." . Michigan Farm News [11=1 August 15, 1994 Vol. 71, No. 13 Federal Disaster Assistance for 1994 Crops Proposed in Agricultural Appropriations Bill A harsh winter that devastated peach trees, The state's peach crop is forecast at 15 million pounds, 69 percent less than last year, and a wet July that drowned out dry beans, sugar according to the Michigan Ag Statistics Service. Approximately 66 percent of Michigan's beets, and leached nitrogen away from com and growers w.iII not have pea,ches this seaso.n.. Berrien and Van Buren C~unties l:Vere potatoes in Michigan, has prompted efforts by hardest hit. These trees In Southwest Michigan had already met thel( fate with a severnl Michigan congressmen to secure disas- bulldozer. ter assistance in Washington, D.C. ~ .-4 ,"i~-- !,r,r _/~ That aid may come in the form of an amend- """---.-. \ . ment offered by Sen. Carl Levin (D-Southfield) to provide for disaster funding in the Senate version of the agricultuml appropriations bill. The House version of the agricultural appropria- tions bill did not include the disaster provision. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland) is hopeful, however, that the disaster provisions will even- tually be included in the final legislation re- ported out of the conference committee. Camp expects that to occur within the next couple of weeks. "I think we'll finally see disaster funding which will include money for the flooding in the southeastern U.S., with some additional money made available for other disaster areas of the country, including Michigan," Camp explained. "A bipartisan group of the Michigan delegation met with Ag Secretary Mike Espy to make him aware of the problems we've had in Michigan, not only from the heavy rnins but th~ severe cold weather we had last winter." support for a disaster provision in the agricul- disaster legislation will also apply to non-pro- The Michigan delegation, which included turnl appropriations bill, according to Camp. gram crops, Le., peaches and dry beans. Reps. Camp, James Barcia (D-Bay City), Fred Under terms of the proposed disaster provi- "We did make the point that peach trees and Upton (R-St. Joseph), Peter Hoekstra (R-Hol- sion, funding would be available in situations many other types of trees were literally de- land), Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and Vern where more than 50 percent of the crop was lost. stroyed, and that a disaster progmm needs to Ehlers (R-Gmnd Rapids), and Sen. Don Riegle One sticking point that apparently has not been Continued on page 3...see (D-Flint), was successful in receiving Espy's resolved, according to Camp, is whether the Crop Disaster Funding j Elsewhere in this Issue Ground Breaking Ceremonies Held for MSU Livestock Center "This state has made a commitment to renew a permit to farm in Michigan by strengthening What are STS Soybeans and Heavy rains didn't keep the crowd of on- its investment as we prepare for the next century, Michigan's Right to Farm Law," he said. Are They for You? paQe5 lookers or the earth movers from breaking as evidenced by the $70 million that constitutes According to MSU Animal Sciences Depart- ground to start construction of the new MSU the animal agriculture initiative," Engler said. ment Chairperson Maynard Hogberg, actual Have You Been Scouting for Agriculture and Livestock Education Center to Engler said research needs such as animal construction of the Livestock Education Center Corn Rootworm? page 10 replace the old Livestock Pavilion. The ceremo- waste management, environmental protection, won't officially begin until early 1995 and will nies were held during Ag Expo week activities animal health, combined with responsible legis- take 18 months to complete. The center will ~ New Sept. 1 Selenium Regula- at the future site of the center located on Farm lative and regulatory action, are critical to the include a showing arena, an exhibition area, and tions May be Delayed page 12 Lane, near the Mt. Hope intersection. future success of animal agriculture."We've an auditorium that can be used for classes, auc- Get the 1994 MSU Wheat The new Livestock Education Center is one made it very clear that you're not going to need tions, and/or meetings. Variety Yield Results Before of the first steps in the Michigan Animal live- MICHIGAN STATE UNMRSIlY Making Seed Purchase stock Initiative that, according to Gov. John Decisions page 13 Engler, is putting production agriculture in ~NJfIICULTURE AND LNESTDCK EDUCA~ CENTER Michigan front and center now and in the future. And they're off! With a wave of the flags from MSU President Peter McPherson and Gov. John Engler, earth movers were put in motion to break ground for the new MSU Agriculture and Uvestock Education ~) I I I I ~ -I -j -1- f ~~~-~~~~~-I-~~~ I I 1111111~~11111111 I I I f- I I +- I I I I I I -I -4 -1- I 24aX I f- I I ~ I- ~ I I I I f- +- I I I ~~~~-I-~~~~ I I I -I -j -1- I I I I f- I I I I I- -I -4 I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ -I -j -1- f- +- -I -4 -1- f- I- ~ f- .. -I -j -1- f- I- -I -4 I I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I 1 I I I 1 I I I I I I I t I I ... -+ ... -1- ~ ....~ -I -1- ~ .....'i t- .. -+ ... -1- ~ ... ~ -I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I 1 ~ -I -j -1- f- +- -I -4 -1- f- I- ~ f- +- -I -j -1- f- I- -I -4 1 I I I I t I I I I t 1 I I 1 I I 1 1 I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I ... -+ -t -1- ~ ...... -1-1- ~ .....-4 ~ .... -4 -1- ~ .... -I ARENA flOOR - 211.670 Sf I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I ARENA SEAnNG - 20611 ClASSROOMS - J AlJOfTORlUt.l SEATING 405 EXHIBIT SPACE - 66,240 Sf 10'.10' STAUS - J04 Michigan Farm News Classifieds- Page 14 Michigan Farm News •• August 15, 1994 In Brief... Ethanol Lawsuit Suit Filed with ADM in Mind July Farm Prices Down 2.9 Percent from June A lawsuit filed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) against the Environmental The index of prices received by U.S. farmers for their products in July was down2.9 percent Protection Agency and the reformulated gasoline program was filed with the intent of from June and was down 5.0 percent from a year earlier, according to ~SDt\. Price declines stopping "this shameful, unlawful abuse of power," according to an API release. in July for com, soybeans, oranges and wheat more than offset pnce gams for lemons, potatoes, onions and cattle. A Chicago Tribune report said the lawsuit is a shot at the Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., one of the chief ethanol distillers in the country, The report said ADM has been one of the largest Lower prices for cattle, oranges, hogs, and lettuce more than offset higher prices for rice, campaign contributors to both the Democratic and Republican parties. wheat, cotton and hay, USDA also said.The Index of Prices Paid by Farmers for ~ommo~i- ties and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates was down 0.5 percent from Apnl, "The company expects that com and gasoline prices will continue to be the dominant but was 2.1 percent higher than July 1993. influences on ethanol earnings and that the recently issued EPA Renewable Oxygen Standard will have no material effect, either positive or negative, on ADM's earnings," USDA said the declining July index was most influenced by a drop in prices since April ADM said in a prepared statement to refute environmental and oil industry claims that the for feeder cattle and calves, feed grains, feeder pigs and hay. company would be the major profiteer of the reformulated gasoline decision, Open Season Declared on 1995 Farm Program Apple Trouble to the North Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy has cautioned that all federal farm subsidies are open for The Canadian Horticultural Council filed a second complaint against U.S. apple exports, review as his department begins work on its 1995 farm bill proposal. "Everything is on the claiming American dumping of surplus apples into Canadian markets. The Canadian table," Espy said of the wide range of possibilities his staffers are exploring "Nothing (farm government in February removed import duties from American apples and allowed U.S. programs) is sacrosanct." Espy would not give specifics on the programs they are examining growers to sell apples at prices lower than Canadian producers could meet. or speculate on changes to specific programs. Canadian apple producers claimed they have lost nearly $2 million from their 1993 harvest since the decision was made. A representative of the U.S. apple industry discounts the Agriculture Still Strong Job Contributor dumping claim, saying American producers sell their fruit for the same price in Canada as they do in similar American markets. The Agriculture Department said farms and farm commodities provide -- directly and indirectly -- 16 percent of all American jobs. USDA said on-farm employment, processing BST Customer List Sought by Activist jobs and retail and wholesale trade in food and fiber make up the total percentage. The USDA report also said farm and farm-related industries employ more than 20 percent of The National Food Processors Association (NFPA) said a request by California activists all workers in Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, Montana and the Dakotas. to have the state track sales of BST to producers is "appalling." The activists have asked the state to publish a list of producers that purchase the Food and Drug Administration Possible Rail Car Shortage this Fall approved bovine growth hormone. Midwest elevator operators are worrying about a rail-car shortage similar to 1992, when "BST is a safe and legal product; a list of who buys and uses it is useless information at harvested com and wheat had nowhere to go as elevators backed up with bumper-crop best, and a dangerous invasion of privacy at worst," said Juanita Duggan, NFPA's senior harvests and a lack of transportation facilities in Nebraska and Iowa. vice president of government affairs. Although rail operators have plans to increase their fleet of covered grain cars, a Chicago Wildlife Prefer Corn & Northwestern railroad spokesperson said it is too expensive for the industry to meet peak harvest demand and let their grain cars sit for the remainder of the year. A Union Pacific Almost $92 million worth of com was gobbled up by wildlife last year, according to a spokesperson said each covered car costs the company about $40,000. USDA report. That total represents about 1 percent oflast year's com crop that was lost to wildlife. Well, Excuse You!! The study was conducted in 10 top corn-growing stC\,tesand found that the 1 percent loss The Environmental Protection Agency has given researchers at Utah State University a figure translated into about 35.4 million bushels. At $2.59 a bushel, the loss topped $90 $500,000 grant for a three-year study on bovine flatulence and possible means to cut down million, Unidentified wildlife caused nearly 14 million bushels of the damage, while deer on methane in the atmosphere -- about 20 percent of which is