. Michigan Farm News [-.1 New Technology Pays For Past at Parson Chemical Plant November 15, 1993 Vol. 70, No.19 FDA Gives BST First Time Commercial Use of Workers enter the hood to lay down a layer of graphite in a path between four electrodes ISV in EPA Chemical Cleanup to ~tart a flow of electricity dow'! into t~e g!ound that will melt the contaminated soil. Green Light: ThiS was the first ever commercial applicatIOn of "ISV" technology. gO-Day Moratorium A new technology for treating hazardous waste, originally developed by the U.S. Still in Effect Department of Energy (DOE) for treating radioactive waste, is being utilized for the The Food and Drug Administration has first time ever on a commercial basis in announced approval of the new animal drug Michigan, at an Environmental Protection sometribove, a recombinant bovine Agency (EPA) Super Fund Site. somatotropin (BST) product, for increasing milk production in daIry cows. The process, called in situ vitrification Sometribove increases milk output by (ISY), involves the "in place" electrical supplementing a cow's natural BST, a hor- mone produced in the pituitary gland. Milk melting of soils and other earthen materials from treated cows has been found to have the to 3,600 F for purposes of destroying, same nutritional value and composition as removing and/or permanently immobi- milk from untreated cows. lizing hazardous materials that are present. "This has been one of the most extensively Soil is converted into a rock-like material studied animal drug products to be reviewed that's considered harmless, and the actual by the agency," said FDA Commissioner , mass of the soil, once melted, is reduced by David A. Kessler, M.D. "The public can be 20 to 30 percent. The resulting hole is then confident that milk and meat from BST- filled and covered with clean top soil and treated cows is safe to consume." reseeded. As reported by the General Accounting Office in September 1992, FDA found Geosafe Corporation, based out of evidence in the submitted clinical trials that Richland, Washington, is under an EPA BST-treated cows have slightly increased in- contract to apply the technology at the Par- cidence of mastitis. In March, an FDA ad- son Chemical Site located in Eaton County, visory committee met to discuss concerns according to Leonard Zintak, EPA's on- raised by GAO that antibiotic treatments for mastitis could lead to increased antibiotic scene coordinator for Region 5. which is difficult to treat by conventional I tremely expensive at about $2,000 a cubic yard.!' .. ,:.:' ....,. -;0' ~~ residues in milk. methods," explained Zi!1tak. "Yo'u just. 4 ~ -,- "What we're dealing with here is a mixture can't ship this contaminated soil off to a . Co"ntinued on page 13, see The committee concluded that adequate safeguards are in place to prevent unsafe of pesticides, herbicides, and mercury, landfill. Offsite incineration can be ex- "Parson Chemical Cleanup" levels of antibiotic residues from entering the milk supply. Nevertheless, .additional steps have been taken to ensure that any unsafe Corn Sweetener Added to NAFTA Sugar Definition residues in the milk of BST-treated cows are A major focal point of NAFTA debate amount of its domestic sugar consumption must be included in NAFTA's definition of detected well before the milk or its products within the farm community was effectively -by converting its current sugar-sweetened domestic sugar production. reach the grocery store shelves. Monsanto Co. eliminated with Mexico's agreement to in- beverage industry to High Fructose Com of St. Louis, Mo., the drug's sponsor, has clude corn-based sweeteners when deter- Sweetener (HFCS)," Boehm explained. "If Mexico has also agreed to a price-based agreed to conduct a post-approval monitoring mining if Mexico is a net surplus producer that were to occur under the original sugar mechanism that would limit Mexican im- E!0gram that includes the following elements: of sugar. The move-is-expected touwin a provisions of NAFTA; U~S. producers had ports-of-fruits,-citrus,-and-vegetables if U.S. o A two-year tracking system of milk number of new congressional supporters, speculated that Mexico could export all of producer pay prices were dramatically af- production and drug residues in 21 top as well as additional supporters from the its displaced crystalline sugar from the fected, according to U.S. Trade Repre- dairy states, that will periodically compare agricultural community, according to MFB beverage industry into the U.S." sentative Mickey Kantor. Although details the amount of milk discarded after BST is Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm. were not readily available, Mexican imports marketed to the amount discarded prior to With this change, Mexican sugar exports of those items would reportedly be control- approval. "The U.S. sugar industry had worried that will be capped at 250,000 metric tons after led and limited by adjustable U.S. tariffs o A 12-month