'~ Michigan Farm News 1-=1 February 14, 1994 Vol. 71, No.3 In This Issue ... Ethanol Has Powerful Opponents - Lawsuits Likely Wetland Agreement The battle over ethanol's role in the U.S. corn producers have a lot at stake between now and June when EPA is •. SCS, EPA and the Army Corps of reformulated gasoline (RFG) program may expected to issue a final decision on the reformulated gas program. Big oil is Engineers reach an agreement soon move to the courts if the petroleum threatening a "quagmire oflitigation, " says the American Petroleum Institute, if EPA on ag land page 3 industry has anything to say about it. The approves a proposal that would guarantee ethanol a share of the RFG market. American Petroleum Instit~te ~s fighting , . ,$,"" ~~~\;" ~:f, :l ' •• ~tJ.'f~;~." . ff~~~~' Weather Forecast hard to keep ethanol from bemg mtroduced '~ ' . ;, ...: .• , " ';..~ ... 00, j~.1:W Continued colder than normal into RFG by claiming it is the least affor- .'f .:'i4 ~1t..~ dable 0T cost~effective alternative to im- n~', .• ,..'\ .,F,!. >~J with above average snowfall over prove aIr quah~y ..• ~. ; ~ ~~ .. the next 30 days page 4 "The publIc mterest would best be .. '. I~~a) . '. Markets served by plowing this proposal under in- "', . ~ ~ .J ".t '11 stead of planting more corn to produce ;I;i • Watch for rallies and be ready to government moonshine," said Bill O'- pull the trigger page 6 Keefe, executive vice president of the 1994 Michigan Farm Income American Petroleum Institute. An association of state air pollution Michigan farmers should be in for regulators is falling into line with the oil • a reasonably good year ahead, industry argument, claiming the expanded says MSU economist ........ page 7 use of ethanol in gasoline burned in cars would add to emissions of volatile organic Grain Bin Rescue compounds (VOCs). The group's spokes- Despite popular belief, grain bin man, William Becker, said if VOCs are rescues leave little hope for increased in one sector, they will have to survival page 8 be reduced in another. The state of Michigan, however, has gone on record in - 1995 Farm Bill & USDA support of ethanol's inclusion in the RFG. Reorganization According to MFB Commodity How did AFBF delegates vote on Specialist Bob Boehm, the volatility prob- key ag issues? page 9 lem does not lie with ethanol itself, but the hydrocarbons contained in gasoline, which implement Clinton's program, with the million bushels of corn annually. The state Hay Quality Poor in Michigan are damaging to the ozone. "Ethanol is not comment period expiring on Feb. 14. also ranks third in the nation in gasohol • How good is your hay? The even listed on the Environmental Protec- Michigan Farm Bureau and a host of other consumption, using 663 million gallons answer may surprise you, says tion Agency's hazardous spill list," Boehm farm groups, including the Michigan Corn annually. MSU's Harlan Ritchie ........ page 10 said. "The argument could be made that Growers Association, and Gov. Engler "Rather than exporting those excess gasoline ought to be cleaned up rather than have sent letters to EPA expressing support bushels out of Michigan, they could be FFA's Stars Over Michigan penalizing ethanol for making gasoline for the Clinton proposal. utilized within the state through an ethanol Find out who the six finalist are in more volatile." The final outcome on ethanol, expected facility to provide ethanol in our state's Star State Farmer and Agri- A Clinton administration proposal by June of this year, could mean a dif- fuel program," Boehm suggested. "It ap- would mandate that 30 percent of all fuel ference of five to seven cents per bushel for pears that Michigan could be an idealloca- Business competition ........ page 12 • Food Inflation Low in 1994 oxygenates used in the RFG program come from renewable resources, such as ethanol. corn farmers by demanding an additional 250 million bushels, according to Boehm. Continued page 9 ...5ee Weak demand and ample The EPA has published a proposed rule to Michigan farmers produce an excess 155 Ethanol Opponents ... supplies will keep the lid on consumer prices in '94 ...... page 15 Espy - "Fat-Free Should Apply to Federal Spending" Right to Farm Complaints ~riculture Secretary Mike Espy told Espy said. "The playing field now is more Who files the complaints and farmers his first year in office has been level than ever before in world history." • why? page 16 marked by significant accomplishments. Espy said USDA is "well on the way" Espy was a keynote speaker at the opening toward becoming more farmer-friendly. Homestead Definition Still of the American Farm Bureau Federation's "We want to streamline and downsize ...we Unresolved 75th annual meeting. want the department to be more action- M FB efforts for correction con- "About one year ago, I promised then oriented, not more acronym-oriented," he tinue. You'll find a sample of form President-elect Bill Clinton that I would said. "Fat-free isn't just something we seek make the USDA more farmer-friendly, to in food products. Fat-free is also something due by March 1 page 16 (make a) transition from a department of we seek in federal spending practices. We agriculture to a department for agricul- want to save $2.5 billion dollars of your ture," Espy said. "I feel I've been able to money by cutting back on USDA ,,> make good on a lot of these promises." bureaucracy. " 0" , c to 2: 0 Meaningful progress was made in ex- The secretary mentioned the need for )( &f panding markets for U.S. agricultural research into new uses for agricultural com- ~g ~a -...j!: products, the secretary pointed out. "As we sit here today, we now have modities. Last month, the administration proposed an ethanol policy "that I believe is to) -...j=r cr to) cO' American rice being eaten in Japanese a big win for America's corn farmers. We'll :E1Il:J • households," he said. "Just two years ago, g>'T1 see higher prices and expanded markets . CQ, :J ~ you remember that the Japanese tried to products are coming down, and they're And it will also be a big win for America, ~ iiitoc III I arrest us just for trying to display U.S. rice falling to the logic of sound science." because cleaner-burning fuel will lead to ~ ~ at one of their trade fairs. Korean barriers Espy praised Farm Bureau for its less smog in our cities." !; are also falling and our rice markets have "strong help" in passing the North Regarding food safety, Espy said USDA iil responded. Japanese stores will soon be American Free Trade Agreement. has joined with the Environmental Protec- s' Ip getting American apples and they won't "NAFT A will increase our farm exports to tion Agency and the Food and Drug Ad- ~ cost $5.50 like they're costing now." Mexico, and then the gates will open to ministration to propose a "significant, ~ • (Xl g Many American farm products are en- trade throughout Latin America," he said. realistic and unified attempt" at updating joying greater market access opportunities "I want to give you credit for working to the nation's food safety and pesticide laws. all over the world, Espy said. "All of these get the agreement passed in Congress." "We told them zero tolerance was not a sanitary and phytosanitary barriers that The logjam on GAIT was also broken reasonable policy," he said. "If you want to have been erected in other countries that and "now 117 countries are holding hands go to a health-based standard, then let's do are politically motivated to restrict our in an effort to move toward freer trade," it based on policies of sound science." I I. '. Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 18 " Michigan Farm News Tomato Virus Threatens California Crop •• February 14 , 1994 In Brief ... A tomato virus carried by a fly the size of a pinhead is threatening the world's tomato crop Espy Names New SCS Head and already has infected much of Orange County, Calif., according to agriculture officials. Growers may have to abandon the Orange County tomato industry, which had $17.4 million Paul W. Johnson, who runs a dairy, sheep, grain and Christmas tree farm near Decorah, in sales in 1992, in order to halt the spread of the disease carried by the greenhouse whitefly. Iowa, has been tapped by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy to head the Soil Conservation Service. According to a United Press International story, Johnson, 52, claims two decades The unidentified virus -- as yet incurable -- could spread rapidly and devastate crops beyond of environmental experience and has been active in local and national conservation groups the county, eventuall y reaching worldwide, researchers warn. The virus cost one grower, .• since he began farming in 1974. Sun World International Inc., about 25 percent of its last tomato crop in Orange County. He's a former member of the Iowa Legislature and helped write Iowa's Groundwater Act, Premium Offered for Pesticide-Free Soybeans a model used nationally for its approach to education research and voluntary water quality practices. Among Johnson's challenges will be preparing the USDA for a reauthorization Pioneer Hi-Bred International has an offer for soybean farmers that some won't refuse. of the Clean Water Act and for conservation measures in the 1995 farm bill. The big seed producing firm is offering farmers an extra $3 per bushel for soybeans grown Ag Exports to Mexico to Triple by 2008 without the use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals this year. The seed producer says the chemical-free soybeans are used for making tofu, a specialty U.S. exports to Mexico should reach $10.1 billion by 2008 when the North American Free food product in Japan, according to Steve Ford, specialty products manager for Pioneer's '. Trade Agreement is fully operational, according to USDA officials. Keith Collins said the Better Life Grains Program. commodity expected to enjoy the biggest increase in exports is cattle at $800 million in additional exports. Pioneer tests and certifies the seeds were grown without chemical pesticides and weren't treated with chemicals during storage. The company markets the beans to processors who Pork ranks second at $440 million; and corn, third, at $280 million. Other commodities are display the Better Life logo on their labels. also expecting increased shipments south of the border, including soybeans, $220 million; beef and dairy products, both $140 million; fruits, $125 million; poultry $50 million; and Spotted Owl Causes Lumber Prices to Soar vegetables and wheat, both projected at $40 million. In 1992, the U.S. exported $3.8 billion worth of ag products to Mexico. The median price for a 2,000-square-foot home has increased $4,000 in the past six months because of soaring wood costs, according to the National Association of Home Builders New Life for Pork Exports (NAHB). Spot prices for lumber hit a record $500 per 1,000 board feet late last year. The reauthorization of pork sales to former Soviet republics may finally allow the sale of The NAHB is asking its members to write President Clinton and members of Congress 20,000 tons of pork to be completed, according to a report by Sparks Companies. The urging action on environmental issues and a 1991 court-imposed halt to logging on federal original authorization for the sale, after the Uruguay Round agreement could not be lands in Oregon, Washington and Northern California. The Clinton administration last year completed by the Aug. 10 deadline. Members of Congress from Iowa, Illinois and other proposed cutting production from such lands to 1.2 billion board feet a year from the 5 pork producing states had pressed the Clinton administration to renew the EEP authoriza- billion that was harvested before the court order. • tion for sale of pork. The Clinton proposal was forwarded as a "compromise" between loggers and environmen- Buyers in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia and the Ukraine are talists, who wanted to halt logging to protect the environment and endangered species such eligible to buy pork under the subsidy program, according to the report. The 20,000 tons as the spotted owl. of pork represents about 244,000 slaughter hogs, according to the National Pork Producers Council. Since the Uruguay Round agreement cannot be effective until July 1995, the EEP "Increased lumber costs are causing major problems," said 1. Roger Glunt, president of the will still be needed to "level the playing field" for U.S. exports, the NPPC added. NAHB. "It's a terrible disruption. Every time we raise the price, we eliminate someone from the bottom rung of the housing ladder from buying their own home." ... Free Crop Insurance Proposed in 1995 Ag Budget Enviro Membership Down The USDA wants to offer free "catastrophic" crop insurance to farmers as part of a plan to move away from disaster programs. The proposal could lower real costs to the Environmental groups are scrambling to explain declining membership numbers, accord- government, but it may face difficulties. That's because under the plan, the dollars spent ing to Greenwire, a daily executive briefing on the environment. Green wire said the decline to aid farmers would have to be figured in as part of the federal budget, according to an could be attributed to a slow economy and increasing competition among environmental Associated Press story. groups for a limited membership base. Currently, disaster payments do not count as part of the operating budget. The proposal, During the Reagan-Bush years, the Sierra Club membership rose from 181,773 to 629,532, which the administration discussed last week with members of Congress, aims at reform- but has since dropped to around 550,000, according to Greenwire. The report said many ing the two-track system through which farmers can get help when floods, hail, drought environmental groups are suffering as a result of the decline, indicating a $3.2 million or other perils wipe out their crops. The plan will be a key part of the 1995 budget proposal deficit and 11 eliminated staff positions at the National Audubon Society. for the agriculture department. Michigan Jan. Farm Prices Up 12 Percent from 1993 1994 Michigan Grazing Conference March 16-17 The second annual Michigan Grazing Conference is slated for March 16-17 at the Mt. The index of prices received by Michigan farmers for all products as of Jan. 15 was 138 Pleasant Holiday Inn, according to conference coordinator Ben Bartlett, the Upper Penin- percent of its 1977 base, and was up 12 percent from last year, according to the Michigan sula Dairy and Livestock Specialist for MSU Extension. Ag Statistics Service. Price increases for crops was led by potatoes, hay, and corn, with increases of nine, seven, and six percent respectively. The livestock