surplus commodity, $55.4 million will be donated. The U.S. will pay all freight costs for the butter. Other commodities Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.) offered an amendment to require economic and employment will have to be purchased. The funds will be transferred. by May 18, with shipments to begin impact statements to accompany every reported bill and every proposed regulation. The in early June. The agreement restores large-scale grain shipments to Russia, which has been amendment would make Congress and the agencies better informed of the consequences unable to buy U.S. farm goods since November, when Russia defaulted on commercial of proposed regulations and legislation prior to implementation. credits issued under the Bush administration. At last count, those credit defaults have exceeded $800 million. Europeans Can't Agree On Subsidies With France leading the call for greater farm subsidies and other nations seeking a tight European Community budget, EC talks on guaranteed farm prices broke down recently. The meeting ended two days early, without compromise proposals being presented. French Farm Minister Jean Puech insisted on more subsidies for farmers or his nation would block an agreement. Britain and the EC's executive commission said that would chip away at the commitment to restrain the EC farm budget, which is the cornerstone of the bloc's agricultural reform policy. British Agriculture Minister John Gummer said he hopes the EC's farm ministers will meet again to complete the price package at a May 24 meeting in Brussels. The package would set guaranteed prices for the EC's nine million farmers. u.S. Firms Reach Out to Ukraine One hundred U.S. farmers left Chicago recently for a three-week stint to help with spring planting on 1,000 private and collective farms in Ukraine, according to the Chicago Tri~un~. The effort, "Operation Farm Ukraine '93," is being coordinated by three U.S. agnbusmess firms -. J.I. Case, ICI Seeds and Trans-Chemical - in hopes of ultimately expanding the Ukrainian market for U.S. goods, services and technology. About 75 percent of the participating farmers are older operators who say they have a son Morton Buildings is leading the industry with: or neighbor to do their spring planting here, while they are helping to plant 500,000 acres in Ukraine. > New struclllral designs V 5O-year column and snow-load protection > New struclllral capabilities (wtth no welght OmIt) The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, > New color combinations V 2O-year IJI-otecllon against red rust December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm > New building styles Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual (including acid rain) dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. 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Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette: Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 800-447-7436 Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester; District 4, Tom Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Guthrie, Delton; District 5. Mark Smuts. Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 Rockford, MI (616)8740400 ~.~MORTON District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Three Rivers, MI (616) 279-5271 aa. BUILDINGS Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Kurt Inman, Sturgis. Michigan Farm News May 15, 1993 EJ STATE ISSUES National Legislative Priorities Inheritance Tax Repeal During the 1993 MFB Washington Legisla- Members of the Michigan congressional MFB Position: House Bill 4597, sponsored by Rep. Willis Bullard (R- tive Seminar, the 110 farmers from delegation who have cosponsored H. Con. Michigan Farm Bureau Milford), was reported out of the House Committee on throughout Michigan who traveled to Res. 6 are Jim Barcia (D-Bay City), Dave strongly supports the Business and Finance and passed the House on May 5. Washington, D.C. talked to their Con- Camp (R-Midland), Peter Hoekstra (R-Hol- repeal of the Michigan In- The bill would effectively repeal the Michigan Inheritance gressmen about key agricultural issues. land), Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield heritance Tax and adop- Tax starting Oct. I, 1993. Michigan would adopt the Those key issues included private property Hills), and Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph). tion of the federal Pick-up federal Estate Tax as 28 other states have done. The rights, a Constitutional amendment to re- Tax. federal tax exempts estates up to $600,000 and provides a quire a balanced federal budget, proposed lower tax rate than the Michigan Inheritance Tax for those Health Insurance Deduction estates larger than $600,000. lowering of the federal estate tax exemp- Action Needed: tion, deduction of health insurance H.R. 162 Contact your state senator The federal Estate Tax is often referred to as the federal premiums paid by self-employed persons H.R. 162 would extend the 25 percent urging support for H.B. Pick-up Tax because the states allow the maximum credit, and registration of minor use pesticides. federal income tax deduction self- 4597 the same as on the federal Estate Tax return. In addition, employed persons can claim for the cost of the bill will extend the filing deadline, currently 105 days Following is a summary of the issues dis- their health insurance premiums. The bill MFB Contact: after death, to nine months after death, which is the same cussed with the congressmen and their would also increase the deduction to 100 Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 as the federal Estate Tax deadline. decision, as of April 22 to cosponsor the percent of the cost of health insurance legislation. premiums paid by self-employed persons. Farm Bureau strongly supports H.R. 162. Unemployment Compensation Insurance Reform Private Property Rights - H.R. 561 MFB Position: The House Labor Committee met and hoped to break the This bill would require federal agencies to Members of the Michigan congressional delegatiop who have cosponsored H.R. 162 MFB supports S.B. 2 as deadlocked tie vote in the committee and report a House establish appropriate procedures for deter- passed by the Senate. substitute for S.B. 2, sponsored by Sen. Joanne Emmons, are Jim Barcia (D-Bay City), Dave Camp mining whether or not their regulations (R-Midland), Barbara Rose Collins (D- Michigan Farm Bureau out of committee and- onto the House floor for a vote. might result in the taking of private proper- would support amend- Chairman Walter DeLange was to propose a concession ty. Farm Bureau strongly supports this re- Detroit), Peter Hoekstra (R-Holland), Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield Hills), Bart ments that reinstated deleting a provision which cuts benefits to 65 percent of quirement for federal agencies to "look provisions more closely after tax wages, instead of the 70 percent under current before they leap" on the private property# Stupak (D-Menominee), and Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph). resembling Farm Bureau law. MFB policy supports the 65 percent figure. rights of landowners. policy. Organized labor continues to call for shared sacrifice while Michigan congressmen who have cospon- Minor Use Pesticides - H.R. 967 MFB Contact: ignoring the fact that the program is entirely an employer sored H.R. 561 are Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) H.R. 967 would amend the Federal Insec- paid benefit. They want business to be taxed more so that Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 the fund is more solvent. and Dave Camp (R-Midland). ticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to encourage the registration of Action Needed: Balanced Budget- H.J.R. 103 pesticides that are used on crops not grown When amendments are introduced on the House floor that on large acreages. The streamlined registra- more closely resemble Farm Bureau policy, then calls to This resolution would provide for a Con- tion process would not sacrifice the safety stitutional amendment to require a balanced your representative, asking for support of S.B. 2 will be ap- of workers or food. Farm Bureau strongly propriate. The original bill closely followed Farm Bureau federal budget. Farm Bureau strongly sup- supports H.R. 967 because Michigan ports H.J. Res. 103. policy, but the bill that passed the Senate was a watered- farmers are major growers of specialty down version. crops such as blueberries, cucumbers, etc. Michigan congressmen who have cospon- sored H J. Res. 103 are Jim Barcia (D-Bay H.R. 967 has been cosponsored by Seatbelt Law Violation City), Dave Camp (R-Midland), Paul Henry MFB Position: Rep. Dianne Byrum (D-Holt) sponsored H.B.-4511, which (R-Grand Rapids), Peter Hoekstra (R-Hol- Michigan congressmen Jim Barcia (D-Bay City), Dave Camp (R-Midland), Paul Members of the House would make it a primary offense for not wearing a seatbelt land), Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield were notified that MFB is while driving or riding in a vehicle. The proposal would Hills), Nick Smith (R-Addison), and Fred Henry (R-Grand Rapids), Peter Hoekstra (R-Holland), Nick Smith (R-Addison), and supportive of law enforce- enable police to stop a vehicle on suspicion that the driver Upton (R-St. Joseph). ment, safety rules and the was not wearing a safety belt. Currently, police may only Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph). wearing of seat belts, but issue a ticket if the motorist is stopped for another viola- Federal Estate Tax Exemption Action Needed: opposes the expansion of tion and is found to be not wearing a seatbelt. H.C.R. 6 If your congressman has cosponsored these current police powers and, therefore, MFB opposed During debate on the House floor, an amendment passed This resolution expresses to Congress that priority bills, please thank them for their the House to change the language of the bill back to its support. A special thank you should be the bill. increasing the federal estate tax by lowering present status as a secondary offense...a move supported the estate tax exemption from the current given to Congressman Jim Barcia (D-Bay by Michigan Farm Bureau. The bill was not voted on for City) and Congressman Dave Camp (R- MFB Contact: $600,000 to $200,000 would devastate passage over loud protests from the majority of House Midland), who have cosponsored all of Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 members. It will likely come up for a vote in early May. farmers, homeowners, and small business owners. Farm Bureau strongly opposes any these priority agricultural bills. decrease in the federal estate tax exemption and supports H. Con. Res. 6. MFB Contact: Al Almy, Ext. 2040 Proposal A - School Finance Reform Agricultural Worker Protection Act Faces June 2 Vote., .