comparison of the proportion Mexico could displace a significant the sixth year of the agreement, and HFCS when needed to support U.S. prices. of milk discarded due to positive drug tests between BST-treated and untreated herds. o A reponing system to monitor all BST use and follow up on all complaints. Building Barns the Way They Used to o The use of sometribove in 24 commercial Kalamazoo County farmer Bill Saunders A team of oxen pull the second bent of the barn into place, as workers help guide dairy herds will be specifically monitored didn't know what to do with the old barn the beams into place. Approximately 60 workers were on hand to help and learn for mastitis, animal drug use and the result- originally built in 1870 on his farm. But in some old tricks of barn raising. Photo: Mike Smith ing loss of milk. 1988, he knew he had to make the difficult Continued page 4 "BST Approved" decision to either tear the old barn down or have it worked on so that it could continue to be used. He opted for the latter and contracted with M. Stitt Barn Restoration of Hesperia to have the barn floors and sill beams replaced and the 32 foot by 64 foot barn upgraded for hay and equipment storage. Unfortunately, after the barn had been jacked up off of its foundation, Kalamazoo County was hit with a fairly strong August thunderstorm. When it was over, the barn had been toppled and totally destroyed, taking a nearby silo with it as well. At that time, Mike Stitt made a promise to Saunders that he would rebuild the barn to its original specifications, which was, coin- cidently, made easier by some work Saunders had done previously. Continued on page 20, see "Building Barns ... " Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 18 Michigan Farm News November 15, 1993 Grassroots In Brief ... Policy Midwest Disaster Payments Reach $207 Million Development: The USDA said it has distributed more than $207 million in direct disaster aid in nine Midwestern states that suffered rain and flood damage last summer. The aid has so far been Making Your in the form of crop disaster payments to farmers, loans to farmers and businesses, emergency food stamps to families, and other food assistance through relief agencies. Organization The department said it has paid $75 million in crop disaster payments to 27,368 farmers. Crop insurance payments have totaled nearly $101.5 million. The distribution so far Work For You represents only a small fraction of the $6.2 billion in overall aid Congress approved in August, according to an Associated Press report. I believe this has been one of the most exciting policy development (PO) seasons ever in Farm Bureau. County PD committees across the state worked diligently to generate well-thought-out local, state and national policy recommendations for their Ethanol Push Needs Attention county annuals. These proposed policies generated spirited debate and discussion. Farmers and others interested in developing markets for ethanol need to contact the White Much of the credit goes to the Farm Bureau leaders who serve on the county Policy House "immediately, ifnot sooner," according to Rep. Glenn Poshard (D-I1I.). "In the very Development committees. These men and women put many hours into gathering near future, the administration will rule as to whether ethanol will be used in the major cities input and opinions on the kinds of policies that should be presented at the annuals. of this country, Poshard said. "Ethanol has passed the test and should be given the chance It Their efforts were helped along this year by a special PoliCYDevelopment question- to work in this country." naire that was distributed to all regular members through the Michigan Farm News. Nearly 2,200 of these forms were returned to Michigan Farm Bureau and forwarded to the county PO committees. Poshard said he has met with Vice President AI Gore and EPA Administrator Carol Browner urging them to give ethanol the green light. The congressman said administrative proceed- Policies approved at the county annual meetings dealing with local issues became ings and rulings have held up implementation of ethanol as provided in the Clean Ai'r Act. the official policy of the county Farm Bureau for the coming year. I urge you to study and understand your local policies, so you can assist your county in the next impor- Hedging Tax Ruling Good for Agriculture tant step: working to implement that policy on the local level. Policy recommendations dealing with state and national issues were forwarded to People in the agricultural industry were quick to praise the decision by the Internal Revenue the Michigan Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee. This hard working Service to treat income from most hedging transactions as ordinary income rather than group, chaired by MFB Vice President Wayne Wood, spent the fall researching is- capital gains for tax purposes. sues, talking to experts and reviewing input from MFB commodity advisory