index was unchanged. "Participants will be able to attend workshops as well as hear from a number of farmers who are utilizing intensive rotational grazing on their livestock operations," Bartlett said. The index of prices U.S. farmers received for their products in January rose 2.1 percent "We'll also have a trade show that will feature the latest items such as fencing, that can from the December level, and was up 7.2 percent from a year earlier, according to USDA. make rotational grazing work in your operation." Price increases in January for corn, hogs, cotton and onions more than offset declines for grapefruit, strawberries, turkeys and lemons, USDA said. The year-to-year increase was The program gets underway March 16 at 1 p.m. with a series of MSU Extension and due to price gains for corn, soybeans, milk and tomatoes, which more than offset decreases for cattle, celery, lettuce and carrots. producer presentations and runs until approximately 9 p.m. Concurrent workshops on March 17 are designed to help those just getting started with other options for those who have been grazing for a number of years, and concludes by noon. For more program USDA said the index of prices paid by farmers for commodities and services, interest, details and registration, contact Bartlett at (906) 228-4830. taxes and farm wage rates for January was up 0.5 percent from October and 2.6 percent above January 1993. Since last surveyed in October, prices were higher for feed; however, Fifth Annual Michigan Beef Expo Scheduled lower fuel and feeder livestock prices moderated the increase in the overall index. The fifth annual Michigan Beef Expo will be held April 8-10, 1994 at the Ingham County Novak Appointed North Region Representative Fairgrounds in Mason. Over 4,000 individuals support this event which focuses on the sale and promotion of purebred cattle. Nine breeds will be shown and sold this year including Wendy Wieland-Novak has officially Angus, Beefalo, Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Limousin, Polled Hereford, Shorthorn and started her duties as the new regional rep- Simmental. Consignment sales are managed through each breed's state association. resentative for the North Region. Wendy grew up on a dairy farm near Ellsworth For more information about the Michigan Beef Expo or other Michigan Cattlemen's before attending Albion College and Association (MCA) activities, please contact the MCA Information Line at (517) Michigan State University, where she 669-8589 or write to P.O. Box 387, De Witt, MI 48820. majored in Agricultural Economics and Public Affairs Management. Wendy was previously employed as a The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm farm manager for Wieland-Coldeway Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual Farms located near Charlevoix. Previous dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm work experience included internships with News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and the Michigan House of Representatives, additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan the Albion Mental Health Department, and Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. the city of Albion Planning Department. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna As a regional representative, Wendy Wilber; Henry Huisjen. I will assist with county Farm Bureau leader- Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chu~ ship development and training programs as Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, well as supervising county administrative Jim M.iIIer, Colom~; ~istrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, M~rs~all; District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom staff and coordinating member service G~th.ne, De~ton; Dlstnct 5, Mar.k Smut~, ~harlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; programs. The North Region consists of Dlstnct 8, ~Ic~ard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; Dlstnct 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford. counties. Michigan Farm News ITOL -. February 14, 1994 • 0 0 :J] EJ z m :J] •• Railroad Law Updated MFB POSITION Gov. Engler has signed a package of bills sponsored by Supported updating of Sen. G~orge ~c~an~s (~-Traverse City) to update and railroad laws. streamlIne Michigan s railroad laws. The bills enhance the crossing safety process and provide MFBCONTACT for public input when railroad changes are being planned. Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 Laws affecting private farm crossings, costs to maintain private farm crossings and fencing along agricultural land were not changed. Michigan Trucking De-Regulation MFB POSITION Senate Bill 581, sponsored by Sen. Honigman (R-West MFB opposed S.B. 581 Bloomfield) has been signed into law. The bill, as because it reinstates enacted, partially deregulates contract hauling in ex- hauler's ability to collec- change for limiting hauler access to the common carrier tively set rates and limits trucking market. competition in the com- mon carrier hauling The bill de-regulates contract hauling which: market. Farm Bureau sup- 1) have a proven public need. ports complete economic 2) are contracted for a year or more. deregulation of trucking to 3) have a continuous series of shipments. bring Michigan's laws in 4) only carry one person's freight at a time. line with federal laws These contract hauling requirements will generally only which have already ac- be met by large businesses which ship massive amounts complished this. of goods on a regular basis. The law continues to provide a limited hauling exemption for agriculture. Small busi- MFBCONTACT nesses and rural communities who are dependent on com- .'Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 mon carrier hauling services could, over time, see the costs of those services increase. Headlight Use During Precipitation MFB POSIT/()N Senate Bill 81, sponsored by Sen. George McManus (R- MFB supports the use of Traverse City), would expand Michigan's current law to headlights on all motor require that headlights be used during any type of -vehicles when visibility is precipitation that impairs visibility such as rain, fog, and limited. snow. MFBCONTACT Presently, vehicle headlights are required from 112 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise and when there is Darcy Cypher, Ext. 2048 not enough light to clearly see persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet. Other states that re- quire headlight use during bad weather have found that vehicle collisions have been reduced by 15 percent. Michigan State University's ANR Let Your Legislators Know What Week is March 4-12, 1994 You Think - In Person During the ~ From fine-tuning crop production accord- ing to soil type to the 1994 tourism outlook There wi II also be programs on home, wildflower and herb gardening; nut grow- 1994 Lansing Legislative Seminars - that's the range of topics planned for ing; beekeeping; wild turkey, pheasant, Property taxes, auto insurance reform, 1994 Lansing Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) white-tail deer and waterfowl hunting and homestead definition, school finance Legislative Seminar Week, March 4-12, at Michigan State habitat management; building community reform, wildlife crop damage, right-to- Dates and Respective Counties University. playgrounds; mushroom hunting; bed-and- farm .... The list of state legislative issues I breakfast business management; human impacting agriculture is endless. February 15 - Allegan, Barry, Berrien, • More than 80 educational programs, meet- ings and other activities will be held during the nine-day event, says Wilma Miller, nutrition and health, and creating affor- dable rural housing. Fortunately, MFB members have an op- Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Mason, Mecosta, portunity to let their respective state legis- Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, ANR Week program coordinator. Rabbit shows will be held on both Satur- lators know how they feel on those issues Osceola, Ottawa, Shiawassee, S1. Joseph, days of ANR Week. There will also be a in person, during the 1994 Lansing legis- and Van Buren. Among the programs that will focus on workshop for horse industry leaders, a lative series scheduled during February agriculture will be sessions on site-specific day's program on livestock show improve- and March, according to MFB Public Af- February 23 - Akona, Alpena, Antrim, crop management, organic crop production, ment and day-long programs for managers fairs Director AI Almy. Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, .. farming for soil quality, an animal waste management conference and a Farm-A- Syst clinic on groundwater protection. of county fairs. Other sessions include the annual meeting "Constituents can have a significant im- pact on legislators by showing the interest Cheboygan, Country, Chippewa, Clare, Copper Emmet, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hiawathaland, Iosco, Iron Range, Isabella, of the Michigan FFA, Crop-O-Rama, a 4-H and initiative of driving to Lansing to meet Kalkaska, Mac Luce, Manistee, ANR Week will also have programs to youth style workshop, and training for with them," Almy explained. "This year, Menom inee, Midland, Missaukee, celebrate the 1OOthanniversary and discuss teachers on forest and wildlife education MFB members will playa pivotal role in Montmorency, Northwest Michigan, the future of agricultural technology educa- programs for grade school students. convincing their legislators that something Ogemaw, Otsego, Presque Isle, Saginaw, tion at MSU and elsewhere in the United needs to be done about the inappropriate and Wexford. States. Details of the week's activities are listed homestead definition currently contained in the free ANR Week program guide, in both school finance reform packages." March 2 - Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Among the programs that will focus on which were to be available at all county Huron, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, environmental topics will be sessions on MSU Extension offices by Feb. 1. According to Almy, participants will be Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, wetland definition, regulation and manage- briefed by MFB legislative counsels on St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola, Washtenaw, ment, a day-long program on rehabilitating Copies can also be obtained by writing to key state agricultural issues during the and Wayne. the Great Lakes, and the merits of compost- the MSU Bulletin Office, lOB Agricul- morning portion of the program, and then ing residential yard waste. ture Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824- meet with legislators during lunch and/or For more information and/or reserva- 1039. during the afternoon, as well as attend tions, contact your county Farm Bureau House and Senate sessions, and tour the office, which generally cover the $10 fee capitol. to attend this one-day program . • Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 Michigan Farm News . February 14, 1994 3D-Day Forecast - Colder Than Normal With Average Snowfall With the exception of a couple ofshort-lived warmer periods, frigid 16th-18th of the month likely caused damage to a variety of fruit temperatures brought by strong northwesterly flow aloft were the crops in the state, including peaches and grapes. rule during January. Mean temperatures for the month generally ranged from 5-11 degrees below normal, which set new records at Last column, I mentioned that changes in the jet stream would likely $--1 some spots. Precipitation for the month was very deceptive, with totals ranging from below to slightly above normal. While lake effect snowfall continued at near record rates in affected take place, leading to a change in weather patterns across Michigan. This change occurred, but only very briefly before reverting back to the same northwesterly flow that has plagued the central and eastern U.S. since late December. areas, precipitation elsewhere was generally very light. A brief ~ resurgence of Gulf of Mexico moisture into the central and eastern It now seems likely that the cold pattern will continue for another ,--~--_.: U.S. brought freezing precipitation and rain to Michigan on the 27th week or two at least. The latest National Weather Service 30-day and 28th, causing widespread travel difficulties and bringing outlook for February calls for a continuation of below normal temperatures, with precipitation expected to be near normal. ~---~ precipitation totals much closer or even above normal levels for the month. The 90-day outlook for February through April indicates modera- Snowcover generally protected overwintering field crops from the tion, with near normal temperatures and below normal precipitation cold temperatures across the state, although extreme cold on the expected. t= ~ 1/1/94 to 1/31/94 Michigan Weather Summary Temperature Observed Dev. From Precipitation Actual Normal 1/1/94 to 1/31/94 Michigan Weather Summary Temperature Observed Dev. From Precipitation Actual Normal Mean Normal (Inch,) (Inch) Mean Normal (inch.) linch} Alpena 9.7 - 9.3 1.95 1.69 Lansing 14.8 -7.1 1.75 1.70 Bad Axe 12.3 - 9.7 1.59 1.56 Marquette 3.8 - 7.2 1.30 2.02 ~ 16.8 - 6.7 2.57 2.38 Detroit 17.5 - 5.2 2.78 1.74 Muskegon Escanaba 8.4 - 8.2 0.92 1.82 Pellston 7.1 -9.2 1.63 1.91 Flint 14.3 - 7.6 1.68 1.74 Saginaw 13.0 - 9.4 2.04 1.56 Grand Rapids 15.1 - 6.6 2.36 2.44 Sault Ste. Marie 1.5 -12.0 1.94 1.82 Houghton 5.1 - 9.4 3.41 2.02 South Bend 17.8 - 5.4 2.45 2.44 Houghton Lake 11.1 -7.6 1.80 1.69 Traverse City 12.9 - 8.7 2.35 1.91 Jackson 15.8 - 8.0 1.14 1.70 Vestaburg 11.1 -11.0 2.24 1.68 Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU ... Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. P - Preclp. 