~ Michigan Farm News .. 1-=1 February 28, 1994 Vol. 71, No.4 In This Issue Multiple Component Pricing Re-Opened for Michigan This Combifoss machine, a tester for somatic cell count, butterfat and protein I .. Guyer Appointed Director: A change of view on the value and pricing percentages will likely begin to impact producer pay prices this fall. Guyer gets the nod from of milk volume versus protein means that Michigan Commission of all Michigan dairy farmers selling milk in Agriculture page 2 Federal Order 40 won't see the impact of Multiple Component Pricing (MCP) until Farmland and Agriculture Task this fall, according to Walt Wosje, Force Announced: Michigan Milk Producer Association's Gov. John Engler announces general manager. . e~tablishment and appointments to Ag Land Task Force ..... page 3 USDA has announced that it will re-open the hearing on MCP around March 1 or 2 Weather Outlook: for Federal Order 40, originally scheduled ~. Expect a return to below normal to go into effect this spring. The hearing temperatures page 4 will be held in Grand Rapids at the Radisson Hotel. Federal Order 40 includes all of the Market Outlook: territory of the Lower Peninsula and some Don't hold out much longer on milk from the Upper Peninsula. At issue is .. unpriced crops page 6 the perceived value of the components, namely protein, volume and butterfat. Top Managers Recognized: Meet the 1993 MSU Telfarm "The original proposal called for the price Managers of the year page 7 to be predominantly allocated between but- terfat and protein," explained Wosje. "The A Look at the Future and Past: volume of milk was given little considera- County Farm Bureau Presidents -» tour MSU for a look ahead as well as the past page 9 tion, when, in fact, it has an impact on the value of milk and cheese in the store." Wosje went on to explain that under the Photo: Michigan Milk Producers Association r Ensuring Agri-Science Education's Future: Glassbrook Endowed Fund helps proposed changes to MCP, the butterfat value will be the same as originally proposed, based on the value of butter on the Chicago Mercantile; protein will be based on the value bf cheese. Another Continued on page 8, see Multiple Component Pricing J these college students make it through school SeD Funding Cuts: page 10 Proposal "A" vs. Statutory Back-up - Vote March 15 On March 15, voters in the state of would be at the rate of six mills. (Enrollment operates, and allows only adjacent and con- Steady reductions in state dollars Michigan will have an opportunity to decide in P.A. 116 is not necessary for the land to tiguous parcels farmed, to qualify for the 12 means less help on the farm level on a major shift in funding of K-12 education. qualify for the six mills for school operating.) mill rate. Of significant importance is the shift from "l believe that this agreement encompas- Any land that is rented or leased will be at in 1994 page 11 ses all of the concerns that farmers across the the 24 mill rate and the farmer must meet an property tax to a choice of either sales tax or Oceana County Wins First income tax as major sources of revenue. state have had as to where their land falls in income test to assure the farm income is Proposal "A" regard to the question of the homestead defini- greater than the off-farm income, which Round in Court Case: Proposal A would raise the sales tax from 4 tion," MFB President Jack Laurie said. "With places a farmer with off-farm income at a .. A federal judge rules in favor of cents to 6 cents and lower the income tax from the conclusion of this agreement, we will en- distinct disadvantage. In addition, there are county drain commissioner and 4.6 percent to 4.4 percent. In addition, the thusiastically and aggressively support numerous other situations where a farmer Michigan agriculture page 12 single business tax would stay at 2.35 percent. Proposal A on March 15 and urge MFB mem- would not qualify for the 12 mill rate. It has Last minute negotiations are resolving the bers to vote yes." been estimated as much as 80 percent of the INS Green Card Replacements: "homestead definition" issue, which, under (MFB members can expect to receive their farmers and farmland would not qualify for Get the latest rules from INS on original language, would have created two March 15 issue of Michigan Farm News prior the 12 mill rate under the Statutory Back-up IIGreen Card" replacements as of different classifications of farmland. Under to the vote, with updated information regard- plan. Sept. 20, 1994 page 13 proposed changes for classifying agricultural ing the status of the agreement that has yet to A brief comparison of Proposal A and the ;.... Farmer Goes Underground to property, farmland which would otherwise qualify for entrance into the Farmland and be acted on by legislators as of press time.) Statutory Back-up plan are summarized below.The comparison indicates that Control Deer: Open Space Preservation Act, P.A. 116, Statutory Back-up Proposal A has many advantages including a This New York farmer has dis- The Statutory Back- lower millage rate and is a clear distinction, up plan has several when the confusion on how farmland will be covered a unique way to keep SCHOOL FINANCE ALTERNATIVES tests for agriculture to treated is corrected. The Statutory Back-up deer out of his orchards. Practice qualify for a millage plan is confusing, unfair, unequal, and in all legal in Michigan page 16 Comparisons For a Typical Michigan Far." rate of 12 mills for probability, unconstitutional. Proposal A's $10,000 school operating. One primary test is use, not ownership. Farmland Legend test requires the which would otherwise qualify for P.A. 116 $9,000 _ SCHOOL MILLAGE farmer live on the farm would be at six mills. MFB is recommending which he owns and a yes vote on Proposal A. "11> •0"11c: $8,000 II INCOME TAX aJ2: ~ i:i" $7,000 II SALES TAX Summary Comparison - Millage Rate i[ $6,000 • Proposal A Statutory Back-up ~~ CJc8- If the farmer does not live on the farm ... 6 24 ~~ $5,000 If the farmland: 10 fC""~ Is not adjacent or contiguous 6 24 5' 3 $4.000 III ~~ aJ Is rented or leased 6 24 :t ID Is in a trust or separate trust.. 6 24 or 12 ~ ~ $3,000 Is in a life lease 6 24 or 12 Is in joint ownership 6 24 or 12 i 5' $2,000 Is share cropped 6 24 or 12 Ip Is owned by a partnership 6 24 or 12 ~ $1,000 Has a house for employee 6 24 ~ • Ol ~ $0 CURRENT . PROP "A" STATUTORY or or House for family involved in the farm .. 6 24 or 12 Seasonal housing 6 24 Assumptions: Is owned by the family corporation 6 24 or 12 Property Market Value .. $300,000 Taxable Income $ 30,000 S.E.V $150,000 Taxable Purchases $ 10,000 * Assumes agreement on homestead definition Is enacted. Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 In Brief... -. February 28, 1994 Health Care Dairy Refund Program Deadline Approaches Reform- Dairy farmers in 1993 who did not exceed their 1992 milk marketing levels may be due a refund of the reduction in their milk sales proceeds for 1993. Requests for refunds must pe "Separating made in county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) offices across Michigan before March 15, 1994. Politics from The reduced purchase prices for milk were initiated in the 1990 Food Security Act, and". were intended to reduce the overall supply of milk in the marketplace. Producers who are Reality" working in that direction and, in fact, do reduce their sales of milk in any calendar year, as compared to the previous year, are due a refund of the difference between the lower sales price and what they actually could have received. For more details, contact your local President Clinton, in his State of the Union address, tried (and, in my opinion, failed) to make ASCS county office. a persuasive case for undertaking a massive reform of our nation's health care system. It remains to be seen whether the president and his advisors are motivated by genuine concern Dairy Industry Reaction to FDA Ruling Mixed about the availability of health care, or are merely trying to find a great "social crusade" to support the president's re-election. Dairy companies in the Midwest are split over the Food and Drug Administration's ruling • that it would allow the labeling of dairy products that come from cows not treated with Agricultural people have a tremendous stake in the health care debate. Many farmers, as BST, according to United Press International. independent business people, must purchase health care insurance instead of receiving it as a benefit of employment. So, more than most, they are very aware of the high cost of Officials with two of Minnesota's largest dairies - Kemps and Land '0 Lakes - both say coverage. they oppose any labeling. On the other hand, one southern Wisconsin cheese plant, Cedar Grove Cheese, is already labeling its products as "farmer certified BST or BGH free." Likewise, farmers and other people who live in rural Michigan know about the problems involved with availability of health care services. Unfortunately, the Clinton proposal, with its Under the FDA ruling, stores and dairies can voluntarily label milk coming from non-, . emphasis on centralizing health care under government control, does little to address these treated cows. The labels, however, cannot suggest the product is any safer than that from ..... cost and availability concerns. treated animals. The labels also must say the product comes from non-treated cows rather than saying the product is "BST-free." Farm Bureau believes there should be improvements in our health care system. But those changes should be made in such a way as to promote the responsibility and control of the GAO Report Critical of FmHA individual for his or her health care decisions. Over the past three years, the Farmers Home Administration approved $205 million in new Federal tax policies should be used to encourage individuals to prepare for their own health loans to borrowers who were either in default or had failed to pay on earlier loans, according care needs through programs such as "Medisave" accounts. And there should be a minimum to a General Accounting Office report. of government interference in decisions between providers and receivers of health care. The GAO report focuses on what some critics consider FmHA's "most objectionable Sen. Patrick Moynihan has pointed out that there is no general health care crisis in the U.S. practice" -- ignoring a borrower's record with the agency. The report comes at a time when In fact, very, very few people in our country today go completely without health care of any some members of Congress are re-examining whether FmHA is too lenient with its 20,000 kind. But there are real and urgent problems with the health insurance system. delinquent borrowers. To address those problems, our Farm Bureau policy favors legislation to permit a 100 percent House Ag Subcommittee Approves USDA Reforms federal income tax credit or deduction for those who self-finance their health insurance, the " reduction of state and federal mandates which require certain provisions to be included in The House Agriculture Committee's subcommittee on department operations and nutrition aI/ health insurance policies and the periodic review of unnecessary regulations that force have approved the bill to reorganize the USDA. Before giving its OK to the bill, the panel up the cost of health care. beat back a controversial attempt to merge the Soil Conservation Service into the proposed Farm Service Agency. Chairman Charles Stenholm (D-Tex.) also dispatched a number of Farm Bureau also calls for greater efforts by medical schools to train additional qualified other amendments, many of them not considered germane and others that were withdrawn family physicians who intend to practice medicine in rural areas, and economic incentives without action, according to the Sparks Companies' daily policy report. at the state and local level to encourage doctors to practice in rural areas. Stenholm said his group's version of the bill enhances the administration's bill introduced Fanning hysteria about a "health care crisis" is not going to be a winning political strategy in by Ag Committee Chairman Kika de la Garza (D-Tex.), while "staying consistent with the the long run. That's because most people are beginning to see beyond the rhetoric about general intent to streamline and improve the structural makeup of USDA." The Sparks so-cal/ed greedy insurance companies and doctors. The American public is beginning to report says it could be more than a month before the full Agriculture Committee takes up to make crucial health care decisions. A~ 'i.