:; Michigan Farm News 111=1 September 15, 1994 Vol. 71, No. 15 In This Issue .... a\ Minor Use Pesticides Peninsula Township Passes Unique Millage for Pressure is mounting in Washing- ton to resolve the question of Farmland Protection - Program is a First in the Midwest Below is a bird's eye view of the reason for the struggle between farming and minor use pesticides page 3 A 17-mile-Iong by two-mile-wide strip of development, scenic beauty that's created high demand and value for farmland. ground called Peninsula Township is Michigan Counties Receive known for the production of cherries and, Disaster Designation most recently, vinifera grapes used in wine The USDA State Emergency making. Fortunately, or unfortunately, that Board sends list to Espy ... page 4 same strip of ground is a peninsula located in the Grand Traverse Bay and is also noto- Normal Weather? rious for its scenic value and escalating Latest 30-day forecast is calling development value. for normal conditions -- 9O-day not such good news page 4 In August, township residents added to that notoriety, approving a 1-1/4 mill millage Understanding the Marketing question by a 53 percent to 47 percent mar- Loan Potential gin to fund the purchase of development If prices drop below loan rate, rights from farmers located on the penin- use this. program to maximize sula, according to Peninsula Township Su- your returns page 6 pervisor Rob Manigold. The millage is the first of its kind in Michigan and in the Michigan Farmland Values Midwest. Rebound Best year yet in the 90s for farm- The millage will raise approximately $2.6 ~ • land values, according to results million annually for the township to use in ..: Om of recent MSU survey ....... page 7 purchasing development rights from farm- .-g ers. There are nearly 17,000 acres in Penin- a.. Cranberries - Not Just for sula Township. Of that, 10,000 acres are ~ Thanksgiving Anymore zoned agricultural, with an estimated 7,000 '&. Demand growth spurs production acres actually farmed. interest and conference in . After the development value is determined, Development values are expected to aver- Michigan page 8 Interested farmers can voluntarily apply for Peninsula Township will, in essence, enter age between $1,500 to $2,000 an acre, ac- the program to sell their development into a land contract to purchase the devel- cording to Manigold. There are exceptions Is There a New avo Strain in rights. Once they do so, an appraisal will be opment rights from the farmer over a 15- to that average, however, with development Michigan? conducted to determine the agricultural year period, with interest. Manigold ex- value and the development value portion of Continued on page 12 -- see Sudden cow deaths and higher pects the first agreements will be com- mortality rates have researchers the property. pleted sometime next spring or summer. Purchasing Development Rights looking for answers page 9 Wheat Seeding 101 Innovative Farmers of Huron County - Learning by Doing! MSU's Larry Copeland and Rick This past winter, 46 Huron County farm- at how to put cover crops back on, how do Ross Voelker and Mike and Jim Shaw for Ward offer several last minute ers and 32 different commercial sponsors, we change our tillage and reduce traffic on purposes of conducting demonstration reminders page 10 including lending institutions, elevators, the fields, and what can we do to improve plots. Australian and American farm suppliers, and implement dealers, the tilth of the fields, while leaving enough banded together to form the "Innovative residue on the surface." Four basic tillage systems are being com- Farmers Farmers of Huron County." Australian farmer touring pared, including fall plowing, fall chisel, Last winter, the farmers met in three differ- trans-till, and zone till. The trans-till system Michigan's ag industry finds Their goal? To reduce wind and water ero- ent commodity groups to develop manage- consists of a tool bar implement with two "'"many similarities page 12 sion and, ultimately, improve water quality, ment schemes for their particular crop un- 8-wave coulters and a large shank per row specifically, water that drains into the Sagi- der four different tillage systems. As a re- Continued on page 11 __see Auto Insurance Reform naw Bay and Lake Huron, while continuing suit, two 40-acre parcels were rented from P.A. 143 to save over $700 mil- to grow unique high valued crops, such as farmers and Innovative Farmer members, Huron County Innovative Farmers lion annually in auto insurance sugar beets and dry beans, in a cropping Huron County Extension Agent Jim LeCureux explains the various tillage and planting premiums page13 rotation of sugar beets, corn, dry beans, and methods used on sugar beet test plots and demcnstration site at the Ross Voelker farm. soybeans. "With sugar beets, you're talking about a vegetable seed that's very small and it's very sensitive as to the depth of planting," said Huron County Extension Agent Jim LeCureux. "You're also planting that seed in late April and early May under less than ideal conditions when the soils tend to be cold and wet. So we have to figure out how to combat those problems and get the good germination and emergence necessary for a fast start." Recently, the group hosted an impressive farm tour at their two 40-acre demonstra- tion sites, with enough interested farmers to fill five tour busses. The group, and appar- ently a number of other farmers, are looking for answers to some tough questions, ac- cording to LeCureux. "We know that some of our farming prac- tices have also created compaction prob- lems and the soil has gotten tighter over the years," LeCureux said. "So we're looking Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 Michigan Farm News . September 15,1994 In Brief... One- Year CRP Extension Announced June Ag Trade Surplus Lowest Yet Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy has announced that farmers holding Conservation Re- The June agricultural trade surplus hit the lowest point t~is year at $1.1 billion, beating the serve Program (CRP) contracts expiring Sept. 30, 1995, will have the option to modify their June 1993 surplus by $10 million, according to Agnculture Depa.rtment figures. The contracts to extend the expiration date for one year. "This will enable producers whose running total for fiscal 1994 -- since October -- shows a $13.5 billIon surplus, down 7 contracts would have expired in 1995 to continue to keep this highly erodible and other percent from the same period last year. ". environmentally-sensitive cropland out of production," Espy said. Beef exports are up 7 percent for the year, wheat shipments are down 16 percent, com is The program has taken 36 million acres out of production since 1985, with about 60 percent down 26 percent and soybeans also are down 23 percent over last year's numbers. U.S. of the idled acreage in the Plains and Rocky Mountain states. Texas leads the nation in agricultural imports for the month were up $12 million over May with the running total at enrolled acres with 4.2 million, followed by North Dakota with 3.2 million and Kansas with $19.8 billion, unchanged from the previous year. 2.9 million acres. Senate Passes Its Version of Crop Insurance Reforf1J Michigan has approximately 330,000 acres in the CRP. This announcement will affect CRP contracts on 8,OCOacres. CRP participants will be notified regarding this option by their Before breaking for its long-awaited Labor Day recess, the Senate passed its version of a local ASCS office. federal crop insurance reform package and included language to reorganize the Agriculture -:A Department. The bill makes it tougher for Congress to pass future disaster bills to aid EPA Rejects Oi/lndustry Request producers not covered by crop insurance. The Environmental Protection Agency has officially rejected a request from oil industry "This vote moves us another step closer towards overhauling the way the federal govern- groups calling for an emergency stay to suspend the agency's rule to include ethanol and ment responds to national crop disasters in rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Mike other renewable fuels as part of the Clean Air Act. Espy. "Last year, when President Clinton and I witnessed the devastation of the Midwest floods and Southeastern droughts, we recognized the need to provide a crop insurance The EPA rejection clears the way for a lawsuit filed by the American Petroleum Institute program that worked, rather than the piecemeal approach of providing ad hoc disaster .... and the National Petroleum Refiners Association to be heard. The lawsuit asks the U.S. assistance. " Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit to set aside the ruling that calls for the phased-in use of ethanol for cleaner burning gasoline in the nine U.S. cities with the The House has passed a version of the crop insurance bill, but has yet to address USDA worst air pollution problems. Although the EPA ruling was not fuel specific, oil industry reorganization. House and Senate conferees are expected to iron out the differences between groups are targeting the ethanol and ethanol refining industries. the two crop insurance bills following the recess. It is not clear how the House will address the reorganization portion of the Senate crop insurance language. Farm Prices Break String, Up for August Clinton Orders Railworkers Back to Work Breaking four straight months of decline, prices for cattle, apples, oranges and wheat rose in August, while prices for corn, soybeans, potatoes and broilers continued to fall off. Price President Clinton ordered striking Soo Line railworkers back to work, temporarily ending increases and decreases averaged together meant a 1.5 percent overall increase for agricul- the longest -- six weeks -- railroad strike in 16 years. Clinton used the Railway Labor Act tural products listed on the Agriculture Department's All Farm Products Index. to establish a three-member board to prepare recommendations to settle labor/management disputes. The board will make its recommendations known in 30 days. The temporary halt Figures showed soybean prices slipped 43 cents in August to $5.49 a bushel and corn was in the strike could last up to 60 days. down 16 cents, to $2.12 per bushel. The report cited favorable Midwest growing conditions for both crops and a weakened corn export market as the triggers for the price drops. Wheat The strike has hurt farmers and agribusinesses in the Midwest, and members of Congress ~ rose 20 cents, to $3.23 a bushel, due to strong export demands and uncertainty about spring applauded Clinton's move. "President Clinton has correctly determined that continuing the wheat crop yields. Soo Line work stoppage threatens this state's bread and butter," said Rep. Jim Lightfoot (R-Iowa). "His call for a 'cooling-off' period that requires railroad workers back on the job Growing Japanese Beef Imports while negotiations continue is a good decision for Iowa." Japan's beef industry, facing growing imports, is worried about the future of higher priced domestic beef and its ability to compete for a share of the low consumption market and is asking foreign producers to hold export increases to a minimum. Japan imported 566,911 Leade~ of Asia-Pacific nations, including the U.S. and Japan, were urged to halt trade ,j tons of beef last