Michigan Farm News 1-=1 December 15, 1993 Vol. 70, No.20 In This Issue Getting Ready for BST - Details Being Formulated School Reform/Finance: Decision time is around the comer for Time is running out for legislators dairy farmers as they await the end of the to deliver a school finance "and 90-day moratori urn for Bovine reform package page 3 Somatotropin (BST) on Feb. 3, 1994. Ac- Weather Outlook: cording to Monsanto's Director of Industry Affairs, Monte Hemenover, dairy farmers Expect warm arid wet conditions should start asking themselves some crucial to continue page 4 questions now. Soy Herb Program: Find out how your soybean check- "Producers need to sit down and ask them- selves whether they're ready for this tech- off dollars helped this farmer nology, said Hemenover. "By ready I II save nearly $17 per acre in her- t:nean, 'Is my ration good enough?' 'Are my bicides last year page 5 cows in good health?' and 'Can I manage Market Outlook: my cows once I increase their production?" Corn and bean storage on-farm "Posilac,1I Monsanto's version ofBST, with okay, otherwise take the money a 14-day injection schedule, is currently the and run. Keep current on live- only version of BST approved. Two other stock sales says MSU's versions, a 28-day injection schedule and a Hilker page 6 daily schedule version of BST, are still in the approval process. Hemenover said that Net Worth Statements: in the eyes of the FDA, the other versions Take the mystery out of develop- of BST are entirely different products that ing one, and learn how you can must go through the same lengthy approval liThe actual break-even will depend on a the ninth week of lactation during the peak use one page 7 process that Monsanto did for Posilac. number of issues, Hemenover said. "0ne II of production. Hemenover says that, like is obviously feed costs, because you do see other management aspects, production in- Delegates Want Less: Monsanto plans to conduct educational an increase in feed consumption. Secondly, creases due to BST will vary from cow to Less government is better say workshops for MSU academia, Extension is the actual production increase obtained, cow and from farm to farm. delegates to MFB's 74th annual personnel, and feed companies, during and then finally, the value of the milk. II meeting page 9 January, before actually starting to hold "Farmers don't bank percentages, they educational workshops for producers. Hemenover cautioned that the individual bank dollars, Hemenover said. "Every Farm Service Agency: Producers will be receiving personal invita- producer's management ability will be a II cow is going to respond differently. The USDA reorganization could mean tions to small workshops to be held after the big factor, since ration amounts, and herd bottom line is a dairyman needs to try it on new agency for farmers .... page 10 Feb. 3 moratorium expiration. health must be closely monitored with all his cows and then monitor the response MDA's Clean Sweep: production increases. and then continue to use BST on cows Monsanto will be offering a special intro- producing more than the four pounds per Learn about an opportunity to ductory offer that would allow producers to "I think one other big issue that will surface day to cover the cost of Posilac." remove obsolete chemicals from place a 50-dose minimum order, at $5 per very quickly is reproduction, II said your farm page 11 dose, for a daily cost of 36 cents per cow. Hemenover. If a producer has a cow that's II Monsanto plans to distribute Posilac via a According to Hemenover, that means a a known problem in terms of breeding national 1-800 phone number that Mud Creek Irrigation District: producer would need to see a four pound back, why tack on more stress - wait until producers will be able to call for order Thumb farmers plan to tap the per day increase to cover the cost in most she's bred back and then put her on BST." placement. Once the order is received, Great Lakes for irrigation in first situations, although, that can vary from Posilac will be" shipped directly to the of a kind project. page 13 farm to farm. Regular price for Posilac, will Monsanto is recommending, based on label producer via Federal Express. be $6.60 per dose. directions, that cows be started on BST in North Adams FFA Learn how this community saved their ag program, and helped it to MFB Annual Meeting Scores High Marks in Detroit grow page 16 The Westin Hotel in Detroit scored high Many Showcase visitors had never seen farm animals before and were anxious to bring their Year-End Tax Management Tips marks with delegates and guests attending children to share in the excitement. This first Showcase of Agriculture was hosted by the Are you ready for the close of the MFB annual meeting. Farm Bureau MFB Promotion & Education Committee with several MFB delegates also volunteering 1993? page 17 members scored big with Detroiters as they their time to host the students through the showcase. Below, Mike Irwin, of Butzel Middle illustrated to the city folks that farmers are, School, allows Detroit school kids an experience they've never had before. State Young Farmer Winners indeed, professionals from the ground up. Three top young farmers win Thanks to the Showcase of Agriculture, several thousand Detroiters were amazed to find calves, sheep, goats, and a hog in the plush interior of the Renaissance Center. Their amazement turned to awe as they saw poinsettias, lamb, beef, vegetables, and other commodities. They learned that Michigan farmers are a source of a diverse and bountiful supply of products. In addition, 600 Detroit middle school and FFA students were led on tours of the Showcase by members of MFB's Promo- tion and Education Committee. With all those students, other farmers at the annual meeting answered a call for help and joined the tours to ensure that students learned as much as possible about agriculture. - Other State Annual News - Engler Comments page 3 School Reform Policy page 3 Policy Recommendations page 9 Young Farmer Winners page 16 Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 18 Michigan Farm News December 15, 1993 In Brief ... Michigan Farm Prices Higher Building The Index of Prices Received by farmers in Michigan for all products as of Nov. 15 was Alliances for 135 percent of its 1977 base, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. The November index was two percent above last month's index of ]32 and was Agriculture's four percent higher than last year's level of 130. Future The price index for all crops rose five percent from last month led by feed grains and cash crops. Corn and potato prices jumped 12 percent and 16 percent respectively for October. Winter wheat increased five percent and soybeans were up four percent. Oats were the only price drop from October, declining three percent. Agric~/ture's future will increasingly be constrained by burdensome rules, regulations and restramts. All of these mean higher costs for farmers. How are farmers supposed to generate The livestock and products i~dex remained unchanged from a month ago. Hogs and beef the :evenue n.eeded to meet t~os~ costs? Unlike other segments of the economy, farmers cattle fell seven percent and SIXpercent from October. Slaughter cows dropped five percent can t automatically pass on the/( higher costs to consumers. And even if we could, American from last month. Completely offsetting the price declines were egg and milk prices, which consumers have certainly shown that they won't accept higher food prices. rose seven and three percent, respectively. So wh~t do we do? I think our strategy is to focus on a two-fold approach. One direction is USDA Lowers 1994 Corn Setaside to Zero Percent to contmue our efforts to "reach out" to the broader community around us and build linkages of und~rstanding about our industry. The more we do to help the non-farm consumer USDA has announced .that its lowering the 1994 corn acreage setaside to zero, from 5 appreciate and value what the agricultural industry is already doing to meet their environ- percent announced earlIer, to ensure the U.S. has adequate feed grain supplies in 1994-95 mental and regulatory concerns, the more support we'll have for our legislative efforts to hold (September-August), according to Knight Ridder News. down the cost and impact of regulations. On Sept. 30, USDA made a preliminary announcement that the 1994 corn acreage reduction The .other ~irection is ~o us~ A:'FB's po~icy ~evelopment and policy execution process to program would be 5 p~rcent, down from, ] 0 p~rcent for the 1993 crop that is still being contmue skillfully w.0rkmg wlthm the legislative and regulatory system, building sound and harvest~d. However, smce then, USDA s estimate of 1993 corn and other feed grain reasonable regulatIOns that reflect an understanding of the realities of modern agriculture. production has fallen sharply following flooding in the Midwest. We must continue ou~ education efforts to show the non-farm public the realities of farming ~n its statement, USDA noted that the 1993 corn crop, at an estimated 6.5 billion bushels, today. We must contmue to hamm.er home the message that our American food supply is IS down 3] percent from last year's record 9.5 billion harvest. As a result, 1993-94 corn the most abundant, and the safest m the world, thanks to the professionalism of farmers and ending stocks are estimated at 881 million bushels, their lowest level since 1975-76 USDA the modern production tools that make our abundance possible. said. USpA sai~ its decision t? lc;>werthe 1994 set-aside "was taken in part to help assure feed gram supplIes for domestic lIvestock producers and other users and to have sufficient We, as farmers, need the people in the Detroit area, and all across the state to have an feed grains for export in 1994." ' appreciation for the regulatory restraints that hobb/~ our agricultural prOductivity: If American consu"!ers want to continue to enjoy having the safest and most reasonably priced food Espy Says Ethanol on a Rough Road supply m the world, then they need to help us in our efforts toward economic and regulatory freedom. Agri.c~lture. Secre!ary ~ike Espy d~ims that there is tough opposition within the Clinton ad~m~stratIOn to m~ludm~ etha~ol m a new reformulated gasoline program scheduled to ~s chairman of the State Fair Advisory Committee, I've had many opportunities to see begm m ] 995. He said he ISpushmg hard for the corn-based fuel to be included and if it is fJ(~t~and the.powerful appeal that the agricultural way of life has for people who come to the it could eventually be an ingredient in more than half the fuel consumed in the United States: fa/( m Detroit. Often, they have their first conversation ever with a farmer, or get their first look at a farm animal. Our annual meeting complemented the State Fair by giving consumers Under the program, Espy said the oxygenated fuel would be used in motor fuel in nine another chance to meet and talk with farmers. And vice versa. The annual meeting provided m~jor cities in 1995, but other parts of the country will be able to join the program. Espy all of us opportunities to better understand the needs and wants of our southeast Michigan said the U.S. should not be afraid to boost use of ethanol as a way to irpcrease farm income. neighbors. Buy-Out Funds Not Enough To Meet Demand More and more, our ability to be an effective player in the political arena will be based on effective alliance building with like-minded, non-farm allies. It is important that we, as farmers, Officials at.the Soil Conservation Service are concerned that the $]5 million allotted to buy ~ea~h out and embrace t~e.hopes ...and concerns ... of consumers in southeast Michigan. It flooded Mldwe~t farmland and .convert it to wetlands will not be enough to meet the IS Vital that we not only Initiate a dialogue, but that we also maintain and enhance that dem~nd,. accord~ng to ~n ~ssocLQted Press report. SCS officials estimate that they will dialogue now that the annual meeting is completed. Certainly, that's in our best interests, receive five or SIXapplIcations for everyone they will be able to pay for. because we'll economically prosper to the extent that we can respond to the consumer needs of our largest market. I believe that farmers, Detroiters, all Michigan citizens, must work SCS estimates sh.ow only 15,000 acres would be covered by the federal money. Midwest farmers ~ave untIl Dec. 30. to submit applications for buy-out of their land, if the cost of g~t~ together more closely than even before, to ensure a bright and prosperous future for us all. reclamatIOn or levee repaIrs exceeds the cropland's fair-market value. Flood-affected farmers in midwestern states are eligible for participation. :Jack Laurie, President Progress Reported In Michigan Farm Bureau GATT Talks Talks between top EC and U.S. negotiators may have yielded a tentative accord on agricultural trade differences, but more dis- ' 1 ........ __ cussions are scheduled, after both leaders DM.h ..... c. c P.O ..... lO't60, tMIlt"I.,n •• 9M- •• "O touch base at home. ~ .... __ _ Best indications are that the Blair House Accord may be amended somewhat as to timing and means of compliance, but not to . :.:::.... ,---- .~ ........ _._<1,_ .,_ the extent of changing the agreement to cut EC subsidi~ed exports by a total of 21 per- r'" ~:.'="""..:__ .:::::=:. .._..::.:.. ..:.:.==....... --:.::~'.:::.. ..._ ....... ,_. cent over SIXyears. The U.S. would like to I see greater market access in Europe and the fJ::.=:';';"'C:......... D::.~-~ "'.----.-. EC wants to protect its export treatment for certain products that are in surplus . • ' ..... <_. __._c_ c • __ Kantor still is saying U.S. trade laws must be protected in any agreement that is r~ached: Th.e U.S,. has not been willing to give up ItSfIght to mvoke section 301 sanc- Morton Buildings is leading the industry with: tions against violators of the agreement. > New st11lctural designs V' 50-year column and snow-load protection The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, > New st11lctural capabilities (with no weighllimit) December, June, and J~ly wh~n only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm > New color combinations V' 2o-year protection against red rust Bureau, 7~7~ West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual > New building styles dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm (including acid rain) Ne~~ to non~r:nembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and "> New eJ.1eriorapplications V' 10-year wind-load protection on additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan "> New interior options Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan "> New sliding door teclvlOlogy AlumaSteeP sliding doors (with no Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. > New gutter systems weight limit) Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna "> New infol7llative video tapes V' 5-year wind-load protection on complete Wilber; Henry Huisjen. "> New cOI1YJsionprotection buillfmg (with no weight limit) Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck CIII)«U' IocsI oItIoelodtJyt Burke~; Treasurer an~ C~ief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1 , Jim ~llIer, Colom~; ~Istnct 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom Adrian, MI (517)263-C541 G.uth.ne, De~ton; Dlstnct 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; 800-447-7436 Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Dlstnct8, ~Ic~ard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West eranch; Dlstnct ~1, Robert Wahmhoff,. Baraga. At-~rge: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Kalkaska, MI (616) 2~2580 ~"~MORTON Rockfo~MI (616)874-6400 Three Rivers, MI (616) 2lfJ-5271 A_. BUILDINGS osburg, Climax, Judy Emmons, Shendan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford. Pigeon; Young -- ...... Michigan Farm News II. December 15, 1993 Engler to Delegates - Michigan's current school finance and reform debate is more than just about cut- ting costs and reducing property taxes - it's MFB School Finance about creating a badly needed higher stand- Reform Policy ard of education, according to Gov. John Engler. Speaking to the 454 farmer- With the elimination of property tax as a delegates during the MFB annual meeting source of funding K-12 education, new sour- in Detroit, Engler