~ realize that true health care reform lies in enhancing the ability of individuals, not government, the USDA reorganization issue. Theft Ring Suspected in Stolen Horses and Equipment {fJack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau Numerous Michigan counties are experiencing what is believed to be a theft ring primarily''' targeting barns that contain saddles, according to a Michigan State Police bulletin. It is Dr. Guyer Selected MDA Director to Replace Schuette unknown at this time the total value of the saddles that have been stolen; however, in Ingham County alone, the value could easily exceed $40,000. Perpetrators are primarily stealing saddles; however, some tack equipment, tools, and horses have been stolen. Thefts generally ocurr at night. There are reports of subjects using victim's own equipment, i.e., wheelbarrow, to transport stolen property to a vehicle that is parked away from barn. One county sheriff's office is reporting the vehicle involved may be a dark colored van. It's.. described as a cargo type van with windows in the rear and swinging doors on the right side; side doors have windows and there is rust on the bottom. It has an unknown Michigan registration. This vehicle had been seen several times prior to a B&E of a barn. Investigators have learned there apparently has been no contact in the state with horse auctions or sales reference fencing these saddles, meaning these saddles may be transported out of state. The primary targeted area seems to be the southeast area of Michigan; however, reports of stolen saddles have also been reported in Kent County. There have been two incident~., u reported of this theft ring targeting barns owned by facilities for mentally handicapped children who stable horses for riding. Anyone with information, anyone who has had equipment stolen is asked to contact one the nearest law enforcement agencies: Lenawee County Sheriff's Office (517) 263-0524; MSU Department of Public Safety (517) 355-2226; Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office 1-800-437-7317; Ingham County Sheriff's Office (517) 575-2431; Livingston County Sheriff's Office (517) 546-1744; Oakland County Sheriff's Office (810) 858- 5368; or the Kent County Sheriff's Office (616) 336-3129. Dr. Gordon Guyer accepted an offer from the Michigan Commission of Agriculture to "come 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 out of the longest retirement I've ever had - five months, " and assume the duties of MDA Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual Director effective Feb. 28. Guyer replaces outgoing Director Bill Schuette, who resigned to dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm practice private law in Midland and to run for an open state Senate seat. Above, Ag News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and Commission Chairman Dave Crumbaugh, Guyer, Schuette, and Ag Commissioners Don additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Nugent and John Spero welcome Guyer to his new role. Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460 .... In applying for the position, Guyer expressed interest in increasing the visibility of the state's Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna agricultural industry, and increasing cooperation between MDA, the Michigan Department Wilber; Henry Huisjen. of Natural Resources, and Michigan State University. "I'm excited about this opportunity Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck since I started out in agriculture 45 years ago," Guyer said. "With the opening up of Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, international trade, I think Michigan agriculture has a tremendous amount at stake. " Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Guyer holds bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in entomology from MSU, where Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan he began his career as an instructor in 1953. He served as the director of MSU Extension, Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young director of the DNR, and MSU's vice president for governmental affairs before accepting Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford . .I the MSU presidency in September 1992. He had just retired from that post last October. Michigan Farm News February 28, 1994 ITOL o o :D Z m :D EPA Cabinet BJII;,. ~ ~~ ... ... ~,. i Senate Bill 688, sponsored by Sen. George McManus, (R- , Traverse City), would amend the Michigan Fertilizer Act to provide for the protection of groundwater in compliance with the Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Act. MFB has offered language to amend S.B. 688 that would require all possible sources of nitrates be included in programs to abate nitrate contamination .. The bill would establish regional stewardship teams to ad- dress nitrate contamination in the areas of greatest concern Jack Laurie Appointed to Michigan Washington, D.C./Agriculture Face Key Farmland and Agriculture Environmen tsl Issues Development Task Force Geoffrey Grubbs, director of the EPA as- sessment and watershed division, said a Another speaker, Robert Szabo, general counsel of the National Wetlands Coalition, "green book" detailing the administration's said he believes the National Biological Survey -I~~-:::~~;~~~~:~~ : position on the rewrite of the Clean Water Act has been completed by officials of numerous federal agencies and is being reviewed at the White House. He said agricultural groups should be pleased with the administration's position. proposed by U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt has a dim future. Szabo told the audience that farm groups are having some success instilling economic and property rights thinking on environmental issues. "You are making progress in "Overall, we are more friends than Washington," he said. enemies," he said. Paraphrasing a quote of John Rademacher, general counsel of the former President Ronald Reagan, Grubbs AFBF, described Farm Bureau's successful said, "An 80 percent friend should not be opposition to the listing of the Bruneau Hotspr- considered a 20 percent enemy." ings Snail in Idaho as endangered. Rademacher He said non-point source pollution is a expressed concern about the property rights of concern at EPA. However, there is consider- landowners under proposals by Babbitt that the able support in the administration for treating Public Trust Doctrine is paramount in environ- non-point source situations on a watershed- mental issues. wide basis and that the ultimate legislation "He basically says your right is tested ... will have "economic reason and be real." He said state and local leadership will be a key. against the public's greater right," Rademacher said. "There has to be reasonableness." "We can't have a progressive and suc- urban Michigan being neighbors all across cessful agricultural industry without having a our state?" Laurie said. progressive and successful farmland preser- American Farmland Trust, a national f vation and land development program here in farmland conservation group based in the state," said Laurie at the press conference, Washington, D.C., will provide the staff sup- in Lansing where the Michigan Farmland and port for the task force. Agriculture Development Task Force was in- The task force is being privately funded troduced. "This task force is an opportunity to by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Americana look at how we can combine urban and Foundation, Consumers Power Foundation, agricultural Michigan in a successful future." Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, Michigan Gov. Engler created the task force by State University and Dow-Elanco. executive order and has charged it with draft- In addition to Laurie, task force members ing a report on the nature and extent of loss of include: Dr. Gordon Guyer, director of the agricultural land in the state. Michigan Department of Agriculture; Fred The task force is also being asked to make Poston, vice provost, dean, College of recommendations for maintaining land in Agriculture and Natural Resources at agricultural production. A report is due to the Michigan State University; Bill Rustem, a Morton Buildings is leading the industry with: governor by December of this year. vice president at Public Sector Consultants; "We have some, great opportunities in Don Nugent, president, Gateway Foods and a '> New structural designs II' 5O-year coIunII and snow-load protection Michigan agriculture," said Laurie. "Our member of the Michigan Agriculture Com- '> New structural capabilities (with no weight 1inIt) agriculture is interspersed out among the mission; Jordan Tatter, president, Michigan '> New color combinations II' 2...y. protection agaNt red rust urban areas of our state so that we have some Cold Storage and a member of the Michigan '> New building styles (mcDIiIg acid rain) special market niches available to our Natural Resources Commission; Elaine Skar- '> New exterior applications growers that they can take advantage of. riu, former president of the Michigan II' 1"'year wDHoad IIlf1tect1on on '> New inlerior options "But these opportunities also bring some Township Association; George Cushingber- ~ sliding doors (wtth no '> New sliding door tecJuwlogy real challenges. Livestock, aquaculture, the ry, Wayne County commissioner; Tom weight linit) '> New gutter systems development of our fruit industry ...all of these Washington, director of the Michigan United II' 5-year WInd-Ioad protection on complete '> New infonnative video tapes industries draw on the capacity for us to live Conservation Clubs; Martha Seger, president, ~ (wtth no weight 1mIt) '> New corrosion protection compatibly with our urban neighbors. Martha Seger and Associates; Rollie Harmes, "It's important that we have a plan and director of the Michigan Department of Call )a' IocIII aItIce bIsyI that we prepare for the future of farmland. Natural Resources; and Gary DeWitt, CEO How do we successfully live together and of the Bil Mar Food Company. Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 compliment each other with agriculture and Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 .. Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 Rockford, Three Rivers MI (616)874-6400 MI 616 279-5271 , '!Aichigan Farm News ~ February 28, 1994 30-Day Forecast - Colder and Wetter Than Normal A major shift in the jet stream finally brought warmer air into the This ice cover will reduce the threat of lake-effect snow and may .