Michigan Farm News '- 111.1 One Man's Waste is Another Man's Treasure October 30,1993 Vol. 70, No.18 In This Issue ... Want to reduce your liming costs by a School Reform Package: third and fill your nitrogen and phosphorus At last count, 70 bills were being requirements at no cost? Every year in debated in Lansing. Many issues Michigan, cities and municipalities have a still unclear page 3 dilemma - what to do with sewage sludge Weather: and the leftovers from water treatment plants? 30-day outlook cooler than nor- ma/ but expect average rainfall. Thanks to Great Lakes Enviroland, based in 90-day not so good page 4 Lansing, over 100 Michigan cities are EPA Employer Manual on delivering resources that farmers can use, Worker Protection Available: according to Bill Goetsch of Enviroland. The company does nothing but recycle non- Learn how you can get the EPA hazardous byproducts. manual on "Worker Protection Standards for Agricultural Pes- For the past eight years, the company has ticides - How to Comply - What been marketing the residual limes from Employers Need to Know" .. page 5 water treatment facilities, covering nearly Market Outlook: 20,000 acres on an annual basis. "One of the things they're taking.-out of the water is Your pricing decisions hinge on calcium, and what they end up making whether or not you have access through that process is calcium carbonate," to on-farm storage, says MSU's explained Goetsch. "It's an excellent liming Jim Hilker page 6 material for farmers that are in close Negotiating Dairy Building proximity to the treatment facility, and the Lease Arrangements: product costs 30 to 50 percent less than Enviroland workers load a spreader with liquid lime from one of their transports. conventional sources." Tips you can use from MSU's Ag product. The company transports the lime I The company also applies municipal waste Economics Department .... page 7 The lime product has other advantages over material directly to the farm where it's from sewage treatment facilities, known as National Dairy Referendum other sources, since the product can be ap- loaded onto a high flotation spreader and . plied as either a liquid or a semi-solid cake applied immediately by the company. Continued page 16 Approved: National Dairy Promotion Program approved by a 71 percent approval rating page 9 Buyer Beware - MDA List Being Misrepresented Newaygo County dairyman, John Vander Vander Meulen thought that he was being mation on the insurance program or the Producer Comments on Meulen was working around the farm yard interviewed by an MDA official of some salesman. NAFTA: when he was paid a visit by a man, who sort, until the premium and his milk check Hear from four Michigan farmers flashed a list of names, including Vander question came up. "The whole thing was very misleading, about why they believe agricul- Meulen's, on some official-looking until you pinned the guy down to get the tu re needs NAFT A page 10 Michigan Department of Agriculture let- "That's when I asked the guy ifhe was with correct information," Vander Meulen said. terhead, wanting to "talk to farmers about MDA and he said no," Vander Meulen said. "I had the distinct impression by the way the MUSTFA Reforms Near cancer." Before he knew what was happen- "Then I asked him if he was with ~/[ichigan guy acted, and the list of names that he kept Completion: ing, Vander Meulen was being told that his Milk Producers Association and again he in front of me, that he was with MDA." Legislation makes needed cancer insurance policy premium could be said no. Well then you're an insurance changes to Michigan's Under- deducted directly from his milk check. salesman and the guy said, well yeah." According to MDA's Director of Dairy ground Storage Tank Financial Products Division, Bill McCarthy, the Assurance program page 11 "He held this paper with a list of names on After Vander Meulen pinned the insurance department has already taken steps to it, where it was plainly obvious that it was salesman down, the salesman attempted to eliminate future incidence of misuse and Public Water Supply Annual from MDA," explained Vander Meulen. reschedule another appointment to talk misunderstanding, by removing the MDA' s Fees Questionable: "This guy said 'I'm setting up appoint- more about cancer insurance. Vander letterhead from the top of producer lists. Recent legislation has resulted in ments with farmers to talk about cancer,' Meulen declined his request and asked him several farmers receiving bills for and this guy just started rattling stuff off." to leave. Then he placed a call to MDA and Continued page 5 water fees. However, several MMPA to find out if there was any infor- "MDA List Misrepresented" questions exist on whether they're legitimate page 13 Denis Netzley, former Gratiot County Farm Bureau president, puts the finish- ing touches to his 1993 dry bean har- vest of 480 acres. These cranberry beans averaged 15 bags per acre. Ac- cording to Netzley, his bean harvest was excellent this year with above average yields. Statewide, the Michigan Bean Com- mission reports that yields have averaged 16 bags per acre on the 40 percent harvested as of presstime. They do expect yields to drop off as harvest has been delayed with some untimely rains. Cranberries in particular are taking a beating from the adverse weather, according to the commission. ffi Elsewhere, Ontario- is basically in the g same position as Michigan in regard to harvest and navy bean production es- timates. North Dakota's production, meanwhile, has suffered due to heavy summer losses, and late plantings. Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 . Michigan Farm News •• October 30, 1993 MFB State In Brief ... Annual-A USDA Eases New Meat Labeling Requirements Chance for The USDA has partially extended, until April 15, the requirement for new safe-handling labels on uncooked meat products that originally had to be in place by Oct. 15. Agriculture to Wholesale grocers and food distributors had complained the Oct. 15 deadline did not allow enouoh time to install the new labels, which now will be needed only on chopped and ground Shine in Detroit meatl:>products.The six-month delay drew immediate protest from Je~emy Rifkin's Beyond Beef Campaign, which threatened court action to seek tougher labelmg rules. This year, our Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting will be held for the first time ever NAFTA Approval Could be for Thanksgiving in Detroit. In 74 years of holding state annual meetings, we've never been to the state's largest metropolis. Congressional leaders say they want to have a vote on the North American. Free Trade Aoreement before adjourning for Thanksgiving, which they now plan for sometime on Nov. But Farm Bureau members are certainly not strangers to the Motor City. County Farm Bureau presidents have participated in two Presidents Conferences at the Detroit 22 House Speaker Thomas Foley and Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell say that is their target date for adjournment, and the NAFT A vote will be done before they leave, Westin, the site of our annual. There is also a significant amount of agriculture in according to a Knight-Ridder News report. southeast Michigan, especially horticultural crops. "I don't see that it serves much purpose" to let the fate of NAFTA linger into December, Ask any of our Farm Bureau leaders who have been to Detroit, and he or she will tell Foley said. The agreement must have approval of legislators in all three countries, if it is you that meeting in our biggest city is a terrific opportunity to dispel some misconcep- to become law by Jan. ], ]994, as proposed. tions about modern agriculture. By our words and actions, we can show city people that farmers today are modern, professional business people. Meanwhile, three former occupants of the White House are heading a group of prominent citizens, business leaders and academic leaders to support the North American Free Trade One of the major ways we'll be interacting with consumers at the annual meeting is Agreement. "We believe that NAFT A represents a significant and positive step forward for through the state Promotion and Education Committee's "Showcase of Agriculture." the United States, for our relations with our neighbors and for the world," former presidents This series of displays, food booths and animal exhibits will be a wonderful occasion George Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford said in a recently released statement. for Renaissance Center employees and visitors to get the facts about today's farmers. They added that NAFT A will defend environ~ental standards and,. with a~ adjus~me!1t As part of their preparation for the Showcase, the state Promotion and Education assistance and educational training package bemg developed by PreSident ClInton, It WIll Committee recently met and "brainstormed" a series of responses to questions or help those who might be hurt by increased competition. statments we as farmers are likely to get from people in Detroit. Here are a few examples: Apple Law Suit Dismissal to be Appealed Consumer: "All that equipme1?fI see in the fields looks very expensive. Farmers must In a press release issued Oct ]5, the Alar Class Action Committee announced its decision be millionaires to afford that!" Farm Bureau member: "Equipment and land are to appeal the Sept. ]3 court order dismissing the apple growers' lawsuit against CBS for its expensive, but these are the tools that we use to make a living. Farmers are like any report on "60 Minutes." other group of self-employed business people and have a wide range of incomes." A U.S. District Judge dismissed the lawsuit last month saying the apple growers had failed Consumer: "I've heard a lot about animal welfare. 00 farmers care about their to prove that CBS's February 1989 report was false. The suit had been brought by 20 animals?" Farm Bureau member: "We care for the health and well-being of our growers charging that the broadcast released false information. animals because they represent our livelihood. But farm animals aren't pets or people." J. Jarrette Sandlin, a Yakima, Wash., attorney who represents the growers, says they have Consumer: "Why don't I see more minorities in agriculture?" Farm Bureau member: reason to believe the court made serious errors in arriving at the decision to dismiss the suit "We welcome minority involvement in agriculture and natural resources. As a..matter and will, therefore, appeal the ruling. The growers' committee says it has already spent over of fact we invited Detroit middle school students to tour the Showcase of Agnculture $700,000 on the case and will need more funds to continue. this w~ek to let them know more about the career opportunities in our diverse industry. " I encourage all of you planning to atte.nd the annual to ta~e seriously your respon- Job Killing Minimum Wage Hike Proposed sibilities as good-will ambassadors. Thmk about how you might respond to questions A radical increase in the minimum wage from the current $4.25 an hour to $6.50 has been about agriculture. Remember, this is our opportunity to enhan~e a pc:sitive in:age ~bout proposed by Rep. Martin Sabo (D-Minn.), who said the paltry 50 cents per hour ra.ise farmers and the agricultural industry. And don't forget that we II be m Detroit not Just to proposed by the Clinton administration is n~t nearly. enough. L~bo~ Secretary Robert Reich talk, but to listen as well. Seek out opportunities to find out more about the consumers says the 50 cent increase could be accomplIshed WIthout costmg Jobs. we serve. Visit with people and draw out their opinions, ideas and concerns. "If someone is working full time, they shouldn't have to depend on public support for basic I look forward to seeing many of you at ou nnual mee!j9' Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 1993, at Q J~ food and housing," Sabo said. Apparently, he didn't consider how many more workers the Detroit Westin . 