Michigan Farm News 11:=1 August 15, 1993 Vol. 70, No.13 Farm Bureau Establishes Farm Disaster Relief Fund Photos: Iowa Farm Bureau Below, a bird's eye view of the flood destruction farmers in the midwest are experienc- With a $100,000 ing. This farmstead is located in Southeast Iowa, down river from Ottumwa. At rigtht, a donation from the farmer in western Iowa inpects what's left of his corn crop after local flooding. Chicago Board of Trade in hand, American Farm Bureau Federation President Dean Kleck- ner recently announced the formation of a spe- cial farm disaster relief fund. The fund will aid farmers and ranchers who have been victims of massive flooding in the Midwest and drought in the Southeast. The relief fund will be directed to provide as- sistance to affected farmers and ranchers and the rural com- munities in which they live, according to Kleckner, a farmer from Iowa. "Many farmers are hurt- ing, not only because of the loss of a crop, but also their homes and "In our opinion, cash donations are the In addition to the farmsteads," Kleckner said. "In comparison quickest way to get necessities in the hands $100,000 donation from to the loss estimates due to the flood and the of those who need them," Kleckner said. the Chicago Board of drought, this may only be a drop in the "Farmers from across the nation who have Trade to kick off the bucket, but in times of crisis, the word benefitted from private disaster assistance fund, CBOT Chairman necessity takes on a whole new meaning." in the past want to repay the favor. Patrick H. Arbor has personally pledged an According to Kleckner, because so many "From farmers in California hit by addi tional $20,000. fields still are under water and the mag- earthquakes, to farmers from the East Arbor also has issued a challenge to other Farm Disaster Relief Fund nitude of a less-publicized drought in the Coast and Gulf States who remember how CBOT seat holders to match his donation. clo American Farm Bureau Federation Southeast grows by the day, there is still other farmers rallied around them in times 225 Touhy Ave. uncertainty as to the emergency and of hurricane disaster, farmers never forget Individuals wishing to contribute to Farm Park Ridge, III. 60068 cleanup needs that affected producers will favors and they want to step forward to Bureau's Farm Disaster Relief Fund may More information is available by have. repay the effort." send donations, and checks payable to: calling (312) 399-5700. Property Tax Reform a Wakeup Call for School Finance Reform in Michigan - Legislature Looking For $5.5 Billion in New Revenues Legislation passed by the Michigan House but the final impact on schools is less cer- tion," Nelson said. "It appears the state I ture spending increases in addition to find- and Senate would exempt all property from tain. would be limited to approximately $3.5 ing alternative funding sources for K-12 millage levied for local and intermediate billion, leaving schools with an estimated education. school district operating purposes. That's "The legislation would, in effect, reduce the $2 billion shortfall. good news for Michigan property owners, property tax bills by 60 to 80 percent, depending on the mix of millage for school For the 1993/94 school year, it will be busi- operating, county, township, and special ness as usual. Nelson said that if schools MFB Policy Survey assessments, etc.," explained MFB Legisla- have budget problems during the coming Enclosed - Your tive Counsel Ron Nelson. "The revenue lost school year, it is not the fault of the new to schools is estimated at over $5.5 billion legislation. Beginning in September of Response Encouraged! dollars, some of which can be offset with 1994, however, a substantial change in savings from cost reductions in other revenue sources for K-12 operating will Michigan Farm News readers will find a programs such as the Homestead Credit and take effect. policy development survey enclosed in Public Act 116. There are other property tax this issue. This marks the first time that credit programs for business and industry One ominous option from agriculture's such a comprehensive policy survey of which could bring the total savings up to $3 standpoint in replacing lost revenue is the this nature has been undertaken, asking billion." suggestion of removing exemptions from members for input on a number of state the sales tax. "If that is the avenue taken by and national issues. There are a number of questions surround- the Legislature, it will be very controver- ing the legislation. The most important is sial," Nelson concluded. "Those exemp- Please take a moment to fill out the sur- whether or not the allocated 15 mills for tions and credits have been fought for and vey and drop it off in the mail, no postage school operating called for in the Michigan won over the years based usually on the required, by Sept. I. Once received at Constitution will still be allowed. "It argument that the tax is disproportionate to Michigan Farm Bureau, completed sur- doesn't appear the allocated mills will be that particular taxpayer or group of tax- veys will be sent to your respective coun- allowed any longer," Nelson said. payers." ty Farm Bureau, for use by your Policy Development Committee in formulating "There is also a significant technical/legal Nelson said that MFB will continue work- policy recommendations. problem with the ability of the state to allo- ing with legislators to improve the quality cate funds based on the Headlee Limita- of education, while holding the line on fu- Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 Michigan Farm News August 15, 1993 In Brief ... Governor Signs Bill on Farm ORV Use Equine Encephalitis Risk Higher this Summer There realIy is something going on in Lansing besides debate over replacing property tax Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), commonly known as "sleeping sickness," is a real risk revenue. Gov. Engler has signed House BilI 4592, a measure that clarifies the law regarding this summer due to the proliferation of mosquitos in Michigan, warns the Michigan use of three and four wheel ORVs on farms. Department of Agriculture. The virus is transmitted through fresh water swamp mosquitos to horses and other equine, and can cause acute brain inflammation, often being confused "The new law alIows a farmer on a farm operation to use an ORV to move from field to for rabies. The fatality rate often reaches 90 to 95 percent. field within the road right-of-way, oron the road if necessary," said Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson. "The law requires the farmer, if possible, to travel off the Mosquitos that feed on birds and mammals are responsible for transmitting the disease, road on the extreme right hand side. The driver of the ORV must be at least 16 years old, according to Dr. Mike Chaddock, state veterinarian and director of MDA' s Animal Industry the travel must take place during daylight hours and a flag must be displayed on the ORV." Division. "Horses do not develop blood viruses high enough to infect mosquitos and are not a source of the disease," he said. "Horses are considered dead-end hosts and are not a part The legislation was necessary because the ORVs, commonly used to run errands in rural of the transmission cycle." areas and travel from field-to-field, were technicalIy not legal for use on public roads, according to Nelson. House Bill 4592 was sponsored by Rep. Sandra HilI (R-Montrose). Chaddock said anyone concerned about EEE and human health should contact the Michigan Department of Public Health. Horses can also be vaccinated and Chaddock suggests horse MCA Bull Test Nomination Deadline Nears owners discuss this option with their local vet. For more information about EEE, contact MDA's An!mal Industry Division at (517) 373-1077. Nomination forms for the Michigan Cattlemen's Association (MCA) BulI Test are due on Sept. 10, 1993. The BulI Test station is at Stoneman Feedyards, Breckenridge, Michigan. Soybean Defoliators Prevalent this Time of Year Bulls are to be delivered to the station on Oct. 15 and 16. Be on the lookout now for insects that will defoliate soybeans in what is rapidly becoming The objectives of the MCA BulI Test are to promote performance testing of beef cattle and a critical period for bean growth, according to Northrup King Regional Agronomist Dan serve as an educational tool to acquaint producers with its overall value. It also provides a Coffin. Japanese beetles - thick beetles about 1/2" in length and 3/8" wide with metallic common environment for evaluating young bulls for rate of gain, soundness and body green wings - are the most common threat right now. Their numbers are growing with the composition. The Bull Test aids beef producers in obtaining superior performance tested heat, and they're attacking both com and beans in Michigan. bulls that have been evaluated for growth and breeding soundness. At flowering and early podfill, soybeans can withstand up to 20 percent defoliation. Upon completion of the test on Feb. 24, 1994, bulls will be screened for the sale on March However, with bean prices hovering in the low $7 range, Coffin suggests it's worth 20. For more information on the MCA Bull Test, please contact the MCA Information Line watching the crop to make sure insects don't take it. Other insects that have been reported at (517) 669-8589 or write to P.O. Box 387, DeWitt, Michigan 48820. include bean leaf beetles in southwestern Indiana, Mexican bean beetle in southeastern Indiana and grasshoppers. USDA Sees Widening Farm Trade Surplus July Farm Prices Unchanged from, June The USDA says the nation's farm trade surplus should grow still larger over the remainder of this decade. The estimate is based on an expected pickup in world economic growth and The index of prices received by U.S. farmers for their products in July was unchanged from the emergence of freer trade rules. the June level, but rose 1.4 percent from a year earlier, according to USDA. Price gains from June for soybeans, lettuce, potatoes, and com offset price declines for cattle, hogs, Over the last five years, the United States has maintained a surplus of agricultural trade of eggs and wheat. around $18 billion, after grain~ exports rebounded from their lows of the mid-1980s. Exports of fruit, vegetables and other high-value items have increased dramatically, the The year-to-year rise was driven by higher prices for soybeans, cattle and lettuce, which USDA said. Demand in Asia is projected to grow strongly during the decade, aided by the more than offset price decreases for com, wheat, grapefruit and apples, USDA said. The dynamic performance of Asia's varied economies, the department said. index of prices paid by farmers for commodities and services, interest, taxes and farm wage rates for July was unchanged from April, but 2.6 percent above July 1992. Since last Risks are Great if NAFTA is Denied surveyed in April, price decreases for feeder pigs, building materials, and diesel fuel were offset by price increases for used vehicles and some feeds, USDA said. During an Ag for NAFf A briefing in Washington, D.C., AFBF President Dean Kleckner said that if the U.S. Congress fails to ratify the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Deer Herds Blamed for Tuberculosis U.S. would be turning its back on a powerful new trading relationship and forfeiting up to $2.5 billion in additional farm exports. Experts told members of the American Veterinary Medical Association recently that 75 years of fighting tuberculosis in U.S. cattle herds is being undermined by game farms where He said NAFf A opponents would then have to sit on the sidelines and watch other countries unregulated deer and elk spread the disease to livestock. step in to satisfy the growing demand for food in Mexico. "I think the magnitude of the problem is severely underestimated," warned Michael Miller, "Mexico's growing population and improving economy guarantees this demand for a better a wildlife resear:-her with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. "I see the success of our standard of living. Since Mexico's agriculture is not equipped to fill it, other countries most national eradication program slipping through our fingers." certainly will. IfNAFf A is reject~d, within a couple of years the American farm community will justifiably ask their members of Congress why that market was sacrificed," Kleckner said. According to an Associated Press story, 12 cattle herds in California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas are under quarantine due to outbreaks of the disease. Bovine tuberculosis also has been diagnosed in captive deer and elk in at least 14 states. Solar Powered Fly-Zapper Invented Agriculture Department scientists have developed a pyramid shaped device, built from Barter Could be Most Effective Russian Trade plastic and powered by solar grids to yield just enough of an electric shock to kill flies.The scientists say placement of the white plastic pyramids between farms, where flies breed, Barter trade is the best way of ensuring that more U.S. farm products reach Russia and other and residential areas, where they are disease-carrying pests, can destroy the flies but will financially strapped nations, according to Archer Daniels Midland Co. Chairman Dwayne not harm beneficial insects, livestock, pets, birds or humans. Andreas. A research and development contract has been signed with an Ohio firm that just recently According to Knight Ridder Financial News, Andreas made the comments during a recent began marketing a commercial version of the device for about $400. The solar powered fly USDA forum on farm income and agricultural policy. Andreas said that barter would alIow zapper operates inexpensively. No batteries are needed. The solar pack can be easily the ~u.ssi~ns to get the fo~d ther need ~nd .make sure that U.S. exporters get paid for replaced when necessary. Other potential uses for the pyramids would be beaches, zoos, provldmg It. He advocated Immediately shlppmg large quantities of food and livestock feed landfills and commercial feedlots. to Russia, which would start paying for the items on a barter basis in two years over a five-year period. Young Farmers Sponsoring Farm Progress Package North ~merican Export Grain .Association President Steve McCoy said the U.S. govern- Michigan Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Committee is sponsoring a tour package to the ment did not have a ~ell establIshed track record on barter, apart from trading grain for oil 1993 Farm Progress Show Sept. 28-30, to be held at Amana, Iowa, this year. The package for the .U.S. Strategic R~s~rve. McCoy said he was concerned the governmnet might cost is $125 per person based on double occupancy to cover travel and lodging. underpnce U.S. commodities merely to make a deal, which would negate some of the benefits of barter. This three-day and two-night trip will include a full day at the Farm Progress Show, and opportunity to visit historic Amana Colonies, and the chance to meet other Michigan Young The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is publiShed semi-monthly except in the months of November, Farmers. Those interested in the tour package should calI MFB' s Young Farmer Depart- December, June, and J~ly wh~n only one i~sue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7~7~ West Saginaw Highway, LanSing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual ment at 1-800-292-2680, extension 3234. dues of Michigan Farm Bureau re~ular membe~s, Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm Ne~~ to non~~emb~rs and outSide the continental U.S.A, Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and Farm Science Review Tickets on Sale additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. Tickets are now on sale for Ohio State University's annual Farm Science Review, Sept. 21-23. Tickets are $4 in advance and $6 at the gate during the Review. Children 12 and E~itorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. under are admitted free. Tickets are available at local agribusinesses and county offices at Ohio State University Extension. Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck ~urke~t; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Hours for this year's Review are Tuesday and Wednesday. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday, Jim M,llIer, Colom~; ~istrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom G,uth.ne, De~ton; Dlstnct 5, Mar,k Smut~, ~harlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farm Science Review is held at the university's 2, 100-acre MolIy Caren Dlstnct~, ~Ic,hard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Agricultural Center in Madison County near London. Ohio. The show annually attracts Branch, Dlstnct 11, Robert Wah~hoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye about 125,000 visitors and more than 500 commercial exhibitors. The Review gi ves farmers Adam, Snover; Ja,n Vosburg, Climax, Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon' Young Farmers, and others involved in food production and construction a chance to view and compare the Kurt Inman, Sturgis. ' latest equipment, technology and ideas. Michigan Farm News II. August 15, 1993 Grand Jury Indicts Man in Connection With MSU Vandalism at Anthony Hall - Suspect Wanted - A false account number used to ship a NAME: Rodney Adam Coronado Federal Express package to Bethesda, Maryland, containing items from MSU's Dr. Aulerich's office, was the lucky break AKA: Jim Perez investigators needed, and what also may James A. Perez eventually cost Rodney Adam Coronado 50 James Corrigan years in jail and a fine of $1 ,250,000. Frank Garcia A federal grand jury has issued a five-count D08: 07-03-66 (True DOB) indictment against Coronado, in the arson 07-13-66 and vandalism that destroyed decades of research and caused more than $200,000 in HEIGHT: 5' II" damage at Dr. Aulerich' s office at Michigan State University's Anthony Hall and mink WEIGHT: 150 LBS research facilities on Feb. 2S, 1992. EYES: Brown According to Dr. Bruce Benson, MSU Police Chief and Director of Public Safety HAIR: Black (DPS), the indictment against Coronado follows more than 16 months of extensive LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: investigation by a task force that included Jacksonville, Oregon members of MSU's Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). John A. Smietanka, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, responds to a reporter's questions during a news conference announcing the indictments. "In short, thousands of hours and thousands of dollars have been expended in pursuing Count 4: willfully usin!; a fire to commit the assistance in trying to find Rodney Adam this case," explained Benson. "It's impor- offense of interference with commerce Coronado," said Smietanka during a news tant to note, however, that these indictments through extortion. conference. "He has been in hiding for don't signify the end of this investigation. several months. Federal authorities wel- Additional charges in the future are very Count 5: knowingly and unlawfully come any information that will assist in possible and the investigation will con- transporting, transmitting and transferring Coronado's capture. Anyone having infor- tinue." in interstate commerce, goods, wares and mation is encouraged to call their local FBI merchandise worth more than $5,000 or ATF office. " According to DPS's Lt. William Wardwell, knowing them to be stolen. Specifically, the this marks the first time ever, to his indictment says that Coronado sent via If convicted of all charges, Coronado faces knowledge, that indictments have actually Federal Express a package addressed to a a maximum prison term of 50 years, a max- been filed against an individual for such Bethesda, Md., residence. This package imum fine of $1,250,000 and supervised terrorist activities. Those indictments contained research material stolen from release of IS years. Smietanka quickly dis- against Coronado are: Aulerich, which the defendant knew was pelled one reporter's suggestion that the stolen and which was intercepted in Mem- potential punishments were excessive due Count 1: maliciously damaging and phis, Tenn., by Federal Express employees to previous failures to get indictments on destroying by means of fire and explosives after they discovered that he (Coronado) similar cases. the personal property of Professor Richard had used a false Federal Express account Aulerich and Anthony Hall at MSU .. number as payment for shipment. "We have a situation here where $125,000 of vandalism was done to these buildings Count 2: traveling in interstate commerce Coronado is a self-proclaimed founder of a with a fire," said Smietanka. "There were from Oregon to Michigan with the intent to group called the Coalition Against Fur also two people in those buildings who facilitate the promotion, management, es- Farms (CAFF) and has been active in could have been killed. So why do we con- tablishment and carrying out of an unlawful animal rights protests and activities. He has sider it serious? It's not just because of the mink in the wild and at reducing the use of activity and to commit a crime of violence lived in California, Oregon and physical damage to buildings, but also be- animals in research. Aulerich, an animal to further an unlawful activity at MSU and Washington. cause of the potential for loss of human life science professor who leads MSU's mink to facilitate a plan of extortion in violation or serious injury of innocent people." and associated toxicology research. was of federal law. John A. Smietanka, U.S. Attorney for the studying nutrition and the decline of natural Western District of Michigan, said that The terrorist raid on MSU's mink research mink populations. Karen Chou, an assistant Count 3: devising a plan and purpose to Coronado also claims to be a spokesperson facilities destroyed more than 30 years of professor and toxicology expert, also lost obstruct, delay and affect commerce for the Animal Liberation Front or "ALF," research - research aimed at protecting research data in the fire. through extortion and attempted extortion, which has claimed responsibility for a and he knowingly and unlawfully com- series of arsons and burglaries at state universities and privately owned businesses Flood Concerns Japanese Buyers mitted an act of physical violence to the property of MSU in furtherance of that plan throughout the country. With barge traffic still disrupted along the Mississippi River, Japanese soybean buyers are and purpose. still trying to fill their August order for soybeans. A major Japanese trading firm says about "In addition to announcing the five count 90 percent of Japan's 170,000 metric ton August purchase has arrived at their Gulf shipping indictment, we are asking for the public's destination, but the remainder is still unaccounted for. Balanced Budget Amendment Rail, truck and barges from the Ohio to the lower Mississippi have been used in transporting beans to the Gulf since the flood closed upper Mississippi barge traffic. Traders say return MFB Position: The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved by a to normal conditions on the river will be at least two weeks away. Strongly supports S.J. IS to 3 vote SJ. Res. 41, which would amend the Constitu- Res. 41. tion to require a balanced federal budget. West Coast origin soybeans are another alternative, but they are going at high premiums The amendment would prohibit deficit federal spending ex- and are said to be of lower quality than those from Midwest locations. Supplies on the West MFB Contact: Coast also are limited, according to traders. The Atlantic Coast as port of origin is even less Al Almy, Ext. 2040 cept in times of war or imminent war, or with the support of 60 percent of the members of both the House and attractive because of high freight costs and higher soybean premiums, according to Knight Senate. The amendment would take effect within two years Ridder Financial News. "We have to look at every alternative, but in the end, price is what of ratification by three-fourths of the states or in 1999, matters," one trader said. whichever came later. Electronic Food Stamps on the Horizon It takes a two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate to approve a constitutional amendment and send it to the Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy is recommending that states switch from the traditional states for ratification. Last year, the same resolution fell paper food stamps to an electronic transfer system that operates like a cash station. He says nine votes short in the House and was blocked by a the electronic benefits system has been tested in New Mexico and Minnesota, and results filibuster in the Senate. show it can cut costs and reduce fraud, compared to the booklets of paper stamps. Wetland Committee The EBT system can be used instead of the stamps by issuing qualified recipients a plastic card and a personal identification number. Instead of providing cash, the card is used to MFB Position: In a move to delay wetlands reform legislation last year, purchase food. No money is exchanged. The recipient's food stamp account is debited to Farm Bureau feels there Congress authorized funds for a study by the National reflect the purchase only of authorized merchandise. Another advantage, besides cost could have been and Academy of Sciences (NAS) to develop and recommend saving and fraud prevention, is that the recipient is relieved of the stigma associated with should have been a more criteria to use in identifying wetlands. The NAS has an- the exchange of printed food stamps, Espy said. balanced group of mem- nounced the appointment of an IS-member Wetlands Com- bers appointed. mittee to perform the study. Private Firm Sees Lower Corn, Soybean Output Farm Bureau is concerned with the make-up of the Wet- MFB Contact: Sparks Companies, a private crop analyst firm, has estimated the 1993 soybean crop at I.S5 Al Almy, Ext. 2040 lands Commit\ee. Virtually all of the members are from the ranks of academia. Few have any current field level ex- billion bushels and the com crop at 7.42 billion. The estimates compare with earlier USDA perience in identifying wetlands or in soil science. figures of 1.975 billion bushels of soybeans and 7.S5 billion of com. The government's previous estimate was based on a World Situation and Outlook Board projection. USDA's first estimates of 1993 production based on actual field conditions was released Aug. 9. Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 Michigan Farm News August 15, 1993 3D-Day and 90-Day Forecast - Warmer and Wetter Than Normal As discussed in previous columns, weather patterns for much of June and July Michigan Weather Summary in the Midwest were remarkably similar 7/1/93 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation (troughing in the northwestern U.S. and to 7/31/93 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Actual Normal weak riding in the east). Since then, the jet Mean Normal Accum. Accum. linch.) (inch) stream configuration has "flip-flopped," Alpena 69.8 + 2.9 1154 1236 1.71 3.18 resulting in ridging over western North Bad Axe 70.4 + 0.4 1340 1513 3.04 2.92 America and troughing over the Upper Detroit 75.6 + 3.7 1825 1647 2.17 3.11 Midwest eastward to New England. Escanaba 67.5 + 0.7 948 944 1.83 3.19 This pattern, much more common Flint 73.0 + 2.5 1621 1647 2.32 3.11 during cold season months (and July and Grand Rapids 72.8 + 1.3 1585 1686 1.83 3.09 August of last summer), has resulted in a Houghton 65.5 + 0.5 891 1133 1.53 3.42 series of cool Canadian-origin air masses Houghton Lake 70.4 + 2.9 1313 1236 1.27 3.18 moving southeastward out of the Canadian Jackson 72.8 - 0.1 1607 1660 3.87 3.22 Lansing 72.4 + 1.7 1584 1660 2.96 3.22 Prairies through the Great Lakes region. Marquette 66.3 + 1.5 951 1133 1.93 3.42 After finishing the month generally above Muskegon 72.6 + 2.4 1522 1436 4.20 2.54 normal, average temperatures have recent- Pellston 68.0 + 2.2 1128 1282 2.07 2.99 ly trended significantly below normal. Saginaw 73.1 + 1.4 1531 1513 2.53 2.92 Precipitation during the last month has been Sault Ste. Marie 64.4 + 0.5 823 944 3.28 3.19 extremely variable, ranging from much South Bend 74.9 + 3.0 1803 1686 1.51 3.09 above to much below normal. Traverse City 70.6 + 0.9 1320 1282 2.19 2.99 There is uncertainty as to how long the Vestaburg 70.7 - 0.8 1363 1503 2.45 2.97 current weather pattern will last. While both the 30 and 90-day National Weather Observed and growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1. Service outlooks call for below normal Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU temperatures (and some type of a continua- tion of the current pattern), the latest NWS period to above normal for the 90-day jet stream patterns are much less likely to medium range outlooks (in the 6-10 day August-October period. stay in one fixed pattern for a long period of range) call for the trough currently over the Given that current growing degree day time (especially after a run of nearly two Great Lakes to move westwarq to the totals are already lower than normal across months in a similar pattern in June and western U.S. resulting in a return to normal most of the state, and the 1992 "year July). to above normal temperatures and without a summer" still fresh in many If the outlooks verify, crop and insect Michigan and Major Commodity Area precipitation in Michigan. people's minds, the long range