- midwestern and eastern U.S. by mid-February. The change al- slightly delay the gradual warm-up normally associated with the lowed relatively mild air of the Pacific Ocean back into Michigan late winter/early spring period. and kept airmasses of the arctic variety confined to Canada and $--1 the extreme northwestern U.S. Before the change, however, mean temperatures for the past 30 days generally ranged from 7-12 degrees below normal, with more In the upcoming few weeks, it's likely that the current west to east pattern of the jet stream will continue. This means a variety of weather for Michigan, ranging from normal to below normal temperatures in the far northern parts of the state to normal or above low temperature records at some spots. Precipitation for the month normal temperatures in the south. ~ ,--~--_.: was highly variable, with totals ranging from less than 0.5 inches in the southern Upper Peninsula to almost 2.5 inches in southern Precipitation will come from fast-moving frontal systems, possibly Lower Michigan. even resulting in a few thunderstorms in the south, while precipita- tion in the north remains generally in the frozen form. The official Even with the recent warmer weather, mean temperatures for the National Weather Service 3D-day outlook for mid-February overall December 1993 through February 1994 "winter" period are through mid-March is calling for temperatures across the state to likely to remain well below normal, the first such winter since average near to below normal and precipitation to increase to above ~ ~ normal levels. 1985-86. In addition, the extreme cold temperatures caused the most widespread ice cover on the Great Lakes since the late 1970s. ~ ~ Michigan Weather Summary 1/15/94 Temperature Precipitation to 2115194 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Mean Normal (Inch.) (Jnch\ . XL ~ Alpena 6.8 -11.0 1.40 1.61 " Bad Axe 9.4 -12.0 1.69 1.44 Detroit 17.0 - 6.0 2.39 1.64 Escanaba 5.8 - 10.0 .25 1.77 Flint 13.2 - 8.1 2.03 1.64 Grand Rapids 13.7 - 8.4 2.43 2.14 Houghton 3.2 -10.0 2.18 1.85 Houghton Lake 7.9 - 9.9 1.52 1.61 Jackson 15.4 - 7.8 0.78 1.63 Normals are based on district averages. Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. 2/28 3/15 2/28 4/30 P - Preclp. Michigan T B PT A A f B Crop Disaster Sign-Up Deadline March 4 W. Corn Belt N N N N Jim Byrum, state executive director of sured crops and 40 percent for uninsured "This date has passed for some crops E. Corn Belt N A N B the Agricultural Stabilization and Conser- crops. The loss must be due to adverse and remains open for others," said Byrum. Wint. Wheat Belt A B N N Spr. Wheat Belt B N N B vation Service (ASCS), reminds farmers weather conditions. "Producers should get a policy when in Pac. NW Wheat N N A N that the final date to apply for a 1993 crop "Any producers who think they may doubt, because they can cancel it later if Delta A N B N loss disaster payment is March 4, 1994. qualify should file an application, provide theydo not need the policy to be eligible for (f' Southeast A B N A "Producers must file an application in their production evidence and have their payment," concluded Byrum. San Joaquin N A A N ASCS county office by March 4, 1994, to eligibility calculated by their county of- The sales closing dates for 1994 crop A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- be eligible for a disaster payment or ad- fice," stated Byrum. insurance on several crops are as follows: mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, Np. vance deficiency forgiveness," said Byrum. Legislation that authorizes these pay- Onions - March 1, 1994 No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office Disaster payments are available to com- Corn, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, grain sor- ments also requires producers whose mercial producers who suffer a loss of production loss on a farm is greater than 65 ghum, canning beans, popcorn, soybeans, production greater than 35 percent on in- percent to have crop insurance, if available, barley, dry beans, hybrid seed com, and on their 1994 crop. If producers think they tomatoes - April 15, 1994 may need crop insurance to qualify for a For more details, farmers are urged to rfilMFRNj L~ RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business disaster payment, they should get a policy before the sales closing date. Cargill" Hybrids Deliver Top Yields contact. their county ASCS office. 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: Station City Frequency Morning Farm NoonFsrm 2497 Second Place tie (out of 56 4327 third Place (out of 64 WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11 :50 am entries) in grain trial, entries) in late grain trial, WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11 :30 am with 111 BulA with 184 BulA at 28.3% WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm at 34.2% moisture. moisture, (compared to 12:50 pm (compared to test test average of 158 BulA WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am average of 93 BuIA at 27.7% moisture). WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm at 35.6% moisture). WKYO WTVB WDOW Caro Coldwater Dowagiac 1360 1590 1440 1370/92.1 6:15 5:45 6:05 5:45 am am am am 12:15 pm *** 12:15 pm 12:15 pm 42n First Place (out of 72 entries) in 5sn ~onnerty X530~ First Place (out of 72 entries) WGHN Grand Haven early grain trial, with 192 But A in late grain trial, with at 26.1 % moisture, (compared to WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am 212 ButA, at 28.9% moisture test average of 168 BuIA at 22.9% (compared to test average WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm moisture). Also finished first in of '75 BuIA at 29.0% moisture). WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm average of Kent, Ingham and Also finished third in average of Saginaw Counties. WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm Kent, Ingham and Saginaw Counties. WKZO Kalamazoo 590 ** 11:30 am WJIM WWGZ Lansing Lapeer 1240 1530 5:05 am * 11 :50 am 12:15pm 42n First Place (out of 8' entries) in irrigated early trial, with 207 BuIA WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm at 18.2% moisture. (compared to First Place (out of 72 entries) in third Place (out of 72 entries) in earty grain trial, with 207 BulA at 27.4% late grain trial, with 203 BuIA, WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm test average of 172 BuIA at 20.1% moisture, (compared to test average (compared to test average WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm moisture). of '67 BuIA at 23.0% moisture). of '84 BuIA). WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm WMIC WCSY Sandusky South Haven 660 940 6:15 am 12:45 pm 12:15 pm Why Not More Cargill OnYour Farm? More Cargill means more bushels. 1993 stale conditions change. but Ihe Cargill success WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm yield trials proved il again. Across Ihe stale, slory goes on and on. To learn more, contacl several of our com hybrids ranked al or near your dealer or call our 800 number or one of WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm the lop in lale and early grain lrials. Growing Ihese lerritory managers: WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning fann times change Emm.n Omar Robert Morse Keith Clark with the sign-on times. ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. (517) 655.2500 WIllIamston. MI (616) 373.5495 Kalamazoo. MI ~HYBRID (517) 773-7805 MI. Pleasant. MI *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. • SEEDS Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. Calil-BDD-G34-B941 ~ 1 Michigan Farm News " I February 28, 1994 Looking to benefit your bottom line? I Join the Club !!! I J 1 I I Harvest the savings at SAM'S To benefit your "bottom line" SAM's is committed to being the CLUB low price leader in the market and ~, MEMBERS ONLY the low cost operator in the in- A DIVISION OF WAL-MART STORES, INC. I I dustry. As a farm owner or , I manager, we. hope you'll think of SAM's Club as your personal warehouse. 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Then get ready for aisles of nalne brands 1 '. I I MEMBERS .to DMSJI:]IJrt ONLY OIF WAL-MM'T STORES. N: card must be either cash or and truckloads of savings. Discm'er Card. *Proof includes: Business check, accounting statement, tax number(if incor- .---------------------------- I porated), or reciepts showing your business name . ** Plus tax where applicable. 21 MICHIGAN LOCATIONS -OPEN 7 DAYSA WEEK- Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ~ ~ SA TTLE CREEK FLINT KENTWOOD PORTAGE (2 Loudoml SAGINAW TRAVERSE CITY UTICA 12737 Cotten Lake Rd. 4373 Corunna Rd. 3055 Lk. Eastbrook 5564 Portage Rd. 5417 Bay Rd. 2401 U.S. 31 South 45600 Utica Park Blvd. Blvd. 665 Mall Dr. COMSTOCK HOLLAND LANSING PORT HURON SOUTHFIELD WATERFORD YPSILANTI PARK 3901 Alpine Ave. 2190 N. Park Dr. 340 E. Edgewood Blvd. 2540 W. Lapeer Rd. 22500 Eight Mile Rd. 495 Summit Rd. 5450 Carpenter Rd. -- WESTLAND FARMIGTON JACKSON MADISON ROSEVILLE SOUTHGATE HILLS HEIGHTS 24800 Haggerty Rd. 3600 O'Neill Dr. 800 E. 14 Mile Rd. 31940 Gratiot Ave. 15700 Northiine Rd. 35400 Central City Pky. Michigan Farm News II Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Market Outlook ... •• ........... February ...... . •••••••• ••••••• ••••• 28, 1994 ~.rl 1• . ~~ •••• rj ••• CORN •••• ,J ••• SOYBEANS Fundamentally, conditions changed much over the past several weeks, haven't but prices keep jumping around. At first that may seem like a contradiction, but remem- Seasonal Commodity Price Trends Projected U.S. soybean ending stocks (Table 3), at 155 million bushels or 7.9 percent of use, is historically very tight. The R~RMI f ~ J.::-... •••• .' •••••••• •••••••• ber what the conditions are - they point to tight ending stock situation with soybeans is similar to corn. You can put together BUSINESS a~ .a?~ormally wide range of price pos- SibilitIes. You need to decide on some Wheat -i scenarios which could point to much higher or much lower soybean prices. Again, we OUTLOOK reasonable pricing goals and take action when the market hits them. Corn -i need to set some pricing goals and be ready to act. The USDA made only marginal changes in their latest Supply/Demand Report released Feb. 10 (Table 1), by an increase of 25 Soybeans Hogs -i i-? Strategy: There is a good probability that prices will again reach their January highs; crop much higher than that, the key is not to let them all pass by. million bushels in industrial use. This that may be a place to start pricing some While the futures markets are paying some lowered an already tight ending stocks fig- more old crop, depending on how much you storage now, it is not enough to pay on-farm ure. It would not take much of a demand Cattle -1 have priced already. or commercial storage costs. Consider moving to basis contracts to stay in the increase or a projected supply decrease for next year to send prices back up. On the Be watching for new crop pricing oppor- market. New crop basis seems somewhat other hand, a demand increase or good Index: t= Higher Prices; 1 = Lower Prices; tunities as well. My fundamentals would wide; consider using hedge-to-arrive con- weather this spring could send prices the TP= Topping; BT = Bottoming; ? = Unsure suggest a point estimate below $6 per tracts versus the typical forward contracts other direction. bushel for the 1994-95 crop year. While we for new crop pricing. 