9 .- _ mUrie, President . MichiKan Farm Bureau would have to be on unemployment compensation ifhisjob-killing proposal were enacted. Farmers are Like Everyone on Health Care Views U.S. Subsidized Wheat Sales Rose in 1993 A survey of farm owners and operators found them to be about like other segments of the population in their views on health care services and costs, according to the daily Sparks Subsidized sales of U.S. wheat in fiscal 1993, which ended Sept. 30, totaled 21.6 million Companies Report. Among results of the survey, 30 percent of the respondents would pay metric tons, up more than ].8 million from the previous year. It was the se~ond h!ghest more taxes to help finance health care for all Americans, but two-thirds don't think the figure in the nine-year history of the export enhancement program, USDA saId. government should require employers to pay for health care for all employees. The record for subsidized sales of wheat was 26.6 million tons in 1988, which occurred About 2 percent think the government can do the best job on health care, while one out of because of poor world production. The very next year sales ~ropped to 16 million tons, three think the private sector alone can do it better. A top priority with respondents was an illustrating the variability of exports from year-to-year, accordmg to the USDA report. IRA-type health care account from which individuals can set money aside for medical costs. Most also would trade lower premiums for higher out-of-pocket costs. The USDA spent a total of $967.3 million on export subsidi~s .in fiscal 1?93, about the same as the previous year, but lower than the record of $1.012 bIllIon spent m 1988. USDA Takes Close Look at Chemical Use The USDA is prepa,ring to survey some 8,000 of the nation's fruit growers to learn how Corn Crop Estimate Down Sharply they use fertilizers and pesticides. USDA Statistician, Sam Rives, says the survey is the second of its kind and is crucial to the department's pesticide data program. An earlier The USDA's October crop forecast pegged Last year, farmers brought in 2.2 billion survey concluded that more and better data is needed before reasonable programs to reduce the 1993 corn crop at under 7 billion bushels of soybeans. pesticide use can be soundly developed. bushels, its lowest level since the 1988 drought. The 6.93 billion bushel forecast Analysts predicted the new figures would Rives said the improved data base will help the department in such areas as food safety, was down 4 percent from the September be positive for corn and soybean prices, but environmental quality and pesticide regulation. estimate and 27 percent lower than the 9.47 experts say prices will probably pick up billion bushel record harvest in 1992. gradually as demand begins to reflect the The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, shorter crop expectations. December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm The big reduction in the corn harvest es- Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm timate takes into account approximately The October estimate reflects the floods in News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and 800,000 acres of corn that was in such bad the Midwest and the drought in the additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan shape, farmers plowed it under to take ad- Southeast, but it does not take into account Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan vantage. of an extended enrollment in the damage from early frost and other weather- Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. 0/92 program, according to a Wall Street related quality problems yet to be dis- Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Journal report. The sign-up period was ex- covered. Wilber; Henry Huisjen. tended because so much land was either Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck unplanted or lost to disaster. USDA offi- The new government crop figures suggest Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1', cials, however, could not give total enroll- an end-of-year carryout for the 1993-94 Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom ment figures. crop year of just over a billion bushels of Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; com and around 200 million of soybeans. District 8, ~ic.hard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kart~s, West These tight supplies will cause upward Branch; Dlstnct 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye The soybean crop dropped much less Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, sharply, to 1.89 billion bushels, compared movement in prices if export demand holds Kurt Inman, Sturgis. to the September forecast of 1.9] billion. up, analysts said. Michigan Farm News ITOL 1111 October 30, 1993 o o :D Z m :D Power Line Height MFB POSITION S.B. 664, sponsored by Sen. George McManus (R- MFB is currently seeking Traverse City). would lower the current power line mini- amendments to address mum height of 22 feet to 18 feet. The National Electrical several concerns. Code only requires an 18 foot height. but current Michigan law requires 22 feet. MFBCONTACT Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 With the height of farm equipment ranging up to ap- proximately 18 feet. it was determined that the bill had the potential for creating major conflicts with the movement of farm equipment. Further complicating the issue is the fact that other lines (i.e., telephone. cable TV) are often attached to electrical utility poles below the existing power supply lines. Amend- ments are being prepared to address the agricultural con- cerns which would allow impler~ents of husbandry to operate in the area or below th<.'power lines.This bill is cur- rently in the Senate Committee on Technology & Energy. Avian Composting H.B. 4755, sponsored by Rep. Robert Bender (R - Mid- MFB POSITION 1 dleville), would legalize the composting of dead poultry by Farm B urea u su pports utilizing manure and technology. Language was added to H.B.4755 the bill clarifying that anyone currently composting poultry under the direction of the Michigan Department of MFBCONTACT Agriculture and Michigan State University could continue Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 with that activity until rules were promulgated. New facilities could begin composting with the approval of the department, providing that they followed the guidlines from Michigan State University. This bill has passed the House and has been reponed out of the Senate Ag Commit- tee, and will be before the full Senate soon. The governor's plan embraces three major high school requirements by the end of 11th concepts which are to empower children. grade, he/she can use the senior year money . empower familie~, and empower teachers. to offset the cost of tuition at a technical school or university.) . A.Empower Kids. Ih terms of public policy. tHis means the 5. Report Card. (A building by building following: report card that evaluates school perfor- I. Achieve National Education Goals; mance with information such as test scores. 2. Double funding of early childhood staff-to-pupil ratios. salary levels, etc.) . education; 3. World-class core curriculum; C. Empower Teachers 4. Endorsed diplomas to indicate those sub- Gov. Engler proposes to allow teachers to jects in which a student has achieved start their own charter schools and em- mastery; power them to maintain order and dis- 5. Michigan Education Warranty. cipline in their classroom. No public school teacher will be compelled to be in the union B. Empower Families to teach in the classroom. 1. Choice. (The local school district will no longer have the right to compel children to The governor's plan for school finance attend only those schools in the district. reform would be paid for by: However, no school district will be required - A .5 percent increase in the Single Busi- to admit students who live outside its boun- ness Tax; daries.) - A 4 percent real estate transfer tax; - A 16 mill statewide non-homeowner , No-Fault Automobile Insurance Reform 2. Charter Public Schools. (A charter property tax; school is a public school which is organized - A 2 percent sales tax increase which voters • MFB POSITION H.B. 4156, which reforms Michigan's automobile in- will be asked to approve in a special elec- by parents, teachers. a university, a com- MFB supports this new surance law. has been signed by Gov. Engler for quite munity college, or any non-profit organiza- tion early next year: . law which would reduce some time now. Sin"ce the bill was not granted immediate tion and staffed by certificated teachers. - An increase in cigarette and other tobacco auto insurance premiums effect, changes won't be made until April 1994. leaving The academic goals and operating proce- taxes. by limiting lawsuits, al- consumers without rate relief until Aug. 1994. dures of a charter school would be spelled lowing purchasers Status: Legislation to implement the coverage choice and con- Even though a petition to reverse the no-fault reforms has out in the "charter." A charter may be trolling medical costs. not yet been filed, the Michigan Trial Lawyers have stated granted by any public body such as the State governor's plan is expected to be intro- that they will proceed with a referendum to reverse the new Board of Education, a local board ofeduca- duced soon. The Senate has appointed a law. If this petition drive is successful. the law would be tion. a city council. a county executive. or a Select Committee on Educlltion RefOnll MFBCONTACT and a Select Committee on Education delayed until after this issue is voted on in the Nov. 1994 department of state government.) Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 Finance to consider the plan. The House election. 3. Foundation Grant. (Each child will be Education and House Taxation commillees given a minimum foundation grant of have scheduled seveml meetings. They in- $4.500 that follows the child to the school tend to begin voting on the bills by the end Privatize Work Comp State Accident Fund they choose to attend.) of October. \ MFB POSITION A package of senate bills, sponsored by Sen. Paul Wartner 4. Student Education Bank Account. MFB POSITION: M FB supports the con- MFB supported privatiza- (R-Portage), to privatize Michigan's Work Comp State Ac- (Each fall parents will see the total state cepts of Gov. Engler's plun on education tion of the state-run in- cident Fund are on their way to the governor's desk. The education dollars being spent on their reform. Farm Bureau will review each bill surer. bills would allow the State Accident Fund to be transferred children. If a parent chooses a school that as introduced for its impact on agriculture to private ownership and cease state operation. The bills costs less than the minimum foundation and Farm Bureau members. MFBCONTACT will become effective on April I, 1994. grant, they can "bank" the difference and Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 Many Democrats opposed the move toward privatization, apply that money to tutoring or summer MFB CONTACT: Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 stating that private market ownership would result in in- schooling. If a high school student finishes creased insurance costs. Some have asked for an investiga- tion of the governor's actions in this effort. Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 Michigan Farm News October 30, 1993 3D-Day and 90-Day Forecast - Cooler and WetterThan Normal A troughing pattern over the Great Lakes region persisted during much of early Oc- $--1 tober, causing temperatures well below normal. Since mid-September, mean temperatures generally to continue averaged 9/15/93 to 10/15/93 Alpena Temperature Observed Dev. From Mean 47.2 Normal - 5.3 Precipitation Normal (inch) 3.12 from three to as much as eight degrees F Bad Axe 48.8 -7.6 2.77 below normal across the state. ,--~--_.: ~ Detroit 54.8 - 3.0 2.55 Escanaba 48.2 - 4.2 3.07 The cool temperatures continued to keep Flint 50.8 - 5.2 2.55 grain drydown rates at lower than usual 51.7 - 4.1 3.44 ~---~ Grand Rapids values. Fortunately, precipitation for the 45.2 2.94 Houghton - 5.2 same time period ranged from near normal Houghton Lake 48.5 - 4.7 3.12 in western sections of the state to below Jackson 51.8 - 6.1 2.95 normal elsewhere. The temporary break in Lansing 51.5 - 4.6 2.95 heavier than normal rainfall allowed fall Marquette 45.3 -3.3 2.94 harvest activity to accelerate in some areas, Muskegon 51.7 -4~6 3.21 while wet soils continued to slow fieldwork Pellston 47.8 - 3.2 3.38 ~ ~ in other areas. Saginaw 51.1 - 5.5 2.77 Sault Ste. Marie 44.8 . - 5.5 ~.07 Widespread freezing mm\lTIum tempera- South Bend 54.5 -3.8 3.44 ' tures during the first week of the month Traverse City 51.1 ....- 4.5 3.38 ~ ended vegetative growth in all but a few Vestaburg 48.0 -8.2: 3.11 sheltered locations in the extreme south. These freezes, the first of the season in most sections, generally occurred near or earlier than the climatological normals. October through mid-November) and 90- Few changes in the overall jet stream pat- day (for October through December) both tern are expected any time soon. The Na- call for a continuation of cooler than normal tional Weather Service 30-day (for mid- weather across the state. Heavy Mid-October Rains Brings Harvest to a Halt Across Michigan Dry weather and hard frosts, complete Soybeans had advanced to 90 percent ma- Good sugar beet harvesting weather often means waiting in lines, Below drivers with sunshine duirng the first two weeks of ture, slightly ahead of the 85 percent five- wait to unload beets at the Carrollton Pioneer Sugar Plant's piling grounds. October, gave harvest and wheat planting a year average. Approximately 40 percent of badly needed shot in the arm. the crop was reported harvested, with crop condition rated at 75 per~nt good to excel- Heavy rains Oct . 16, however, brought lent. harvest activity to a stop and moved many farmers from the fields to the farm shop, Dry beans were 90 percent harvested, 5 with several locations reporting rainfall to- percent ahead of last year and the five-year tals as high as 4-1/2 inches. Soil moisture average. The crop was rated 60 percent Icvels arc currently rated 0 percent short, 90 good to excellent. pcrcent adequate, and 10 percent surplus, according to the Michigan Agricultural Potato harvest was 80 percent complete, 5 Statistics Service. percent behind normal. Thirty percent of the sugar beet crop was harvested, 5 percent Corn was reported 70 percent mature as of ahead of the five-year average. Winter Oct. 19, compared to the five-year average I wheat seeding advanced to 75 percent com- of 80 percent. With 10 percent of the crop I plete. harvestcd, yields were reported good. Late variety apple harvest was continuing. Moisture levels were still suprisingly high. Concord grape harvest in the southwest Nearly 75 percent of the corn crop was rated was expected to be complete by late Oc- good to excellcnt. Corn silage harvest was tober. reported 80 percent complete. October Fruit Forecast Shows Reduced Yields ROOTS TO PROFITABILITY The Oct. I forecast of grape production was 53,000 tons, ] 3 percent above the ] 992 crop, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. That estimate was down 2,000 tons from Sept. I. If realized, the yield would be 4.8 tons per acre, The Niagaras were I \\ harvested Sept. 15-21. Concord harvesting began Sept. 27, eight days behind schedule. Recent deliveries of Concords have had Brix contents well above the ]4.7 percent minimum, The U.S. grape forecast was 5.61 million tons, down 7 percent from 1992. Five million tons were in California. Output in New York and Pennsylvania was forecast at 185,000 tons, down from 258,000 tons a year ago. Michigan plum-prune production was estimated at 6,000 tons, 75 percent of last year's output. The yield ~stimate was 2.5 tons per acre, Crop quality was poor. The four-state plum-prune productions forecast was 30,000 tons, down from 38,] 00 tons in ]992. INCREASE WHEAT YIELDS WITH ACAUI S.tate apple output was pegged at 1.0 billion pounds, down 7 percent from 1992. If realized, the YIeld would be 18,500 pounds per acre. Harvest was delayed by wet, cool weather. Empires, GC?ld~n Delicious, Jonathans and Red Delicious are still being picked. The quality and size of ACA WHEAT TEST PLOTS MIchIgan apples has been excellent. The national apple estimate of 10.5 billion pounds was 1993 MICHIGAN down 200 million pounds from a year ago. Michigan Crop Production Prospects Good Early Results Are In! September weather conditions were Sugar beet yield dropped a half ton from 1993 Michigan grower test plots yielded an average of generally cool and wet across Michigan, how- last month, to 18.0 tons per acre, as harvest ever. crop development is near normal and gets underway. The alfalfa hay yield of 4.2 5.2 more bushels of wheat per acre well ahead of last year, according to the tons per acre, if realized, would be a new where ACA was used. Thehighest yield Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statis- record yield. All yield and production tics Service. Frost covered most of the state forecasts are based on conditions as of Oct. I. increase was 8.5 bushels per acre! on Sept. 29 and 30, but only limited damage Now is the time to treat your wheat with ACA to gain your to field crops was reported. Yields and quality advantage. ACA can be added to, or impregnated, on of crops sti II look good to excellent. Michigan and Major Commodity Area your fall starter fertilizer to boost your yields. Statewide, corn yield is forecast at 110 Extended Weather Outlook bushels per acre, unchanged from September, T - Temp. 10130 11/15 10/30 12/31 but five bushels above last year's frost P - Precip. T P T f GET THEACA ADVANTAGE! damaged crop. Total production, at 242 mil- Michigan B A B .. , A lion ~ushels, is virtually unchanged from the W. Corn Belt N A N A • Better plant stand establishment E. Corn Belt N N N A • • • • Stronger more fibrous root system Increased winter survival Plants are more vigorous and productive Easy and convenient to apply 1111 Contact your local prevIOus year. Soybean yield remains at 36 bushels per acre, three bushels more than 1992 and just two bushels below the record yields of 1990 Wint. Wheat Belt N Spr. Wheat Belt N Pac. NW Wheat N Delta N A N N A B, B N N N/A A N A • Enhanced fall and early spring root growth Clean Crop Dealer and 91. Total production is up 8 percent from Southeast N A A A • Enhanced drought tolerance or call 1.800-292.2701 a year ago, to 51.5 million bushels. San Joaquin N ,N A N • Affordable and effective for addmonallnformatton on Dry bean yield is projected at 1,600 • Increased yields THEACA ADVANTAGEI pounds per acre, 350 pounds higher than A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- 1992. This puts production of 6.1 million mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- cwt., 57 percent above last year. No precip. Source: National Weather Office I l_ L Michigan Farm News -. MDA List October 30, 1993 5 Employer Manual on New Worker Protection Misrepresented (continued from page 1) Standard for Agriculture Workers Available "We are required, under the Freedom of Information Act, to provide people with Copies of the I49-page EPA manual, "The lists of licensees, permit holders or Worker Protection Standard For Agricul- whatever else we may have on the com- tural Pesticides: How To Comply -- What puter, provided that they're requested and Employers Need To Know," have been paid for," McCarthy said. "But hopefully. printed and are now available. by removing our letterhead from the lists. people won' t attempt to misrepresent The worker protection standard is a regula- themselves to our farmer clients as MDA tion issued by EPA in 1992 and covers representati ves." pesticides that are used in the production of agricultural plants on farms, forests, nur- McCarthy said that although the would-be series and greenhouses. The regulation re- insurance salesman doesn' t necessari Iy say quires employers to take steps to reduce the he is with MDA. he does show the list in a risk of pesticide-related illness and injury. way that would lead farmers to believe that he is. "The salesman doesn' t correct that Persons who need to comply with the impression either. unless he's pressed to do provisions in the manual include the follow- so," McCarthy said. mg: - A manager or owner of a farm, forest, "We want to dispel anything that might be nursery or greenhouses. going on and let people know that there - A labor contractor for farm, forest, nurs- might be folks out there with a list of names ery, or greenhouses. that says MDA Dairy Products Division on - A custom pesticide applicator or inde- it," McCarthy cautioned. "Butthose people pendent crop consultant hired by a farm, certainly do not represent MDA. Ifneed be. forest, nursery or greenhouse operator. To order a copy, contact the Govern- Local Cooperative Extension Service of- farmers should ask for identification - all of ment Printing Office (GPO) at 202-783- fices, state pesticide regulatory offices our on-farm inspectors are required to carry After April 15, 1994, all requirements of the 3238 and request publication number and EP A regional offices may also have official identification." worker protection standard are in effect. 055-000-00442-1. available copies. Your Michigan NORTHRUP KING Seed Dealers City Dealer Phone No. Alicia Con Agra Berger & Co 517-770-4130 Alma McClintic Farms 517-463-J 140 Alto Alto Farm Services 616-868-6030 Ann Arbor Strieter Bros 313-995-2497 Auburn Ittner Bean & Grain 517-662-4461 [Yes Bancroft Gerald Cole 5 17-634- 5212 Belding Jerry Gallagher 616-761-3243 Birch Run Con Agra Berger & Co 517-624-9321 Blissfield M.A.C 517-486-2171 Breckenridge B&W Co-Op 517-842-3104 Carson City Harvey Milling Company 517-584-3466 Conklin Arends Farm Service 616-899-2136 Constantine Ron Weston 616-435-8219 Corunna Clyde McLosky 517-743-3633 Diamondale John Oakley 517-646-0629 Dorr Dorr Farm Products 616-681-9570 Dowagiac Harold Grabemeyer 616-782-8744 Dowagiac Joe Van Tuyle 616-782-8275 Freeland Con Agra Berger & Co 517-695-2521 Homer Tri-County Agra Services 517-542-3196 Lake Odessa Mark Erickson 616-374-8538 Mason R & SCrap Service 517-628-2036 Merrill Con Agra Berger & Co 517-643-7293 This superior hybrid can produce top yields. Middleton M.A.C 517-236-7263 Exceptional standability means easier harvesting. Minden City Eugene Briolat 517 -658-8330 It has excellent drought tolerance, adapting to Monroe Calvin Smith 313-269-271 0 a wide range of harvest densities. Adapted to New Lothrop Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc 313-638-5868 reduced tillage to help you get the most from New Lothrop Bob Hajek 313-638-5281 every acre. Northrup King N4242. Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc 517-723-5205 N4242 Owosso Portland Frank Trierweiler 517-587-6540 Reading Dick Heffelfinger 517-283-2444 Richmond Farmers Elevator 313-727-3025 Rockford Ron Porter 6 I6-874-8 196 Saginaw Seamon Farms 517-777-2054 Union City David LaBar 517-741-3204 CPO Vestaburg Con Agra Berger & Co 517-268-5300 Zeeland Zeeland Farm Services 616-772-9042 NORTHRUP KING Michigan Farm News October 30, 1993 Market Outlook ... ...... ••••••••r • ••••••• ••••••• .,..••.•••. ••••• ••••• •••• ' .. ~.rl... j ••• ,j ••• ~ 1• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU CORN Seasonal Commodity Price Trends E~RM ~ •••••••• •••••••• ~:;.. It appears the U.S. com harvested this fall WHEAT BUSINESS will be less than 7 billion bushels. down Wheat 4-. over 26 percent from last year's record 9.5 billion bushel crop. On Oct. 12. the USDA Corn • ? I The USDA also lowered its estimate for wheat production, with small decreases for OUTLOOK released their latest estimate of the 1993 corn crop. 6.962 billion bushels. This is Soybeans .I ? most types and a 56 million bushel decrease in hard red spring. It now appears we will the last stocks report indicated how much had disappeared over the summer months. down 267 million bushels from the Septem- produce less total wheat than last year. ber estimate. Hogs -. ? However, the report was not all positive. At Strategy: This will come from 63.1 million harvested • the same time the supply estimate went As can be seen in Table 2, ending stocks as acres and a yield of 110.3 bushels per acre. Cattle -I down, the use estimates were also adjusted a percent of use is larger than last year. Fundamentals would indicate the annual down from the previous estimate of 113.1 downwards. average price wi II be a little under bushels per acre. Michigan com yield was estimated at 110 bushels per acre. i. ,I I ndex: = Higher Prices;. P . = Lower rices; The biggest adjustment was the amount of $3.00/bu., near where they are now. TP= Topping; BT = Bottoming; ? = Unsure wheat fed in the 1993-94 wheat marketing The USDA also released its updated Supp- year which goes from June I to May 31. While there is a chance for a rally along ly/Demand Balance Sheet for corn (see This number was lowered 50 million with com and/or soys, there is also a chance ports, but shows the strength in industrial Table I). The update not only included the growth, primarily HFCS (sugar substitute) bushels. for a decrease. At this point, the basis may new production information, but also in- and ethanol. be a little on the wide side but the futures cluded the information from the latest The reason it was lowered at this point is are not paying storage. Stocks Report discussed in the previous In total, use is expected to be down close to most of the wheat is fed in the summer and issue. a half billion bushels. But with supply being down 1.5 billion, endings are still decreased The combined effect of less ending stocks over a billion bushels, about 50 percent. SOYBEANS than previously expected and lower produc- Ending stocks as a percent of use are ex- tion estimates lowered the total expected pected to be 13.6 percent. The October USDA 1993 soybean estimate However, because supply decreased more supply for 1993-94 by 300 million bushels was lowered only 18 million bushels from than use, ending stocks decreased, and with from the September estimate, and is 1.5 While this is not real tight, it is positive for the September estimate. The question is, is ending stocks as a percent of use being only billion bushels below 1992-93 supply. prices, especially for next year, where any this correct or will there be a fairly large 10.3 percent, projected stocks are fairly weather scare should give us some pricing correction in the November estimate like tight. On the demand side, it appears use will be opportunities. there was for com in the October estimate? down this marketing year, but not as much Strategy: as supply. As seen below, the USDA has cut These fundamentals would suggest an an- This is not a question of the quality of the Fundamentally, this figure would indicate expected feed use this year over 200 million nual average price of around $2.40 per USDA survey, but rather a question of an annual average price of about $6.25/bu. bushels. There are several reasons for this bushel, with harvest prices 10-15 cents whether there will be new information on which would mean a harvest price of about lower figure. One is that hog numbers are lower, not far from where we are at. the size of the crop after the survey was $6. At this writing we are about $0.25 lower. expected to be lower. done which will show up in the next report. While I probably would not bet the whole Strategy: crop on it, the upside potential is probably Another reason is that producers tend to Should we consider storing some portion of Table 3 shows the latest Supply/Demand greater than the downside risk. feed less at higher prices. They also tend to our com crop? Using on-farm storage, the Report for soybeans. Total supply is down feed a little more wheat. Some would also answer is yes. Using off-farm storage, the 280 million bushels, II percent, from last There are a couple of other factors which argue that with the low test weights over answer is less clear, depending on elevator year. Total use is expected to be down 9 suggest considering on-farm storage. They much of the country last year, it took more storage rates. percent. The biggest decrease in use is include the fairly wide basis being offered com to get the same weight gains. caused by the expected decrease in exports. and the spreads between futures months The reasons to consider storing on-farm are being enough to pay for on-farm storage. Exports are expected to be weak, due to a a relatively wide basis being offered and the At this point, exports are running way good crop elsewhere in the world and slow fact that spreads between futures contracts behind year ago levels. And, due to large Also, one would expect at le~st one weather economic growth worldwide. In fact, for show the market will pay storage. Another crops expected to be planted in South scare from South America. However, if any the first time in my memory, exports will be is looking at the return elevators are paying America, U.S. exports are not expected to of these factors change, i.e., price rally, lower than food, seed and industrial uses. for you to hold just until January. These are catch back up to last year's levels. tightening of basis and spreads, be ready to This not only shows the weakness in ex- not guarantees, but are strong indicators. price. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Balance' Sheet For Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For CORN WHEAT SOYBEANS USDA USDA USDA Hilker Proj. USDA Hilker Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. 1991-92 92-93 93-94 1991-92 92-93 93-94 1991-92 92-93 93-94 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Acres Planted 59.2 59.3 59.5 Diverted 4.7 3.5 7.0 Diverted 10.0 3.5 0.5 Acres Harvested 58.0 58.4 56.0 Acres Planted 76.0 79.3 73.7 Acres Planted 69.9 72.3 72.1 Bu./Harvested Acre 34.2 37.6 33.7 Acres Harvested 68.8 72.1 63.1 Acres Harvested 57.7 62.4 63.0 Bu./A. Harvested 108.6 131.4 110.3 Bu./A. Harvested 34.3 39.4 38.4 Stocks (Million Bushels) , (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 329 278 292 Stocks Stocks (Million Bushels) Production 1987 2188 1891 Beg. Stocks 1521 1100 2113 Beg. Stocks 866 472 529 Imports 3 2 5 Production 7475 9479 6962 Production 1981 2459 2422 Total Supply 2319 2468 2188 Imports 20 6 10 Imports 41 70 75 Use: Total Supply 9,016 10,585 9,085 Total Supply 2888 3001 3026 Crushings 1254 1279 1235 Use: Use: Exports 685 775 640 Feed 4878 5288 5050 Food 789 830 835 Food/Seed Seed Seed, Feed and 1454 1510 1550 94 93 94 Residuals 102 112 108 Total Domestic 6332 6797 6600 Feed 253 195 275 Total Use 2041 2176 1983 Exports 1584 1675 1400 Total Domestic 1136 1118 1204 Ending Stocks 278 292 205 Total Use 7916 8472 8000 Exports 1280 1354 1125 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks 1100 2113 1085 Total Use 2416 2472 2329 Percent of Use 13.6% 13.3% 10.3% Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 472 529 697 Percent of Use 13.9% 24.9% 13.6% Regular Loan Rate $5.02 $5.02 5.02 Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $1.62 $1.72 $1.72 Percent of Use 19.5% 21.4% 29.9% Regular Loan Rate $2.04 $2.21 $2.45 U.S. Season Average U.S. Season Average Farm Price. S/Bu. S5.58 S5.50 S6.25 Farm Price. S/Bu. S2.37 S2.07 S2.40 U.S. Season Average Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price.S/Bu. S3.00 S3.24 S2.90 Source: USDA & Hilker , Michigan Farm News u 11= October 30, 1993 IINegotiating ....... ...... ••••••••,., .. Dairy Building Lease Prices Farmers trying to get started in the dairy business often do not have enough capital .... .. •••••~.'I ••••••• ••••• , l••• ~ 1• Sherrill B. Nott, Ph.D. MSU Department of Agricultural Economics Dairy farmers who sell their herds often to purchase the buildings they want. Becoming a tenant can reduce the investment capital they need. A rental arrangement might benefit both parties if they can negotiate a satisfactory price and acceptable contract clauses. E~RM•••••••• • ' j...::::.. •••• ~ •••••••• keep their barns and milking equipment. Becoming a landlord and cash renting the old buildings to another farmer for a few BUSINESS years is an alternative. Consider the upper and lower limits within OUTLOOK which price negotiations might start. The landlord would like rents that exceed the underground gas tank. Negotiations should returns from selling the buildings. But, once ensure everyone knows the current rules the decision has been made not to sell, even being imposed by the government. a small amount of rent may be better than nothing. Help from Attorneys The future landlord and tenant should The landlord might even rent the barn for negotiate until they can agree on the above nothing, assuming other conditions are met. topics. Few lawyers have the specialized For example, if barns exist with desirable knowledge of agriculture needed to effi- open land, the cropland is sometimes rented ciently aid the process prior to this point. at the going rate per acre and the barns thrown in free. However, barns capable of The plans, or a set of detailed notes, cover- housing livestock are worth something. ing what is wanted, should then be taken to an attorney, probably one hired by the The tenant would like to pay nothing. At the landlord. The attorney will develop a writ- upper limit, there is always the option of ten lease stating the terms in a way that will buying an existing barn, or of buying land be legally binding. Tenants may want their and constructing a system. own attorney to review the contract before repairs, and what are recurring items. regulations. If rules do not exist, there may signing it. If the rental price approaches the cash flow Tenants are often asked to pay for recurring be a general clause saying the tenant is ex- Summary needed to buy or build, the future tenant repairs. The landlord may wish to retain the pected to adhere to generally accepted would likely choose to become an owner. right of approving the quality of repair guidelines. The type of manure handling Few dairy barns and parlors are rented. For both the landlord and the tenant, dairy materials used. system and availability of land to the tenant This prevents publishing any specific buildings for sale as well as the cost of will pretty much set what can be done. guidelines as to rent amount per cow or per buildfng new ones will indirectly set the Taxes farm. Each deal needs to be negotiated upper limit on rents. This is a cash cost landlords expect to Environmental Regulations considering the situation that exists. These recover. Like depreciation, though, if the The contract may have a general clause