produced by cattle. were blamed for 12 million bushels, and birds, 10 million bushels. Utah State professor Kenneth Olson said the primary escape route for bovine-emitted Calgene on a Roll methane is through exhaling, not by other actions more commonly associated with flatu- lence. Olson told the Washington Post that one key to controlling bovine methane emissions Calgene Inc., the California based biotechnology firm that earlier this year introduced its is to ensure cattle are fed nutritious and beneficial forage. He said when cattle eat underbrush new Flavr-Savr tomato, has requested to have its genetically engineered strain of Laurate and weeds, it is the equivalent of human consumption of chili dogs and beer, good tasting canola withdrawn from regulated status by the Agriculture Department. If taken from the but rough on the digestive tract. regulated list, the company would no longer need USDA permission to conduct field trials, but the Food and Drug Administration would still regulate its use in either food or animal production. The Laurate canola plant's oil is used in the production of laundry detergent, Dr. Glynn McBride - Association of Farmer shampoo, non-dairy coffee creamers and whipped toppings. Cooperatives Scholarship Available Through MSU Wetlands: Call Off the Dogs! Four new $1,500 scholarships for Michigan State University students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources have been made available. The Glynn McBride - A recent Wall Street Journal article, entitled "Attack of the Wetlands Enforcers," points Michigan Association of Farmer Cooperatives Endowed Scholarship fund was established out just a few of the discrepancies in federal wetlands policies. For starters, the column's to honor former MSU Professor McBride who taught at MSU until his retirement in 1984. writer, Jonathan Tolman, an environmental policy analyst at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, says that while a major government study showed last week that the U.S is losing To be eligible, a student must: only 66,000 acres of wetlands a year, EPA Administrator Carol Browner claimed before Congress in May that the figure was 300,000 acres. D Be a sophomore, junior or senior 0 Demonstrate academic achieve- at MSU, ment by maintaining a grade point Tolman writes that "draconian, command-and-control wetland regulations are no longer average of at least 3.0. necessary. In the past 10 years the federal government has made dramatic changes in its D Be enrolled in an undergraduate wetland policy," he writes. "The result is that the U.S. is currently restoring more wetlands degree program in the department o Exhibit outstanding leadership every year than it is converting to other uses. (It does this, for example, by buying fallow of Agricultural and Extension Edu- and civil service. land from farmers and flooding it.) The U.S. has effectively achieved what former President cation, Agricultural Economics, Bush repeatedly called for: 'no-net-Ioss' of wetlands." Animal Science, Crop and Soil Sci- 0 Demonstrate an interest in a ences, Horticulture, or Food Sci- career with cooperatives. According to Tolman, the government's top three wetlands restoration projects in 1994 ence and Human Nutrition. will restore a combined total of 157,000 acres of wetlands -- more than enough to offset To learn more and/or request a scholarship application before the application dead- the 66,000 wetland acres the recent government report says will be lost to other uses. "By line of Sept. 1, call or write: Dr. Richard Brandenburg, 121 Agriculture Hall, Michigan the end of 1994, there should be tens of thousands more acres of wetlands than there were State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, or phone: (517) 355-0234 at the beginning," Tolman's article stated. Gingrich Farm, Bureau Volunteer of the Month 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 Elaine Gingrich of Leroy, lo- Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual cated in Osceola County, has dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm been named Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and Bureau's volunteer of the additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan month for her efforts in organ- Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. izing and hosting a farm tour day for over 450 fifth grade Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. students. The program spon- sored in cooperation with the Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck Osceola SCS, ASCS, Sher- Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, iffs Department and the Ex- 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; tension Service, was held on District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West the family's dairy' farm. The Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Gingrich dairy operation in- Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young cludes Elaine and her hus- Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford. band Larry, daughter Amy, and their son Shawn. l Michigan Farm News • U.S. Department of Labor Educational Workshops and Enforcement •• August 15, 1994 but Department of Labor officials find it has not Daniel Ocharzak, district director of children can and can not do at work as well Sweeps Planned been corrected, then a CMP will most likely be the U.S. labor Department's Wage-Hour as the hours they are allowed to work. The U.S. Department of Labor and the issued. An assessment letter will be sent to the District Office, Grand Rapids, said the Registration is not required, and there is no Michigan Department of Labor, will be conduct- employer with the amount of the penalties. program will be particularly useful for em- fee. All seminars are scheduled from 9 a.m. until ing enforcement initiatives, better known as The following is a news release from the ployers who have used child labor over noon. For more information, contact Howard "sweeps," over the next two months with an U.S. Dept. of Labor announcing their educa- the summer and will now have to adapt to Kelly at 1-800-292-2680, extension 2044. emphasis on violations involving wage records, tional initiative, which will proceed the enforce- school-time rules. He added that school- independent contractors, child labor, and de- ment initiative. to-work coordinators would also find the Child Labor Seminar ductions from ply, according to MFB Labor They are strongly indicating that child labor information useful. Locations Specialist Howard Kelly. violations will be their major focus, as well as "It is particularly important beginning "A new focus will also be placed on Civil wage issues and wage reports. If you are con- this year," Ocharzak said, "that employ- Aug. 18 - Marquette Money Penalties (CMPs) which can now be cerned and want answers directly from the offi- ers are careful not to violate child labor 0.1. Jacobetti Center assessed on minimum wage violations and over- cials themselves, the meetings they have sched- Michigan Veterans Facility Board Room laws. On the federal level, we're commit- time violations," Kelly said. "CMPs have been uled are highly recommended. ted to protecting vulnerable populations, Aug. 24 - Kalamazoo enforceable for child labor and housing viola- Representatives from the Michigan such as young workers, and to use sig- Carpenters Local 297 tions for years. Farmers should take this notice Department of labor and the U.S. labor nificant penalties including criminal pen- and the enforcement initiative seriously, and be Department's Wage and Hour Division alties, to deter violations of the law." Aug. 25 - Flint prepared." will present a series of seminars on youth Ocharzak said that child labor viola- Electrical Union Enforcement officials will be looking at em- employment regulations during August. tions can draw penalties of $10,000 per ployers who have a track record of similar, will- The seminars will focus on child labor violation. He added that parents may find Aug. 31 - Grand Rapids ful and recurring violations. laws and regulation changes which occur Kent Intermediate School District the seminar useful in learning what their According to Kelly, if a violation has oc- when school returns to session. Grand Room curred in the past and the employer was warned, Farm Bureau's Grass Roots Policy Development Process Begins Michigan Farm Bureau's annual grass paring a slate of policy recommendations and consolidate an estimated 1,200 recom- Creek; Marvin Kociba, Harbor Beach; Rick roots policy development process has been for voting delegate action at the Michigan mendations received from the organiza- Johnson, Osceola; Vic Daniels, Jr., Ster- kicked off with the appointment of a 20- Farm Bureau annual meeting in Detroit on tion's 69 county Farm Bureau units and ling; Gene Veliquette, Williamsburg; and member committee by the organization's Nov. 28-Dec. 1. state advisory committees. David Moberg, Rapid River. board of directors. During the months ahead, the Policy Devel- One issue of special concern to farmers this Representing Farm Bureau Young Farmers The committee, which will be chaired by opment Committee will meet with various year, Guthrie said, is the 1995 farm bill are: Dan Steinbrecher, Iron Mountain; Tom Guthrie, Delton, is responsible for pre- resource people, study issues, and correlate which will be enacted by Congress and is Yvonne Jakubik, Whittemore; and Kurt In- expected to be in effect through the year man, Sturgis. Siosolid Application in Michigan in Jeopardy? 