commit- tees. They are now carefully studying the county policy recommendations and con- The National Grain and Feed Association called the decision "decisive, appropriate and solidating them into a slate of policies to be considered by the delegates to the responsible." Commodity Futures Trading Commission member Joseph B. Dial says it Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting, Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, in Detroit. should remove "a cloud of legal uncertainty hanging over U.S. agribusiness." Although the exact shape of the policy recommendations is still beinf] formed, I think Previously, when hedging transactions were treated as capital gains and losses, with gains we'll see discussion at the annual meeting revolve around these major issues: - balancing the federal budget - limiting federal taxes subject to tax and losses not eligible for writeoff, much of the incentive for hedging to - health care reform - private property rights minimize market risk or lock in future prices was lost. - reform of the endangered species act - the shape of the '95 Farm Bill - school finance and education reform - farmland preservation Espy Loses Appeal on Meat Labels - reorganization of the U. S. Department of Agriculture - agriculture and its impact on the environment (especially in regard to water A federal appeals court has again delayed, at least until January, USDA attempts to require quality and chemical use) safe handling labels on raw meat and poultry products. The 5th U.S. Court of Appeals refused to overturn a Texas judge's order blocking USDA's label dire~tive from taking Policies approved on state issues will become the official policy of the Michigan effect on Oct. 15. According to the federal judg~ hearing the case, the USDA failed to show Farm Bureau for the coming year. You'll be able to follow the successful progress enough of a food-safety emergency to require new labels with just two months notice. The your organization makes in implementing those policies by reading "Capitol Corner" in the Michigan Farm News each month. new labels would have required pictures and instructions on how to handle, cook, refrigerate and thaw raw meat. Policies on national and international issues will be forwarded to the AFBF Policy Development Committee, of which I will be a member. That committee's proposed USDA has announced that it will issue new safe handling regulations rather than appeal policies will be considered by the Michigan delegates to the AFBF annual meeting, the court decision. Espy said that pursuing a lengthy court battle could thwart the goal of Jan. 9 - 13, in Ft. Lauderdale. providing safety information to consumers quickly. The new regulations could mean mandatory labels by February or March. By starting over, USDA will have to publish the It's always great to be a Farm Bureau member, but it's especially exciting to be in- proposed regulations and allow interested groups 30 to 90 days to comment. USDA would volved in our organization durin9 policy development time. You can be proud of the effort your leaders put into makmg sure the policies ref/ect your wishes and the then publish final rules with an implementation deadline. needs of the agricultural industry. ~ a..c.-R. ;f~ October Farm Prices Up Over 4 Percent ~ ack Laurie, President The index of prices received by U.S. farmers for their products in October was down .7 Michigan Farm Bureau percent from September, but was up 4.3 percent from a year ago, according to USDA figures. Price declines in October for cattle, lettuce, soybeans and tomatoes more than offset price gains for grapefruit, oranges, corn and eggs. The year to year increase was due to price gains for oranges, hogs, corn, and soybeans. Without the orange price change from last year, USDA said the index would have reflected only a slight increase. The index of prices paid by farmers for commodities and services, interest rates, taxes, and farm wage rates for October was up 1 percent from July and up 3.6 percent from October 1992. Since last surveyed in July, higher pr.ices for feed, fuels, and self-propelled machinery and tractors, more than offset lower feeder cattle and fertilizer prices, USDA said. Harvest an Excellent Time to Think About 1994 Plans Harvest is an excellent time for farmers to begin thinking about plans for next year. In addition to crop rotation and production issues such as fertility and weed control, farmers should also think about areas in their fields where waterways or other erosion control measures would help reduce soil loss and control runoff. "The ASCS has several cost-share programs that can help farmers install these structures, and winter is a good time to visit ASCS offices to talk about these programs," according to Jim Byrum, state executive director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS). Farmers can construct waterways, filter strips and other erosion control structures with ASCS cost-share