said that charter schools ces of funding must be found to replace the and schools of choice are paramount to lost revenue. We will support a mix of taxes reform efforts. dedicated to funding K-12, and a limited reduction in current state spending if carefully "Michigan's education system has the envi- selected so as to not adversely impact essen- tial state services. We suggest a combination able ability, regardless of how good they are of one or more of the following revenue sour- or how bad they are, of always being in ces to replace the approximately $6.5 billion business each fall," Engler said. "There is which was el iminated from property tax. Any no reward for excellence, and there's no combination must be revenue neutral. detriment for non-performance. I think that should change!" • Increase in the sales tax rate from 4 percent to not more than 6 percent. Engler was critical of the Michigan Educa- tion Association's (MEA) efforts to derail • Increase in the Personal Income Tax from 4.6 percent to not more than 5.9 percent. the reform efforts, saying that their solution is to throw more money into an already • Provide for a maximum of 8 mills to be obsolete school system. levied on all real and non-exempt personal property. Provide for a transfer tax on residen- "To hear the MEA talk about it, everything tial and farm land as an alternative to replace is just fine, just send more money," Engler a portion of the 8 mills. This alternative must said. "Education spending, on a revenue per sure our kids are well-educated, well- departmental accountability, and improve be revenue neutral. pupil basis from 1980 to 1992, has in- trained and adequately prepared for the service, Engler said. creased 8 percent per year, almost double high-tech jobs of the future." • Increase in the tax on alcohol and tobacco of up to 25 percent. the rate of inflation. We think there's con- The DNR reorganization plan was kept in siderable administrative savings that would T~ming his attention to other areas, Engler place with a recent state Supreme Court • Allocate all the savings from the reduction be possible, and there are building expenses reported that Michigan's economic ruling, after it was challenged by those op- in Homestead Credit to K-12. that could be reduced or eliminated through recovery continues, with the state's 1993 posing the plan. consolidation. " unemployment rate now poised to be below • Savings from reduced state spending and in- the national average for the first time since "Farmers will definitely benefit from the creased program efficiencies should be allo- Engler suggested that a number of the 3,200 1966. DNR reorganization - it helps everybody," cated to K-12. school buildings located across Michigan Engler said. "We're already seeing a drastic could be utilized by charter schools, that The state's budget deficit has been reduction in the permit backlog. We were The current 50 mill Constitutional limit should be reduced to 25 mills. would, in effect create a school of choice eliminated and will actually show a surplus also able to eliminate 19 different boards option, increase competition, and ultimate- of over $100 million this year. The state's and commissions, and increase account- We urge the millage for the funding of local ly improve the education and job skills each budget has been constrained, with 1994 ability within the department." community coll~ges and intermediate school student receives. spending up less than 1 percent from 1990 districts be capped at current levels. levels. The number of state employees is Farmers will also benefit from recent pro- "We still have a lot of people who believe also down nearly 8 percent from 1990. cedural changes to Michigan's Right to We recommend the millage rate be the same there are going to be high wage low-skilled Farm Act, and the approval of the for homesteads and farms. jobs out there in the future for our kids," Reorganization efforts of various state Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Engler said. "That's simply unrealistic. If departments, such as the Department of Act. Homesteads should be defined to include the residence and other buildings located on a par- they're going to be low-skilled, they're Natural Resources (DNR); have helped to celofland. going to get low wages. We need to make e Ii mi na te bu rea ucracy, increase Both of the acts provide voluntary guidelines for farmers, while also providing Farm land should be defined as the land and protection for those that follow the environ- buildings used for agriculture production. MFB Policy on Educational Reforms mental guidelines, Engler said. The following school reform policy lan- • A merit pay system administered by guage was approved by the 454 farmer- delegates during delegate sessions at the qualified personnel. Confusion Exists Over "Homestead" recent MFB annual meeting in Detroit. School funding and taxation policy was • Funding of special education programs for children with special needs and gifted Definition - Final Interpretation and also approved by the delegates and is also printed elsewhere on this page. children. Language Could Still Have a Big "We believe there must be equal education- • Full funding for state mandated programs whether new or amended. Impact on Your Tax Bill al opportunities for all Michigan children. Michigan farmers still have a lot at stake with a higher millage rate of as much as four Education at all levels must meet the con- • Funding for teacher training of children in the current school finance debate, despite to 11 more mills compared to homestead stantly changing needs of society. We sup- with learning and reading disabilities in the recent property tax cut, according to millage rates. port the implementation of the Quality grades K-12. MFB Legislative Counsel, Ron Nelson. Education Act (P.A. 25 of 1990). We With current law as a reference, any leased believe educational quality will be im- • Agriscience education, with input from "Michigan Farm Bureau continues to fight or rented land would not be considered part proved with the adoption of the following: persons experienced in agriculture, should to protect farmers from being treated dis- of the homestead; this constitutes one-half be incorporated in the school curriculum at proportionately in resolving the school of the crop land and approximately one- • State must have aid reimbursement deter- all levels wherever appropriate, including finance issue," said Nelson. "As of this writ- third of the total of the ten million acres of mined by June 1 of each year. consumer education courses. ing, Farm Bureau is concerned with the farmland in Michigan. taxation of farm lands under the proposed • Schools must be drug free with drop-out • Repeal of the Teacher Tenure Act. legislation. The issue of farm lands in- Further, corporations owned by farmers and prevention programs. cluded in the homestead definition con- farm families probably would not qualify as • Legislation that would allow local school tinues to be of major concern." a homestead. Land which is in the process • Vocational-technical programs for both boards to obtain competitive bids for of moving from one generation to another youths and adults be made available and school employees' health insurance Nelson said that MFB has recommended through the mechanisms of trusts and other existing educational facilities should be programs. that farm land be treated separately for the legal ownership options also would not like- used whenever possible. purposes of definition, but the millage rate ly qualify. • Per pupil basic grant to follow the student or tax rate would be the same as for home • School boards, administrators, teachers, to the public school of their choice. steads. Finally, much of the farm land owned and students and parents must work together to operated by farmers may not qualify as ad- set goals and objectives to improve student • Equalize to the extent possible per pupil "In the House proposal, some farms would jacent and continguous because the parcels learning and performance. spending. be considered as homesteads, while others or field may be located several miles or would not," explained Nelson. "There may several counties away. • Educational programs be constantly re- • Require that state school aid funding be a Constitutional question when two dif- evaluated to determine the priorities and reflect current year enrollment. ferent rates apply to very similar land types, "It is fairly conservative to estimate that needs of our economy and workforce. possibly owned by the same individual." well over half and possibly as much as 80 We support the concept of charter schools. percent of the farm land in Michigan would • Evaluation of teacher education programs The issue of taxation and tax policy is im- be levied with the proposed higher millage in the colleges and universit~es. We support the most effective utilization of portant to agriculture because, unlike most rate, Nelson said. "Farm Bureau's position school property and resources. other businesses, farmers usually do not is that all farm land should be treated alike • An annual evaluation and professional have the ability to pass on the cost of taxes, and levied the same millage rate as homes- development program for all school Reorganization of school districts should according to Nelson. teads." employees. be studied and considered but should con- tinue to be voluntary." He said that Farm Bureau believes under Nelson advised that members keep an eye current definitions a major portion of on this issue and be prepared to discuss the Michigan farm land would not be con- homestead defintion issue with their legis- Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 sidered as a homestead and woul9 be levied lators if and when needed. Michigan Farm News December 15,1993 30-Day and 90-Day Forecast - Warmer and Wetter Than Normal November was characterized by primarily zonal flow in the jet A change in the jet stream pattern from zonal to ridging over the stream pattern across the Great Lakes region. Mean temperatures Great Lakes occurred the last week of the month. This regime is generally averaged near normal across most of the state. predicted to continue for most of the winter. Precipitation totals for the month were also close to normal. Many The National Weather Service 30-day (for December) and 90-day days-were characterized by cloudy and rainy conditions; however, (for December through February) outlooks both call for above most of the daily precipitation amounts were small. normal temperatures across the state. Precipitation during both periods is expected to be slightly above normal. Michigan Weather Summary Michigan Weather Summary 11/1/93 Temperature Precipitation 11/1/93 Temperature Precipitation to 11/30/93 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal to 11/30/93 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Mean Normal (inch.) (Inch) Mean Normal (inch.) (inch) Alpena 35.5 0.0 2.49 2.57 Lansing 37.9 -0.7 1.37 2.32 Bad Axe 36.3 -2.3 0.96 2.23 Marquette 27.7 -2.7 2.94 2.54 Detroit 41.5 -1.5 1.69 2.44 Muskegon 38.9 -0.5 2.01 2.88 Escanaba 32.6 -2.6 2.54 2.65 Petlston 34.1 -0.7 4.41 2.69 Flint 37.5 -1.4 1.30 2.44 Saginaw 37.9 -0.4 1.84 2.23 Grand Rapids 38.6 + 0.2 2.03 2.79 Sault Ste. Marie 30.5 -2.4 2.49 2.65 Houghton 28.6 -2.5 2.33 2.54 South Bend 40.3 -0.2 2.35 2.79 Houghton Lake 35.7 + 0.1 1.57 2.57 Traverse City 36.8 -1.0 2.21 2.69 Jackson 37.7 -1.5 1.31 2.32 Vestaburg 35.9 -2.0 2.11 2.49 Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU Michigan Crop Production Unchanged Dry weather conditions surfaced in mid- The dry bean yield is projected at 1,600 expected to average 103.1 bushels per acre, October, giving farmers a break from the pounds per acre, 350 pounds higher than down 7.2 bushels from last month and 28.3 cool wet days early in the month. This al- 1992. This puts production at 6.1 million bushels below the record high yield of lowed crops to mature and harvest to ad- cwt., 57 percent above last year. 131.4 bushels set last year. vance rapidly for most field crops. How- ever, corn development has lagged about 10 Sugarbeet yield dropped 0.2 of a ton from Soybean production is forecast at 1.83 bil- Michigan and Major Commodity Area last month, to 17.5 tons per acre. Dry bean lion bushels as of Nov. 1, down 3 percent Extended Weather Outlook percent behind normal all season. and sugarbeet harvests were both nearly from Oct. 1 forecast and 16 percent below T-Temp. 10/15... 10/31 10/15 12/31 P-Precip. T P T P Michigan corn yields are forecast at 110 complete. 1992. If realized, this would be the lowest Michigan A A A.. bushels per acre, unchanged from October, production since 1988. Yield is forecast at W. Corn Belt A A A.. but five bushels above last year's frost Nationwide, corn production is forecast at 32.7 bushels per acre, 1.0 bushels below E. Corn Belt A A A.. damaged crop. Total production, at 242 mil- 6.50 billion bushels, down 7 percent from Oct. 1 and 4.9 bushels below 1992. Dry Wint. Wheat Belt B A B.. lion bushels, is virtually unchanged from the Oct. 1 forecast and 31 percent below the bean production is projected at 22.4 million Spr. Wheat Belt N A A.. record high production of 1992. Yields are cwt., 2 percent above last year. Pac.NWWheat N N B.. the previous year. Delta A A A.. Southeast San Joaquin A B A B A.. N.. The soybean yield remains at 36 bushels per acre, three bushels more than 1992 and just USDA Seeks Comments on Proposal A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- two bushels below the record yields of 1990 and 1991. Total production is up 8 percent to Revise Fresh Blueberry Standards from a year ago, to 51.5 million bushels. USDA is seeking comments on a proposal determinations and to further enhance No Precip. Source: National Weather Office marketing with common terminology. to revise the U.S. standards for fresh blueber- ries. Lon S. Hatamiya, administrator of Another proposed revision to the standard USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, would base tolerances on a percentage of Another Record Potato Yield in Michigan said the blueberry standards have not been defects and not a set number, the procedure updated since their establishment in 1966. which is used in the current standard. There Fall potato yields in Michigan are expected to top last year's record fall yield, according to Presently, the standard applies to selected would also be a separate tolerance for the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. The 1993 fall crop is forecast to and hybrid varieties of the highbush blueberry blueberries that still have attached stems. produce nearly 11.8 million hundredweight (cwt.), up 9 percent from last year. The fall produced under cultivation. The proposal Broken skins and scars are considered crop, which represents about three-fourths of Michigan's total potato production, is ex- recommends including the rabbiteye species, defects when readily noticeable. The proposal since it is grown in sufficient quantities would add definitions for broken skins and pected to yield a record 310 cwt. per acre, 10 cwt. higher than last year's record. Harvested scars to give graders and interested parties a acreage at 38,000 increased 2,000 acres from a year ago. Lower than normal temperatures throughout the country. It is also proposed that size no longer be better distinction forjudging their criteria. and adequate soil moisture during the growing season provided excellent growing condi- Written comments, postmarked no tions. part of the grade requirements. Fresh blueber- ries are generally not sized by packers and the later than Jan. 18, 1994, should be sent to size of blueberries vary from variety to the Standardization Section, Fresh Nationally, fall production is forecast at 372 million cwt., down two percent from last year variety. For these reasons, blueberries would Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable and slightly larger than 1991. This level ranks as the second largest crop. The 1.13 million be able to meet a U.S. grade without having Division, AMS, USDA, P.O. Box 96456, acres for harvest is 1 percent below 1992 and 4 percent below two years ago. Yields to meet a specific size. However, the "size Washington, D.C. 20090-6456; tel. (202) averaged 330 cwt. per acre, down five cwt. from a year earlier, but 14 cwt. above