2000. A series of three meetings, scheduled for Aug. 15 in Grayling, Aug. 16 in Grand At-large members are: Barbara Maitland, Rapids, and Aug. 17 in Flint, will provide Williamsburg; David VandeBunte, Byron Farmers utilizing biosolids in their farm fertility program, may face changes in regulations members with specific information on farm Center; and Virginia Zeeb, Bath. as a result of a new federal 503 Rule administered by the Environmental Protection Agency bill issues and alternatives. (EPA). The new federal 503 Rule, sets criteria and standards for the safe, environmentally sound application of wastewater treatment residuals to farm fields. The EPA supports the At-large members from the Michigan Farm Other members of the committee are: Har- Bureau Board of Directors, in addition to rule and is encouraging states to adopt the new regulations. low Bailey, Schoolcraft; Robert Mayer, Guthrie, are Diane Homing, Manchester; Bronson; David Dejanovich, Willis; Lynn and Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City. According to Joan Peck of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Waste Man- Drown, Lowell; Tom Jennings, Swartz agement Division, a multi-interest work group is being formed to determine what type of need the state has for the proposed biosolid land application program and how that program could be funded. The work group will consist of representatives from environmental groups, farming interests, municipalities and other individuals with an interest in Michi- gan's regulatory program. The interim policy developed on the land application of biosolids would be in effect until a permanent, funded program that follows guidelines included in the EPA's 503 program is established. Currently, Michigan does not directly follow federal 503 regulations, instead a regulatory effort known as PERM (Plan for Effective Residuals Management) is admin- istered by the Waste Management Division of the DNR. FIFRA Mark-Up ~egins in D.C. The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations and Nutrition will mark up H.R. 1627 that would reauthorize the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The bill, according to the Congressional Monitor, would loosen current health-based limitations on the use of agriculture chemicals. The subcommittee will work from an amendment offered by Rep. Charles Stenholm (D-Texas) that abolishes the Delaney Clause and would require the EPA to allow the use of pesticides as long as the health risk is negligible. Stenholm's amendment requires EPA to consider consumer benefits from pesticides when regulating chemical usage. Crop Disaster Funding Sought (Continued from page 1) include those non-program crops," Camp said. "I dozing any trees, or tearing out any crops that still have some question whether it would apply and I'll be watching that aspect as we continue may have failed, to make sure that proper docu- mentation exists. Last, but not least, Byrum says For Your working on the legislation." State ASCS Director James Byrum declined to speculate on what the final disaster program that as harvest gets underway, producers need to maintain thorough records of what is actually harvested. Farming Needs might eventually look like, until it passes out of A close look at the difference between a • Backhoes with the conference committee. "We won't really healthy peach tree limb on the left com- specialty attachments have a definitive word on what any program, pared to a discolored limb on the right that's provided there is a program, might look like," he slowly dying. • All-terrain extendable said. and straight mast A Michigan ASCS crop assessment of forklifts Michigan crops which was sent to Washington, D.C., clearly showed some major problems, ac- • Farm material handlers cording to Byrum, particularly in the thumb and Saginaw Valley areas. "Dry beans and peaches are probably talked Call CRC today .. Ask about our Specials & $100 Coupon about more than any other crop, but pot~toes have taken a pretty big hit, along with sugar GRAND RAPIDS DETROIT LANSING beets," Byrum said. "But in terms of a final (616) 538-2400 (810) 437-8121 (517) 321-8000 assessment, we're just going to have to wait until harvest is complete to determine how bad it has TRAVERSE CITY RICHMOND SAGINAW been." (616) 267-5060 (810) 727-7502 (517) 777-0090 Byrum recommends that producers get in touch with their local ASCS office before bull- Michigan Farm News ( August 15, 1994 II Much drier weather covered Michigan dur- ing late July, reversing the wetter than nor- mal trend early in the month. In contrast to the past few growing seasons which were Precipitation Actual Nonnal '''(Inch.) linch) remembered largely in tenns of tempera- 5.53 3.18 ture anomalies, this season so far has been 5.94 2.92 characterized by both shortages and sur- 3.20 3.11 pluses of precipitation (and near nonnal 2.82 3.19. temperatures ). 2.84 3.11' 8.06 3.09 The recent drier weather across the state 2.95 3.42 has been the result of predominantly north- 4.92 3.18 westerly wind flow aloft, and the lack of 2.96 3.22 moisture at low levels of the atmosphere .3.8i 3.22 from which showers and thunderstonns 1.09 3.42' fonn. This is a similar pattern to the one . 2.91 2.54' which brought cool, dry weather back in 2.47 2.99 May and June. 4.22 2.92 4.48 3.19 This pattern is expected to continue, at least 4.54 3.09 for the next few weeks, with the National 4.15 2.99 Weather Service (NWS) 30-day outlook 7.89 2.97 for August calling for slightly cooler and drier than nonnal conditions. In some sections of the state where rainfall has consistently been lighter than nonnal, this weather pattern could cause some problems with grain and pod fill. Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook Fruit Chemical Usage Summary for 1993 Released T - Temp. 8/15 8/31 8/15 10/30 The National Agricultural Statistics Serv- Data collection began in October 1993 and sweet cherry and tart cherry orchards with P-Precip. T P T f ice (NASS) through the Federal/State continued through December. This data se- 90 percent, 80 percent, 92 percent, and 83 Michigan B B N N Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service, ries addresses the increased public interest percent of their respective acres receiving W. Corn Belt N B B A has released its second Agricultural in the use of agricultural chemicals and treatment. E. Corn Belt B N N A Wint. Wheat Belt B N B B Chemical Usage Fruits Summary publica- provides the means for government agen- Spr. Wheat Belt A B B N tion. cies to respond effectively to food safety Malathion was the most used insecticide on Pac. NW Wheat A B N N and water quality issues. blueberries with 86 percent of the state's Delta B A A N The survey was funded by the U.S. Depart- acreage treated. Carbaryl (Sevin, Savit) Southeast B/N A A N/A ment of Agriculture's (USDA) Pesticide There were six fruit crops in Michigan in was the most often used insecticide on San Joaquin N B A N Data Program (POP). T:'e purpose of the 1993 which were targeted for data collec- grapes with 52 percent of the grape acreage A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- PDP is to upgrade the reliability of pesti- tion. These included: apples, blueberries, receiving applications. mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- cide use statistics and the quality of infor- grapes, peaches, sweet cherries and tart No Precip. Source: National Weather Office mation on pesticide residues in food. cherries. The most widely used fungicide in apple, blueberry, and peach orchards was Captan The most frequently used herbicide in ap': with 93 percent, 74 percent and 78 percent pie, grape, peach and tart cherry orchards oftheir respective acreages receiving treat- was Paraquat (Gramoxone). Paraquat was ment. Serving Michigan applied to 24 percent of the state's 54,500 bearing apple acres, 82 percent of the Sulfur was the most often used fungicide Farm Families is 11,200 bearing grape acres, 16 percent of the 7,000 bearing peach acres, and 33 per- on sweet cherries with 94 percent of the acreage receiving applications, and tart Our Only Business cent of the 33,000 bearing tart cherry acres. cherries with 88 percent of the acreage treatment. Mancozeb was the most often Simazine (Princep), at 34 percent of the used fungicide on grapes with 94 percent of Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective area applied, was the most often used her- the acreage treated. has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- bicide on the 15,500 bearing blueberry ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- acres. Glyphosate (Roundup, Rattler), at 38 tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, Trade names are provided as an aid in re- percent, was used most often on the 7,700 viewing pesticide dat 1. NASS does not weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: sweet cherry acres. mean to imply use of any specific trade Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm names or products. WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) was the most 5:30 am 11:30 am frequently used insecticide in apple, peach, WATZ Alpena 1450 WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB WKYO Benton Harbor Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:30 pm 12:15 pm Discover the "Distinct Advantage!" WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:55 am 11:20 am WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:20 pm WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:15 am WLSP Lapeer 1530 7:20 am 11:50 am WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm WSJ S1. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm WMLM S1. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm • 50 Year Protection WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm Against snow-loa1l damage to the WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm structure with no weight limit. optional AIIInaSteeP sliding WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm • 50 Year Protection doors With no wind velocity limit. WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm Against decay or Insect attack on • 5 Year Protection WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am preservative treated columns and AgaInst wind load damage to the preservative treated bInber. structure with no wind velocity limit * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change • 20 Year Protection • AD warraltles include materials with the sign-on times. Against red rust on painted steel ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am. panels incUIng damage caused by and labor ... 800-447-7436 *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. atmospbel;c PDIIutants. are not 6&. MORTON Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. prorated. ~UILDINGS 1'. o. Box 399. Mortora,IL 6/550 o 1_ IluiIdinp. lac. Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 • Brown City, MI (810) 346-2702. Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 Rockford, MI (616) 874-6400 • Three Rivers,MI (616) 279-5271 -... Michigan Farm News •. Is There a Place for STS Soybeans in your Operation? -. August 15. 