money, with the objective of reducing soil erosion and Morton Buildin~ is leading the industry with: improving water quality. > New stmctural designs .,I 5O-year column and snow-load protection The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, > New stntctural capabilities (with no weight limit) December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm > New color combinations .,I 2o-year protection against red rust Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual > New building styles (Including acid rain) dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and > New exterior applications .,I lo-year wlnd-load protection on additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan > New interior options > New sliding door teclvlology AlumaSteeP sliding doors (with no Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. > New gutter systems weight omit) .,I 5-year Wind-load protection on complete Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna > New infonnative video tapes Wilber; Henry Huisjen. > New con-osion protection building (with no weight limit) Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck CIII yow ItICIII cdc8 tatayI Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom Adrian, MI (517) 263-(J541 800--447-7436 Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 ~T~MORTON Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Aa BUILDINGS Rockford, MI (616)87#J400 Kurt Inman. Sturgis. Three Rivers, MI (616) 279-5271 e Michigan Farm News ITOL o -. November 15,1993 o:D Z m :D Education Reform Oil Pollution Liability Several bills have been introduced and specifics are beingdebated by both House and Senate MFB POSITION The Oil Protection Act.of 1990, enacted by Congress in members. MFB has taken a position on several of the key elements of the Education Reform Farm Bureau opposes the response to the Valdez Alaska oil spill, now appears to be Plan (seepage 17 for a question and answer presentation on school finance issues). unreasonable level of oil much broader than Congress intended. The act may apply pollution liability or in- to many businesses, individuals and farms, unless Con- Career and Technical Education: lish policies regarding school building surance and will file com- gress takes action to correct mistakes. The governor's plan does not include fund- budgets, contracts with vendors, etc. ments with the MMS to eliminate or significantly The act requires firms and individuals to show proof of the ing for Career and Technical Education ability 10 be financially responsible for $150 million in programs. These' programs' are extremely MFB supports the implementation of P.A. reduce the impact. potential oil pollution liability. For smaller firms without . critical to agricultural education and FFA. 25 and, therefore, supports the education that level of assets, $150 million in insurance would be re- advisory board, but opposes the school MFBCONTACT quired to cover each facility. The definition of "facility" in MFB supports the funding of the career building governing board because it dupli- AI Almy, Ext. 2040 the act includes "any structure that is used to produce, and technical education. programs beyond cates the local school board's role. transport or store petroleum." The term includ~s motor the basic per pupil grant. vehicles, rolling stock and pipelines. Longer School Day and Year Schools of Choice: The House has introduced legislation that The Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. The governor's plan would allow school w,ouldlengthen the required school year by Department of Interior has issued an advance notice of districts to nopt out II of the choice program, two days each year beginning in 1995-96 proposed rule-making to implement the act. MMS recog- therefore not allowin~ out~of-district stu- until the school year is 210 days in the year nizes the problem businesses and farmers will have in com- dents into their system. The House has of- 2010. A waiver would be available for ex- plying with the $150 million oil pollution liability or in- fered an "qpt in" program requiring all emption from the school'year requirement. surance requirements. However, the act does not appear to school districts to adopt sometypeof in-dis- permit any flexibility for MMS to waive or limit the extent trict choice unless a' public justification' MFB supports the authority of the local of the coverage. report is issued stating why choice will not school board to most effectively utilize be off~red. their property and resources, therefore, the Amendments to the Recreational Trespass Act decision to either increase the length of the Senate Bills 504 and 505, sponsored by Sen. Faust (0- Another House proposal calls for "choice school day or increase the school year MFB POSITION ll S.B. 504 and 505 have Westland), amend the Recreational Tlespass Act to allow classrooms providing options within their beyond the state required days should be the a peace officer to