2/15 T 2/28 P 2/15 T 4/30 .e Wet Midwest Weather Likely to Continue into Spring Michigan B A A B The above normal rain pattern in the Mid- Nelson developed the forecast for Doane's receipts will increase about $5 billion to W. Corn Belt B N N N west is likely to continue into the spring of annual AgServ Seminar attended by ag $89 billion. Net farm income will drop 15 E. Corn Belt B N N B 1994, says Doane Agricultural Services business executives. percent from record 1993 levels in the Wint. Wheat Belt B N N N Western Corn Belt states of Iowa, Min- Spr. Wheat Belt B B N B Agricultural Climatologist Bill Nelson. Pac. NW Wheat A B A N Doane Chief Economist Allen Dever nesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Delta B A B N "Based on 10 similar weather years since predicted the overall U.S. farm balance Dakota." Southeast N A B N/A 1890, there is a high probability of wet soil sheet would remain solidly positive during San Joaquin A N A N moisture conditions through next planting the next five years, but net farm income Doane made the following long-term season in the western Midwest," Nelson may decline. forecasts for key U.S. farm commodities. A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- said. "But by midsummer, the pattern No preclp. Source: National Weather Office begins shifting. July, for example, tends "We see slow growth in cash receipts and • HOGS - Profitable prices and the chang- toward warmer and drier than normal production expense, declining government ing structure of the hog industry will drive weather conditions in the Central Corn payments, deteriorating net farm income, breeding herd expansion through 1997. Belt." and stability in the overall farm balance Total hog numbers will peak in 1998. As a sheet," Dever said. "Livestock prices will result of the expansion and improved pork slip 10 percent in the next five years as pork quality, the U.S. should become a net ex- ~ rfilM;;~ RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business and beef production expands. Crop prices will remain flat. Cash receipts for livestock will hold at about $90 billion but crop Cargill" Hybrids Deliver Top Yields Continued on page 14 see ... Doane Long - Term Forecast Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- In 1993 Michigan State Yield Trials. tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm Station WABJ City Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11 :50 am 2497 Second Place tie (out of 56 4327 Third Place (out of 64 WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11 :30 am entries) in grain trial. entries) in late grain trial, WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm with 111 Bu/A with 184 BulA at 28.3% WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm at 34.2% moisture, moisture. (compared to (compared to test test average of 158 BulA WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm average of 93 BulA at 27.7% moisture). WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm at 35.6% moisture). WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am *** WDOW WGHN Dowagiac Grand Haven 1440 1370/92.1 6:05 5:45 am am 12:15 pm 12:15 pm 4277 Rrst Place (out of 72 entries) in 5877 (Formerly X5307) First Place (out of 72 entries) early grain trial, with 192 Bu/A WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11 :45am in late grain trial, with at 26.1 % moisture, (compared to 212 BulA, at 28.9% moisture WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm test average of 168 BulA at 22.9% (compared to test average WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm moisture). Also finished first in of 175 BulA at 29.0% moisture). WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm average of Kent, Ingham and Also finished third in average of Saginaw Counties. Kent, Ingham and Saginaw WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 11:30 am Counties. 11:50 am WJIM WWGZ Lansing Lapeer 1240 1530 5:05 am * 12:15 pm 4277 Rrst Place (out of 81 entries) in j WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm irrigated early trial. with 207 But A Rrst Place (out of 72 entries) in third Place (out of 72 entries) in WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm at 18.2% moisture, (compared to early grain trial, with 207 BulA at 27.4% late grain trial, with 203 BulA, WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm test average of 172 BuIA at 20.1% moisture, (compared to test average (compared to test average moisture). WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm of 167 BulA at 23.0% moisture). of 184 BulA). WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WCSY WKJC South Haven Tawas City 940 104.7 12:15 pm 12:45 pm Why Not More Cargill OnYour Farm? More Cargill means more bushels. 1993 state conditions change, but the Cargill success WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm yield trials proved it again. Across the state. story goes on and on. To learn more, contact several of our com hybrids ranked at or near your dealer or call our 800 number or one of WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am the top in late and early grain trials. Growing these territory managers: * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change with the sign-on times. Emmott Omar Robert Morse ~HYBRID KClth C1arl< ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am. (517) 655-2500 Williamston. MI (616) 373-5495 Kalamazoo. MI (517) 773.7805 Mt. Pleasant. MI *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. • SEEDS Call1-800-B34-8941 '. , '~ Michigan Farm News -. February 14, 1994 .' .. • . ,. . Michigan Farm News February 14, 1994 1994 Market Outlook ... .•..•••. ••••••••, ••••••• ••••• ....... ~.'I r• .r••.••• ......• •••• '1••• •••• ,j ••• ~A E~RM•••••••• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural • ' A...-:::.. •••• Economics, MSU ~ •••••••• CORN DAIRY II appears the corn market has gone into the Larry G. Hamm, Dept. of Agricultural BUSINESS mid-winter doldrums after setting new Wheat Economics, MSU highs in Ihe January Crop Report. Have the fundamentals changed since then? No. Did Corn As Michigan's dairy operations are frozen by perhaps the coldestJan~ary in a.century, OUTLOOK the market go higher than fundamentals would project? Not really. it is hard to imagine anythmg that IS frozen this time. This would seem to suggest that Soybeans that is good for dairy producers. But the cheese prices would drop. The driving for- Then why did the market drop 20 cents? It cheddar cheese price on the National ces behind cheese prices this winter are isn't clear. The market is nervous due to the Hogs Cheese Exchange has been frozen since supply problems in Wisconsin and Min- wide spread of price possibilities discussed mid December 1993. This assures that nesota. Last summer, wet and cold weather in the last issue. Also, if you look at the Cattle producer pay prices wi}} not co}}apse in the devastated feed supplies in parts ofWiscon- long-term charts, the market does not spend next two months. sin and Minnesota. much time over $3. Then is the bull run over and should I just sell the remainder of my t Index: = Higher Prices; 1 = Lower Prices; After the holiday period in December, the In the last quarter of 1993, Wisconsin lost corn crop? Probably not. TP= Topping; BT = Bottoming; ? = Unsure demand for cheese and butter usually drops 120 000 dairy cows and 476 million pounds off dramatically and wholesale prices fall. of ~ilk. If the average Wisconsin dairy The corn market may well trade up and The March-May futures spread also indi- In mid-December 1993, the wholesale farm had 55 cows, there could have been down in a sideways pattern until spring. cates the market may pay to store until price of butter did plummet over $.10 per 2,180 fewer dairy farms in Wisconsin in And there is always the chance that the May. If worried about downside risk, look pound. However, the who]esale cheddar December of 1993 than December 1992. market could drop off and stay there, but at put options or a minimum price 10 arrive cheese price in Green Bay, Wisc., has been On a daily basis, there were 5.2 million one has 10 go with the odds to some degree. contract. However, watch the basis closely frozen in place, surprising most dairy pounds less milk available for processing - if it tightens up, consider moving to a market forecasters. plants. In other words, the equivalent of five The odds are higher that we will have some basis contract, selling cash and buying plants processing 1 million pounds a day more good selling opportunities between calls, or a minimum price contract. Historically, another major price point for would be idled. now and mid-summer than the odds are that wholesale cheese prices has been the last the market will go down and stay down. If you're stiJJ paying commercial storage, two weeks of January. Again, the cheese In reality, a lot of plants are probably run- the basis needs to narrow to justify paying prices held all the way through January, ning at less than capacity (perhaps 80 per- What are good selling opportunities? If the storage fees. Change over to a basis con- another good sign for farm milk prices. cent). This is very unprofitable for a market works its way back to its previous tract or a minimum price contract. processing plant because they have nearly highs or near them, I would consider doing How much higher are 1994 cheese prices all of their costs of running the plant (labor, some more pricing. However, this advice is Also, for those of you who have already than 1993 prices? At the end of January energy, etc.), but are only getting 80 percent for those who have already priced a lot of priced your corn crop, remember you can 1993, 40-pound cheddar blocks were trad- saleab]e output. As a result, plants have t.he their old crop - most people probably get back into the market on market lulls ing at $1.16 per pound. This year they are incentive to bid for a few extra loads of milk should not be betting their whole old crop using call options, if you are confident the trading at $1.30 per pound. The $.14 per to fill their production lines. This bidding on a market recovery. upside potential justifies the premium. pound difference translates into roughly shows up in the M- Wand eventually in your $1.40 per cwt. The January 1994 Min- paycheck. Strategy: Now the question is, what pricing Don't over-use this alternative; if you have nesota-Wisconsin (M-W) price to be an- 1001 should 1 be using? As of Feb. 1, the already established good prices, start look- nounced on Feb. 4 will Iike]y be in the The outlook is for cheese markets to ~till basis had widened out some. For those wilh ing towards pricing next year's crop when $12.20-12.30 (3.5 percent) range. If this is weaken this winter. However, the short on-farm storage, just continue to store it. the opportunities arrive. the case, the 1994 January M-W would be milk supply situation in Wisconsin is un- around $1.30-1.40 higher than last year. precedented. This makes M- W price forecasting difficult. But so long as cheese SOYBEANS Demand for cheese has been positive, but prices stay frozen at their current levels, not outstanding. Cold storage holdings of Michigan producer prices will continue to The story and the advice for soybeans is or a minimum price contract, if you are cheese are slightly higher than last year at run substantially above last year's levels. basically the same as for corn, but there are willing to give up some of the upside poten- a couple of differences. The weather in tial in order to remove some of the EGGS South America increases the odds of the downside risk. market jumping around even through the Henry larzelere, Dept. of Agricultural winter months as we watch their crop grow. The market is likely to move rapidly. In Economics, MSU order to take advantage of pricing oppor- The other difference is that the basis is tunities, you need to have some pricing already tight enough that most producers Egg prices in late January were about eight of likely moderation in egg production goals. A beginning point to consider is a cents a dozen below year ago levels. Feed can't justify paying storage costs. And I starting in late summer. In contrast, the rebound back towards the January highs, ingredient costs are four to five cents per include the lost interest incurred with on- and then speed up remaining sales, if we recent report that the actual egg-type chick farm storage as a storage cost. dozen eggs above last year. Wholesale hatch in the entire month of December was approach last July's highs. prices in New York for Grade A large eggs, up 7 percent from last year. The egg-type Strategy: The above implies that if you in cartons, are likely to average in the upper eggs in incubators on Jan. 1, 1994, were up Remember, you still have the opportunity want to stay in the market for a rally, you 60s to lower 70s in February and March. 2 percent from Jan. 1, 1993. These figures to price next year's crop when you have should consider delivering your soybeans, priced all of this year's soybeans, so don't will likely delay any moderation in egg pricing the basis and bet on the futures. The In the second quarter, prices will probably production. let good prices slip after we have a rally just way you do that is by using a basis contract average in the upper 50s or lower 60s, with because they may go even higher. May having the lowest prices of the three Egg prices in the month ahead may reflect months. some volatility in both production and WHEAT market conditions because of possible The number of layer-type eggs in in- weather extremes in the East and the Mid- Has the extreme cold hurt the U.S. winter Strategy: Is there potential still in the cubators on Dec. 1, 1993, was down 6 west, plus the continuing aftermath of the wheat crop? At this point, we do not have wheat market? Yes. There may be damage percent from a year earlier. This was a sign earth tremors in California. good evidence one way or the other. But the to the winter wheat crop, exports seem to market is paying a little premium it appears. be running faster than expectations, and if CATTLE we have a spring-summer raJ]y in com, it At this point, if we do have a normal crop will mean more wheat will be used for feed and the USDA use estimates are close, fun- The latest Cattle-on-Feed Reports show figure is borderline as to whether or not we this summer. damentals suggest wheat prices could be that we wiIJ continue to have plenty of are current; we are probably a little behind. lower. Does this mean the wheat market ready-fed cattle through the winter months What this is telling me is to move easy on and possibly into the spring. As we go into will drop? Not necessarily. But the odds are pricing new crop wheat at this point, but to The monthly 7-State Cattle-on-Feed Report a little higher for a drop-off than a rally. If summer and fall, we probably will see showed about the same story, with inven- have some pricing goals and watch for ral- lower year-to-year slaughter. you still have old crop wheat unpriced, the lies to begin new crop pricing. tory being up 2 percent (the largest January basis is telling you to move it. inventory since 1974) and December There is not a lot of relief in sight for I marketings up 3 percent. feedlots with the high feed prices expected HOGS to continue and the persistently strong For fed cattle prices, the more positive in- feeder prices. formation came from the placement Hog slaughter through January ran lower Strategy: In the near-term, consider keep- figures. The 13-state report showed fa}} than expectations and lower than the The quarterly Jan. 1 USDA 13-State Cattle- placements down 6 percent from year ear- ing very current, just in case a weather December Hogs and Pigs Report would on-Feed Report, released Jan. 28, showed break causes a short-term market drop-off. lier numbers and the 7-state report showed have indicated. Prices have responded ac- feedlot inventories up 2 percent from a year For the longer-term, take a look at the fu- December placements 12 percent below the cordingly. ago. And when you add that to cattle 4-5 tures market out over the next year. previous December, but 3 percent above percent heavier than a year ago, you have 1991. These numbers suggest that prices There is some question as to whether this is the combination for much lower prices now To me the futures look like they are giving should not fall as low this late summer and due to the cold weather and producers hold- and on through the winter than prices seen hog pr~ducers some good forward pricing a year ago. fall as they did this past year. ing up their deliveries, or there really are opportunities, both in absolute te~ms and 2-3 percent less hogs out there. The futures given the fundamentals. Work With y~ur Strategy: At this point, cattle futures are in markets seems 10 agree with the latter as of Fourth quarter marketings were 2 percent buyers to see if they can help you establish line with my analysis of the fundamentals, the beginning of February. higher than the low number a year ago. That some forward prices. so there do not appear to be any good for- ward pricing opportunities. I .