outlooks development will continue to lag behind Extended Weather Outlook In the longer term, precipitation is ex- may be somewhat disturbing. However, we normal, but significantly ahead of last year. T - Temp. 8/15 8/31 8/15 10/31 pected to range from normal in the 30-day are approaching the transitional fall, when P - Precip. T P T f Michigan B N B A W. Corn Belt E. Corn Belt B B AIN N B B N A Midwest Disaster Situation and Crop Update Wint. Wheat Belt N N B N Spr. Wheat Belt B B B N Iowa: Much of the corn in flooded Iowa Farm Bureau is in contact with a again, 30 percent of the planted acreage will Pac. NW Wheat A B A N areas is yellow and stunted. An estimated 2 relief organization called "Ameri Cares, " likely become failed acreage. Some areas of Delta N N N N million acres of corn and soybeans were which is based in Connecticut. They have the state have been hit by 7-inch rainfalls in Southeast AIN A N/A N either not planted or have been flooded or provided items such as food, health items recent days. San Joaquin A B A B drowned out due to standing water. and disinfectants for farm wells. The South Dakota Farm Bureau is A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- Two county Farm Bureau offices have Illinois: Corn and soybean crops along working to head off expected regulatory mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- been flooded. A flood task force has been the Mississippi River have been hard hit. problems involving field certification of No Precip. Source: National Weather Office formed and a "Helping Hands" fund estab- Major relief efforts are now concentrated conservation compliance. They also are lished to assist flood victims. along the Mississippi River from Rock Is- working with banks to restructure loans. land County through Hancock, Adams and County Farm Bureaus are working with Pike counties. health associations and church groups to Farmers and relief workers are monitor- help families deal with stress problems. Serving Michigan ing levees around the clock for boils and seepage areas. Relief efforts have been or- Flooding damage in other states Farm Families is ganized among county Farm Bureaus for manpower, financial assistance, etc. Wisconsin: The state is anticipating crop losses which could total $500 million, Our Only Business The Field Services Division is coor- dinating efforts between members and with a string of problems reaching back to harvest difficulties this past winter and Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective county Farm Bureaus, helping members who need food, clothing, water and winter-freeze losses earlier in the year. has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- While the flooding damage has not been as ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- sandbagging assistance. widespread as in other states, localized tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, Seven or eight counties right now need areas have been hard hit. weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: help, and about 10 are responding, taking buses of volunteers to the work sites. Many Kentucky: Four counties along the Ststlon City Frequency Morning Fsrm Noon Fsrm counties are offering hay and straw to Mississippi River are experiencing flood- WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm farmers who are moving livestock to higher ing problems. An estimated 40-50,000 WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm ground. Some farmers also are offering acres of soybeans have been lost. WPZA Ann Arbor 1050 6:15 am 12:05 pm pasture to their flooded neighbors. Levee Nebraska: The Southeastern part of WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm monitoring and clean-up could last for the state is experiencing flooding problems WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 * 12:30 pm several weeks past the crest stage. and stunted crop growth. The wheat harvest WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:45 pm was delayed. Minnesota: The heaviest rains have WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am *** occurred in the Red River Valley area, Kansas: Dams and levees have been WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:15 am 12:15 pm which, fortunately, flows north. The latest breached in a number of areas. Wheat har- WACY Fenton 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm estimates are that 1 million acres of beans, vest problems are widespread, resulting in WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm corn and small grains either didn't get major concerns over quality. WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 12:45 pm planted or have been destroyed. Farm Drought Damage in the Eastern WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm Bureau President Al Christopherson is a United States Severe WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm member of his state's flood task force. The . Severe drought problems exist WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm Minnesota Farm Bureau board of directors throughout South Carolina, much of Geor- WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 12:15 pm will hold a conference call meeting this gia, parts of North Carolina, Tennessee, WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm week to discuss additional actions. Pennsylvania, Alabama, Kentucky and WWGZ Lapeer 1530 * 12:15 pm Missouri: The state has major flood- Maryland. Losses are severe in those areas WNBY Newberry 92.5 12:15 pm ing problems along the Mississippi and hardest hit. WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm Missouri Rivers. All of the tributaries are There have been virtually no summer WHAK Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm backed up. As a result, an estimated 1.75 rains. Two weeks of ]00 degree plus WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm million acres are badly saturated or under temperatures have wiped out any chance of WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm water. saving the corn crop. WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm Livestock is being moved to higher Cotton, tobacco, peanut and soybean WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm ground. The state needs heavy equipment crops in the affected areas are in serious WKZC Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm to pull logs out of the flooded areas and trouble. Melon and peach crops are af- WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm repair levees. Missouri reports financial fected. Pasture and hay crops are non-exis- WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm help is most needed to allow them to hire tent. The affected areas need feed supplies. WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm people and equipment. Poultry losses have been reported due to WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 12:40 pm South Dakota:Thirty-three counties the excessive heat and cattle producers are have been declared a disaster. Only 2 mil- being forced to reduce their herds. Unless it • Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change with lion out of the usual 3 million acres of corn rains soon, the remaining crops will be lost. sign-on times. II .. Station airs various farm reports between 5:50 and 6:20 pm. were planted. Some 30-40 percent of the Early rainfall also is essential to restore ... Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. planted com acres will likely fail. pastures and to establish next year's wheat Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. Only 1 million of the normal 2 million crop. acre soybean crop has been planted. and Michigan Farm News -. August 15, 1993 I' -. Michigan Farm News August 15, 1993 Market Outlook ... ...... •••••••• .... ••••••• ••••••• ••••• ~.'I ... r• 1. " . The markets continue to digest the news ~~ Dr. Gerry Schwab, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Seasonal Commodity and present its composite evaluation in the form of an ever-changing set of prices. The record-setting July rainfall in the Corn Belt R~RM .' •••• .r •••••• ~ ....::-.. •••••••• ,j ••• CORN Price Trends will be devastating to the crops of river bottom farmers and will adversely affect crop yields of upland producers. Their mis- •••••••• Corn continues to be Michigan's leading fortune does provide grain and soybean BUSINESS crop in acreage, in value of production and in cash receipts. As indicated in Table 1, expected harvested corn grain acreage Wheat Corn - ? producers with some pricing opportunities diat were not predicted this spring. Production will be reduced, but by how OUTLOOK (numbers in parenthesis) in most states in- much? Prices have increased relative to pre- cluding Michigan will decline in 1993. Be- vious expectations, but no one can predict to 57.47 million acres, and dropping yield cause of the flooding that has occurred in the Soybeans ? with certainty how high the prices will go expectation below trend to 32.6 bushels per Western Corn Belt states, harvested acreage and how long higher price levels can be acre, results in an average annual expected will be even less than the 67.3 million acres listed in Table 1. Hogs i? sustained. What we can and continually do soybean price in the $7.40 neighborhood. is have a marketing plan that enables us to If 2 million acres drop out due to flooding Cattle --1 pull our pricing triggers when desirable pricing opportunities are presented. Strategy: Here again, a message of caution about overly bullish price expectations and and the harvested U.S. com yield drops back a plea for a marketing plan to take ad- to 118 bushels per acre, as occurred in 1989- Index: t= Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; SOYBEANS vantage of some pricing opportunities that 90 and in 1990-91, harvested corn bushels TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure were beyond most of our expectations would be 7.7 billion (in contrast to 9.4 bil- during spring planting. lion in 1992). Soybean prices have been buoyed upward Strategy: Your com should have tasseled with strong demand and reduction in acres to be harvested. Although, as indicated in The CBOT soybean price action has been Average annual corn price based on the 7.7 by the time this article is released. Assess quite choppy and difficult to hold above the billion crop, as estimated by Dr. Jake Ferris the yield potential for your crop. Table 2, intentions were to increase soybean acres planted in 1993 to 60.47 $7 level. No one knows if this is a top-of- using an econometric model, would be in the-market price, but it does offer you a the $2.45 per bushel neighborhood. Al- Unless you prefer to carry all the risk for million acres; the forces of nature prevailed. profitable pricing opportunity. The market though some late July corn production es- your new cro~, transfer some of the also is not offering any carry or storage timates have placed the corn crop at less downside price risk to others using one of Data in Table 2 indicates that four of the top premium after the new crop (November) than 7.5 billion bushels and should en- the several available pricing tools when the contract and positive returns to storage do courage some additional bloom to the new pri ci ng opportuni ty reaches your five soybean producing states are in the Western Com Belt that has been pelted with not appear likely. crop December CBOT price level, there is threshold. Remember that crop prices in no guarantee that the actual prices will reach short crop years often peak early to ration the adversely high rainfall. Estimates of flooded soybean acreage range from 3 to 5 If you previously priced as many soybeans or exceed the projection. out the reduced supply. million acres. as you desire for 1993, think about pricing some 1994 soybeans using a "roll over" HOGS hedge with the July 1994 contract. Using the econometric model of Dr. Ferris Given that commercial red meat production ly integrated firms, are not reducing sow and reducing soybean acreage by 3 million during June was record high and that the numbers. most recent "Hog and Pigs" Report had WHEAT market hog inventory slightly above the Strategy: Hog prices tend to have their 1992 level, hog prices in the mid-40's have seasonal high during the summer months, The adverse rainfall is not expected to af- in Table 3, the average annual expected held rather well. then decline through November. So do not fect 1993 wheat production to the same price is in the $3.25 per bushel neighbor- expect to do some long feeding in anticipa- extent as com or soybeans. As indicated by hood. Although hog production expansion was not tion of price rallies. Keep current. Table 3, wheat production is more widely indicated by the USDA June 1 inventory of distributed among more states and is not Strategy: The futures prices are offering breeding stock, there is a prevailing senti- Futures prices for the remainder of 1993 grown to any extent in Iowa or Minnesota. very little price incentive for positive ment with this author that hog numbers are have been in the $45-$48 neighborhood The yield and quality of the 1993 wheat returns to storage. Wheat prices can be a not declining. which translates into a $43-$46 price at the harvest is still in question as oflate July. beneficiary of the adverse situation in the farm. These prices should enable modest corn and feed grains area. However, the The 6 percent lower sow slaughter during profits for the competitive producer. For Wheat prices can sometimes be jump- fundamental supply/demand situation, bar- the first half of 1993 compared to 1992, and those producers looking to 1994, the June started with announcements of new export ring export enhancement announcert:lent for relatively cheap feed grains, suggest that contract has been trading in the $50 neigh- sales. Barring such demand shifts and using wheat, suggests a harvest-time sale at the modest profits are being made and that the borhood and should enable higher profits the 64.2 million acres harvested with a 40.5 less than exciting current price levels as one swine industry, including the large vertical- than the current market offers. bushel per acre expected yield, as indicated of your better alternatives. TABLE 1 TABLE 2 TABLE 3 CORN FOR GRAIN (1 ~~~f:* SOYBEANS -1~~~93)** ALL WHEAT -JULY 1, 1993 FORECAST * Acres Acres Acres Harvested Yield Production Harvested Yield Production Harvested Yield Production Rank State (1,000 Acres) (Bu.lAcre) (1,000 Bu.) Rank State' (1,000 Acres) (BuJAcre) (1,000 Bu.) Rank State (1,000 Acres) (Bu.lAcre) (1,000 Bu.) 1 Iowa 13,100 145 1,899,500 1 Illinois 9,400 43 404,200 1 Kansas 11,400 444,600 39 (11,800) (9,200) 2 Illinois 11,000 145 1,595,000 2 Iowa 8,050 43 346,150 2 Montana 5,214 33.4 