seize property and enforce the act upon own school building. Parents could petition decision of the local school board. passed the Senate and the House and are awaiting complaint of the landowner. Penalty provisions are 10cal~cDool boards for aparti,cular kind of provided for a first-time violater at 90 days in jailor $100 instruction. Student Education Bank Account: the governor's signature. Farm Bureau offered fine or both, and subsequent violations within three years , A bill has been introduced in the Senate that increase the fine to $1,000 and 90 days in jailor both. MF.B suppgttstne cQn~~pt pf ,SC9polsj.of" ou compl.t. •• erg .. t .. building •. All ... with .ngln .. r .temped permit drewlng. to m.. t 29 30 31 32 1i86 MBMA cod •• , 20 YMr roof warranty, end pelnted w.II •. 1-800-968-3129 Cell u. today fOt • fr .. information pec:kege, end e quote on our top quality building. Ot building compoMftt pert •. 33 34 35 36 L ______ ~~~~~ _____________ ~ for details '.- ................ MINI WAREHOUSE SALE $11,298 20 J 120 WITH 2~ UNITS COMPLETE WITH " PARTITIOIlS 8 X 7 DOORS AIlD HARDWARE Circulation over 46,000 in State of Michi an. Michigan Farm News II. November 15, 1993 Discussion Topic for OUTSIDE WOOD December -- Promoting Why FURNACE: Eliminates fire danger, odor, inside mess. Heats home, domestic water, pools. Bums 12 hoursl Stain- Farming as a Career less steel construction, easy Ask most people what they think is diplomas, according to USDA. More college- Pay More? installation. 1-800-743-5883. agriculture's most important resource, and educated farm managers will be hired in com- Jamboree Acres Distribu- they'll probably answer that it's water, soil, tor, 46 Big Tree Road mercial plant and animal operations as each Jamestown, NY 14701. ' equipment or capital. In fact, qualified, well- become more economically integrated. There trained young people are our farming will be excellent production management op- PVC & PIERCE epoxy-fittings industry's most important - and increasingly inventory reduction. Will trade portunities in commercial horticulture and for aluminum tubing, waste ~~ter. or an~ other related Cut Your Prescription Costs coveted - resource. Many people are worried that high capital turf operations. Irngation equipment requirements for farming and difficulties ob- In larger farm operations, highly special- Enjoy substantial savings on over 5,000 of the most Rain Control taining credit prevent young persons with lit- ized production managers will become more popular name brand prescriptions, non-prescriptions, 1-800-536-7246 tle equity from entering farming. In response common. Others will focus exclusively on vitamins, and medical supplies. Plus, save even STRAW CHOPPERS: We to these concerns, policymakers have created marketing functions or financial manage- more when you order generic equivalents! ment, and some may specialize in mechanical rebuild and balance. Some programs offering direct assistance to begin- exchanges. We stock chop- systems operations. In some cases, the in- per parts. ENGINE HeartlandlFeld Drug has been serving Rural ning farmers. The 1992 Agricultural Credit Improvement Act provides for direct loans, creased specialization will require managers REBUILDING our specialty. Americans for over 30 years. Auto-Truck -Tractor-Antique- guarantee of commercial loans and interest with advanced degrees in highly specific Conti ne ntal-Koh Ier-O nan- To get your FREE Discount Pharmacy Catalog rate subsidies to beginnning farmers. areas of expertise. Wisconsin engine dealer. Even though it is a challenge for a young What can farmers do to promote produc- Hart. AulD P.- tion ag as a career? Cecil, Ohio 419-399-4m Call Toll-Free 1-800- 228-3353 person to enter farming, there are great oppor- tunities in production agriculture. That's "They can be active in their organizations PRODUCTS PLUS INC especially true now that MSU has begun and tell others that there are career oppor- (Belding Mi) not only offers ~H EAR T LAN D FEl{f£ORUG rebuilding and revitalizing the animal agricul- tunities, that agriculture is still a dynamic the amazing Akaline Battery ~ PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAl SUPPliES ture facilities. This "Animal Agriculture In- industry and that it has a future," according to Recharger- The Super Char- 5023 Grover Street. Omaha, Ne 68106 Jump. "Farmers can help"themselves by ~r, but now adds the exciting itiative" holds tremendous potential for boost- hne of Amiga Computers, HEARTlANOIFELO IS A MEMBER BENEFIT PROVIDER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS ing economic activity across the spectrum of promoting agriculture as a good way of life." Video Toaster 4000, acces- our industry. Although there may not be as many op- sories, peripherals and soft- portunities as there were 30 years ago for wear. Covered Village Mall MSU aggressively recruits for their two- 616-794-1846 Get Your Fall Tillage year Ag Tech program and the