(continued from page 1) MFB Position: House Concurrent Resolution H.C.R .139, FARM Testimony supporting WORKERS, sponsored by Rep. Carl Gnodtke (R-Sawyer), School, districts will ultimately have more years where revenue increases, the $4,800 Rep. Gnodtke's resolu- urged Congress to reject proposed amendments to the responsibility in developing their budget. will be increased to reflect the increases in tion (and in opposition to Agricultural Worker Protection Reform Act called for in In a majority of Michigan's rural school state revenue," Nelson said. "Further, for H.R.-l 173), was given to H.R. 1173. districts, taxpayers will see a significant mil- those years in which there is reduced revenue, the House Agriculture & lage reduction for school operating, with the amount received will be indexed Among other things, H.R. 1173 called for radical changes some up to a 22 mill reduction from the downward. However, the constitution Forestry Committee by guarantees a minimum grant of $4,800 per MFB Director Jim Miller in the present federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural current level. Even if the school district Labor law, by removing all references to migrant and decides to vote additional mills (maximum of student for those school districts which levy and MFB Ag Labor Ad- nine), they may still see a substantial reduc- 18 mills." visory Committee mem- seasonal in the law, replacing them with the words "agricultural worker." tion in operating mills. This proposal will substantially reduce ber Patricia Dietrich, on Under the proposal, all school districts are the difference in funds available for K-12 April 21,1993. The com- This would've substantially broadened the law to include guaranteed an increase in funds at a minimum education. Currently, funding per pupil ran- mittee adopted the resolu- virtually all farmworkers, including those involved in of 3 percent, even for those school districts ges from approximately $3,000 to $10,000. tion on April 28,1993 and dairy, livestock, grain production, poultry and other above the $4,800 and many school districts With a foundation grant of $4,800 and the passed the House on agricultural employment. H.R. 1173 would have also ex- will receive increased funding of 10 percent state guaranteeing a minimum of $100 per April 30,1993. to bring them up to the foundation grant of pupil per mill for each of those additional panded the liability of growers and others to include food $4,800. voted nine mills, Nelson expects that schools packers and processors. The constitution will be amended by a will have more assurances and predictability MFB Contact: vote of the people to ensure that 60 percent of of revenue available in coming years. Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 H.C.R. 139 urged Congress to reject H.R.-1173. It also put the Michigan delegation to Congress on notice that the the current 4 cents of sales tax will be directly "The revenue will not be unlimited and allocated to K-12 funding. Further, 100 per- there will be less need to go to the voters for Legislature is aware of the severe ramifications of this cent of the additional 2 cents will go to IC-12 additional millage, which has been capped at proposed federal legislation on Michigan farmers and, ul- and 100 percent of the lottery will go to K-12 a total of 18 allocated plus nine voted - a timately on the farmworkers themselves. funding. Currently schools do receive 60 per- maximum of 27 mills, Nelson explained. cent of the 4 cents and do receive the lottery. "Proposal A is a major change in funding of However, with the June 2 vote, all of this K-12 education. It will implement major con- detail will be placed in the constitution to cerns expressed in Farm Bureau policy, in- ensure the funding continues. cluding more equitable funding and shifting Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 "It's important to note that the $4,800 will to more dollars from state sources." be indexed to state revenue and so in those Michigan Farm News 3D-Day Forecast - Warmer and Wetter Than Normal. 90-Day Forecast - Cooler and Wetter Than Normal -. May 15, 1993 Cool and wet weather was the rule for much of April across Michigan. The com- bination of below normal temperatures (generally 1 to 3 F below normal) and above normal precipitation (.5 to 1.5 inches above normal) had varied impact on spring field work. Some areas of the state are experiencing substantial delays in spring field work and early planting to delayed initial develop- ment of overwintering crops, resulting in reduced chances for subsequent late spring frost damage. Fieldwork delays due to the wet weather are also widespread across the majority of the corn belt. While the latest National Weather Service 30-day outlook for May calls for a change toward warmer than normal temperatures and normal to slightly above normal precipitation, the 90-day outlook is forecasting average temperatures through the end of July to be below normal, with precipitation expected to continue at near, to slightly above, normal levels. Corn Belt Planting Progress Reports Ohio percent good, 33 percent fair, 8 percent Oat seedings were 30 percent complete Limited field work had been completed poor, and 2 percent very poor. compared to the 93 percent average. Winter prior to additional rainfall which put a halt wheat was rated 4 percent excellent, 76 Michigan and Major Commodity Area to work, according to the Ohio Agricultural Indiana percent good, and 20 percent fair. Soil Extended Weather Outlook Statistics Service. Corn was 4 percent Unseasonably wet weather continued to moisture levels were reported 11 percent T - Temp. 3/31 4/15 3/31 .5/31 stall corn planting, according to the Indiana P - PreciD. T P T f planted as of May 3, compared to the five- adequate, and '"89percent surplus. Michigan A A B A year average of 28 percent. Soybeans were Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn plant- W. Corn Belt N N B N less than 1 percent planted down from the 5 ing was 3 percent complete, compared with Iowa E. Corn Belt N N B N percen! average figure. 32 percent on average. Most planting activity had taken place in Wint. Wheat Belt N N B NI A western portions of the state with farmers Spr. Wheat Belt A N N NIB Oats were reported as 25 percent planted, Oat seeding was at 32 percent complete skirting around wet spots, according to the Pac. NW Wheat N N N N compared to the 82 percent average. Winter down from the 80 percent average. Only 10 Iowa Agricultural Statistics Service. Delta N N B N Southeast N N NIN N1A percent of the crop had emerged compared wheat was 11 percent excellent, 72 percent Serious oat planting delays were prompting San Joaquin N1A N A N to the 40 percent average. Farmers are good, 14 percent fair and 3 percent poor. many farmers to consider switching to other reportedly talking of switching oat acreage crops such as soybeans. A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- to soybeans, due to delayed planting. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 71 per- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- cent surplus, 29 percent adequate, while Oats were 32 percent planted, compared to No Precip. Source: National Weather Office Winter wheat was in generally good condi- subsoil moisture levels were rated 65 per- 96 percent on average. Winter wheat was tion, although development remained slow. cent surplus, and 35 percent adequate. rated 4 percent excellent, 49 percent good, The crop was rated 13 percent excellent, 44 42 percent fair, and 5 percent very poor. Illinois Com planting in Illinois was nearly three Corn acreage planted stood at 3 percent, Serving Michigan weeks behind as of May 3, according to the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Service. down from the 27 percent average as of May 3. Primary seeded preparation reached Farm Families is Com planting stood at 1 percent complete compared with the five year average of 46 30 percent, as compared to the 83 percent average level. Soil moisture levels were Our Only Business percent. rated 31 percent adequate and 69 percent surplus. Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, ROOTS TO PROFITABILITY weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Station City FrequenQY 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 WTVB 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 WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 12:15 pm 1992 Michigan grower test plots yielded an average of WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm 8.9 more bushels of corn per acre where ACA was used. WWGZ Lapeer 1530 * 12:15 pm ACA can be applied with your side dress, WNBY Newberry 92.5 12:15 pm starter or preplant fertilizer program. 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 WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm 1989 ACA Yield Advantage =+7.3 bu./acre 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 1510195.9 580 .6:15am 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 • Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning 'ann times change with • Enhanced spring root growth Clean Crop Dealer sign-on times. or call1-80G-292.2701 • Enhanced drought tolerance .. Station airs various 'ann reports between 5:50 ancI6:20 pm. for addltlonallnfonnatlon on ... Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 ancI1:OO pm. • Affordable and effective THEACA ADVANTAGEl Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the markst day. Michigan Farm News May 15, 1993 I ... Wet Spring Means Planting Adjustments Fanners will have to adjust their planting 1 to 1.5 bushels per day if planting after the When planting soybeans early in cold soil, and herbicide applications around the wet first week in May. spring weather, according to Peter the planting depth should be 1 inch to 1-1/2 Most farmers will be anxious to get crops Thomison, com specialist at Ohio State inches. No-till soybean plants are usually planted when the soil dries and the applica- The wet weather will mean other changes smaller, so the crop should be planted in 15 University. He says when things dry out tion of pre-plant and pre-emergence her- for soybean planting. Jim Beuerlein, inch rows or drilled. Beuerlein says to make sufficiently for field work, fanners should bicides may be delayed, Loux says. soybean specialist at Ohio State, says there sure the seed is covered for good seed-soil get their com crop established. Light tillage will be more no-till soybeans this year be- contact. As planting is delayed, farmers should con- or no-till are the best alternatives this year. cause of the wet spring weather. sider switching from a pre-emergence to a 1990 was a good example of how things can Nitrogen application on wheat should also post-emergence herbicide program. Late Fanners need to have their soybean seed be adjusted for wet weather, Beuerlein said. get fouled up by the weather. The last week planting also reduces the need for a long- treated to control diseases. Also, no-till In most years, nitrogen should be applied in April that year was great for planting and residual herbicide program, because many soybeans are affected more by phytoph- between March 15 and