~ Michigan Farm News -. ....... .. February 14, 1994 r ~ake~F:~~t.~~~~~gan Farm Incom~a~~ospects Good ...... ••••••••,,.. ••••• ~.rl I Economics, MSU In recent years, Michigan farmers have averaged about $3.5-3.6 billion in gross cash income. About 90 percent of these Cash Farm Income In Michigan, 1988-94 (Mill/on $) Year E~RM •••• '1•••~~ •••• .r•••••• ,j••• .'~ J..:=.. •••• •••••••• •••••••• . - receipts have been from farm marketings and the balance from direct government Gross Cash Income 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993* 1994* BUSINESS payments and farm-related income. These figures do not include household income f~0!TI off-farm employment, interest, Farm Marketings Crops Livestock 1,518 1,210 1,613 1,311 1,705 1,407 1,922 1,288 1,962 1,325 1,979 1,362 2,269 1,371 OUTLOOK dividends and Social Security. Government Cash expenses have amounted to about Payments 303 262 169 124 142 178 50 prices on sales of 1993 crops in ] 994 and $2.5-2.6 billion, leaving approximately $1 Farm-Related possibly higher prices on 1994 crops. • billion as net cash farm income. This net Income 172 --1ID1 212 228 ~ 225 225 cash farm income spread, across about Total 3,203 3,384 3,493 3,562 3,650 3,744 Government payments to Michigan 3,915 54,000 farms, provides a net cash flow of farmers will likely be substantially smaller Cash Expenses 2,231 2,387 2,559 2,688 2,658 2,695 2,766 in 1994 due to reduced deficiency pay- about $18,500 per farm. Net Cash Income ments on corn and wheat, and, hopefully, This figure, of course, is very misleading in Actual 972 997 934 874 992 1,049 1,149 the absence of any major disasters. Also, that most of Michigan's farms are relative- 1993 $ 1,187 1,162 1,033 927 1,022 1,049 1,111 farmers who participated in the 1993 Feed ly small, part-time farms where the Grain Program will have to refund some of operator and/or household members hold the advance deficiency payments. off-farm jobs. Also, off-farm income is im- *Estimated for 1993 and forecast for 1994. portant even on large commercial farms. Source: Michigan Agricultural StatisticsService, Michigan Department of Agriculture, The result of these commodity forecasts, and Economic Research Service, USDA, for 1988-92. again assuming normal weather, would Based on estimates from the Michigan boost crop sales by about 15 percent in Agricultural Statistics Service and the calendar 1994 over calendar 1993 (Table Economic Research Service of the USDA milk prices, somewhat lower cattle prices ly, was outside the problem area, and is 1). With stable livestock receipts and farm- Michigan farmers received $1,962 millio~ and somewhat higher hog prices. benefiting in both production and price. related income, coupled with reduced from sales of crops and $1,325 million from The situation is similar on dry beans and government payments, gross cash income • sales of livestock in 1992 (Table 1). Gross income from most field crops, how- sugarbeets . is forecast at $3.9 billion, up 5 percent for eyer, should register substantial gains, par- 1993. Adding $142 million in government pay- ticularly on corn and wheat - as much as The set-aside requirement in the Feed ments and $221 million in farm-related in- 30-40 percent. Sales in calendar 1994 for Grain Program on corn has been reduced to A continuation of mild inflation on most come provided a gross cash income of soybeans, dry beans and sugarbeets are zero percent on the 1994 crop, which inputs, except purchased feed, should keep $3,650 million. Deducting cash expenses projected to increase on the order of 10-15 should encourage some expansion in cash expenses from increasing more than 3 of $2,658 million netted $992 million. percent over 1993. Little change is likely acreage. The Michigan Agricultural Statis- percent in 1994, to about $2.7-2.8 billion. on hay, and potato sales may be down. tics Service reports a 3 percent increase in .. Estimates for 1993 indicate that gross sales acres seeded to winter wheat. Net cash farm income is forecast for] 994 were up slightly and government payments The floods in the Midwest have reduced at about $1.1-1.2 billion, about $100 mil- increased due primarily to disaster pay- !he U.S. corn and soybean crops, contribut- With normal yields, wheat production lion, or 10 percent over 1993. This would ments accumulating from previous years in Ing to stronger markets for the 1993-94 could be up as much as 40 percent in 1994. represent a peak for recent years. Adjusted addi'tion 1'0 d New strnctural designs V 50-year column and snow-load protection can proceed, without restriction, until the last drop of oil is sucked from the earth. That's a > New strnctural capabilities (with no weight limit) > New color combinations V 2o-year protection against red rust horror story! > New building styles (Including acid rain) Recent estimates have concluded that the real cost of imported oil is in excess of $70 a > New exterior applications V lO-year wImHoad protection on barrel. What the consumer pays at the pump and what we pay in taxes to protect shipping > New interior options > New sliding door tecJmology AlumaSteer' sOding doors (with no lanes and oil-rich Middle Eastern countries are part of the "true cost" of that barrel of oil. The weight OmIt) $ 15-a-barrel-oil mentioned in the ad is typical of the exaggerations and misrepresentations > New gutter systems > New infonnative video tapes V 5-year wind-Ioad protection on complete created to deceive the American public. buiIdi1g (with 00 weight limit) > New corrosion protection We are surprised and disappointed that a company like Mobil Oil would be so intimidated CsI yow Iot3oIi:l8lod8y1 by a small fledgling ethanol industry that they would spend investors' money to discredit it. Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 800-447-7436 In fact, we are surprised that a company like Mobil Oil, which does substantial business in rural America, would slap the face of their customers. Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 ~T~MORTO~ While most of us were taught to turn the other cheek, it's time that rural America slaps back by exercising its right to decide where to purchase their petroleum products. Losing the business of rural America ...now that could be a real horror story! Rockford, MI (616)87#i400 Three Rivers, MI (616) 279-5271 A_. BUILDINGS ~ , Michigan Farm News " 1m Tests Indicate Poor Quality Hay - Consider Supplementing Rations •• February 14, 1994 slon offl~e has a lIst of 11 d.lfferent Less than ideal haying conditions last summer means less than id eal hay quality this winter. Michigan cow/calf producers may laboratories ~apa?le ~f a~alyzlng hay want to make sure they're getting what they sample~ (s~e.hst wIth t~IS art~c1e): . think they're getting from their hay this Maintaining a qualIty ratl?n I~ ~mpor- winter. According to MSU Beef Specialist, tant for go~d performan~e and IScn~lcal for Harlan Ritchie, producers may be surprised be~f cows In late gestatIon and dunng lac- to learn that the relative feed value (RFY) tatlOn. of hay is considerably lower than normal "Cows in the last one-third of their and should consider supplementing rations pregnancy need a ration with a TON (total with corn. digestive nutrient) value of at least 53 per- "We're seeing relative feed values as cent," Ritchie said. "Some of the hay tests low as 75, and if a producer is feeding that we've seen are as low as 48 percent. That's quality of hay, the digestible material is simply not enough energy for a cow late in pretty low," Ritchie explained. He at- pregnancy. That cow also requires about tributes the low quality hay to less than 7.8 percent crude protein (CP), and we're ideal growing conditions last summer in seeing some hay as low as 7 percent CP." many parts of the state. Ritchie says that shelled corn is a good Normally, the RFY of average-quality supplemental energy source. How much to hay is 100. Tests in Osceola County, how- feed per day per cow depends on the quality ever, have shown that four out of five lots of hay available. Regardless of quality, the of hay analyzed had an RFV between 78 beef cow needs 10 pounds of hay a day to and 87. Hay with an RFY of 87 is con- meet her minimum fiber requirements. sidered low-quality. (Osceola County is The rest of the energy requirement can coordinating a statewide hay buyer/seller be met by feeding seven to 13 pounds of network in conjunction with the Michigan corn/head/day, depending on cow size and ., .%...~;""'f« Hay and Forage Council.) whether they're pregnant or lactating. Ritchie says that producers should have "If the cow is in the latter stages of gy requirements of a 1,200 pound beef "If she is in lactation, producing up- a representative sample of their hay tested pregnancy, feeding seven pounds of corn. cow, the typical size of a beef cow in the wards of 20 pounds of milk per day, then in a laboratory. Each county MSU Exten- and 10 pounds of hay would meet the ener- upper-Midwest," Ritchie said. about 13 pounds of shelled com in addition to the 10 pounds of hay should be fed each day," Ritchie suggested. Although a hay and com ration will meet the energy needs of the animal, she may still feel hungry. Ritchie advises feed- ing corn at approximately the same time each day will help to reduce restlessness and even out consumption. Providing the herd with a constant supply of clean, fresh water is also impor- tant. Ritchie says that in winter, a beef cow • needs at least 10 gallons of water a day (twice that in summer). Do not force the herd to rely on snow for their water needs. Feeding shelled com and providing plenty of bunk space so that dominant cows don't consume too much com will help to reduce the potential for acidosis. Feed Analysis Laboratories 1. * Feed Analysis Division, Research- Extension Analytical Lab, Hayden Hall, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691 (216/264-1021). 2. * New York Dairy Herd Improvement Coop., Inc., Forage Testing Laboratory, Research Park Bldg. #1, Ithaca, NY 14853 (607/257-1272, Ext. 36). 3. Soil and Forage Analysis Lab, Marshfield Experimental Farm, Univer- sity of Wisconsin, 8396 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, WI 54449 (715/387- 1147). * 4. *WDHIC Soil and Forage Center, 106 North Cecil Street, Bonduel, WI 54107 (715/758-2265). 5. Dairyland Laboratories, Arcadia, WI 54612 (608/323-3988).• 6. Livestock Nutrition Laboratory Ser- vices, P.O. Box 1655, Columbia, MO 65205 (314/445-4476). 7. Michigan Department of Agriculture, For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield Laboratory Division, 1615 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates (517/373-6410). with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. 8. A&L Great Lakes Agricultural Laboratories, 5011 Decatur Road, Fort No matter what your needs... Wayne, IN 46806 (219/456-3545). small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family - 9. Brookside Farm Laboratory, New we have the right plan at the right price. Knoxville, OH 45871 (419/753-2448). Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service 10. *Litchfield Analytical Lab, Litchfield, MI 49252 (517/542-2915). provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. 11. Midwest Feed Test 1454 South Surrey Road, Farwell', MI 48622 (517/386-2726). For information, call '-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. * These laboratories perform near Infra-red _ .. /tIICHIGAN (NIR) as well as wet chemical analysis. Cost •. }.. FARItf BUREAU of NIR Is less than for wet-chemical analysis. Do not use NIR on mixed feeds. .. Michigan Farm News February 14, 1994 MSU's H. Christopher Peterson Appointed to Board of St. Paul Bank MFB Young Farmers Leaders' Conference March 3-5 II H. Christopher Peterson, assistant professor Michigan young farmers looking for an D Marketing: What are Your and agribusiness economist at Michigan -~~ opportunity to hone management skills, and meet with other young farmers from Options State University, East Lansing, has been appointed to a two-year term as director of across the state should make plans now to D You Can Be a "Live at Five" • the S1. Paul (Minnesota) Bank for Coopera- tives. His appointment became effective Jan. 1, 1994. attend the annual Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leaders' Conference in Midland, March 3-5. TV Star o Congressional Insight Born and raised on a dairy farm in Juniata, According to MFB Young Farmer Depart- D GRP: A New Crop Insurance Pa., he earned a bachelor's in political ment Manager Ernie Birchmeier, the pro- Product science at Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa. gram generally draws an average of 200 He then served for several years as assistant young farmers from across Michigan for The program isn't all work either. On to the general manager of Valley Rural the three day, two-night event. County Thursday evening, district bragging rights Electric Cooperative at Huntingdon. Farm Bureaus usually pay the $175 per are at stake with a scheduled bowling tour- • He went on to earn an MBA at the Harvard person fee, which covers all program costs, including meals, he said. nament. Friday evening's activities will include a Graduate School of Business Administra- tion, Boston, Mass., and returned to Juniata Young Farmers Leaders' banquet and a "Casino Fun Night." Noted College as a professor of economics and Conference Workshop farm family counselor and speaker, Dr. Ron business administration. While at Juniata he taught courses in financial management: o Legislative Issues in Agriculture Hanson, wi II conclude the program on Saturday with his presentation on successful ... rose to the position of department chairper- son, and did educational and management D Farm Safety and the Family family farm partnerships. For more program information, contact your consulting with cooperatives and rural small businesses. He also served as director volume at Sept. 30, 1993, was $2.1 billion. In addition to its main office at St. Paul o Aiming Your Farm at Success local county Farm Bureau office or of the Youth Education Program on Agricultural Cooperatives for the Pennsyl- Minn., it operates cooperative credit office~ at Mankato, Minn.; Fargo, N.D.; and o Estate Planning Birchmeier at 1-800-292-2680, extension 3235. But hurry! Enrollment is limited to a vania State University and the Pennsylvanja . Stoughton, Wis. first come, first serve basis . Council of Cooperatives. 