1994 If so, you may want to reconsider your seed purchasing confused and put Syn- The bag on the right is the redesigned STS bag being used by chrony or Concert on a Dairyland Seed to distinguish between the new soybean seed and decision this fall f -the 1995 growing season. non-STS variety of soy- conventional soybeans. Producers attending the DuPonrs No- Till Does your stomach get tied up in knots "By eliminating the stress often associated beans." Neighbors Field Day at the Nobis Dairy Farm in Clinton County when you see your soybeans after a post- with postemergence herbicide application, had a chance to see the new variety in the field. emergence herbicide treatment? There's no it really helps the soybean plant to continue To help avoid confusion doubt that many fanners have nervously growing," explained Varner. "It also sim- between regular and watched and sweated to see if their stunted plifies the spray management program tre- STS varieties, at least and discolored beans will recover, and that mendously. " one seed company, the weeds will actually die. Dairyland Seeds, plans With an STS variety bean, Varner says that to market their STS soy- Thanks to a new soybean seed variety, producers won't have to be concerned with bean seed in drastically known as STS, you might be able to avoid the weather conditions or various applica- different colored and the annual agonizing process of postemer- tion rates to avoid injury to the soybean designed seed bags, ac- gence weed control in your soybean fields. plant. Growers will have just one rate, and cording to Gary The STS gene, developed and released by one rate only, that can be applied post- Freiburger a Dairy land DuPont, stands for sulfonylurea tolerant emerge on soybeans for broad leaf weed Seed's eastern regional soybeans, according to DuPont Eastern control. That would ideally occur when the sales manager. "We Michigan Sales Representative Mark weeds are between two to four inches tall. have designed a special Varner. bag for the STS beans so Varner advises fanners who are planning there's no question When an STS soybean variety is used in on trying an STS variety of soybeans, to do whether or not the combination with a sulfonylurea herbicide, so on a whole-field basis rather than trying farmer has the right such as Pinnacle, Classic, or the premixes to split a field between regular and STS bean for the right field," of Pinnacle and Classic known as Concert beans. he said. • and Synchrony, the soybean plant doesn't show any sign of stress or stunting, and is "You can plant an STS bean and spray any STS soybeans were actually able to metabolize the chemical. herbicide you want to on it," Varner said. available on limited ba- The STS gene does not, however, increase "However, you definitely do not want to get sis in Michigan for tolerance to any other soybean herbicide. 1994, however, the new soybean varieties should be widely avail- Integrated Cropping Systems Plot able for the 1995 grow- ing season, according to Tour in Huron County Aug. 25 Freiburger. He suggests The Innovative Farmers of Huron County, Since this is the first year of the five-year producers check with in cooperation with Michigan State University project, it's important to learn more about the their seed supplier and Extension - Huron County and the Huron County planter attachments, strip tillage implements, place their orders early for the new STS varie- Soil Conservation District, will be sponsoring a combine adjustments and other changes are nec- ties. tour ofthe two Integrated Cropping System plots essary to eventually make a reduced tillage sys- on Thursday, Aug. 25. tern work. ~ The Integrated Cropping System plots are being developed to help farmers design till- Buses will be available for transportation to and from the sites. One bus will leave from the h~ .. axtmtze your age/production systems which address water en- vironmental issues, reduce investment costs, im- Pigeon Municipal Parking Lot at 9: 15 am. A second bus will leave from the Expo Center eat productivity with prove soil tilth and are economically feasible. parking lot at the Huron Community Fair- The focus of this year's tour is "Putting the grounds in Bad Axe at 9 am. System Together." Tour participants will view The Innovative Farmers of Huron County the initial year's plots and learn about specialized were organized last year to promote a more equipment needed to 'operate in high residue economical, efficient and environmentally situations. In addition, discussions will be held sound agricultural industry in Huron County. on other changes that need to be considered when Currently, 46 farms have joined the organization Identifiable Performance Parameters on Winter Wheat making the transition. including farms from Sanilac, Midland and On- The foUowing are frequently observed plant responses from soil and foliar applications of ACA on winter wheat Four tillage systems are being used to pro- tario. In addition, 32 commodity groups, agen- duce sugar beets, dry beans and com. The tillage cies, local agriculture businesses and lending Visual Response Observation Timing (Stage of Growth) I systems consist of fall plow, fall chisel, trans-till institutions have joined together to provide fi- • Vigorous early plant growth • Fall- first to fourth leaves unfolded and zone-till systems. Com was planted with nancial or crop input support for this project. • Spring - greenup and vigor different closing systems and coulter combina- Lunch will be available and there is a $5 • More winter hardy • Spring - observation on plant stand tions which will be viewed. The equipment will registration fee which includes transportation • More fibrous and extensive root system • Fall- first to fourth leaves unfolded also be on display. and lunch. To register for this field day, or for • Spring - emergence of inflorescence Discussions will be held on handling of resi- more information, contact MSU Extension - • Increased tillering • Spring - from stem elongation on • larger diameter stem • Spring - at completion of tillering due prior to planting, use of manure as a nutrient Huron County by calling (517) 269- 9949. Plan • Wider, darker green leaves, fuller canopy • Spring - at completion of tillering source and the use of cover crops. now to attend this event. fill row sooner • Earlier pollination • Spring - at flowering • Heavier seed weight • At maturity The Identified performance parameters typically result In: • Increased uptake of soil nutrients • Increased uptake of soil moisture • Increased utilization of sunlight in photosynthesis • Increased tiIIering and foliage • Improved winter hardiness • Improved standability and ease of harvest • Higher yields and/or test weight Yield Information postemergence applications to Winter Wheat (1993) • 33 total studies • 7.6 bushel per acre increase • 10.5% increase in yield • Return on ACA investment of $17.64 (213 pinVacre) 2/3 pint ACA per acre broadcast [Winter Wheat at $3.00/bushel x 7.6 bushel increase/acre = $22.80 - ACA investment of $5.16/acre (2/3 pinVacre) = $17.64 R.O.lJacre] Application TechniquesIProcedures Stray voltage Test results have shown that broadcast incorporated into the soil ACA can be applied to the soil or foliage of winter wheat ACA can be using water or a fertilizer solution as a carrier with or without a soil can be a pro1Jlem applied herbicide. The incorporation irrigation. This will position the ACA FoDar appDcations should be or movement of ACA into the soil profile can be by tillage, rainfall, or near the developing root system of the plant made prior to dormancy break when top dressing wheat. It is not evenona recommended that ACA be applied has been completed. with any postemergence herbicide or insecticide until further testing well-run farm. Methods of Aoollcation ACA mixes easily with and fits into the following fertilizer programs: Other 8oolication methods: • Soil applied broadcast with water as the carrier, w~h or without a herbicide If you suspect a problem, call our stray voltage specialists at 1...800 ...252 ...VOLL Soil Applications • To wheat foliage w~h water as the carrier .Soil broadcast applied with liquid fertilizers We are here to help. • Soil broadcast applied with dry blended fertilizers • Soil broadcast applied (weed & feed herbicidel fertilizer solution) Foliar Applications • Application can be made with liquid fertilizers 1111 as the carrier. Contact your local Clean Crop NOTE: The effect on weed control when ACA is added to post- Dealer or call1~292.2701 emergence herbicides is unknown. Thus, it is not recommended at for additional information on this time to apply ACA with any postemergence herbicide. THE ACA ADVANTAGE Michigan Farm News , ....... August 15, 1994 ••••••••,.. Market Outlook ... ••••• ••••••• ~.'I1• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural DAIRY OUTLOOK .r••...• . •••• •••• •••• .. IIf.~:.. r, ••• ,j ••• . E~RM •••••••• ' Economics, MSU ...,;::::-. ~ CORN Seasonal Commodity Larry G. Hamm, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU •••••••• On Aug. II, the USDA released the first Price Trends 1994 corn crop production estimate using survey field techniques. For the time being Generations have been fascinated by watching yo-yos in action. Most people do BUSINESS it will set the expectations. As of this writ- ? not much care why a yo-yo goes up and ing, a week before the release, it appears the crop estimate will show the 1994 com crop Corn Soybeans ? down. However, when dairy product mar- kets act like yo-yos, all those earning their OUTLOOK around 9 billion bushels. living through the dairy industry do more than watch. They suffer significant cash Many dairy market analysts are hard- Did it? Have conditions changed signifi- Wheat t ? flow disruptions, product promotion and pricing interruptions, etc. pressed to explain why the dairy markets are acting like yo-yos. Markets appear to cantly since the first of August? Did the market correctly factor in the size of the Hogs -1 The dairy product markets are currently have been driven down by a rapid increase in milk production. However, then the hot corn crop? These are questions you need to weather hit in nearly all dairy regions and answer before you make your next pricing Cattle +-+? raising rapidly after falling dramatically decision. The market has probably already earlier this summer. The wholesale price of milk supplies wilted. given you its answers by both direction and cheese on the National Cheese Exchange Index: I = Higher Prices; I = LowerPrices; dropped from $1.39 a pound (40-pound In the meantime, dairy demand is chugging size of price moves since the report was along at a pace that is 3.6 percent ahead of released. TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure blocks) in mid-April to $1.18 in mid-June. Between mid-June and mid-July cheese last year. Cream supplies are tight and the prices "spun" back up to $1.27 a pound. CCC is having to sell surplus butter back to At the same time, the USDA released an increase in exports. The problem is substan- updated Supply/Demand Report. It will be tial increases -in both feed use and exports commercial markets to meet demand. are not likely to come close to the expected The Minnesota-Wisconsin (M-W) price is Dairy markets tighten and up went product interesting to see what use expectations are, given what will most likely be much lower increase in production. dropping rapidly to reflect the drop in prod- prices. prices than a year ago. One thing that will uct prices. However, the July M- W will help is cattle, hogs, and broilers are all in Strategy: What should our pricing plan be? start back up again. Farm pay prices will As most industry participants know, small At this point, we need to re-evaluate the stabilize and wait for new signals from the swings in milk supply and demand cause expansion phases. new information and make some new real- market. very large swings in milk prices. Without It appears 1993-94 exports for the market- istic pricing goals. At this point, the thing more overt help from the dairy price sup- ing year ending Sept. I, 1994 will reach to do may be to wait -- prices are likely near Price volatility has been with the industry port programs, there is nothing available to expectations. It is unclear how world use the bottom and the basis is not offering us since 1988. But this summer's product price reduce dairy market volatility. The only will react to the