April 15. But since most fanners completed their preliminary of the early weeds are removed by tillage thora root and stem rots. In order to guard wheat growth is behind this year, there tillage. Then it rained throughout May. or a knock-down herbicide. against the disease, farmers can buy seed should not be a yield loss if nitrogen was that is resistant to disease. Beuerlein says applied by May 10, Beuerlein says. He "Only half of the com crop was planted by Late planting results in a more rapid canopy 15 percent of available varieties are resis- suggests applying one pound of nitrogen June, because fanners couldn't get back in tant. closure and a shorter period of weed emer- the field," Thomison says. for every bushel of anticipated yield. gence. This will make a post-emergence program easier to implement, Loux says. Other soybean varieties have some Weed specialist Mark Loux says herbicide There is usually a significant yield reduc- tolerance to phytophthora, but should be programs should be adjusted for the wet In no-till soybeans, fanners should con- tion if com is planted after May 10-15, treated with a fungicide. Apron, a fun- Thomison says. Fanners can expect to lose spring and any consequential changes in sider using a knock-down herbicide at gicide, will control the disease and can be tillage. planting followed by post-emergence her- applied to the seed. Ridomil, another fun- bicides, because of the reduced population gicide that will control phytophthora, is ap- Farmers planting no-till com and soybeans plied in the seed furrow. of broadleaf weeds in no-till fields. should use a knock-down chemical such as Wet Fields Many first-time no-till fanners plant in wet Roundup to control the weeds that emerged before planting. Weeds are behind Loux says herbicide runoff this year has been lower than might be expected. There's and Tillage fields, Beuerlein says. A no-till field will not be ready for planting until five to seven schedule because of the cold and this should keep knock-down costs low. been minimal application so far because of the rain. days after a tilled field is ready. Considerations Dan Coffin, Regional Agronomist, Northrup King What are some key ingredients to top yields and profitable com production? Some key ingredients would include top genetics, uniform stands, nutrients, water and sunshine. This isn't an exhausti ve list, but it's enough to make a point about the damaging effects of tilling wet soil. Fields throughout Michigan have been extremely wet and April is flying by. All of us are anxious to NEW get started and are tempted to till fIelds that LOWER PRICE,l' FOR WOOD SIDING - on thousa. a ~ are simply too wet. and non-s~/: '!,sale dm What happens when fields are tilled too throughout 1.1. items wet? Soil is compacted and structure is .~ .... '" I/e store! damaged. Cloddy seedbeds result, which III ,~,:' ;.>I.,.t;, enhance the probability of poor seed-to- soil contact. CLEAR WOOD ~,,: ... FINISH-IN' - . I:o.t2.;1l r..J o CM!I.l sou OIMtjltllJ "It is an illness that may develop as the result of inhaling dust contaming bacterial or fungal proteins," Doss says. "The disease typi- cally occurs among farm workers who handle silage, grain or animal bedding that is dusty or contains mold." Farmer's Lung symptoms include tight- ness in the chest, muscle aches, chills, short- Current Health Insur:.uu:e ness of breath and sometimes, a dry cough. These symptoms often develop several hours after exposure. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention, he advises. "Sometimes the symptoms disappear if the exposure was brief, but continued exposure to dust-laden conditions can reduce normal respiratory capacity and cause permanent damage," Doss says. Doss recommends that all farm workers wear disposable dust masks (not painter's . , - masks) or respirators whenever they are work- ing around dusty conditions in the barn or in In th~se tough economic times all business owners are loo.king'for"ways to imp.f0ve their b?tto[Tl lin~ .. ' ~." other confined working spaces and especially -' ~ .. NoW Farm Bureau can help with a new money ,savino ,group Health Plan from Blue Cross Blue ~hJeld of MIchigan. ' Th~s~ new pians are guar~nteed is~~e.ntrmatter-what your health history, locally ~ervice<:lby'our 69 county offic~s -and 4~O agents s~at~.wide, when they are handling this year's com and com silage. At minimum, the dust mask or respirator and competitively priced to save farm Qwners and operators'hundreds or even thousands otdollars off their h~alth Insu~?nce blll-., should be capable of filtering mold spores. An 'example would be the 3M brand 8710 or So, if you're a so~eproprietor or if you have.one or more em~loyees, you should call~arm B~reau today for benef~t an~ rate Inf~rmatIO?: equivalent (this is not a product endorsement). Select a respirator appropriate to the . _ .. /tIleHI.GAN t'. severity of working conditions, he advises, , .... f:A,,1tf BUREAU and make sure it is property fitted and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION RATE QUOTE - FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. 3239 OR 3240. and state limitations. Respirator misuse may result in sickness or death, Doss says. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau "Anyone wearing a dust mask or respirator Membership Services must remember that they are designed to filter P.O. Box 30960 . only dust and mold spores - they do not supply Lansing, MI 48909 oxygen," he adds. Please Print Masks should be disposed of or the filters Name Current Health Insurance replaced when normal breathing becomes noticeably difficult. Address Number of Full Time Employees o Sole proprietor "It is important to know under what cir- (1 person group) cumstanc~s these masks or respirators can be o 2-4 0 5-9 used safely," Doss says. "When they're matched to the working conditions, this type o 10-24 0 25 and over of personal protection can significantly reduce respiratory health risk associated with con- taminated working conditions." Michigan Farm News -. May 15,1993 .How Can an MDA Inspection Benefit You? The purpose of reviewing the above areas Inspectors will utilize a checklist-type form to review on-farm procedures in a number of Did you know that MDA conducts inspec- of operation is to ensure that: pesticide areas including applicator training, transportation, protective clothing and equip- tions that are aimed at keeping farmers out 1) farmers are aware of the current laws and ment, pesticide disposal, mixing and loading practices, and application equipment. of trouble with state and federal regulatory regulations that impact them; agencies? 2) any problems or areas of confusion are resolved at an early stage, and; The Pesticide and Plant Pest Management 3) farmers are informed of new laws that Division (PPPMD) of the Michigan Depart- may be affecting them in the near future. ment of Agriculture (MDA) operates under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. En- As stated earlier, MDA will not initiate vironmental Protection Agency that gives enforcement actions as a result of planned MDA primary authority over pesticide use use inspections unless there appears to be an issues. immediate threat to human health or the environment. In the absence of such a One of the requirements of the cooperative threat, MDA will work cooperatively with agreement is to conduct proactive inspec- farmers and provide sufficient time to tions, called planned use inspections, in resolve any outstanding problems. order to identify and resolve problems at an early stage. The inspections are also in- According to MDA Director Bill Schuette, tended to derive information about general "MDA believes that farmers are responsible industry trends and issues in order to focus stewards of the land and take their respon- resources on these areas before they be- sibility as pesticide applicators seriously. come problems. We will continue to work with you to make sure that the tools you need to produce your In an effort to become more familiar with crop continue to be available." the farming community, the form contains questions on required and anticipated If you have ;,tny questions or concerns regulations, in addition to suggested regarding pesticide planned use inspec- management techniques. The latter two tions, please contact your local MDA of- pieces of information, however, are in- fice or call (517) 335-6838. tended as information dissemination only, with no enforcement action intended. PPPMD conducts 170 planned use inspec- tions each year, with 85 inspections focused on commercial pesticide applicators and 85 on private pesticide applicators (farmers). PPPMD has been conducting planned use inspections since 1982. The inspections are not intended to be a basis for enforcement actions, but rather provide assistance to applicators in under- standing and adhering to laws and regula- tions related to pesticide use. Even when violations are found, applicators will be given sufficient time to resolve th'e problems unless. they pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment. What can you expect when an inspector Compare the interest rates. The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA calls on you for a planned use inspection? and Gold MasterCard isjust 15.9% A.P.R.-oneofthe lowest interest rates Inspectors will attempt to inconvenience available. In addition, you pay no in/~nslon new credit card purchases when you as little as possible by scheduling an your full balance is paid by the due date. appointment with you. Compare the fees. The MemberLine VISA has no annual fees, no mem- Approximately one to two hours will nor- bership fees and no application fee. The annual fee for the Gold MasterCard mally be required, however, that time may is $20 - far lower than the fee charged for most gold cards. For added vary depending upon a number of factors. savings, the $20 fee is rebated every year that you make $3,000 or more in Inspectors will utilize a checklist-type form net purchases. to review on-farm procedures in a number of pesticide areas including: pesticide Compare the premiums. Both the MemberLine VISA and the Gold storage, recordkeeping, applicator training, The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & MasterCard offer a wide array of complimentary features and options for transportation, protective clothing and Gold MasterCard. Two good reasons your protection and peace of mind. And when you carry a Gold MasterCard, equipment, pesticide disposal, mixing and you'll enjoy the added advantages of a higher credit line, executive travel loading practices, and application equip- why it pays to compare before you privileges, emergency road assistance, purchase protection insurance and a ment. Inspectors may also ask to observe a apply for a credit card ... warranty extension program - valuable "extras" you and your family can scheduled application. depend on. Easy to apply for. Simply remove this page from the magazine and fill out EPA Rule Focuses On the application on the reverse side. Lenerfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! Farmworker Safety The Environmental Protection Agency recently published a rule on Worker Protection ".M,C",GAN ._. FARM BIJREAIJ o FIRSfOf AM UIO\.Bank. Standards for farms, nurseries, greenhouses, and forestry operations that use pesticides, in- cluding insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fumigants. The rule will be phased' in over the next year, with full implementation to be in effect by April 1994, says Mark Landmark, rural health and safety director for the American No Postage Necessary Farm Bureau Federation. I I If Mailed Within Not all provisions ofthe rule apply to fami- The United States ly farm operations, Landmark said, but if anyone outside the immediate family is Business Reply Mail employed on a particular operation, it is First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI classed as an employer and must comply with all the rules. Strictly family farms must provide per- Postage will be paid by addressee sonal protection equipment, including safety gear which must be worn by workers according to label instructions. They also must observe restricted-entry intervals when pesticides are FIRST OF AMERICA BANK applied to a field, when required on the label REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION of the material applied. ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES Other rules that apply to employers in- clude, notification of employees when pes- P.O. BOX 2349 ,, ticides are to be applied and field-posting with KALAMAZOO, MI 49003-9917 signs; decontamination facilities available to field workers; transportation provided in medi- cal emergencies; worker training pr?grams; and certain information posted and avallable to workers, according to Landmark. 1.1,,1111,,111,,111,11.11.111,,1.11,,1111111111111.1 Michigan Farm News 1m AFBF Recommends Zero Acreage Reduction For 1994 Wheat -= May 15,1993 Citing decreased year-end wheat supplies wheat producer by $445 for every 100 acres to decline by 10 million bushels. "An ARP ther reduce U.S. wheat exports by ap- and negative impacts on farm income that of production. Soft red winter wheat level higher than zero could lead to lower proximately 2 percent. would result from a large wheat acreage producers would see an income drop of than desired stocks, leaving no buffer for reduction program (ARP), the American $662 per 100 acres of production, and weather-related, crop production "The United States has fought hard to stop Farm Bureau Federation has recommended producers of irrigated wheat in the Pacific problems," Farm Bureau's letter stated. the slide of U.S. market share of world that the 1994 wheat ARP be set at zero Northwest could see income reductions of wheat markets," Farm Bureau's letter percent. $1,360 per 100 acres. According to David Miller, AFBF grains stated. "Foregoing nearly 23 'percent of our commodity specialist, a significant amount production through CRP, 0/92, and flex In a letter to the Grains Analysis Division of This trend would be compounded by the of wheat acreage is already diverted from acres, it would be counterproductive to fur- the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the imposition of a 15 percent ARP, Farm production. "Nearly 11 million acres of ther reduce the presence of U.S. wheat in nation's largest farm organization also re- Bureau stated. wheat base are enrolled in the conservation international markets by imposing addi- quested that the loan rate for the 1994 wheat reserve program," Miller said. Another 4.5 tional set aside requirements with an ARP." price support program be set at the basic Farm Bureau based its requests on several million acres will likely be signed up for the formula rate as outlined by the Food, factors. Despite very good yields in most 0/92 program, and producers will probably Furthermore, Farm Bureau believes that Agricultural, Conservation and Trade Act wheat-producing areas last year, current plant another 2.5 million non-payment farmers should not bear a disproportionate of 1990 . supply and usage analysis indicates the wheat acres to other crops under the flex . share of the costs resulting from unsuccess- stocks-to-use ratio will remain under 30 program. ful world trade negotiations. As long as An ARP higher than zero percent also percent. USDA analysis indicates that marketing loan provisions are in effect due would have serious impact on net farm in- stocks are not likely to build to burdensome "In total, even with a zero percent ARP, to a stalemate in trade talks, the organiza- come, Farm Bureau stated. AFBF analysis levels in the 1993-94 marketing year. nearly 23 percent of the wheat base will not tion said it would support the use of basic indicates that for each 1 percent increase in USDA also predicts that with a 5 percent be used for wheat production," Miller said. loan rates for wheat and feed grains price the ARP, net farm income for the average ARP, ending stocks from the 1994 wheat "Increasing the ARP above zero would support programs. wheat producer will decline by 1.1 percent. crop would likely drop by 50 million reduce the competitiveness of U.S. wheat in This relationship tends to hold true for all bushels. Under a 15 percent ARP, those world export markets." classes of wheat. stocks would drop by 158 million bushels. According to Farm Bureau, each 5 percent A 5 percent ARP would reduce net farm AFBF analysis indicates that even with a increase in the ARP percentage would fur- income for the average hard red winter zero percent ARP, ending stocks are likely APPLY NOW for a Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA or Gold MasterCard FARM BUREAU MEMBERLlNE- APPLICATION FIISl Name Middle IMiaI Last Name Social Security Number Present Street Address Date 01 Birth Mol. City, State Home Telephone Number (Include Area Code) } LL Previous Address Cd less than two yeatS at present address} City State ...J ~ Present Employer Income !rom afimony, chid support. 0( nWrtenance payments need not be IllY8aIed a: ~ you do not wish to have ~ as a basis for repaying this obligation. ~ ~ ~s Telephone Number ~ Tme at Present ~ o MonlhIy ( ) Yrs. Mol. Gross Income !rom Employmen1 0 Yearly City, State, ZIp Code o Monlhly Other Income 0 Yearly Soo.rce 01 Other Income Previous Employer Cd less than two yeatS at present employer) Tme at Previous Employer Yrs. Mos. Nearest Relative (not iving wilh you) Address FIISl Name Middle Initial Last Name c 5 Present Street Address Date of Birth u Mos. u CD City, State Home Telephone Number C (1nckIde Area Code) } =- '0 PrIMOUS . Address Cd less than two years at present adlhss} City State ~ Present Employer Income !rom alimony. chid support. 0( madenance paymenls need nol be rvveaIlId ct H you do not wish 10 have • as a basis Icr repaying !his obigaIion. o :J ~s Telephone NImler Tme 81 Present Employmel'Il o MonlhIy Q. ( ) Yrs. Mos. Gross Income !rom ~ 0 Yeally Q. ct Qy, StIlI, ZIp Code o MonlhIy 6 OYeaIIy o a: ~ o > en CId R*8nc:es Balance Due W o Z w a: w LL o Checkilg Aa:oln (Sri Name) W a: t:: Q o SIvings Aa:oln (Sri HamI) W a: s o Optional Group Credit Insurance Please check your card preferela L'Ile hnby certily thai eech of1he an!MIIS on this ~ is 1rut and CXlII8Cl, an:I is made lor tie plIpOl58 of obtinilg a IlsI0( crldllIllm (choose one design only) the Bank. Vwe certify Iha1 all dIbIs owed whIlher ~ join1 0( The alSl., you. tie Pri'ray Aa:a.w1I holder aningInl have been cI!dosed above an:Illal none 01 mylru dItlts en w (appliccrlt), is $.60 pel' $100 Icr each monlh's o SCENIC VISA o STANDARD VISA • Wh~t-~siduepibts had sig~ificantly - o deInquenI 0( i1 deIauII. excepl as Vwe haw idcaaed allow. Vwe hereby lMlriIIl' daiy balance. The irlSlr.n:a wi t. auhorize 1he Sri., iwesligaIe myIfu credill8COld., .. mn _deems z alIll8 elIedive when '{fM Cl'8dl begins. You fewer cysts at season's end than no- ct necess;ry an:I., YeiIy mylru aedl, 8IT1lIoymenl an:I inalme relerences. a: musl be less than age 71 ., be eIgibIe Icr r:Dt- Vwe lII1her au1horize and ins1nIcI BI'I'f pel'IOl'l 0( COIlSIm8r reporting residue plots - regardless of tillage prac- ~en &rage. A certif1catt which more kIy descriles agency" IIrnish ., lhe Sri BI'I'f inIormaIion that ~ may have 0( oblain i1 1he insur.wlCe wiI be sent when ylU Cl'8dl response ., such ad i1quiries. L'Ile III1her 1iIl188 that this appicaIion tice. 3: appIicaIion is approved. l)QnriIlen by The shaI become 1he prapeI1y of lhe Bank, whether Of not ~ is approved. t:: Prudential Company of America. Ner.rk, New OR Apply for a Gold MasterCard Ifwe lll18Ithat H ltlis appkaIion is acceplIId an:I a card 0( cards en Q W Jefsey, an:I Prudential Prcpeny an:I CasuaIy issued that BI'I'f use oI1he can:l(s) .. be governed by lhe terms an:I • In residue plots, no tillage resulted in a: Insurance Company, Holmdel, New Jersey. o CXlIlCitions of the Bank's V~ Agreement an:I 0iscI0sure lower SCN levels than minimum tillage o Those choosilg ., enrol .. be maied a cer- YES, rd like fie em lr8edom an:IlIuilily provided belore 0( wilh deMry of tie C3d(s). L'Ile a5SlJl1I, iI more than Q. ~ Iificalt of inslnnce explaining benefils, IrMa- of a Gold ~ i1stead 0I1he VISA one jainlly and sewraIy, iabiIily Icr aI d1ages inaIT8d i1 BI'I'f use of two out of three years. card. II I do not qualify for the Gold 1heC3d(s}. o lions an:I prtMsicns an:I indcali1g 1he K' MaslerCird, consider my appicalion Icr !hi a: INe dDl of ooverage. CJ F;rm BtnaJ VISA card. • Wheat residue had no impact on yields. ...J ~ 0 YES, PIIaII enroIIlllIln ItIe o Group CrecIIInuIra ProgrIm. • A 1992 study indicated that both wheat Ii: o o ADDITIONAl CARD FOR AUTHORIZED USER roots/crowns and straw must be present for maximum effect. The effect of only Prinl name here one residue was significantly less than when both were present. / a....I r.rc.nI........ 15.9% -..-. ......... ~.I c 1 11 None for scenic 01 standard VISA S20 for Gold MasIItCard .... .......... Greoe PlNIM" II oJlCL~ T I r1...... Pw I fa fI Cash Mwrtoe Fee - none Tr8nI8Ction F_ - none l..IdI F_ - S10.00 Hershman doesn't know why the wheat residue suppresses SCN populations Average Daly Balance (reb8t8d f!Nf1lY year net annual (exducIng ,.. purchases) purchases eXC88d $3.000) ~L.mtFee-Sl0.00 during the growing season. He's ruled Mi*num F.... a.g. - none out possible explanations, but plans to expand research into other areas . ....... letterfolcl and .... this form with the mailing ....... on the outside Crey......... Michigan Farm News May 15,1993 •• ENVIRONMENTAL II Calibration and Maintenance of Spray Equipment .