are some things around the topics of fixed barns are not rented out, the taxes will still saying the tenant must avoid spills of things costs to be considered as the bargaining Factors to Consider in have to be paid. Rent which will make at such as petroleum products, pesticides and takes place. Establishing a Fair least some contribution towards taxes may cleansers. Procedures for handling animal be better than no rent at all. drugs will have to be met. When the future landlord and future tenant Rental Amount feel they have things agreed between them, Insurance Landlords will not want to become liable for it is time for attorneys to finalize the con- Depreciation Due to the added risk exposure when leas- a tenant's carelessness. A future tenant will tract. A landlord would like to charge enough ing, landlords will likely insist rent be want to be sure the farmstead includes cur- rent to cover depreciation. However, if the enough to cover insurance costs. Contract rently acceptable fuel handling storage (The full version of this article can be barns are already there, it is a sunk cost clauses may call for the tenant to carry their tanks. obtained from Dr. Sherrill Nott as StafT regardless of whether they are rented out. own insurance on the items they own, such Paper No 93-38. Call (517) 353-4522. As long as major repairs could be avoided as livestock and feed. The landlord's fire Tenants will not want to become a party to in the future, a landlord might make the insurance may cover the building structure, using a contaminated facility such as a leaky barns available without any contribution to but not the contents such as cows owned by depreciation. If the tenant chose to build a the tenant. new barn instead of renting, depreciation would be a major expense item from the Rent Amount very beginning. Milk income is received at least monthly. Hence, it is reasonable to expect rents for Depreciation can be defined as the income dairy facilities to be paid monthly. There tax deduction, or as the amount by which will probably be a security deposit and at the market value of buildings erode. least the first month's rent to be paid when Landlords and tenants have a lot of the contract is signed. flexibility in how they view depreciation. It may cause them to have -quite different estimations of rent amounts. Other Contract Clauses Interest to Consider Patz@Offers Open-Top Mixers Electricity If the landlord has pledged the farmstead as In the spirit of having a tenant pay all vari- Four notched, 24-inch augers mix fast-even square-baled dry alfalfa collateral for a loan, interest would be a able costs, a separate electric meter should in limited amounts. cash cost. If no loans are outstanding, inter- be installed, probably at the landlord's ex- Self-aligning auger bearings mounted outside. est is a non-cash cost. If a loan did exist, a pense. The meter should cover all the landlord would bargain hard to collect Flanged auger tubes for easy removal. facilities being rented. enough rent to make the interest and prin- Roller-chain reduction with sealed oil bath and planetary gear drive cipal payments. The milking center and feed handling for the augers. equipment use most of the electricity on a On trailer models, the feed discharge features a hydraulically powered The principal payments might be thought dairy farm. With a separate meter, there are door and augers. of as the depreciation portion of the rent no questions about the amount. However, income. The landlord's records should someone has to pay for the extra meter to be Electronic scales precisely weigh total mixed rations. have the loan payment levels and whether installed. If the buildings are going to be For trailer models: 540 R.P.M. PTO. the buildings are collateral. Whether to pro- rented for only a few months, it may not be vide this information to the future tenant For stationary models: electric motors. worth the effort. may be a bargaining point. Capacities of 190, 240 and 290 cubic feet (bigger .models available The electric rates charged may be greater on soon). By renting,'the future tenant is av?iding .the separate meters than for a single meter. Stainless steel bottom liner available. commitment to pay loans for buymg bUild- Landlords and tenants may wish to bargain ings. When considering a rental deal, a over handling the electrical situation once Ask us about Patz financing with affordable rates and 24, 38 or future tenant should have an idea of what the power company's policies are known. the investment level would be for a com- 48-month terms. parable set of facilities. Water: Many dairy facilities rely on a water system driven from a nearby house. The From this, one could calculate both the tenant will want to ensure the water con- Copeland Surge Sales & Service, Inc. Wylie Implements, Inc. depreciation and the interest levels needed tinues regardless of whether the house is by such an investment. These levels be- occupied. In this situation, a separate Fowlerville - (517) 223-9833 Kent City - (616) 678-7732 come one of the tools in judging a electrical meter may not be supplying the landlord's offer. water system. Miller Construction & Equipment, Inc. Westphalia Electric, Inc. West Branch - (517) 345-2499 Westphalia - (517) 587-3983 Repairs Manure Handling The rental contract should say who pays for Pillz Manure handling is closely regulated in which repairs. Perhaps there can be an some areas. In these areas, the contract will Gene Stambaugh Equipment agreement on what are major structural likely state the tenant should abide by the Ubly - (517) 658-8817 Michigan Farm News October 30, 1993 Make Plans for a Safe Harvest Muddy fields. Cold weather. Long days. Machinery breakdowns. Fatigue. Frayed nerves. They're all familiar hazards of harvest time each fall in Michigan, and knowing how to handle trouble properly can save you time. reduce the likelihood of injury, and even "" save a life. Part of the preparation for harvest should include designating specific responsibilities From Farm Bureau Insurance to harvest workers if equipment becomes dous recoil and whipping action when they stuck. break. "You can reduce downtime and consequent When pulling, make sure the hitch is as low irrational activity if you make sure each as possible between the two units. Attach person knows what aspect of the job he or the chain to the tractor drawbar only, and to she is to perform," says Howard Doss. a combine at points specifically intended for agricultural safety specialist for the towing. Cooperative Extension Service at Michigan State University. Pulling pressure should be gradual and con- sistent. Don't yank or jerk -- because doing "The number of people involved in getting so can flip a tractor or damage a harvester:s Use a heavy chain matched to the pulling Avoid using fiber ropes, nylon straps, or the equipment unstuck should be kept to a undercarriage. power of the towing equipment. Informa- nylon ropes to pull stuck equipment. They minimum. Extra people often add to the tion about the pulling capacity of a chain can be hazardous because of their tremen- exasperation of people trying to get the har- Mud is a hazard at harvest time. The most should be available where the chain is pur- vest going again," he said. common disabling farm injuries are slips chased. and falls. Keep platforms, steps, shoes, and the operator's cab free of mud. If a harvester plugs, turn off all power. Use nothing softer than wood or metal to remove the plug. "A harvester can take in a corn plant at the Why not the rate of 12 feet per second," Doss says. "If the operator is foolish enough to try to remove a plug while the power is on, an arm best insurance could be severed before that person even begins to react." for your farm? Never trust the equipment's hydraulic sys- tem when doing repair or maintenance. If a combine header breaks or plugs, block or lock out the header before doing any work. When you work hard to run a quality farm Falling headers can maim and kill. operation, don't cut corners where it really counts - on your insurance. Most important at harvest is the human fac- tor. Beyond eight hours of work, a person's Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of alertness and mental capacity begin to drop noticeably. And when working conditions Michigan introduced the first Farmowners are harsh, those capabilities slow more policy in the nation in 1960. We were the first quickly. and we're still the best. You can reduce risk of fatigue-induced ac- We offer customized protection, fast claims cidents by taking frequent 5- to 10-minute rest breaks that include nutritious, high- service, and people who know the insurance energy snacks. Trading jobs can also help needs of Michigan farmers. With Farm reduce the risk of fatigue. And somebody Bureau Mutual, you know you're getting top should be designated" to watch for signs of quality protection from Michigan's largest worker fatigue. farm insurer. Remember: No crop is worth the price of a disabling accident that could per- You may find better ways to run your farm, manently alter the future of the farm or but you won't find a better way to insure it. the family that works there. Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. Food Prices in Making your future more predictable. Japan are ___ FARM BIJREAIJ Something Else! , _(!) 'NSIJRANCE U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Espy bought his first $5 apple in a Japanese market, but he was even more amazed to find that a melon sells for 21,000 yen ($198) in a Tokyo supermarket, according to the USDA. Espy, while on a two-week trade trip to the Orient, stopped in Japan, China and Hong Kong. He told Japanese trade officials that partially opening their rice market to im- ports will not be enough to meet the r~- quirements of the current world trade talks. About 3,000 turned out for a rally of Japanese farmers and farm cooperative of- ficials in a Tokyo park to protest opening of the rice market. After a bad rice crop, the government has announced it will buy at least 200,000 tons of rice this year and perhaps more next year, but they have in- sisted that the condition is a temporary response to an emergency food situation and does not change the overall policy against importing rice. . Michigan Farm News USDA Seeks Proposals on Dairy Farmers Approve -. October 30, 1993 Establishing a Red Tart Continuation of National Cherry Marketing Order Dairy Promotion Program USDA is seeking additional proposals evidence on how a proposed order could Dairy farmers across the United States Individual producers in favor of the for a m~r~~ting order on red tart c~erries. carry out the program objectives of the have voted to continue the Dairy Promotion program cast 6,687 votes, or 8.6 percent of An InItial pro~osal w~s submItt~d .by Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, the and Research Order, according to the the eligible votes cast. Individual the Cherry ~ar~etIng InstItute, a.maJor In- legislation authorizing marketing orders. USDA. Voting was held in August, after producers against continuing the program dustry orgamzatlOn, on behalf of Interested Ke n ne th C. C Iayto n, acti n g ad- USDA received petitions with over 16,000 cast 21,477 votes, or 27.5 percent of the ch.erry gro~ers.and processors. The group ministrator of USDA's Agricultural signatures requesting a ref~rendum on the total. said that. clImatic factors cause the red tart Marketing Service, said if evidence ob- future of th~ progr~~, said Kenneth C;. All dairy farmers producing milk for ch~rry . Industry to ~uffer from sev~re tained through the hearing process favors Clayton, actIng admInistrator of USDA s . I d' A'I 1993 