1,300 million bushel projection. Constantly will probably have chances to price new The projected feed use number of 4,800 changing trade views on this issue are million bushels is way below last year, but another reason for the unstable prices. HOGS we will have just as many or more livestock units this year. Strategy: Over the past month, the market Lower than expected, hog slaughter levels prices for the next 18 months and, in at least has again decided to pay a little for storage, are being reflected in the prices. While we one sense, scares me. That scare is we Usually producers cut back on feed with not enough for commercial storage, but per- may see a little drop-off in prices for a short become comfortable with prices near $50 higher prices, but at this point, cattle haps enough for on-farm storage of corn. As period, prices should remain in the upper per cwt. and only become efficient enough slaughter weights have not fallen. If the of this writing, the futures market was $40s and lower $50s per cwt. seasonally to match that. March Stocks Report, released March 31, saying it would pay 6 cents to store corn through the rest of the year. shows we are feeding more than expected, until May If you want to stay in the market Even during this overall liquidation, there we may see a good pricing opportunity. consider on-farm storage, or a basis con~ The industry seems to be continuing the has been rapid expansion for the large in- tract, if your corn is at a commercial facility. overall liquidation which we saw in the tegrated units. Their costs are under $40 per Exports present the other side of the story. If we get back to the January highs, we are December Hogs and Pigs Report. The cwt. The good prices are nice, but we still World coarse grain stocks are not as tight as being presented with good pricing oppor- March 1 report will be released on March need to be working diligently on our ef- U.S. stocks. Weekly corn exports and sales tunities, especially for those who have not 24. This liquidation may give us decent ficiency levels. arc hardly running at a rate to meet the priced much to this point. CATTLE WHEAT The Jan. 1 Cattle Inventory Report showed These numbers would indicate annual cattle The USDA's latest Supply/Demand Report all cattle and calves up 1 percent from a year prices, calves, and stockers, will gradually Strategy: Be watching for pricing oppor- fall over the next several years without sub- for ~heat (Table 2) showed a positive pic- tunities from now through spring. New ago. Beef cows were up 3 percent and heifer ture In the sense of strong domestic use. replacements up 4 percent. Milk cows were stantial demand growth. Calf prices this fall crop prices over $3 per bushel are not bad may well fall into the lower $90 range, but However, a good production year and lower down 2 percent with heifer replacements and we may well have chances to price in the meantime, feeder supplies will exports mean ending stocks are more than even with a year ago. The 1993 calf crop 15-40 cents higher than that. One thing to remain tight due to the small increase in last adequate. The former Soviet Union's wheat watch for are rumors on winter wheat con- was up 1 percent from 1992. Steers over 500 production was up and their feed use is pounds were up 1 percent and other heifers year's calf crop. ditions, given the harsh winter. There may down. This leaves projected world ending be more rumors than facts. over 500 pounds were up 5 percent. stocks larger than last year. In the shorter-run, we should start to see a In Michigan, beef cows are up 10 percent pick-up in fed prices by the end of March. Consider pricing remaining old crop soon A likely scenario for the 1994-95 year is one and milk cows are about even with a year Prices should move over $75 as we move on market rallies. Spread new crop pricing much like this year, with production being ago. Beef cow replacements are up 13 per- through April and May, before moving from now through spring. Don't wait to at least as big as use. However, this doesn't cent and milk cow replacements are down back into the $72-$74 dollar range for the price everything at harvest. mean the.r~ will be better or worse pricing 3 percent. The 1993 calf crop was up 2 remainder of the year. At this point, there opportuOltles. percent. Cattle on feed in Michigan on Jan. does not appear to be real good forward 1 were up 2 percent. pricing opportunities. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For CORN WHEAT SOYBEANS ,. USDA USDA USDA Hilker USDA Hilker Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. 1991-92 92-93 93-94 1991-92 92-93 93-94 1991-92 92-93 93-94 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Diverted 7.5 10.5 Acres Planted 59.2 59.1 59.4 5.3 Diverted 10.0 3.5 0.5 Acres Planted 76.0 Acres Harvested 58.0 58.2 56.4 Acres Harvested 68.8 79.3 72.2 73.3 63.0 Acres Planted Acres Harvested 69.9 57.7 72.3 62.4 72.1 62.5 Bu./Harvested Acre 34.2 37.6 32.0 4'" Bu./A. Harvested 108.6 131.4 100.7 Bu./A. Harvested 34.3 39.4 38.4 Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks Beg. Stocks 329 278 292 (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 1521 1100 2113 Production 1987 2188 1809 Beg. Stocks 866 472 529 Imports 3 2 5 Production 7475 9482 6344 Production 1981 2459 2402 Total Supply 2319 2468 2106 Imports 20 7 20 Imports 41 70 95 Use: ~ Total Supply 9016 10,589 8,477 Total Supply 2888 3001 3026 Use: Use: Crushlngs 1254 1279 1240 Feed 4878 5301 4800 Food 789 829 840 Exports 684 no 605 - Seed, Feed and Food/Seed 1454 1511 1600 Seed 94 98 98 Total Domestic Residuals 103 127 106 6332 6813 6400 Feed 253 191 275 Total Use 2041 2176 1951 Exports 1584 1663 1300 Total Domestic 1136 1118 1213 Ending Stocks noo 278 292 155 Total Use Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 7916 1100 8476 2113 n7 Exports Total Use Ending Stocks 1280 2416 472 1354 2472 529 1225 2438 588 Ending Stocks, Percent of Use 13.6% 13.4% 7.9% .1 Percent of Use 13.9% 24.9% 10.1% Regular Loan Rate $5.02 $5.02 5.02 Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $1.62 $1.72 $1.72, Percent of Use 19.5% 21.4% 24.1% Regular Loan Rate $2.04 $2.21 $2.45 U.S. Season Average U.S. Season Average Farm Price. StBu. SS.58 S5.50 S6.50 Farm Price. S/Bu. S2.37 S2.07 52.65 Source: USDA & Hilker -, U.S. Season Average Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price. S/Bu. $3.00 $3.24 $3.18 Source: USDA &Hilker ,. 1 -- Michigan Farm News February 28, 1994 111993 Telfarm Farm Managers of the Year ...... ... •••••••• ••••••• ••••••••• •••••~.'I r. R~RM . ~ by John Jones, Telfarm Director •••• ri••• •••• ,j ••• Michigan State University Agricultural Economics Department .' j~:;" •••• Rob.rt .nd a.rald H.ck ~ Author's note -- A big thank you goes to the Monro. - Monro. County •••••••• •••••••• following MSU Extension field faculty for Bob and Jerry Heck began farming with the providing most of the following informa- tion: Roger Betz, Elvin Hepker, Paul Marks help of their father, Wilbur Heck, in the early 1970s. He is still called upon by Bob BUSINESS and Jim Bardenhagen. Jim and Carolyn Ballard, Gerald and Shar- and Jerry as a management advisor and provides an extra hand when help is needed on the farm. OUTLOOK ron Cottle, Robert and Gerald Heck, and Kolarik Farms were recognized for their the Telfarm Farm Manager of the Year for outstanding farm management efforts by Bob and Jerry formed their farm partner- the northern area of the lower peninsula. MSU Extension and the Agricultural ship in 1974 and continue to operate their Economics Department in 1993. farm business as a partnership today. They Julius and Grace Kolarik have been lifelong have been using the MSU Telfarm records residents of Northport. They. have five Telfarm Farm Managers of the Year are program since 1976. children and have been active in local com- outstanding farmers enrolled in the MSU munity affairs. They are lifelong Farm Telfarm program and are selected based on Their base of operation is at the home farm Bureau members and belong to a local the efficient management and operation of on AIbain Road just west of Telegraph. with a herd average just over 18,000 pounds Farm Bureau Community Group in the their farms. These farmers are also quite They presently farm approx~matel~ 1,2QO of milk per year. Along with the dairy Gills Pier area called Fruit Loops. involved in community leadership, farm acres, all in Monroe TownshIp. TheIr malO enterprise, Gerald annually harvests and enterprises are com, soybeans, wheat, sugar organizations and other community a~- markets 150-175 tons of hay. Julius is a member and past president of the tivities. The Telfarm Center and MSU IS beets and eggs produced for retail sale at the Leelanau County ASCS committee. They proud to have the cooperative support of farm or wholesale. In addition, they are Gerald and Sharron started from scratch and handle about 600 hives of pollinating bees these outstanding farmers. sales representatives for Pioneer Seeds. built their dairy operation over an 18-year in addition to the fruit and beef enterprises. Jim and Carolyn Ballard period while Gerald was still working fu.ll- Bob and his wife, Annette, have two sons time for the local A&P store. They do hire Tom Kolarik and his wife, Carol, and Pat and one daughter. Jerry and his wife, Diane, seasonal help for the forage operation and Kolarik and his wife, Peggy, are most have two daughters. purchase all concentrates for the dairy herd. heavily involved in the fruit and beef feeders part of the partnership. Both Bob and Jerry are active in their Their two children, a son and a daughter, are church and community. They have been out on their own now, and Sharron works Fruit consists of about 100 acres total, of leaders in Farm Bureau, Monroe County part-time for the Pickford School System. tart cherries, sweet cherries, prunes, and Fair Association, Monroe School Board, They belong to the Pickford Presbyterian apples. Annually, the partnership also sells East Ida Lutheran Church and the Monroe Church and are active members in their local about 50 head of feeder cattle, fed from 100 County Com Growers Association. Con- Michigan Milk Producers Association and additional acres of field crops. They have gratulations to this prosperous management Farm Bureau. been using the Telfarm program since team! 1982. The Cottles have used the MSU Telfarm Ko/.rlk F.rm., program since 1989 to help them with their Diversity and outstanding management are farm management records. Congratulations Northport - L,,'.n.u Co~nty . traits synonymous with Kolarik Farms! Kolarik Farms, a partnership of Juhus, to these successful Upper Peninsula dairy Tom, and Pat Kolarik, has been selected as farmers! Even though changes are rapidly occurring in agriculture, the Ballard family farm has been successful at keeping up-to-date and continues to be a front-runner in hog production. This operation has passed through the Ballard family with Dwight and his son, Jim, starting a partnership in 1954 and continuing until 1965. Jim and his wife, Carolyn, purchased the farm from his father in 1965. In 1980, their son Dave joined his parents in a partnership; and in 1993, Dave and his wife, Joanna, took over the operation. In 1930 the farm started out as Levelvue Farms. in 1965 the name was changed to Levelvue Enterprises, then Levelvue Ham- lot in 1980, and in 1993 the farm name was changed to Levelvue Porkshop. Whatever the name, strong family values and progres- sive leadership provided by the Ballards make them respected leaders in the swine industry. The successful intergenerational transfer of the farming operation to Dave and Joanna was a very important hurdle. It was impor- tant to get Dave started early in his career so that when Jim and Carolyn wanted to retire, there was already adequate manage- ment experience and business assets ac- quired by Dave to allow for a smooth tran- sition. The Ballards run a farrow-to-finish opera- tion and have a "closed herd." The farm has grown over the years to approximately 6,000 finished hogs marketed through Michigan Live Stock Exchange. The Bal- lards produce 50 percent of their feed, while purchasing the remainder of t~e feed from neighbors. They have used this pro- gram successfully since 1960. The Ballard farm has participated in the MSU Telfarm program since 1933. Out- standing! G.r.'d .nd Sharron Cottl. Pickford - Chlpp.wa County Gerald and Sharron Cottle own and operate a very efficient 410 acre dairy farm in Pick- ford Michigan. The farm, known as Spruce Cre~k Farm, manages a 50-cow Holstein Michigan Farm News February 28,1994 Multiple Component Pricing Re-Opened continued from page 1 MCP Facts category, called residual, will be assigned • Farmers are paid based on predominantly for the value of volume, as well as lactose, and minerals. Changes in Skim & Butterfat Values pounds of butterfat produced, pounds of protein produced, and a weighted fluid differential on Under that scenario, the following real- (percent of milk price) the volume of milk produced. locations would take place: original proposed changes • There is NO butterfat differential Butterfat 20% 20% or blend price. Protein 