173,920 (10,300) (8,750) 3 Neb. 7,900 132 1,042,800 3 Minnesota 5,400 35 189,000 3 Oklahoma 5,500 31 170,500 (7,700) (5,700) 4 Indiana 5,900 143 843,700 4 Indiana 4,500 42 189,000 4 2,840 56.7 160,980 (5,450) Washington (4,880) 5 Minn. 6,600 122 805,200 5 Missouri 4,250 36 153,000 5 Texas 3,700 32 118,400 (5,600) (4,350) 6 Ohio 3,550 137 486,350 6 Ohio 3,680 39 143,520 6 Idaho 1,400 71.8 100,450 (3,100) (4,170) 7 Wise. 3,100 107 331,700 7 Arkansas 3,150 33 103,950 7 Colorado 2,583 37.5 96,924 (3,000) (3,450) 8 Missouri 2,350 132 310,200 8 Nebraska 2,460 42 103,320 8 Illinois 1,550 49 75,950 (2,100) (2,560) 9 S. Oak. 3,300 83 273,900 9 Kansas 1,850 35 64,750 9 Nebraska 35 75,250 2,000 (3,100) (2,150) 10 Michigan 2,400 105 252,000 10 S. Dakota 2,250 28 63,000 10 Missouri 1,450 44 63,800 (2.200) (2260) 7,840,350 1,759,690 11 Oregon 925 63.6 58,810 (82.70/0 of , (81.1 % of 12 Ohio 54,000 U.S. total) 1,000 54 U.S. total) All Com for U.S. 72,138 131.4 9,479,000 12 Michigan 1,440 33 47,520 1,593,584 (67,265) (1,430) (61.3% of I All Soys for U.S. 58,439 37.6 2,197,312 U.S. total) * "Crop Production," November 10, 1992; National (60,473) 13 Michigan 540 50 27,000 Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ** "Acreage," June 30,1993; National Agricultural • "Crop Production," November 10, 1992; All Wheat for U.S. 64,200 40.5 2,601,000 Statistics Service, USDA. National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. * "C.rop Production," July 12, 1993; National •• "Acrea~e," Statistics JuneUSDA. ervice, 30, 1993; National Agricultural Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Michigan Farm News '. -. August •••••••• 15, 1993 MarketOuHookConUnued ....... .. ••••••• ••••••• •••••~.'I r. ,1 . ..: •••• rl••• •••• ,j ••• .r•••••• .'J~=-•••• CATTLE The most recent Cattle Inventory Report suggests that the cattle cycle continues its Start Date: TABLE 4 BREAK-EVEN ANALYSIS FOR FEEDING CA TILE Cattle Description Lot I Lot II Lot III FARM ~ •••••••• •••••••• expansion. Total cattle numbers are con- tinuing to slowly increase with a reported 10/1/93 Steer Calf Heifer Calf Year. Steer BUSINESS Delivered Purchase number of 110.6 million head - 1.3 percent above last year's numbers. Price, $/cwt. Purchase Weight, Ibs. $96.00 525 $88.00 475 $85.00 700 OUTLOOK Cattle on feed inventories reported in the Sale Weight, Ibs. 1100 1000 1200 July I 13-state survey were also up by 7 TABLE EGG MARKET percent over year earlier levels. If demand VeVMedicine, $/head $10.00 $12.00 $6.00 SITUATION can be maintained, slaughter cattle prices for 1994 are expected to be in the $74-$78 Death Loss, percent 1.8 2.2 0.8 per cwt. neighborhood. Allan Rahn and Henry Larzelere, MSU Ag Daily Gain I Econ. Dept. Strategy: One of the most important (pay to pay), Ibs.lday 2.45 2.20 2.55 Egg prices in late July had almost decisions to influence the profitability of Days on Feed 235 239 196 recovered from a 10 cent per dozen setback cattle feeding is determining what price can that began in mid June. They were trading in be paid for feeder cattle. Table 4 indicates Yardage $/hd.lday $0.200 $0.200 $0.200 the 73-75 cents per dozen range (New York, the results from analyzing three cattle feed- Grade A, large, white, in cartons, to retailers), Interest Rate, 0/0 10.0 10.0 10.0 4-6 cents more than the previous week and ing alternatives. Feed Conversion I 15-17 cents above a year ago. The floods and (Ibs. feed DMllb.gain) other adverse weather factors, in combination The prices and costs used are intended to be 7.25 7.45 7.50 with relatively tight soybean supplies, have representative of the Michigan situation as pushed up primary layer feed ingredient prices Feed Price it exists in late July for a fall feeding pur- and layer feed is now running around 2 cents (as-fed) $Iton $54.41 $55.31 $58.76 chase decision. Table 4 was generated per dozen more than last year at this time. using the BEFEEDER software created by Feed Dry Matter The Agricultural Statistics Service es- Drs. Rust and Black at Michigan State Content. 0/0 56.9 56.9 608 timated that the size of the table egg flock on University to facilitate this planning July I was 235 million birds, 2 percent more process. Break-even Sale than a year ago. Table egg production during Price, $/cwt. $73.75 $71.38 $72.08 June was also 2 percent more than last year as Projected Sales layer productivity (eggs per 100 layers) was unchanged. The number of table egg-type Price, $/cwt. $75.00 Dairy Feeds Counter Offer for Feeders $73.00 $75.00 chicks hatched during June was estimated at I percent above last year's number. The July I Situation and $/cwt. Market Date $98.42 5/24/94 $91.14 5/28/94 $89.71 4/15/94 incubator egg sets estimate of 30.2 million is 6 percent higher than the year earlier figure. Egg demand conditions are strengthening Outlook with prices for eggs in both the shell and other broken-out products advancing. Shell egg prices should move into the 75-77 cents per Dr. Sherrill Nott, Dept. of Agricultural in 1992. The tons fed per cow stayed about more during 1993 than managers have been dozen average range during August. During Economics, MSU constant at 7.7 tons both years. accustomed to in the past. the remainder of the third quarter, prices are expected to continue to strengthen seasonally Getting up the feed supply is a major task Com silage was plentiful, but. of perhaps The 1991 data came from a sample of 203 with a resulting quarterly average in the upper for Michigan dairy farmers. This year's lower quality in 1992. Many acres that did farms averaging 106.67 cows and selling 70' s. After a typical market setback in late challenges include predicting the impact of not ripen for grain were ensiled. This 127 18,233 pounds of milk per cow. The 1992 September or early October, egg prices should the Mississippi floods and the Southeastern percent increase in tonnage was valued at averages were from 200 farms with 113.63 I advance into their low 80 cent seasonal high drought, as well as the weather actions on $19 per ton. These beginning inventories, in cows selling 18,712 pounds per cow. in November. Average price levels during the your farm. As the state moves into the fall combination with a decent 1993 hay yield, last quarter of the year are not likely to differ harvest season, dairy managers will be should provide for this year's com crop to much from the upper 70 cents per dozen range. taking action to assure feed supplies through go more towards grain and less towards summer of 1994. This review of what hap- silage. pened to major crops on Michigan dairy farms in 1991 and 1992 will help you think Corn grain inventories on dairy farms about 1993 and 1994. Data comes from January 1 were 142, 168 and 121 bushels Michigan State University Extension's Tel- per cow in 1991, 1992 and 1993, respective- farm accounting project. ly, The 121 bushels in 1993 were 72 percent of the 1992 amount. Due to lack of dry Hay supplies for the year start with inven- down, plus late harvest, much of the 1992 tories January I. Hay on hand was 6.3, 5.8 crop was of low quality. The average inven- and 5.2 tons (as fed) per cow in 1991, 1992 tory value January 1, 1993 was $1.84 per Trailer Mounted Stationary and 1993, respectively. The average Tel- bushel. farmer started 1993 with hay per cow at 82 percent of the 1991 level. In 1991 and 1992, The com yield averaged 110 and 98 bushels Patz@ Offers Open-Top Mixers land harvested for hay was 1.8 acres per (as fed) per acre in 1991 and 1992, respec- cow. But, yield per acre was 4.12 and 3.38 tively. The acres harvested were 1.49 and Four notched, 24-inch augers mix fast-even square-baled dry alfalfa tons in 1991 and 1992, respectively. After 1.25 per cow in 1991 and 1992, respecti ve- in limited amounts. allowing for purchases and sales, hay disap- ly. The amount fed per cow, after adjusting Self-aligning auger bearings mounted outside. pearance was 7.65 tons per cow in 1991. It for purchases and sales, was 127 bushels in Flanged auger tubes for easy removal. dropped to 6.73 tons in 1992. 1991. It rose to 153 bushels per cow in 1992. These factors combined to bring down the Roller-chain reduction with sealed oil bath and planetary gear drive Despite feeding less hay per cow in 1992, inventory amount by early 1993. A good for the augers. inventories were down by the end of the yield will be needed to rebuild these inven- On trailer models, the feed discharge features a hydraulically powered year. Price used per ton was $43.83 on tories to earlier levels by the start of 1994. door and augers. January I, 1993. Southern Michigan condi- With the carry-in of com silage, perhaps tions, as this is written, favor the production more of 1993' s com can go to grain. It will Electronic scales precisely weigh total mixed rations. of crops. During 1993, hay inventories may be welcome as either an offset to future For trailer models: 540 R.P.M. PTO. be rebuilt while maintaining feeding rates. purchases or as a cash crop going into a For stationary models: electric motors. First cutting in the Upper Peninsula is be- market with higher than expected prices. hind schedule and quality may be down. Managers should plan to spend time at the Capacities of 190, 240 and 290 cubic feet (bigger models available end of 1993 deciding how much com to sell, soon). It is not clear how the flooding to the West and when to sell it. Stainless steel bottom liner available. will impact hay supplies, but it will likely tighten them. Floods and drought are driv- Hay, com silage and com grain are the Ask us about Patz financing with affordable rates and 24, 36 or ing soybean futures prices up; if they stay major crops found on dairy farms. Oats, rye, 48-month terms. up, it means higher protein costs for dairy barley, pasture and wheat play a role on farmers. A plentiful supply of high quality some farms. hay could reduce the impact on dairy farm profits. During 1991, the average dairy Telfarmer Copeland Surge Sales & Service, Inc. Wylie Implements, Inc. spent $470 (net of feed sales) buying feed Fowlerville - (517) 223-9833 Kent City - (616) 678-7732 Com silage inventories on January I were not grown on the farm. This rose to $518 per 6.1, 5.6 and 7.1 tons (as fed) per cow in cow in 1992, an increase of about 10 per- 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively. The 7.1 cent. How much this figure changes in 1993 Miller Construction & Equipment, Inc. Westphalia Electric, Inc. tons in 1993 is 127 percent of the 1992 will depend on the impacts of the flood, the West Branch - (517) 345-2499 Westphalia - (517) 587-3983 amount. Com silage yields per acre were drought and international markets. Pur- down to 12.5 tons in 1992 from 14.4 tons in 1991. Land harvested as com silage rose from .53 acres in 1991 to .73 acres per cow chased protein costs appear vulnerable at this time. Expect feed prices to fluctuate Gene Stambaugh Equipment Ubly - (517) 658-8817 PillZ Michigan Farm News August 15, 1993 The Animal Agriculture Initiative -- Putting Michigan's Rural Economy on the Launching Pad" Livestock Initiative funding will be used to renovate Anthony Hall, the Dairy Plant, the Meats Lab and the farm facilities, as well as a new agriculture and livestock education Center to replace the old livestock pavilion pictured below. Drawings courtesy of MSU In these days of widespread cynicism Through the years, the prowess of itself in the position of having more dif- produces only about half of the eggs con- about the motives behind government MSU's football and basketball teams has ficulty continuing to attract the outstanding sumed in Michigan. Turkey production spending, it's rare to find an expenditure drawn the most attention to the nation's faculty needed to support an expansion of could be doubled. that draws almost unanimous praise for pioneer land grant institution. But MSU has the animal agriculture industry in our With the feed and slaughtering capacity being a genuine investment in the economic also been a superstar in the world of agricul- state," said Kirk. in this state, Michigan will be able to future of Michigan. To the delight of farmers and everyone tural institutions. The College of Agricul- But the $70 million investment in the produce and market a million additional else interested in the state's economic ture and Natural Resources has a well- Initiative will help turn that situation hogs each year. growth and diversity, the Legislature's Joint earned reputation for innovative, world- around. Funds will be used to remodel An- The initiative will help to optimize the Capital Outlay Committee this spring ap- class teaching and research. thony Hall and for new research farm health and performance of horses in support proved the preliminary planning money for But that reputation in the area of animal facilities, including a swine farrowing barn of the state's racing industry. the nearly $70 million Animal Agriculture agriculture has been threatened by years of and nursery, grower/finisher facilities and It will boost the health of the sheep Initiative at Michigan State University. The trimmed budgets that have taken their toll a new horse barn and arena. It will renovate industry, in part by filling the now-vacant action will launch architectural planning on both facilities and people resources at an existing building for the installation of a sheep extension veterinary position. this summer. Construction and renovation I MSU. "Unless you're aware of the modern high speed treadmill for evaluation of per- Finally, it will allow Michigan State of animal agriculture buildings on campus operations underway or being constructed formance horses working at racing speeds. University to continue working with dairy could begin yet this year or next. at other universities around the country, you It will construct new infectious disease farmers to make dairying more profitable, The campaign that kept this investment don't really recognize how far MS U has containment facilities at the veterinary re- and hel p the industry meetthe opportuni ties plan on track through several tight state fallen behind the times," according to Kevin search farm. And it will construct a new presented by the new, large dairy process- budgets is a tribute to the leadership of Kirk, commodity specialist and livestock agriculture and livestock education center ing facilities in the state. Michigan Farm Bureau, dairy and livestock expert for Michigan Farm Bureau. to replace the old livestock pavilion. This revital ization of Michigan's organizations and others in the state's He said MSU had these specific The state's agricultural industry animal agriculture project will benefit all agricultural industry. problems that helped galvanize support for believes that this investment in the future sectors of the state's agricultural economy. "The industry has really done an excel- the Initiative: will yield big dividends. For example, it will allow more farmers lent job of reminding and thanking legis- - the research facilities in Anthony Hall With this additional funding support, to diversify their operations by taking ad- lators for their support and for the efforts were antiquated and unsafe. The ventilation MSU is expected to develop solutions to vantage of Michigan's unique environment that have gone into this project over the past system could not handle laboratory needs animal manure problems. Solutions are for livestock production. several years," said Ron Nelson, legislative and freezers had broken seals. critically important if the industry is to ex- The project will also expand local live- counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau. Nelson - the Dairy Plant did not meet U.S. pand or even maintain its current level of stock grain markets, and help reduce the is a veteran observer of Lansing politics, and Department of Agriculture standards and its production. And finding appropriate, en- need for costly "out of state" grain ship- he admits that he was pleased that law- equipment was decades behind the industry. vironmentally sound manure application ment. By some estimates, the extra demand makers were persuaded to stick with the - the current Meats Laboratory also did techniques is a key to maintaining a "good for corn and soybeans created by this live- funding for the Initiative. "Budgets have not meet USDA standards, had outdated neighbor" policy with non-farmers in rural stock expansion could boost prices by 25 to been tight, but the animal industry helped equipment and no facilities for many areas. 