'It. He receive'd a Ph.D. in agricultural economics with a minor in corporate finance from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in 1991, the year he joined the Your name doesn't have Michigan State University faculty. Philip Hein, chairman of the board of the St. Paul Bank, said Dr. Peterson's knowledge of cooperatives and finance, and experience to be Jack and you don't in the rural utility industry - a key market segment for the bank - were major factors in his selection. need tnagical beans to have Amendments to the Farm Credit Act of 1987 specify that the four stockholder- elected directors of the S1. Paul Bank elect a fifth director, a person not involved with stockholder cooperatives as an employee or a spe crop. director. Dr. Peterson succeeds Everett Dobrinski, Makoti, N.D., who served as the St. Paul Bank's first appointed director. The S1. Paul Bank is a federally chartered, customer-owned cooperative bank serving rural America. It provides loans and finan- cial services to agricultural cooperatives and rural utility systems, including rural electric, water and telecommunications sys- tems. The bank provides loans and closely related financial services to more than 600 .~ customers in 21 states. The bank's loan MSU Dairy Management Conference March 1-2 Managing change in the dairy industry .~. and herd health and nutrition quality will be among topics covered at the Michigan Dairy Management Conference, March 1-2, in Lansing. The conference is sponsored by Michigan State University Extension and the MSU Department of Animal Science. Other topics will range from future business management require- ments to nonantibiotic treatment for clinical mastitis. Good beans are the product of good down any late-germinating weeds and dry down Conference speakers will Qe drawn from managenlent, not nlagic. One of the best tools your beans. MSU, other universities and the dairy industry. you can use to produce an outstanding crop is This year, don't trust your beans to fairy tale EPTAM~ herbicide. It provides an unbeatable claims, depend on products that are proven to Full registration is $145 per person, which covers meals and conference foundation for a good weed control progranl by perform-EPTAM and GRAMOXONE EXTRA. proceedings but not lodging. The fee for eliminating more than 40 troublesome weeds. the conference only (no meals) is $95. ~ Plus EPTAM makes a great tankmix partner for ~ae Conference details are available from an even broader spectrum of protection. EXTRA Andy Skidmore at MSU by writing to _:I:J-I;tl~t.J him c/o the Michigan Dairy Manage- And, for a cleaner and faster harvest, depend ment Conference, 120 Anthony Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225, on GRAMOXONE~ EXTRA herbicide to burn The Start of Son1ething Big. or by calling (517) 353-9702. '"2ENECA A.. n..-A...-- CI994. Zeneca Inc. A business unll of Zeneca Inc. EPTAM' and GRAMOXONE' are cndenurks of a Zeneca Group Compmy. ;it.. ~ "'I~ Gramoxone Extr.l IS a reslncled use pesuclde. Always read md foUow label directions arefully. 04-1571-006 Michigan Farm News February 14, 1994 The top three candidates in the Michigan FFA Star Agri-Business Person and Star Farmer According to State FFA Projects Coordinator Charlie Snyder, the award is based on contests have been selected in preparation for competition at the state FFA annual Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects carried out by the student throughout convention, March 7 - 9. The State Farmer Degree, the highest degree that can be conferred his/her high school career in the FFA in either production agriculture or agri-business, and on an FFA member on a state level, will be awarded to 300 students during the March 8 his/her leadership involvement. evening awards program. - Star Agri-Business State Award Finalists - - Star Farmer Award State Finalists - Name: Doug Mayher Name: Matt Smego Chapter: Milan FFA Chapter: Cassopolis FFA Mayher is the son of Douglas & Cheryl Smego is the 17-year-old-son of Mike and Mayher of Milan. He currently serves as the Brenda Smego. He currently serves as Milan FFA Chapter president. In the past, chapter president. Matt is also active in 4-H, he has served as the Region II president, National Honor Society, and 4-H Leaders participated in leadership contests at all Council. Matt has participated in many FFA levels and, in 1992, was the State Individual winner in Ag Mechanics at Ag. Skills con- tests. Doug is a National Honor Society leadership activities which include Green- hand Public Speaking, Public Speaking, Demonstration, and competing in the State • member and has just recently received his FFA Discussion where he finished second. Academic Achievement award. Matt currently raises six sows, 12 gilts, 50 He is currently employed at Schettenhel- market hogs, and three beef steers for his mis, Inc., where he helps assemble and repair new and used farm equipment. In the fall, he production project each year as well as producing 15 acres of corn, 10 acres of soybeans, plans to attend Universal Technical College pursuing a Diesel Mechanics degree . and two acres of hay. Upon graduation from Cassopolis High School, Matt plans on attending Michigan State University. • Name: Leann Kittendorf Name: Julie Gleason Chapter: Webberville FFA Chapter: Gladwin FFA Kittendorf has been faced with many chal- Gleason, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave lenges that she has overcome. When she Gleason, has been extremely active in the was a freshman, she wanted to transfer to community with the 4-H and the FFA or- Webberville Agri-science program be- ganizations. She was the 1993 Michigan cause her high school, Williamston, had no Suffolk Queen. She served as president for FFA program. After considerable hard the Michigan Junior Suffolk Sheep As- work, Kittendorf was successful in getting sociation and as director for the National the transfer. Junior Suffolk Board. Gleason is also very involved in her school, serving in the Na- She has raised many different kinds of tional Honor Society, Drama Club, and animals for her SAE project. Leann owns a Senior Advisory Board. trucking company that her family helps her with. Along with her company, she also works on a dairy farm. Her responsibilities include milking and caring for the dairy calves. She plans to continue her education at Michigan Gleason owns and cares for an I8-head breeding flock of suffolks in addition to raising State University in livestock management. Some day she would like to own and manage market steers, lambs, and pigs. This fall, she plans on attending Michigan State Honors a beef cattle farm. College majoring in Biochemistry or Agricultural Communications. Name: Edward Smith Name: Luke Haywood Chapter: Caledonia FFA Smith has been very involved in his FFA Chapter: Hastings FF A Haywood is the 17-year-old-son of Larry • Chapter, participating in Ag Forum, Par- and Ellen Haywood, and lives on a 500-acre liamentary Procedure, Greenhand Conduct dairy farm. He has been on a state winning of Meetings, skills contests and chapter of- demonstration team, served as chapter fice. His Supervised Agricultural Ex- president for three years, and as a chairman perience consisted of working at the and member of many chapter committees. Caledonia Farmers Elevator and his He is also involved in student council, class family's livestock and crop farm. vice president, president of the National Honor Society, and track. He also received Smith's immediate plans for the future in- the Farm Bureau Club Work award. clude attending Michigan State University to take part in the livestock management Luke's SAE consists of dairy and beef Ag- Tech program. His long range goal is to work in Montana as a herdsman and to own production, and tillage test plots. He currently owns 34 dairy cows, and nine head of steers his own cattle ranch. and bulls. His goals for the future consist of attending Michigan State University in the fall of 1994, majoring in Animal Science and Dairy Management. A Few Hours Well Spent: "FFA - Leadership for America" Sprayer Tune-Up Week 1994 National FFA Week to be "It's hard to imagine a better use of time in the early spring than a few hours spent "A tune-up is also a good time to assess your needs for the coming season and Recognized Feb. 19-26 tuning up chemical application equipment decide if your sprayer is up to the task," says More than 417,000 FFA members will will be leading the effort to provide food and procedures," says Dr. Stephen Pearson, Pearson. "If you're planning to upgrade promote FFA, agricultural education and and fiber for a growing population, as well technical services manager, Spraying Sys- your sprayer by installing simple devices the food and fiber industry during National as to keep America competitive in the tems Co. Applicators are urged to protect that increase your safety and accuracy, do FFA Week, Feb. 19-26, 1994. global marketplace." the environment and their investment in it during the early spring while you've got plant protectants by tuning up sprayers the time to do it right." Pearson notes that FFA members in 7,545 chapters across the Nat.ional FFA Week is held each year during SprayerTune-Up Week, Feb. 21-25, it's easy to install items such as a remote U.S. as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the d~T1ng the week of George Washington's 1994. boom control, a clean water tank and single Virgin Islands will be organizing events bIrthday to recognize his leadership and or triple nozzle bodies with check valves. and activities to foster awareness of commit.ment to American agriculture. Both A preseason tune-up can eliminate the agricultural education and support for the NatIOnal FFA Center and the National downtime and frustration caused by a Sprayer Tune-Up Week is designed to en- FFA. FFA Hall of Achievement are located on sprayer that breaks down during the rush of courage applicators to maintain equipment, part of Washington's original Mount Ver- spring applications, and calibration preser- calibrate and use proper chemical handling This year's theme, "FFA - Leadership for non estate near Alexandria, Va. ves environmental quality by ensuring ac- procedures. America," will be seen in communities curate application. In addition, a simple nationwide through promotion efforts of FFA is a national organization of 417 462 tunc-up can yield big financial savings for Sprayer Tune-Up Week is endorsed by local members. FFA activities and agricul- membe.rs prep.aring for leadership 'and appl icators of plant protection products. more than 50 agricultural and turf organiza- ture classes emphasize leadership skills, careers In the SCIence, business and technol- Many applicators can save as much as $5 per acre on each chemical they apply just tions and is sponsored by Spraying Systems Co., manufacturer of TeeJet@ spray analytical thinking and the application of both to the industry of agriculture. ogy of agriculture. FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of • by calibrating and tuning up equipment. products, in cooperation with the National students by developing their potential for FFA Organization, the Agricultural Larry Case, national FFA advisor, said premier leadership, personal growth and It doesn't take much time to complete a Retailers Association and the National today's young people are aware of their career success. simple tune-up, which normally includes Agricultural Chemicals Association. responsibilities as agricultural leaders for the following three steps: tomorrow. Local, state and national activities and • check hardware and plumbing for signs of For more information on Sprayer Tune- award programs provide opportunities for wear and tear; Up Week or to order educational flOur members realize the world in which stu.dents to apply knowledge and skills ac- • calibrate and replace worn nozzles; and materials, call Spraying Systems Co. at we live is growing larger and more inter- qUIred through agricultural education. • review safety supplies and procedures. (708) 665-5201, extension 8888. dependent," he said. "These young people Michigan Farm News -. f February 14, 1994 Northrup King Co. Intro.duces New Seed Handling System Northrup King's new Load & OOTM Seed Handling System for corn and soybean seed lifting the box with a fork-lift, a retro-fitted features specially-engineered durable plastic three-point hitch or an adapted front-end boxes whIch make filling planter boxes easier loader. When empty, the containers can be and quicker, and allow growers to cover more collapsed in half for storage and return. The acres per day. popularity of large poly bags - one of every "This system enables growers to go ] 0 Midwestern soybean farmers has switched '._ straight from the dealer to the field, without to bulk soybean purchases in the past five taking the intermediate step of loading a poly years - has presented a disposal problem. bag into a gravity wagon," said Jack Bernens, "Every year, our industry needs to find a Northrup King corn product manager. way to get rid of about 90 million soybean and The Load & 00 system, in development seed corn bags," Bemens explained. "The Q- for more than two years, originated with five Bit container addresses this problem with a Iowa farmer-dealers, their Northrup King Dis- 15-20 year life expectancy. That's five to trict Manager Lloyd Bigler and Jim Berquam, seven times longer than the poly sacks." Northrup