two years classification" section would remain in the 720-2185. Copies of the proposed rules are ago. Colorado and Washington recorded new highs in acreage and production. standard to answer requests concerning size available from the same address. MICHIGAN MICHIGAN SOYBEAN CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE January 4 and 5,1994 Holiday Inn, South Lansing This event is open to all interested growers and you are encouraged to attend. The focus of this year's program will be on no-till and modified no-till farming practices. Specific No-Till topics include: • Economic Implications • Equipment • New Technology • Agronomic Factors • Weed Control • Residue Management You will also receive a report on the activities of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan Mark your calendars and plan now to attend the 1994 annual meeting. It's a great opportunity to learn more about your industry and its future. Michigan Com Growers Association P.O. Box 21185 7373 West Siginiw Highway Liming, Michig»n 48909-1185 (517)323-6600 FAX (517)323-6601 . Michigan Farm News December 15, 1993 Cost Cutting Efforts Saved this Farmer $17 per Acre in Herbicides In the spring of 1993, Gratiot County "cheat back a little" from the recommended farmer Ron Weller was faced with the pos- rate of four ounces to three ounces. However, Gratiot County farmer Ron Weller, cut his herbicide cost and application time down sibility of growing 1,500 acres of soybeans, in if he had been forced to wait much longer, and dramatically in 1993, by using Pursuit on his 1,500 acres of soybeans when they addition to raising 1,000 acres of corn, 100 the weeds had gotten much bigger, Renner reached six inches. He also reduced his tillage operation to chisel plowing in the acres of hay and milking 150 cows. Weller and expects the full rate of Pursuit would have fall, and one pass with the field cultivator in the spring prior to drilling the beans. his son, John, were also faced with the pos- been appropriate. sibility of spending nearly $30 an acre for "Ron successfully utilized a spray pro- herbicides under their weed control program gram that a lot of growers could use, but he for soybeans. did some key things," Renner said. "He knew The cost issue, combined with the need for his weed pressures, he scouted his fields, and speed to cover that many acres, caused Weller he timed his applications almost perfectly." to rethink their herbicide program and the way Weller says that he'll stick with the same they managed their soybean acres. Their ef- program next year, if faced with similar weed forts ultimately reduced their soybean her- pressures, and herbicide options. However, bicide cost to $13 per acre on most of their he'll also continue to utilize Renner's exper- soybean acreage. His first step was to identify tise and the Soy Herb program to verify he's which weeds he needed to control. He then got the best of both worlds in terms of cost paid a call to MSU Extension Weed Specialist and control. He'll also continue to support the Karen Renner. efforts of the Soybean Checkoff program for "I told Karen that I needed something that funding similar research projects in the future. would spray over the top faster rather than "If we don't promote our own product, incorporate," Weller said. "Then she asked nobody else will," Weller said. "The quicker some important questions as to what weeds we people realize that, the better off we're all were trying to control, what our crop rotation going to be. Every dollar invested through this was, what our soil pH was, whether we grew program is a dollar well spent." sugar beets and so forth." Producers wanting more information Renner then utilized a computer program on the Soy Herb computer program should that she researched and developed thanks to contact, Karen Renner at (517) 353-9429. funds provided by the Michigan Soybean For ordering information, contact the Promotion Committee's producer checkoff MSU Software Distribution Center at dollars. The computer program, known as Soy (517) 353-6740. Herb, allows a producer to respond to a series of questions, and then makes recommenda- tions including not only herbicide options, but cost per acre as well, according to Renner. "It's an interactive program that allows producers to input a number of variables," explained Renner. "It basically does what we can do on paper by looking through weed control guides. It can help a producer develop a herbicide program in advance of the season, provided they know what weeds they're deal- ing with, and it can also be used in-season if you need to make adjustments based on dif- ferent weed pressures." According to Renner, the program can even take into account weed stages and height in inches for in-season decisions. The pro- gram, available for an initial purchase price of $35, is updated annually with a $10 fee. Renner recommended Weller use Pursuit, a relatively new herbicide, for controlling grasses, cocklebur, velvet leaf and night shade. She cautioned Weller on the spectrum of Pursuit, and advised that he watch for lambsquarter and ragweed. Weller did just that, and prior to spraying this past spring, walked each field to ensure that Pursuit would provide adequate protec- tion. In three fields, Weller found lambsquarter, and added another herbicide, Pinnacle, to the mix. Weller's overall formula for weed control included three ounces of Pursuit, 1/8 of an ounce of Pinnacle where needed, a non-ionic surfactant called Induce, and two to four quarts of 28 percent. The 28 percent, Renner explained, serves as a sticker increasing her- bicide activity and helping the herbicide to be absorbed into certain weed species, especially velvet leaf. The mix was applied at the rate of 10 gallons per acre with a 60 foot trail-type sprayer when the beans were approximately six inches tall. - The Results? - Weller's beans, all drilled, averaged 56 bushels on 1,500 acres. Despite a one week rain delay at spray time, Weller said the 1,050 acres sprayed last showed no noticeable dif- ference from the 450 acres sprayed first, ex- cept for wheel tracks. Weller has toyed with the idea of develop- ing skip row for his 30 foot Great Plains drill, however, he said he can live with wheel tracks as long as the excellent weed control and yields continue. Weller's overall tillage program has also been refined and reduced to a pass with the chisel plow in the fall, and just one pass with the field cultivator in the spring, prior to drill- ing. - Keys to Success? - How are your Soybean Checkoff dollars being invested? Rennercredits Weller's success to number of factors, including a good knowledge of the weeds he needed to control, an effective scout- Ask a farmer. ing program prior to spraying, and most im- portantly timing. The National Soybean Checkoff program is run by soybean farmers both at the state and national levels. "Timing is everything," Renner warned. Although all soybean farmers are not state or national checkoff board members, all state and national checkoff board "If a producer is planning on doing something members are soybean farmers. They volunteer their time to assure that you have a voice in the decision making. like this but their timing is off and they miss the window for optimal control, then they can be stuck with a real dilemma." . Getting an early start allowed Weller to Soybean Checkoff ...It's Working. work around some untimely rains without sacrificing control, and it also allowed him to Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, P.O. Box 287, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 Michigan Farm News -. December 15, 1993 Market Outlook ... •...... ...... •••••••• ••••••• r• •••••~.'I ,. .. DAIRY OUTLOOK Larry G. Hamm, Dept. of Agricultural .r••.••• ••••'l••• •••• ......• ...: ,j ••• E~RM•••••••• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Economics, MSU .'~ ,j...:=. •••• Seasonal Commodity" Price Trends Dairy market fundamentals are strong a~d have been holding. The near-term mIlk •••••••• price outlook is positive and the assessment CORN news for 1994 is good. BUSINESS What a difference a year makes. A year ago the U.S. had record yields and low prices Wheat -- Robust dairy commercial demand, com- bined with tight milk supplies in the upper OUTLOOK and Michigan had lousy corn, and, there- fore, horrible prices after discounts. Not a Corn i? Midwest, are combining to support dairy product prices. Cheese prices on the Na- good combination for Michigan. Soybeans tional Cheese Exchange have held steady normal. Hopefully, fundamentals will since their rise in early September. produce only a modest seasonal decline. This year, U.S. yields are way down and prices are way up. In Michigan, we general- Hogs Commercial butter prices are also holding The tight markets mean that there are no ly have decent yields and higher prices. A well above support levels and, in fact, are at government surplus purchases. For all of much nicer combination than last year. Cattle 1993, CCC purchases will be 1.5 billion levels which allows the CCC to sell govern- ment surplus butter back into the market. pounds (milk equivalent, milk fat) less than This is the first issue written since the Nonfat dry milk powder markets, although 1992. Since Oct. 1, 1993, the USDA has November Crop Report dropped a close to support levels, are still above the purchased no surplus dairy products. bombshell on the market with sharply lower CCC surplus purchase price. corn production levels than expected. The secretary of agriculture can levy a Those numbers are incorporated in the early in the year. The market is paying very The Minnesota-Wisconsin (M-W) price for "surplus" assessment if he estimates that tables below. In a fundamental sense, the little carry. The bottom line is, the basis will October jumped to $12.46 (3.5 percent CCC purchases in 1994 are expected to be market seems to have increased the price not tighten quickly from this point on; it test). Given the market strength, the above 7.0 billion pounds (milk equivalent, enough to ration supplies. already has. November M-W will again increase, likely total solids basis). The secretary's 1994 surpassing the previous 1993 M-W peak of surplus estimate is for 6.5 billion pounds However, there are still many unknowns we Strategy: $12.52 reached in May. which is below the surplus trigger level. will face that could move the price either up If you want to stay in the market and are Therefore, no surplus assessment in 1994. or down. My analysis would be there is paying commercial storage, it is time to A big factor is the decline in milk produc- more upside potential in futures over the move to a basis contract or a minimum price tion in Wisconsin (-7 percent) and Min- Producers are also reminded to check their next few months than downside risk. The contract (MPC) if you want some downside nesota (-4 percent) in October 1993 com- 1993 milk marketings before the end of reason for this is the low projected ending protection. In both cases, deliver the grain pared to 1992. There are 124,000 fewer December. Producers who market less milk stocks. to stop storage costs. cows in those states this year. The wet/cold in 1993 than they did in 1992 can apply to summer is taking a heavy toll on America's get their "deficit (16.5 cents/cwt.) assess- In order to determine your pricing strategy For on-farm storage, it may pay to store a ment" contributions back. If a producer is dairy heartland. The M-W will be under from this point on, you need to decide little longer if you are betting on a price pressure to stay up or fall less dramatically very close to the eligible amount, it might which direction is more likely and how increase and buying a put if you need then would otherwise be the case. be profitable to make a few production much downside protection you want and/or downside protection. reducing management decisions. All in all, need. The other consideration is what the There will be a seasonal market downward the dairy markets could be a lot worse off basis is liable to do. Some elevators are offering a pricing instru- drift starting mid-December which will than they are likely to be in the next few ment that duplicates buying a put and show up in paychecks in February. This is months. Since the November 1, the basis has tightened significantly. The basis had been telling you to store, and now it is telling you making a later delivery. Check on it. How- ever, if the basis tightens much more, deliver your corn and take a basis contract SOYBEANS -...;..----------------- the market wants the corn -- if not now, or an MPC to stop storage costs. As seen in Table 3, projected soybean en- Strategy: ding stocks are very tight at 8.7 percent of Some on-farm storage may still be justified WHEAT use. This will keep the market very interest-" for a while for those with very low interest ing as we go through the South American costs. But for most producers, if you want to The final USDA 1993 wheat production If you insist on staying in the market, have growing season. be in the market, use either a basis contract numbers were released Dec. 9, check them either a basis contract or an MPC. The basis or an MPC. out for market implications. is fairly narrow which means the market Soybean exports, while way behind a year will not pay storage. ago, are going fast enough to reach USDA Also, don't be betting on your whole Wheat prices are higher than the fundamen- expectations. Like corn, prices are good, but soybean crop. Prices are good now and there tals in Table 2 would suggest. One reason Cattle Market page 8 could be better, and the basis has narrowed are downside price risks. Make further sales for this, is given year-to-date exports, it Hog Market page 8 considerably already. And the futures do into sharp rallies. appears the market thinks that the USDA Egg Market. page 8 not show enough carry to pay even on-farm may be underestimating wheat exports. storage. Michigan Farm News •• December 15, 1993 II The Finer Points of Net Worth Statements ••••••••r, ...... ••••••• .... ..... •••••~.'I ••••••• " ..: 1• Dr. Sherrill B. Nott MSU Ag Econ Dept. December and January are holiday months. They are also financial months as many close out and summarize their books ,$2,575 E~RM •••• ......• .r •••••• ~.' ,j ••• J.:::;.. •••• •••••••• •••••••• at the end of the calendar year. This article explains some of the fine points of the net 5,878 75,764 BUSINESS worth statement. Doing one fits in with the holiday season - be thankful for the assets you have to list - seek strength to payoff the liabilities! $89,575 OUTLOOK ing the principal portions of intermediate and long term Table 1 is an "average" market value net loans that will be paid in the next 12 months to be listed worth statement built from a group of spe- as current liabilities. It includes reporting accrued inter- cialized dairy farmers. They all kept their est as a current liability. If you make annual payments 360,737 financial records with Telfarm, Michigan on a land contract in June, interest would have accrued State University's farm accounting system. from July 1 to Dec. 31. Milk income was 75 percent or mo~e of total cash sales. This can be a tough one to calculate. Estimating the ~ income tax on capital gains of assets is also a payable. When 1992 was summarized, 200 farms $864.880 This is important if the net worth statement is to be used were complete enough to include in the for retirement planning. averages. To get a number, each line or category in Table 1 was added for all the Constructing net worth statements takes some time, but farms. This total was divided by 200. In- consider how you can use them. The bottom line, net dividual farms might have had nothing, but worth, is an important profit measure indicating the the item was still divided by 200; this is health and wealth of your business. When compared to especially true of the liabilities. Table] was the same measure for the last three to five years, you can for the last day of 1992, or the first day of $53,726 track your financial progress. If needed, corrective ac- 1993. How does it compare to yours? tion becomes apparent. The 200 farms during ]992 averaged 113 Net worth statements, including all the bits and pieces, milk cows and made $49,210 net farm in- are essential for estate planning. If you are in a partner- come from operations. They owned 437 ship, limited liability company, or corporation, the net acres of which 345 was tillable. The owners worth statement is an important communication tool. It estimated their land and buildings had an 28,700 lets everyone involved see where the business was. average market value of $40],548 on Jan. Information reduces the chances of conflict. 