lower price expectations for any great deals. swings are unique. The dairy product mar- question now is, "Will the market yo-yo 1994-95, but we should see a significant kets and the M- W have experienced large stop at the top or will it spin into another swings before, but the impending rapid re- downward cycle?" versal in price direction is a first. SOYBEANS Some would say soybeans are made in Au- months, world demand looks fairly strong. CATTLE gust, which means there is a greater chance Again, while soybean use for 1994-95 will As we analyze the July 1 (released July 22) Strategy: This means we should be able to that the final soybean number could be likely pick up significantly compared to USDA quarterly 13-State and monthly 7- work back to $70 cattle fairly consistently different from the August estimate that just this past year, unless we have a bad August this fall. Ifwe have opportunities to forward came out, than say, corn, which some say in the production 5ense, the increased use State Cattle-On-Feed Reports it shows we is not likely to make up for the increase in may have a reprieve this fall and early win- price over $72 for fall delivery, we should is made in July. Nonetheless, between the consider it. October futures were over $73 Aug. 11 report which estimated the soy- production. ter from the heavy numbers coming to slaughter. On the other hand, the mid-year the first of August, however the basis has bean crop, given Aug. I conditions, and the Strategy: What do we do in the pricing Cattle Inventory Report shows the cattle been hard to count on at times this past year. weather since then, we probably have a pretty good idea what the soybean harvest arena? First, re-evaluate your pricing goals sector is in an expansion phase. based on the latest information. Second, get The July 1 Cattle Inventory Report showed will be. total cattle and calves up 2 percent from last ready to act on your new plan if the market The 7-state report showed on-feed numbers starts jumping. At this point, the basis isn't down 4 percent from 1993, but up 3 percent year. Both beef cows and beef heifer re- Exports for the 1993-94 year appear to barely meet expectations. However, if we great, and if we didn't have a bullish report from 2 years ago; the 13-state was down 5 placements were up 3 percent compared to look at exports for the U.S. and South on Aug. 11, prices are probably near the percent and up 2 percent, respectively. July 1, 1993. The 1994 cal f crop is expected America combined over the past few bottom. Placements were down 16 percent and 12 to be up 2 percent. Folks, this is expansion 1 percent in the 7-state and 13-state reports and it's a hard ship to turn arounc • respectively. ' WHEAT Notto be a pessimist, but rather to complete There were cattle that feedlots were pur- the story, we need to look at total per capita How's the spring wheat crop coming in? ating in a system where the players have meat consumption. In 1993 we ate 207.6 some idea of where we are going versus chasing during the bloodbath feedlots were Over the last few years it has really influ- taking in the April-June period. It is no pounds per person per year. In 1994 it has enced fall prices. Will the USSR have any trade wars. jumped to 212.1, and in 1995 it is expected surprise that placements were down signifi- credit to buy wheat? It appears they could cantly. For the most part, these are cattle to jump to 217.7. It is hard to see how use more than last year. Strategy: Fundamentally, wheat prices are consumers will keep up with these 5-pound near what you would expect. An important that are expected to be ready in the fall and early winter. Marketings were up 1 percent a year jumps without large price cuts or What will be the effect of the U.S.-Cana- question now is, will it pay to store? and 2 percent in the 7-state and 13- state significant increases in income. dian settlement which sets in place mecha- reports, respectively. nisms to slow Canadian wheat flowing into At this point, the basis is near normal to a the U.S. while the problem is studied for a little wide for the nearby. The spread be- tween September and December futures is year? I suspect the effect will be small, as their more than enough to pay on-farm storage and may be wide enough to pay commer- Michigan Christmas Tree wheat will then flow into the world market competing with ours versus our domestic cial storage. Survey Highlights market, but the cost will go up for the This is an indication that a narrowing o"fthe The first Michigan Rotational Christmas ~ichigan had at least 10 operations grow- Canadians. basis may pay storage. However, narrow- Tree Survey has been completed. There mg trees and 68 counties had 50 acres or ing of the wheat basis is not as certain with were 75,000 acres used for production of more. It is important that the study is well done, soft white wheat as with corn and soybeans. Christmas trees in the state in 1993 accord- so that it helps both our subsidy systems You may be just as well off using a basis ing to the FederaVState Michigan Agricul- Scotch Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce and move towards GAIT. There are compro- contract, a minimum price contract, or sell tural Statistics Service. Dou~las Fir were the three most prevalent mises in all agreements and we should al- cash and buy calls, if you must store off- species grown in Michigan for Christmas ways strive towards making them better. farm and the rates are high. To qualify as a producer, an operation had trees. There were 38,900 acres of Scotch However, it is important that we are oper- to have grown at least one acre of trees and Pines, 12,900 of Colorado Blue Spruce and have had intentions of selling them as 11,4~0 acres of Douglas Fir. These three HOGS Christmas trees. speCIes. accounted for about 85 percent of all ChrIstmas tree acreage in Michigan. According to the June Hogs and Pigs Re- We could see prices average less than $40 There were 1,225 Christmas tree opera- port, we should be seeing about 2 percent for the year. tions identified by the survey and 28 White Spruce, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and more hogs coming to slaughter than a year Michigan growers had 500 or m~re acres. White Pine made up the majority of other ago through much of September. This Strategy: At this point, if the basis turns out One hundred thirty (130) operations re- species raised in the state. should keep prices up in the lower half of to be normal, the futures are offering us ported at least 100 acres and accounted for the $40 range. slightly more than the above forecasts. over two-thirds of the state's producing A complete set of tables detailing Michi- acres. gan's nursery and Christmas tree industries As we move into fall, year-to-year increase It's time to pick some realistic levels where will be published in a bulletin to be released in slaughter appears like it will be in the 4 you would consider locking in some future Wexford, Missaukee, Oceana, Montcalm, this fall. percent range. This should push prices un- production along with the low com and Kalk~ka .and Allegan were the six top der $40 for some of the fourth quarter. meal prices we have now. I am not talking counties, m acreage, respectively and ac- A copy will be sent to all growers. It is about a "get rich" scheme, but rather a counted for 50 percent of Michigan's acre- av~i1~ble to others upon request from the As we look at 1995, production is expected "protect the farm" scheme. ~ge. Although the Christmas tree industry Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service, IS somewhat concentrated in the northwest to be up around 5 percent, along with in- P.O. Box 20008, Lansing MI 48901- creases in both cattle and broiler slaughter. Lower Peninsula, 40 counties across 0608. ' }~ Michigan Farm News -. ..... August 15, 1994 IIDairy Telfarm Analysis, 1993 ...... •••••••• ••••••• ••••••• .r••.••• •••• ,j••• ~.', If'• 1• ~:.. Sherrill B. Nott Department of Agric;:ultural Economics Michigan State University A good way to score your performance as a Table 1• Dairy Farm Results, 1992-1993 E~RM•••••••• •••• ~ •••••••• ,j ••• • ' ....:=..•••• . Sample Size and Averages ~anag~r is to compare ~our farm produc- tIOn wIth what your neIghbors did. How does your dairy farm compare to the com- Number of farms 1992 200 1993 170 BUSINESS petition in Michigan? The following tables show average factors Net farm income Management' Income $47,572 ($2,540) $60 173 ' $6072 OUTLOOK Return to capital.. 5.2% 6.7% for specialized dairy farms throughout the When put on a per cow basis, the middle state. Telfarm participants are not necessar- Cows per farm 114 125 Milk sold per cow, Ibs 18,712 19 198 sized farms had an advantage. The smallest ily representative of all Michigan dairy and largest seemed to have the higher live- farms. Milk price per cwt $13.44 $12.98 Cost per .cwt. of milk $11.05 $12.08 stock costs per milk cow. However, the labor income per cow appears tied to herd They do represent those who desire an ex- Corn grain yield, bu 101 107 size. cellent record keeping system plus assis- Corn ~i1ageyield, ton 13.2 14.8 tance in records and [mancial management Hay Yield, ton 3.6 4.2 On the cropping side, the advantage in 1993 from Extension. Typically, Telfarmers op- was with the smaller herds. The smaller the erate larger than average farms. Telfarm is herd was, the lower the crop costs per acre a record keeping system sponsored by were, and the higher the labor income was. Michigan State University Extension. on feed purchases per cow. More tonnage The second and third lines of Table 2 show For several years, dairy Telfarm reports Farmers pay a fee for using it. of feed was transferred from the farm's that as herd size gets larger, the milk sold have indicated that the cow side of the farm cropping program into the dairy enterprise per cow gets larger. And, the net income tended to make more than enough profit to Table 1 compares 1993 dairy farm results during 1993. from farm operations is the highest per farm offset the losses on the crops side of the with those from 1992. Net farm income on the largest farms. As the herd size got farm. management income and return to capitai Crop yields were slightly better in 1993 larger in 1993, the cost per cwt. of milk got are whole farm profit measures. All the than in 1992 for the main feed crops. Inven- smaller. On Michigan Telfarms, the bigger But, it's only been in recent years that the measures show 1993 was better. However tories of com and hay increased during herds tend to sell more milk per cow and small herds have kept their per acre crop the 1993 group had 11 more cows and sold 1993, but com silage tonnage was slightly have lower milk production costs per cwt. costs lower than the big herds. As this sum- 486 more pounds of milk, on the average. lower by the end of the year. mer winds down, drag out your 1993 record These appear to have provided the extra The last four lines of Table 2 result from summaries and see how you compare to the profit in 1993. Table 