e . A gncu ura It I M k t' S . commercia use unng pn w re SWIngs In annual supplIes. A central section issuance of a proposed order it would be ar e Ing ervlce. I' 'b . h A r d Under the Dairy and Tobacco Adjust- e Igl Ie to vote In t e ~gust releren urn. of the ~MI:s pr~posal is volume control - presented to all affected red tart cherry ment Act of 1983, USDA may call a For the p.rogram to. co~tInue, ~ver half of a combInatIOn ot processor o~ned. reser~e producers and processors in a referendum. referendum if it believes that sufficient those voting had to Indicate their approval. pools and on-tree or at-plant diverSIOn (dls- Written additional or alternative question is raised as to whether the program The Dairy P.romotio~ and Research carding~ of cherries in years of excess proposals should be submitted by Nov. 8 meets its intended purpose. The continua- C?rder was establIshed to Impl~ment a ~a- productIOn. " . to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order tion of the national dairy promotion pro- tlonal program for the promotIOn of dairy The proposal IS deSigned to be natIOnal Arlrninidr~tinn Rr~nL'h li'rn;t New stmctural designs V 50-year column and snow-load protection > New stmctural capabilities (with no weight limit) > New color combinations v 2o-year protection against red rust *Asking Price Per Ton _ > New building styles (including acid rain) > New > New exterior applications interior options v lO-year wind-load protection on Has a feed test of the hay been taken? Yes __ No__ AlumaSteeP sliding doors (with no :> New sliding door teclmology weight limit) > New gutter systems Is Trucking Available? Yes __ No__ >New infomlative video tapes v 5-year wind-load protection on complete > New corrosion protection building (with no weight limit) *This information must be provided to list hay in Wisconsin or Minnesota. Call yocI' IocBI oIfice todByI Mailto: Osceola County Extension Office Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 BCXJ-447-7436 P.O. Box 208 Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Reed City, MI 496n Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 ~~~MORTON Rockford, Three Rivers, MI (616)874-6400 MI (616) 279-5271 ii. BUILDINGS Sponsored by the Michigan Hay and Forage Council, Michigan Farm Bureau. and MSU Extension Service. ~ Clip and Save! I•....•.•..•.....•.•.............•.••••..•.•.•...•••...•...•.•....••.....•.•...••.....•• Michigan Farm News -. October 30, 1993 1& Producer Comments Ken (left) and Larry Nobis. Clinton County on NAFTA Again, I think we have a skilled work force here and if this work force is willing to compete, and if they are as ~ Name: Larry Nobis, in partnership with brother Ken, skilled as what they say they are and if they're as efficient ~ in Nobis Dairy Farm. as what they say they are, I don't think they should worry ~ ~ --~ ~.......... ... ~~ ..-=---~ Farm Operation: Operate a 560 cow herd dairy operation in addition to farming 1,400 acres . about the low wages of Mexico. Sure some of those real low paying jobs we may lose, -----.~ -=-~ ~~ I'ye read a number of studies from the USDA regarding th economic impact of NAFT A. For every major com- but we're also going to increase the demand for some of our products that are going to be exported to Mexico. So I think it's going to be a win-win situation for the United -~ modity, they're predicting an increase in trade with Mexico _.~ -~ ~ in particular, after the transition period with NAFT A. By the time it's in place, we can expect a substantial increase States. We know that Mexico is a growing economy and we in trade. also know that they're milk deficient, dairy deficient and I ~~ It's a market that's there waiting to be filled, but at the think USDA has said that there's a $250 million export present, there's the high tariffs and ungodly licensing re- market waiting for us to fill down there if the NAFT A quirements on some commodities and it probably isn't the agreement is signed, which would be a boost to our dairy total answer. It's not going to be 100 percent free trade, but industry. It's the same with corn and other commodities. it is a step in the right direction. It's not going to make us rich overnight, but we need every little thing we can get. As an American farmer, I have confidence in myself and I have confidence in the American farmers. We're very If we can get rid of some surplus powder to Mexico, competitive. We're very efficient and I don't think we that's a lot better than having it sitting in the warehouse to should be afraid to compete with anyone. I think that haunt us at a later date. They're also talking six to 10 cent, there's a such a market out there that we want to get all per bushel increase for corn over the 10-15 year transition barriers broken down so that we can have the ability to fill period, which might not seem like a lot, but again, every that market. little bit helps. I think there's a lot of false statements being made by What will happen if NAFT A isn't approved? I think some of our elected officals. It's just hard for me to believe that's anyone's guess. There's a lot of threats being thrown that we're going to lose jobs because of the NAFT A around. There's some thoughts that some other countries agreement. What we're seeing right now is foreign com- will step right in and form a trading agreement with panies coming into the United States and building factories Mexico, which I think is a real possibility. And if that for producing their own cars here when they could have happens, we may never be able to get our foot in the door gone into Mexico and built their plants. down there. So, I think the time is right now and that we should be signing some type of an agreement. NAME: Wil Lauer Wil Lauer of Gratiot County FARM OPERA TION: 1,250 acres cash crop, raising sugar beets, corn, dry know that they're going to be users of beans and soybeans sugar." "The comment that I would share is that "I believe their production potential can our experience of travelling down there to increase some through efficiencies, but as Mexico last November demonstrated to me far as major expanion of production areas, that their population demand alone is they're limited. There may be small in- tremendous and it's continuing to grow. It' s creases available from what we saw, but not not about to slow down. Based on our ex- any large amount because they're pretty perience of their sugar consumption, we well at the volume of acres available." Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, we~ther and. news to Farm Bure.a'! f1}e"!be~~.daily _onthe following stations: NAME: Stuart Reinbold I see a real positive growth potential for FARM OPERATION: 1,200 acres agriculture, especially where the dry-bean in- Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm cash crop, raising sugar beets, corn, dustry is concerned. WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am dry beans, soybeans and wheat . . "I just don't think the Mexican ag industry WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am "I've been a real strong supporter of IS capable of flooding us with sugar, but I think 6:05 am 12:05 pm NAFf A. Speaking for agriculture, I think the big potential in Mexico is the population WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 we've got the grain industry, dry beans, corn increase. Looking down the road forconsump- WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm tion, I think there's just great possibilities. and so on, and I don't see how NAFfA can WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm do anything but help the economic situation "Mexico is currently our third largest im- WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm for American agriculture as far as these com- porter of agricultural products. It's vital that WNB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am *** modities are concerned. There might be a we maintain that market, because if we don't, WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm problem with sugar possibly, but I don't think the European Community and South Ameria it warrants too much concern. wi II step in and take over that market. Once WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm we've lost it, it's just going to be real tough to WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am Stuart Reinbold of Saginaw County get that market back." WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 11:30 am WJIM Lansing 1240 5:05 am 11:50 am WWGZ Lapeer 1530 * 12:15 pm WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change with the sign-on times. ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am. *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. Michigan Farm News October 30, 1993 Mexican Economists Inspect Michigan's Dry Bean Industry The MIchIgan dry bean mdustry recently be based on the farmer's past three year's Below (I-r) MFB's Ken Nye, Michigan Bean Commission's Dale Kuenzli, 1m hosted a t~o-member team of econo~ists average acreage, but the commo,?ities grown Dr. Claudio Hernandez, Dr. Pablo Reyes and MFB's Bob Boehm met recently to representl ng CONAS UPO, a. MexI~an can be selected by the producer. discuss Michigan's dry bean industry. governmen.tal agency charged ~Ith buymg According to Reyes, that means Mexican corn, ~oy.011,soy me~l and, most Impo~antly producers will likely shift from growing corn fo~ M~chlgan, dry edIble ~ea~s, accordm& to and edible beans because of the high subsidies M.lchlgan . d' Bean Co.mmlsslon DIrector Dale KuenzI\. Dr. Pablo Reyes, CONASUPO economIc a VIsor, an d 0 Cl d' H r. Exec~tlve au 10 ernan- . chIef in the past, and, instead shift production to meet market demands of other commodities, ... If' mcludmg wheat, sorghum, troplca rUlts an e etables d - dez, a!1ec~n0!TIic advisor with <;ONASUPO. V g "Mexi~o has protected its farmers with a were. m .Mlc~lgan to st~dy the mfra.structure support system for 30 years," Dr. Hernandez ofMI~hlg~n s dry bean Indust~y, ~hlch co~ld said. "There's no doubt it will take a long time benefIt. dIrectly from MeXICO s growmg for our producers to adjust. But it also means populatIOn an? a .successful NAFT A agree- that we'll be importing more U.S. corn and ment. KuenzlI saId. CONASUPO has been db" .. f 400 000 fd ry eans. Import,mg an .average ? ' tons 0 ry In regard to NAFT A. Reyes and Hernan- beans. a 'year Into MeXICO, to suppl~ment the dez expect little direct impact on the Mexican 1.2 TIlhon t~~s produced.do~estlcally .. farmer in light of the farm program changes. J~~t to el~e you a~ Idea of the m~rk~t However, they did speculate that a lot of the potentl~l: conSIder t~at In the. U.S. we ,have. a U.S. anti-NAFTA arguments are unfounded. per capl~,a cons~mptIon of ~d,~blebea~s of SIX Reyes referred to the argument of some that pounds, expla.med KuenzlI: In MeXICO,they Mexico could. theoretically, export cheaper have a per capita ~o~sumI?tIon of 37 pounds. commodities produced somewhere other than J.ust a 5 percent loss m theIr ~ry bean produc- Mexico into the U.S. as an example. tlOn can h~ve a profound I~pact on U.S. "That kind of opportunity and possibility produce~ pnces for dry ?eans .... exists for corn and beans in Mexico today," MeXICO has been. Importmg MIchIgan said Reyes. "But we don't have that problem ample, than it is corn just based on a smaller movement. which got started long before blac~ beans at a groWIng ,rate, because of a occurring with those products, so I don' t real- production base and consumption figures." NAFT A negotiations, also means big changes qu.ah~y product and that s &ood n.ews for Iy see why some U.S. producers would expect Anti-NAFT A arguments based on en- in Mexico's