1. This is about $920 per acre they would ask if selling their real estate. They figured Net worth statements are nearly always required by their total assets were worth $864,880. This lenders. They are specialists in reading them. If they are is about $7,650 per cow if they were selling bankers, they likely have the information on cash balan- lock, stock and barrel. ces to cross check your accuracy. They are favorably 1l.2m $201.660 impressed when you accurately include the level of This is an unusual net worth statement be- detail shown in Table 1. cause it has a lot more words than numbers. That's because I want to explain the details good financial managers include. Several lines in Table 1 have *asterisks*. Think of those starred lines as bits and pieces, or odds and ends. Strip them out, and what's left is the level of detail I see on a lot of farm net worth statements. Without the starred odds and ends, the total assets would be $38,433 less. The debts would be off by $37,859. Net worth would be understated by $574, an example of compensating errors.Look at the top line, cash. Only half the 200 farms reported any; for those that reported at least some, the average was about $5,250. Of all the starred items, checking accounts, savings ac- counts, CD's and similar assets should be the easiest to total and enter in your finan- cial statement. On the crops side, most managers do report inventories of chemicals, seeds and prepaid expense items. But fertilizer, fuel, semen and smaller supply items tend to get over- looked. It's worth the effort to estimate their value and include them. Under intermediate assets, the household and other items include house furnishings and any nonfarm business equipment. If you borrow from Farm Credit Services, remember to include the value of your PCA and FLB stock with stocks and equities. The sample farms also reported their cash value of life insurances and their retirement accounts on this line. The more permanent household items are reported under long term assets. Did you ever thi nk of farmers as lenders? The average farm had $6,508 lent to individuals at the start of the year. Of the 200 farms, 83 reported one or more such loans. Moving to liabilities, open accounts with merchants and dealers can be time consum- ing to determine. However, ite~izing your situation at least once a year IS a useful financial management task. Other loans in the starred lines include CCC crop support loans. "Payables" include fine tuni~g only recent- ly introduced to farmers. It mcludes treat- . Michigan Farm News December 15, 1993 I II E:GSHenry Larzelere "Market Outlook" continued from page 6 HOGS CATTLE MSU Ag Econ Dept. and table egg production in October were Hog slaughter has been running a little Slaughter has been running higher than Egg prices in late November were about 5 also 2 percent above last year. higher than expected while demand has year ago levels and is expected to continue cents a dozen below year ago levels. Feed The unfavorable egg-feed price been a little lower. Not a good combina- to do so through January. Weights have ingredient prices were nearly 4 cents per relationship would suggest lower egg-type tion. The result has been lower than ex- been up about 2 percent from last year and dozen above last year. chick hatches in the months ahead. The pected prices and speculation about the is also expected to continue. New York wholesale egg prices are ex- October hatch was only 1 percent above last reason for greater than expected produc- pected to average in the low to mid 70s for year, but the layer-type eggs in incubators tion. The latest monthly USDA 7-State Cattle- Grade A, large, in cartons, during the first on Nov. 1 was up 15 percent. This implies On-Feed Report showed we have 6 percent One hypothesis is that there is liquidation more cattle on feed than a year ago and, quarter of 1994. January and March will be that more new pullets will be coming into going on due to the combination of higher combined with previous reports, would in- in the mid to upper 70s, with February in production during the first half of 1994 than feed costs and lower hog prices. This would dicate a lot of these will come to market the low 70s. The April-June quarter of 1994 in the same period in 1993. over the next two months. mean lower prices now, but higher prices will see seasonally lower prices. This potential production increase is sometime next year. Hen numbers on Nov. 1 were 2 percent being offset by longer than usual increases Strategy: above the same date a year ago. Total egg in the rate of slaughter of spent hens. The next quarterly USDA Hogs and Pigs While demand has not been great, it usually Report will be released Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. It picks up in December and January. Also, Business Economists See Slow Growth for '94 should help us verify and reject the above the retail margins have been good which In response to a survey, the National Association of Business Economists say the idea. will not hurt cattle bids. At this time, keep nation's economic growth will be slower in 1994 than the 3.3 percent growth rate predicted very current. Prices are not liable to in- for the fourth qua.rter of this year, according to a Knight-Ridder News report this morning. Strategy: crease much before this glut is cleaned up. The survey saId the gross domestic product (GDP) will rise by only 2.7 percent for 1994. At this point~ keep current -- the last thing That c~mpares to a.n estimated growth rate this year of 2.2 percent, with the last quarter's we need are weight discounts. If you did Feeder prices have stayed way up above annualized rate estImated at 3.3 percent. Inflation is also expected to remain low with the hedge some of your production at the highs, what steer prices and feed prices can jus- consumer price index rising only 3.1 percent for the year following a growth of 3.0 percent keep your short futures until delivery or at tify. Some say this is due to the excess for 1993. least until cash comes closer to futures. feedlot capacity in the High Plains. However, you may want to make some decisions right before the report is released. But there is already going to be a lot of red ink seen next year in the feedlots and, if feeder prices don't adjust or a miracle doesn't come along to save fed prices, we Can Our Annuity will see continued financial stress. Calendar of Events Jan. 4..5 - Michigan Soybean Association and Michigan Corn Growers Association an- Save Your nual meeting with focus on no-till, Holiday Inn South, Lansing, (517) 323-6600 for in- formation and reservations. Jan 8 - Michigan Cattlemen's Convention, Retirement? MSU, East Lansing Jan. 9-13 - AFBF 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Jan. 12, 19, 26 - Animal Management Ad- In his autobiograph~ Groucho Marx 0 U~jj: vancement Project (AMAP Program), tells how an annuity helped him at a crucial point in his career. The annui~ he said, gave him such a feeling of security that h~ was able to pursue his career with a lighter y ... ::::::. .... . ...... "::= :.: ...... . :::: .:.:. ~:~: :~: i~ :~: ::: Clarksville Experiment Station, Barry Coun- ty CES, (616) 948-4862 Jan. 13, Feb. 15, and March 22 - Macomb Extension Service Pesticide Certification Program, attendance by pre-registration .•.•.•;.;.;.:.:.::::::::::::.y :.;.:::::::=::•• . only. Contact Macomb Extension at (313) heart and more confidence . ... 469-6440 An annuity from FBAnnuity Company Jan. 18-22 - American Sheep Industry As- sociation Convention & Trade Show, Reno, may not save your career, but it can save Nev., (303) 771-3500 your retirement. Our IRA annuity Jan. 19 - Media Response Team Workshop, guarantees you a lifetime retirement Farm Bureau Center, Lansing, 1-800-292- income - a check every month for as long 2680, ext. 6540 as you live. Jan. 22 - Central Michigan Family Ag Day, Lakewood High School, Lake Odessa, Barry Consider the tax savings, too. You may County CES, (616) 948-4862 qualify to deduct up to $2,000in deposits Jan. 27 - MFB's "The Difference Is You" each year from your taxable income. And Workshop Holiday Inn-Lansing Con£. Cen- ter, Lansing, 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3213 your interest earnings are tax deferred, Feb. 1 - MFB's "The Difference Is You" protected from taxes until you take your Workshop Holiday Inn Grayling, 1-800- money out. 292-2680, ext. 3213 An IRA from FB Annuity Company L:'I"'FE Feb. 8 - Pesticide Applicator Review a~d ;== ::::' •••••.•••••.•••• ;~ '.' :.:-: . " .. . Test 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Montcalm TownshIp currently earns !!~ ::::.:.:.>:.:.:J :~t::::::::::@ Hall, registration required, (517) 831-5226 » »' ~ :...:.;.;...:.:.:.:.;.:.;-:.:.;.;.:.:::: v ..;';.:.:::::' :.:.;.:.;.:.::~: ':':':-;'»":':':';';':';';':.:v;.~~ 5.70% Feb. 16.17 - MFB's Campaign Manage- ment Workshop, ] -800-292-2680, ext. 6560 Effective Annual Yield March 3..5 - Young Farmer Leaders' Con- ference Midland, Mich., 1-800-292-2680, -= And guaranteed to never 'all below 4% ext. 3234 Y')u can't replace the secure feeling of an IRA. March 7..9 - Mich. FFA State Convention, MSU Campus, East Lansing Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. March 7..11 - Agriculture and Natural FARM BIJREAIJ Resources Week, MSU Campus MAKING YOUR FUTURE INSIJRANCE Send or FAX information (include contact name and phone number) three weeks in FARM BUREAU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU LIFE advance to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. MORE PREDICTABLE FARM BUREAU GENERAL • fB ANNUITY Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. F~:(517)323-6793 - Michigan Farm News I, MFB Delegates Call for Less Government in Farm Programs •• December II 15, 1993 Delegates to the Michigan Farm Bureau Jim. Fuerstenau, Macomb ~ounty, makes a point during delegate discus~ion and They supported amendments to P.A. 232 so annual meeting completed policy action on votmg on a total of 158 policy recommendatIons, at the MFB annual meetmg. that checkoffs "can be collected in a practi- a wide range of state and national issues, cal and equitable manner" (significant to including school finance reform. the state's nursery and greenhouse in- dustry). The delegates went on record supporting a reduction of property taxes, with funding The delegate body also approved policy for K-12 to be replaced with a "revenue recommendations to the American Farm neutral" mix of other taxes. They voted to Bureau Federation on a number of national support any combination of: an increase in issues. They said that the 1995 Farm Bill the sales tax to not more than six percent, should move toward a gradual phase-out of an increase in the state income tax to not all individual federal farm programs. more than 5.9 percent, the levying of a maximum of eight mills on all real and The delegates expressed support for the non-exempt personal property, a property Dairy Self-Help Program, rather than strict transfer tax to replace a portion of the eight reliance on the federal dairy price support mill property tax, and an increase in the program. They opposed a mandatory dairy alcohol/tobacco tax of up to 25 percent. quota program. The delegates opposed elimination of The delegates called on Farm Bureau to revenue sharing for townships and counties monitor implementation of NAFf A to ex- and voiced support for the concept of plore export opportunities for agriculture charter schools and schools-of-choice. and safeguard the interests of producers. They reaffirmed support for protection of The delegates reaffirmed their support for private property rights. They approved P.A. 116, the Farmland and Open Space policy opposing the concept of preserving Preservation Act. But in the expectation breaks, to encourage production of ethanol called on the DNR and the cranberry in- all endangered species regardless of the that the Legislature will cut property taxes, in the state. They reaffirmed support for dustry to work together to encourage ex- cost. they called on Michigan Farm Bureau to commercial cranberry production and pansion of cranberries. study P.A. 116 to determine its effective- ness as a farmland preservation program. I C I 8700 AND 8543. On other state issues, the delegates ap- proved policy favoring trucking deregula- BECAUSE THEY PAY tion. The policy said that deregulation would cut Michigan freight costs by an THE BILLS. average of 19 percent and save shippers and consumers $87 million a year. They en- couraged Farm Bureau to continue working with state agencies to implement the Coas- tal Zone Management Act and called for "voluntary incentive-driven programs," rather than rigid mandates to encourage farmers to adopt management measures authorized under the Act. In the commodity area, delegates strongly supported economic incentives, like tax Farm Credit of Michigan's Heartland to Refund $6 Million of Stock to Membership Farm Credit Services of Michigan's Heartland, PCA announced that member- ship stock requirements will be reduced for all customers. The new stock requirements are 2 percent with a maximum of$1 ,000 per loan, compared to the existing requirement of 5 percent. ing for the future from the success of For the 3,000 customers in Heartland's 40- I n today's complex high-performance just providing environment hybrids, of ICI isn't seed. ICI is providing the past. a 700 Top yielder. Starts strong with county area, approximately $6 million of solutions. As you consider your seed terrific early vigor. Finishes the job with stock will be refunded. This is the first time for next spring, take a good look very fast dry down. the organization has reduced its stock at what happened this fall. You'll S 543 Bin-busting yields, even under find ICI seed consistently outperformed less than ideal conditions. Plus dries below the five percent requirement since the others from start to finish. ICI, build- down super fast. the cooperative credit organization was formed in 1933. In the recent past, the stock requirement was as high as 10 percent. "This reduction is a welcome message. PCA is relying more on internally generated earnings, rather than member- ship stock, to capitalize its business," said BECAUSE YOU Robert Weaver, PCA's board chairman from Leelanau County. "Since our current FARM WITH YOUR BRAIN. capitalization is approximately three times that of required levels, the stock reduction decision was made. " PCA customers will receive either checks or a reduction in their loan balances as this Seeds change is implemented over the next several months. 6945 Vista Drive. West Des Moines, IA 50266 ~1993 ICI Seeds ICIA 0063 2 C MFN-R The Production Credit Association (PCA), in the Heartland organization, has ap- Contact These ICI Seed Representatives for the Name and Number of Your Nearest Dealer! proximately $170 million of operating and ,I I capital loans. The PCA is jo.intly ma.na~ed Scott Love Kevin Doneth Wes Kinsey with the Federal Land CredIt ASSOCIatIOn, 1413 Shire Drive 4981 Bancroft Road 1472 Union City Road l which has an additional $230 million of farm and rural housing mortgage loans. Angola, IN 46703 Phone: (219) 665-5436 Durand, MI 48429 Phone: (5t7J 743-4826 Coldwater, MI 49036 (517)278-8371 • / ]!:ill 61 f.-~ ~.