30 cents a bushel. demonstrate and document a real need. processing areas. The investment will help expand, per- But what about the impact on the total Animal agriculture facilities at MSU are - the beef, dairy, poultry and swine haps even double, the beef feedlot and cow Michigan economy? What kind of return very much out of date. In fact, some have farms needed renovating. calf production in the state and create a - the Livestock Pavilion was obsolete. &"orage based beef J"ndustry not been updated for at least 30 years be- cause of inadequate funds," he said. "Because of these facility problems and 1'. It will also encourage expansion of the Continued ...see years of budgetary constraints, MSU found state's poultry industry, which currently "Initiative" page 9 Michigan Farm News -. August 15, 1993 m Grain Quality Committee Considers Dust Control Measures Eaton County farmer and MFB Director is susceptible to abuse," Boehm said. "The Mark Smuts was in Portland, Oregon, higher cost of oil compared to water for dust recently as a member of the AFBF Grain control is not economically feasible either." Quality Advisory Committee to inspect ex- port facilities, and to meet with Federal Although managers of the export facilities Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) personnel. advocated the use and need for water in dust MFB Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm control, many critics are suggesting that the also participated in the two-day meeting. FGIS be responsible for maintaining and enforcing stricter standards. The advisory committee includes farmers from across the country, who are charged The committee also discussed other with providing direction to the AFBF Board I quality-related issues, including review of of Directors on grain quality issues. current grain standards, grain quality dis- counts, grain testing equipment and stand- Top on the list of discussion was the recent ardization, funding alternatives for the controversy surrounding the use of water to FGIS and amendments to .the Plant Variety control dust. Allegations have been levied Protection Act. against some grain companies that the prac- tice has been abused, by adding more water The advisory committee toured two ex- than is needed to adequately control dust. port terminals including the Columbia Grain, Inc.'s TerminalS Elevator. The 4 The committee heard from several industry million bushel export terminal is located representatives about the pros and cons of 100 miles from the mouth of the Colum- water use for dust control as well as other bia River, and sports a maximum load- measures, such as the use of soy oil. out of 2,000 tons per hour for ocean- bound vessels. This ship was bound for "While most agreed that dust levels must be Japan, with an expected trip of 13 days reduced for environmental considerations at sea. and worker safety concerns, several in- dustry representatives admitted the system Initiative... continued from page 8 can Michigan taxpayers expect from their ~ .~ investment in the animal agriculture busi- ness? ~1i~W.lIJ - ~ - / They can expect high dividends indeed. A focus on the non-farm impact from ex- ~~ Over 55 stores in Michigan to serve youl Stop in today a savel pansion of the dairy industry helps make the point. The dairy industry comprises the largest single element of Michigan's agricultural economy and has the most im- ~~~;;~~~ ..~ ~_ ....... _-~ \:II.J \..1-, pact on the rest of the state. An analysis by the MSU Agricultural Economics Department noted that there are around 5,000 commercial dairy farms in the state. Their output provides over a quarter -. 10 Yecr Worrcl1ry -- - "''''-- -'-6~W..-rar.:y - --- of the cash farm receipts of Michigan CLASSIC 99 WeatherPerfed agriculture. The Initiative has targeted a nearly IS percent increase in the size of the vvlnterior Flat tatei\rr JiOuSE'&TRIM state's dairy herd to produce an addi tional .~.,.~LL ~~ 1<-1.-'1'1 t:. ... p. PAl ,~. "l,."..;L •• ~ ........... .,.-" ~_ three quarters of a billion pounds of milk each year. ~ What would this market expansion BARN PAINT mean in terms of economic development? Again, citing figures from the MSU economic analysis, the addition of 50,000 cows to the state's dairy herd would mean over fifteen hundred more jobs. It would increase net farm income by over $17 mil- 12.99 10.99 15.99 GAL. Reg. $18.49 {Guarantee or limited warranty on 0# Shetwrn-Willloms GAL. Reg. $15.49 coatings. See IobeI lor details All point GAL. Reg. $19.49 shown offers one coot Ct:Nefoge. ~ied os rjrectedJ Available in 5 gallon cans only. Choose from alkyd or latex in white or red. (B42RA12, B42~A12,B46RA5,B46~A35) (See store manager for pricing.) lion dollars a year. It would boost local property tax receipts by nearly $4 million dollars a year. And it would generate $123 million dollars being spent each year on supplies, utilities, insurance and other ser- ", new" we,'heredde,i,l lmI =~at natural I R,,' ",'ing "ting,1 vices for the dairy industry. As these expen- ALUMINUM ditures percolate through the rest of the ROOF COATING economy, there will be additional indirect DECK BRIGHTENER benefits to employment and tax receipts. So, for a $70 million dollar investment in the revitalization of Michigan's animal agriculture, farmers and other rural resi- 14.99 7.99 GAL. WHEN SOW IN 5-GAL.. CAN 5-GAL. CAN SALE PRICE: 39.95 Reg $03.45 dents will harvest hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits each year just from the dairy industry. Going beyond that, and taking into account the impact from expan- mIJ Protect your deck's new beauty sion of beef, swine, poultry, sheep and the MOBIUHOME horse industries -- then, you're looking at RAlNCOAT~ WATER REPELLENT FOR DECKS ALUMINUM nearly half a billion dollars a year in in- ROOF COATING creased agricultural sales value. This would generate additional jobs and income from the processing and distribu- tion industries, and as the impact of this expansion multiplies, it could produce over 13.99 GAL. WHEN SOW IN 5-GAL. CAN 5.t7AL. SALE PRICE: $69.95 REG. $89.95 wrrHFIBER 6.79 5.GAL. CAN SALE PRICE: $625 million a year in direct and indirect • Available in clear, cedar GAL. WHEN SOlD 33.95 &redNood IN 5-GAL. CAN Reg. $4745 value for the Michigan economy. Within a decade, this amount could exceed a billion dollars a year. It's no wonder that Gov. Engler, law- If ~ ]1'''liill~;;;11~=~ntPIanJ THEPROS KNOW. ASK SHERWlN.WIWAMS 5 eE as A t.1993 The Shetwin-Williams CClfTlXlr1Y (Nol responsible for typog~ errors or at worIc. SherwIn-WIlliams resetV9s tI'le rk;jlt to correct errors Of point of pexchose.) makers, farmers and other rural residents are excited by the potential of this invest- ment. They see the value of planning and spending now to harvest a bounty of economic growth in the future. Michigan Farm News ,. August 15, 1993 I 1m Cash Crop Farm Financial Analysis Shows Reduced Returns machinery per acre. The estimated hours of labor per acre was 4.2 in 1992. Ralph E. Hepp, Agricultural Economist The value of farm capital on Saginaw Department of Agricultural Economics Table 1. Trend in Earnings on Michigan Cash Grain Farms, 1990-1992 Valley crop farms decreased slightly, with Michigan State University YEAR the estimated number of hours of labor per acre at 5.7 in J 992. ~ ~ ~ The sample of farms selected for the The cash crop report number 569 is a summary of the financial and production Tillable Acres 675 n8 767 report shows cash grain farms with 767 till- records kept by crop farmers enrolled in the Capital Owned $467,n5 $517,584 $523,146 able acres and 40 percent of the land rented. TELFARM record program through 'Total Revenue $1n,943 $223,674 $188,275 The farms with sugar beets in the rotation Michigan State University's Cooperative Operating Expenses $149,362 $173,063 $160,492 had 806 tillable acres and 62 percent of the Extension Service. Net Farm Income $ 28,581 $ 50,611 $ 27,783 land rented. The report includes 24 grain farms producing com, soybeans, wheat, and dry - LEVEL OF PROFITABILITY - edible beans and 18 Saginaw Valley crop farms producing sugar beets, corn, Table 2. Trend In Earnings on Michigan Saginaw Valley Cash Crop Farms, 1990-1992 Table 3 presents analysis factors for crop soybeans, wheat and dry edible beans. farms by level of profits per acre. The 42 YEAR cash crop farms were divided into three The report has three purposes: 1) to provide statistical information about ~ 1W.1 ~ groups by return on owned capital from less the financial results on crop farms during than 3 percent, 3 to 7 percent and greater than Tillable Acres 955 856 806 7 percent. 1992, $750,985 $658,051 $590,835 Capital Owned The major difference between the high .2) to provide information on the trends in Total Revenue $363,432 $271,736 $286,202 resource use, income and costs during the profit farms compared to the low profit Total Expenses $273,423 $221,022 $222,937 last three years, and farms was the number of tillable acres, the Net Farm income $ 90,009 . $ 50,714 $ 63,265 3) to provide production costs forcompara- yields and financial returns per acre. Yields Return to owned capital tive analysis and forward planning. per acre were higher on high profit farms The 42 crop farms are located in which resulted in greater revenue during the southern Michigan and are selected for the year. report because they specialize in grains and Table 3. Michigan Cash Crop Farm. by Level of Profitability, 1992 Low profit farms had fewer owned till- other field crops, include inventory and able acres, less investment, and fewer hours Level of Profrtabilitv of labor used in production. Total operating crop production data, and represent various sizes of crop farms. Hiah Medium Low expenses per acre were lower for high profit Business analysis reports are also pub- farms, with interest depreciation, and repair Tillable Acres 849 878 667 expenses lower. lished for farms specializing in potato, Capital Owned $486,617 $869,024 $515,254 dairy, fruit, and swine enterprises. The The return to owned capital was 15.3 Revenue per Acre $ 316 $ 297 $ 248 TELFARM participants are not necessarily percent on high profit farms and -1.6 percent Expenses per Acre $222 $ 250 $260 representative of all Michigan crop farms, on low profit farms. Net farm income per Net Farm income per acre $94 $ 47 $ -12 but are those that desire an excellent record- 4.4% 1.6% acre was $94 on high profit farms and -$12 Return to owned capital 15.3% keeping system and assistance in records for the least profitable operations. and financial management from the Cooperative Extension Service. Typically, -FARMSIZE- TELF ARMERS operate larger farms than Table 4. Michigan Cash Crop Farm. by Size, 1992 The 42 crop farms were divided into the average Michigan crop producer and three size groups by number of acres with obtain a larger percent of their income from ~ small farms less than 400 tillable acres, agriculture. Less than Greater than medium farms between 400 and 800 tillable 400 Acres 400-800 Acres 800 Acres acres and large farms greater than 800 till- - FINANCIAL TRENDS- Tillable acres 281 572 1,567 able acres (Table 4). The small farms Returns on cash grain farms in 1992 Capital owned $267,281 $442,092 $973,580 averaged 281 tillable acres, medium farms decreased from the previous two years Total revenue $72,575 $169,375 $463,383 averaged 572 acres and the large farms (Table 1). The return on owned capital was Operating Expenses $63,607 $141,694 $365,343 averaged 1,567 acres. 4.4 percent in 1992, which was down from Net Farm Income $8,968 $ 27,681 $ 98,040 Capital investment per acre was about 9.5 percent in 199 I and 5.8 percent in 1990. the same for the three size categories. N um- The total value of production per acre was Crop yields in 1992 were about the ber of hours of labor per acre was about 5.4 crop quality due to weather conditions. $245 in 1992, $288 in 1991 and $262 in same as 1991, with the decreases in crop hours on medium farms and 4.3 hours on the Total production cost per acre was $255, 1990. value coming from decreases in prices and large farms. Small farm operators owned a which was slightly lower than 1991 and larger percent of the land and larger farm 1990. Crop supplies and machinery costs operators rent a larger percent of the tillable decreased. land. Returns on Saginaw Valley cash crop Small farm operators had a net farm in- farms held up very good in 1992 consider- come of $32 per acre. When charges are ing the crop conditions (Table 2). Value of placed on family labor and equity capital, the production per acre was $324 in 1992, com- management income decreases to a negative pared to $284 in J 99 J and $34 I in 1990. $43 per acre and a .9 percent residual return Management income per acre, the residual to owned capital. earnings after all costs are subtracted from Medium farm operators had a net farm income was $30 in 1992. This compares with $9 in 1991 and $45 in 1991. The farms income of $48 per acre. When charges are in the summary this year were smaller than placed on family labor and equity capital, the previous years, so the average sales and management income per acre decreases to a expense items need to be adjusted for the negative $5 per acre. The return on owned acres cropped. capital was 5.3 percent. Large farms experienced lower costs per acre and had a $63 net farm income per acre. - RESOURCE USE - The management income per acre was $23 The value of farm capital owned on after a value was placed on family labor and cash grain farms was higher in 1992, with equity capital. The return on owned capital a higher val ue placed on the land and was 9.4 percent. Morton Buildings is leading the industry with: Governor Appoints Beef Industry Commission "> New sm/ctural designs II 50-year column and snow-load protection Governor Engler has made three appointments to the Michigan Beef Industry ComlJlis- "> New slmelural capabilities (with no weJuht limit) sion: They are William Sheridan of Mason, Gary Voogt of Marne and Pam Bontckoe of ~ New color combinations II 2o-year protection against red rust Manon. The Commission administers the beef checkoff program which is designed to ~ New building styles (btcluding acid rain) !mprove profitability by strengthening beefs position in the marketplace and by expand- ~ New e..