agricultural future. A new politi- M.lchlgan producers. Kuenzl~ I?redlcts that that to be a problem with other commodities. vironmental issues doesn't make much sense cal party has also been formed, based solely ~Ith the advent of several vanetl~s ~urrent~y It's also much easier to audit sugar, for ex- either, says Reyes. A growing environmental on an environmental platform, Reyes said. In the development stage, that MIchIgan wIll also be able to establish a reputation for high- quality pinto beans as well. "Black beans are the best variety for a Michigan grower," said Kuenzli. "They're the easiest to grow; the plant structure is hardier; the yields are normally 3 to 10 percent better; TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS and Michigan farmers like to produce them." According to Kuenzli, the two economists wanted to see several processing plants, tour farm operations, and learn more about how the U.S. industry handles the pric- ing of dry beans. According to the two economists. Mexico's farm economy will be undergoing radical changes for reasons other than NAFTA. The country's commodity subsidy program, in existence for more than 30 years and operated by CONASUPO, will be phased out entirely by 1995, and payments will be uncoupled from the commodities produced. "Under our new farm program, farmers will receive a direct payment based on hec- tares farmed, not the commodity grown," ex- plained Dr. Reyes. "In the past, Mexican farmers were encouraged to grow corn and beans based on the government's subsidy pro- gram. Under the new program, payments will Public Water Supply Annual Fees Confusing and Questionable On Oct. 12, 1993, bills for a Michigan Public Water Supply annual fee were sent to 343 farmers who operate migrant labor camps. According to MFB Labor Specialist Howard Kelly. the fees were part of legislation amend- ing the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act that was passed by the Michigan Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Engler on Sept. 16, 1993 with immediate effect. "Part of this legislation was to charge fees to over 15,000 public water suppliers in the state to help pay for additional federally man- Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family dated requirements," Kelly said. "There are receive the dental care services you.require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. several categories, but the one t~at affec.ts agriculture is the non-commumty publIc Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! water system. Under this category there. are Single $18 per month • Couple $32 per month two subcategories: transient and non-transIent noncommunity water supplies." Member/Child $32 per month • Family $41 per month To be classified as a transient non-com- munity water supply, your water system must .... M.CH.GAN supply water to 25 or more people for more .... FARM BUREAU than 60 days per year and your fee is $85/year, Kelly said .. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPUCATION , PLEASE RLL OUT THE COUPON BELOW To be classified as a non-transIent non- OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 3234 community water supply, your water system must supply water to the same 25 or more Please Print people for at least six months per year and your fee is $360/year. .. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name There are penalties for not sendmg In your Membership Services payment by the deadline of Nov. 30, 1993. P.O. Box 30960 'Address The penalties amount to $25 for each !TI0nth Lansing, MI 48909 or portion of a month that the payment IS late. City State ZIP "It is important to point out that the annual fee does not include the costs for water sample Phone analysis." Kelly said. "Michig.an Farm B.ureau is in the process of getting an InterpretatIon of County Continued on page 15 see "Water Fees Questionable" MFN Michigan Farm News . _~ October 27, 1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - •• 1988 FIELDBOSS farm trac- tor with all equipment.Less than 500 hours. All attach- '11 filll.iii'l .,111111-1 J.D. 450 DOZER $7000. J.D. 2640 tractor and loader, $10,900. J.D. 544A loader, SCOTCH PINE Christmas trees. Freshly cut, painted, baled and loaded on your iir._ .~ BIR0 FER T I LIZ E R SERVICES. 1100 N Irvin~, Greenville. Fertilizer, cheml- 28 ACRES in Irish Hills. Twin Lake frontage, wooded. Several buildings, in mostly _. FREE GUIDE: Fence. Strong, economical! Also, portable Tensile lasting, ments, $10,000. Call new tires, $14,900. Case vehicle for only $5 per tree. cals, seed, lime, feed. Soil ground pool. Asking electric fence. Phone order 1-313-793-4760. W.14 loader, new motor, Contact Richard Bradley testing, truck spreading and $150,000. Hurry! supplies, 1-800-KENCOVE. BULK MILK TANK for sale. $12,000. Georgia John Tree Farms, 5360 South custom spraying. Call Faust Real Estate 1-412-459-8991. 600 gallon, complete with Farms 313-629-9376. Dickerson Road, Lake City, 1-616-754-3684. 517-263-8666 INTRODUCTORY OFFER: compressor, measuring stick NEW AND USED irrigation ~~14~~i\16_825_2895. EXPERIENCED Michigan 80 ACRE FARM: All clear in $60 per ton; animal bedding and chart. Very good condi- and manure spreading equip- agribusiness attorneys with Upper Michigan. 4 bedroom made from recycled news- tion! Only, $600. Call ment. Pumps, travelers, farm backgrounds. Know- house, 30x150' barn, 30x60' paper, chopped not shred- 1-517-291-3472. agitators, PVC and aluminum ~:':I::::::::::':::,:::;r:{::::::I:::::::;;::;;;;;::::;.::::;;;;;::1 ledge and experience in all wing, 22x34' two story work ded. More absorbent-less [~~f~~~~~;~~~~ 11111•• dentPTO.Newreartires,new ~;.:~~~:~~~;~~~~~we FOR SALE: '. 60 HEAD ~~~;;.:r~!;~~[~ Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. ~if.~~i1r!~~~~~~~ BUY FARM minimum 80 fiieS-le:~~5!.~tt~1 LIVESTOCK Photography: battery. 3-point rear blade. 750-800# pre-conditionedl C Ie men s, M I 48036, acres plus. Between Jackson Experienced professional 3010 hours, $13,500. :::::::::: :~~:~~~~~;{t{~{{{{{t~~~~~~~~{{{~: prime colored steers. 313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: and Lansing. For working bovine photographer will :::~:~~6~:~:~:~~L:: :~LE~:~ 1-616-527-3881 ::::;:::;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:::::,:;:,:::::::;:::::;:;:::::::;:::::::::::::::::::: Northland Farms Call Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. couple. With or without house provide quality photographs ~t~~~~:~~~r£;~~~d~ $4,800. Call 517-875-3736. :~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~:~~:I:I:le~~ sale Veterinary Supplies. Vaccines, wormers, supple- and shorthorn cows and heif- ers.Vetcher:kedforbreeding filters. Recycle Now, Inc. a Holland, Michigan based !~~7~::~!~;: sow farrow to feeder pig operation, north of Grand ~~~~~'~~r~fr~~~1~~ Day, P.O. Box 3826, Center- line, MI 48015. Call ments, medications, insecti- natural and AI beef/dairy. company, committed to recyl- Rapids. Good c~:>ndition!8 1-313-759-2099. Fax Gehl 115 MX Grinder Mixer. cides, disinfectants, syringes, Good beef starters. Priced ing diesel and industrial air years old. 1-313-754-8171. New Idea #10 corn picker for needles, buckets, pails, right. Call 313-428-9247. intake filters using the Sonic Call 1-519-652-2244. PR ESSU R E TR EA TE D parts. Four 10x20 snow tires. mastitis treatments, implants, PUREBRED Yorkshire and Dry Clean method. No liquids GRADE A DAIRY FARM: fence posts, hi-tensile fence Call 1-517-261-4373. pour ons, eartags, rainwear, Hampshire Boars and open or detergents'used. Half the 190 acres in the thumb of supplies. ~Ioves Much more' K V Vet G'lt AI FlY kXH cost of a new firterl Batter than Nevill Supply GRAVITY BOXES: Badger ..•• I S. so - or amps, a new filterl For more I'nforma- Michigan. Partly tiled, 2 5173863517 upply, Box 245, David City, Back fat and Loineye. Test houses, 3 wells. 52 stall barn, - - Forage wagons, 14' stalk NE 68632. 1-402-367-6047. data. Also, days to 230 tion, call 1-616-396-7724 or pipeline milking system. Take 517-386-2382 shredders, 40' and 50' eleva- tors, chisel plows and disks. Call 1-517-773-5374 after 1pm. Dan Reid. INTERNATIONAL 5100 Harvester grain drill. Krause 5200 grain drill. Glencoe disk chisel. John Deere 18' disk. Call 1-313-587-3340. Omega Farms, Williamston, Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. cow/call farm. Hi-Tensil fenc- rebuild and balance. Some MI Call 517-468-3366. ing, 14 year old energy effi- BUYERS OF STANDING exchanges. We stock chop- ,--- - - - - - - - - - - "II cient 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. New 3-car garage timber and veneer logs. Devereaux MI Sawmill, Inc. per par t s. EN GIN E REBUILDING our specialty. Buy 2 Issues Place your ad for 6 I months,getphone j.~ . P I I number or name In red- i. w/openings. Insulated shop, C:'~~~17-593-2552. Auto-Truck-Tractor-Antique- I I Place your ad for 1 1 barn. $256,000. Continental-Kohler-Onan- I 1-517-639-4046. INTERNATIONAL #9 and #7 Wisconsin engine dealer. of I year, get phone number , I ,or name In red and also silo fillers. Com binders, grain Hart's Auto Parts I I save $1.00 per ad. HOME REFINANCE Spacial- binder. Rosensaw 40 com Cecil, Ohio I I Call ists. Cash 7 days. Bankruptcy huskers. Paypack Model L mmIIII 419-399-4777 I I I I I Michigan Farm News I I 1-800-968-3129 lor details Wh OK. Call 1-800-223-9699. ~;~;~~~~~~;r:;;'~ gale C-40 silo filler.New Idea IBII!Y4I I I Get the Thllrd Issue speculate, our expertise can Y ? I eliminate price risk through BLACK MULE MARES: 16 I . soundEmarketing h.CallSMi~hthi-dH ..H. WWel.111 balroketo Ilride and I gan xperts, Te ml rive. I so se wagon FR EE! I Brothers, 1-800-878-2767. with hydraulic brakes and Deadline for next issue is November 5,1993 P ay M0re . · C WHEAT, STRAW: Square bales. Call 1-616-623-2261. harness. 1 906 359 4826 - - REGISTERED - Perkins, . MORGAN MI :m! Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your Classified Ad Today! or use the coupon below and -nail your claSSified ad 10 = Cut Your Prescription Enjoy substantial savings on over 5,000 of the most popular name brand prescriptions, non-prescriptions, osts .:i1~j~~1lmm~~~n~~~~~~~~~1j1~~~~,;j'~i~~1~,l!~~j'~:~~i~.g'B~k~e~~sri~~' "iq;,~[~j!j]1!~ili~1!r~~~![~1~~~!t 13,000 GALLON BULK stor- age tank for LP or amonia, *i~~~i1111H~li1lli~11k.;.1.;lli:1 i~~wh~~~i~. ~~~on~~egr~~i 1-527-427-5457, 1-517-427-5071. g~~ $7,500. 616-874-7319. THOROUGHBRED Gelding, Michigan Farm News vitamins, and medical supplies. Plus, save even 3 years old. Kind, good look- Buy Line/Daily News more when you order generic equivalents! BE PREPARED with a ing, rides well. Call Gererac stand by generator, Po. Box 6 8-20kw. Best prices! 1-517-352-6481. Stanton, MI48888 Heartland/Feld Drug has been serving Rural National Brokers, Call Classified Ad Codes Americans for over 30 years. 1-313-471-5397. 