~ •• " WHY YOU CRY What happens when you cry? The following Questions and answers come Intense emotions, such as grief or anger, triggerthe brain to send a signal to your from Sparrow Hospital's physician referral and information service called "NurseLine", They lacrimal glands. These glands, located over each eye and behind the eyelid, are timely and commonly asked questions, secrete fluid through tiny ducts under your lids. Each time you blink, the eyelids draw fluid from the glands. Q. Should I get a flu vaccine? Are they safe? If you've ever tasted tears, you know they're salty. Tears also contain various proteins, lipids and other substances. A Influenza, or flu, is a disease characterized by high fevers, body and head aching What are the most common tears? and cough. Many people are under the misconception that gastrointestinal illness characterized by vomiting and diarrhea is "the flu" but this is inaccurate. "Continuous tears" constantly bathe your cornea, the curved, clear front of your eye. Continuoustearsallowyour Iidsto open and close smoothly. They keepyour It is importantto know whatthe flu vaccine will and will not do. Many people believe the eyes from drying out, which could eventually cause blindness. These tears have flu vaccine will protectthem from all cold viruses they are exposed to. This is notthe case. antibiotic substances to help protect your eyes from bacteria and viruses. Flu vaccine is designed to protect you solely from specific strains of flu virus. What happens if something gets in your eye? This fall, many people asked their primary care physician whether they should receive a "Irritant tears" help prevent damage from occurring. If you get smoke, dust or an flu vaccine. Usual advice is that people who are at high risk for suffering severe illness as eyelash on the surface of your eye, a sudden "flood" of tears will try to wash out a result of the flu virus should receive the vaccine. This includes the elderly, people the foreign body. When you peel an onion, a chemical is released. The chemical with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, or people with known pulmonary turns to sulfuric acid on contact with the moist surface of your eye. In this disease such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In those people who are at case, crying is a natural reflex of self defense. high risk, flu may develop into pneumonia, which can be quite deadly. What about crying when you're emotional? Parents with children who have significant, ongoing illness should also consider having Only humans weep tears of sadness and joy. And their child vaccinated. unlike continuous tears and irritant tears, there's Most normal, healthy people usually do not suffer severe side effects as a result of a no proof that emotional tears help protect your bout of flu, although they are miserable for a few days. eyes. Emotional crying starts in the part of your brain that governs emotions, memory and While there is nothing one hundred percent safe in the world, the flu vaccine is a pretty behavior. If a surgeon blocks the nerves in this good deal in terms of risk/benefit ratio. In the past, an increased incidence of a rare area, you won't be able to produce emotional syndrome called Guillain-Barre was associated with flu vaccination, but this has not tears, but there's no effect on other kinds of been the case in the past several years. tears. Continuous and irritanttears are controlled There are some predictions thatthis year's flu virus may be more severe than in the past by different nerves than emotional tearing. Seek an immunization if you believe yourselfto be at high risk for contracting the flu, and Why do men and women cry especially if you are at high risk for suffering severe illness as a result of the flu. differently? Q. What is WAl1ri~g pneumonia and how do I know if I have it? Social expectations playa role. There may be underlying physical reasons as well. A. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by any number of bacteria or viruses. Tears contain prolactin, a hormone that regu- When someone has "walking pneumonia," it means that their pneumonia can be treated lates milk production. Before puberty, boys and as an outpatient. In other words, they don't need hospitalization for intravenous girls have similar levels of prolactin in the blood medication, oxygen or respiratory treatment - and similar patterns of crying. After puberty, Symptoms of pneumonia can include fever, chills, sweating, coughing, chest pain and women's blood levels of prolactin are 60 per- tightness, shortness of breath, muscle aches and weakness. Pneumonia can be cent higher than men's. Perhaps that's why associated with flu, bronchitis, sinusitus, allergies and sore throat women cry about four times more often than men. Diagnosis is made by physical exam. Sometimes chest x-rays and blood tests are After menopause, a woman's prolactin level drops. This could explain why required. postmenopausal women are more likely to have "dry eye" syndrome. What about uncontrolled weeping, or a ''crying jag''? Treatment can include antibiotics, rest, fluids, cough medication and sometimes Crying is a natural reaction when you're sad, joyful, or even surprised. respiratory inhalers. Recovery takes at least two weeks and frequently longer. But if you find yourself crying over and over about the same problems, you need to address the underlying cause. Shedding tears isn't a permanent solution, but If you have health concerns, questions, or need a physician referral, call Sparrow Hospital's NurseLine. an it seems to help relieve stress in the short term. information and Physician Referral Service at 1-800-968-3838, The ab~ve questions and anS\"o!ersare for general information purposes only. If you have symptoms or health Reprinted form the February 1992 Mayo Clinic Health letter with permission from the Mayo Foundation related questions. consult your phYSICian. for Medical Education and Research, Rochester MN 55905 A Shakedown on Dandruff To control common dandruff: Use tar-based shampoos carefully - These See a dermatologist - If dandruff persis Shampoo regularly - Start with a mild, non- shampoos are strong dandruff deterrents, or if your scalp becomes irritated or sever medicated shampoo. Gently massage your but they can leave a brownish stain on light itchy,you may needa prescription shamf2 .0, scalp to loosen flakes. Rinse thoroughly. colored orgray hair. Theycan also makeyour A newanti-fungal cream called ketoconJzole Use medicated shampooforstubborn cases scalp more sensitive to the sun. Check the (Nizoral) works againstdandruff and is a~\I- - Look for those containing zinc pYrithione, label for ingredients. able as a shampoo. \ salicylic acid, coal tar or selenium sulfide in Treat your hair gently - Dandruff shampoos brands such as Headand Shoulders, Denorex, can be harsh on your hair and scalp. Use a Reprinted from the September 1993 Mayo Selsun Blue,Tegrin or Neutrogena T/Gel and conditioner regularly. For mild cases of Clinic Health letter with permission of Mayo T/Sal. For best results, use a dandruff dandruff, alternate dandruff shampoo with Foundation for Medical Education and Re- shampoo each time you shampoo. your regular shampoo. search, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 FE moderation or FAMINE? Among the morbidly obese Pyramid recommends a daily diet that metabolism -so we tell patients never • Composition of diet. Reducing (150 to 200% overweight) moderate emphasizes whole grains like cereals, to lose more than 10 pounds that can't food intake is not the goal, reducing fat weight loss can mean a 20 to 75 per- rice, bread and pasta, and includes be kept off." intake is. By the end ofthe first 10 to 14 cent reduction in risk factors for several plenty of fresh fruits and Threefindingsemergedduring weeks, the intensive habit-changing chronic diseases, according to one of vegetables and three to four ounce the study that differ from traditional period, weight loss from fat should the nation's foremost authorities on portions of lean meat, fish, chicken weight loss approaches, said Blackburn: approach 90 percent. " obesity. George Blackburn, M.D., Ph.D., and/or turkey. As a rule, dairy products. Setting realistic goals. It's im- Exercise, according to reported in a recent study significantly should be lowfat and sweets should be portant to determine what is feasible, Blackburn, is the best way to overweight patients who lost 10 to 20 kept to a minimum." biologically, for an individual patient, maintain weight loss. "The fact is exer- percent of their body weight - and kept Contrarytowhatmanypopular not what is defined as normal by life cise will not accelerate weight loss if it off during a three year follow-up weight loss programs espouse, insurance tables. one is on a healthy diet. For mainte- period - significantly reduced their Blackburn said, a morbidly obese. Rate of loss. It's mostappropri- nance, however, a person should add risk factors for hypertension, type II patient's goal should not be to reduce ate - and most sustainable - for a 20 minutes of exercise a day or 140 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular hisorherweighttofallwithin "normal" patient to lose two to four pounds per minutes per week. " disease. In addition, the risk of ranges, but "to reach a level where month. gastrointestinal tract and sleeping weight stabilization can be a~hieved./ ... disorders decreased by 25 percent The dangers of the 'yo-yo s'{ncfrome, 'r \ ..--/ and the risk for a variety of dyslipidemias orweightcycling, areW~II~.:.cum~n d ....-r--),...'~.... /:... by 20-40 percent. -potentiallyworsenE?cfobesity, 1- ( ~ Some of the findings were opment of ~t~nQ dis9-rders, ~e kened unexpected, Blackburn said. "We found ~. '!' \. that the most critical pounds lost are { ~ } .• \:,;, 0 ••• I .' the first, and that, beyond a certain point. taking off more pounds wasn't ~, ~ '!~ lit' necessarily better from a health perspective. "The key," Blackburn said, " is to lose fat while increasing the percent- age of lean tissue. It's absolutely essential to modify lifelong eating habits, not just go on a crash diet. The ideal situation is for at least 75 percent of weight loss to be body fat. The only wayan individual can accomplish that is to make a sustained change in dietary patterns, based on the new USDA Food Guide Pyramid. The What's the best time for accurate testing? • Many sources believe that the best time for a Pap smear test is two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. To improve the accuracy of the test, don't have intercourse for 24 hours before the test, and in the 72 hours before the test, avoid douching or the us~ of vaginal contraceptives. ts you'll want to knOW: ~arlY diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical. Cervical cancer is d{lpost 100% curable with early detection/treatment. P}.,Rsmears taken on a regular basis are important to detecting e of 18. cer\'fal cancer. Cervical cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages but Pap smear results can signal an early warning of the disea' . ca e l~VhO h61 a I~ap sm~ar. Che~k with ~our physician to be sure that the ~ fs ,,&.kssmg lab ISaccredIted by eIther the CoUege of American anc lfO~:>atho Jists or the American Society of Cytology. • Talk \vith your doctor about how often you should have a Pap smear. At-risk women need more frequent Pap smears. Your doctor \\'ill make an individual recommendation for you. • Source: \ JCLA School of Public Health : Michigan Farm News December 15, 1993 "Michigan Clean Sweep" Another Success Workers at eight collection sites across the eastern side of Michigan's lower peninsula collected a wide range of pesticides, herbicides and other chemical compounds during August and September, as part of the 1993 '''Michigan Clean Sweep" program. Chemicals delivered to the collection sites by individuals, such as this barrel of Dow Sodium TCA 90%, were compiled by workers who wore chemical resistant gloves and respirators. Rip the string from a bag of our new Craw's Gold hybrids and luck is on your side ... ~ Because in that bag is all the genetic luck ~" . "~, lYe that can be packed into a seed. Modern germplasm. A vigorous single cross. High germination. Seed purity from closely monitored eel production fields. We grow our own. From our vault of inbreds, Crow's research has selected and crossed to combine the traits that lead place to to predictably lucky results. Top yields that finish a point or two drier than last year's best. Straight standing stalks that can make it to Halloween if they start. have to. Natural resistance in extremely healthy plant types. by Michelle Strautz All packed into hybrids that are tested in research trials from Collection of approximately 93,500 pounds of un- Nebraska to Ohio to make sure that they'll work on your kind of wanted pesticides and other chemicals was completed in soils and your kind of weather. mid-September as part of this year's "Michigan Clean So instead of waiting for a little luck to put you over the top Sweep' program, according to Chuck Cubbage, agricul- ture environmental coordinator with the Michigan next year, grab a bag of Crow's Gold. And pour a little luck into Department of Agriculture. the hopper. Cubbage, who tallied the program's results, said eight Your dealer can show how some of your lucky neighbors have collection sites were set up to service 27 counties on the scored big with Craw's hybrids this fall. Give him a call! eastern side of Michigan's lower peninsula, with 464 people participating in the program. According to Cubbage, this was a significant increase Milford, IL. Nevada, fA. Greenville, OH from last year's program, which yielded approximately 68,600 pounds of unwanted chemicals from 297 par- ticipants. For more information, call one of these Crow's Dealers or 1-800-331-7201. "Last year, we were over on the Lake Michigan side," said Cubbage. "This year, we were in the Lake Erie and Lake Huron drainage basin counties, and we'll repeat these counties next year. This year's collection area was RICHARD STANK LARRY ROBERTS LES SIELER CARL F. SPARKS STEVE BALDUS expanded to cover four additional counties." ADRIAN, MI CASSOPOLIS, MI HARTFORD, MI LAKE ODESSA, MI THREE RIVERS, MI More than $183,000 worth of funding came from the 517-263-2458 616-445-3195 616-621-2313 616-374-7394 616-279-2117 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pes- ticide Programs and the Michigan Department of Natural LOREN CLEMENCE MARK MORGAN HERBERT HAIGHT TOO KUBISZAK, DSM NED CUTLER Resources (DNR). Some collection sites ran out of funds BATILE CREEK, MI CHARLOTIE, MI HOMER, MI LAWRENCE, MI WEIDMAN, MI faster than others. In these cases, individuals were 616-965-4034 517-543-2498 517-568-4072 616-674-3843 517 -644-3367 charged for their disposal costs, according to Cubbage. ROSS VANDER BAND ROBERT MOL YNEUX MARK HILASKI ADDISON BROOKS EDGAR MILLER "The folks that paid spent somewhere between two to BELDING, MI COOPERSVILLE, MI HOPKINS, MI LITCHFIELD, MI WHITE PIGEON, MI four dollars per pound," he said, "and if they were to do 616-793-4541 517-542-3273 616-483-7284 616-761-3585 616-837 -8710 this privately, they would pay in excess of six to eight doIlars per pound." RON WENGER TRAVIS HOUPT DON HASSEVOORT JOHN BIHLMEYER Disposal of the compounds, will be completed by two BELDING, MI DUNDEE, MI HUDSONVILLE, MI MANCHESTER, MI contractors. "The bulk of the materials went to El Dorado, 616-897 -8958 313-529-2867 616-875-8403 313-429-7527 Arkansas," Cubbage said. "The disposal company has an incinerator licensed by the EPA, and all those materials STEPHEN SMITH, DSM ROGER THEODORSKI SCOTI LANTIS PAUL J. SMITH will be incinerated and destroyed. Any of the ash from BLISSFIELD, MI EAGLE, MI JACKSON,MI MASON, MI that plant that is hazardous will then go onto a hazardous 517-486-2854 517-626-6853 517-536-8246 517-676-4413 waste landfill, so there's complete control over the DONALD ISLEY CARLTON WELLS JOHN GUMBERT JAY GOULD remains." MORENCI, MI BLISSFIELD, MI EATON RAPIDS, MI JACKSON, MI According to Cubbage, EPA and the Michigan DNR 517-447-3683 517-663-3380 517-569-2599 517-458-2573 plan to support the program again next year. Proposed additions to the program will include the Lake Superior JEFF HAACK JOE BENNETT GOLDEN ACRES RON GUDAKUNST drainage basin counties. People located outside of desig- BRONSON,MI EDMORE, MI JASPER, MI ONSTED, MI nated counties are welcome to participate in the program 517-369-2207 517-762-5480 517-443-5526 517-467-7041 next year if they will haul their materials to a listed site. Producers interested in learning more about this LANCE KALBFLEISCH DENNIS LASCESKI DEMANN DAIRY JAMES F. CREW program should contact their county Extension agents BROWN CITY, MI FILION, MI KALAMAZOO, MI QUINCY, MI 313-346-2234 517-269-7980 616-372-3887 517 -639-8352 after Jan. 1, 1994. Counties included in the 1994 pro- gram are: Alger, Baraga, Bay, Chippewa, Clinton, ED GROHOLSKI ANDY SPARKS RICHARD ZENNER DOLPHIE EISENLOHR Genesee, Gogebic, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, BURLINGTON, MI FREMONT, MI KINGSLEY, MI SHELBY, MI Huron, Ingham, Isabella, Jackson, Keweenaw, 517-765-2111 616-924-5945 616-263-5339 616-861-2318 Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Macomb, Mar- quette, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Oak- JAMES D. CROW RAY LOWMAN WENDELL NORDER BILL MORGAN land, Ontonagon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. CAMDEN, MI GOBLES, MI LAINGSBURG, MI SHERWOOD, MI Clair, Tuscola, Wahstenaw and Wayne. 