2 shows how herd size is associated allocating all income and costs between above averages. Are your cropping opera- with profitability. The 170 farms from 1993 either the animal (livestock) side or the tions dragging down your profits? If so, The milk price in Table 1 is the net price were divided into four size groups, and each crops side of the farm. Feed is sold from the what can you do about it now and for 1995? after all butterfat, protein and quality adjust- group was averaged. crops to the animal side. ments, but before trucking is subtracted. For a more complete report on the four size The year's average price was 46 cents lower The group with 100 to 150 cows has the All unpaid family labor was charged in at groups mentioned in Table 2, contact the in 1993 than in 1992. fewest number of farms. For the largest $6.50 per hour. Interest on all capital was author for Agricultural Economics Report herd, there was an open ended size defini- subtracted. The resulting profit measure No. 578 titled "Business Analysis Summary The cost per cwt. of milk produced was tion. The average number of cows was 229 was called labor income. It is what the farm for Specialized Michigan Dairy Farms, $1.03 more than in 1992. A major reason for indicating a much larger farm than the othe; operators "earned" for their labor and man- 1993 Telfarm Data." this unusually high jump was caused by three groups. Variability within in each size agement. higher feed costs. More dollars were spent group is large. Egg Market Report Table 2. Henry Larzelere, Dept. of Agricultural 1993 Result Averages by Herd Size Economics, MSU In July, the U.S. egg flock, total egg pro- duction and table egg production all aver- Less than 65 to 100to More than aged about 2 percent above a year earlier. Egg prices in the latter part of July were Item 65 Cows 100 Cows 150Cows 150Cows By September, it is expected that the U.S. about the same as a year ago. However, for flock will be slightly less than last year. The Number of Farms 40 45 36 49 the first time in a year, feed ingredient costs egg-type chick hatch, starting in January Number of cows 46 82 124 229 per dozen eggs were below a year earlier. 1994, has been less than the corresponding Milk per cow, Ibs. 17,036 17,660 19,489 19,939 July feed costs this year were about 2 cents month in 1993. In June 1994, the hatch was a dozen eggs below July 1993. Net income per farm, $ 26,500 50,966 61,315 95,278 ! O'percent below a year earlier and the eggs Cost per cwt. of milk, $ 13.79 12.54 12.26 11.67 In Incubators on July 1were 16 percent less Wholesale prices in New York for Grade A Animal cost, per cow, $ 1,253 1,115 1,187 1,214 large white eggs in cartons are expected to than that date in 1993. Labor income, per cow, $ 138 201 228 303 average in the low 70s in August and Sep- Crop costs, per acre, $ 258 284 304 358 Recent spent hen slaughter figures are less tember. In the OctoL>er-November-Decem- Labor income, per acre, $ 13 21 (17) (36) than last year. This trend suggests that more ber quarter, prices are expected to move up forced molting strategies will be used to to the mid to upper 70s. maintain moderate production, even though fewer new pullets will be available. 276 360 700 2fl8 600 260' 660' 2S2' 640' 244' 6ro Z36 600' 228 312 500 304 Com -Dec. 94 I : Wheat - Sept. 94 \ Soybeans - Nov. 94 • 560' 21Z ........... ZCJ6 ........ 540 Oct Nou Dee Jan feb rial" Apr nay Jun Jly ~g Oct Nou Dee Jan feb rial" Apr nay Jun Jly ~9 Oct Nou Dee Jan feb rial" Apr nay Jun Jly AuJJ 16 55 Z06 74 53. Z02 7l 51. lCJB 70 4lJ, 11]4 6B 47 11]0 66 45 186 64 43 182 I Uve Cattle - Aug. 94 I &Z I Uve Hogs - Aug. 94 I 41 Soy Meal - Aug. 94 I: 178 60 3lJ 174 Jun Jlu Auu Oct Nou Dee Jan feb rial" Apr nay Jun Jly Aug Oct Nou Dee Jan feb rial" Apr nay Jun Jly Auu Oct Nou Dee Jan feb rial" Apr nay Charts Provided by Knight-Ridder Financial Michigan Farm News .~ August 15, 1994 II Practice Safe Livestock A recen~ study shows that an~al.s ~e 0 Handling Move slowly and deliberately around 0 Ah~ays provide an ~scape route - es- Involved In 17 percent of all farm Injuries livestock. peclally when workIng m close quar- - a figure equal to the number of accidents ters, with sick or injured animals, or involving farm machinery. It's important 0 Touching animals gently can be more under adverse conditions such as for farmers and farm workers to be on effective than shoving or bumping stormy weather. constant guard when working with or them. around animals. o Exercise extra care around strange ani- o Respect rather than fear livestock. mals. Good housekeeping practices and respect Breeding stock are highly protective for animals play major roles in reducing and often irritable. Disposition dete- D Take extra care if strangers must be hazards and risks to both humans and ani- riorates with age and parturition. Old around your animals. mals. Clutter, messes, and disrepair often breeding stock can be cantankerous, set the stage for accidents and contribute to deceptive, unpredictable, and large D Keep equipment and facilities in good the seriousness of many injuries. enough to be dangerous. repair, and clean. Taking simple precautions may cost a little o Most animals are highly protective of Fresh Silage Can Contain a extra time, but removing or reducing haz- their young. Be especially careful ards can ultimately save time, pain and suffering, property, resources, and lives. around newborn animals. o Male animals should be considered Deadly Threat to Your Health Here are some general livestock handling potentially dangerous at all times. Fanners who will be handling com for si- filled, but no one should go into a silo for observations and rules: . Proper equipment and facilities are lage need to be mindful.l of the danger of four to six weeks after filling," says Howard necessary to assure safety. nitrogen dioxide - silo gas - which can J. Doss, Michigan State University Exten- o ments. Avoid loud noises and quick move- accumulate in the silo. sion agricultural safety specialist. o The size, mass, strength, and speed of Exposure to silo gas can cause permanent Nitrogen dioxide is heavier than air, so it animals and herds of animals should o Be patient. Never prod an animal never be taken lightly. Animals will injury or death. may form yellowish layers of mist above the silage or drop down the silo chute. The when it has no place to go. defend their territory. "The highest concentrations of nitrogen ox- strong silage odor can mask nitrogen diox- ides usually occur 48 hours after the silo is ide's bleachlike odor. It may be present even if you can't see or smell it, however. When silo gas is highly concentrated, it can kill a person in a matter of seconds, along with anyone who attempts a rescue. In low concentrations, silo gas damages the respiratory system when nitrogen dioxide combines with moisture in the lungs to form nitric acid. This acid can severely and per- manently damage respiratory tract tissue. ,.. r The effects include severe irritation that may lead to inflammation of the lungs, though the victim may feel little pain or discomfort. Exposure symptoms - short- ness of breath, a faint feeling and flu-like illness - can frequently be delayed for sev- eral days. "A person may inhale silo gas for a short time and notice no effects," Doss says. "But he or she may go to bed several hours later and die while sleeping because of the fluid that has collected in the lungs." Frequently, a relapse with symptoms simi- lar to those of flu or pneumonia occurs one ,. to two weeks after initial recovery from the exposure. "The majority of people who develop initial silo gas exposure symptoms could also de- velop secondary ailments," Doss says. "For this reason, it is extremely important that anyone exposed to silo gas seek medical attention, regardless of the degree of these symptoms. " Continued next page ...see Silage Gas Dangers Calendar of Events Aug.17 & 18, Potato Field Day, Pig/Beef Roast, and Potato Variety Tour, MSU Montcalm Research Farm, Entrican. Call For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield Dick Chase, (517) 355-0206. have teamed up to provide quality healtn care at competitive group rates Aug. 23, Saginaw Valley Research Farm with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. Field Day, Saginaw Valley Bean and Beet Research Farm, 9: 30 - noon. Call Don Christenson, (517) 353-4594. No matter what your needs ... small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family- Oct. 8 - 9, Great Lakes American Ostrich we ~ave the right' plan at the right price. Association Annual Seminar, Radison Plaza in Kalamazoo. Call Barb Smith at (517) 732-2514 or Rick Borup at (616) 642-9134. Blue Cross Blue Shield qualJty and Farm Bureau's personalized service Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, MFB annual meeting, provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without w~en protecting Westin Hotel, Detroit. the "small" things in life that are of b.ig importance to you. Mail or FAX information (include con- tact name and phone number) three For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your 'local Farm Bureau agent. weeks in advance to: Michigan Farm News ,_"MICHIGAN . P.O. Box 30960 .... FARM BIJREAIJ Lansing, MI 48909-8460 FAX: (517) 323-6793 -~ . Michigan Farm News II. August 15, 1994 AgrAbility Project Helping Farmers with Disabilities by: Deb Laurell accommodations and support. Farming is one of Below, Upper Peninsula dairy farmer James Kronemeyer (left) and Rich Are you suffering from a disability or know the most dangerous occupations there is, but it's Osentoski, an Agrability Engineer, look over resource material to modify someone who is that could benefit from some also one of the most necessary. Where would we farm equipment. A snowmobile accident left Kronemeyer with a perma- farm and equipment modifications? If so the be without our farmers?" asks Delbosque. "It nent disability that affects the use of his left arm AgrAbility Project could help. takes a very special person to farm, and I think . The Michigan AgrAbility Project is a part- that anything we can do to make their lives easier nership between the Extension Service and the within the structure of this program is time and · Easter Seal Society that's designed to help farm- money well spent." ers with disabilities to continue working on the Farm Bureau member, James Kronemeyer farm safely and more effectively. of Pickford, is one farmer the program is help- According to Michigan AgrAbility Project ing. A snowmobile accident left him with a Director Karen Delbosque, anyone involved in penn anent disability affecting his left arm. A any type of agriculturally related profession can visit with Rich Osentoski detennined that spe- take advantage of the program's services. cialized turn signal levers, a two-way radio sys- Delbosque explains that the disability does tem, convex mirrors, magnetic head hammer, not have to be a fann-related injury and it does and storage bin modifications were some of the not have to be recent. things that