70% 40% Volume 10% 40% BUTTERFAT 66.0% BUTTERFAT 22.0% • Industry will test for protein, Wosje said the requested changes are the butterfat, and somatic cells. <^5 result of a hearing held recently in Min- nesota for five Midwest federal orders con- • SCC will affect your protein sidering MCP pricing, all of which had a portion of payment. different value in calculating the value of protein and volume in milk pricing. "This is the first major change in 50 years on how total milk pool dollars are divided "During that hearing, we were convinced among producers," Kirk said. "Initially that protein wasn't worth 70 percent of the SKIM 34.0% SKIM 78.0% there are no new dollars with MCP - just a total value of milk," said Wosje. "There are new way to allocate consumer dollars three or four federal orders currently operat- ing as Michigan's dairy industry had 1950 1992 among producers. There will be some producers with higher protein tests that will originally proposed. But when this new see more dollars, while producers with low MCP breakdown becomes more According to MFB's Livestock Specialist, as reducing Somatic Cell Count (SCC) for tests will receive a little less, but in total, all widespread, you're going to see a correct Kevin Kirk, the proposed changes mean protein. More importantly, however, things considered, the same amount of dol- allocation of the value of these components. that producers can take advantage of MCP producers can start to manage long-term for lars will be paid." I wouldn't be surprised if they ask for order immediately by adjusting management protein production by selecting bulls based amendments to readjust calculations." practices for volume and butterfat, as well on protein. Michigan State University Ag Economist Larry Hamm concurs with Kirk, adding that there will be a greater price spread between neighboring producers based on the quality and composition of their milk. "For the first time in Michigan, the Somatic A FEW SMALL REASONS Cell Count quality adjustment will not be voluntary," Hamm said. "It will automat- ically be included in the federal milk market order system." For more information on the Federal Order 40 MCP hearing, contact Market Administrator Clancy Artz at (313) 548- 1603. Calendar of Events March 1-2, Michigan Dairy Management Conference, Lansing Holiday Inn South. Contact local County Extension Office. • March 3 - 5 - Young Farmer Leaders' Conference, Midland, Mich., 1-800-292- 2680, ext. 3234. March 3 - Insect Managment Update, Dr. Doug Landis, MSU, sponsored by St. Joseph Extension office, (616) 467-5511. March 3 - 6 , Texas Cattle Tour, sponsored by the Michigan Cattleman's Association. Call (517) 669-8589 for more information. March 7-9 - Mich. FFA State Convention, MSU Campus, East Lansing. March 4-12 - Agriculture and Natural Resources Week, MSU Campus. Call your local Extension Office for program infor- mation. March 12 - Gustafson Farms Open House and Bull Sale, Mason, 1 p.m. March 15-18, MFB Washington, D.C. Legislative Seminar. March 16-17 Michigan Grazing Con- ference, Mt. Pleasant. Contact Ben Bartlett, (906) 228-4830. For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates March 19 - 6th Annual MCA Bull Test with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. Sale, Breckenridge, noon. March 23 - Michigan DHIA annual meet- No matter what your needs... ing, Hannah Center Ballroom, East Lansing. small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family — Call (517) 355-5033. we have the right plan at the right price. March 26 - 13th Annual Michigan Limousin Association Sale, Hillsdale Co. Fairgrounds, Show 9:30 a.m., Sale 1 p.m. Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting April 8-10 - Michigan Beef Expo, Ingham the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. County Fairgrounds, Mason. Call (517) 669-8589 for more information. For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. Send or FAX information (include name and phone number) to: « » ) MICHIGAN MICHIGAN Michigan Farm News; P.O. Box 30960; FARM BUREAU Lansing, MI 48909-8460 mm FAX (517) 323-6793 Michigan Farm News County Farm Bureau Presidents Get a Glimpse .a.t.the ~utur~. a~d -. m Pas~ February 28, 1994 County Farm Bureau presidents, in Lans- "finger printing" of various organic com- This horse treadmill IS Just one piece of $14 million In new VCC eqUipment. ing for a conference recently, got a chance pounds are conducted. to see the latest in research technology during a tour at MSU's Veterinary Clinical The county presidents were at MSU to Center (YCC), as well as the relatively new celebrate the founding of Michigan Farm Crop and Soil Sciences research facilities. Bureau in 1919 at the then-Michigan The YCC, after a $46.8 million dollar Agricultural College. MSU President M. renovation and expansion, consists of over Peter McPherson was presented a com- 100,000 square feet of teaching, research, memorative plaque that will be on per- and office facilities, complete with $14 mil- manent display in Agriculture Hall. In ac- lion worth of new equipment. cepting the plaque, McPherson reminisced about the time he spent as a child on the County presidents had a chance to view farm of his grandfather n former Michigan operating facilities, a unique horse treadmill Farm Bureau President Melville Mc- used in testing for airway blockage and Pherson. lameness, as well as the Necropsy Center, where autopsies are performed on livestock. President Laurie also presented a plaque to With new equipment and technology, YCC Oakland County President Tony Raney in staff can identify up to 70,000 different recognition of Oakland County's status as organic compounds through the necropsy the first county Farm Bureau to join center and the Toxicology Center where Michigan Farm Bureau at that founding meeting back on Feb. 4, 1919. 350 Michigan County presidents completed their MSU tour with a reception and banquet honoring Farmers to former MFB President Elton Smith for his honorary doctorate degree designation Participate in from MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. County presidents were MSU research efforts regarding site specific management and implementation Gov. John Engler was also on hand to ad- dress county presidents about school 1993 Farm then briefed by MSU's Dr. Fran Pierce on on Michigan farms. finance reform. Finances Survey Customized Trip Routing! IPs new, it's free and it's designed especially A nationwide survey on costs of produc- for Farm 8ureau MemberLine VISA and Gold tion and financial conditions throughout the MasterGarcfrHoiderson the move. Simply tell farm sector will be done during February c, flUS where you're going, whether you want to and March 1994. The United States Depart- take the scenic route or get there fast ... and ment of Agriculture (USDA) will be con- we'll do the rest! Within three days you'll ducting the tenth annual Farm Costs and receive de\ailed maps to your destinalion-- Returns Survey (FCRS) with the custom fit'to"YOl1rspecificatiQOs and travel Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statis- plans. It's a cC1nvenienceyou can use as you • tics Service (MASS) directing the survey erlfdYI{ftel'rffanyother benefits and advanta~s here in Michigan. you receive with a earm Bureau MemberLme VISA or Gold MasterCard. About 350 of the 14,500 nationwide FCRS sampLes are assigned to Michigan. Trained Better Variable Interest Rates enumerators will begin data collection in The Gold MastarCard has a 12.9% APR* - late February. The 1993 FCRS will include one of the lowest interest rates available! The three questionnaire versions, all of which interest ratebn the MemberLine VISA is a low involve Michigan: 14.4 % APR*. In addition, you pay no interest onJlew credit card purchases wherr yourfull • The Economic version centers on basic '-'balance is paid by the due date. financial data (expenses, income, assets, • The MemberLine VISA has no annual fee and and debts) for the farm. the annual fee for the Gold MasterCard is $20, which is rebated every year t"hatyou make • The Farm Operator Resources version $3,000 or more in net purchases. inquires about household finances, demographics, off-farm employment, and Better premiums farm management activities as well as basic Both the MemberLine VISA and the Gold financial data for the farm. MasterCard offer a wide array of complimentary features and options. for your protection and • The Cost of Production version collects peace of mind. And when you carry a Gold data on the production practices for a MasterCard, you'll enjoy the added advantages specific commodity in addition to the basic of a higher credit line, executive travel financial data for the farm. Dairy is the only privileges, emergency road assistance, commodity surveyed for cost of production purchase protection insurance and a warranty on the 1993 FCRS. extension program - valuable -extras. you and your family can depend on. FCRS is one of the most important surveys the USDA conducts. Data from this survey Convinced? is used by the policy makers to aid in for- Simply remove this page from the magazin~ mulating legislation. and fill out the application on the reverse Side. Letterfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! The financial information collected provides an assessment of the economic CLASSIC 14.4% Variable A.P.R. and GOLD 12.9% Variable A.P.R. performance of the farm sector, and the effective October 1,1993 based on September 15, 1993 Prime Rate. well-being of farm people, that is reported to Congress annually. The FCRS is the only national data base constructed annually on individual farm production and financial data. Farm or- ganizations, agribusiness, Michigan State , University, and the public all rely upon the FCRS for current farm sector financial in- formation. 111111 No Postage Necessary If Mailed Within The United States In Michigan, in addition to the 350 FCR~ samples, there will also be about 360 fruIt growers selected for the second phase of the Business Reply Mail Fruit Chemical Use Survey. Growers will First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI be asked to provide economic data relating to their operations. This data will allow the Postage will be paid by addressee determination of risk/benefit analysis of agricultural chemical use on fruit. All data collected is kept confidential. FIRST OF AMERICA BANK Questionnaires are destroyed after sum- REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION mary data is compiled. Results of this s.ur- ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES vey will begin to appear in reports startmg in the summer of 1994. P.O. BOX 2349 I II II KALAMAZOO, MI 49003-9917 1.1.. 11.1.. 1111.11'"1111.1.1111.11111.11'11 .. I Michigan Farm News February 28, 1994 !'i'Pauline Glassbrook Endowed Scholarship Fund - Ensuring the Future .... by Deb Laurell of Agri-Science Education in Michigan Working with a "wonderful, bright bunch Glassbrook views scholarship her as _-..