King plant manager at Waterloo, Prototypes of the new seed handling sys- Iowa. "We were looking for safer, easier ways tem were tested on Iowa and Minnesota farms. to handle large quantities of seed to replace the For example, Jerry Ostrander and his son, Jay, poly bags," Biglersays. The group shared their used the prototypes to plant soybeans on their ideas with Northrup King Corn Product Jefferson, Iowa, farm. Manager Jack Bernens, who worked with con- "We planted 1,800 acres of corn and tainer manufacturers to transform the concept soybeans this year, and with the wet spring, into blueprints and a prototype. we didn't have a lot of time to get the crop in," The centerpiece of the Load & 00 system Jerry Ostrander says. "On a normal day, we go is the Q-Bit™ container, an injection-molded charged from the container using a simple regulating the flow similai to a gravity box. A through 150 to 200 50-pound seed bags. The polyethylene bin manufactured in two sizes hose connection or belt conveyors, specially slanted floor ensures that beans or corn empty Load & 00 system really helped speed up from durable, recyclable plastic. One Q-Bit designed augers or pneumatic air transfer sys- out, and smooth inner walls keep seeds from planting." container is equivalent to 30 bags of seed corn tems to fill planters or drills. becoming trapped. The Load & Go system will be available or 40 bags of soybeans. When full, the Q-Bit Rodent-proof, moisture-resistant and Before shipment, the top of each con- on a limited basis from Northrup King Co. container weighs about 2,000 pounds, and can stackable, the patented design of the Q-Bit tainer, as well as the slide gate, is sealed to dealers to farmers in the Midwest for the 1994 be loaded between the wheel wells of a full- container features a sliding gate for unloading guarantee varietal purity. The Q-Bit container planting. size pickup truck box. Seeds can then be dis- the container from the side or bottom, and also includes a built-in, four-way pallet for Your Michigan NORTHRUP KING Seed Dealers 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 3 I3-995-2497 Auburn Ittner Bean & Grain 517-662-4461 Bancroft Gerald Cole 517-634-52 J 2 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 .5 17-236-7263 It has excellent drought tolerance, adapting to Minden City Eugene Briolat. 517-658-8330 a wide range of harvest densities. Adapted to Monroe Calvin Smith 313-269-271 0 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 Portland Reading Richmond Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc Frank Trierweiler Dick Heffelfinger Farmers Elevator 517-723-5205 517-587-6540 517-283-2444 313-727-3025 N4242 Rockford Ron Porter 6 I6-874-8 196 Saginaw Seamon Farms 517-777-2054 Union City David LaBar 517-741-3204 CPO • Vestaburg Con Agra Berger & Co 517-268-5300 Zeelan.d Zeeland Farm Services 616-772-9042 NORTHRUP KING I - Michigan ,Farm News • Archer Daniels-Midland Focuses on Bio-Products for New Corn Uses •• February 14, 1994 .. ADM's Martin Andreas displays a number of innovative products made. from corn, products that could be competitively made by Deb Laurell during his comments to members of the MeGA and MSA annual meetmg. from corn that are presently being made from an oil or petroleum base. At the joint annual meeting of the Michigan Corn Growers and Michigan The search located 10 to 12 products that Soybean Growers Associations, Martin could be readily made. Some of these Andreas, Archer Daniels-Midland (ADM), prod ucts i ncl ude: Iysi ne, packagi ng said, "I think the only things changing in peanuts, windshield washer fluid which agriculture today is everything." In order to contains a benign product called fuel keep time with these changes, ADM ethanol, already available in many of the bel ieves, "bio-products is an area of the KMart markets, and the promotion of soy future," said Andreas. ink. In addition, research is being con- ducted on a bio-diesel product. According to Andreas, bio-products is going to be the key growth area for new corn "I n order to man ufacture these new uses in addition to ethanol. ADM operates products and compete in the world realm, ]42 corn, soybean, and wheat processing ADM has made adjustments to have low plants around the country, with an estimated ] 5,000 trucks carrying ADM products cost energy facilities," Andreas said. "Low •• cost energy is achieved through the use of daily, in addition to another 10,000 rail cars. new hooded boilers that are able to burn high sulfur coal, and used rubber tires. "We think the price of oil will accelerate at Electricity is then produced at one-fifth the a rate faster than the price of corn; therefore, cost of the house across the street. In return, ;Andreas said these are just the beginning to offset capital intensive investments in the gap will narrow and there will be more these products get shipped, 50 percent of steps to what ADM believes are the new facilities that are four to five times higher products that you can economically make from corn that were formerly made from petroleum," said Andreas. them, worldwide. " Within a year, ADM will have invested $1 uses of corn and the products of the future . In conventional alternative uses such as than in the mid-70s. "Every time we increase the processing • billion, $800 million in this new bio- ethanol, and high fructose corn syrup, capacity of a plant one more notch, our costs ADM has already taken a gamble by look- products business and with increased Andreas said ADM is constantly attempt- come down, meaning our multi-product ing around the world to see if there were demand they have built a second plant. ing to increase processing plant efficiency plants can produce cheaper ethanol, fructose, and starch," Andreas said. "We have multiple incentives to increase capacity. We recently ran over 500,000 bushels of corn through our Cedar Rapids plant in one day. In the corn • TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS processing holds true. " industry, the bigger the better Doane Long-Term Forecast ... continued from page 4 porter of pork in 1997. Per capita consump- tion of pork will remain mos~ly ste~dy at historical levels, with an upward bias as pork production continues to serve as an economical alternative to beef, and is in- creasingly perceived as a healthy alternative :0: to chicken. • POULTRY - Broiler production is likely to expand on average about 5 percent per year for the next five years to 28 billion pounds. Broiler prices will remain flat but profitable. Turkey production will expand between 1 to 2 percent a year. Turkey prices • are projected mostly steady, not offering much improvement from the marginally profitable conditions that currently exist. • CORN - Despite livestock expansion creating record feed demand, dull exports and uncertainty over clean air regulations and ethanol production create a mixed out- look for corn. Corn yields should continue • to increase. Farmers should plant about 78 million acres in 1994, increasing to 79.5 million acres by 1998. World trade issues will impact on corn. GAIT agreements are important as heavily-subsidized European wheat competes with corn in the world ex- port market. Approval of the NAFf A agree- ment with Canada and Mexico would in- ., crease corn exports by about 100 million bushels. U.S. corn prices will average about Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family $2.25 during the next five years. receive the dental care seNices you,require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. • WHEAT - Foreign wheat production, Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! which has been sharply high, is likely to Single $18 per month • Couple $32 per month return to normal levels. U.S. exports will Member/Child $32 per month • Family $41 per month fall, then rebound as the U.S. share of world wheat trade improves. World wheat stocks .. will increase, but not to burdensome levels. ~"M'CH'GAN U.S. wheat yields should increase about .4 , ... FARM BUREAU ?ushel per acre per year. Wheat acreage will .j TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW mcrease to about 74 million acres in 1998. U.S. wheat prices will average near $2.90 OR CALL DIRECT '-800-292-2680 EXT- J234 over the next five years. Please Print • SOYBEANS - Soybean exports will Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name recover slowly, as a result of reforms in Membership Services European Agricultural Policy. Domestic P.O. Box 30960 Address soybean meal demand will continue to ex- Lansing, MI 48909 pand. U.S. soybean yields will average be- City State ZIP tween 35 and 36 bushels per acre. Planted soyb.ean acres will average in the 60 to 62 Phone millIon range, up from the 59 million average of the past five years. U.S. soybean County prices will average about $5.60 to $5.80 per bushel through 1998. ~, Michigan Farm News February 14 , 1994 1m Low Food Price Inflation In '94 Mary D. Zehner, Dept. of Agricultural However, some vegetables for processing lackluster for most of the food industry, some prices in 1994, even though Michigan's potato were lost in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Shop- recovery in the away-from-home market will crop was up 9 percent. Lower prices for Economics, MSU pers may find higher prices for canned and likely lead to increased menu prices. tomatoes, lettuce and other fresh salad Food prices have not recorded much in- frozen peas, green beans and sweet corn. Operating costs inched up slowly last vegetables will partially offset higher potato flation over the past few years, and 1994 Higher prices for these vegetables alone will year, (yet) prices remained relatively stable. prices. The CPI for fresh vegetables is ex- should not be much different, according to the have a negligible effect on the CPI for food. Therefore, margins have been eroding. Any pected to rise 2 percent to 4 percent in 1994, ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture. increase in demand will likely mean some following a more than 6 percent increase last The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food higher prices in restaurants. Competition will in 1993 will average about 2 percent above 1994 Food Prices year. continue to keep price increases moderate 1992. While the 2 percent increase last year In 1994, the general economy is expected among fast food firms. The food away from was greater than the 25-year record low of 1.2 to continue to expand at a somewhat faster home component of the CPI is expected to Dairy Products percent in 1992, it was still a relatively small pace than in 1993. The employment situation rise 2 percent to 4 percent this year. Milk production in 1994 is expected to increase. The food price increase compared will improve slightly, signaling only a slight increase slightly from 1993. While farm prices with a 3 percent increase in the CPI for all improvement in consumer confidence. As a will likely average below 1993 levels, retail goods and services. These increases are small result, consumer demand will strengthen little Meats prices will average 1 percent to 3 percent compared with the increases between 5 and 6 from current levels. The general inflation rate Beef production is expected to rise 3 per- higher. Increased export demand for percent only 4 years ago (1990). is expected to remain near 1993 levels. cent to 4 percent in 1994, resulting in a 2 processed dairy products will keep per capita Cold, wet weather throughout the first The CPI for all food in 1994 is expected percent to 4 percent decrease in the CPI for domestic supplies at or slightly below 1993 half of 1993 caused higher farm prices for to rise 2 percent to 4 percent above 1993, and beef and veal. In contrast, pork production levels. Domestic demand for dairy products is fresh vegetables and meats and also caused food sold in grocery stores, up 1 percent to 3 will remain near 1993 levels, and the CPI for expected to remain stable. Therefore, the ex- retail prices to rise. These food categories percent. Costs of processing and distributing pork will increase 2 percent to 4 percent. pectation of slightly lower domestic supplies carry a large enough weight in the food CPI foods will rise modestly and may not totally Poultry broiler production will continue will cause retail prices to also rise modestly. to be responsible for most of its 2 percent rise be passed on to consumers, considering the to grow near the 5 percent rate in 1994. in 1993. The cold weather also affected relative weakness in consumer demand. Returns to broiler producers have been production of cattle and hogs. The farm value of food will have a price favorable and are expected to remain so Cereal and Bakery Products The floods last summer had a minimal impact on a few major food categories be- despite the outlook for higher feed prices. The CPI for cereals and bakery products impact on the CPI for food in 1993. Most of cause of the outlook for shorter supplies in Turkey production, however, was lower last will rise at a slightly faster rate than other food the damage involved corn and soybeans. 1994, While consumer demand will remain year and is not expected to grow significantly categories in 1994. Demand for cereal and in 1994, as producers look for higher prices bread seems to strengthen, even when demand and improved returns. The CPI for poultry for most other products is lower. will likely decline slightly in 1994, consider- In addition, the shelf price of a box of ing large supplies of broilers and larger sup- cereal may not be the actual price. Couponing plies, and lower prices for competing meats. and double couponing in some markets can reduce cereal prices considerably. Most of the costs to produce breakfast cereal and bread Fruits products are for processing and marketing, Smaller crops of apples, oranges and more than 90 percent in most cases. other fruits will lead to higher retail prices for These costs usually change more with the fresh fruit in 1994. The 1993 fall apple crop general inflation rate, leaving the farm in- harvest was down about 2 percent from the gredients relatively a minor consideration. year earlier (Michigan's harvest was down The CPI for cereals and bakery products is about 7 percent). Lower total production and expected to rise at a rate of 3 percent to 5 good quality will mean higher retail prices for percent in 1994. fresh apples in 1994. Orange production was also down in 1993 from 1992. Smaller supplies last year will Fats and Oils mean higher retail prices for orange juice. The flood in the Midwest and the drought While the total orange crop was down last in the Southeast damaged the soybean crop. year, it was still 23 percent larger than the Oil production, however, will be down only crop two years ago. The CPI for both fresh about 0.4 percent from] 993. The CPI for fats and processed fruits is expected to increase 3 and oils increased less than half a percent last percent to 5 percent from 1993 levels. year, and it declined 1.4 percent from the year earlier, all because of large oil supplies. With smaller supplies in 1994, some increase in fats Vegetables and oil prices is expected, in the 2 percent to A smaller U.S. potato crop in 1993 will 4 percent range. mean tighter supplies of potatoes and higher ~RRIED FACES OF OUR INSUREDS. Worry? Not them. And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? Michigan's 1993 Fruit Production Ranks Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care} First and Second in Major Crops With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how devastating this can be. The eight major fruit crops in the Great of the national total. The estimated 50 mil- But it doesn't have to be this way. Lakes State emerged from dormancy lion pounds of unutilized production was without frost damage, according to the attributable to low prices and poor quality. With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statis- The yield in Michigan leaped to 8,180 American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.