year, up from 423,429 tons the previous year. The Japanese government disputes and commit to a Pacific-wide free trade zone starting in the year 2000, with reduced liberalized beef imports in 1991. Japanese domestic beef costs consumers nearly three times tariff rates and zero trade barriers by 2020. that of imported Australian beef and more than two times the cost of American beef. The trade pact recommendation was contained in a report commissioned by the Asia-Pacific "The flow of foreign beef is a growing threat to domestic beef growers," said Jiro Shiwaku, Economic Cooperation forum. The report recommended leaders of the 18-nation APEC president of the Japanese Livestock Industry Promotion Corporation. "But as long as we begin talks on the pact at a November summit in Indonesia. live for the principle of free trade, we can't impose quota restrictions on beef imports." APEC member nations include: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, .J Wash. Ag Dept. Targets Misleading BST Labels Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua, New Guinea, China, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.S. Chile is due to join the group in November. The Washington State Department of Agriculture said there appears to be a significant amount of misinformation. and misunderstanding in the state regarding the safety of Quarterly' Market ~asket Survey Sees Slight Increase recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBSl) and the allowance of labeling claims associated with its use. The department handed down a statement with guidelines concerning milk American consumers are paying slightly more for groceries this quarter than they paid last labeling. The department forbids milk processors to label or advertise their products as quarter, according to results of the American Farm Bureau Federation's quarterly market "BST-free," "rBST-free," or "rBGH-free" because these terms are considered to be mis- basket survey. Consumers this quarter paid an average of $30.39 for 16 popular market leading. basket items. That average reflects an 18-cent increase over the second quarter figure of .., $30.21. The market basket total is up 64 cents from a year ago when the average was $29.75. The department will allow labels which state "from cows not treated with rBST" as long as it is accompanied by a statement saying, "No significant difference has been shown Prices this quarter remained relatively steady across the board compared to last quarter. between milk derived from rBST-treated cows and non rBST-treated cows." The adopted Items that carried slightly higher prices this quarter included whole fryers, eggs, milk, guidelines conform with Food and Drug Administration and U.S.D.A. standards. chees~, apples, potatoes, .flour, cooking oil, shortening and mayonnaise. Items that went down m pnce thiS quarter mcluded ground chuck, sirloin tip roast, pork chops, bacon, cereal "Because BST is naturally present in all milk, no milk is 'BST free'," said WSDA Assistant and bread. Director John Daly. "We want to avoid false and deceptive labeling that creates consumer confusion. Any milk or milk product that is labeled 'BST-free' is false, and would be The latest quarterly price survey of popular grocery items was updated in late August. Since considered misbranded." AFBF began tracking market basket prices five years ago, aggregate prices have remained within a narrow range, from a low of $28.50 in the first quarter of 1989, to a high of $31.44 Dairy Farmer Literally Owes Life to Cows in the third quarter of 1990. A Wisconsin dairy farmer was saved from being crushed to death when the roof of his dairy At $30.39, the latest report is $1.05 below the 1990 high, but it did represent the high~st barn collapsed after being struck by a tornado. Jeff Severson of Foster, Wisc., was pinned market basket price reported since the second quarter of 1991 ($30.64). More than 90 between two dead cows and waited for rescuers to free him from beneath 16,000 bales of shoppers in 34 states participated in the latest survey. hay, which was stored above the barn. Severson lost 75 of his 125 dairy cows to the storm, hut is thankful for those cows that were sacrificed so that he might survive. "If the cows hadn't been in the barn, I'd be dead," Severson said. 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 Program Promotes Trade with Former Eastern Bloc Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for U.S. agribusinesses interested additional mailing offices. letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan in exploring joint ventures with the Newly Independent States (NIS), Poland, Latvia, Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Lithuania and Estonia, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909-8460. Through the Agribusiness Linkage Program (AgLink), USDA hopes to provide U.S. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie lawson; Donna businesses with mechanisms to explore business and trade opportunities with firms from Wilber; Henry Huisjen. those countries, while offering valuable on-the-job training to their foreign counterparts. Officers: President, Jack laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, USDA will fund two trips to the selected company overseas and provide support and travel Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom to the foreign counterpart. The first participants in the AgLink Program with the NIS have Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; already arrived from the Volga Valley in Russia, received their English language training District 8, Richard leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West and are currently receiving on-the-job training with a U.S. agribusiness. They are all Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan owners/managers of small and medium-sized food processing businesses in Russia. For Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford. further information about AgLink, contact: Linda Lynch, AgLink Program, USDA/FAS/ICS, at (202) 720-8877 or fax (202) 690-0892. .. Michigan Farm News September 15, 1994 ITOL o o:J] z m :J] USDA/Michigan Emergency Board Recommends Natural Disaster Designation Farmers across Michigan have suffered for natural disaster designation. The Secretary crop losses in 1994 due to aoverse weather con- of Agriculture has the authority, under current ditions, including extremely cold temperatures, USDA guidelines, to make a natural disaster frost, high wind and excess rainfall. Crop losses designation based on the specific crops affected and, in some cases, potential production losses by a severe storm or adverse weather condition. for crops not yet harvested, have been reported Designation would authorize USDA emer- to local USDA offices. gency loans for eligible fanners in the approved MFB Public Affairs Director AI Almy says and adjacent counties. The secretary is expected it's important that farmers who have experienced to act promptly on this request. If approved, crop losses from the adverse weather compile local sign-up procedures at USDA county of- records documenting their losses, and contact fices will be announced at a later date. their local ASCS personnel before harvesting or destroying damaged crops. Counties Proposed for "Although the USDNMichigan Emergency Disaster Designation Board has recommened natural disasterdesigna- Allegan Alpena Antrim tion for these counties, it doesn't automatically guarantee disaster designation or funding will be Arenac Baraga Bay made available," says Almy. "USDA Secretary Benzie Berrien Cciss Mike Espy must still approve the designation. It's not known wlienthat decision will be made Cheboygan Clinton Delta or what his deicision Will be." Dickinson Genesee Gladwin , Fruit crops, especially peaches, were se- Grand Traverse Gratiot ~ierety damaged by cold tem~ratures in January and late spring frosts in May. Dry beans." sugar Houghton Huron Iron beets and other field crops were damagea by Kalamazoo Kent Lapeer excessive and frequent rains in June and July. Yields of some specific crops are expected to be Livingston Macomb Manistee reduced by up to 40 percent in some counties. Mason Menominee Midland Production loss reports from farmers have Missaukee Montmorency been tabulated by the USDA County Emergency Boards and forwarded to the state level. The Muskegon Newaygo Presque Isle USDA State Emergency Board met in East Saginaw St. Joseph St. Clair tansing to review requests from 44 counties for natural disaster designation. Sanilac Shiawassee Tuscola The counties listed to the right have identi- Van Buren Washtenaw Wayne fied crop losses whicfi exceed the min imum level Wexford Precautionary Health Screening Made Available to Workers Exposed Minor Use Pesticides to Galecron Insecticide MFB POSITION AltholJ&h Congress has not passed S. 985 (with 43 co- A health screening program for bladder Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Farm Bureau supports sponsors) or H.R. 967 (with 132 co-sponsors) to assure disease in workers involved in the manufacture, individuals who were exposed to Galecron dur- these bills. continued availability of minor use pesticides, progress packaging or application of the agricultural in- ing manufacturing, formulation, packaging or has been made in gaining recognition of the need for the secticide Galecron@ was announced Aug. 3D, application would be eligible for the free health MFBCONTACT legislation. screening program, treatment costs and potential 1994. The screening is a result of a proposed AI Almy, Ext. 2040 compensation. Workers who want additional in- Pesticide legislation offered by the administration contains class action settlement agreed to by attorneys minor use language consistent with S. 985 and H.R. 967. representing the workers, and those representing formation about the settlement can contact the The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Op- Ciba-Geigy Corporation, the parent company of settlement class attorneys beginning on Sept. 6, erations and Nutrition has approved a food safety bill after Ciba Crop Protection. Galecron has not been 1994, at 800-565-3126 . adding the minor use pesticide language of H.R. 967. used in the U.S. since 1989. The health screening is patterned after a The Senate Appropriations Committee has requested EPA Under the settlement, workers will be noti- program begun in 1992 for workers at Ciba to place increased priority on solving the minor use pesti- fied of the opportunity to participate in a precau- manufacturing facilities. It includes a 14-day, cide problem and implement as many of the provisions of tionary health screening program. The class ac- at-home test to detect blood in urine, which is an S. 985 as it has legal authority to do without enactment of tion settlement applies only to people exposed early indicator of bladder disease. That is being legislation by Congress. It is likely the minor use pesticide to Galecron in a work environment. There is no conducted under protocols approved by the Na- legislation will be added to the 1995 Farm Bill next year. evidence of a general public health risk. tional Institute for Occupational Safety and Plaintiffs claim that they face increased risk Health (NIOSH). Screening can lead to early Animal Cruelty of bladder cancer as a result of thei r occupa tional detection