517-254-4512 616-628-5079 517-651-5409 517-741-3698 Michigan Farm News 1& Be Safe on Your Snowmobile - Farm Credit Stockholders Approve -. December 15, 1993 Remember These Safety Tips St. Paul/Louisville Merger If you plan to do some snowmobiling this • If you drive at night, avoid unfamiliar Stockholders of AgriBank, FCB, of St. tions of the merged institution. The team winter, here are safety tips, courtesy of terrain, and don't overdrive your lights. Be Paul, Minn., and the Farm Credit Bank of will be led by c.T. Fredrickson, chief ex- Farm Bureau Insurance, to keep in mind: sure all your lights work -- headlight, tail- Louisville (Kentucky) voted overwhelm- ecutive officer. light, and stop light. ingly Nov. 9, 1993, to merge the two • Be sure to dress appropriately for the cold. agricultural lending cooperatives. The "After careful consideration, the stock- • Give fences, wires, posts, and telephone merger will be effective Jan. ], 1994, pend- holders concluded the merger would be in • Wear an approved safety helmet and eye poles a wide berth. ing final regulatory approval. the best interest of the farmers, ranchers protection; your passenger should, too. and rural homeowners they represent," said • Remove any dry grasses that accumulate The merger will create an 1] -state Farm Daniel T. Kelley, chairman of AgriBank, • Ride at a speed compatible with the trail around the track, engine, and gas tank areas. Credit District which provides credit and FCB. "We are pleased by the affirmative width, condition, and length. Slow down related services to approximately 200,000 vote, and look forward to combining the when carrying a passenger. • Avoid roads. If you must travel on a road, farmers and rural residents. strengths and assets of these two financial Iy and doing so is permitted, reduce your sound institutions." • Keep your snowmobile in good working speed. To cross a road, make a full stop, then The merged entity will operate under the condition. Follow routine maintenance pro- look carefully in both directions. Cross at a name "AgriBank, FCB" and be head- Louisville Board Chairman Rex E. cedures as per the operator's manual. 90-degree angle. quartered in St. Paul, Minn. The merged Etchison said the advantages of the merger bank and its affiliated associations will were evident. "Operating efficiencies and • Snowmobiles can go where other vehicles • Don't tailgate. Maintain a safe distance have $14 billion in assets, $2 billion in financial strength will be gained as a result can't, tempting drivers to venture into haz- between you and the machine ahead. capital and $12 billion in gross loan of the merger. The merged institution will ardous situations. Know where you're volume. be in a position to reduce costs and loan going and what dangers may await you. • Don't remove the safety features built into portfolio risk," Etchison concluded. your machine. The 11 states within the combined district • Ride with others if possible. Always tell are Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Both banks, along with their Federal Land someone where you're going and when you • Watch out for glare ice. Attempting to Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Credit Associations, Federal Land Bank expect to return. brake or turn on it could cause your machine Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Associations, Production Credit Associa- to spin out of control. If you find yourself tions and Agricultural Credit Associations, • Remember: alcohol and snowmobiling on glare ice, reduce your speed by carefully The senior management team at the current are part of the Farm Credit System. don't mix. releasing the throttle. AgriBank, FCB, will conduct the opera- Contact Your Nearest Dealer County/Coordinator Phone No. Alcona/Lincoln Outdoor Cntr (517) 736-6150 Here's a list Allegan/Jack Sipple (616) 672-7615 Alpena/ you'd better Wolf Creek Farm Supply .. (517) 727-2391 Alpena/Steve Gonyea (517) 471-5391 check twice BarrytThomas Guthrie (616) 623-2261 Bay/Harlan Eisenmann (517) 684-0424 Plow Shares Branch/ • Moldboards Easterday Calhoun/Dennis Sales & Serv Anderson (517) 278-4109 (517) 568-3345 • Shins Group RrChaSing • Landsides Cass/Carl Sparks (616) 445-3195 Chisel Points CharlevoixfThomas Wieland (616) 547-2744 Sub-Soiler Points Suppliers of... Cheboygan/Cheb. Co-Op (616) 627-4605 Sweeps Clare/Don Armentrout. (517) 386-7448 • Shovels High Quality Tillage Parts Clinton/David Seeger (517) 641-4504 • Danish Teeth Cutting Parts and Roller Chain Hiawathaland/Michaellho (906) 446-3445 , I • Disc Blades to Farm Bureau Members. Eaton/Jack Smith (517) 566-8172 Emmett/John Sterly Sr. (616) 526-9293 • Coulters Genesee/F 0 Bloss (313) 635-3069 NH3 Knives N.W. MichiganfTerry Lautner .. (616) 946-4623 Hillsdale/Eugene Huron/Bob Duncanson Baker. (517) 283-2617 (517) 479-6428 1993-94 Winter Sale (517) 589-8416 Ingham/Mel Stofer Ionia/Craig Harder (616) 527-2677 December 1, 1993 thru February 12, 1994 10scotTerry Bellville (517) 756-3432 Iron Range/Charles Carey (906) 542-9083 ....... '. : .. . _ ~ ~~ ~- .:.~1-'~~ .. Isabella/Dave Bourns (517) 544-2719 JacksontTom Betz (517) 857-2166 Fit virtually all field equipment (OEM certified) Kalamazoo/Larry Leach (616) 746-4648 Kalkaska/Martin Woodhams (616) 258-8312 Order No. Replaces No. Application Price WC-134 Kent/John Finkbeiner (616) 891-8257 645-5005 462 Bush Hog 5'; 6, $11.70 Double Moldboard Lapeer/Steve Jarvis (313) 664-7645 Point 16"IH 12, 105, 205, 266, Lenawee/Robert Bush (517) 423-2049 305, 504,600,36 $1.85 $52.63 Mac-Luce/Richard Pershinske (906) 477-6001 645-5010 463 Bush Hog 6', 206, 13.01 306,304 A-50-UVX \~ Macomb/Steve Soldan (313) 749-5853 Fertilizer Knife 123 Manistee/Charles Schoedel (616) 723-6885 845-5020 464 Bush Hog 7', 307,183 13.94 $10.80 Twisted Chisel 845-5030 W34289 JD 509, 609, 709, 26.78 $6.57 Mecosta/Robert Anderson (616) 796-9321 1008,1508 (CCW) Midland/Don Terwillegar (517) 835-6133 845-5031 W34290 J~ 1008, 1508, 28.65 Missaukee Phil Brunink (616) 825-2977 CC-124 .... ..:~-- ~ .. 737, (CW) Twisted Chisel \.." ~ \ . Plain MonroefTom Woelmer (313) 269-6257 845-5045 220633 Ford 901, 909, 910 8.34 Disc Blade 4" S:9~oint '~ .:-...--~ Montcalm/Carlton Puffpaff (517) 831-4038 Newaygo/John Patin (616) 636-5200 Ogemaw/Robert Kartes (517) 345-4992 These 22.x.236 $25.10 (616) 825-2057 22. x 7 ga. 17.79 Osceola/L. D. Hesselink Winter 20. x 6 ga. 17.34 Otsego/Estelle Farms (517) 732-4284 Ottawa/HI-Grade Nut & Bolt.. .. (616) 837-7791 10' 10' roll roll #40 #50 $16.16 21.36 Sale 20. x 7 ga. 15.61 LW Share (with bolts) 18. x 7 ga. 15.23 (517) 734-3803 Presque Isle/Ron Hopp 10' roll #60 28.32 Prices 16- $8.98 Saginaw/Leroy Schluckebier (517) 652-6715 SO-22 10' roll #6OH 38.48 S1. Clair/Mike Lauwers (313) 395-7270 10' roll #80 48.72 Cut Chisel Spike S1. Joseph/David Sanilac/Gerald Girton Keinath (616) 651-8941 (313) 376-8418 10' roll #80H 65.12 20% $8.26 Shiawassee/Duane Dysinger .. (517) 625-3402 Tuscola/Leroy Schluckebier (517) 652-6715 Contact Your County Farm Bureau or 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2015 Van Buren/Bodtke Farms (616) 434-6422 Quality • Dependability • Savings Washtenaw/Luke Schaible (313) 428-9120 -. Michigan Farm News December 15, 1993 1m Mud Creek Irrigation District - First of a Kind Project Uses Great Lakes Construction of an irrigation system to pump Great Lakes water to approximately 2,000 acres of farm land in Huron County is expected to begin soon, pending DNR approval of a filtration system to prevent contamination of inland waterways with zebra mussels, according to Huron County CES Agent Jim LeCureux. The Pigeon River, pictured below, will be used to channel water to additional irrigation sites in a ~ second phase of the project. Photo: Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber ~Jl~ transport them from the Mud Creek Drain The system will be managed by an in- to the Pigeon River, the DNR is requiring dividual who will work with the farmers and us to build a filtration system and incor- operators in the district to make sure the porate it into the irrigation project before water is being properly applied, said we can pump water into the district." Rounds. The manager will also work with farmers on their conservation plans and "Another concern," said Rounds, "is that with the Soil Conservation Service to make we don't want to jeopardize underground sure the best management practices are in- tile systems and introduce zebra mussels corporated into the system. into them because at this point, we don't have the knowledge of what would happen LeCureux said that water will be monitored if they got into the underground tile." in the district regularly to check amounts and quality. There will be three tile outlets Rounds added that there has not been monitored three times per year, including enough research done yet to determine if one that's not irrigated, one that's sub-ir- the zebra mussels could even grow in those rigated, and one that's surface irrigated. conditions. In addition, the Pigeon River will be "The final hurdles," said LeCureux, "are if monitored above and below the district we can get the DNR to accept the screen three times per year. Reports will be sent to specifications for the zebra mussel screen." the DNR at the end of the year, and then pumping permits will be issued to farmers If approved, LeCureux said as many as 12 on a yearly basis, based on the water quality farmers in the district may begin pumping information. water as early as next summer. by Michelle Strautz irrigation includes pumping water through "So, following the best management prac- a system that sprays it over the field, like The farmer's initial cost, said Rounds, will tices and how well the water quality is main- The irrigation system proposal is being rainfall. be to retrofit their irrigation equipment for tained will determine if the farmers keep on driven by several different factors, includ- use with the new system. Eventually, there getting their permits," LeCureux con- ing conflicts between residentiaJ owners A second phase of this project plans for a will be an assessment for maintenance and cluded. and farmers regarding groundwater pump station on the Pigeon River to pump a water usage charge based on the amount withdrawals while trying to develop on- east to the Daus Drain for additional irriga- of water each farmer uses, but the logistics *A portion ofthis article was adapted from an farm irrigation. tion potential. and details have not yet been worked out article in the Winter, 1993 edition of Pipeline, for these provisions. a publication of the Michigan Association of The first-of-a-kind pilot irrigation system "However," said LeCureux, "there have County Drain Commissioners. will have an intake located on the north side been restrictions developed on when farmers can pump, to protect aquatic life." rfilM;;RN; of the Mud Creek County Drain, slightly east of the Saginaw Bay (Wild Fowl Bay) Serving Michigan shoreline. The Mud Creek Drain will be The system will be used seasonally, about cleaned and reconstructed to a new grade. 50 to 80 days each year and will not inter- Farm Families is Raw water wi Il be pumped through ap- proximately 6,700 feet of27-inch transmis- sion main to the Newman Drain and the fere with the spring and fall fish spawning migrations. When operating, the system will carry 5,000 to 8,000 gallons of water L~ RADIO NETWORK Our Only Business improved drain which outlets to the Pigeon per minute, and will be supervised on a Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective River. daily basis. It's not expected that there will has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- be any significant unused discharge or ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- Farmers will draw from the open channel return water from the system. tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, distribution system for irrigation, which in- weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: cludes drawing water out of the drainage LeCureux said there have been many bar- system as it passes by a farmer's property riers to the project since the idea was Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm and diverting it into a holding area. The proposed nine years ago, including obtain- WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am farmer will then pump water out of the ing a permit from the DNR, getting ap- WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am holding area as it's needed. propriate funding, and working through WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm political and regulatory channels. WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm Water will be supplied to two types of ir- WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm rigation systems by the project, including "We really don't know if the zebra mussels WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm sub-irrigation and surface irrigation sys- are going to be a problem," said Vern terns. Sub-irrigation includes pumping Rounds, chairman of the Mud Creek Irriga- WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am *** water into an already established under- tion District. "They're in the Great Lakes, WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm ground tile system in the field. The water but have not been detected at the point WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm will then come up through the ground and where we'll be drawing water for the irriga- WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am water the crop through the roots. Surface tion system. As a guarantee that we will not WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm PROJECT SITE PLAN 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 S1. 