} tics Service. Below normal temperatures in pounds per bearing acre, up from 7,230 oJ late May and early June resulted in slow pounds in 1992. Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for fruit development. Pollination of some fruit Michigan was also the leading state in more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the was hampered, however, by windy cool cultivated blueberry production. The 87 options available to you. weather. Insect infestations were low, but million pound output was over half of the Reprtsenting: fungal and bacterial damage was substan- U.S. total. The farm-level value of this fruit tial. AMEX Lift AsslITance Company • was about $35 million. About 78 percent of Apple production reached one billion Michigan blueberries were frozen or a SUbsltry who ...... hrir 'Mlysi. on fiMncial strmph .nd op Chipper/Shredder! : Please send more information on the following major(s) to: j I i : j • : Name: Phone: ( ii .. 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Box 30960 Lansing, MI 48909-8460 J •i 1 ~ Michigan Farm News . • [7 February 14,1994 - Michigan Farm ~elY~~ll!~~ifjeds=. 1982 CLARK C-500 lift truck H&S STEEL throw bale RAIN .CONTROl. saUD BAR steel nursery ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK, RECYCLE YOUR DIESEL air for sale. 3800 hours, LP gas, wagon on 5 ton Gehl running ~nu!e, dnp and spnnkler pens, farrowing stalls, free "livestock of the Future-. filters. Recycle Now, Inc. a 3,0001 capacity, Pneumatic gear. Very good conditionI Imgation systems. New and stalls, flush trays, farm and Whole herd tested. Taking Holland, Michigan based tires, side shift, &r free lift, $1800 firm. Kent County. used available. For free ranch supplies. Free quotesl deposits for 1994 calfs. company, committed to racyl- I 152"lift, 3 stage upright. 616-636-8449 product catalog, contact us at Free catalogI Traverse City, MI. ing diesel and industrial air Ex lie ndi. I . 1-517-263-5226. RI ttey I rial Elk R ch . tak fil . the So . ce nt co lion JOHN DEERE 45 combine Fax 1-517-263-6153. e mpe an In e ters USIng mc Harrington Seed., Inc. for sale with 243 com head Adri'an, MI. DeP'paO.~Xnt261119 1-616-946-5922 Dry Clean method. No liquids 2586 Bradleyville Road A S tted B or detergents used. Half the Resse, MJ 48757 1-517-868-4750 ~dM l~arg:~ ~~er ~~ drag chain. Call evenings, ~SED VALLEY CENTE~ pivots and oth.er makes with IU'ftlO Colchester, IL 62326 Servi All heC:th~:quf:ments Reasonable delivery rates c::e~ costofanewfilterl Better than a new filterl For more informa- BELTED CHAIN and \:rts. 1-616-674-3681 related equipment. Call anywhere in Michigan. tion, call 1-616-396-7724 or Broef~i~_~~~ ~~~~~t4ri~~i. 1~124B::<;"",,~.,JI:'II' YORK!~~:2~:~and Hl~96~102 rex ~!8~:~1~:~~ com head, dummy head with Sund, Call 1-517-695-9857. rE:~a~vg:1.~~;in~~ Plummer Supply, Inc. 1-800-632-7731. 11I111411tl. ;:~~i~;f:~;:~: FREE CATALOG: Whole- saJe Veterinary Supplies. 1-616-972-8497. ~r~~E ~ r~'~~~.1111111 1-616-649-2803. DOMESTICATED ELK & Vaccines, wormers, supple- ALFALFA HAY: 800# round Ma ch :~~R~~~~.~~ FRUEHAUF FlATBED 32' Fairgrove. 1-517-693-6388. PIXALL PULL: Pix 1 row NEW HOLLAND 1038 stack- :S~~~~'~~~~~~£~::7~~: $12,500. New Holland 316 baler, Excellent con di"tilon I pour ons, gloves. ... mastitis treabnents, implants, eartags, Much morel rainwear, K.V. Vet bales and 60# squares. 1st :~~~:F~~~:. 1-517-766-2446. ~n;~lillilllil ~~~:~n::~!;~~~ HERDSMAN NEEDED for DEER AUCTION, alternative livestock venture shouId atteOO tho IS au ~ 13, ction . bean picker, good condition. Call 1-517-652-9624. SEP Ply, Box 245, David City, CHESTNUT TREES: Now 130 cow centraJ Michigan There will be many hi~- from out of the past for you, a Dairy Farm. Must have recent quality elk and deer for s81e. 1-216-482-2276 N 68632. 1-402-367-6047. real favorite. Enjoy and mark- experience in &II aspects of All are welcome to join the .r- - - - - - - - -.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - et real chestnuts. Bigger and dairy operation. Will consider Annual Elk Meeting, March 12 I Buy 2 Issues of Michigan Farm News I better than you remember. /eaSing or purchasing your in Glenwood Springs. For I I FREE! Wholesome, nutritiousl cows. Wages, benefits and more information, call I Get the Th ird Issue I State In.pected: Large housing negotiable. 6 days Garfield Uv_tock Market, selection, sizes and prices to per month off and 2 weeks Inc• P0rte r To f t , I: 'II fit your needs. available, but Any quantity a four tree paid vacation Send after 1 year. letter of application and 1-313-876-2006 Mary Roderick, or Dan or minimum. Every farm has a resume to: Zeeb Farms, 2840 1-303-876-2636. place for these vaJuabietrees. Herbison Rd, Bath, MI 48808. Also offering Englishl (Confidentiality assured) MERRITT AUCTION I 0 dr ft .. F b 18 1994 I Carpathian and Black SERVICE I ea Ine or nex Issue IS e ruary , I Walnuts, nuts or timber. HERDSPERSONlAssistant Now booking Farm Auctions. Planting suggestions with herdsperson for northwest Sales managing, complete I I ~ ~ Call 1 - 800 - 968 - 31 L1")9 ~.-.. ......" I I your order. Order soon, Spring planting. Brochure and Michi9Bn 130 head dairy. HOUSing, benefit package. setup,clerks,cashiers,tents. Four Auctioneersl Call I to Place Your C.lass'lf'led Ad Todayl. I price list,l-616-637-7038 or Postion available mid Marctl. Greenville,l-616-754-9437. 616-637-7450. Call 1-616-588-2435 or I or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad \0 I Tree F.. m 1-616-547-9195 to request 66645 107th Avenue application and interview. I, Michigan Farm News II South Haven, MI 49090 : B uy ~~. L'n loa'f N 8;:6 ews : ~r.~itb~~r~:~= FOR SALE: 1993 Shelled ~_ • 1~11181111'. BUILDINGS: Canceled I Stanton} MI48888 I 1-517-n0-4342 orders. Two Quonset Steel I I IDAHO'S BEST ALFALFA BIRD FERTILIZER Arch BuildinQS, 42'x78' and I Classified Ad Codes I delivered any where to youI SERVICES. 1100 N Irvi~, 51'x94'. SeIling for balance I Ida-Beat Hay Company, Greenville. Fertilizer, chemI- owed. Brand newl I 1. Farm Machinery 6. Agricultural Services 12. General 1-800-558-2378. Ask for cals, seed, Ume, feed. Soil Call Larry at our factory, testing, truck spreading and 1-800-866-2534. Serious I 2. Livestock Equipment 7. Auctions 13. Ponies/Horses Darren. custom spraying. Call inquiries please. i ~~~~£~:::::~edt:~:!~:t~:teriaIS ~::~~:~::~;~~~CtibleS IIIlI.iJl,1I1 1-616-754-3684. Arch Building Syatem., Inc. I I Name 11. Wanted to Buy 17. Landscaping Phone ( BEEFALO, 3/8 Bison. Low fat, low cholesterol beef. Heifers and steers for sale. EXPERIENCED Michigan agribusiness attorneys with farm backgrounds. Know- ledge and experience in aJl farm areas; restructure, stray 8114tlll 20 ACRES: Hillsdale County. t I Address Also, paint horses. Call voltage, bankruptcy, estate OK'd for mobile or build. 1-616-362-2141. Kaleva, MI. planning. EAST SIDE: Paved roadl $25,000. Some I City_ Slate__ Zip BORDER COLLIE PUPS: Thomas J. Budzynski, 43777 woods. Terms. (F-781) II CI assl TIed Ad C 0 d e R eques t e d Number of Issues Registered working parents. Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. Faust Real Eatate Bom 1-8-94. Female, $350. Clemens, MI 48036, 1-517 -263-8666 Males, $250. Dale Ledebuhr, 313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: 400 ACRES of well drained I Desired Insertion Date(5): 1-616-467-6109. Sturgis MI. Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. beautiful farm land. Farm I Please call before Sam or Sheridan, Fremont, MI borders river for approximatly after 8pm. 49412, 616-924-3760. Y2 mile. Great huntingl 3 good I Method of Payment EMU'S: The livestock of the barns, machine shea, 3,000 I Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) future. Now hatching and bushel grain storage, 2-alr I taking orders for chicks. Call HONEY BEES: Restock your hives with Nucs. Available garage and a nice well main- Visa Card Number Exp. Date Mid-Michigan Llamas & More. tained farm house. Call 1-517-662-2165 mid April. Full range of palet- 1-906-478-3421. Master Card Number tiled pollination also avail- Exp. Date FOR SALE: Registered able. Call 1-616-4~719. polled hereford breecin,g age AGRICULTURAL LAND for Classified Rates bulls, heifers, cows. Rocky Banner bloodlines. MSU rent in Romulus, Wayne County. 45 acres, Huron $8 for up to 24 words performance tested. Call 1-517-734-3005. HONEY BEES for pollination for fruit and vegetables. Call River Drive, just north of Eureka. Call 1-517-548-6646 weekdays for information. 30 cents each additional word FREE CATALOG: Whole- 1-517-872-2914, Cass City. sale prices. Broiler and pecti- Write your ad here. including phone number and area code gree laying chicks, turKeys, ducks, guineas, gosDngs. 2 3 4 Reich Poultry Farm• •, ... , .... 0' _ •. Marietta, PA 17547 5 6 7 8 Call 1-717....26-3411 Place your ad for 6 LLAMAS: Three young 9 10 11 12 males, grey or carmel. Halter months, get phone trained. Fine wool! $500 each, $1400 for tluea. Horton Bay Llamas. number or name in red. I 13 14 15 16 I 1-616-582-7473. Place your ad for 1 I PUREBRED Yorkshire, 17 18 19 20 Hampshires and F-1, boars, year, get phone number 200-400 pounds. O~n Gifts, I 21 22 23 24 also bred Gilts with Realtime or name in red and also I and Sonoray. Information and I 25 26 27 28 percentage lean cut. Call 1-517-649-8988. save $1.00 per ad. I I 29 30 31 32 QUAUTY ANGUS BREED- Call ING STOCK Performance iI 33 34 35 36 tested, BuUs semen tested. Free delive~A1SO Border 1-800-968-3129 L ~L=~~~~~ ~ Collie Stock BORDNER s. Call today. FARMS for details Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. Circulation over 46,000 in State of Michigan. ~ Michigan Farm News -. February 14, 1994 .-. FOR LEASE: Remote area, excellent hunting area. Adjoins Michigan State lanet Approximately 12 miles north- HARDY WOOD FURNACE: Eliminates fire danger, odor, inside mess. Heats home, domestic water, pools. Bums ........................................ :.;.; ;.:.:.:.:.;.;.:.:.;.:.:.;.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.;.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. I'jl:lj:.lllllt~tllll:!:j WORLD WAR I AND II Mili- tary Relica wanted: Discussion Topic for March -- Who Should Run, Who Should Serve? Michigan's term limitations law, ap- said. "These local elected positions are more proved by voters in 1992, will unleash a tidal compatible with the livelihoods of many east of Kalkaska on Twin 12 hoursl Stainless steel Leather Right Jacket wave of change on the state's political scene. Lake Road. Cash rent yeartv. Farm Bureau members than are the more construction, easy installa- Sam8Pi Swords Beginning in 1998, long-serving elected offi- No logging! 1-913-751-4485, tion. 1-800-743-5883. Squadron patches time-consuming state and federal offices." ask for John. cials will be forced to step down and permit To assist Farm Bureau members who plan .lamboree Acne Metals and ~s DiatributDr Daggers and KnIVes newcomers an opportunity to run for their to be candidates for public office in 1994, FORMER DAIRY FARM: office. 118 acres, Oceana County, PORTABLE COMMERCIAL Also buying Old Wooden Michigan Farm Bureau sponsored a "How To near lake Michigan and Airplane Propell .. , T~ The term limitation law specifies that state Win An Election" Campaign Management sawmill. Cummings diesel Stony Lake. Four bedroom engine, right hand, two 56" co, Cigar cultera. Alao an,- representatives may serve only three two-year Workshop. The program, held Feb. 16-17 in farm house, oak kitchen, orig- blades, air set dogs, hydraulic Cigar adverti.ing, FrUit terms, state senators only two four-year terms, jara, antqiue telephonea, Lansing, provided seven political hopefuls inal woodwork, several newer log turner and deck, electric U.S. representatives only three two-year barns. Sell all or part, oak wall phones and candles- the information and opportunities for hands- control booth, two blade tick phones. Call THE terms in a 12-year period and U.S. senators $189,900. edger. $15,000 firm. Call on experience that they will need in preparing Roger Simon CASPIAN SEA, Greenville, only two six-year terms in a 24-year period. an effective election campaign. Another 1-810-694-2281. Vollmer Inc., Realtors MI 616-754-9224 or Michigan's governor, It. governor, attorney workshop is being planned for 1996. 1-616-894-5611 PRESSURE TREATED 616-754-8892, or stop in. We general and secretary of state may serve only fence posts, hi-tensile fence are located in the center of "The Campaign Management Workshop" LUTHER, MICHIGAN: Ten two four-year terms. is aimed at people who have not run for office supplies. Installation crew town across from FMB bank, square acres on county road, aVailable. next to Haan's bakery. This law, which went into effect for terms before," said Almy. "There is a great deal nice building site, wooded of office that began on Jan. 1, 1993, creates more to a campaign than just throwing your with small marsh on one =-38~7 unprecedented opportunities for fresh faces to comer. Uttle Manistee River hat in the ring. A campaign must be planned 1-517-386-2382 seek political office. "The term limitation law and state land nearby. and executed very carefully. Our workshops $10,000. Call STEEL BUILDING SALE: will open up a great deal of interest in running give people tools they can take home and use 1-313-634-4909. Brand new, some year end for state and federal offices," said Al Almy, for a successful election effort." closeouts. Act before January director of public affairs for Michigan Farm The Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac also TURKEY HUNTERS: Land .' 