of bladder disease, which is an impor- exposure to Galecron. The settlement does not tant factor in successful treatment. As originally drafted, S.B. 189. sponsored by Sen. MFB POSITION assign liability or wrongdoing to Ciba. Health studies involving production work- Bouchard (R-Birmingham), was intended to increase the Farm Bureau did not op- ers exposed to Galecron and a related compound penalties and fines for cruel treatment of animals. The re- Ciba marketed Galecron, which contained pose the bill in its final suggest that this exposure may be associated sult is that some agricultural production practices could the active ingredient chlordimeform, between version. have been ruled in violation of the law. 1968 and 1988. It was used as an insecticide on with an increased incidence of bladder cancer. MFBCONTACT cotton and certain fruit and vegetable crops from The settlement also provides for direct noti- A specific example required that animals, during transport, Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 would have adequate room to stand up, lay down and 1968 to 1976, and on cotton only from 1978 to fication and a national advertising campaign to move around. This requirement would be potentially more 1989. The company ceased manufacture and inform Galecron workers of the program. It is dangerous to the livestock. sale of the chemical in 1988. The final use estimated that approximately 20,000 to 25,000 season for Galecron was 1989. people are potentially eligible for the settlement The bill, as amended and passed by the Senate, exempts c1ass.The cost of the health screening and treat- The settlement was provisionally approved farming practices that are otherwise legal or recommended ment will be funded by the company on an by Judge Charles R. Butler of U.S. District Court for the health of the livestock. In addition, it recognized as-needed basis. In addition, the settlement pro- in Mobile, Ala. Attorneys expect to receive final -. that an animal which is sick or injured may be treated by vides up to $45 million for compensation and approval in early 1995, following a court hear- the fanner and does not specifically require medical care ing to confirm the fairness of the settlement. various expenses. from a veterinarian. \ Michigan Farm News . II. September 15, 1994 II Cool temperatures 3D-Day Outlook - Normal/90-Day Outlook - Cooler and Wetter were the rule across much of Michigan during August, with average readings for the month generally 8/1/94 to 8/31/94 Michigan Temperature Observed Dev. From Weather Summary Growing Degree Days Actual Normal Precipitation Actual Normal ranging from 1-4 degrees below normal. Mean t-I0rmal Accum. Accum. Cinch.) Cinch) More importantly, the cool temperatures Alpena 64.6' -0.6 1776 1740 6.19 3.12 suppressed growing degree day accumula- Bad Axe 64.6 -4;1 1845 2081 3.69 2.93 tions (climatologically, degree day accu- Detroit 69.9 -0.8 2583 2258 3.27 3.12 mulations during August are second only Escanaba 63.5 - 1.8 1442 1387 2.85 3.53 to July), which has resulted in slower than 2258 3.39 3.12 ., Flint 66;7 -.2.1 2120 normal development of this year's corn Grand Bapids 67.2 -2.2 2208 2293 7.32 3.18 crop, especially in central sections of the Houghton 62.7 -0.6 1427 1596 1.54 3.69 lower peninsula. Houghton Lake 65.7 -0.4 1944 1740 5.39 3.12 Jackson 66.7 -4.1 2190 2245 5.34 3.36 Precipitation continued above normal Lansing 66.4 - 2.8 2139 2245 5.30 3.36 across most of the state (some seasonal 61.6 -0.7 1483 1596 3.91 3.69 Marquette totals in the central lower peninsula are Muskegon 66.1 - 2.9 1940 1987 4.71 3.60 approaching 200 percent of normal for the Pellston 63.6 - 0.4 1694 1798 5.34 3.11 April-August period), with the notable ex- Saginaw 67.7 - 1.8 2139 2081 4.45 2.93 ception of the Upper Peninsula, where dry- Sault Ste. Marie 60.7 -2.7 1319 1387 4.12 3.53 ness has been an increasing problem. South Bend 68.7 -1.7 2489 2293 3.86 3.18 Traverse City 65.8 -2.2 1904 1798 4.52 3.11 The National Weather Service (NWS) 30- Vestaburg 64.6 - 4.4 1964 2064 7.91 3.64 day outlook for September is somewhat benign, calling for near normal tempera- Observed and growing degree day totals are accumulated from April 1. tures and precipitation. Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU Further ahead, however, the NWS 90-day the skill of the seasonal outlooks during this time of year is very limited (especially for 41 outlook for the fall September through No- precipitation). This year, however, many of the statistical tools used in the development of vember period is for a return of cooler and the outlook are and have been in better than usual agreement, indicating greater than normal wetter than normal conditions. Normally, forecast confidence. Michigan and Major Commodity Extended Weather Outlook Area Physoderma Brown Spot on Corn Not a Major Problem T - Temp. 9/15 9/30 9/15 11/30 Dan Coffin, CPAg Regional Agronomist This disease is generally not an economi- susceptible and will show the disease. Lesions P - Preclp. T P T e cally important problem in Michigan. It's gen- start out small, oblong or round, and yellow. ~ Michigan N N B A erally noticed in areas of high rainfall and high They will coalesce or grow together, later form- W. Com Belt N N B N I have recently received calls about com that temperatures, conditions also present when ing large areas of reddish brown or chocolate E. Corn Belt N N BIN A is allegedly infected with heavy anthracnose Wlnt. Wheat Belt A N N N stalk rot organisms get started. colored tissue. stalk rot all the way up the plant. Growers are Spr. Wheat Belt N N N N However, physoderma infects early in the The cells of this tissue are eventually killed, st:eing many splotches of dark color on the leaf Pac. NW Wheat N N N N season when plants are smaller, and is generally will dry out and expose dusty pustules that con- Delta N A N N/A sheaths next to the stalk and assume it is anthrac- Southeast B A N N/A nose. prescnt in the whorl of the plant rather than at or tain the structures which produce the spores for San Joaquin N B N N near the base of the stalk. Leaves, leaf sheaths, next year. Control can be gained by utilizing ~ I investigated some of this corn recently and found it to be a rather common occurrence in our stalks, outer husks of ears and even tassels are resistant varieties and by plowing down debris. A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- area which is not nearly as threatening. It is No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office called physodenna brown spot. Reader Sends in Her View of the Past Growing Season I'm in the retail part of our family produce business. This poem comes from explaining why we have no bushels of anything this year. They all want to know why, so this is how I explain it. Amy L. Speckill, Speckin Orchard, Flint, Mich. MICHIGAN FARM Farmer's Lament Serving Michigan It started around Christmas, July started with rain (tMFRN RADIO NETWORK Farm Families is Our Only Business the snow cover was light, and January temperature was minus 40 at night. and it still hasn't stopped, all I know now is, I got what I got. Some trees held on Strawberries drowned Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective and others split open, after the drought, has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- froze solid and died, so did the beans ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- but still we kept hopin'. and corn and what not. tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: May had no rain Blueberries came on The cherries will split and June a late frost, and started with a bang, and blueberries can't swim, Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm then came a drought now we're doomed no peaches either, WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am and what was left was lost. that's Nature's whim. to a week more of rain. WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm W'r0(O Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm 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 WOAP Lapeer Owosso 1530 1080 7:20 am 6:15 am 11:50 am 12:30 pm 12:15 pm Stray voltage WHAK WSJ Rogers City St. Johns 960 1580 6:15 am 1.2:15 pm can be a proDlem WMLM WSGW WMIC St. Louis Saginaw Sandusky 1540 790 660 6:05 5:55 6:15 am am am 12:20 pm 12:20 pm 12:45 pm evenona WCSY WKJC South Haven Tawas City 940 104.7 12:15 pm 12:45 pm well-run farm WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm If you suspect a problem, call our stray WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am voltage specialists at 1...800 ...252 ...VOLL We are here to help. * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change with the sign-on times. ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am. *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. ~ 0 Michigan Farm News September 15, 1994 Michigan Farm News ....... September.1S, 1994 Market Outlook ... Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural .... •••••••• •.... ••••••• •••••~.' . •••• .r•••••• .... , ,j ••• ,.1.. ,.~.. . CORN The Sept. ] USDA Crop Production Report Seasonal Commodity Price Trends Economics, MSU CATTLE E~RM•••••••• ~ ' ~~:;. •••••••• was just released Sept. ] 2. Check it out. Was it bearish, was it bullish, or was it The USDA Aug. 7 Cattle-On-Feed Report showed we still have plenty of cattle on BUSINESS neutral? We will discuss it in the next issue, hand for a while, but there's hope for late Corn but you may need to make some decisions based on the report sooner. If it was larger ? fall. Total inventory was 97 percent of a year ago which shows by middle to late fall OUT.LOOK than expected, it probably means holding Soybeans ? we should have some market strength, off on pricing decisions. If it was smaller probably into the low $70s. However, that limit next spring's potential. There will be than expected, it may be time to make a move depending on your storage situation. Wheat t ? was more than expected and, along with July marketings being lower than expected more calves out there this fall to sell than last year, so placements almost have to go Marketing Loan Program Options Hogs -1 at 98 percent of last year, that means it will probably be into early October before we up some time. Due to the huge corn crop, and the 1990 It appears we are going to spend the major- Farm Bill calling for a marketing loan pro- Cattle -t catch up. Although, if weights stay high, it will limit the gains. ity of next year under $70 for fed steers. It gram for corn for the 1994-95 crop year, it is important for feedlots to bid accordingly. appears we may have to predict both the I Index: = Higher Prices; I = Lower Prices; Placements in July were 102 percent of last Also, don't factor $2 corn into your bids; lowest price of the year as well as the high TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure July, higher than expected, and this put corn prices are likely to rise over the next to maximize our returns. Does this remind pressure on future contracts. If this trend 7-8 months, and even if you store it, you you of the mid-] 9805 and PIK certificates? county price is $1.75. Rather than taking a keeps up in August and September, it may have costs. loan, you can get a check for the 10 cent While the marketing loan program has difference and give up the right to take