~~ STEWARDSHIP , Most of the practices we can adopt to help 8. Measure the flow of each nozzle on the safeguard water quality from contamina- boom to assure uniform distribution. If the tion by crop protection chemicals are com- flow rate of any tip is 10 percent greater or mon sense: protecting wellheads from less than that of the others, replace it. If two . spills, rinsing containers, use of soil conser- or more are faulty, replace all tips on the vation farming methods, etc. entire boom. At about $3 each, the total cost is small compared to the avoided problems Common sense, however, takes a backseat and dollars you will be saving by replacing to mathematics and engineering when it's defective tips. Whatever type of spray tip time to calibrate and maintain spray equip- you choose, be sure to use all the same type 2. Check the casing of the centrifugal pump ment. This is because of the inconvenience of your boom. for cracks caused by freezing of water left of formulas, charts and conversion factors. in the pump over winter. While the pump is As a result, farmers may not calibrate as 9. The amount of water collected in ounces 1. Clean the line strainer and all tip running, check the throttling valves. The often or as accurately as they should. per nozzle equals gallons per acre applied. strainers, and examine the tips for obvious pressure gauge should move as you turn the Vary the sprayer pressure slightly to fine signs of clogging or damage. Use only a throttling valve if it is working properly. Recent studies in several states have found tune your overall sprayer output. soft bristled tooth brush to clean the tips, a that as many as one out of every three 3. Check the hoses and hose clamps for 10. Be sure to read the product label for wooden tooth pick or paper clip can severe- sprayers is miscalibrated by as much as 30 splits and leaks by running the pump with proper application information. ly damage the finely machined thin edges percent. Wrong pressure, wrong ground various combinations of valves closed or around the spray tip orifice. It's a good idea speed and worn or damaged spray tips are partially closed to increase the line pres- to replace all spray tips about every two common. Maintenance Tips I years, or more frequently if you grow crops sure. Getting your sprayer ready for spring spray- requiring frequent sprays. Calibration errors add excess chemical ing generally involves three steps: cleaning costs, reduced yield due to pests if the chemical is under applied, crop damage if the chemical is over applied and increased potential for water contamination. What farmers need is a simple, accurate method to calibrate their sprayers as often as needed, or at least once a year. Looking Out For The Environment Calibration Made Simple Below are simplified calibration and main- tenance procedures for the ag chemical sprayers generally used in farming. Just follow these ten easy steps: (1;" Use absorbent 1. Fill your sprayer tank with water. Only use clean water to calibrate. Proper Cleanup of Pesticide ~ 00 materials on pave- ment or concrete to r \ 2. Measure the distance between the noz- zles on your spray boom. Spills Protects Water Supplies capture the spilled liquids. They can then be shoveled or swept. Non- chlorinated 3. Choose the Test Course Length (in feet) pills when handling, trans- appropriate personal safety stream and pet litter is an from the chart below which corresponds to your nozzle spacing. For directed and band S porting or using pesticides are a concern for every producer. equipment should be used, such as rubber gloves, rubber boots then attempt to stop the excellent, inexpensi ve rigs, use the row spacing of the field you plan to spray. Carefully measure the ap- But by knowing what to do'if a and eye protection. leak or spill. absorbent propriate course distance in the field and spill occurs, whether it's on This is a material to mark for easy visibility. your property or on the road, (1; ...., Call your retailer for judgement keep on hand for such purposes. you can help minimize the risk ~ advice on cleanup of call that only Nozzle Test their chemical. They Spacing Course and prevent ground water and 000 you can make. (I;'\., Properly dispose (inches) Length surface water contamination. will also give ~ of the drenched soil (feet) you special (I;,\, Begin cleanup as 000 or absorbent material. 14 291 safety advice ~ soon as the situation This will depend on what and 16 255 (1;--.,Control the spill as has been stabilized. ~ quickly as possible by and other 000 how much was spilled and the 18 227 information. Quick action on your part to rules for dis- 20 204 000 restoring the container clean up a posal in your 22 185 to its upright position, closing a spill is not 24 26 .170 157 leaking valve or hose or putting a secondary . (fJ Contain the spread of the spill when the only state. Contact state or local 28 146 0.0 required in officials or 30 136 container leak has been stopped by creat- many your retailer ~ 32 127 in place to ing soil dams in the path of the states, but for legally ~~ ' 34 120 catch the spilled liquid. It may be most 36 113 will pre- acceptable disposal options. leaking important to first divert a spill 38 107 vent the chemical from leaching solution. away from a nearby pond or 40 102 or washing away in a rainstorm. ~ ..... , Report the spill, if Of course, ~ required, before it 4. Drive the test course at your normal 0.0 threatens public health spraying speed. Be sure to operate all or the environment. If the spill equipment. Record the seconds required to drive the measured distance. For greatest EPA Regional Offices is large or enters a waterway, accuracy, do the speed check with the spray you'll need to call the local EPA tank half full. Be sure to take a "running EPA Hazardous Waste Hotline Atlanta 404-347-3004 office, the local emergency plan- start" at the starting flag so that your trac- ning office or the state health tor/sprayer reaches the desired spraying 800-424-9346 Boston 617-565-3420 department. The reporting cri- speed before you begin timing. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline Chicago 312-353-2000. teria vary with the chemical 5. Park your tractor/sprayer, but keep the 800-426-4791 Dallas 214-655-6444 spilled, however, so ask your engine rpm at the same setting used to drive 303-293-1603 dealer to check the Material Denver the test course. Safety Data Sheet or call the Kansas City 913-551-7000 manufacturer for further details. 6. Set the desired pressure on your sprayer Natio~al Agricult~r.l;1 202-296-1585 New York 212-264-2657 (this will vary with the type of spray tips Chemicals AsSOCIation you use and the gallons per minute you Chemicals Referral Center Philadelphia 215-597 -9800 This information is provided by wish to spray through them. Consult the 800-262-8200 415-744-1305 the Alliance for a Clean Rural spray chart for the tips you have chosen). San Francisco Environment, a non-profit, Chemtrec Emergency Hotline Seattle 206-553-4973 non-political organization 7. Using a plastic container marked in oun- encouraging environmental ces (a baby bottle or measuring cup works 800-424-9300 stewardship and protection of fine), collect the water sprayed from one EPA Pesticide Management & water quality, supported by nozzle during the same amount of time that Dis osal the makers of crop protection it took you to drive between the flags on 703-305-7385 chemicals. your test course. Michigan Farm News IE When to Switch Corn Hybrids Because of Planting Delays •• May 15, 1993 I • ..1 Oran B. Hesterman, Crop and Soil Sciences Table 1 Jeff Andresen, Agricultural Meteorologist Michigan State University the actual number of days that it takes for a Approximate relative maturities (RM) for full- to ultra-short- specific hybrid to reach maturity. This season hybrids for four different regions in Michigan. It's a well-known fact that if planted early, classification is used to classify hybrids a full season hybrid can take advantage of a according to when they mature in relation Michigan Location longer growing season, resulting in higher to other hybrids of known maturity .. Hybrid Maturity Southern* Central Northern yields. However, late planting of a full season hybrid can become risky at harvest, Mid, short and ultra-short season hybrids LP LP LP UP since a killing frost could hit the crop prior could be considered as those which are to full maturity, resulting in higher grain approximately 5, 15, and 20 days relative ------relative maturity days---- moisture and lower test weights. maturity (RM) respectively, earlier than a Full-season 100 -110 100-105 90 -100 80 - 90 full season hybrid for a given location. What is a Full Season Hybrid? Mid-season 95 - 105 95 - 100 85 - 95 75 - 85 For example, a 95-day RM hybrid does not No hybrid can be considered full-season necessarily mature in 95 days. However, Short-season 85 - 95 83 -'95 75 - 85 70 - 75 irrespective of where it's grown. In general, under similar climatic conditions and cul- a full season hybrid is one that uses or Ultra-short-season 80 - 90 75 - 85 70 - 80 tural practices, a 95-day RM hybrid should requires the entire growing season available mature approximately 10 days earlier than * Southern LP (Lower Peninsula) refers to the lower three tiers of counties. at a particular location to reach full maturity a 105 day RM hybrid. prior to the first killing frost. North~m LP Is the area parallel to Isabella County and north. The Central Table 1 gives approximate RM for full to LP Is the remaining counties, Including the Thumb. A full season hybrid for a particular location ultra short season hybrids for four different will depend obviously on air temperature regions in Michigan. What are Growing Degree Days? daily basis and summed for all or a portion patterns throughout the growing season. of the growing season. A growing degree day unit (GDD) is a Adjustments would need to be made due to It's important to understand that the days representative index of accumulated heat,. The most common way of calculating local climatic conditions and cultural prac- designation used to identify a maturity normally derived from air temperatures at GDDs for com is known as the '86-50 tices. These estimates are based on a plant- group of hybrids may not be reflective of a given location. GDDs are calculated on a cutoff' method. If the day's minimum ing date of early May. temperature is less than 50 F, it's raised to 50 F. If the day's temperature is higher than 86 F, it's lowered to 86 F. This is because com growth doesn't begin until tempera- tures are at'least 50 F, and growth actually begins to slow at temperatures in excess of 86F. ~RRIED Next, calculate the average for the day by dividing the sum of the maximum and min- imum by two. Finally, subtract the base FACES temperature of 50 F from this average to get your GDDs for the day. GDD = {Maximum Temperature 86 + Min- OF OUR imum Temperature 50 divided by 2} - 50) Seasonal GDD Accumulations in Michigan INSUREDS. The growing season in a climate such as Michigan is normally defined as the number of days between the last occurrence of 32 F in the spring and the first occurrence of 32 Worry? Not them. F in the fall. For purposes of this report, GDD day accumulations for various spring And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a planting dates and the first occurrence of a Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? killing frost of 30 F in the fall were used. Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care. 1 Twenty representative stations were chosen from com producing areas of Michigan for With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how calculation of GDD statistics for the period devastating this can be. of 1961 to 1990. Percentile statistics of seasonal GDD accumulations are given in tables 2 and 3 for different hypothetical But it doesn't have to be this way. planting dates of May 20 and June 1. With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an In reading the data from these tables, seven American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term numbers representing different percentages of seasonal GDD accumulation statistics are care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 given for each station. In short, the numbers in the tables represent the minimum number Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for of GDDs accumulated for the given percent- more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the age of years in the study. options available to you. For example, the 30th percentile GDD ac- Representing: cumulation for a May 20 planting date in Allegan (Table 2) is 2488. This means that for the period 1961 - 1990, Allegan accumu- AMEX Life Assurance Company II lated 2488 GDDs or more in 30 percent of @ the seasons (given a May 20 planting date). a subsidiary of TRAVEL RELATED @ SERVICES Timewise, seasonal totals decrease only slightly, from April 20 to May 10, but fall I. Consumer's Guide (0 Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 rapidly thereafter, following the rapid 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 13, 1990 seasonal rise in temperatures during 3. Indepem!pnt analysts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and May.This underscores the importance of operating performance. early planting in Michigan, as potential ac- cumulated GDDs lost by planting after early TO RECEIVE ADDmONAL INFORMATION AND AN AYEX BROCHURE/APPUCATION - ALL OUT THE COUPON BELOW May become increasingly difficult to make OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-212-2680, EXT. - 2724. up later in the season. Please Print _ .. /tIICHIGAN Using GDD information to .... FAR/tl BIJREAIJ Name Select Corn Hybrids Some seed companies collect information - I Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau dr on the required number of GDDs for a Membership Services specific hybrid to reach specific stages of P.O. Box 30960 Ci State ZIP development such as silking and black Lansing, MI 48909 layer. If this information is available, you Coun Continued ...next page MFN Michigan Farm News When to Switch Corn Hybrids Because of Table 3 •• Seasonal accumulations of May 15, 1993 Planting Delays ...(continued from page 12) base SO-Fgrowing degree days (calculated with the '86-50' cutoff method) based on a planting date of Table 2 June 1st for the period 1961.1990. Seai;onal accumulations of Percentile base 50.F growing aegree days (calculated with the Station 95 90 70 50 30 10 5 '86-50' cutoff method) based on a planting date of 2330 2435 2487 Allegan 2085 2116 2196 2260 May 20th for the period 1961-1990. Alma 1953 2021 2162 2255 2343 2460 2511 Percentile Alpena 1515 1545 1623 1685 1752 1854 1904 Station 90 70 50 30 10 5 Bad Axe 1869 1919 2037 2127 2218 2350 2413 Allegan 2271 2362 2425 2488 2579 2622 Caro 1981 2011 2084 2139 2195 2278 2317 Alma 2174 2322 2414 2498 2605 2652 Chatham 1422 1464 1560 1628 1696 1791 1836 Alpena 1654 1746 1811 1875 1967 2012 Cheboygan 1567 1618 1742 1836 1932 2071 2138 E;:ladAxe 2049 2177 2269 2362 2492 2553 Coldwater 2068 2106 2186 2241 2297 2377 2415 Caro 2182 2236 2283 2338 2440 2500 Eau Claire 2335 2374 2471 2546 2624 2738 2793 Chatham 1581 1677 1745 1814 1911 1957 Grand Rapids 2076 2127 2233 2303 2368 2456 2494 Cheboygan 1728 1853 1944 2036 2167 2229 Hesperia 1781 1817 1901 1964 2028 2120 2164 Coldwater 2259 2340 2396 2451 2528 2563 Iron Mountain 1522 1567 1660 1725 1790 1883 1928 Eau Claire 2551 2650 2718 2786 2884 2932 Lake City 1526 1573 1672 1740 1808 1906 1954 Grand Rapids 2285 2397 2463 2522 2594 2625 Lansing 2018 2056 2142 2201 2259 2338 2375 Hesperia 1960 2049 2110 2172 2261 2303 Lapeer 1965 2017 2126 2202 2277 2386 2438 Iron Mountain 1695 1792 1859 1926 2022 2068 Monroe 2353 2418 2541 2616 2682 2766 2801 Lake City 1696 1803 1875 1943 2034 2075 Saginaw 1924 1988 2123 2214 2301 2417 2469 Lansing 2203 2287 2347 2408 2494 2534 Sandusky 1908 1960 2078 2164 2250 2371 2428 Lapeer 2175 2283 2357 2432 2540 2592 Stephenson 1568 1607 1692 1752 1810 1891 1927 Monroe 2574 2704 2781 2848 2931 2966 Traverse City 1746 1800 1912 1990 2068 2180 2234 , Saginaw 2139 2268 2355 2439 2552 2603 ~a~duskY 2103 2221 2306 2390 2508 2563 Table 4 1821 1886 1949 2037 2078 Estimates of the relationship between relative maturities 2037 2120 2203 2322 2379 (RM) of corn hybrids and growing degree days. Relative Maturity GOD requirements \ may want to use it to match the normal GDD accumulation for your location, given your anticipated planting date, with hybrid Remember, the tables and figures are long- term averages and likely will not cor- (days) 70 -80 (planting to physiological maturity) 1800-2000 respond precisely to any individual year. requirements. However, they can be of great value if you are willing to manage your com hybrid 80 -90 2000 -2300 Normally, if a hybrid reaches full maturity selection according to the long-term 90 -100 2300 -2500 prior to the first killing freeze in the fall, average climate for your location rather there will still be adequate drying weather than according to your own guess of what 100 -110 2500 -2700 to harvest the crop as grain with a minimum the next growing season is likely to offer. need f~r artificial drying. 110 -120 2700 -2800 It's common for seed companies to provide ~ information on relative maturities (in days) and there may be cases in which you would like to estimate GDD requirements from this information. One of your best sources of information is your seed company technical repre- sentative. However, Table 4 provides es- timates of the relationship between GDD . requirements and relative maturity indexes for com hybrids. When to Switch Hybrids in Relation to Planting Date The information on. GDD accumulations at Heritage of America progressive planting dates (Tables 2 and 3) September 25-0ctober 3. 1993 can be used as a guide when facing the The beautiful colors of the fall foliage combined with America's most historic areas makes this a most outstanding tour decision of when to switch to a shorter for Farm Bureau members. Our travels will include New York City, the city of Brotherly love - Philadelphia, the Amish season hybrid as planting dates are delayed. country of Lancaster, as well as Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley. Our adventures will then take us to Monticello, If, for example, you farmed in the Caro area colonial Williamsburg, and then to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. and you originally intended to plant a This deluxe tour includes air transportation, first-class hotel accommodations, deluxe motorcoach transportation, 15 hybrid with a RM of 105 days, you would need 2500 to 2700 GDDs (Table 4) for the meals, and full sightseeing and admissions to all attractions. This 9-day tour is available for $1,299 per member. crop to mature prior to the frrst killing frost. If planting was delayed until May 20 (Table Copenhaaen Plus 2), the normal GDDs (50th percentile) October 9-16."993 available would be 2283. In this case, the Scandinavia this fall could be the most refreshing, truly different vacation you have ever had. Scandinavia is different, but 105 RM hybrid would likely not mature prior to frost, and you may want to consider you will feel very much at home. Our one-week vacation offers you the opportunity to enjoy Copenhagen, Denmark - switching to a 95 day RM hybrid (Table 4). one of Europe's most exciting capital cities - known for its fun loving spirit! Copenhagen has many fme museums, Royal The decision of when to switch to shorter Palaces, and an old harbour district with colorful cafes and cozy restaurants. The Strogi t is the famous pedestrian shopping season corn hybrids as planting is delayed center - Europe's largest - where you can find the finest of Scandinavian goods and crafts. will depend on: - the extent of the delay Our package includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations at the 4 star Sheraton-Copenhagen, a 2-night cruise to Oslo, the - your particular location capital of Norway, city sightseeing, Danish breakfast each morning, 2 dinners, and much, much more for the unbelievable - availability of seed price of $1,235 for members, $1,255 for non-members. - your indi vidual assessment of the "odds" - your desired or anticipated harvest TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680,00.-3067. schedule. Michigan Farm News May15, 1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - 1111,11'1;1111 450 FARMALL with torque l:imllt~l~i lrfi:ttDitill _. FOR SALE: 2390 Case with FOR SALE: 1250 Poultry aUAUTY ANGUS BREED- lilftllitll .~_i 70 ACRES: Build, hunt, fish FINEST MICHIGAN GROWN wide front end. Farmall H. low hours, IHC 15 tooth chisel cages with feed troughs, ING STOCK Performance strawberry and asparagus or enjoy wooded acreage. plants. All state inspected, Hesston mower conditioner, plow, White 25' field cultiva- automatic waters. Two prop- tested, Bulls semen tested. Frontage on Lombard Lake, 1091. Hesston round baler, tor. 3 point hitch weed sprayer ane space heaters, two Brock Free delivery. Also Border grown on fumigated Sandy Hillsdale County, $95,000. loam soil. Write for free illus- 5580. 250 gallon sprayer with 300 gallons, Dalhman potato feed bins with augers. Call Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. (F-728). Faust Real Estate, pump. New Idea 2-row corn harvester, Dalhman potato 616-674-3084 BORDNER ANGUS FARMS trated price list. Krohne Plant Adrian. 1-517-263-8666. Farms Rt. 6, Box 586, Dowa- picker, wide row. windrower, IHC 21 hole 9rain Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. 1-517-248-3548. drill. All in excellent condition. HILLSDALE COUNTY: giac, Mich 49047. 517-328-6741. REGISTERED Polled Here- Vacant farmland, mostly till- 616-424-5423 fords, breeding age bulls and able in P.A.-116. $800 per BADGER CHOPPER #2600, heifers and bred heifers. MSU FISH FOR STOCKING Giant both heads. John Deere plow, MF 265. 62hp with low hours. acre. Terms! Rented for 1993 Hybrid Bluegills, Rainbow JD baler, 336. 3 bottom, 3 performance tested. Rocky crop at $60 per acre. Call 4-bottom, 16 Deutz baler. 2 M • Banner bloodline. Robert Trout, Walleye, Largemouth Badger blowers. Oliver 1855 point MF plow. 7' packer. 11' Robin Greenway, Bass, Smallmouth Bass, IH disk. Call 616-794-3808. Rye, Rogers City, MI. 1-313_495-0482. tractor. Also, Oliver 1800 1-517-734-3005. Channel Catfish, Perch and tractor (basket case). 