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 Can Your Dairy Herd Benefit from a Better Environment? •• December 15, 1993 ing and Consumers Power will address the Are your dairy facilities contributing all following: Managing the Dairy Cow's they can to your farm's profitability? Could Environment for Greater Profitability your cow's environment be improved for o A review of current knowledge about Date Location Host Agent Telephone greater comfort and health? the characteristics of dairy facilities that promote healthy, comfortable cat- Jan. 17 St. Johns, Smith Hall Dave Elzinga ~517~224-5240 What do you know about stray voltage? Is tle and ease of management. How to Craig Burns 517 743-2251 it something that "just happens to other incorporate these into both new and farms" or could it affect your cattle? If stray present facilities. Jan. 19 West Branch George Portice (517) 345-0692 Charbonneau's voltage occurs, what are the symptoms and what can your electric supplier do about it? o An overview of stray voltage Jan. 25 Weidman Mike McFadden (517) 772-0911 symptoms, causes and solutions. Knights of Columbus Hall Ext. 302 For answers, Michigan dairy farmers have the opportunity to attend one of a series of o A short overview of 10caJ Extension seminars this winter, co-sponsored by MSU dairy programs and services. Feb. 15 Adrian Lisa Townson (517) 264-5300 Extension and Consumers Power Com- Lenawee County MSU Extension Office, Human Services Bldg. pany. The seminar program is entitled, A brochure with details about the seminar "Managing the Dairy Cow's Environment and a postage paid reservation card is being Feb. 18 Jackson Bill Bivens (517) 788-4292 mailed to many dairy farmers. There will Gilbert's Steakhouse for Greater Profitability." be a $5 registration fee payable at the door. Feb. 21 Charlotte Stan Moore (517) 543-2310 The program will be held at 11 sites around Eaton County MSU Extension Office, Public Meeting Room the state from December ] 993 to March The program starts with registration at 1994 and are hosted by local Extension ag 9:30 a.m. and concludes with lunch at Feb. 22 Coldwater, Quality Inn Ron Green (517) 439-9301 agents. Speakers from MSU Ag Engineer- 12:30 p.m. There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion after lunch. Mar. 10 Clarksville George Atkeson (517) 831-5226 MSU Clarksville Experimental Station If you have questions or would like a The Difference is brochure, contact (Jnyof these MSU Exten- sion host agents or Consumers Power Mar. 14 Cadillac McGuires Resort Center Jerry Lindquist (616) 832-6139 You Workshop - Company at 1-800-252- VOLT. Letting You Tell the Farmer's Dairy Management Conference in Lansing March 1-2. Managing change in the dairy industry and herd health and Full registration is $145 per person, which covers meals and Story nutrition quality will be among topics covered at the Michigan Dairy Management Conference March 1-2 in Lansing. conference proceedings but not lodging. The fee for the conference only (no meals) is $95. If you're interested in promoting agriculture and educating people about farm The conference is sponsored by Michigan State University Exten- Conference details are be available from Andy Skidmore at related issues, then you're invited to attend sion and the MSU Department of Animal Science. Other topics wilJ MSU by writing to him c/o the Michigan Dairy Management a one-day MFB workshop, sponsored by the range from future business management requirements to nonan- Conference, 120 Anthony Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824- tibiotic treatment for clinical mastitis. Conference speakers will be 1225, or by calling (517) 353-9702. MFB Promotion and Education department. drawn from MSU, other universities and the dairy industry. You'll meet other farmers from across Michigan who have found the secret to making agriculture and Farm Bureau a sig- nificant force in their communities and their Central Michigan Family Ag Day Scheduled January 22 lives. Be sure to attend Central Michigan Family Ag Day on Sat., Jan. Ag Day has also been noted for its educational workshops and this According to Julie Chamberlain, MFB 22, 1994, at the Lakewood High School near Lake Odessa. The year is no exception. Classes will be available on Managing Promotion and Education department program of events has been designed by farmers and agribusiness Household Wastes, Income Tax Update, P.A. 116, Science is Fun volunteers and is expected to be one of the best scheduJes ever. for Kids, Horse Management, UnderstandingDHIA Reports. Com- manager, each one-day workshop, scheduled for Jan. 27, 1994, at the Lansing puterized Accounting, Financial Aid for College, History of Quilts, A breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the exhibit Weed Control Update (two recertification credits), Landscaping Holiday Inn, and Feb. 1, 1994, at the Grayl- hall opening at 9 a.m. for Wildlife, Food Nutrition Update, Clowning for Kids, and a ing Holiday Inn, will help you learn new special program on Old Barn Rehabilitation and New Uses. ways to promote agriculture and your own Agricultural Humorist Maury Williamson from Indiana will speak commodity. at 1 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Maury is very involved In addition, this year the event will also feature a toy tractor show. "You'll learn how to balance commit- with the Agricultural Historical Display at the Indiana State Fair. Anyone interested in exhibiting should call the Extension Of- ments to farm, family and community to He wiJl talk on the comical aspects of farming during the early and fice at (616) 948-4862. To register to attend Ag Day, call the achieve goals, learn how to be an advocate mid-1900's. same number. for agriculture every day, and find out how you can work effectively with people using the grass roots structure of your county Michigan Shepherd's Weekend Jan. 15-16 in Lansing Farm Bureau," said Chamberlain. Producing sheep the most efficient way possible is the focus of Extension sheep specialists, commercial sheep producers and in- Workshop topics will include starting an the Michigan Shepherd's Weekend, Jan. 15-16 in Lansing. Co- dustry representatives. The weekend activities will include a youth ag in the classroom program, farm safety, sponsored by the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association and program and the Michi~an Sheep Breeders Association annual developing leadership skills, and working Michigan State University Extension, the two-day session will take banquet and awards sessIOn. effectively with the media, just to name a place at the Holiday Inn Lansing Conference Center, 501 W. few. This is a great way to generate ideas for Saginaw Highway. Registration is $25 per family for Michigan Sheep Breeders As- addressing needs in your county andbecome sociation members and $35 for non-members. Tickets for the involved with Farm Bureau. Among the program topics will be large, small and purebred flock banquet are $13. Banquet tickets will not be sold at the door. The For registration information, contact management, animal health maintenance, flock forage require- registration deadline is Jan. 3, 1994. Julie Chamberlain, at 1-800-292-2680, ments and updates on MSU lamb feeding research. extension 3213, or your local county Program details and registration forms can be obtained by Farm Bureau office. There will also be an outlook session on production trends in the writing to Margaret Benson, Department of Animal Science, sheep industry and discussion about sheep marketing options. 113 Anthony Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824, or by calling Program speakers will include MSU animal science researchers, her at (517) 336-1388. Michigan FFA Foundation Seeks Running for Public Office? Consider Help in Reaching Fund Raising Goal 1994 Campaign Management Seminar The Michigan FFA Foundation has been "This year, through generous contributions, In recent years, an increasing number of The Campaign Management workshop will working harder than ever in 1993 to just under $80,000 has been raised," said Farm Bureau members have been can- cover all aspects of organizi ng and conduct- generate funds for agriculture's youth. The Barnum. "Since this leaves us short of our didates for election to local, state or federal ing a campaign including The Formula for foundation's goal is to raise $150,000 by goal, we are asking the agricultural com- public offices. The successful candidates Winning, Campaign Laws and Reports, year's end. munity to help with an end of the year who were ejected had one thing in common. Selecting Issues, Financing the Campaign, campaign to bring us closer to attaining the They were able to organize and execute an Working with News Media, Organizing the "Although hours of hard work are continu- $150,000 goal. Reaching this goal will help effective campaign plan. Campaign and Get-Out- The- Vote. The ing to reach our goal, the same success as the foundation to continue supporting the workshop will be conducted by Brad Eck- in previous years has not been realized," efforts of today's agriculture youth and To assist Farm Bureau members who plan art, director of political education, explained foundation member Pete Bar- tomorrow's agriculture leaders. In- to be a candidate for eJective office in 1994 American Farm Bureau Federation. num. "Last year, the Michigan FFA Foun- dividuals, like yourself, can make a dif- or beyond, MFB will offer a special Cam- dation raised over $ I06,000. " ference by saying YES to the Michigan paign Management workshop, Feb. 16-17, The Campaign Management workshop is FFA Foundation." 1994, in Lansing. open to any Farm Bureau member on a According to Barnum, the mission of the first-come first-served basis. The workshop mission of the Michigan FFA Foundation Those interested in making a contribu- Members participating in the workshop will be state or federal office. Those inter- is to impact youth leadership development tion should send their donation to: will be responsible for the estimated cost of ested in attending the workshop on Feb. in Michigan through fundraising projects, Michigan FFA Foundation $]50 per person, which includes one 16-17 should call the MFB Public Affairs and to serve as an advocate for FFA and 409 Agriculture Hall night's lodging, a breakfast, two lunches, a Division for more information at (517) agri-science education initiatives East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 dinner and campaign managers handbook. 323-6560. Michigan Farm News - December 15, 1993 , , /- You're invited to a dairy seminar. No one should miss this informative seminar of healthy, well..managed dairy facilities. This sem.. on stray voltage and the latest in dairy facilities inar is coming to your area soon, so watch your planning. J oindy sponsored by the Michigan State mail for more information. We're sure you'll want University Extension and Consumers Power, the to attend. If you think you have a stray voltage seminar explains the causes and effects of stray -problem, call Consumers Power's trt:..\ voltage, how to recognize it and how it can be stray voltage specialists 'immedi- '@J ~-:m I corrected. We'll also highlight the characteristics ately at 1..800 ..252 ..VOLT MJIJIIIiArJ~ I '- Michigan Farm News December 15,1993 J North Adams FFA - Revival Contains Lessons for Other Programs Below, instructor Jeff Hawes (at left) coaches his FFA Chapter's Parliamentary by Michelle Strautz Procedure Team for competition in leadership contests. In addition to this program, several new classroom experiences have been developed to attract students and Despite the rural setting of the North bolster enrollments from a dismal 25 students just two years ago to over 60 this Getting Started in Adams-Jerome school, located in Hillsdale year. Community support was crucial to the revival, says Hawes. County, administrators considered closing Building Support the doors on their high school's agriculture program two years ago because they felt with an FFA there was no need for it, according to Agri- Science Teacher Jeff Hawes. Alumni/Advisory Philip Snyder, counselor/principal, said Council there was a combination of factors influenc- ing the program's fate, including low en- Support from parents and local com- rollments in ag classes, the retirement of munity members in forming FFA Alumni former agriculture teacher, Glenn Reuter, Chapters and Advisory Councils are key and the difficulty of finding another trained elements to the success of agriculture and instructor. FFA programs in schools across the state, according to Charles Snyder, Michigan "However, the board asked if it would be at FFA project coordinator at Michigan State all possible if we could just make an effort University, and Burt Henry, Alma High to find an instructor that's trained," said School FFA advisor. Snyder. "In communities where programs are suf- Hawes, a graduate of Michigan State fering or are in jeopardy, I think the first University, recalls the many obstacles he thing parents, local farmers and local busi- encountered two years ago while interview- ness people should do is to form an alumni ing for the position at North Adams- chapter and/or an advisory council," said Jerome. Snyder. "This committee not only advises the teacher, but can also speak to the "I came here on the condition that they were school board regarding the needs of the considering closing down the program," students and of the teacher, as well as said Hawes, "but I really wasn't too aware becoming a highly visible support group of the whole situation. All I knew was they for the program. were definitely considering not hiring." "The alumni can do a lot of different "Kevin Williams, the principal at the time, things," said Henry, "especially helping munity, the agriculture program is alive and "Among other things, we 're doing pesticide their local FFA Chapters with fundraisers expressed his concerns to me," Hawes said. well at North Adams, and has seen substan- research," said Hawes. "We're investigat- "His one question was, why do we need so the students have money to be involved tial growth during the past two years, with ing what effects pesticides and fertilizers in activities such as the Washington Con- production agriculture in the high school?" classroom enrollments increasing from ap- have on plant growth. ference program, National FFA Conven- proximately 25 students two years ago to tion, attending leadership conferences, Hawes said the interview was his first 60 students this year, and FFA involvement "The class then addresses the issue of obstacle, but after expressing his concerns and participating in contests." increasing from 17 students to 35 students. whether or not chemicals are needed in to Williams and explaining the new em- agriculture, and whether or not we can feed phasis being placed on agri-science, not Several Gratiot County Farm Bureau "It's brought about a lot of change and the world while maintaining agricultural leaders formed a county-wide advisory production, Williams encouraged him to excitement," said Hawes. "We have started quality. Taking this one step further, stu- speak to the school board and explain to council, called Gratiot Partners for Ag many new programs here involved around dents are also doing research to determine Education (GPAE), to make school ad- them the new curriculum approach. helping students develop their own educa- the consequences of depriving plants of ministrations and school advisors aware tion such as creating the classes to be very certain fertilizers, or of certain ingredients of the importance of the higher ag educa- "So I went before the school board and research oriented, basing them on science, in those fertilizers," Hawes said. expressed the importance of teaching stu- tion and FFA programs in the high schools and we've incorporated a lot of hands-on and through college, said Denis Netzley, dents about career awareness in agricul- activities right in the classroom setting." In addition to participating in activities ture," said Hawes. "I explained that agrciul- acting chairman of the GPAE. such as Leadership Contests, Ag Skills ture is a lot more than just people going into Currently, Hawes said, the students are Contests, and the broiler chicken contest, farming, but jobs such as marketing and "We've had meetings with all the school studying aquaculture. Aquariums are set up Hawes said changes have occurred within administrations, one-on-one meetings sales, ag business, communications in the classroom to study the growth offish the FFA program. specialists, and agricultural research such with the principals and superintendents, and the effects of pollutants on them. Dis- and now in our follow-up meetings we as Dow Chemical, Monsanto, and those solved oxygen levels, nitrate levels, and pH Ten acres of land, to be used for a nature companies." want to meet with the advisors," said are measured by students to determine if the center, was donated to the program in 1988 Netzley. water is liveable. by a former North Adams agri-science "We're a strong agricultural community," teacher, Robert Roberts, and his wife, said Hawes, who holds dual degrees in Netzley said that some of the ad- "We're also doing research experiments Delia, since the prior land lab was lost by ministrators have a very strong FFA and agricultural communications and agricul- with brassica rappa, better known as the the program when school expansions oc- ture and natural resources education. "We back the program 100 percent, while other Carolina Fast Plant," said Hawes. curred, said Hawes. school districts have pledged to drop the had several board members who are very strong agriculturally oriented individuals, program if state funds run out. Henry Genetic research is done with these plants, "We're in the beginning stages," Hawes agrees. and who played a big role in continuing the tracing the inheritance codes from one said. "We've done some initial clean-up support for the program, however, they did generation to the next. "We look at the work and wood chipped it, but it's about a consider cutting the program." genetic make-ups, and then we teach the "I know the program has helped me," said four year project." Henry, "I think in a couple other schools concept of genetics, using those hands-on But thanks to the persuasion of Hawes and examples where we can actually see it here in Gratiot County, the advisory coun- Hawes said the FFA has started another cil, gave a push to show that there are the support he drew from the local com- physically occur, Hawes explained." program called Project