out HOGS some of the same features, there are many a loan on that com. You can then sell the differences and no certificates. I will give a corn or wait to price it. This is why we also How long will we have to stay under $40 to It now appears we will keep hitting these very brief description below; in the next need to forecast the low price in order to slow expansion? Part of that answer may low cash prices through November before issue we will give a more detailed look, and maximize the difference. come in the September Hogs and Pigs Re- we have a small recovery, maybe even over the ASCS offices will go through training port that will be released Sept. 29. And $40. We may average under $40 for 1995, later this month. If prices go below the loan Strategy: Obviously, there are more de- when it does show up, it will first be in the although we should see prices go over $40 rate, this is a program you will want to tails and there will be forms to fill out, but form of more small to middle-size produc- next summer. If we do have a price rally, be understand. as we approach harvest, you will want to be ers going out than big producers still ex- ready to do some forward pricing -- there familiar with this new program and the panding. will be plenty of meat around next year. The basic principle of a marketing loan rules. program is that you pay back your loan at the market price instead of the loan rate if DAIRY MARKETING The odds are that, over the marketing year, the market price is below the loan rate. For prices. will go up from the harvest lows. The example, if your county loan rate is $1.85 Dr. Larry G. Hamm, Dept. of Agricultural question is, "Will they go up enough to pay Economics, MSU and your posted county price (a proxy for storage?" At this point, the basis indicates the market price) is $1.75, you can pay back that the market wants you to store corn. The your loan at $1.75 and pocket the difference Things are on the move in dairy markets. About the same time as the personnel deci- new crop basis is on the wide side of the Farm pay prices will be rising slowly over after fees and interest. sion, the USDA announced a recom- normal range. and the spread between con- the next few months and the backlog of mended decision for a replacement for the tract months in the futures is more than decisions on the Federal Milk Marketing This allows the market to go to equilibrium, M- W price. The M- W replacement deals enough to pay on-farm storage and close to Orders (FMMOs) appear to be breaking. whereas the loan rate puts a floor on the with several (but not all) of the weaknesses paying off-farm storage. market. It also means the government will of the current M-W. If this recommended not end up with large stocks. You had to The pay prices for July milk were the low- M-W replacement is adopted, farm pay Several pricing alternatives fall out of this est since March 1993. The big drop was due have participated in the government farm prices will be calculated from a new price situation. One is to store and wait for the to the Minnesota-Wisconsin (M-W) drops program to use this feature. base. basis to narrow. Another is to hedge your in May and June. These were reflected in crop (which you can do now through many the prices milk dealers paid in July. Fortu- One might ask, liDo I have to take out a loan Recent comparisons indicate that the new elevators) to take advantage of the basis nately, the M-W is rising. to get the difference if I do not want the M-W will produce prices very close to the narrowing and perhaps come back into the loan?" The answer is no. The alternative is market and buy a call this winter to take old M-W. Therefore, producers will not see taking the loan deficiency payment, which The July M-W increased 16 cents per cwt. significant changes. However, the new M- advantage of possible increases in the com The August M-W is $11.73, an increase of has nothing to do with the regular defi- market. W has the potential to be more volatile than. ciency payment. Again, let's say your 32 cents over July. This increase, along the old M-W. county loan rate is $1.85 and your .posted with increases in the Class II (price for soft manufactured dairy products) for August In another recommended decision, the SOYBEANS and September, virtually guarantee in- USDA is proposing changing the Class II creasing pay prices. pricing formula used in the FMMOs. The Have we bottomed out? I'm not sure, but I means that at this time, the market wants new Class II formula will operate much the suspect we are close. If we have not bot- you to store your soybeans. While not as The pay price increases will not be great. same way the current pricing formula tomed out, it will come at harvest. Exports wide, the spread between out months of However, the market trends suggest that works for Class I prices. for the ] 993-94 soybean marketing year, soybean futures also indicates at this point milk prices will hold throughout the fall which just ended, came in a little higher the market is asking you to store, especially months. The next significant price drops The new Class II pricing formula has the than expected. New crop year export sales if you have on-farm storage. are not likely until early next year. potential to decrease the volatility of Class are stronger than a year ago, and South II prices. In recent years, Class II products America seems to have sold most of their Strategy: In my estimation, prices have Every Grade-A milk ch~ck in Michigan is have become an increasingly important old crop, meaning the export situation more upside potential than downside risk at affected by the rules governing the outlet for Michigan milk supplies. should support prices. this time, but you need to update that given FMMOs. The FMMOs have been waiting the USDA report. It is clear the basis will for a series of decisions which will have a With recommended decisions announced Due to less than ideal August weather con- narrow by late spring or early summer. direct impact on farm pay prices. for a replacement M-W and Class II pric- ditions, I suspect 1994 soybean production ing, the deck is cleared for a recommended was not raised in the Sept. 12 USDA report. The pricing alternatives that need to be Recently, Secretary of Agriculture Espy decision on multiple component pricing But check it out. While much of Michigan considered in this scenario are storage and announced a new permanent director of the (MCP). The MCP decision will be one of received more rain than they cared for in wait to price, storage and perhaps a put USDA's Dairy Division. This unit oversees the most critical for Michigan producers. August, parts of Indiana, Illinois and Mis- option purchase, and delayed pricing. the FMMOs and the new director is a sea- When the MCP decision is announced, pro- souri were quite short. For that matter, parts Many elevators have alternatives which soned veteran dairy marketing administra- ducers will have to invest time in learning of Iowa could have used more moisture. will achieve the same results. When look- tor. about milk pricing economics, ing at how wide the basis is, be sure to The basis being offered for soybeans is on calculate in all the storage costs. It may be EGGS the wide side, especially for new crop. As off-farm storage will not pay. The key is, of this writing, the new crop basis for soy- you want a tool which can take advantage Henry Larzelere, Dept. of Agricultural beans was 35 cents under at Saginaw. It is of both the narrowing of the basis and fu- Economics, MSU usually 20-25 cents under at harvest. This ture price strength. Egg prices in August averaged about 3 The U.S. laying flock and table egg produc- WHEAT cents a dozen less than a year ago. Feed tion, as of August, continue to be about 2 damage as a storage cost). It may be that the ingredient costs were about 2 cents a dozen percent above last year. Although the egg- Are you ready to hear more about the basis? returns will be higher than corn or soy- less than last year. type chick hatch has been below year earlier The wheat basis shows, and the spreads beans. Also remember, to assure your re- levels since early 1994, the rate of slaughter confirm, that the wheat market may be pay- turns to storage, you will need to hedge it In September, wholesale prices in New of spent hens has also been below last year. ing more tt....n either corn or soybeans to or buy a put option. York for Grade A large white eggs in car- store. This is partly because Toledo has tons are expected to average in the upper The demand side of the equation is keeping more bins than usual filled with wheat, Strategy: Wheat prices look better than 60s and possibly getting into the 70s on pace with production changes as the weekly which also affects the corn and soybean expected back at harvest. While there is some days. shell egg inventory is generally below week basis. The problem with this is many have room for more upside movement, there is earlier levels. already sold their wheat or have to store it also downside risk. If you have most of your During the October-November-December commercially. But if you can and are stor- 1994 wheat still unpriced, you might con- quarter, prices will likely average in the ing on-farm, or even commercially, pencil sider putting a floor under some portion of low to mid 70s, with October having the the returns through (remember to count it. Be watching this market closely. low prices of the quarter. Michigan Farm News September 15, 1994 Michigan Farmland Values Strengthen ...... •••••••• .... •••••• •••••~.'I •••••• ........ " ... Ir•II . ~~ Steven D. Hanson, Dept. of Agricultural Table 1 •••• 'j •• 1 FARM •••••••• Economics, MSU Southern Lower Peninsula Survey Values .'