1976 DRAFT HORSES Bay, Geld- Fathead Minnows. LAGGIS' Dodge pickup, wood hauler. NEW HOLLAND 718 chop- ings. Broke to all farm FISH FARM, INC., 08988 Set of Y, tracks. Badger per with corn head. Electric machinery. A nice team for 35th St, Gobles, Ml, 49055. manure spreader. controls. Sharp unitl Stored beginners or retired person. Call 616-628-2056 days, inside, $3900. John Deere FOR DISPLAY AD 1-616-832-5977, New harness. Package deal, 616-624-6215 evenings. 1-616-832-5975. fiberglass spray tanks, $300. $5000. Reason for sale, INFORMATION Kawkawlin, 1-517-684-1003. Death in family. CALL FISH fresh and smoked on 1-517-386-3351. BIRD FERTILIZER the dock. Bayport Fish Co. BRILLION 13' Crowfoot SERVICES. 1100 N Irving, 1-800-292-2680 Perch, Whitefish, Catfish, packer with transport wheels. OMAHA grain and cattle sides racks. Only for 9' bed, Greenville. Fertilizer, chemI- EXT. 3201 Suckers etc. Open 9-5 seven Good condition! Call GOOD SELECTION of regis- cals, seed, lime, feed. Soil days. 517-656-2121. Caught $309. Albion, Michigan. 1-616-642-9938. 1-517-629-6647. REED'S Auger Flighting tered Yorkshire and Hamp- shire Boars. Black Fat and Loineye Figures and Days to testing, truck spreading and custom 616-754-3684. spraying. Call r----------------, by our own boats daily. Newsl CASE INTERNATIONAL Good 365 S-Tine field culivator for Repair: Flighting in stock for 230#. Also, open Gilts and EXPERIENCED Michigan sale. 25Y,' with rolling most size augers. Tubing, bred Gilts. Some caring YxH agribusiness attorneys with baskets in excellent shape, black and galvanized, 4 6 M , M , litters. Marvin Cook, Mulliken, farm backgrounds. Know- $6200. Call 1-517-479-6069. 8 Call 1-517-723-6679 after M • MI. Call 1-517-649-8988. ledge and experience in all 1pm. farm areas; restructure, stray voltage, bankrupt?, estate Now You Can Save Up To 50% r- - - - - - , -Deadli~ fo~ext issue i;- May21199;- ' - - - - - -, ~~~~~~nlBU~~~Ski,~~~j Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. On Some Of The Most Popular I _ - Clemens, MI 48036, ~ Prescription Drugs I ~ Call 1-800-968-3129 .. ~~t:~3-~~~ia~h~~T4~ID~: ~ Medical Supplies I to Place Y.our Classified Ad Today! ~~4~~~~~6_9~~~3~~~t' MI I or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to ...... I: ............................................•..................... . ....................................... rJ! Name Brand Vitamins ........... rilf Over 5000 Medications : I Michigan Farm News Buy Line/Daily News 111[1\11111 STEELWOOD BUILDINGS: Along With Their Generic Equivalents! I P.O. Box 6 Spring specials, 24x28 to To Get Your FREEDiscount 200x400. Limited quantities. , Stanton, MI48888 Call today! 1-517-647-2226. Pharmacy Catalog Call Toll-Free Classified Ad Codes 1. Farm Machinery 5. Help/Position Wanted 9. Real Estate 10. Seeds 1-800-228-3353 2. Livestock Equipment 6. Ag~icultural Services 11. Wanted to Buy ~H EAR T LAN D FElf[£ORUG 3. Farm Commodities 7. Auctions 55 ACRES FARM LAND 30 ~ PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES 12. General tillable, for rent. South Brown 5023 Grover Street .:- Omaha. NE 68106 4. Livestock 8. Building Materials Road, Sidney Township. _f••. 13. Ponies/Horses 1-406-265-1577. L _H~~D~L~ ~E=R~N~ ~ =M~R~ :'M~S _ ...I Name Phone ( Taylor Address WATERSTOVE HERITAGE This is the safest, most effi- City State Zip BUILDING SYSTEMS cient wood heat system on 800-643-5555 the market today. Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues 30.40 .10 35.60.10 __.. ._._ ... ._._._...-S4.1n .. ....$6.185 • Set Outside 40.110. 12 ._. •• ._ •••...$9,981 55.110.12 __ •• .$12,965 • Non-Pressurized Desired Insertion Date(s): 65. 120. 14 ..$19/T15 • Provide 100% of house- BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY hold heat and hot water Commercial a1MI buildings fulurlng _y bon up ....... bIy for th. do It yourulf bulld.r f,om Am.rlc •.• '.rglll • Stainless Steel Elimi- Method of Payment dll1rlbu1or. W. hlvl OW< 5,000 I1IndIrd size. of shop. term. 1nduItrIII. c:ommen:IaI and mlnl-warlhoull buildings. An WI nates Corrosion Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) complell with ... gl.... r sllmped perm" dr.wlngs to mHt 1886 IISMA COClII, 20 y_ roof Wlrflllty. IIId pelntld Wills . • ULUsted CIIl us todly lor I fr .. information plCUge. and • quotl on • Thermostatic Control Visa Card Number Exp. Date our top qUl11ty bullcllngs or building component pert .. ~ 12 to 24 hr. Burn Time MINI WAREHOUSE 2428 W. Saganing Road - Bentley. MI 48613 Master Card Number Exp. Date SALE $11.298 20 1120 I.IITH 2J urms COMPLETE WITH PARTtTtOUS 8 X 7 DOORS ArlO HAROI.JARE (51 7) 846-01 00 Day or Evenings Classified Rates $8 for up to 24 words Save on High Quality OEM Certified 1 30 cents each additional word Write your ad here, including phone number and area code 2 3 4 11_ --and Tillage Parts Cutting Parts Roller Chains Lincoln Welders 5 6 7 8 n 9 10 11 12 Group LUrchasing Order from our Lansing Warehouse Call your local vendor or order direct by calling 1-800-292-2680, ext 2015 13 14 15 16 inventory by noon, and we'll ship 17 18 19 20 same day UPS at No Extra Charge for OVERNIGHT 21 22 23 24 SERVICE! 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 L ~ Michigan Farm News •• May 15, 1993 M~y 1993 Discussion Topic: Battling the "BTU Tax" Because agriculture is such an energy in- tensive industry, farmers are deeply con- cerned about the impact of President Another major concern of farmers is that Clinton's proposed BTU energy tax. ethanol would be subject to the new tax. In March, Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen Reflecting that concern, Michigan Farm announced that the Clinton Administration Bureau President Jack Laurie testified in would exempt ethanol, methanol and Washington, D.C., on March 23 before a gasoline additives from the energyltax. But House Agriculture Subcommittee on the during debate over the fiscal 1994 budget impact of the tax on the agricultural in- resolution, the U.S. Senate rejected that ex- dustry. "This tax would impose added costs emption. on individual producers who cannot pass those costs on," he told the congressmen. The Senate also defeated a Farm Bureau- "Increases in transportation and processing supported non-binding amendment to ex- costs will simply make our products less empt off-road use of motor fuel from the competitive in world markets." tax. The amendment was defeated even though senators had earlier passed a non- According to Farm Bureau estimates, the binding resolution stating that the BTU tax energy tax will mean farmers will incur $1 is unfair to agriculture. billion in additional production costs, about two percent of U.S. net farm income. Half The energy tax is highly regressive - it hits the $1 billion hit would come from direct everyone regardless of their ability to pay. fuel costs; the other half would come from Unless the tax plan is altered, agricultural indirect costs resulting from price hikes for producers will find themselves getting a c;z. inputs like fertilizer and pesticides. double-barreled blast of one of the biggest Michigan Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie presented Farm Bureau's views on tax hikes in history - a tax increase that Laurie also told the congressmen that the tax the impact of President Clinton's economic package before a House Agriculture could have a profound impact on farm will cause farm prices to decline, since panel during hearings in Washington, D. C. in late March prices and profitability. many farmers receive the market price es- tablished in commodity markets minus the of 7.5 cents per gallon for gasoline, 8.3 AFBF provided Clinton with several ex- transportation and handling costs, which cents for diesel and 2.3 cents for propane. amples of how the energy tax would affect Discussion Questions: would be higher because of an energy tax. various kinds of farming operations nation- The new levies'would affect all aspects of wide. A 2,1 OO-acre Kansas farm producing 1. What alternatives will farmers use According to an AFBF analysis, the agricultural production, from running com- com, soybeans, milo and wheat would be to adjust for the extra cost of a BTU proposed BTU tax on the heat content of bines, to heating barns and greenhouses, to hit with $1,513 in added costs. A green- tax? various fuels would result in tax increases operating irrigation systems. house nursery operation in New Jersey would face $1,469 in added costs because 2. What other industries will be ad- of the tax. A 1,200-acre farm with 600 acres versely affected by the proposed Michigan Medical Malpractice of tomatoes in California's San Joaquin Valley would face $3,486 in added fuel- BTU tax? Reform Nears Reality costs. 3. Which industries will affect the bottom line of agriculture the most? The House of Representatives passed House, it would be sent to the Governor for Farm Bureau pointed out that another prob- Senate Bill 270 (H-2), sponsored by Sen. his anticipated signature. lem with the energy tax is that it will dis- proportionately increase the cost of living 4. What can Farm Bureau do to con- Dan DeGrow (R-Port Huron), by a vote of vey a message about the effects of 72-29. This bill was passed with only two A coalition, which MFB is a member of, for rural people who must drive farther than urban and suburban residents to work, shop, the proposed BTU tax on agricul- substantive changes from the originally will work with the original sponsor of the drafted Griffin-Bandstra substitute. bill, Sen. Dan DeGrow, as the Senate makes see a doctor or take take children to school. ture? its final decision. The bill could possibly be Language stating the intent of the Legisla- finalized by the date of this publication. ture in passing this bill, was removed. While _ I AERATION I __ it had no effect on tort reform, Farm Bureau supported it, feeling it could help in thwart- MFB POSITION: Supports the Griffin - Bandstra substitute ( ing anticipated lawsuits challenging the S.B.