four-year de- young people to get into farming on their own, 1-800-801-8355. Parts at gree programs in agriculture and natural production agriculture and the rural way of resources. "Some of the most plentiful job life still hold a powerful appeal. In your inter- HIGH QUAUTY tillage wear parts at low group purchasing Group Purchasing opportunities are on dairy, livestock and crop actions with non-farmers, be sure and point prices. SAVE. Call farms," said Cliff Jump, director of the Ag out that Michigan agriculture plans to grow in 800-292-2680 ext 20 15. Rates! the future and needs the talents of our young . Group BrChaSing Tech programs and coordinator of the ag busi- ness program at MSU. people to make that happen. ARE YOU GETTING a fair deal from your current prop- Freight Free & Overnight Delivery A majority of the young people in MSU's ane supplier? Let Farmers Ag Tech program come from farms, but MSU Petroleum Cooperative, Inc, quote your LP gas needs. Call tries hard to inform non-farm youth about the Discussion Questions: 1-800-579-3637 in Caro or job opportunities in production ago "We love 517-882-2822 in Lansing. to be able to recruit some non-farm people 1. Is it important to encourage young who want to be in agriculture and go into people to examine production farming AFFORDABLE DENTAL INSURANCE is herel For just production agriculture jobs," Jump said. "The or ag-related careers? Yes/No Why? a $5 co-pay visit, you'll have swine industry is an example. We always get routine exams, x-rays, dean- more requests for people than we have to fill 2. What is the biggest obstacle to young ings and more covered at those positions. And interestingly, 90 percent people in choosing a career in produc- 100%1Call your local county Farm Bureau office or of our two-year graduates stay in Michigan tion farming or an ag-related field 1-800-292-2680 for more and two-thirds go back to their communities." today? information. Precise figures for Michigan are not avail- GOING TO FLORIDA? able, but USDA said that about 3,650 job 3. On the other hand, what are some of SAVE with theme park openings for agricultural production the positive, fulfilling aspects of produc- discounts for Disney, Sea tion farming and ag-related careers World, Busch Gardens, specialists are expected across the country Universal Studios and morel through 1995. Two-thirds of those positions that should be promoted to young Call you local county Farm will be farm managers and forest land resour- people considering their futures? Bureau office or See You at the State Annual! ces managers. 1-800-292-2680 todayI Call 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2015 The size and complexity of many com- 4. What can be done in your local com- PREMIUM QUALITY roller mercial farms in the future will make it in- munities and schools to increase chain guaranteed to last 30% . student's awareness of opportunities in longer than any chain you creasingly necessary to hire people who have college degrees instead of just high school the agricultural field? UTILITY have ever used. Call Group Purchasing 800-292-2680, ext 2015. MFB Family Trade Show Focus on MFB Services •• ~I DRUM PAIR BLACK RIDING mules, 16 H.H. Quiet on trails, will go anywhere, traffic safe, drive too. Seven year old Belgian Gelding, 1900#. 14' wagon, MIXERS (Formerly sold through Sears catalog.) hydraulic brakes. 1-906-359-4826. For all your farm needs SPUT HICKORY two horse buck board. Manufactured by the Ohio Carriage Company, Columbus, Ohio. Buggy manufacatured by OVid Carriage Company. Ovid, Michigan in 1914. Stone boat nose, $50. Call 1-616-965-4801. r8ac_1 UNIVERSITY OF Minnesota- Buy direct 1-800-445-2699 Members attending the MFB annual meeting will be able to learn more about their member service programs during the - Dentemax (individual dental insurance) - FELD Drug - Farm Bureau VISA and Trip Routing MN Ext Service 11th Annual 1993 MFB Family Trade Show on Mon., - Farm Bureau Travel Dairy Tour, February, 4-March 3, 1994. Australia- New Zealand-Fiji Vacation. See dairy fanning, marketing, GllSCN Nov. 29, from 11 :30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tues., Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MFB member service programs on exhibit will in- clude: - Sav-On-Cars - Dodge Truck - MFB Group Purchasing - HI-Grade Nut & Bolt MIXERS research, scenery, farm stays. Fee, $4295. Mpls, - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan & - MACMA Direct Marketing $4095 LA, U of M, 405 Coffey Since Blue Care Network (individual and - Community Activities Department Hall, St Paul, MN 55108. Call 1911 small group plans) - Promotion and Education Department 1-800-367-5363. - Farm Bureau Insurance - Young Farmer Department 1040 9th Ave. Grafton, WI 53024 - AMEX Life Assurance Company (nursing home and extended care) . Michigan Farm News ; Building Barns the Way They Used to (continued from page 1) -. November 15,1993 At right, Mike Stitt, owner of M. Stitt