Pals, which has the people out in the community that are goal of helping to promote agricultural aware the program is in their school and Below students pull pin feathers off chickens in preparation for carcass judging literacy in the K-12 program. High school it's doing some good things, and that these during the annual broiler contests at Michigan State University. students work with elementary students-to people's needs should be met." help them understand the importance of agriculture. "The best thing parents can do is to always make sure their school administrators are Together they work on projects such as aware that they're supportive of the pro- raising plants, addressing environmental is- gram, and they need to get out and make sues, building bird houses, and studying sure that other people in the community what types of things will destroy the en- are aware of it, too," concluded Henry. vironment for our animals and wildlife. "Among other things," said Hawes, "we've expanded both recreational and educational conventions, trips, and trained a lot of our trips for the chapter, including trips to teams for leadership and skills contests," Michigan State University, so students can said Hawes. "We also have a lot of people see the type of things that are going on in that not only were former FFA members, but areas such as landscaping and horticulture." are very strong in the agricultural end and Hawes explained that this gives students a here in the community and we ask them to more diversified look at possible careers in help train students, too." the agricultural field. The FFA alumni, with Reuter currently Additionally, Hawes said the program has president, also sponsors fundraisers to help drawn a lot of support from parents, com- support the FFA program, and are very ac- munity members, FFA alumni, and former tive in what the chapter is doing, said Hawes. ag teacher Glenn Reuter. "Reuter has been tremendous to me this last "Our parents have helped on our nature year," concluded Hawes. "Whenever I've center, with our fundraisers, chaperoned for asked, he's helped me." Michigan Farm News December 15,1993 Year-End Farm Business Management Reminders 1 he end of the year is an important time $57,600 and 2.9 percent from $57,600 to tax reporting time period, the statement for farm managers to evaluate their poten- $135,000. Your Self Employment Income loses much of its value to the farm tial income tax liability and gather informa- (Sch. F) is multiplied by .9235 before the manager. statements. The taxable income reported to tion for financial documents. tax is calculated. IRS often is a very poor indicator of the By comparing consistent net worth state- actual business' profitability. Perform December Tax Estimate Major 1993 income Tax ments from year to year, financial trends With the unusually late harvest of 1992 Changes Affecting Farmers can be identified. Utilizing MSU Telfarm crops and other factors, you may find your The direct expensing deduction (Code 179) To help you with your financial record The information from the net worth state- keeping, MSU has the Telfarm program, 1993 taxable income lower or higher than is increased from $10,000 in 1992 to ment is needed to develop a meaningful anticipated. $17,500 for 1993 and later years. which is designed with two main functions. income statement for the business year. The first priority is accurate IRS tax report- The statement should include a relatively ing information. In order to minimize the net taxes paid over The 25 percent deduction of self employed detailed listing of current inventories in- the long run, you nearly always want to health insurance premiums was reinstated cluding stored and unharvested crops, and have taxable income high enough to take retroactive to July 1992. This means that an The strong second priority is to assist other supplies and prepaid expenses. producers in developing information useful advantage of your standard deductions and amended return may be filed for 1992 in- dependent exemption. For 1993, the stand- come taxes to obtain a refund or credit for for farm business management. The Tel- Quantities and value for each item should farm program has been in existence for ard deduction is $6,200 for married filing the six months that was not claimed in 1992. be included. This will allow the manager to jointly and $2,350 for each exemption. more than 60 years. determine the actual income and expenses Develop an End of Year Net incurred and quantities used during the Today, the program is computerized which After the above deductions are taken, the 1993 Federal Tax Rates for married filing Worth Statement (Balance Sheet) year and assist in determining feed usage tremendously enhances capabilities includ- for livestock producers. ing a payroll program specifically designed jointly are: The net worth statement is an essential tool for the farm manager. It allows for monitor- for agriculture and a Check Writer option 15 percent from $0 to $36,900; Develop an Inventory which minimizes time requirements for 28 percent from $36,900 to $89,150; ing progress of the business and helps iden- tify strengths and potential weaknesses. Adjusted Income Statement paying bills and performing accounting 31 percent from $89,150 to $140,000; functions. 36 percent from $140,000 to $250,000; and The income statement is a very crucial The statement needs to be dated as of mid- piece of information to determine the 39.6 percent for taxable income over night Dec. 31 and reflect the actual financial profitability of the business during the year. Be sure to call your county MSU Extension $250,000. position or net worth at this point in time. If You start with cash income and expenses office to obtain more information on the Social Security and Medicare rates for Self the statement is dated other than the income (Sch. F and D) and then adjust for inventory MSU Telfarm recordkeeping system. Employment Income are 15.3 percent up to changes which come from the net worth Your Michigan NORTHRUP KING Seed Dealers HghMeld City Dealer Phone No. Alicia Con Agra Berger & Co 517-770-4130 Alma McClintic Farms 517-463-1140 Alto Alto Farm Services 616-868-6030 Ann Arbor Strieter Bros 313-995-2497 Auburn Ittner Bean & Grain 517-662-4461 Bancroft Gerald Cole 517-634-5212 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 Cort Agra Berger & Co 517-695-2521 Homer Tri-County Agra Services 517-542-3196 Lake Odessa Mark Erickson 616-374-8538 Mason R & S Crop Service 517-628-2036 This superior hybrid can produce top yields. Merrill Con Agra Berger & Co 517-643-7293 Exceptional standability means easier harvesting. Middleton M.A.C 517-236-7263 It has excellent drought tolerance, adapting to MindenCity Eugene Briolat 517-658-8330 a wide range of harvest densities. Adapted to Monroe Calvin Smith 313-269-2710 reduced tillage to help you get the most from New Lothrop Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc 313-638-5868 every acre. Northrup King N4242. New Lothrop Bob Hajek 313-638-5281 Owosso Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc 517-723-5205 Portland Reading Richmond Rockford Frank Trierweiler Dick Heffelfinger Farmers Elevator Ron Porter 517-587-6540 517-283-2444 313-727-3025 616-874-8196 N4242 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 . I!l~ DECEMBER 15, 1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds- 12,000 GALLON liquid NH3 NEW AND USED irrigation FREE CATALOG: Whole- FROZEN TART CHERRIES: 28 ACRES in Irish Hills. Twin BE PREPARED with a holding tank. 10 liquid NH3 and manure spreading equip- sale Veterinary Supplies. 4#'s, $3.50. 25#'s, $18.00. lake frontage, mostly Gererac stand by generator, tanks on running gear (2 ment. Pumps, travelers, Vaccines, wormers, supple- Dryed cherries, maple syrup, wooded. Several buildings, in 8-20kw. Best pricesTNational tanks with variable size row). a~itators. PVC and aluminum ments, medications, insecti- honey. Yoker Farms, ground pool. Asking Brokers, Call 1 liquid NH3 tank without pipe. Call for listing. We cides, disinfectants, syringes, Traverse City area. Call $150,000. Hurryl 1-313-471-5397. running gear. 6 applicators. 2 deliver! needles, buckets, pails, 1-616-943-4003. Faust Real Estate tool bars (1 tool bar with Plummer Supply, Inc. mastitis treatments, implants, COMPUTER SOFT WARE 517-263-8666 r~~~t::f~~~~~\~~ by Harvest Computer r~~1i;jl~i~:~~;;:;1~~ ~!~~~~~ systems. Accounting pack- ages, field management ~r~~~f.~~g~~~~Yf~ BUY FARM minimum 80 acres plus. Between Jackson and Lansing. For working couple. With or without house packa~es, and more. For more Information call David Dankenbring, 517-543-1588. mmnfrf - or buildings. Call lit.,11I ~rE~.~~d~ita~g:~~~oY~~i FOR SALE: 8' Hansen snow of farm equipment. Call after purebred Yorkshire, Ham DEBT RESTRUCTURING: 8 517-782-3255. years practice representing k $1500. Call ~7J. 1-517-nJ-5374. Dan Michigan family farmers. Specializing in reorganiza- FOR LEASE OR SALE: 600 tionl Experienced in many 1 UNION Special Model 1988 FIELDBOSS 40h farm Ibs. M. Cook, Mulliken sow farrow to feeder pig agricultural issues, including 80800E Sewing Head with tractor with all equipment. 1-517-649-8988. operation, north of Grand PA116 requests. Thread Cutting Wheel. 1 King Less than 500 hours. All SCOTCH PINE Christmas HOLSTEIN SERVICE AGE Rapids. Good condition! 8 Attorney Daniel Kraft Line Model 600 (Union attachmentsl $10,000. Call trees. Freshly cut, painted, Bulls out of Blackstar, Wister, years old. 1-517-485-8885. Special Look-Alike) Sewing 1-313-793-4760. baled and loaded on your leadman, Melwood, High- Call 1-519-652-2244. Head with Thread Cutting vehicle for only $5 per tree. light. Good sizel $800-$900. DON'T THROW THOSE Wheel. Excellent condition. INTERNATIONAL Harvester Contact Richard Bradley M.B.M. Pasch Farms Alkaline batteries awayl Ready to run. Contact: grain drill. Krause 5200 grain Tree Farms, 5360 South 1-517-644-3519 FORMER DAIRY FARM: Recharge them with the Harrington Seeds, Inc, 2586 drill. Glencoe disk chisel. Dickerson Aoad, Lake City, QUALITY ANGUS BREED- 188 acres, Oceana County, Super Charger. Get the Bradleyville Ad., Reese, MI John Deere 18' disk. Call. MI 49651. near lake Michigan and facts, order yours today, 48757 517-868-4750 1-313-587-3340. Call 1-616-825-2895. ING dSTBOC'1 K Performancde Stony lake. Four bedroom Products Plus Inc., . . teste, u s semen teste . 1-800-801-8355 (24 hours). farm house, oak kitchen, orig- 1- - - Buy 2ls-;ues Of-Michiga~ Far~ News - - -, ~~~e~f~i~k6~~~a1I~~~~~~ inal woodwork, several newer barns, Sell all or part, FOR SALE: Six clay farrow- ing crates. Deluxe, with - I BORDNER ANGUS FARMS FR EE , 1 I Get the Third Issue I Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. $189,900. creeps. Used oncel Farnam Roger Simon self-catch cattle head gate. Vollmer Inc., Realtors Call 1-517-n3-7659. I I YORKSHIRE Hampshire F1 Boars. SPOT Ready and 1-616-894-5611 I • I for service. 906 EXY Avenue, HIGHEST QUALITY straw- ~: i_ I I Vicksburg, MI. Call berry and aspargus plants. let our 20 years experience ! 'I ~:~dli~~~~ ~~~~;~~~~~;~a;97, to Place Your Classified Ad TOdaY'1 IS~E.;.R~V ..~I.C.".E."S ..~.."~1.'1'~0'.0;'~'N~.;.I~rv"'~I'n'~, ORCHARD (27A), Cider Mill, Bakery. Good retail fol/owing and wholesale customers. OWner financing, low interest. Write: Box J, Vermontville, 49096. 1-517-321-0276. VINEYARD MI help you start a strawberry or aspargus enterprise in your area. Free brochurel Krohne Plant Farms, Route 6, Box 586, Dowagiac, MI 49047. 1-616-424-3450. INTRODUCTORY OFFER: or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Of $60 per ton; animal bedding II M,.c/7,'gan I':l Lc-:1rm Ne ws I cals, Greenville. Fertilizer, cheml- seed, lime, feed. Soil PRIME DEER & TURKEY made from recycled news- paper, chopped not shred- HUNTING: 37 acres, Clare ded. More absorbent-less Buy Line/Daily News I testing, truck spreading and County, Harrison area. I I custom spraying. Call $25,000. flies-less odor. 70# bales. I PO. Box 6 11-616-754-3684. Call 1-517-539-4368 or Wes Clean Future 1-517-876-6051 EXPERIENCED Michigan at 1-517-539-2183 for more I Sfan t on, MI 4 8888 I agribusiness attorneys with information. Turner, MI I I farm backgrounds. Know- OUTSIDE WOOD Classified Ad Codes ledge and experience in all FURNACE: Eliminates fire I Ifarm areas; restructure, stray danger, odor, inside mess. Heats home, domestic water, I 1. Farm Machinery 6. Agricultural Services 11. Wanted to Buy I~J~~~i'n:.an~~1' se,s:)aJ~ ::::::::::: ;:::':1:::::::::::::::::::::::1::::::::::::::::1::.::1:::::::::.::.:::::::1::.:.1 pools. Bums 12 hoursl Stain- I 2. Livestock Equipment I ~: ~i~~t~~kmmodities 7. Auctions :: ~~~1i~;t~:teriaJS 12. General ~~: ~~~~e~~~/~~~:ctibJeS I Thomas J. Budzynski, 43n7 / gr~~~bnesc,k J1w~'80~~: • 11111(•• less steel construction, easy installation. 1-800-743-5883. Jamboree Acres Distribu- I 5. Help/Position Wanted 10. Seeds 15. Special Events 1313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: BUYERS OF STANDING tor, 46 Big Tree Road, I I Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. timer and veneer logs. Jamestown, NY 14701. Sheridan, Fremont, MI Devereaux Sawmill, Inc. PVC & PIERCE epoxy-fittings I Name /49412, 616-924-3760. Pewamo, MI. Call inventory reduction. Will trade I Phone ( IDAHO'S BEST ALFALFA 1-517-593-2552. tor aluminum tubing, waste I Address delivered any where to youl water or any other related Ida-Best Hay Company, WANTED: Com, soy beans. irrigation equipment. I City State__ Zip 1-800-558-2378. Ask for Top prices paid, fastl Don't Rain Control I Darren. speculate, our expertise can 1-800-536-7246 I Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues RECYCLE YOUR DIESEL air eliminate price risk through STRA W CHOPPERS: We filters. Recycle Now, Inc. a sound marketing. Call Michi- rebuild and balance. Some I Desired Insertion Date(s): Holland, Michigan based gan Experts, The Smith exchanges. We stock chop- I company, committed to recyl- Brothers, 1-800-878-2767. per parts. ENGINE REBUILDING our specialty. ing diesel and industrial air I Method of Payment intake filters usin9 the Sonic Auto-Truck- Tractor-Antique- WANTED: Oliver OC-3-4 Continen tal-Koh Ie r-Onan- I Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) ~?d~::~e~:~~ed~H~TIu~: Ford major or "5000" Wisconsin engine dealer. I cost of a new filterl Better than AC-WD-45 Deutz engine. Hart'. Auto Parts Cecil, Ohio I Visa Card Number Exp. Date anewfilterlFormoreinforma- tion, call 1-616-396-7724 or 2-side lumber planer Belsaw edger saw hammering tools. 419-399-4777 Master Card Number Exp. Date fax 1-616-396-8102. Call 1-616-627-7209 evenings. Classified Rates WOODLOT MANAGEMENT Specializing in long term WANTED: Standing timber, woodlot management. Inde- $8 for up to 24 words pendent forestry consulting. any species. Family owned and operated. Conscientious •• 1 Timber sale preparation and 30 cents each additional word Administration, Appraisals, Tree Planting. Free initial timber harvester. G & D Wood Products, HAY: 4x5 ROUND BALES, 1-517-254-4666. $10. In lots of 10. Weanling Write your ad here, including phone number and area code inspection! 17 years don key, $ 1 50 . Call experience. 1-906-478-3312. 2 3 4 Tom Stadt WANTED TO BUY: Used Tree Tech tractors, any condition. Call PAIR BLACK RIDING mules, 1-616-731-4494 1-517-386-9796. 16 H.H. Quiet on trails, will go 5 6 7 8 anywhere, traffic safe, drive too. Seven year old Belgian Gelding, 1900#. 14' wagon, 9 10 11 12 hydraulic brakes. ..... 1-906-359-4826. 13 14 15 16 HERITAGE 17 18 19 20 BUILDING SYSTEMS 800-643-5555 20 • 30 • 10 ...........................................• S2,lIII5 21 22 23 24 30.50.,0 30lI $4.199 BRING IN YOUR WWI AND 25 26 27 28 S: F;}t:::::::::::::.~.::::::::::::::::j!i:5 WWII Military Relics, old BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE MONEY wooden airplane propellers, eom..... cl81 ., ... building. teetwlng _y bolt up ....... bIy Griswold cast iron and old lor 'h. do It youra.1I bulld.r !rom Am.rlca'. '.rgu' 29 30 31 32 dlatributOl. w. Iwv. ovar 5.000 a18ndanl alzea 01 ahop. larm. toys. Turn these items into Induatrlal. comrMfelal and m_,ahouM bulldlngL All •• compl.t. with engineer a'ampec:l permit drawing a '0 mH' Christmas Shopping Cash at 11186 MBMA codas. 20 y.- rool wwranty. and pPllad _II Cell ua tOday lot • 11M InIorma1lon pec:kaga. and a quota On .. Caapian Sea Antique., 33 34 35 36 Cl