\1eriorapplications II lO-year wind-load protection on Ing consumer demand for beef. ~ New interior options A1umaSteet'> sliding doors (with no ~ New sliding door teclulOlogy weight limn) Willia!TI Sh~ridan wi~l be re~resenting the livestock marketing position and will be ~ New guner systems :> New infomwtive video lapes II 5-year wind-load protection on complete replaCing Blm Franklin, who IS retiring after 18 years of service. Sheridan, an animal buDding(with no weillht limit) sCIence graduate of Michigan State University, is owner of Sheridan Auction Service, > New corrosion protection Inc., and the Owosso Livestock Sales Co. CIII YfX' local oIIIce todsyI Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 800-447-7436 Gary Voogt, chairma!1 of the Michigan Beef Industry Commission and a polled hereford breeder, was reappointed for a second term. Voogt is Vice-President of Moore and Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Bruggink, Inc., Consulting Engineers in Grand Rapids. Kalkaska, MI (616) ~2580 ~~~MORTON Rockford, MI (616)874-6400 Three Rivers, MI (616) 279-5271 i~.BUILDINGS Pam Bontekoe, co-owner of Bontekoe Farm, was also reappointed for a second term. Bontekoe serves as Michigan's beef director on the National Livestock and Meat Board. Michigan Farm News August 15, 1993 r:. ENVIRONMENTAL III Western Michigan One of Most Threatened Agricultural Regions ~~ STEWARDSHIP .' ~ Government Conservation .j~- Expenditures Highest Ever Spending on conservation activities by Total USDA conservation expenditures USDA and state and local governments has for 1993 are expected to be around $3.4 increased steadily over the past decade. In billion, up $244 million from 1992. A slight re~ent years, renta~ payments for 'land drop is budgeted for 1994. Related state and retlred for conservatIOn purposes have be- local government spending on conservation co~e the largest category of USDA conser- increased steadily through 1991, dropped vatlon expense. about $20 million in 1992, but rose again for USDA and related state and local 1993 t th $533 '11' th h' h t government expenditures for conservation 0 more an I?l. lOn, e Ig es Western Michigan has made the Champlain Valleys of New York and Ver- 'll' . 1992 d Id ever. However, appropnatlons at the local American Farmland Trust's (AFT) list as I excee d e d $3 .6 b 1 IOn 10 an cou . 20 mont. 'II' . 1993 Th' t I h level actually decllOed by almost per- of 12 of America's most threatened agricul- reac h $3 .9 b 1 Ion 10 . IS to a as t AFT said that while the 12 most been increasing in recent years, . b~t could . tural areas. In selecting the areas for its list cenR. en ta I an d easemen t paymen 15 are es- threatened agricultural regions collectively .. 9 of "The Top 12 on the Edge," AFT cited the represent only 5 percent of U.S. land of take .. Its first drop' 10 19 4 WIth budget t'Ima te d t0 accoun t f or over h a If 0 f USDA regions' economic importance' as food- tlghtemng ' occumng at all f levels. h b USDA conserva t'Ion expen d't' farms, they account for 17 percent of total 1993 . Th e producing areas and the threat to their Ik f 1 ures 10 U.S. agricultural sales, 67 percent of expen d Itures account or t e u 0 b Ik f th tit t agricultural resource base from rapid' government conservation spending. In .u, 0 . ese are ren a ~aymen s 0 par- population growth and urban-edge sprawl. domestic fruit production, 55 percent of tlClpants 10 the ConservatIon Reserve Pro- 1992 , USDA spent 86 percent 0f th e tota I gram (CRP) f or Ian d retIre domestic vegetable production and 24 per- 'd from pro d uc- AFT, a national farmland conservation ($3 • 16 b'II' ) d .h8 f cent of dairy products. Production per acre 1 IOn, compare WIt percent or . R I '11 I b d f group based in Washington, said the '11' ) d 6 t f I I tlOn. enta payments WI a so e ma e or is nearly six times greater in the 12 regions s t a tes ($291 ffil 203 Ion an'll' percen or oca Ian d enro IIe d' 10 th eater W B an k P rogram farmland lies in urban-influenced counties ) either in or adjacent to metropolitan statis- than other nonurban-influenced counties. governments ($ mI Ion . and easement payments for land accepted tical areas. The most threatened agricultural into the new Wetlands Reserve Program. Agricultural regions named to the Top regions saw population grow by 21 percent ----------------- .... Technical assistance and extension ex- 12 list in order to greatest threat were from 1980 to 1990, twice the national AFT said it examined total agricultural penditures of $184 million in 1993 would California's Central Valley, south Florida, average. In fact, 40 percent of the country's production, population growth, production I be the highest ever and could account for California's coastal region, mid-Atlantic population increase in the eighties occurred per acre, specialty crop production and nearly one-fourth of the USDA total for Coast/Chesapeake Bay area, North within the 12 areas. farmland decline in arriving at its list of 12. conservation purposes. However, the Carolina Piedmont, Puget Sound Basin, Meanwhile, farmland in the areas AFT said other high-value agricultural proportion is much lower than prior to 1988 Chicago-Mil waukee-Madison metro area, declined by more than 3 million acres from areas in the U.S. are also facing serious when CRP rental payments became the Oregon's Willamette Valley, Twin Cities 1978 to 1987, or by 34 acres every hour. growth pressures and conversion threats, largest single component of USDA conser- metro area, Western Michigan, Shenan- The rate of decline was 40 percent greater including the Pioneer and Connecticut vation expenditures. doah and Cumberland Valleys of Virginia, than in other U.S. counties. While conced- River Valleys in the Northeast, the Great Cost-sharing for practice installation in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsyl- ing not all the loss can be attributed to Lakes fruit belt in upstate New York, Pen- 1993 accounts for just over 10 percent of vania, and the Hudson River an.d non-farm use, AFT said much of it is likely nsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, the USDA spending, with lesser proportions to represent permanent conversion. Bluegrass region of Kentucky, the Wasatch going to conservation data and research and Front in Utah, southwestern Arizona and to project conservation programs. The only the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and New category of conservation spending in 1993 Looking Out For The Environment Mexico. that is below its 1992 level is that for project conservation programs. Sinkhole Management Protects ::\~ •.., You can help protect sinkholes from surface Roots to Profitability . Groundwater Quality '. runoff and contamina- water by properly managing the water supply and expose you to tion by S inkholes are common in many regions of the United sinkhole. You should also be on the look-out for sinkhole financial and legal liability. Be sure to remove any trash placing a grass filter strip or diversion channel around the \ ' \\ States. Besides being a physical sinkhole entrance. The method development if you live in an already in sinkholes on your threat to people, equipment and you should use depends on the animals, sinkholes can create a area where they are cornmon. property. field slope and where the sink. water quality hazard. Surface n't use t> ••••• ,., .r~ Don't!ocate hola is located (see "Protecting water or irrigation runoff can sinkholes ~ , .. :.;.. a septic sys. Sinkholes" below.) • :;_. tern, feed lot wash soil sediment, fertilizers, animal waste, bacteria and ag as dump sites. They - -_ or animal Sealing a Increase Wheat Yields chemicals into the ground water may look .. lfiII' .•• '!ii;f - waste sinkhole Spring is the time to treat wheat with ACA below. This bypasses the normal like a con . -: " lagoon near with con. to gain your advantage. ACA can be used ~ • known protection that is offered by the enient crete or plastic liners as a spring dormancy break application with isolation, filtering and chemical place to dump trash, animal or suspected sinkholes. If sink- breakdown processes in the soil. holes appear near such sources should be your topdressing fertilizer to boost your yields. carcasses, used engine oil and empty ag chemical containers. of bacterial contamination, con. contemplat- If you're a rancher or fanner with sinkholes on your proper- But disposing of these materials sider moving your livestock ed only under extreme condi- 1992 Yields in sinkholes can pollute your operation. tions. This can be expensive ty, you can help protect ground and is generally ineffective. ACA- treated wheat had an average increase Diverting runoff should always of 10.76 bu/acre with the highest yield be considered before sealing a increase at 22.22 bu/acre. On farm yield sinkhole. Contact a specialist increases in 1992 varied from 5.16 to trained in sinkhole geology before attempting to seal a 22.22 bu/acre. The four-year average yield sinkhole. increase wheat growers have seen using ACA has been 8.53 bu/acre. Call your local Soil and ........ wiIl .... C8IIGt ,... ... Protecting SlnkhoJel ill,... • it. •• pM ofdle. it Water Conservation District. See the Benefits of ACA If yo. haft .. or .mkMIII ill county Extension agent or carriIIldUDy ill tile a"IfIPiII Department of Health represen- &eIdI_ JO'II' yo. ,...,.. ... w.n it tile sr-- Better root systems IncreasedProfits tative for additional advice. By ~ sn-l .. 1Ir Heathier Plants IncreasedYields .......... pattiJII.IIiIDnl 011 ........... .-IlM .-k-- .-kWII ~ ... will OII ba tIIlI~ ~ ,. Ie dhwt .... __ ad dmrI6aa c*-k"'" ....... away . properly protecting sinkholes. you will help safeguard water quality for you. your family and your neighbors. Easier Harvesting ProvenPerformance To see the difference apply ACA with ~ ~ sr- IIMttripI. Gr.- .. tohItiDL At tile wp.t ........... anhydrous, liquid 28% N, Liquid Starter . IIripIIftIII U narrow • 13 flit C8 trip 1M IiBkIIoIe.. .... aD area • irw yIrdI impregnated on dry or sprayed. eDlJ8Sb IICliIMat to be 1l!IIdift. FlMer .we ia • baIf.atooa Ibape 10 ..... BlOt. ItripI will oaly ..-oft ~ &aa bIc lIIowa the &lope will lie diftItId 1IlIUAl- This information is provided by Contact Your Local shallow 1nter flow: tilly woa' Itop ..u- Iy to IidI« Iide . the Alliance lor a Clean Rural Environment, a non-proflt. Clean Crop Dealer ..... ~t ill deIper ..... , such. AIIr -JJiD3 the Ioil. ferti1iz,e IDd ... non-political organization in pllieI or nriDel. . die UN to COIltrol erOIioo duiJ:r« lOCI encour8ll'"ll environmental or call .-800-292-2701 11Ie fint 3 to 4 flit ~ • SfMIIIrip .... ror..tiaa. stewardship and protection at for additional information ally do IDOIII ~ the fiJtIriDs. The thick water quaily. supported by the makers at crop protection chemicals. I, on the ACAAdvantage! Michigan Farm News II. August 15, 1993 E Dodge Truck and Great Lakes Hybrid Sponsoring Farmers Discussion Meet Contest .. Young Michigan Farm Bureau Farmers between the ages of 18 and 30, will once again have an opportunity to express Young -- --- District 1, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Sept. 1, Holiday Inn, Kalamazoo their views on key agricultural issues, and District 2, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, possibly win $1,000 worth of Great Lakes Jackson, Lenawee, Sept. 2, Schuler's, Jack- Hybrids and $500 cash from Dodge as a son state winner of MFB' s Young Farmer Dis- District 3, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, cussion meet contest. The state finalist will also receive an Washtenaw, Wayne, Aug. 30, Weber's Inn, expense paid trip to the American \ Farm Ann Arbor Bureau annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale to District 4, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, compete in national competition and pos- Ottawa, Sept. 9, Middlevilla Inn, Middleville sibly win a ]994 Dodge Dakota Pickup. District 5, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, In- The national winning grand prize, a gham, Shiawassee, Sept. 16, Holiday Inn ]994 Dodge Dakota Pickup, includes a club West, Lansing cab, 4 wheel drive, complete with the SLT District 6, Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Premium Trim Package and a 5.2 liter Mag- Sanilac, St. Clair, \fuscoIa, Aug. 31, num V-8 engine. Westpark Inn, Sandusky Contest topics include: District 7, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, District level; ]. What are some alternatives Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and innovative uses of agricultural com- Sept. 23, Sandy's Serendipity modities and by-products? District 8, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, State level; 2. How will primary and Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, August 1992 MFB State Discussion Meet Contest winner, Robert Sollman of Eaton County, in secondary education be funded? 25, Holiday Inn, Midland national competition during the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in California. 