1. Farm Machinery 6. AgricultUlai Services 11. Wanted to Buy CHORE BOY MILKING 2. Livestock Equipment 7. Auctions 12. General To get your FREE Discount Phannacy Catalog SYSTEMS Starline equip- 3. Farm CommOdities 8. Building Materials 13. PonieslHorses 14. AntiqueS/CoUectibles ment. McBride, Produce, 4. Uveslock 9. Real Estale McBride, MI 48852, Phone SPLIT HICKORY two horse 5. Name HelpIPosition Wanted 10. Seeds 15. Phone ( Special Events Call Toll-Free 1-800- 228-3353 days 517-762-5370. COMPUTER SOFT WARE buck board. Manufactured by the Ohio Carriage Company, Columbus, Ohio. BugfJY Address by Harvest Computer manufacatured by OVid I City I .. I ClaSSIfied Ad Code Requested Desired Insertion Date(s): Stale __ Zip Number of Issues 48> HEARTlANOlFELD H EAR T LAN D FEl[j£ORUG PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES 5023 Grover SUeel • Omaha. Ne 68106 IS A MEMBER BENEFIT PROVIDER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS systems. Accounting pack- ages, field management packa~es, and more. For more Information call David Carriage Company. Ovid, Michigan in 1914. Stone boat nose, $50. Call 1-616-965-4801. Dankenbring, 517-543-1588. Method of Payment CYLINDER HEADS: Block Check S (payable 10 Michigan Farm News Classified) and transmission case repair. Cast iron repair specialists.. '" Visa Card Number Exp.Date __ Exp. Date _ All work guaranteed. Kin9- Master Card Number man Engineering 703 CurtiS Classified Rates Street, Mason, MI $8 for up to 24 words DUNLOP 517-676-1417. UNIVERSITY OF Minnesota- DON'T THROW THOSE MN Ext. Service 11th Annual 30 cents each additional word Marketing Alkaline batteries away! Dairy Tou r, February, Wllte your ad here. including phone number and area code Recharge them with the 4-March 3, 1994. Australia- 3 Agent-for Purchasing Quality Super Charger. Get the New Zealand-Fiji Vacation. facts, order yours today, See dairy farming, marketing, Canadian Breeding Stock: Products Plus Inc., research, scenery, farm I 12 1-800-801-8355 (24 hours). stays. Fee, $4295. Mpls, I 9 11 Red Deer • Fallow Deer • Elk FARROWNING CRATES: 9 $4095 LA, U of M, 405 Coffey I 13 14 15 16 nursery decks, 3 fully Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108. Call I equipped, elevated. Dei-Air 1-800-367-5363. I 17 18 19 20 Presently available, a complete herd of proven, tested Red Deer. A-350 heat exchanger. Good ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW I 21 22 23 24 condition! Reasonable. Call I Saturday, November 13, 27 28 Contact:: Tim Dunlop 1-517-291-5158. 9am-4pm, Montcalm County I 25 26 I 30 Triple Bay Rd., RR #1 HAVESTORE SILOS: two Armory, Greenville. 50 I 29 30 .31 32 newer, 2Ox60, A.O. Smith booths. Free Admission. Door I~ ~ ~ ~ Port McNicoll, Ontario LOK 1RO Havestores with 1 Goliath Prizes. Sponsored by the PhonelFax: (705) 534-4481 unloader, good conditon, best Greenville Daily News. ~ ---------- ~ offer or will trade. Call Cir~ul;tio;,-o~_;;;4~OOO in State of Michigan. 616-834-5896. Michigan Farm News wind-driven Water Fees Questionable -. October 30, 1993 PONDMASTER Get Your Fall Tillage continued from page 13 -= the current law. We believe farmers may be exempt from the new fees." Parts at Current law states that: 26TH "An agricultural employer using a well to provide water for employee use is Group Purchasing exempt from any well inspection fees that may be or are imposed under this act YEAR or rules promulgated under this act." Rates! "If you have received one of these bills. follow the directions on the bill and GouP RrChaSing pay before the deadline of Nov. 30, 1993." Kelly advised. "If our interpretation Freight Free & Overnight Delivery is not correct, you would be penalized for paying your billlate. If you have any questions or feel that )'ou have been improperly classified, call the Michigan Department of Public Health, Division of Water Supply Noncommunity Unit, at (517) 335-9176 (in the Upper Peninsula call (906) 786-6410) or contact Howard Kelly, at MFB, at (517) 323-7000, Ext. 2044. DeBruyn Wins Migrant Housing Case The question of whether the relationship between the occupant of employee housing is considered that of a landlord/tenant or an employer/employee ~ c;::- moved a giant step closer to resolution with a decision by the Court of Appeals issued Oct. 18. ICE-FREE AREAS The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the Ottawa COUnly Circuit Court in a case deciding if the relationship with the employees in FOR LIVESTOCK DeBruyn's housing were employees or tenants. One clear statement of the FISH & WATERFOWL court was: "We agree with the trial court that defendants are not tenanlS within the meaning of the landlord tenant relationshi pact." FACTORY DIRECT - VISA/MC or contact COD This is apparently the law of Michigan. However, caution should be exer- your nearest PONDMASTER dealer Ca//1-BOD-292-26BO, ext. 2015 cised because all employment conditions would have to mirror the facts of the DeBruyn employment agreement and benefit package, to be applicable. SIBLEY IND., INC. More details in the next issue. ANDERSON, MO 64831 ~RRIED FACES OF OUR INSUREDS. Worry? Not them. And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? Let the MACMA Direct Marketing Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care. I Program fill your Christmas wish With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how for convenient, tasteful Michigan devastating this can be. FARM BEST holiday gifts. But it doesn't have to be this way. See the order blank in this issue for With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an a complete products/price listing. American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 ~ Chicken Cordon Bleu, ready to bake for family Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for dinners or buffet suppers. more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the ~ Chilly and Delicious Fresh options available to you. Frozen Fruits in convenient Representing: serving-sizes. ~ Crisp Frozen Vegetables in AMEX Life Assurance Company II @ handy to use serving sizes. a subsidiary of TRAVEL ~ Tempting varieties of All- RElATED @ SEIMCES Michigan Gift Boxes, attrac- tively package. 1. Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 13, 1990 3. Independent analysts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and operating performance. Contact your county Direct Mar- keting coordinator. See county list- TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND AN AlEX BROCHUREIAPPUCATION - FI.J. OUT THE COUPON BELOW ing on the order blank. OR CALL DIRECT 1~ EXT. - 3DI. Please Print Orders must be placed no later _ .. /tIICHIGAN than November 17. Deliveries are ..... FARM BUREAU Name scheduled for the weeks of Decem- Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Address ber 6 and December 13. You will Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 Ci State ZIP be notified of the delivery date and Lansing, MI 48909 location. Phone Coun .. Michigan Farm New~ -. October 30, 1993 "One Man's Waste is Another Man's Treasure" (continued from page 1) bio-solids at no charge to the farmer for solid," said Goetsch. "It's a relentless testing Spreaders are equipped to handle both liquid lime and the bio-solids. When used over 100 cities. A majority of the bio-solid program - and it's expensiye, too." for bio-solids from waste water treatment facilities, injector knives can be attached product is injected by the company on the to the tool bar.across the back of the spreader so that the bio-solids can be injected. farm fields, unless the fields have less than Once a treatment facility is permitted, test- a Grade A slope. This service can provide ing is done every time bio-solids are hauled real benefits for all parties involved, ac- from the facility. Farm fields are also tested cording to Goetsch, since the farmer is extensively to become permitted, and then a getting a free source of nitrogen and phos- running logsheet is kept on individual fields. phorus, the municipality picks up the tab Limits are set on nutrients and then calcula- for applications, and our state's landfills tions made for appropriate application rates are being spared of a product that has value. of the bio-solids. "This program is seen as a beneficial use "One of the restrictions is that this program program," Goetsch said. "Without the has to be a beneficial use program," Goetsch farmer, disposal would go to a landfill. So explained. "So we have to show the need for we have a program with several safety nets what we're applying. We'll use fertilizer to make sure nothing is going out there that recommendations, and then compare that has a problem. That way, we can utilize it against the analysis of the bio-solid, looking as a fertilizer, instead of filling up our at ammonia, nitrates, TKN, phosphorus, and landfills with something that could be then all the metals." used." Once application is completed, Goetsch says Those safety nets include some rigorous that precise calculations are made as to what testing of the product, the facility and the was needed, what was applied, and what the farmer's field, to make sure that fertility farmer still needs to apply for his next crop. levels won't exceed beneficial use limits. Generally, potash is the one nutrient that will "They test for organic chemicals, inorganic be in short supply, and must be applied by chemicals and fertility levels of the bi- the farmers. Lifetime limits are established for each field in terms of what and how much can be applied of various elements. Unfortunately, Goetsch says, misinformation and bad press about bio-solid disposal have created con- fusion and sometimes, bad feelings between neighbors who do and don't accept bio- solids on their farms. He referred to a field test that called for a 6,000 gallon per acre application rate. Out of the 6,000 gallons, the farmer actually got 53 pounds of nitrogen, 119 pounds of phos- phorus, and only .47 pounds of lead, 2.28 pounds of zinc, 2.12 pounds of copper, and .07 pounds of nickel. "Put that in comparison to starter fertilizer which contains 2 percent zinc - if he applies 150 pounds of starter, he's getting 4.5 pounds of zinc," Goetsch said. "We notify any and all neighbors when we're just per- mitting a field, and we let them know when the field is actually permitted. We might never actually use the field, but we still let the neighbors know what we're doing." In most cases, farmers can easily get their field permitted, however there are some fac- tors that would disqualify a field. In a few cases, fields are disqualified for bio-solid application because of low lying fields prone to flooding. But 99 percent of the time a field is disqualified because of high nutrient load- ing already present. "Basically, phosphorus buildup is the big- gest problem we encounter," Goetsch said. "Ifhe's got 200 pounds of phosphorus in the field already, then there's no beneficial use for spreading the sludge on that field." Goetsch expects that recently released stric- ter Environmental Protection Agency regulations should help establish a consis- tent national level of procedures to help clean up other image problems and abuses in other states that impact Great Lakes En- vi roland. "Michigan has always enforced and adhered to higher standards than most other states in terms of sludge application," For over forty years. Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield he said. have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates The only other limiting factors is distance with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. and weather, says Goetsch. For liquid product, the company likes to stay within a 25 mile radius of the treatment facility. For No matter what your needs: .. semi-so.lids, the company will go as far as 40 small business. sole proprietor. or individual coverage for you or your family - miles and the company generally looks for fields that are 10 acres or larger. Once we have the right plan at the right price. temperatures reach freezing levels, liquid product can't be spread. Temperatures Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service below 25 degrees F or lower eliminate semi- solid spreading as well. provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. For more information, contact: Central Michigan, Bill Goetsch Eastern Michigan, Bob Caldwell For information. call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula, Rusty Laurenz _"M'C"'GAN .:: .. FARM BIJR~AU Western Michigan, Steve Mahoney (517) 669-5573 or (517) 669-8395