~ J...::::. •••• Michigan farmland values posted their strongest gains of the 1990s, according to a Land Type Avg. Value Percent Change Expected Change in Value Last in Value Next Avg. Cash •••••••• recent survey conducted by the Department Per Acre 12 months 12 months Rent/Acre of Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University. Land values increased an High Quality $1,091 + 4.6<'10 $67 BUSINESS average of over 4 percent across the south- Corn, S.B. Hay ern part of the lower peninsula last year and are expected to increase by 3 percent during Low Quality Corn, S.B. Hay $726 +4.1% +3.3% $43 OUTLOOK he current year. Sugar Beet $1,438 +4.8% +3.3% $114 Optimism about farm returns for irrigated The sample for the survey consisted of and high quality land, coupled with contin- members of the Farm Managers and Rural Irrigated $1,259 +5.4% +3.5% $131 ued favorable interest rates, are allowing Appraisers A~sociation, banker participants many farmers to consider expanding their in the annual Michigan Farm Credit Confer- land holdings. current year's cash flow. In other words, acre parcels are sell ing for between $40,000 ence, and county assessors in Michigan. higher expected future cash flows translate and $60,000. The survey collected farmland valuation While urbanization pressures are bidding into higher value-to-rent ratios. and rent information for high and low qual- farms away from agricultural use in some ty corn-soybean-hay land, sugar beet land, General Observations areas, P.A. 116 continues to hold down land The relatively high value-to-rent ratios for and irrigated land. The major findings of the The respondents also provided general values in a number of areas by limiting the the corn-soybean-hay land suggest three urvey are shown in Table 1. comments on land values. The consensus land to agricultural uses. possible situations: 1) the market antici- pates that cash flows from corn-soybean- was that land values for agricultural use are Land Values realizing moderate gains. In addition, rural In many areas, the number of tillable acres hay production will grow at a faster rate residential and recreational influences are transferred was relatively high during year. High quality corn-soybean-hay land had an than sugar beets and irrigated land; 2) the having increasingly strong impacts on land In addition, the non-tillable and recreation average value of $1,091 per acre, up 4.6 corn-soybean-hay land may be switched to values in many areas. land markets were also generally active and percent from the previous year. Low quality alternative production with higher expected selling at a premium. orn-soybean-hay land had an average cash flows, for example, sugar beets, at value of $726 per acre, showing a 4.1 per- some point in the future; and/or 3) non-farm ent increase over the previous year. Sugar beet land averaged $1,438 per acre, uses of the land in the future may provide higher cash flows than those expected from agricultural production. Discover 1he ''Disti1ct Adv_!" which was a 4.8 percent increase over the • 50 Year Protection • 10 Year Protection year; while irrigated land averaged $1,259 Urbanization Against snow-load damage to the Against wind load damage to our per acre, which corresponded to a strong 5.4 Encroaching urbanization is having an im- structure with no weight limit. optional A1umaSteel@ sliding doors with percent rise over values a year earlier. pact on both land values and land use in • 50 Year Protection no wind velocity limit. many areas across the state and causing Against decay or insect arrack on • 5 Year Protection High and low quality corn-soybean-hay, great concern in the agricultural sector. Sur- preservative treated columns and Against wind load damage to the ugar beet, and irrigated land are all ex- vey respondents indicated that urbanization pected to show similar increases in value preservative treated lumber. structure with no wind velocity limit. was resulting in little impact in some areas • 20 Year Protection • All warranties include materials and labor uring the current year of a little over 3 but was causing considerable appreciation percent. Against red rust on and are not prorated. in farmland values in other areas. painted steel panels including damage Rental Rates According to the respondents, there are an caused by Average cash rent for high quality corn-soy- increasing number of farms being split into atmospheric ean-hay land was $67 per acre, while low smaller parcels and sold for residential pollutants. uality corn-soybean-hay land rented for an building, especially in the southern lower verage of $43 per acre. Sugar beet land peninsula. Many areas that are impacted by ented for an average of $114 per acre and urbanization are seeing significant in- rrigated land had an average rental rate of creases in the nonagricultural-use value of 131 per acre. the land. he average value-to-rent ratio for high and Below average farmland is now selling for ow quality corn-soy bean-hay land was 16 more than above average farmland in some nd 17, respectively. Sugar beet land areas. The survey respondents indicate that, in some areas, farmland prices are being bid 800-447-7436 howed a value-to-rent ratio of 13 while rrigated land had a ratio of 10. Value-to-rent ratios are a function of the uture cash flows the land is expected to up to prices well above what cash rents can support and that this is removing farmland from production as well as decreasing the number of full-time farms. .~!mIM~~ C) 1__ Bwldonp.lnc. enerate. Higher expected future cash flows Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 • Brown City, MI (810) 346-2702. Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 re "capitalized" into the value of the land In one rural community located outside an Rockford, MI (616) 874-6400. Three Rivers,MI (616) 279-5271 oday, increasing its value relative to the urban center in south central Michigan, 10- 276 384' 700 268' 376' 680' Z6€t 368' 660' Z5Z' 3&0' M(), 244' 3S2' D2(), 236' 344' 60(), 228' 3361 S8O' ZZ€t 32fJC 56D' Com-Dec. 94 Wheat -Dec. 94 Soybeans -Nov. 94 212' 3Z()' 540 Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep 207.50 51 74 202.50 4'3 73 1'37.50 47 72 1'32.50 45. 71 187.50 43 70 182.50 41 6'3 1n.50 3'3 68 172.50 37 67 Soy Meal -Sept. 94 167.50 Uve Hogs -Oct. 94 3S Uve Cattle. Oct. 94 I. 66 Nou Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Nou Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Nou Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly ~g Sep Charts Provided by Knight-Ridder Financial Michigan Farm News - II. September 15,1994 II What's the Future of Cranberry Production in Michigan? With all of our state's agricultural diver- Several Michigan farmers are attempting to work cranberries into their operation. Cranberry bogs, like this one located in Wisconsin, require a great deal of water and preparation. Preferred Cranberry Sites sity, second .only to California, several Mic~i- 0 Sites having appropriate soil types gan fanners Intend to m~ke sure that cranberries which have previously been drained are one ~or~ truly umque crop added to the for agricultural use are the most desira- commodIty I1st. bel sites for cranberry development With the expansion of the U.S. cranberry .f.a... '"' _ ... from the perspective of the MONA. markets to processed products, including bot- tled ju ice, canned sauce, frozen concentrate, o Development of a self-contained water jams and relishes, the demand for cranberries supply system (reservior) is generally has risen. Because of this increase in demand, preferred as opposed to withdrawl and producers are attempting to expand production. discharge into natural waterways. What are the opportunities for production in Michigan? o Support facilities should be located up- land. Phil Carpp, president of the Michigan Cran- berry Council, ex illains that Michigan currently has less than 20 acres of cranberries planted, o Proposals should include Best Manag- ment Practices to minimize the impact with less than nine producers. He predicts that of the cranberry operation. approxinlately another30 acres could be planted this year if all goes as planned. expansion in cranberry production all around the world now, so it illustrates that people, in gen- interested potential cranberry producer must o Impacts to sensitive ecosystems and According to MFB's Commodity Division identify a location that would be suitable for rare species must be avoided. Director Ken Nye, parts of Michigan have the eral, feel there's a great deal of potential for cranberry production. These sites must meet right type of soil, water and climatic conditions cranberry production and that there is a market requirements put forth by the MDNR under the for cranberry production, and an agricultural for additional fruit." Inland Lakes and Streams Act and the Goe- struction of dikes, ditches or reservoirs, or place- infrastructure that includes an established fruit What steps need to be taken before get- maere-Anderson Wetland Protection Act. Those ment of other structures. industry. ting involved in cranberry production? requirements include pennits for work in wet- Bostwick says the MDNR Land and Water Eric Hanson of Michigan State University lands, including grading, filling, drainage, con- Management Division utilizes a single applica- According to Peg Bostwick of the Michigan reports: "There's been quite a bit of interest in Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), an tion fonn for wetland pennits under the above mentioned acts. She advises interested parties to submit applications far in advance to avoid a delay in proposed projects. According to Carpp, the initial cost of cran- A FEW SMALL REASONS berry production to a producer could reach $10,000 to $30,000 per acre, including land preparation, plants and other costs such as a harvesting system. Most of this investment is generally returned by the first full harvest, which is expected in the fifth year of production. Joe DeGrandchamp of South Haven feels cranberry production could be a viable option for some, especially blueberry growers in southeast- ern Michigan. "I think it's something to look at. You would have to see if it fits into your program and if you have suitable land or not," said DeGrandchamp. "I see it enhancing our business because it doesn't conflict with blueberry harvest and we can incorporate it well." The common production measure for cran- berries is a barrel, which equals 100 pounds. Yields range from 100 to 400 barrels per acre with an average of 180 'barrels per acre. The 1O-year average price received by growers is in the $47-$50 per barrel range. According to Nye, there's no reason why Michigan producers can't grow cranberries; however, there are challenges in wetland regula- tions and the market will still be fairly small. "Cranberries could be an important fruit crop here in the state, but it is not going to be competing with apples and cherries," said Nye. Conference to Explore Potential of Cranberry Production in State MFB is co-sponsoring a conference on ex- panding state production of cranberries. The "Commercial Cranberry Production Potential for Michigan" conference will take place Oct. 6 at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie. Increased commercial cranberry production in Michigan would expand the state's agricul- For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield tural base, providingjobs and economic growth, have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates according to MFB Commodity Division Direc- tor Ken Nye. "Although there is high consumer with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. demand for cranberries, growers in traditional producing states have not been able to increase No matter what your needs... acreage due to the lack of suitable land and stringent requirements by agencies that regulate small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family - wetlands," said Nye. "These same wetland regu- we have the right plan at the right price. lations could stifle development of a cranberry industry in Michigan." Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service The conference will explore state and fed- eral environmental and regulatory issues related provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting to cranberry production. Other topics on the the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. program will include supply and demand projec- tions, marketing and crop management. For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. For more information or registration, which is due by Sept. 23, call the Luee _ ... ,CH,GAN County Extension office at (906) 293-5982 or (906) 293-3203 • • ~ .. FARM BUREAU Michigan Farm News . Is There a New Strain of BVD in Michigan? •• September 15,1994 Sudden cow deaths, higher calf mo,!ality rates and of reinfection for the rest of your herd, cautions aborted calves have researchers lookIng for clues. Mullaney, even after vaccinations are done. possible, to this virus befor~ they become preg- nant for the first time." An apparently new form of bovine viral brain that allows the calf to balance itself and Even if the other herdmates can mount an diarrhea virus (BVD) is making its presence stand - and eye defects. immune response to the BVO virus, Mullaney Heifers should be vaccinated with a modi- known in Michigan, as well as Canada, and other says it will actually suppress the immune system fied live-virus, followed with a booster shot before they're bred. "If you don't, and they get Midwest dairy states. BVD, originally diag- Preventative Measures enough that livestock can be more susceptible to nosed in Michigan in the 1940s, has been iso- other infections, such as bacterial pneumonia. infected during pregnancy,) ou are setting your- self up for havoc on your farm for years to Iate d. 10 80 d'ff . h' Closed herds and a thorough vaccination I er,ent cases In t IS state since April If a farmer suspects a BVO problem, Mul- &' program are your best bet to reduce the likeli- come," Mullaney said. "You're basically intro- o f 1993 , accor d 109 to MSU P rolessor of Pathol- laney says it's critical that they get in touch with ogy, and Diagnostics Lab Associate Director, hood of getting the virus on your farm, says and work closely with their local veterinarian, ducing that virus into the next generation, and Mullaney. creating a persistently infected animal." Dr. Thomas Mullaney. since he knows the herd's vaccination history Just how many of those 80 cases can be Introducing new cows, heifers or calves to and management practices. That knowledge is Mullaney said that in severe cases, they have attributed to the newer form of BVD is unclear, your herd opens the door to trouble, however, critical in making treatment recommendations started to recommend entire herd blood testing says Mullaney. What is clear and very rare, especially if you have the misfortune of getting such as whether to use a modified live-virus or a on animals over three months of age. Any ani- .. a "persistently infectious" animal. mals that test positive for BVO are retested three h owever, IS that In several cases a large number killed-virus vaccination routine. of cows are dying within 24 to 48 hours after "That's an animal that became infected with According to Mullaney, there are two weeks later. If those animals test positive on the developing high fevers, diarrhea and going off BVD while it was still in the cow's uterus and schools of thought regarding vaccinations. A second test, they should then be culled, since feed. The number of cases has also remained its immune system had not developed," said live-virus treatment is more effective, but if the they're likely a persistent infectious animal. consistent throughout the year, when typically Mullaney. "So instead of mounting an immune herd is already infected, it can make the problem If it's not possible to avoid bringing new summer means a reduction in the caseload. response to the virus, the calf's body treats the worse. A killed-virus isn't as likely to create animals into your herd, Mullaney advises that "The thing that's quite unusual, and we ha- virus as if it were what we call a self-antigen, in problems, but its effectiveness is questionable. you attempt to reduce the number of herds you ven't figured out why yet, is that these adult cows other words, it treaL" the virus as if it were one In some states, experts are advising producers to are buying from, ideally to just one, and get to of its own cells." know the producer, and their vaccination pro- die very, very quickly," explained Mullaney. step up their vaccination schedule to four times "That's not the usual thing we saw in the past In that scenario, the virus grows unimpeded, per year using a killed-virus vaccination. gram. "If possible, ask the producer you're deal- with BVD. So there's something different and meaning the animal will have the virus in its "Producers have to be very careful about ing with ifhe will allow his veterinarian to share new happening that isn't absolutely clear-cut blood all the time, and will constantly shed the how they manage their young heifers," Mullaney the vaccination history of that herd with you," yet." virus in its manure, blood, and nasal discharge. advised. "You have to be particularly stringent Mullaney concluded. Don't expect any quick fix either, says Mul- That also means it can provide a constant source in making sure they are immune, as immune as laney. Canadian officials have been battling the new form of BVD since early 1993. Ontario has .. been particularly hard hit with a three-fold in- crease in the diagnosis of BVD, as well as a 60 percent increase in the number of dead calves in 1993. TAKE'THE'.BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS "We're dealing with a herd right now where they have lost six adult cows, culled another 20, had 15 aborted calves, and up to 15 calves die," Mullaney said. "In Kentucky, they have herds that have lost between 30 and 50 adult cows with this new form of BVD." In addition to the cows going off feed, de- creased milk production, diarrhea, and cow deaths, Mullaney advises producers to be on the look-out for calves that become unthrifty, de- velop diarrhea, an increase in aborted calves, particularly in first-cal fheifers, and bi rth defects. First-calf heifers are more likely to have aborted births and birth defects, since they have not had the years of exposure and vaccination to build up an immunity to BVD, as is the case with older herdmates. Birth defects can include an underdeveloped cerebellum - the portion of the Calendar of Events Sept. 20-22, Ohio State University Farm SCIence Review ~ept. 27-29, Farm Progress Show, Bloom- mgton, Ill. . , Oct. 6, Commercial Cranberry Production Conference, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Call (906) 293-5982 or (906) 293-3203. Oct. 8 - 9, Great Lakes American Ostrich ~ssociation Annual Seminar, Radison Plaza In Kalamazoo. Call Barb Smith at (517) 732- 2514 or Rick Borup at (616) 642-9134. Member dental insurance is the affordable way !o assure that you and your family Nov. 9-10, 1994 Michigan Rural Health receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. Conference, McGuires Resort, Cadi lac, Mic.h. Call (517) 336-1066 for more infor- Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! matIOn and registration details. Single $18 per montn • Couple $32 per month Dec. 14-15, MFB New Presidents Confer- Member/C.hild $32 per month • Family $41 per month ence ~,.ItI.t:"'CAN . Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, MFB Annual Meeting, .... FARItl BIJREAU Westin Hotel, Detroit. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPUCATION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW Jan. 8-12, American Farm Bureau Annual OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 3231 Meeting, St. Louis, Mo. Please Print . March 6-10, Agriculture and Natural Re- SOurces Week, East Lansing Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Membership Services P.O. Box 30960- Address Mail \ r FAX infonnation (include con- Lansing, MI 48909 tact name and phone number) three City State ZIP weeks in advance to: Michigan Fann News Phone P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, MI 48909-8460 Counw FAX: (517) 323-6793 MFN .• - o Michigan Farm News ~.- September 15, 1994 A Refresher on Wheat-Seeding Management Practices Rick Ward and Larry Copeland, Crop & MSU research indicates that optimal seed- leaving residue on the Table 1. ing rates range from 1.6 to 2.1 million seeds per surface, and a press- Soil Science, MSU The effect of seed size on seeding ra.teIn pounds acre for seed with 95 percent or greater germi- wheel that closes the seed opening and per acre at different seeding rates. No doubt you're making plans for next nation. Seed lots of the same variety from the firms the drilled fur- Target seeding rates year's wheat crop. Here are some thoughts on same year can vary in seeds per pound, so the (millions of seeds/acre) important seeding considerations. use of a constant seeding rate expressed in row. pounds or bushels per acre wiIJ not provide Research at MSU Seed size 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 (seeds~b) constant seeding rates. has shown that such Ib of seed/acre Land Selection and Preparation Determine the numberofseeds per pound in seedings, if properly 160 170 180 190 200 210 Wheat is best adapted to soils that are weIJ 10,000 your seed lot and calibrate your drill accord- done, give yields equal 11,000 145 155 164 173 182 191 drained but have good water-holding capacity. to those from conven- 12,000 133 142 150 158 167 175 ingly. See Table 1 for the relationship between 154 • 162 Heavy, poorly drained soils are subject to late tional seedings. For 13,000 123 131 138 146 seeds per pound and the number of seeds per 121 129 136 143 150 winter flooding resulting in poor plant survival. 14,000 114 acre. additional information 15,000 107 113 120 127 133 140 Sandy soils without irrigation do not have on direct seeding 16,000 100 106 113 119 125 131 Seed counts can be obtained from seed test- 118 124 the water-holding capacity needed for optimum wheat and specific rec- 17,000 94 100 106 111 ing laboratories, and seed suppliers should be 18000 89 94 100 106 - 111 117 productivity. The field should be well tiled or ommendations, refer encouraged to list this information on the seed Pounds of Seed have enough slope to provide good surface to Extension bulletin Note: seeds/acre bag for their customers. Michigan certified seeds/pound per Acre drainage and be free of quackgrass and other No. E-2418, "Direct wheat seed is evaluated for the number of seeds perennial weeds. Drilling of Winter per pound and this information should be avail- Most Michigan wheat growers prepare their Wheat." Example: Target seeding rate = 1,800,000 seeds per acre able when the seed is purchased. If this informa- Seeds per pound = 14,000 fields for planting using conventional tillage tion is not on the tag, ask your seed supplier to Wheat may also be methods. The objectives of tiIJage are to control Calculate the number of pounds per acre needed provide it to you. aerially seeded into a weeds, i.ncorporate fertilizers and prepare the soybean field just be- Pounds of seed per acre UQQ.QQQ Drills should be calibrated and checked for 14,000 field for good seed-soil contact. You may do this fore leaf drop. Under within and among row uniformity well in ad- 129 by plowing, disking or dragging. such conditions, the Pounds of seed per acre vance of planting. Table 2 shows how seeds per Michigan State University (MSU) research row-foot varies with targeted seeding rate and falling leaves trap has shown that direct seeding (minimum tillage enough moisture in close soil contact with the Michigan. Certified seed has the benefit of a row spacing. These numbers also represent a and no-tilJ) are workable alternatives to conven- seed to enable adequate stand establishment. third-party affirmation of the varietal purity and guide to expected stands. Growers should com- tional practices and have been proven in exten- This method can give good results; how- seed quality. However, uncerti fied seed may also pensate for poor uniformity by increased seed- sive