---=--- ~ .. , pursue a degree in agriscience education. The "Mrs. Glassbrook is a great speaker on be- half of agriscience education and the FFA- she's always doing whatever she can," said of young people" at Michigan's Depart- an opportunity scholarship is Pete Barnum, a sophomore in agriscience ment of Education for more than 40 years to regenerate in- awarded an- education. Barnum is a recipient of a led Pauline Glassbrook to give $100,000 to terest in the FFA nually to high Glassbrook Scholarship. establish an endowed undergraduate pro gram. She school students scholarship for the FFA. "It was a stimulat- explains, "more preparing to Other recipients of the Glassbrook Scholar- ing and educational environment," said needs to be done • enter MSU's ship agree with Barnum and they're thank- Glassbrook when describing daily contact to bring farming Department of ful for her contribution. with FFA members. "It was gratifying to be into the class- Agricultural part of their lives." room." In estab- and Extension "I think she's a terrific lady. She knows lishing the Education as there are great kids out there and she knows Glassbrook worked at Michigan's Depart- scholarship well as current how important agriculture is as an industry, ment of Education from 1937 to 1978, as- fund, she hoped MSU students and to me that's very special," said Carrie sisting the chief agriculture education of- to encourage in their junior Beneker, senior in elementary education ficer and serving as the state's primary link Michigan agri- or senior year. and agriscience education. with FFA. science students to combine their To date, 12 stu- "Receiving a Glassbrook Scholarship has Having no children of their own, love for farming dents have allowed me to reduce my work hours, so I Glassbrook and her late husband, Stanley, with career received the have the ability to get involved with extra- a car sales manager, established an en- goals in agri- Glassbrook curricular activities within the college, dowed scholarship with a gift of $100,000 science and scholarship, which have been beneficial to my future as to Michigan State University's Department education. . with awards an agriscience educator," said Jason Grif- of Agricultural and Extension Education, ranging from fith, an agriscience education senior. which administers Michigan's FFA pro- The Pauline $700 to $2,000. gram. Glassbrook Endowed Scholarship fund 1994 winners are currently being deter- After establishing the scholarship, will support FFA members who want to mined. Glassbrook funded a charitable gift annuity. The gift annuity will provide Glassbrook CARD PREFERENCE (choose one design only) OPTIONAL GROUP CREDIT INSURANCE with guaranteed annual income for the rest of her life. Upon her death, the principal of Optional Group Credit Insurance her annuity will be added to her endowed o CllScenic VISA VR 6400 09 Pl1 o CllStandard VR 6400 09 Pl2 VISA DGOLD MASTERCARD To enroll in Chargeoard, you must be under age 70 in all states except age 71 in tv., Fl, MI, MO. and OK. In scholarship fund. CTl MP 5600 0100 PL1 CA, CT, HI, 10, IN, MA. NJ, RI, VT, WA, WI, and WY, maximum enrollment age is through age 64 (age 65 in lA, MN, OR, and TX). and coverage ends at age 65 (age 66 in MN, OR, and TX; age 70 in NY). You, the o~ ... applicant, are eligible for this coverage if you are employed full-time in a non-seasonal occupation. (Non- In addition to the scholarship endowment, seasonal restriction does not apply in AI. MI, NM, NY, OR, and RI.) Unemployment and disability coverages begin alter 30 consecutive days of unemployment or disability, and are retroactive to the first day of loss. All Glassbrook recently set up an endowment l~ benefits are based on the outstanding balance as of the date of loss and will continue until your balance is for the Michigan FFA Foundation. Accord- paid oil, you retum to work, or you reach the limits of the master policy, $10,000, whichever occurs first. Ute benefits are available to the applicant and joint applicant (spouse, if no joint applicant). Benefits are not ing to Dave Krueger, director, Michigan If I do not Qualify for the Gold MasterCard, consider my application for the regular VISA. payable on purchases or advances made while claims are being paid. FFA Foundation, "Pauline set up this en- Unemployment Benefit: If you become involuntarily unemployed, Chargegard will make your scheduled I APPLICANT (please print) minimum monthly payments, subject to the master policy limit. Retirement is not covered. In NY, dowment for general operational support of NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD unemployment benefits are not payable for pregnancy and other medical conditions. (Coverage not available the FFA Foundation and to insure FFA's in CT, MA and MN; labor disputesJstrikes excluded in AR, IL and NY.) future. " L1le Benefit: If you or your joint applicant (spouse. il no joint applicant) die, Chargeoard will pay the I I I I I I I I I outstanding account balance as of the date of death. not to exceed your credit limit or $10,000. (Suicide Rrst Name Middle Initial last Name excluded except in MD and MO.) AI age 65 (age 66 in IA), Ute benefits convert to Accidental Death in HI, IN "Anyone can contribute to this endowment. and VT. (Single Lile coverage only in MA) Social Security I Dateof Birth / Disability Benefll: If you become disabled, Chargegard will make your scheduled minimum monthly This is the starter endowment that we are payments as long as you are under a doctor's care and unable to work, up to your credit limit or $10,000. going to keep adding to in the future," whichever is less. Home Phone( Krueger explained. Chargeganl Costs: The monthly premium for Chargeoard is 66C per $100 of your average daily balance ( Years your account in all states except as follows: 28.ge in MA; 29.3e in MN; 38.8e in NY; 46.ge in NH; 48.1e in C" Address There Mos. 56.7e in VT; 64e in NM; 65.Be in A1:, 57.6e in SC; 46.6e in TX; 57.5e in HI; 5ge in WI; 60e in CA, IA, 10, I If you would like to learn more about how MO, NJ, OR, RI. WA, and WY. The monthly premium will be charged to your credit card account. Coverage will be obtained by First of America and is underwritten by American Bankers Lile Assurance you can join Pauline Glassbrook and City, State Zip Code Company of Rorida and American Bankers Insurance Company of Rorida, 11222 Quail Roost Drive, Miami, other donors by contributing to the fu- o Mortgage 0 Rent Monthly Rorida 33157-6596. In NY, Lile and Disability coverage is provided by Bankers American Ute Assurance ture of our youth, contact Marti Heil, Company. TX Certificate numbers AD9139CO-0791, AC3181-CB 3.50 & 3.53 R.A. and B2754EQ-1089. o Own (Freeand Clear) 0 Other(Describe) Payment S director of development & senior PreviousAddress o Yes, I want First of America's Chargegard Insurance ..' have read and understand the Important eligibility and cost disclosure information provided. Consumer credrt insurance is not required to obtain credit and will not development officer, College of Agricul- (if less than 2 years at present address) be provided unless you sign and agree to pay the additional cost. Whether credit insurance is obtained is not a factor in the approval of this application for credit. ture and Natural Resources at Michigan Employer Years State University, (517) 355-0284. or DBA There Mos. Business Position Phone( Applicant's Signature (Your signature constitutes acceptance of this coverage.) Birth Date CBS Program Jabs Previous Employer Years There I CO-APPLICANT (please print) Food Industry NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD Annual Other Salary S Income S' I I I , I , I I I In an hour-long program, CBS's "48 Source of Other Income" Rrst Name Middle Initial last Name Hours" raised fears over the safety of nearly (Alimony, child support, or separate maintenance every sector of the nation's food industry, payments need not be revealed if you do not Social Security I Dateof Birth but most farm and food industry viewers, wish to have it as a basis for repaying this obligation.) Years however, concluded the show failed to raise Do You Have: Employer There Mos. any new or significant issues. o Che~king( Bank) Perhaps the biggest attention-getter was o Savmgs Name Posijion Business Phone( the renewed concern voiced over the threat NearestRelative Phone (not living with you) ( Previous of E. Coli bacteria in beef and the difficulty Employer in detecting infected animals. Annual Viewers watching the show reacted most Address Salary$ strongly to the segment dealing with chick- l/we hereby certify that each of the answers on this application is true and correct, and is Sourceof Other Income' en, according to follow-up polling. When made for the purpose of obtaining a loan or credit from the First of America Bank-Central (Bank). (Alimony, child support, or separate maintenance I/we hereby authorize the Bank to investigate my/our credit record to the extent it deems payments need not be revealed it you do not asked what part they remembered most necessary and to verify my/our credit,employment and income references. l/we further authorize wish to haw it as a basis for repaying this obligation.) and instruct any person or consumer reporting agency to furnish the Bank any information that it vividly, the respondents cited the segment may have or obtain in response to such credit inquiries. l/we further agree that this application shall become property of the Bank, whether or not it is approved. Complete the following information if different from applicant that showed mechanical evisceration, unap- l/we agree that if this application is accepted and a card or cards are issued that any use of Home Phone ( ) petizing scenes of a cooling bath and the the card(s) will be governed by the terms and conditions of the Bank's VISA/MasterCard discussion dealing with bacteria levels Agreement and Disclosure provided before or with delivery of the card(s). l/we assume, if more Years than one jointly and severally, liability for all charges incurred in any use of the card(s). Address There found on chicken samples drawn from City, various supermarkets. X Zip Applicant's Signature State Code The show attracted a 16 share of the TV Date o Mortgage o Rent Month~ market. In this case, that represents roughly X o Own (Freeand Clear) o Other(Describe) Payment S nine million households. Top-rated shows Co-Applicant's Signature Date Do You Have: such as "Home Improvement" and "60 o Che~king( Bank) Minutes" attract 33-35 shares of the market. o Savmgs Name Meanwhile, new test results from USDA There are costs associated with the use of this account. found 85 percent of 2,100 beef carcasses specifically tested were free of disease-caus- For a complete listing of these costs you may call us at: 1800 423-3883 or write us at P.D. Box 2349 Kalamazoo MI49003 ing bacteria. Four of the carcasses, however, V.""bt., Ann"al O".nfl., Annual F.,tl Gra" ... p.,rllMI far Othflr ....,~ tested positive for a deadly form of E. Coli Pfll"C'C'ntaflf' C.I"ul.Uon None for scenic or n.,paymflnt or thlt Cash Advance Fee - none RltC' M~thPd standard VISA Onl.ortl fpr Transaction Fee - none ?acteria. The department emphasizes the Classic = Prime + 8.4% Two cycle Nnw Pur(l~ Late Fee - $0-$12 Importance of proper refrigeration and Gold= Prime + 6.9% Average Daily Balance $20 for Gold MasterCard 25 Days. Over Limit Fee - $0-$10 thoroug? cooking t? limit and then destroy Based on (excluding new (rebated every year net starting with the billing Dishonored checks - $0-$15 all the dlsease-causmg bacteria. In a related Wall Street Journal Prime purchases) annual purchases date on statement Minimum Finance exceed $3.000) Charge - none development, South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle has introduced legislation to trace PI.. ne Ictlt.rfold .nd al.pl. Ihla form with Ih. INIlllng.dd ..... on Ih. outald. (... v..... aide) slaughter animals back to the farm. ~-\ Michigan Farm News February III 28, 1994 •• State SCD Funding Cuts Sending ENVIRONMENTAL Conflicting Messages . .Vk STEWARDSHIP ~.