3. What can be done to encourage the District 9, Benzie, Kalkaska, Manistee, introduction of beginning farmers into 4. What should be the provisions of the The district level contests started Missaukee, N.W. Michigan, Wexford, Sept. agriculture? ]995 Food Security Act (Farm Bill)? August 4 in Escanaba for District 11. Other 10, Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompson- contest dates and locations are: ville. District 10, Akona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Iosco, A NEW MONEY SAVlNGtrE.l\ttHPlAN:- Montmorency, Ogemaw, Otsego, Preque Isle, Sept. 20, Days Inn, Gaylord. For more details, call your county Farm Bureau office or 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3234. Corn Growers Appoint Keith Muxlow FAMll.Y UEAI:O{ INS\iRANCF. PROPOSAL FARM OWNERS/OPERATORS C.QY~~ Assoc ~CM,.t2.;tl CJ o t~""~1 SIlO CMM1{1l!O o Current Health lnsurance Keith Muxlow of Brown City has been appointed executive director of the Michigan Corn Marketing Committee (MCMC) and the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA). The appointment of Muxlow, who served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1980 until In these tough economic times all business owners are looking for ways to improve their bottom line. / Dec. 31, 1992, was announced by MCMC Now Farm Bureau can help with a new money saving group Health Plan from Blue Cross Blue ~hield~of Michigan. Chairman Dan Putman of Williamston, and ," . " . \. MCGA President Larry Nobis of St. Johns . Th~se new plans are guaranteed is~~~ nO'matter what your health history, locally service9 by nur 69 cou~ty offices and 400 agentss~at~wide, Muxlow's major responsibilities will in- and competitively priced to saVe'farm Qwners and operators' hundreds or even thousands otdollars off their health insurance bilL clude management of the com marketing So, if you're a sole proprietor or if you have one or more employees, you should call Farm Bureau today fo( benefit and rate' information~ program of Michigan, which is authorized I.'" " .... - by P.A. 232, and to oversee the collection . FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION RATE QUOTE - , _~ f"1I". , ...• FILL OUT THE COUPON 'CHI.CAN BUREAU ·" BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. 3239 OR 3240. and use of funds for promotion and research of the Michigan com industry. His office is located in the Farm Bureau Center in Lans- ing. "We're pleased to have this well-recog- Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau nized leader in the agricultural industry Membership Services P.O, Box 30960 working for com growers in this state," said Lansing, MI 48909 Putman. "Keith served as a legislator for 12 Please Print years and was also a successful farmer." Current Health Insurance Muxlow was a dairy farmer for 25 years Name in partnership with his brother on an I, I00 Address Number of Full Time Employees o Sole proprietor acre farm near Brown City on the Sanilac- (1 person group) Lapeer county line. Their 250-cow dairy Phone o 2-4 0 5-9 operation included 700 acres of corn. County o 10-24 0 25 and over During his 12 years in the Michigan Legis- lature, he was recognized by MFB' s Agri- Type of Farm/Business Pac as a "Friend of Agriculture." MFN' Michigan Farm News August 15, 1993 MFB Organizing Hay List for Disaster Area Distribution These bales from McBain, Michigan, were bound for dairy farmers in Dubuque County, Iowa, r--- - - -- - - - -- --- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ located in the Northeast comer of the stats. Nearly 40 farmer-members of the Prosper : Christian Reformed Church in Falmouth donated their time, labor, and equipment to put up : Hay Disaster Listing Form ~~~1~~ro~~~a~p~~~~~~~~0~~~~ff ~NAME: _ someone would put it up, according to State Representative John Gemaat. In addition to the , donated hay, time, and labor, the trucks, trailers and diesel fuel were also donated by local ~ ADDRESS: farmers, businesses and other organizations. Four semi-trailers were loaded the evening of I ----------------------------- Aug. 5, and arrived on schedule in Iowa on Aug. 6 by 10 a.m. for distribution to 17 farmers. ~ CITY: ZIP: _ : PHONE:( __ , BESTTIME TO CALL: _ I : 1st Cutting: 2nd Cutting:, 3rd Cutting: _ : (indicate number of bales available) I : TYPES OF BALES: Big Round or Square Bales _ , : AVG. WEIGHT OF BALES: _ I : TYPE OF HAY: _ : AMOUNT OF HAY TO DONATE: _ : AMOUNT OF HAY TO SELL: PRICE:----- : TRUCKING AVAILABLE? yes/no : Mail to: MFB CARD Div. Hay List : P.O. Box 30960 : Lansing, MI 48909-8460 ,L -----------------~ Due to extreme drought conditions in the southeastern U.S., and flooding in the mid- west, Michigan Farm Bureau is laying the groundwork to accumulate information from Michigan farmers wh~ may have hay for dis- tribution in disaster areas. "Once we begin to recei ve the information from our members, we'll send that informa- tion directly to disaster coordinators in those states that have been hit by drought and Take advantage of Alamols Association FREE UPGRADE • Valid for ONE FREE UPGRADEto next car category. subject to availability at time of rental. floods," said Ken Nye, MFB Commodity Ac- tivities and Research Director. "We've Program with a FREE UPGRADE or a FREE • (In the U.s.) Valid on a compact car or above. excluding premium, luxury and speciality cars. (In the United Kingdom). Valid on self-drive rentals from a group B car category and above. received a number of phone calls from mem- DAY.Association members drive away with a excluding group E car category and above. bers wanting to know how and what they can great deal everyday at Alamo. You can expect • One cenificate per rental. Not valid with any other offers. Must be presented at the Alamo do to help farmers in those disaster areas." counter on arrival. Certificate may only be redeemed for the basic rate of the car rental. Once Although the ultimate amount of need unlimited free mileage on every rental in the redeemed the Cenificate is void. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. • This cenificate and the car rental pursuant to it are subject to Alamo's conditions at won't be known for some time, Nye said it's U.S., U.K. and now Switzerland as well as time of rental. critical that efforts to accumulate this kind of • This cenificate is null and void if altered, revised or duplicated in any Yo-ay. information get underway so that Michigan additional frequent flyer miles with Alaska, • Offer valid through September 30.1993, except 2111-2113193,41!H/I0/93. 5/27-5/30/93. farmers can be of assistance when it's needed. Delta, Hawaiian, United and USAir. Alamo 7/1-714/93 and 7n3-8128/93. Those needs will vary, too. "From what we've been told, farmers in features a fine fleet of General Motors cars For reservations call your Professional Travel Agent or call Alamo's Membership Line at 1-800-354-2322. ReQuest the Midwest will need to take stock of their and all locations are company-owned and I1T77RI Rate Code BY and 10# BY - 223212 situation before they know how much feed L J they'll actually need," explained Nye. "Al- operated to ensure a uniform standard of ~ when making reservations. ~ e.. es though they may be flooded out, adjoining quality: farms do have feed that may be available." I "Many farmers in the southeast, on the other hand, have no feed - period. They're As a member, youlll receive other valuable ONE FREE DAY I faced with either relying on purchased feed • Valid for ONE FREE DAYon any 2 day or longer rental I • (In the U.s.) Valid on a compact car or above, excluding premium, luxury and specialty cars. I from outside the region, donations or selling coupons throughout the year that will save (In the United Kingdom). Valid on self-drive rentals from a group B car category and above, their livestock," he said. you money on each rental. You can count on excluding group E car category and above. I One Michigan farmer's generosity to help • One cenificate per rental. Not valid with any other offers. Must be presented at the Alamo I Midwest farmers has mushroomed into a con- a great deal with Alamo. For member counter on arrival. Cenificate may only be redeemed for the basic rate of the car rental. Once I redeemed the Cenificate is void. A H-hour advance reservation is required. siderable multi-state effort to deliver nearly reservations call your Professional Travel • This cmificate and the car rental pursuant to it are subject to Alamo's conditions at I 4,000 bales of hay , and nearly nine tons of feed from Michigan and Indiana farmers. Cass Agent or Alamo's Membership line time of rental. I • This cenificate is null and void if altered, revised or duplicated in any way. J County Farm Bureau member, Rob Fretz, has at 1-800-354-2322. • Offen-alid through September 30,1993. except 2111-2113193.418-4/10/93. 5/27-5130/93. been organizing efforts to ship hay to South 7/1-714/93 and 7n3-8128/93. I Carolina. "According to ag agents in South I For reservations call your Professional Travel Agent or call Carolina, it's just like a dessert - there's no pasture, no forage, no crops," he said. Alamo's Membership Line at 1-800-354-2322. Request :.~'. II ~ Rate Code BY and 10# -.!!..Y - 223212 _ ~4'" • Ironically, South Carolina farmers were ~ when making reservations. es I responsible for organizing fund raisers and L - - - ere -~ -e... _.Jl hay shipments to Michigan in the Greenville area in 1988. Those efforts generated roughly $28,000 to aid Michigan farmers in addition to several loads of hay. "We definitely owe those farmers in the Southeast in their time of need - this is farmers helping farmers," said Fretz. "We've really been blessed this year and if guys would stop and think and give a helping hand by donating just 50 or 100 bales of hay, it sure would help those guys out down there." Readers with hay available either for sale or donation, should fill out the coupon on the upper right of this page, and mail it back to: MFB CARD Div. Hay List, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460 .. Information required to list your hay IS name, address, phone number, quantity of hales or tons, type of bale (round or squa~e), type of hay (alfalfa, alfalfa mixed. etc.). whIch cutting (I st, 2nd, 3rd), weight of bale, hay test results (if tested), the best time of day to be reached, and. most importantly. if hay is to be donated or sold. If you want to do both. indi- cate the quantity in each category. According to Nye. once the lists a~e dis- tributed, individuals will be contacted dIrectly by either disaster coordinators and/or farmers in those areas. Transportation arrangem.ents will have to be made on an individual baSIS. If you need additional information, call Nye at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2020. Michigan Farm News 1993 Ag Expo Extra! _ JIIf~ August15,1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - .4.t•. NEW AND USED irrigation and manure spreading equip- ment. Pumps, travelers, 11«1111_1 FREE CATALOG: sale Veterinary Whole- Supplies. Vaccines, wormers, supple- lid.l PEACHES for canning, freez- ing, fresh eating or resale. Pick your own or fresh picked daily. Extra 5% discount to ... 150 & 12O-GAL gas tanks for pickup: woodbumer, heater, water softner, 1978 water --'_1 -- DAVIDSON needed. Wider, CEMENT GROOVING, INC. NO water rougher grooves for better traction. STRA W CHOPPERS: rebuild and balance. Some exchanges. We stock chop- per parts. ENGINE We agitators PVC and aluminum White Road Commander, 400 ments, medications, insecti- M.J=".B members. Call 1-800-365-3361 REBUILDING our specialty. pIpe. Call for listing. We Cummins, small eam, twin- cides, disinfectants, syringes, Sunrise Farms Auto- Truck- Tractor-Antique- deliverl Plummer SUpply, screw, 10-speed transmis- needles, buckets, pails, Continen tal-Koh Ie r-Onan- .,ilt. Inc. 1-800-632-7731. Benton Harbor, MI sion. 517-278-6031. D A VI D SON H00F mastitis treatments, implants, Call 1-616-944-1457 Wisconsin engine dealer. mIMMING, INC: 7 crews will NEW WIDE FRONTS for JD pour ons, eartags, rainwear, BINS, DRYERS, legs, air Harts Auto Parts travel in Michigan and to other 2510 through 40.20 tractors, gloves. Much morel K.V. Vet systems. Heinrich Grain Cecil, Ohio states for your hoof trimming $1540. 517-523-2803. Sl!Pply, Box 245, David City, Systems, Webberville, MI 419-399-4777 needs. Est since 1982. Call NE 58632. 1-402-367-6047. 48892. Call 1-517-468-3442. RB DRYER WAGON. L.P. 1-800-365-3361. burner, 200 bushel capacity CHORE BOY MILKING THE FENCER'S HELPER FREE FARM SUPPLY HERFORD FEEDER STEER SYSTEMS Starline equip- ROBINSON EQUIPMENT: Hardware Store. Wire, tools, with hois~ 12 ton gear. Excer- CATALOG: Flush Trays, for sale, 400-500 Ibs. Call ment. McBride, Produce, M-46/M-91, Lakeview. Your accessories, electrical lent condition, delivery avail- able. Call after 7pm. Price Nursery Pens, Farrowing 517-291-3939 after 6pm. McBride, MI 48852, Phone authorized sales, parts and products, insulators. Over $6500. Call 1-906-883-3525. Stalls, Uve-stOCK Equipment, days 517-762-5370. service for Massey Ferguson, 100 products, all at wholesale Farm and Ranch Supplies. HOLSTEIN SERVICE AGE Claas, Kubota, Troy-BiIt, prices. For a free catalog, call Retley, Box 261, Department bulls, $800.-$900. Call PRESSURE TREATED Bolens, Land Pride, Woods, 1-800-851-3382. ................................. .......... .................................. , "---,--",,,.- .. 119, Colchester, IL 62326 . 517.044-3519. fence posts, hi-tensile fence Top Air. 1-517-352-7206 . " 11(114111111 supplies . .Nevil Supply: LIVESTOCK TRAILERS: 517-386-3517 or JOHN DEERE 6 row stalk Heavy duty, bumpers and 517-386-2382. SEPTEMBER 17-19 SHOW JOHN DEERE 350B Dozer goosenecks. Call for quota- Farmers Antique Tractor & with 6 way blade. New ch opper, model #27. John tion. Nobody sells for Iessl FOR SALE: New, several Engine Association, 7600 engine, transmission, steer- 4-STAR horse and stock Deere 16A flail chof?per. Both D.R. Sales, 9461 Talladay, 800-1000-1250-1500-2000 Forrister Road, Adrian, MI ing clutches and reverser. trailers, all aluminum, 5 year in excellent condItIon. Call Willis. 1-313-461-1414. and 3000 bulk milk tanks 49221. Call 1-517-436-3529. Excellent condition. Reacjy to warranty. Gary Robb. 517-644-3519. complete, special price, will Show, Rea Market. Public 313-752-7337, Romeo, MI. QUALITY ANGUS BREED- work. $12,500. Call trade. 1-800-558-0112. welcomel 517-694-0460. Buy 2 Issues r--------------------------,ING STOCK Performance II II Collie ~r~~~~~.se~:, :::r Stock Dogs. Call today. I BORDNER ANGUS FARMS I Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. of I REGISTERED POLLED I Herfords. Breeding age bulls, I heifers and bred heifers. MSU I eerformance tested. Rye, 1-517-734-3005. Robert To be a winne~ you have to work hard! Michigan Farm News : YORKSHIRE and Hampshire Boars and open Gilts. Also, I F-1 York-Hamps American I and English Yorks. Test data Performance is important to me ... that's why fllse LlFELlNpM wood finishes throllghollt my Home! Get the Third Issue I on Boars. Dale Earnhardt I Marvin R. Cook, Mulliken, MI. I 1-517-649-8988. PERMA-CHINK@ SYSTEMS 11__ LIFELINE 1M stains are working FREE! Deadline for the next issue is August 23, 1993 BIRD SERVICES. FERTILIZER 1100 N Irvin~, Greenville. Fertilizer, chemI- cals, seed, lime, feed. Soil testing, truck .spreading and custom spraying. Call hard each day to maintain the beauty and protection of your log home. 616-754-3684. Timeless Wood ELIZABETH SUE'S :mI Call 1-800-968-3129 • COUNTRY SHOP & FEED Care Products to Place Your Classified Ad Today! Vitaplus Feed, Triumph Feed, 716 Nims Street I antiques, country gifts, quilts. or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Monday-Saturday, 8-5pm. Muskegon, MI 49442 Michigan Farm News I 322 Walnut Street, Stanton, I MI. Call 1-517-831-5024. 