30, 1994 and save $1,OOO's. Bureau. "In the past, people have been inter- for lease up North in AIcona Call for sizes. has an important role to play in helping County, Area D. Two sites, up ested in running for office but have been in- agriculture take advantage of the term limita- 1-616-754~ .. to 4 hunters. By day, week or timidated by the strength of a long-serving, tion law. County Farm Bureaus and county season. STRA W CHOPPERS: We National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KentuckY, popular incumbent. Term limitations will Candidate Evaluation committees can look Call 1-517-724-5538, rebuild and balance. Some exchanges. We stock chop- February 17-20. Includes change that situation. Now, people will be ahead and begin surfacing candidates to run Harrisville. per parts. ENGINE deluxe transportation, three more willing to tackle the challenges of run- for office, according to Almy. He said that the 80 ACRE WHOLESALE REBUILDING our specialty. nights lodging, reserve ning for public office when they think they seating to National Tractor AgriPac process provides a thorough evalua- NURSERY growers of Ever- Auto-Truck- Tractor-Antique- have a fighting chance of winning," he said. green, Trees, Shrubs, Peren- Continental-Kohler-Onan - Pull Finals, $142.00. Bran- tion of candidates that should be reflected in son, MO, $299.00. Call or Almy thinks that local public officials will the quality of the AgriPac endorsements. nials. Complete setup Wisconsin engne dealer. includes house, 3 barns, air- Hart. Auto Parts write for free flyer on these or be among the first to take advantage of the The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius tream office, 15 poIyhouses, Cecil, Ohio other tours. opportunities to run for higher office. And said, "The universe is change; our life is what equipment, nursery stock, 411-381-4717 HAINES TOURS that, in turn, creates some openings for Farm our thoughts make it." Term limitations rep- .. marketing ~stems. Termsl Route 3, Gladwin, MI 48624 Bureau members to seek office on the local Great locationl Southwest 1-517-426-n25 resent a significant change in Michigan's level. "There should be increased oppor- political universe. It is now up to Farm Bureau Michigan for 27 years, major highways,large cities nearby. tunities to run for county commission, drain members to give some serious thought as to Appointment to see how commissioner, county clerk, sheriff, prosecut- how to take advantage of that change. -pJIoney Grows on Trees•. ing attorney and other local offices," Almy Michigan Farm News, - Nursery Business, P.O. Box 3% YEAR OLD Buckskin 6, Stanton, MI 48888. Gelding. 14.2greenbroke, not registered. $700 finn. Home- United Soybean Board Elects Officers; Michigan's made horsetrailer, new floors Barry Mumby Elected Vice Chairman ... .................... , , II ~~~rt::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::r~fmmtfIl~t~mIJtJt~tm . and tires. Needs work. $200 firm. Call 1-616-794~19. •... 111111IMll~~lllljl1111'!. The Executive Committee of the United Soybean Board (USB), which administers the BUYERS OF STANDING BLACK AMISH BUGGY: Two seater, sliding doors, ~.Iia" CALL Home Refinance Loan HOURS. Cash in 7 days. LIVE 24 National Soybean Checkoff, elected officers and appointed committee chairmanships 1994 at the organization's meeting in December funds research and market-development 1993. The National Soybean Checkoff programs for soybean growers, who contribute for timer and veneer logs. lights, rubber wheels. Road Bankruptcy OK Devereaux Sawmill, Inc. readyI Belgian Gelding, 7 Call 1-800-223-9699 one ..half of one percent of the value of their crop when sold. At the meeting, Barry Mumby, Pewamo, MI. Call years old, QG!ltle broke, 1900 (616 area only) Fulton, Mich., was elected vice chairman of the executive committee and was appointed 1-517-593-2552. pounds. Perkins, Mi. or 1-616-285-3243. chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee. WORKING FANNING MILL 1-906-359-4826. or grain cleaner for soybeans, wheat and oats. Must see Mumby and his wife, Diana, along with his son, David, and daughter-in-law, Deanna, grow work! Complete set up soybeans; seed, sweet and white com; and string beans on their 1,700-acre farm. Mumby wanted. Moisture tester for is also a principal in the Mendon Seed Growers Corp., a director of the Michigan Soybean hay and grain. Promotion Committee, and a member of the Michigan Soybean Association, Michigan 1-517-834-2576. • For Farm Bureau, Michigan Com Growers Association, pendent Businesses . and National Federation of Inde- • r"l DEBT RESTRUCTURING: 8 years practice representing Michigan family farmers. 30 x 40 x 30 x 60 x 40 x 60 x 50 x 90 x 150 x 300 10 10 12 14 x 16 HERITAGE BUILDING SYSTEMS 800-643-5555 BUILD IT YOURSELF $4.295 $6.095 $7.688 $13.795 $98.785 Display Ad Information ROOTS TO PROFITABILITY Specializing in reorganiza- AND SAVE MONEY tion! Experienced in many agricultural issues, including ConmerciaI steel tx.iIdilgs featumg easy boIl4J yourself builder from America's largest dislrtJulor. standard sizes of shop. farm. industrial. asserrbly for !he do ~ We have fH&( 5.00.) commercial and mini. Call \' I" 't PA116 requests. warehouse buiIdIlgs. AI are ~ with engileer starl1Jed permit drawings to meet 1986 MBMA codes. 20 year roof warranty. and Attorney Daniel Kraft, 1-517-485-8885.. pailled walls. Gal us IOday for a free ntormation package. and a QUOte on our lop quality buIdngs ()( buiIdilg component parts. 1-800-292-2680 FOR SALE: Complete equip- MINI WAREHOUSE ment for making maple syrup. Large stainless cooker, fire x SALE 511.898 E~, 3201 INCREASE WHEAT YIELDS WITH ACAm - 20' 120' WITH 24 UNITS COMPLETE WITH PARmIONS. 8' X 7' DOORS. AND HARDWARE pots, 3 stainless bulk tanks. I Much morel Call 1-517~5-7813. Mariette, MI. ACA WHEAT TESTPLOTS FRENCH STUDENTS in Agronomy are searching for farms which would accept them as apprentice for 1 or 2 Why 1993 MICHIGAN •Are In! Pay More? months next summer. For more information, write to: Coralie Mouton, ASIS, 113 Results rue J. d Arc, 54000 Nancy, 1993 grower test plots yielded an average of • France. HIGHEST QUALITY straw- berry and aspargus plants. Cut Your Prescription Costs 5.5 more bushels of wheat per acre where ACA was used. The highest yield Let our 20 years experience help you start a strawberry or Enjoy substantial savings on over 5,000 of the most increase was 9.2 bushels per acre! aspargus enterprise in your area Free brochurel Krobne popular name brand prescriptions, non-prescriptions, Now is the time to treat your wheat with ACA to gain your -. Plant Farma Route 6, P.O. vitamins, and medical supplies. Plus, save even advantage. ACA can be added to, or impregnated on, Box 586, bowagiac, MI more when you order generic equivalents! 49047. 1-616-424-3450. your fertilizer to boost your yields! INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Heartland/Feld Drug has been serving Rural $60 per ton; animal bedding made from recycled news- Americans for over 30 years. GET THEACA ADVANTAGE! paper, chopped not shred- To get your .EB..EE Discount Pharmacy Catalog • Stronger more fibrous root system. 11I11 ded. More absorbent-less f1ies-lessodor. 70. bales. • Plants are more vigorous and productive. Clan F~ • Easy and convenient to apply. 1-517-87~51 Turner, MI Call Toll-Free 1-800- 228-3353 • Enhanced early spring root growth. Comact your local • Enhanced drought tolerance. Clean Clop Dealer KENCO HIGH SPEED mulch • Affordable and effective. layers. Call 1-618-634-2587. H EAR T LAN D FEl!irORUG or caD 1-100-292.2701 PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAl SUPPliES • Increased yields. for adcBoIlClllnIonnaIon on • 5023 Grover Street. Omaha. Ne 68106 TIll ACA ADVANrAGEJ HEARTl.ANDGELD IS A MEMBER BENEFIT PROVIDER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS Michigan Farm News Michigan Commission of Agriculture Re-Elects Officers ASCS's "SP-53" to Cost Share IPM •• February 14, 1994 David Crumbaugh of St. Louis (at right) ManagementPracuces Deb Laurell making recommendations as well as various was re-elected to a one-year term as activities such as scouting. chair of the Michigan Commission of Loking for ways to cut crop-produc- Agriculture at its January meeting. Jim LeCureux, Huron County Exten- tion costs and improve management prac- sion Agent, has participated in the project Other officers also re-elected for the tices through Integrated Pest Management 1994 term include: John A. Spero from as a pilot county. Forty-six individuals have (lPM)? A new ASCS cost share program been involved in his county with activities Birch Run as vice-chair and Keith H. might just be the ticket for getting started. McKenzie, Cassopolis, as secretary. ranging from soil and nitrate testing to leaf The new program, "Special Project 53" analysis. "Up until this time, funding like Donald W. Nugent from Frankfort and (SP-53), encourages producers through in- this has only been available through special Rita M. Reid of Vulcan are the remain- centive payments, to change and improve water quality projects," said LeCureux. ing members of the five-member policy- current crop-management practices and According to LeCureux, individuals making body for the Michigan Depart- implement new practices. According to Jim who would like to get involved in this pro- ment of Agnculture. Byrum, state ASCS director, these prac- gram should stop at either the ASCS, Soil tices range from soil testing and tissue Conservation Service or the local MSU Ex- Crumbaugh, a commission member analysis to scouting for pests and proper tension office to develop a conservation since 1991, farms 1,400 acres of sugar application of herbicides and pesticides. and/or pest management plan to meet their beets, soybeans and feed corn. Ap- "It's an innovative program," Byrum pointed in 1991, Spero farms 550 acres management needs. Plans can be developed explained. "We are encouraging producers by several different groups including, SCS, specializing in sugar beets, soybeans, to take a look at how they grow crops and pinto, kidney and navy beans, corn and Extension, ASCS and private industry. what they might be able to do to help max- After a plan has been developed, farmers wheat. Named to the commission in imize the effectiveness of pesticides, mini- can sign up for SP-53 at the ASCS office. 1992, McKenzie owns and operates mize fertilization and, hopefully, help them McKenzie Highlands, a hog and grain Fruit Cooperative, Inc. He served as Funding for the program is based upon farm. commission chair in 1991 and 1992. improve return per acre." the activities developed in the individual The program is administered at the plan. Seventy-five percent of the cost for Nugent, a member since 1991, owns Reid, first appointed in 1984, owns a county level in cooperation with MSU Ex- pest scouting, soil testing, nitrate testing, Nugent Farms, is president of Gateway 400-acre farm in Menominee County, tension, the Soil Conservation Service, and and related activities is covered up to a Products, Inc. and is founder, general and is owner and manager of the New the ASCS. Private industry is involved in maximum of $7 per acre for row crops. The manager and director of Graceland Brier Supper Club in Norway. maximum for specialty crops is $20 per acre. "We allowed the farmers to put check strips in where they could put on fertilizer as they normally did or spray when they .. normally sprayed and compare it to what the fertilizer and pest scouting recommenda- tions were," said LeCureux. "Then we compared yields and did economics to show the farmers it was in their favor to follow the recommendations. " "One farmer calculated out that in the « three years he was involved, he saved over $22,000 on 265 acres, that's about $28 per acre per year," said LeCureux. "I would encourage farmers to participate in the pro- gram and follow through on documented deals looking at the economics of it." "Hopefully this program can help reduce the cost of production by minimizing use and, more importantly, being more en- vironmentally friendly with how farmers apply pesticides and fertilizers they normal- ly use," explained Byrum. Calendar of Events Feb. 16-18, 1994 Farm Women's Sym- posium, Lansing, contact Dawn Messer at 1-800-292-2653 Feb. 17 - Weed Control in Soybeans, Dr. Karen Renner, sponsored by St. Joseph Ex- tension Office (616) 467-5511 for reserva- tion and details ., While you're busy farming, In the halls of Congress and in Feb. 22 - Michigan Dry Bean Day, Saginaw Farm Bureau is on the job in the Michigan Legislature, Farm Civic Center in Saginaw. Call Steve Poin- Lansing and Washington, D.C. Bureau is respected as the voice dexter MSU Extension (517) 799-2233 protecting your'interests. of agriculture. It's a grassroots Our experienced and highly organiiation with responsible Feb 23 - Making Cover Crops Fit in Your respected team of lobbyists are legislative clout, powered by Operation, sponsored by St. Joseph Exten- there working for )'OU. its members and guided by its sion Office (616) 467-5511 for reservation • farmer-developed policies. and details With the thousands of bills With over seven decades of introduced on the state and Feb. 26 - Southeast Michigan Pepper experience in the legislative and federal level, Farm Bureau School, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holiday Inn, regulatory arenas, you can count Ann Arbor, Monroe CES (313) 243-7113 lobbyists work full-time on Farm Bureau to get results! aggressively supporting March 1-2 - Michigan Dairy Management legislation that benefits farm Farm Bureau member benefits Conference, Lansing Holiday Inn South, families while seeking to defeat include: contact local County Extension Office. measures detrimental to • Educational and leadershiP agriculture. opportunities March 3-5 - Young Farmer Leaders' Con- • Health care insurance ference Midland, Mich., 1-800-292-2680, Farm Bureau - always there and proven effective ... ext. 3234 • Travel program • Discount prescription drugs March 3 - Insect Managment Update, Dr. • Nofee VISA card Doug Landis, MSU, sponsored by St. Joseph Extension Office (616) 467-5511 for • Farm, auto and life insurance reservation and details What concerns you March 7-9 - Mich. FFA State Convention, concerns us. MSU Campus, East Lansing Send or FAX information (include contact For your nearest Farm Bureau name and phone number) three weeks in ad- office call J (800) 292-2680 vance to: Michigan Farm News extension 3237 P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, MI 48909-8460 FAX: (517) 323-6793