~; State SeD Funding Levels 7.5 (Millions) 7 6.5 ~ 6 5.5 5 4.5 Primarily, counties are funded by state .Jl~ The final area for grant allocation is tech- ~ grant allocations. Total state SCD funding has nology transfer. All these grants are in the '0 4 oa' c been reduced by $5.6 million over the last five amount of $1800 per county and are used for 3.5 years, with funding plunging from $6.8 mil- supporting technology transfer of energy con- lion in 1989 to $1.2 million in 1994, an 82 servation practices, according to Shy. 3 percent reduction. A combination of things are being done to 2.5 "Preliminary information from the correct these type of shortages. "We would governor's office indicates state grant money like to see the state understand the importance 2 for this year will be at the same level as last and significance of conservation programs, so 1.5 year...so we're pleased to see that," said Shy. we're working with state legislators to put "But actually, that amount is very inadequate . more dollars in the budget for soil conserva- 1 to do the job. " tion and other conservation programs. The State grant allocations are generally dis- other thing we are working on is local dollars 0.5 through counties," Shy said. bursed in four areas. The first is the basic 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 grant. Numbers vary from place to place but When there is a limited amount of dollars range between $1,100 to $9,500 per county. to work with, budget cuts must take place, by Deb Laurell Basic grants can be used toward such expen- explained Ron Nelson, legislative counsel for ses as phones, rent, and salary. Michigan Farm Bureau. Despite farm program requirements for conservation technicians that worked in The second area of state funding, forestry, "It is very unfortunate that these cuts took hi~her crop residue levels and reduced tillage, reduced tillage, irrigation management, fer- employs 14 fully-funded foresters. place, but when you balance the total budget Michigan farmers can expect a decline in the tilizer management, and integrated pest in terms of priorities as we see them through The third area is energy grants, formally one-on-one technical assistance that Soil management," said Shy. "We don't have the Conservation Districts provide due to reduc- funded through the federal oil overcharge, the policy process, some items may take dollars to fund those positions this year. Those This money is sent back to the individual precedent over other things," said Nelson. tions in SCD funding, according to Marilyn positions were funded through federal oil Shy, executive director of the Michigan As- overcharge dollars." states for allocation. Michigan chose to real- "That's not to say Soil Conservation Districts sociation of Conservation Districts. locate this money in 1994. As a result, 17 aren't important, but in the scheme of things, County Soil Conservation Districts are there's only so many dollars." Seventeen conservation technicians have conservation positions have been lost because funded through state grant allocations, private been lost in 1994. "Last year, we funded 17 of this reduction in funding. source grants and locally generated dollars. 1" Pesticide Recordkeeping a Federal Requirement Section 1491 of the Food, Agriculture, descriptions; an identification system estab- d~termin~ the information is ~ece~sary to p~o- of not less than $1,000, unless the secretary of ~9Ns.e!ya~j9nan~ITTJ,!d~ (F~Cf) Actof 19~0, Iished by a USDA agency - such as the v~d~ medical treatment or first aId to an 10- USDA determines that a person made a good commonly referred (0 as the 1990 Farm BIll, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation dlvldual who may have been exposed to the faith effort to comply. Any violators will be requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Service (ASCS) or Soil Conservation Service pesticide for which the record is maintained. served with a signed, written notice of the Agricultural Marketing Service to work with (SCS) - which involves maps and a number- While the certified applicator has 30 days to violations and shall have 30 days to request a each state to implement pesticide recordkeep- ing system to identify field locations; or the complete the pesticide record, information hearing or respond to the charges. ing requirements. The law requires that all legal property description. from the record should be available immedi- certified pest,icide applicators m~st keep • The month, day and year of the applica- ately following application in cases of medi- records of theIr use of federal restncted use tion. cal emergencies. Questions pesticides. The requirement became effective • The name and certification number (if For additional information on federal pes- May 10, 1993. applicable) of the applicator or applicator's ticide recordkeeping requirements, contact: A certified private applicator is defined as supervisor. Violations USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service anyone certified by the Environmental Records must be maintained for two years A certified applicator who violates any Pesticides Records Branch Protection Agency or the state to use or super- from the date of the pesticide application. provision of this program will, in the case of 8700 Centreville Road, Suite 200 vise the use of a restricted use pesticide for the However, no form is required; any form is the first offense, be subject to a fine of not Manassas, VA 22110 production of any agricultural commodity on acceptable as long as the required data is more than $500. In the case of subsequent Phone: (703) 330-7826 property owned or rented by the applicator or included. offenses, an applicator will be subject to a fine the applicator's employer - or, if applied without compensation on the property of Spot Applications another person (other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities). Applicators of restricted use pesticides in a total area of less than one-tenth of an acre ROOTS TO PROFITABILITY are required to record: Required Information Within 30 days after the application of a • The brand or product name and EPA registration number. l'I" 'l restricted use pesticide, a private applicator • The total amount applied. must make a written record of: • The location, which must be designated as "spot application." • The brand name or product name of the federal restricted use pesticide and its EPA • The date of application. registration number. Greenhouse and nursery applications are excluded from the spot application provision. __ • The total amount of the product used - not the quantity after water or other substan- ces were added. The amount does not refer to State Recordkeeping Programs the percentage of active ingredient. If state recordkeeping requirements for • The size of the area treated in a unit of private applicators are comparable to state measure such as acre, linear foot, bushel, cubic foot, number of animals, etc. • The crop, commodity, stored product, or requirements for commercial applicators or to federal regulations, no additional require- ments are necessary. Private applicators who Results Are In! • site to which the pesticide was applied. currently are not keeping records under state • The location of the application - not the regulations will be required to maintain 1993 grower test plots yielded an average of address of the farm or business. The law al- records under these new federal requirements. ~ lows several designations: county, range, 5.5 more bushels of wheat per acre township and section; maps or written where ACA was used. The highest yield Commercial Applicators increase was 9.2 bushels per acre! All commercial applicators will continue Records to Keep to maintain the records they currently keep Now is the time to treat your wheat with ACA to gain your o Brand/prOduct name and EPA registra- under state, tribal or federal regulations. The new federal regulations require all commer- advantage. ACA can be added to, or impregnated on, tion number your fertilizer to boost your yields! cial applicators, both agriculture and non- a o Total amount applied agriculture, to furnish a copy of the data they keep to the customer within 30 days of the GET THEACA ADVANTAGE! o Location of application restricted use pesticide application. • Stronger more fibrous root system. o Size of area treated o Crop, commodity, stored product or site to which pesticide is applied Records Access Private certified applicators are required to provide access to restricted use pesticide • Plants are more vigorous and productive. • Easy and convenient to apply. • Enhanced early spring root growth. 1111 Ccdad yaw Iocat • Enhanced drought tolerance. Clean Clop Dealer o Month, day, year record information to authorized repre- sentatives of USDA and the lead state agency • Affordable and effective. • Increased yields. tor ~taI orcall1~292-2701 bllannallon on o plicable) Name and certification number (if ap- of applicator or supervisor for pesticide recordkeeping. In addition, a licensed health care professional may have fHE ACA ADVAIITAGB access to pesticide record information if they Michigan Farm News February 28,1994 Oceana County Drain Commission Wins Court Battle with U.S. Forest Service drainage purposes," Scoville said. "The law presumes that the drain will be maintained "Both Congress and the Michigan 4173 " within its original boundaries and gives no Legislature have expressly decided landowner rights against the drain commis- that excavation of existing drains, Mckft sioner for maintenance within these limits. designed to preserve life, property, i Theodore. £ A landowner desiring to protect his or her and agriculture is entitled to some property from allowed maintenance must do so at the landowner's own cost." 0, deference even in the presence of wetlands concerns. A ruling that Scoville also rejected USFS argument for the United States may ignore state possible litigation under the Michigan En- drain codes and dam drainage vironmental Protection Act, saying they had ditches without the permission of failed to establish a strong enough "impair- local officials would be momen- ment" case to do so. Scoville added that the Michigan Legislature "expressly exempted tous and disruptive in every state of the maintenance of existing agricultural the nation. " U.S. Magistrate Judge drains from the permit requirement in the Joseph Scoville wetlands protection act." W ith that written conclusion, a federal The USFS also scored low marks with judge ruled in support of Oceana County Scoville for inadequate data to substantiate Drain Commissioner Calvin Ackley in a previous water levels, water flows into and court battle with the U.S. Forest Service out of the Walkinshaw property, as well as (USFS) over a county drain improvement a lack of scientific data on sandhill cranes. project. The decision has brought a bitter 17-month battle of wills to an end, at least "The Forest Service has never banded nor for now. * otherwise identified cranes so that a deter- mination could be made concerning the U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Scoville, in a length of their stay," Scoville said. "In the 60-page ruling, rejected USFS arguments absence of historic data, plaintiff's (USFS) that a county drain maintenance project in anecdotal observations fall short of proving late 1992 had caused irreparable harm to that the sandhill crane has suffered any sub- USFS-owned property called the Walkin- stantial, adverse impact as a result of shaw wetlands. defendant's action." The Hagar Drain, originally established in Calling it a "reality check," Michigan 1920, borders nearly 1,000 acres of USFS Department of Agriculture's Manager of property, part of which had become flooded Maintenance work on the Hagar and Beaver Drain (red line), which border nearly on a seasonal basis due to an inadequately 1,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land (shaded area) resulted in a lawsuit by the Water Resources Section, Mike Gregg said Forest Service against the county drain commissioner. Oceana County did an excellent job of maintained drain. In 1992, private property producing competent, credible witnesses, in owner Ed Herremans petitioned and paid "They (USFS) refused to pay for weir in- wetlands," Scoville said. "The Forest Ser- addition to producing exhibits to win a criti- for an improvement project to the inter- stallation, they refused to hold the county vice has waged a vigorous campaign to cal case for all of Michigan agriculture. county drain, which was completed. harmless in the event of flooding, and they hold defendant (county drain commis- refused to pay for future maintenance," said sioner) legally responsible for the conse- "MDA