would make Jim's life easier. AgrAbility has assisted people with spinal With modifications to equipment and other cord injuries, heart disease, traumatic amputa- adaptions made around one of the V.P.'s largest tion, diabetes, asthma, vision and hearing loss, dairy farms, Jim will be able to continue helping carpal tunnel, post-polio syndrome, and a variety on the family farm. of other conditions. Services are available at no The Michigan AgrAbility Project is one cost for the farmer and the immediate family of only 16 in the country. The office is involved in work on the fann. located in Saginaw at 804 S. Hamilton. For However, the program cannot help with le- more information about program services, gal fees, bankruptcy, medication costs or any- or if your interested in making a donation, thing not related to assistance with perfonning contact Karen Delbosque at job-related tasks, but if someone is in doubt (517) 797-0880. about whether they qualify for services, they are encouraged to call. "Even if it is something that isn't covered through our program, we may be able to make a referral to another agency or find some answers," says Delbosque. TAKE"THE".BlTE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS The program has grown significantly since its start. Currently, 78 farm families are being served. According to Delbosque, with financial assistance from the Michigan Farm Bureau in • excess of$40,OOO and other agribusinesses, spe- cialized tractor seats, hand controls, talking watches, tractor step extensions and other equip- ment and devices have been provided to farmers with disabilities. "Our goal is to help fanners continue work- ing safely and productively through education, Silage Gas Dangers Silo gas begins to form almost as soon as silo filling begins. ''It is most likely to develop one to three days after the silage has been made," Doss says. "If a mechanical breakdown occurs or the -. filler pip clogs, the problem should be cor- rected immediate Iy. Waiting overnight to do the task adds the risk of silo gas buildup in the silo. "If there is a dire need to enter the silo, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus," Doss warns. "Wearing anything less could be deadly to anyone inside the silo during the ~ first four to six weeks after silo filling. To locate a suitable self-contained breathing ap- ., paratus, work through the local fire depart- ment or a safety equipment supplier." "Locating a suitable unit may be frustrating and may take some time, but it is far better than losing a member of the family or paying for impatience with permanent injury ," Doss says. Member dental insurance is the affordable way !o assure that you and your family Farmers who must enter a silo during or just receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. after filling should follow these general pro- cedures: Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and Consider the advantage! o toOpen a silo door above the silage level allow any silo gas present to drain - Single $18 per montn • Couple $32 per mo.nth Member/C!1ild $32 per month • Family $41 per month out of the silo. .... o Run the blower at the base of the silo 15 to 30 minutes before entering to let fresh air in above the silage. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL • ~ :::='i.t~E~1J INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPUCATION , PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW o Always wear a self-contained ~reat.hi~g apparatus when entering the Silowithin OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 323& four to six weeks after filling. Please Print ~0 When entering the silo after that recom~ Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name mended waiting period, be sure to venti- Membership Services late the silo chute for 10 to 15 minutes P.O. Box 30960 Address beforehand and open several hatches Lansing, MI 48909 to move out any pockets of gas. Citv State ZIP o waysNo one should work alone in a silo. Al- work in pairs so someone-can go Phone for help in an emergency. Remember that employees must follow Michigan County Department of Public Health regula- tions for entering a confined space. MFN Michigan Farm News - Have You Been Scouting yourCorn Fields Recently? •• August 15, 1994 Western com rootworm beetles will be ellow in color with black stri es down its back. A little scouting now could apply to fields where there's variation in silking dates due to wet soils. You may want help you cut your insecticide to pay special attention to those areas of the bill next spring! field." W ill you need an insecticide next spring? According to Landis, despite research that To help answer that question, you should shows only 10 percent of Michigan's acre- have been scouting your com fields over the age that's planted to a second year of com last several weeks and continue to do so warrants insecticide application, 62 percent until your silks are either brown, or until of those acres actually do receive insecti- first frost in some cases, says MSU Field cide. The same applies to third-year com, Crops Entomologist Doug Landis. where research shows only 50 percent of that acreage would need insecticide, a full "We can use the number of rootworm bee- 81 percent will receive insecticide treat- tles in a field of com to predict how many ment. eggs will be laid in the soil and, therefore, to predict the risk of rootworm larvae infes- tation if we plant com in that field again Landis says that in situations where wire worms, white grubs or seed com maggot are .. next year," Landis explained. "Each female a threat, such as when com follows sod or beetle can lay several hundred eggs, up to a alfalfa, insecticides can be justified. But in foot deep in the soil." a normal rotation of com, soybeans, and wheat, those pests aren't normally a threat. Farmers should be looking for the presence of adult beetles which will commonly be Using an insecticide to control cutworm found feeding on silks, and/or on silk and isn't highly recommended either, says Lan- Photo: Doug Landis If you count less than 180 beetles, Landis leaf axles, walking around the leaves, and dis, since most entomologists readily agree possibly mating under the leaves this time The scouting method is really straight-for- suggests producers continue to scout the that it's much more effective to scout for of year. ward. Simply select three different spots in field until they have 100 percent brown them and treat as needed in the spring, your field, well beyond the headlands, that silks, or they see the population of the beetle rather than putting down an insecticide Western com rootworm beetles are the most are representative of the entire field. Count actually begin to decline. Later planted treatment at planting which, in fact, is not common, says Landis. They'll be about a the number of beetles on 60 plants at each fields need special attention, since they can very effective. quarter of an inch long, yellow in color with location, for a total plant count of 180. potentially attract a large number of beetles black stripes on their backs. late in the season. "It's important to realize that while you'll "If you have counted more than 180 beetles spend a few dollars an acre scouting, you e' Producers should also be looking for the on those 180 plants, then it's very likely "It's particularly important that growers have an excellent opportunity to save your- Northern corn rootworm which can cause there's enough eggs laid in the soil to jus- continue to scout late planted fields, per- self the $10 to $12 per acre insecticide the same damage as the Western beetle. The tify either rotating the field to a crop other haps right up until first frost to make a treatment," Landis said. "But you can't Northern beetle in lime-green colored and than corn, or using an insecticide next decision as to whether they need an insecti- make an accurate prediction without doing has no stripes on it. year," Landis said. cide or not," said Landis. "The same would the scouting." Michigan Farm Bureau Launches "Aspen Lodge Campaign" Fund-Raising Effort for Kettunen Center's Vision 2021 In 1961, Michigan Farm Bureau conducted \ "Campaign Kick Off Dinner" at the MSU a major fundraising campaign to raise ~ Kellogg Center, on Sept. 14. $25,000 for building the Aspen Lodge dor- mitory at what was then known as Camp Kett, near Cadillac, Mich. The facility, now Roger McCoy, news anchor for TV -10, Lansing, will serve as master of ceremonies •• known as the Kettunen Center, has been for the evening. An auction will also be a used as a 4-H adult and youth leader train- part of the evening's activities. A special ing facility for nearly 30,000 4-H volun- pledge contributor's reception will be held teers. prior to the dinner for individuals making a three to five year pledge of $450 or more. Now, 33 years later, $150,000 is required to Tickets for the Kick Off Dinner are $75/sin- renovate the Aspen Lodge dormitory, as a part of the Michigan 4-H Foundation's Vi- sion 2021: The Master Plan for Kettunen gle or $100 per couple, $50 of which is considered a tax deductible contribution to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. •• Center. The overall Kettunen Center ex- pansion and renovation is expected to even- Individual contributions can be made pay- tually total nearly $3.8 million. able through a five-year pledge to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Once the The MFB Board of Directors recently voted pledges are received, the 4-H Foundation to continue the organization's tradition of will be responsible for pledge reminders supporting the Kettunen Center, by giving and acknowledgements, which will also their approval to proceed with the $150,000 serve as official receipts for tax purposes. fund raising campaign for the Aspen Lodge renovation, according to MFB President Various levels of recognition have also Jack Laurie. been established to recognize donations in the following categories: "For Michigan Farm Bureau, this was a ing campaign, with over $27,000 in dona- tors include Arenac, Gladwin, losco, Le- natural project to undertake, based on the tions already received." nawee, and Presque Isle. $250 Contribution - An inscribed paving organ ization' s long association with Exten- brick, with the donor's name will be used sion, Michigan State University, and the Calhoun County Farm Bureau has donated Individual Farm Bureau members are also in the Kettunen Center's Conference Cen- 4-H youth programs," said Laurie. "Re- $6,000, while Berrien, Ottawa, Genesee, encouraged to contribute, if they so desire, ter Court. sponse from county Farm Bureaus has been and Saginaw counties have donated $5,000 by either filling out and mailing back the tremendous upon learning of the fund rais- each. Other county Farm Bureau contribu- coupon (see below) or by attending the MFB Donor's Club ($450) - Attend the - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -, reception at the Kick Off Dinner and two VISION 2021: Michigan Farm Bureau A6pen Lodge Campaign I inscribed paving bricks. D I (We) commit $ to VISION 2021:The Master Plan for Kettunen Center. I $1,000 Contribution - The donor's name I will be inscribed on a plaque in the Aspen Lodge. This gift will be paid: [] immediately, through a check, or a gift of securities. I $2,500 Contribution - The donor's name I will be inscribed on a "Learning Center [] through a pledge paid in equal installments over years (up to 5 years). Station." I $5,000 Contribution - The donor's name will be inscribed on a room in the Aspen Name: I Lodge. Organization: I If you have any questions regarding the : Michig~n Farm Bureau Aspen Lodge Street: Cam palgn, or the kick off dinner on Sept. I 14, contact your local county Farm Bu- City: State: Zip: reau office, or the Michigan Farm Bu- I reau Information Division at (517) 323- Return to: Michigan 4-H Foundation, 4700 South Hagadorn, Suite 220, East Lansing, MI 48823-5399 7000, extension 6586. '. Michigan Farm News August15,1994 ~ II Wrapping Up Compliance Plans Latest Stats Show 92 ENVIRONMENTAL ~.