Barn "We had made detailed drawings - I don't Restoration of Hesperia, lines up a peg, know why - but I had gone up into the loft, as workers prepare another bent for taken dimensions of beams, noting their raising into position. location and distance between them and so on," Saunders said. "Those drawings were of the barn, according to Dick Roosenberg, given to Mike at the time he was working executive director of Tillers International. on the barn and this has enabled him to duplicate the original barn as much as pos- "Tillers is a non-profit organization that's sible." committed to researching our own rural history and finding various techniques that According to Saunders, once the new barn are low cost and yet productive that might is completed, it may have a few additional be adaptable to international agriculture," windows and doors, but basically it will be explained Roosenberg. "What we do is try the same barn as the one that went down in to draw on our great grandfather's skills and 1988. make those available to young men in other parts of the world who don't necessarily "I think Mike was personally devastated have access to new technology." when the original barn fell over and felt somewhat responsible," Saunders com- Roosenberg said the offer by Stitt to make mented. "Mike made a commitment and he the barn raising an educational opportunity just made up his mind that he was going to was something that appealed to Tillers and, replace the barn one way or another." in no time at all, three workshops had been scheduled to design the barn, do the actual Five years later, Stitt made good on his layout and marking of the beams, and final- promise to Saunders by contacting Tillers ly, the actual barn raising on Oct. 30 at the International in April of 1993 to garner their Saunders farm .. of the people together that enjoyed wood- pulling together the people and organizing assistance in putting together a work crew working skills and are involved in Tillers," a workshop format for it." that could help in the actual reconstruction "This seemed to be a good opportunity to Roosenberg said. "Our principle role was in work with a lot of craftsmen and draw some On the day of the actual barn raising, Roosenberg said nearly 60 workers showed up to help. By nightfall, all but the rafters and roof had been completed. Several of the workers planned on returning the following weekend to complete the remainder of the barn raising project. "Rebuilding this barn was a monumenta Why not the undertaking," Saunders concluded. "Thl bottom line, however, is that it will be super when it's done and we'll utilize it." bestinslrance Calendar of Events for YaIr farm? Nov ..24 - Northern Mich. Livestock Assoc. Feeder Sale, Gaylord, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 26 - All-Breed Calf Sale, Lake Odessa When you work hard to run a quality farm Livestock Auction, 1 p.m. operation, don't cut corners where it really counts - on your insurance. Nov. 26 - Lake Odessa Feeder Sale, Lake Odessa Livestoc.k Auction, 6 p.m. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Nov. 28-Dec. 1 - MFB Annual Meeting Michigan introduced the first Farmowners Westin Hotel, Detroit, Mich. policy in the nation in 1960. We were the first and we're still the best. Dec. 2 - Stray Voltage Program, Comfort Inn, Plainwell, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Barry We offer customized protection, fast claims County CES, (616) 948-4862 service, and people who know the insurance Dec. 3-4 - West Michigan Livestock Show needs of Michigan farmers. With Farm & Market Sale, Lake Odessa Bureau Mutual, you know you're getting top quality protection from Michigan's largest Dec. 3 - Michigan Livestock Exchange Feeder Sale, St. Louis, 1 p.m. farm insurer. Dec. 4 - Michigan Livestock Exchange You may find better ways to run your farm, Feeder Sale, Battle Creek, 1 p.m. but you won't find a better way to insure it. Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent Dec. 8 - Northern Mich. Livestock Assoc. today. Feeder Sale, Gaylord, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 - Dairy Nutrition Update - Montcalm Community College, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Montcalm CES (517) 831-5226 Dec. 11-12 - Michigan Winter Beef Show. MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing Dec. 11 - Michigan Winter Potato & Field Seed Conference, Michigan Crop Improve- ment Assoc. and Michigan Foundation See< Association annual meetings, Midland Val- ley Plaza Inn, (517) 355- 7438. Dec. 15-16 - Michigan Crop Managemen( Conference - Holiday Inn - Lansing, Dec. 16 - Owosso Livestock Sales Co. Feeder Sale, Owosso, 3 p.m. Jan. 8 - Michigan Cattlemen's Convention, MSU, East Lansing Jan. 9-13 - AFBF 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Send or FAX information (include contact name and phone number) three weeks in ' advance to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. FAX: (517) 323-6793 ..