directs the intercounty drainage pro- In an attempt to get Oceana County to halt Connie Cargill, assistant deputy drain com- quences of drain maintenance, while doing gram in Michigan, and we participated by drain excavation and later to install three missioner. "They wanted sovereign im- nothing to decrease the flow of surface serving the county's request to provide ex- weirs (small dams) to preserve a staging munity, meaning they didn't want to have water off the Walkinshaw property." pert witnesses," Gregg explained. "There area for sandhill cranes, the USFS sought to consult with local people and get the are some very significant agricultural inter- assistance from the Michigan Department local or state permits." Scoville also cited a U.S. Fisheries Wildlife ests that are reliant on good drainage. MDA of Natural Resources and the Environmen- survey that indicated that no portion of the was opposed to the challenge made by the tal Protection Agency to pursue legal action Saying that actions spoke louder than Walkinshaw property was classified as per- Forest Service to exemptions for agriculture against the county drain commissioner. words, however, Judge Scoville noted that manent wetlands, but was rather uplands under the Inland Lakes and Streams Act, in a year and a half of battling the county with portions of it subject to periodic flood- and the Wetland Protection Act." Despite a decision by both the DNR and drain commissioner, the USFS had taken no ing. In addition, a USFS area opportunity EPA that no laws were violated by the actions to reduce the flow of water from the analysis that recognized "...the possible According to MFB Legislative Counsel county drain commissioner, the USFS "wetlands" and even refused county offers negative impacts upon wetlands if the Vicki Pontz, the judge's ruling is an impor- decided to seek an emergency preliminary to berm the Walkinshaw property to reduce drains were cleaned," showed that the tant victory for Michigan agriculture. "The injunction against Ackley on their own, the flow of water with spoils from the main- Forest Service was aware of the existence judge clearly recognized the rights of requesting sovereign immunity from state tenance project. of the Hagar Drain, and yet did nothing to private property owners to maintain laws and county drain commissioner re- preserve the wetlands when it bought the drainage ditches for agricultural purposes," quirements, and to basically force Oceana "From virtually the beginning of this con- property in 1985. she said. "The ruling clearly points out that County to pay for the weir installation. troversy, the Forest Service has displayed a the federal government should comply with greater interest in preserving its legal rights "The plaintiff (USFS) purchased land sub- the same regulatory requirements as any against the defendant than in preserving the ject to an existing easement of record for other landowner." Tractor and Combine Sales Up in 1993 Unit sales of tractors with Reports from the Equipment Manufac- Farmers also faced higher prices on are manufactured after Jan. 1,1996. The new 40 or more horsepower turers Institute show that farm tractor sales machinery and equipment, which likely had a standards for engines of 100 to 174 horse- gained momentum last spring after suffering moderating effect on sales. The USDA's index power will go into effect Jan. 1, 1997, while through a relatively slow winter. Unit retail of prices paid by farmers for tractors and self- new engines ranging from 50 to 99 horse- 1989-91 avg. sales of tractors rated at 40 or more horse- propelled machinery averaged nearly 4 per- power must be in compliance after Jan. 1, H I 1992 power went on to post a gain of nine percent cent higher during 1993 as compared to a year 1998. New engines rated over 750 horsepower for 1993, reversing a two-year decline. earlier, and the index for other machinery and must meet the new standards by Jan. 1, 2000. Combine sales also improved early in the year, but a flood-related slowing in the second half limited the rise for all of last year to 2 implements posted a similar gain. EPA Regs to Push Prices Higher A USDA report indicates a unit cost increase - on average - of about $170 for farm-use engines is likely. III III ...111 !i I• •i percent. These gains enabled farm machinery and equipment manufacturers to increase The relentless rise in farm machinery and production and employment levels, and equipment prices is likely to extend into the 1994 Outlook buoyed prospects for further sales gains this future, in part because of standards now being Projections by analysts at the U.S. Depart- year. written by the Environmental Protection ment of Commerce indicate that the value of The year-over-year improvement in unit Agency (EPA) to regulate emissions from off- shipments by farm machinery and equipment sales was paced by gains for larger tractors. road machinery. manufacturers is expected to grow between 4 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter Two-wheel-drive tractors with over 99 horse- This action was prompted by a study and 5 percent this year. The expected gain is power rose more than one-fifth to reach authorized by the Clean Air Act Amendments supported by a number of factors. 19,000 units. At 3,300 units, sales of four- of 1990, which concluded that off-road en- Due to reduced levels of grain stocks (Data for last year is not yet available, but the wheel-drive tractors were up nearly 25 per- gines and vehicles make a significant con- stemming from last fall's disappointing har- gains in tractor and combine sales suggest an cent. However, sales of these large tractors tribution to air pollution. vest, farmers aren't required to set aside (idle) increase is likely.) were still well below the 1989-91 average. The EPA is developing new standards for any of their acreage in 1994 in order to qualify In comparison, expenditures were es- In contrast, smaller tractors with 40 to 99 compression-ignition engines, which will af- for most farm income and price support timated at $11.7 billion in 1979 before declin- horsepower were fairly steady performers. At fect many engines built for use in farm tractors programs. Along with higher crop prices, this ing to $4.6 billion in 1986. While the lower about 35,500 units, sales were up nearly 3 and combines. These regulations pertain only will provide the impetus for an increase in level of expenditures came about as part of the percent from the previous year and near the to new engines and manufacturers will be planted acreage that will help to encourage farm financial crisis of the early 1980s, more average for 1989 through 1991. required to certify that EPA standards have new equipment purchases. In addition, some recent emphasis on reduced/conservation til- Combine sales appeared to be making a been met. analysts believe a tightening in the market for lage practices has also been cited as a con- comeback through much of 1993 after suffer- Implementation is staggered across dif- used farm machinery is also underpinning an tributing factor, particularly for tractors. ing a 20 percent drop the previous year. For ferent engine size categories in order to utilize increase in sales of new equipment. Machinery purchases are easily deferred the year, the number of combines sold came existing emission-control technology for The level of capital expenditures for trac- and the adversity experienced by U.S. farmers in at 7,860, about 2 percent higher than the larger engines currently used in on-road tors and other machinery and equipment, from early 1980s to the present - falling asset year before, yet nearly 20 percent below the vehicles and to spread out the development though improved from the mid-1980s, values, high interest rates, drought, flood - has 1989-91 average. costs associated with smaller engines. remains well below the 1979 peak. According left the survivors with a more conservative Compliance is required first for engines to USDA data, expenditures totaled ap- attitude towards new acquisitions. which range from 175 to 750 horsepower and proximately $8 billion in both 1991 and 1992. Michigan Farm News Consumers Power Company INS Issues Rules on Donates to MSU's Ag Tech Replacement of "Green Consumers Power Company in Jack- son recently donated $5,000 to the Michigan State University Institute of Cards" Agricultural Technology (IAT) in recogni- Immigration and Naturalization Service INS documents currently being used by tion of the Institute's 100th anniversary (INS) has issued its final rule on replace- aliens, including Form 1-151. INS estimates celebration. The presentation was made ment of "green cards. "After Sept. 20,1994, that about 1.5 million invalid older cards are by Paul Elbert (right), Consumers Power the exclusive card for permanent resident presently in use and will have to be replaced. senior vice president, to MSU Provost aliens will be INS Form 1-551. Lou Anna Simon. There are also thought to be many counter- Attending the presentation was Elton All prior documents, such as Form 1-151 feit I-151's and other cards in use. Part of Smith (left), former Michigan Farm (the original "green card"), AR-3, AR-103 the purpose of the replacement program is Bureau president and IAT alumnus. and other older INS cards, will become to invalidate these counterfeit documents. Smith is the co-chair of the I AT Century invalid, according to American Farm INS considers Form 1-551 more difficult to Fund-Raising Committee. Bureau Labor Specialist Elizabeth Whit- counterfeit than the documents it replaces. The anniversary celebration, open to ley. I AT alumni and the public, will take place However, employers of lawful permanent March 12 at the MSU Kellogg Center. Lawful permanent resident aliens who hold resident aliens holding cards other than Details about the observance can be cards other than an 1-551 must apply to INS Form 1-551 should alert them to the need to obtained from Clifford Jump, IAT immediately apply for a replacement card. director, by calling (517) 355-0190. in person, on Form 1-90, at an INS office. Photographs, fingerprints and evidence of prior INS registration will be required. Employers will not be required to reverify Clinton's $1.5 Trillion Budget - What You There will be a $70 fee for the replacement card. permanent resident aliens who used older cards to complete for 1-9 and who remain See Isn't What You'll Get! Between now and Sept. 20, INS will revise continuously employed after Sept. 20. How- ever, employers will no longer be permitted The Agriculture Department is one of only body moves for amendment. Such amend- its rules with respect to acceptable INS to accept the older cards from workers eight departments and agencies that gets less ments would then be assigned to a committee documents for the purpose of completing whose status must be verified or reverified in the 1995 budget than is estimated for 1994, and would not even be heard, if the chairman Form 1-9. After Sept. 20, employers will no after Sept. 20. under President Clinton's proposed $1.5 tril- didn't want it to happen. longer be permitted to accept many of the lion budget for fiscal 1995. Other departments and agencies getting less in '95 are Defense, Energy, Labor, State, Corps of Engineers and the General Services Administration. Despite claims of spending cuts and deficit reduction, the 1995 budget of $1,519 trillion is larger than the estimated TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS 1994 budget of $1,483 trillion, which in turn is larger than the 1993 total of $1,408 trillion, according to Associated Press. Rep. Robert Andrews, a second term Democrat from New Jersey, calls claims of congressional debate on the budget the biggest hoax in American politics. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Andrews said almost 50 percent (49.7) of the budget is spent on entit- lements, which can only get debated if some- MSU's CAT Alerts Can