--< STEWARDSHIP Variances ~.Vk Percent of Plans were on In addition to the 92 percent of plans on Schedule as of 1993. schedule, another 4.7 percent of the plans reviewed had been granted one-year exten- sions, or variances. Extensions are granted As the nation's most intensive conserva- when producers have made the best effort tion effort heads into the homestretch, an possible to keep on schedule but could not overwhelming number offanners are meet- due to uncontrollable circumstmces, such ing the deadline for protecting highly as hardship or weather, or factors which ~ erodible croplands. had minimal impact on accomplishing the erosion reduction goals. A U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil ~/IIII\\~ Conservation Service (SCS) status review lost per acre in 1985 to six tons per acre by have made great progress in reducing soil shows 92 percent of conservation plans for - Estimated Soil Savings the end of this year. erosion," he says. highly erodible croplands are on schedule SCS estimates that soil erosion on our most with 50 percent complete as of 1993. highly erodible lands will be less than half SCS Chiefs Comments "The public wants good land stewardship," what it was in 1985 - reduced about 66 Johnson adds. "Just as other businesses SCS says the statistically reliable status percent - if plans are fully implemented by SCS Chief Paul Johnson says that agricul- have had to change the way they operate to review sample came from onsite reviews of the Dec. 31, 1994 deadline. That estimate ture is well on its way in carrying out "the protect the environment, agriculture has 53,000 conservation plans covering 8 mil- is based on estimated national erosion av- most intensive conservation effort ever un- also accepted the challenge." lion acres. erages going from 17.5 tons of soil annually dertaken on private lands. Most fanners Fosters Win National Cattlemen's Environment Award Midland County "Seldom Rest" Fanns, owned and operated Seldom Rest Farms of Niles, owned and operated by Bruce and Scott Foster, won Farm Tour Planned by Bruce and Scott Foster of Niles, Mich., the National Cattlemen's Association Region 1Environmental Stewardship Award. for August 30 has won the National Cattlemen's Associa- tion Region I Environmental Stewardship Minimum and no-tiJI planting, cover crops, Award (ESA). and post-emergence weed control are the featured topics during a crop tour at the The Fosters have a registered, purebred, Jerry and Pearl Wirbel fann, in Midland Angus cow/calf herd and raise Holstein county, located 5-1/2 miles north ofU .S. 10 heifers for use and sale as embryo transfer on Stark Road. The tour starts at 10 a.m. on recipients and dairy replacements. In addi- Tues., Aug. 30. tion to the cattle business, they also raise, com, soybeans, alfalfa hay, wheat, sweet Visitors will see cover crop studies in black com and fruit. Brothers Bruce and Scott are turtle beans and com, cover crop use in the fourth offive generations to live on, and sugar beets, post-emergence grass control be stewards, of the land. in sugar beets, and total post-emergence weed control in no-till soybeans and dry The fanns, owned by the family, are located beans. No-till equipment will also be on in Berrien and Cass counties in extreme display. Southwestern lower Michigan. In these counties of moderate climate, the topogra- A Kentucky Fried Chicken lunch follow the phy is mostly gently sloping moraines and two-hour tour. Lunch reservations and ... till plains, with flat to nearly level lake plains and outwash plains. The texture of the till is predominantly sandy loam and additional information is available through the Saginaw Soil Conservation clay loam. cultural Stabilization and Conservation The Fosters' stewardship program accom- Services and local Soil Conservation Dis- plishments in the energy conservation area tricts. include using no-till and minimum tillage cultural practices which reduces soil dust Manure is handled in a controlled and moni- practices, selling corn to ethanol manufac- and by using ethanol in vehicles. tored system. All manure is returned to soil; The Foster family is well known for its turers and using ethanol in some vehicles. nutrient testing of manure, soil, trees and promotion of beef and agr;~ult.lre in the On this 1,400 acre farm, wildlife, including crops is utilized. Liquid injection of manure farm and non-farm communities alike. Air pollution control is attained through deer, ducks, pheasants, birds, and small is used to reduce odor and attain quicker managed chemical spray timing on fruit animals, are protected and controlled. utilization. The Fosters say, "We feel it is essential to trees; changing to band spraying on crop Wildlife habitats are guarded, re-planted be very good stewards of the land in this planter; use of no-till and minimum till and improved annually. Over the generations, the Fosters have im- "growing" area of cattle, crops and people. proved their stewardship practices through When we practice natural resource stew- cooperative efforts with the Soil Conserva- ardship and management, we enhance pro- Statistically Speaking ...Modern tion Service, MSU Extension, USDA Agri- ductivity and profitabilitY. Farming is Saving Wildlife Habitat Worldwide attention has been focused on the disappearance of wildlife habitat. From the South American rain forests to areas closer to home, public perception is that modern, produc- Withoutmodern techniques, farmersworld- wide would have to expand cultivated farmland from the current 5.8 million square acres to over 15millionsquare milesto achievethe same level Proven Farm Tough Choose from a wide range of tion agriculture is part of the problem. of production. standard or aJStom Lester wood The facts, however, are quite the opposite. A At a recentTFI World FertilizerConference, frame buildings. Each features lookat the advances in agriculture - includingthe DennisAveryofThe Hudson Institutesaid,"The advanced Uni-Fram~engineer- use of commercial nutrients - shows that modern threat to wild species isall habitatloss.Ourcities ing. Top quality materials. The fann practices are saving wildlife habitat by in- now take 1.4percent of the earth's land area and industry's leading warranty. Call creasing food production using less land. will only take 3.5 percent in the year 2050. your local Lester Builder or A Utah State University study of7,300 farm- Agriculture and forestry take two-thirds of the 1-800-826-4439 today. ers found that more than half (51 percent) of land's surface." producers surveyed look for ways to provide "Organic farming would thus condemn bil- habitat for wildlife. The study estimates that U.S. lions of acres of wildlife habitat. We can't hire c?Is. Seminar, October 8-9, Radis- Heartland/Feld Drug has been serving Rural t( a It AUCTION Eliminates fire danger, Inside son Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo, SERVICeS mess, odor. 1-800-743-5883 MI. Exhibitors Seminar Raffle Americans for over 30 years. To get your FREE Discount Pharmacy Catalog Providing auctions for: ANTIQUES statewide -a.nbane , AcI-. Auction, Ostrich dinner. For rates call, Barbara Smith, 1-517-732-2514, meat for BUSINESSES STRAW CHOPPERS: We Derrick Borup, AERMOTOR WINDMILLS. FARM rebuild and balance. Some 1-616-642-9134. Call Toll-Free 1-800-228-3353 New/reconditioned. pumps, supplies. cylinders, Miniature Parts, well lawn HOUSEHOLD REAL ESTATE exchanges. We stock chop- per parts. ENGINE Singlee in Agriculture 1994 We also purchase Antiques, REBUILDING our specialty. - Campoul August 18-20 at + windmills. Repair/restoration. one piece or full estates. Auto- Truck- Tractor-Antique- Shaw-Waw-Nas-See 4-H HEAR T LAN DFElfi£oRUG Sam's Windmill Service CALL NOW for spring and Continen tal -Kohler-Onan- Camp, Man~eno, "'inoi~. PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPliES 14386 CR 14 summer sales. Middlebury, IN 46540 Wisconsin engine dealer. Other upcoming events In 5023 Grover Street. Omaha. Ne 68106 1-810-227-8040. Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, a.1 1-219-825-28n H~LD IS A MEMBER BENEFIT PROVIDER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS HART'S AUTO PARTS Kansas and Texas. Contact BARN WHITE WASHING: Cecil, Ohio SIA, PO Box 7, Pearl City, Serving Michigan and IOOana 41....... 777 Illinois, 61062. Call for 45 years. Prompt, reason- 1-815-443-2002. able service! TRAILER AXLES: 2 to 7000#1 Torflex rubber rides. INDIANA OHIO Miller Spray Service Also, dual wheel buggy t41t-125-8771 PEACOCK AND HEN: ~rrng 9 to 15001 capacity. Handyman Enterprisee Irridescent blue, $100 pair. • Decks, Additions Bunnies, pedigreed and non- Quincy Sandlasting Agri Supply Pole buildings Roofing & Siding Quality work at a fair price. pedigreed. Dwarf, Fuzzy Jersey Wooley, Netherland Dutch.' Great Lops, 4H VARIOUS Quincy, MI 1-517-639-7191 HIGH SPEED HERITAGE Licensed & Insured BUilder. projects. Call BUILDING SYSTEMS Sandi-seal pumps. 1750 Call 1-517-762-5254. 1-517-291-5040. IOO-M3-5555 RPM to 3500 RPM's, ~ hp to Shp. Two 50 gallon stainless INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE STATEWIDE Custom garages, built BUILDINGS: polebarns, gambrels, cattle PRESSURE TREATED fence posts, hi-tensile fence supplies. Installation crew steel vats with agitators. Three p1atfonn scales up to ~j.51~J1T:}}}}}UU}}}Hi}::iii}}iii}i}}}::}ii}~fi~ BUILD IT YOURSELF 2001 capacity. Call • DMI No-Till Side Dress Disc Sealers barns, cement work. Free estimates! available. 1-517-799-1148 early mom- Camwmal AND SAVE MONEY sIeeI buA:lrlgs lealmg easy boIl4l asserrbly lor h! do ~ 11 ing or write: yaneI buIder IIllm Amenca's Iatgesl cllsddlr. We have r:NeI5.llOO • DMI No-Till 20 Colters Call 1-800-968-6699. Ucensed and insured! 1~-38~7 1-517-386-2382 Mcintyre Enterprises, standard sizes of shop. farm. IIldustnal. commerCial and mln" warehouse tUOOgs. AI ani ~ WIIh ~ ~ perm! Ask for Ken. 812 Williams Street, draWlflgS 10 meet 1986 MBMA codes. 20 yeaI roof warranty, and .~ paI1led waIs. Call$ klday lor a Itee AormaIIon p&d