-270 (H-2). Surface aeration with the Aer-Wa'f helps make lifeless soils enactment of this law, by leaving little doubt productive. One pass in the fall boosts aerobic activity and starts the as to the intent of the Legislature. Farm Bureau Health policy excerpt: decomposition process. Another pass in the spring incorporates Farm Bureau members have a real concern fertilizer while balancing air and water levels in The lower tier of the cap on non-economic for their family's good health. Adequate the seed zone. The results are better stands, damages was also raised to $280,000 from $250,000, to take inflation into account health care is becoming un affordable for many Americans and is virtually nonex- The Better Way more efficient nutrient uptake, and effective since the enactment of the current cap. istent in many rural areas. The American public perceives the health carelhealth in- To Make • erosion control-all from minimum horsepower requirements. Models up to 24' wide feature This has been a significant effort by mem- bers of the House of Representatives. In past surance system to be in a crisis. We support: Soils bolt-on tines and optional chain harrows. For years, a Medical Malpractice Liability bill could not even make it out of the House Judiciary Committee. * A cap on malpractice settlements. * Elimination of pain and suffering settlements. = Come To Life more information, call: 24-Hour Factory Hotline 1-800-457 -8310 * Tort reform. This time, through the efforts of the two co-chairs of the House Judiciary Commit- ACTION NEEDED: tee, Reps. Tom Mathieu (D-Grand Rapids) Continue to keep this issue on your and Mike Nye (R-Litchfield), a substitute legislator's mind. Thank the 72 members of bill S.B. 270 (H-l) was reported out by a the House of Representatives that passed unanimous vote. While their substitute was this Medical Malpractice bill and the not enacted, it did break the logjam in that senators who voted for the original Senate committee. Bill 270. Encourage them to keep the momentum going and put a bill on the The bill has now been returned to the governor's desk soon. Senate, where they will vote on accepting or rejecting the changes to the bill that MFB CONTACT: originally passed the Senate. If the Senate Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 concurs with the language as passed by the StantUzrd Optional Chain Harrows Bolt-On Tines Aquaculture - Expect a Brighter Future! Per-capita seafood consumption may have slipped by about 1.5 pounds in the late 1980s, We Have a Variety of Models Available For: but there's good news for the growing aquaculture business. Consumption of farm-raise~ fish is up. That's good news for the Midwest, where fish farming is starting to pick up steam. • Crop Residue Management in Field Crops • Hay and Pasture Management • Orchards and Blubenies Researchers at Ohio State and elsewhere are developing production systems that capitalize on coldwater fish. That means growth away from the catfish business that has dominated • Intensive Grazing • Manure Managment American aquaculture. Bass, trout and a few other varieties look promising. The new production couldn't come at a more opportune time. Experts indicate the wild catch is declining in most areas and farm-raised fish will be needed to meet both U.S. domestic and For the name of your nearest Michigan dealer contact: export demand. Neyer Sales Farm-raised fish and other aquatic ,species are a growing portion of total U.S. seafood 3421 West Beal City Road consumption, according to USDA. Since consu~ers still want the health benefits expected Wiedman, MI 48893 from eating fish, producers should have little problem on the demand side. The major remaining problems for the industry are in the policy area. Some troublesome questions Phone: 517-644-3647 about food safety and inspection remain for fish and other food catches. Michigan Farm News May 15,1993 Drug Residues - Risking the Dairy Beef Investment Suzanne N. Gibbons, DVM, Michigan Despite cautions to provide drug-residue free milk, statistics show that a disproportionate State University amount of dairy cull cows and calves were responsible for the vast majority of the residues found by the National Residue Program. photo. Michigan MUk Producers Association The Milk and Dairy Beef Quality As- Program. There are two groups of testing: surance program has increased producers' and monitor testing is the random selection of veterinarians' awareness of the importance in healthy looking animals; and surveillance maintaining a quality product. Of the many testing which focuses on the suspect or un- topics discussed during local quality as- healthy animals that are more likely to have surance programs, the issue of drug residues received recent antibiotic treatments. has been foremost. The monitor testing program indicated The importance in marketing "clean" milk that the predominant tissue residue violations and the financial consequences when viola- in cull cows were from gentamicin and strep- tions occur are well-recognized, but the sub- tomycin. However, the surveillance program stantial contribution beer sales of culls and indicated penicillin, streptomycin and calves can play in a dairy farm's economic oxytetracycline to be the most predominant picture isn't always as apparent. tissue residues. Beef prices have remained steady over the The monitor program for calves indicated recent months and more producers are finding streptomycin and neomycin to be most themselves depending on the beef market to prevalent. The surveillance test, used to iden- supplement fluctuating milk prices. tify most of the calf residue violations, detects It's important to guard dairy beef revenue antibiotics and sulfas without providing a by being aware of the potential loss and breakdown of specific drugs. regulatory action taken due to drug residue in Ivermectin residues in cull cows high- those animals. In 1991 nearly 2.8 million dairy lights the occurrence of residues from drugs cows and 515,465 calves less than three weeks used in a preventive capacity. A majority of of age were slaughtered in the U.S., repre- drugs found were the antibiotics and sulfas senting 9.1 percent and 1.6 percent respective- most commonly used in dairy cattle. ly of the total number of cattle marketed. To many, it isn't surprising that cull cows Even though they constitute only 10.7 per- would have a higher incidence of residues cent of the marketed cattle, dairy cows and than the other classes of cattle. After all why pneumonia that required drug use, while It's common for dairy farms to sell their calves were responsible for the vast majority are cows culled?Many are culled because of others are culled because of infertility, bull calves at two weeks of age. What some of the residues found by the National Residue health problems such as mastitis, or genetics, or low production. producers don't realize is that those calves don't all go to a commercial feedlot. Many will be bought as bob veal and slaughtered shortly after purchase. This abbreviated time doesn't allow for an adequate withdrawal period after the use of most drugs. The most common way a calf can acquire residue, besides direct treatment, is through consumption of colostrum milk from recently treated dry cows, or milk from treated cows. Some cows treated during their dry period freshen before the proper withdrawal time has passed. Colostrum from those cows should be fed only to calves that will be kept on the farm for an extended period of time. The immature system of a calf is often unable to metabolize drugs as rapidly as an adult. In young calves, all drugs should be used with caution and preferably under the direction of a veterinarian. Once the potential for drug residues is recognized on a farm, it becomes imperative to implement preventative measures. The best way to avoid future residue problems is to have a good working relationship with your veterinarian. This relationship should include preventa- tive herd health management, as well as prompt treatment of sick animals. The goal of a herd health program should be to increase production efficiency while reducing disease and consequently the need to treat sick animals. When faced with a sick animal, a decision concerning the value of that animal must be often be made to determine if treatment is economically justified. That decision can only be made by the producer. With the help of a veterinarian, however, an informed decision is more likely. Though a perfect, high producing, disease farm is the ultimate goal, there are few farms that can boast such a feat. Therefore, knowing that medical treatment of animals is a neces- sity, management improvements can allow a • 1400 ACRE LAKE • SAND BEACH • WATER PARK • COTTAGES • CAMPING • farm to avoid drug residue violations. • RESTAURANTS • MOTELS • INN • ENTERTAINMENT • AMUSEMENT RIDES • It's essential that each animal have its own unique identification and that accurate records are kept pertaining to drug use. The most SAVE $ 2 . 4 5 $6.00 SAVE 5 0 % common and avoidable cause of drug residue FA ARM R M BUREAUB U R E A U DAYS DAYS FARM BUREAU DAYS FARM BUREAU DAYS violations is failure to observe adequate withdrawal times. It should be remembered that meat withdrawals are often 10 times longer than those for milk. Also label withdrawal times for both milk # * 4gb "if-wm WITH THIS COUPON AND WITH THIS COUPON AND ~ ;mwm and meat are established on healthy, adult animals. These may or may not be adequate C A M P RESORT for sick or immature cattle. $7.50 $1 1.50 WITH THIS COUPON With calves, a farm may not have the per person you may purchase a per person you may purchase a luxury of time for withdrawal periods, so YOU SAVE 5 0 % precautions should be taken to ensure that PAY-ONE-PRICE COMBINATION RIDE A N D O N ONE NIGHTS calves don't receive contaminated milk. RIDE SESSION WRISTBAND WATER PARK PACKAGE Several blood and urine tests are now avail- 1 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Combination package includes admission to sand CAMPING COUPON VALID WEEKDAYS able to test for residues and as technology is 4 p.m. to 1 1 p.m. beach, swimming & sun lounge area, water slides and improved, their use will become more widely Ages six and under $3.50 per person. Action River water ride, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and all Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri accepted. COUPON VALID WEEKDAYS listed rides under Pay-One-Price, 11 a.m. to 1 1 p.m. JUNE 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 COUPON VALID WEEKDAYS As awareness of potential drug residues in Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri JUNE 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 dairy beef increases, more producers will find JUNE 14, 15, 1 6 , 17, 18 JUNE Mon 1 4 , Tues 1 5 , Wed1 6 , Thurs 17, Fri 18 JUNE 21, 22, JULY 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 it advantageous to exhibit the same diligence JULY 5, 6, 23, 24, 25 JUNE 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 JULY 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 7, 8, 9 JULY 6, for meat residue avoidance as milk residue JULY 12, 13, 5, 1 3 , 7, 8, 9 JULY 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 JULY 2 6 , 27, 14, 15, 16 JULY 12, 27, 14, 15, 16 avoidance. 3, JULY AUGUST 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 AUGUST 2, 28, 29, 30 AUGUST 2 6 , 1 03 ,, 2 8 , 29, 30 Implementing a preventative herd health AUGUST 9, 10, 4, 5, 6 AUGUST 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 program with a veterinarian will improve a AUGUST 2, 4, 5, 6 (offer not valid with any other 1 1coupon , 1 2 ,or discount) 13 (offer not valid9,with any other 1 1 ,coupon 1 2 , or discount) 13 PHONE (219) 583-8306 producer's ability to assess and reduce the potential for drug residue violations. This will Number of persons using coupon Number of persons using coupon CAMP RESORT help to safeguard an area of economic poten- Discount not valid with any other coupon or tial for your dairy farm. FOR CAMPING PHONE (219) 583-8306; MOTELS & COTTAGES discount offer. PHONE (219) 583-4141