1-800-524-3040 Buy Line/Daily News I EXPERIENCED Michigan PO. Box 6 I agribusiness attorneys with Stanton, MI48888 I farm backgrounds. Know- I ledge and experience in all Classified Ad Codes I farri1 areas; restructure, stray 9. Real Estate voltage, bankruptcy, estate i. Farm Machinery 5. Help/Position Wanted I planning. EAST SIDE: 10. Seeds 2. livestock Equipment 6. Agricultural Services Thomas J. Budzynski, 43n7 11. Wanted to Buy 3. Farm Commodities 7. Auctions Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. 12. General 4. livestock 8. Building Materials Clemens, MI 48036, 13. Ponies/Horses 313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. Phone ( Sheridan, Fremont, MI Name 49412, 616-924-3760. Address FARMERS ELEVATOR City State __ Zip Company, Lakeview. Grain seeds, beans, pet supp'lies, Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues bagged and bulk fertilizer, ortho products. Laredo and Desired Insertion Date(s): Wrangler boots, Tingle}' work rubbers. Leanin' Tree Greet- Method of Payment ing Cards. 1-517-352-7261 Now you can save up to 50% on most Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) popular brand name vitamins and Visa Card Number Master Card Number Classified Rates Exp. Date Exp. Date A\IIII FOR RENT, DAIRY FARM near Byron Center, MI. 186 prescription drugs. Plus, we offer the leading brands of ostomy $8 for up to 24 words acres, 85 acres hay, 55 com, and diabetic su pplies! 128 head tie-stan with I~e 30 cents each additional word attached free stall barn. Milk Write your ad here, including phone number and area code tank and equipment in good condition. Manure pit, large CaD TOLIrFREE for your FREE I tool shed and beautiful house. 5 2 6 7 14 8 Call 1-616-896-9827 days or 1-616-896-8910 evenings. Prescription Drug or 9 11 12 PLAY GROUND: 220 acres. About 166 acres excellent Medical Supply catalog wooded deer hunting, about 1-808-228-3.3 13 14 15 16 20 acres excellent fishing 18 19 20 water, nearly ~ mile trout 17 stream. Four bedroom 23 24 modem house, two steel 21 22 sheds. Termsl 25 26 27 28 1-616-743-6380. ~ H EAR T LAN D FElfirDRUG 29 30 31 32 WANTED TO BUY: Used ~ PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES bulk milk tanks, 500 and 33 34 35 36 larger. 1-800-558-0112. 5023 Grover Street .:. Omaha, NE 68106 L: -----------~ Michigan Farm News ~ ~eptember Discussion Topic - "National Ag Policy" -. August 15, 1993 Congress is expected to begin writing the be targeted for further reductions. This is reduction, environmental improvement, 1995 Farm Bill late next year or in 1995. the result of the declining impact of rural development and consumer protec- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: The politics of agriculture, however, have farmers, increased concentration in agricul- tion will result in increased scrutiny of changed dramatically since the last Farm ture - which conflicts with the image of many commodity programs, in an attempt 1. Do your group members participate Bill was written. The focus of lawmakers family farming that consumers would like to make them more politically palatable. in farm programs? Yes __ No__ who work on the 1995 farm legislation will to preserve - and programs that appear to Maintaining the status quo will be increas- Why? reflect those changes. reward politically unpopular activities such ingly difficult. as idling acreage. 2. How can farm programs be restruc- The predominant concerns that will come In developing new parameters for agricul- .tured to be less vulnerable to budgetary into play include increasing pressure to Farm Bureau's role in promoting particular tural programs, alternatives must be reductions and not compromise their reduce the federal deficit, more environ- alternative program options must be thoroughly explored. Farm Bureau can policy objectives for the next farm bill? mental orientation, more consumer respon- weighed in light of the prevailing political only respond to these challenges if there is siveness, more willingness to challenge the environment. Agricultural interests alone, an honest evaluation of political strengths 3. What affect does farm program sub- justification of outmoded programs and even if totally united, cannot command a and vulnerabilities. If we are to win on the sidies have, long-term, on market more careful consideration of economic and majority in the House or the Senate. Other key issues in the farm bill debate, we must prices to farmers? social consequences resulting from expen- interests must join together to generate a view agricultural programs and farm bill ditures of scarce federal budget dollars on working majority to pass a farm bill or other issues as they are, not as we wish they were. 4. What changes should be made in the agriculture. legislation important to agriculture. Allian- 1995 Farm Bill? ces with other sectors of the economy will Agriculture must capitalize on its ad- Farm program spending is a popular target be essential if agriculture is to prevail on vantages and develop proposals that are 5. How can current farm program sub- and could become one of the casualties of such issues. politically practical in order to preserve a sidies and income supports be the fight to cut the federal deficit, despite meaningful form of support and stability defended and justified to a growing the fact that farm program spending ac- Efforts to preserve agricultural price and for basic agricultural commodities. non-farm public? counts for less than one percent of the total income support programs will continue to federal budget. Robert Young, co-director be pressured by efforts to cut spending by (This article based on information provided 6. What form of commodity price sup- of the Food and Agricultural Policy Institute even greater levels than those under con- by Rob Nooter, AFBF director of port or income stablization is most atthe University of Missouri, said one more sideration today. It will be very difficult to governmental relations, and by the Iowa defensible, sustainable and market deficit reduction bill and "we've squeezed promote aggressi ve new programs for Farm Bureau) oriented? out any advantage of farm program par- agriculture. The influences of budget ticipation, especially among com and wheat producers. " Farm program spending cuts in recent years have been the largest in anyone program area, except for defense spending. Farm program expenditures now account for just under 20 percent of the USDA's nearly $70 billion budget. More than 50 percent of ~RRIED USDA's budget is spent on domestic nutri- tion programs. It is clear that the environmental agenda will FACFS also continue to pose challenges for farm programs. Agriculture's political strength has been diminished, while that of the en- vironmental and consumer-oriented or- OF OUR ganizations has been strengthened due to population changes and congressional redistricting. INSUREDS. Politically, when budget cuts are proposed, agricultural programs are among the first to Worry? Not them. And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a Outstanding Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? Young Ag Leader Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care.l Applications Due With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how Sept. 1 devastating this can be. Young Farmers intent on competing in the But it doesn't have to be this way. Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer's Outstanding Young Ag Leader contest must be recognized as their county's winner and With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an the make application to the state level on or American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term before Sept. 1, 1993, according to MFB care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 Young Farmer Chairman Kurt Inman. "Hard work, intelligent planning and the Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for development ofleadership skills lead to suc- more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the cess in the agricultural industry, which should be recognized," said Inman. "Recog- options available to you. nizing these successful young farmers not Representing: only pays tribute to the individual, it also emphasizes the need for highly efficient AM EX Life Assurance Company farm leaders if agriculture is to satisfy the future demands." a SubSidiary of II TRAVEL RElATED Four finalist will be selected from all of the @ SERVICES county winners submitting applications. Those four finalists will then be interviewed I. Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 by a panel of judges during the MFB annual 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 13, 1990 3. Independent analysts of the insurance industry who hase their analysis on financial strength and meeting, where a state winner will be deter- operating performance. mined. TO RECEIVE ADDmONAL INFORMATION AND AN AIIEX BROCHURE/APPUCAnoN - FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW The state winner in the Outstanding Young Ag Leader Contest will receive an expense OR CALL DIRECT 1-8C»-2t2-2680, EXT. - 3231,. paid trip for themselves and their spouse to Please Print the AFBF annual meeting held in Ft. ~ .. ItI'CH'CAN Lauderdale, Florida. Great Lakes Hybrids .. ~ FARItl BUREAU Name will also award the state winner $ 1,000 worth of products. Blue Cross Blue Shield Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Addr will also award all four finalists an MFB Membership Services Carhart jacket. P.O. Box 30960 Ci State ZIP Lansing, MI 48909 For more information, contact your local Ph n county Farm Bureau office, or call MFB at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3234. Coun Michigan Farm News August 15,1993 1m Grain Bin Inspections Farmers with on-farm grain storage - A Word to the Wise problems as well. Attempts were made to unload the bin from the bottom, and vacuuming wheat from the top which caused the buckling to worsen. Workers finally cut a series of Case-IH, Great Lakes Hybrids, facilities may want to conduct a close in- spection of their grain bins before refilling 14 holes around the bin to relieve the pressure and get the level of wheat below the buckling point so that it could be unloaded normally. Dodge Truck, them with the 1993 crop. This 40,000 Sponsoring bushel bin, owned by Mueller Bean Co. in Sunfield, Mich., was full of wheat when it Distinguished started to buckle. It was caught in time by an employee before going all the way down. Young Farmer Although not sure what caused the bin to Contest buckle, Mueller Safety Director and Com- pany Chairman, Vern Mueller, said they Michigan young farmers have an oppor- suspect the stiffeners located inside the bin tunity to once again compete for 80 hours may have gotten out of alignment. free use of a Case-IH tractor, receive $1 ,000 worth of Great Lakes Hybrid product, a "At this point, it's just a guess, because we $500 cash award from Dodge Truck, and an haven't had a chance to get inside and in- all expense paid trip to the AFBF annual spect it yet," said Mueller. "Farmers should meeting in Ft. Lauderdale to compete na- check their own bins and make sure their tionally in the Distinguished Young Farmer stiffeners are aligned, and that the splice contest. plate hasn't become lose. The stiffeners are what transpose the weight from the top to Contestants must first receive the Distin- the bottom of the bin. If they're not aligned guished Young Farmer award at the county properly, the load will shift and break the level before submitting application to the chain of support, causing a problem." state contest by the Sept. 1, 1993 deadline, according to MFB Young Farmer Chair- Mueller added that the splice plates used on man Kurt Inman. some stiffeners are not the same thickness as the stiffeners themselves, causing "The award is based on the individual's ability to be successful at the profession of farming and demonstrated leadership par- " ticipation," explained Inman. "Heavy em- , . phasis is placed on farm management ability and how much progress has been TAKE'THE'.BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS made since the individual started farming. It's important to realize that the individual's progress, rather than total net worth is the determining factor." It's also important for applicants to realize that all confidential information is treated just that way, Inman pointed out. Only the three preliminary judges used to select the four finalists have access to the business information, and the application's name sheets have been previously removed and designated by a code for complete impar- tiality and confidentiality Once the four finalists have been selected, they'll be interviewed by another panel of judges at the MFB annual meeting where a state winner will be determined and an- nounced. For more information, contact your local county Farm Bureau office, or call the MFB Young Farmer Department at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3234. Erdman-May MFB Volunteer of the Month . ; " Member dental insurance is the affordable way !o a.ssurethat you and your family receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! ,. Single $18 per month • Couple $32 per month Michael D. Erdman of Stephenson in Member/Child $32 per month • Family $41 per month Menominee County, was awarded the MFB Volunteer of the Month for May, after being .. ItI'CII'GAN' . nominated by his county Farm Bureau . • ... ~ARItl BIJREIIIJ Erdman, who is the Agricultural Extension Agent for Menominee County, was recognized TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW for his efforts in conducting "Ag in the Class- OR CALL DIRECT '-800-292-2680 EXT- 323& room" classes for 17 fourth grade classes, I reaching a total of 370 children. Please Print Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name "Mike's engaging personality and enthusiasm Membership Services for agriculture has been a positive influence on P.O. Box 30960 Address our future citizens," said Jeanne Foster, Lansing, MI 48909 Menominee County Promotion and Education City State ZIP Chairperson. "He has also vigorously advo- cated wildlife crop damage control in this coun- Phone ty. His farm surveys have lent credibility to claims of high deer populations destroying County farm crops. Wesalute Mike for his cooperative spirit!"