field trials in Michigan to produce equiva- ever, it is more risky than normal drilling be- represent high quality and varietal purity, de- ing rates. Variations in seeding depth or rates lent and sometimes improved wheat yields. cause of moisture uncertainty, the possibility of pending on the seed suppliers and their credibil- will adversely affect yield. See information below on direct drilling and emergence before the appearance of the last ity. Increased seeding rates can compensate for alternative seeding methods. Also refer to Exten- Hessian fly broods, and increased risk of winter Seed lots should be selected on the basis of reduced growth caused by late planting. Planting sion bulletin E-2418, "Direct DriIJing Winter kill in the event of winter conditions (Le., no germination, purity and freedom from inert mat- rates should approach 2.5 million plants per acre Wheat," August 1992. snow cover). ter~ High quality wheat should normally germi- when planting after Oct. 15. nate between 95 and 100 percent. Seed lots which show any evidence of sprouting should be Depth and Rate of Seeding Time of Seeding Broadcast Seeding avoided. Drill wheat in 6- to 8-inch rows about 0.75" Plant wheat any time after the Hessian fly- Avoid aerial seeding or broadcast seeding Although lots labeled 90-93 percent or be- to 1.5" deep. Planting too deep retards germina- free date, which varies throughout Michigan on bare ground unless you can till the field low may be of good quality, growers should tion and emergence, while planting too shaIJow (Table 3). Although delayed planting may in lightly to cover the seed. It is estimated that 15 request assurance that pre-harvest sprouting has increases the risk of winterkill and poor germi- some cases be benefitted by reduced fall disease to 20 percent of the Michigan wheat acreage is not occurred. Otherwise, storability and emer- nation. Seeding rate influences winter survival, and insect pressure, it also increases the risk of planted to broadcast seed with fertilizer which gence potential may be affected, even though yield, and test weight in Michigan. Similar to adverse planting weather, winter kill, and in- is then disked or tilled lightly. immediate germination is strong. com and soybeans, the most meaningful way to creased heat or disease stress due to delayed time Although this method is fast and conven- calibrate planting rates in wheat is in terms of Pure seed content of high quality wheat will of heading and harvest. ient, it lacks precision in seeding rate and is not seeds per acre. appear on the label and should be near 100 as certain as conventional drilling. Seeding rates Minimum for this method should be increased by at least percent. Lots containing restricted noxious weed Tillage Na- 10 percent to compensate for no-uniform seed seed and more than two seeds per pound of Table 2. T/il Direct common weeds should be avoided. Number of seeds per food of row for different com- l and Drlllnll germination and emergence. binations of row spacing and target seeding rates. Aerial S-eeding Growers can dnll Soft White vs. Soft Red Wheat Seed Treatment Desired seeding rate (row soacina in inches) directly in no-till or Seed treatment is one of the most important Million 6 7 8 9 10 About 70 to 75 percent of the wheat varie- Seedslft of row minimum tillage situ- and least expensive measures you can take to See<1S/A SeedS/ft2 ties planted in Michigan are in the soft white ations using proper avoid problems from seed-borne diseases. 1.6 37 18.4 21.4 24.5 27.5 30.6 class. This class is unique to Michigan, Ontario, 27.5 31.0 34.4 equipment that will Wheat seed should be uniformly treated with an 1.8 41 20.7 24.1 New York and the Pad fic Northwest and is used 2.0 46 23.0 26.8 30.6 34.4 38.3 place the seed for good effective systemic fungicide and a broad-spec- 37.9 42.1 in cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries and soup 2.2 51 25.3 29.4 33.6 seed-soil contact. Ba- trum fungicide to control seed rot, seedling 55 27.5 32.1 36.7 41.3 45.9 thickeners. 2.4 sically, this requires a blight, loose smut, common bunt (stinking smut) 2.6 60 29.8 34.8 39.7 44.8 49.7 It's generally easier for wheat producers in 2.8 64 32.1 37.5 42.8 48.2 53.6 heavy driIJ with coul- and other seed-borne fungal diseases. central and northern Michigan to market soft ters that open the soil, Seed purchased from a certified seed grower white varieties because many elevators in this area only purchase white varieties. Soft red va- or from other reputable seed sources will nor- rieties are more readily marketed in the south- mally be treated as part of the conditioning proc- Proven Farm Tough ern-most counties of Michigan. Growers should ess. If not, it should be taken to a local elevator check with their local elevator before planting or to a seed conditioning plant for treatment. to make sure that a ready market exists. You may use drill box treatment as a last resort, but be careful to obtain complete and Choose from a wide range of uniform seed coverage. For additional informa- standard or custom Lester wood Source and Quality of Seed tion on seed treatment.and specific recommen- frame buildings.Each features Both certified and uncertified seed are avail- advanced Uni-Fram~engineer- dations, see Extension bulletin E-1199, "Seed able from local elevators, individual certified ing.Top qualitymaterials.The Treatm~nt for Field Crops." seed producers, and seed companies throughout industry'sleading warranty. Call your localLester Builderor 1-800-826-4439 today. Table 3. Hessian Fly-free Dates for Michigan County/Earliiest Seeding Date (Sept) Alcona 6 Eaton 16 Lapeer 15 Ogemaw 10 LESTER BUILDING SYSTEMS Allegan 20 Emmet 4 Leelanau 8 Osceola 10 A Divis/on of Alpena 9 Genesee 17 Lenawee 25 Oscoda 7 Butler Manufacturing Company Antrim 4 Gladwin 12 Livingston 16 Otsego 6 Quality Since 1901 Arenac 13 Grand Traverse 8 Macomb 18 Ottawa 19 Barry 18 Gratiot 15 Manistee 13 Presque Isle 8 Call the Lester Builder nearest you for your next building projectl Bay 14 Hillsdale 19 Mason 13 Roscommon 7 Almont Lake Odessa Benzie 16 Huron 13 Mecosta 12 Saginaw 16 T & W Construction, Inc. Tri-County Fab. & Construction Berrien 23 Ingham 17 Midland 15 Sanilac 15 (810) 798-8331 (616)374-7897 Branch 19 Ionia 16 Missaukee 9 S1. Clair 16 Calhoun 19 losco 7 Monroe 21 S1. Joseph 23 Coldwater Newport Sears Cass 22 Isabella 11 Montcal~.:::::::::::::: 15 Shiawassee 16 Cole Construction Co. AI's Implement Carroll Equip. Sales, Inc. Charlevoix 3 Jackson 16 Montmorency 7 Tuscola 15 (517)27~ (313) 586-8528 (517) 382-6650 Cheboygan 4 Kalamazoo 20 Muskegon 18 Van Buren 22 West Branch Clare 12 Kalkaska 5 Newaygo 15 Washtenaw 18 Kalamazoo Saginaw Clinton 17 Cianek Construction Co. Miller Construction & Equip. Kent 18 Oakland 16 Wayne 18 Deloot Construction, Inc. Crawford 6 Lake 13 Oceana 16 (517) 770-4910 (517) 345-2499 Wexford 9 ; (616) 375-5942 Michigan Farm News September 15, 1994 -. ENVIRONMENTAL III Huron County Innovative Farmers (continued from page 1) Jim Shaw (left) and son, Mike, operate a 1,400 cash crop farm, raising corn, dry beans and wheat, all with conventional tillage. They agreed to rent 40 acres of their ground to the .~VtSTEWARDSHIP .. ~ .' . Innovative Farmers group to try various tillage systems. I ! / ~ 1 1j ~ ~ "... ....... / '--- '""to ... eventual transition somewhat smoother and easier to do. ~il~ "I don't think a farmer can change on his own," LeCureux advocated. "The banker, the fertilizer people, and implement deal- Shaw and his father, Jim, operate a 1,400 ers, all have an influence on these farmers cash crop farm, raising corn, dry beans and and their decisions. We're all trying to learn wheat, all with conventional tillage. They and change together, because if just one of agreed to rent 40 acres of their ground to the those key players makes a wrong recom- Innovative Farmers group. mendation to the farmer, the system is ru- ined." "I want to be able to see the different sys- tems and what I think is going to work best The other point LeCureux wants to drive on my ground," Shaw explained. "Every- home, both with farmers and non-farmers, body has an opinion on what works best, is that the conversion from conventional but this allows us to see it firsthand. When tillage to minimum-till or no-till doesn't you have these agri-business people back- happen overnight, and that economics play ing you up and showing their support, it a big role in management decisions. to open up the soil. A conventional planter "We know that regulations are just on the definitely makes it much easier to try some- can then be used to plant the crop into the horizon and these farmers would like to be thing different." "Everyone that's driving this call for tilled strips. prepared if and when that happens," ex- change has to understand that it's going to plained LeCureux. The support of the ag-business community take time and it's going to be costly," The zone till system consisted of three has been impressive to Shaw, and has actu- LeCureux said. "If we're going to make wavy coulters per row mounted on the "This is also an opportunity for us to begin ally made the demonstration projects as reduced tillage work, we can't have two planter. Tillage and planting were done all a dialogue with environmental groups and much their project as those of the farmers. lines of equipment out here for a farmer. So in one operation. Cover crops will eventu- let them know that these farmers are just as LeCureux believes that participation by we've got to figure out how to operate with ally be incorporated into all of the cropping concerned about the environment. They all these businesses is crucial if reduced tillage higher residue levels, and it's got to be systems. have kids that like to use the water to go and no-till are to ever succeed in Huron economical and profitable." fishing and swimming," he said. County. The group is planning to conduct the dem- onstration for at least five years. In addition Innovative Farmer member Mike Shaw to yield and economic evaluations of the agrees wholeheartedly with LeCureux, and plot work, soil quality measurements will adds that the group approach to learning be made to determine the amount of change and exploring new systems will make that over time in the different tillage systems. Innovative Farmers Plot Work Huron County Innovative Farmers have numerous test plots involving this four-row Root. 7b Profitability John Deere planter. They include: . Tillage system Comparisons: The John Deere planter was set up with two rows Identifiable Performance Parameters on Winter Wheat of the Rawson System anq two rows of th,e Yett~r System. The Raw,son System The following are frequently observed plant responses from son and foliar applications of ACA on winter wheat consisted of two 8-wave 2 mch coulters, with a 1-mch 8-wave coult~r In the center of each row. Residue managers were mounted on the plante~ unIts. The Yetter system consisted of a coulter for injecting fertilizer and a combmatlOn coulter and Visual Response Observation Timing (Stage of Growth) residue manager on the planter unit. On one row, a 13 wave coulter was used and • Vigorous early plant growth • Fall- first to fourth leaves unfolded on the other row, a 25-wave coulter was mounted in the combination assembly. • Spring - greenup and vigor - More winter hardy • Spring - observation on plant stand • More fibrous and extensive root system • Fall- first to fourth leaves unfolded ~/osing System Comparisons: Four diffe~ent closing systems were compared • Spring - emergence of inflorescence In the production of corn. System, one conslst~d of the .regular John. Deere 7000 • Increased tillering • Spring - from stem elongation on closing wheels. System two consisted of cast Iron clOSing.whe~/s with the Yetter • larger diameter stem • Spring - at completion of tillering nylon press wheels located directly behind trye seed openmg diSCS.System three • Wider, darker green leaves, fuller canopy • Spring - at completion of tillering consisted of the John Deere 7000 wheels with the Yetter nylon press wheel. The fill row sooner fourth system was the Acra Plant closing system con~isting of the spoke press • Earlier pollination • Spring - at flowering wheels and a large firming whf!el behind, the planter Unit. • Heavier seed weight • At maturity (See below for additional details on additional plot work.) The Identified performance P,8rameters typically result In: .. -Increased uptake of soil nutnents • Increased uptake of SOilmOisture • Increased utilization of sunlight in photosynthesis • Increased tilIering and foliage • Improved winter hardiness • Improved stand ability and ease of harvest • Higher yields andlor 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 (2/3 pint/acre) 213 pint ACA per acre broadcast (Winter Wheat at $3.00Ibushel x 7.6 bushel increase/acre = $22.80 - ACA investment of $5.16/acre (213 pinVacre) = $17.64 R.O.lJacre] Application TechnlquesIProcedures ' Test results have shown that ACA can be applied to the soil or foliage of winter wheat ACA can be broadcast incorporated into the soil using water or a fertilizer solution as a carrier with or without a soil applied herbicide. The incorporation or movement of ACA into the soil profile can be by tillage, rainfall, or irrigation. This will position the ACA near the developing root system of the plant. .. Foliar applications should be made prior to dormancy break when top dressmg wheat. It IS not recommended that ACA be applied with any postemergence herbicide or insecticide until further testing has been completed. Methods of ApDlication Other application methods: ... ,~ ACA mixes easily with and fits into the following fertilizer programs: • Soil applied broadcast with water as the carrier, with or without a herbicide Manure Application Techniques: Ma- compaction layer. Anhydrous ammoniacan also Soil Applications • To wheat foliage with water as the carrier nure was applied to com at sidedress time when be applied with this tillage tool. .Soil broadcast applied with liquid fertilizers the com was six inches tall. A sample of the Soybean Row Width Demonstration: • Soil broadcast applied with dry blended fertilizers liquid dairy manure was taken prior to applica- tion. The manure was applied at a rate of 12,000 gallons per acre. Strohm Aerator: A deep tillage aerator Vinton soybeans were drilled in 7-1/2, 15and 30 inch row widths to look at the difference in yields, standability and white mold. Aerway Aerator: In the dry bean plots, • Soil broadcast applied (weed & feed herbicidel fertilizer solution) Foliar Applications • Application can be made with liquid fertilizers Bill was pulled through the soil at sidedress time to zone till treatment, the north half of each plot as the carrier. Contact your local Clean Crop reduce compaction caused by prior tillage. The was aerated using the Aerway Aerator. The im- NOTE: The effect on weed control when ACA is added to post. Dealer or call 1-800-292-2101 emergence he1bicides is unknown. Thus, it is not recommended at for additional information on shank, with wings attached, is set just below the plement was also operated at various angles for this time to apply ACA with any postemergence herbicide. THE ACA ADVANTAGE later comparison. Michigan Farm News September 15, 1994 1m by Renee Nugent Australian and American Farmers - A ,world Aparr. i~ Di~~~~~~O_~~~~f Australian farmer Bernard Hart toured the Michigan, Oesterle Brothers & Golden Acre Farm, lo- Although 9,000 miles separate Michigan cated near Mason in Ingham County. At left from Australia, Australian Bernard Hart (left to right) MSU's Dr. Frank Brewer, was able to draw some parallels to each Lyle Oesterle, and Hart share a few country's respective agricultural systems thoughts about the Oesterle operation. during his recent visit to Michigan. Hart The operation, consisting of father Lyle, spent two days in Michigan touring various and brothers Brian, Bruce, C?ordon, and farm operations and organizations. Marvin, annually raises 3,500 acres of crops including corn, wheat, and soybeans. They A farmer himself, Hart and his family own also feed out 500 to 600 head of cattle and operate a 4,500 acre crop and livestock annually, in addition to running a 150 head farm in Southeastern Australia. Hart pro- cow/calf operation. duces canola, wheat, oats, and barley on 3,500 acres, while 7,000 Australian sheep While there, Hart toured the operation's are rotationally grazed on the rest of it. The 350,000 bushel grain storage facility, com- farm's seed division also processes and plete with weigh scales, and fertilizer stor- markets 70 percent of the canola seed sold age facility. He was also quite interested in in Australia. the operation's crop rotation, which is cur- rently two years corn, followed by one year Total rainfall in his region of Australia is soybeans, and one year wheat. only half of Michigan's total rainfall. Ac- The Oesterle's tillage system consists of cording to Hart, precipitation levels drop fall chisel plowing and, soil conditions per- one inch for every 10 miles further inland mitting, one pass with the field cultivator in from the coast, meaning that nearly 80 per- Hart also identified international trade and students during an overseas study program the spring before planting. All nitrogen is cent of Australia's population lives within GAIT as a matter confronting both Amer- to Australia. While in Michigan, Hart was applied in the form of urea in the spring prior 30 miles of the coast line. ica and Australian farmers. About 85 per- impressed most with the dedication that to planting. They apply all of their own her- cent of Australia's total agricultural pro- Michigan State University showed. "They bicides pre-emerge, with post-emerge res- The environment is an issue that Hart sees duction is exported, making it hard for the had a vision that they were going to have as a concern to both Australians and Ameri- cue treatment used only when and where Australian government to justify agricul- some of the best trained people out there," cans. "We've been conscious of it for a lot nAeded. tural subsidies, explained Hart. Hart said. longer," Hart said. "The soils in Australia Hart said he was most impressed with ,- . are just so old and so decayed that you just "Australia is caught in the cross fire, but I Hart sees the future of the agricultural in- the professionalism of the operation, calling have to handle them very carefully." think that the recognition that no country dustry in the hands of our young leaders. the farm "simply outstanding." "They can support high subsidy levels forever is "To the world, agriculture is a dirty word," (Oesterles) know what they're all about, " he Australia and the U.S. are relatively the probably the best thing that's ever hap- Hart. said. "We've been blamed for pollut- said. "It's all about making money and good same size, but 60 to 70 percent of the Aus- pened," Hart said. "If we can bring that ing the rivers and causing the sun to go honor. Good luck to them!" tralian land is "zero" or no-tilled. Accord- level playing field back, I think that we can down early, and what we've got to do is Below, Marvin Oesterle shows Hart ing to Hart, a massive revegetation program build trade quite regularly." have people in the next 10 years that really how the operation monitors the markets and has been established with a target of a bil- know what agriculture's all about. If we can weather via their FARMDA YTA system. lion trees to be planted by the year 2000. After visiting European Economic Com- train them well, they will lead the agricul- munity countries, Hart said he could under- tural industry in the right direction." The program is not government supported stand why the United States would want to and is done on a voluntary basis. According counterbalance European subsidies Hart's interest in alternative higher valued to Hart, this issue has brought many Aus- through the Export Enhancement Program. crops and better management systems that tralian communities - non-farmers and Australian farmers could utilize to keep farmers - together. City folks will often Another correlation Hart recognized was their production costs low, earned him the spend a weekend helping farmers plant the importance placed on education. Along 1994 Swire Group Churchill Fellowship, some type of permanent vegetation. with being a full-time farmer, Hart works a which has the objectives to investigate the lot with education by opening his farm to varieties, agronomic growing conditions, A dry climate, highly acidic soils, and the students. "I'm a firm believer that we've got methods of disease control and the end uses misconception that the trees were going to to fix up the education system, so we have of grain legumes. be there forever, have made reforestation a farmers that are smart business farmers serious issue and a top priority in Australia. when they come home," Hart said. Hart is the chairman of the Grain Legume "It's not that we overcleared; we didn't Association of Australia and deputy chair- real ize that the trees just didn't live as long Michigan State University faculty initially man of the Grains Research and Develop- in that type of climate," Hart said. met Hart when he hosted a group of MSU ment Corporation of the Southern Panel. Purchasing Development Rights is Goal of New Program (continued from page 1) values reaching nearly $6,000 an acre at some nic views came back on every sUlVey as top keep his farm and preselVe all of his rights as a locations. In at least two instances that priorities. Those findings led to some very dif- farmer." P.A. 116 Implications Manigold was aware of, farmers own shore- ferent views of how best to protect those assets. The only rights that participants are giving Would this program replace Michigan's line property that can reach a value of any- "We had some people who felt that zoning up is the right to develop the land, explained Farmland and Open Space Act, P.A. 116, pro- where between $1,000 to $2,000 a foot. was the answer to all of our problems," said Vicki Pontz, legislative counsel for Michigan gram? Absolutely not, says Pontz. In fact, she According to Manigold, who is also a fourth Manigold. "But I personally think zoning Farm Bureau. "Participants in the program give contends that similar development rights pro- generation cherry farmer, the Peninsula Town- amounts to nothing more than a taking, and that up, in perpetuity, their rights to develop land," grams would actually complement P.A. 116, ship began looking at different ways of preselV- there had to be a fairer way to create a voluntary explained Pontz. "But they have not given up especially in areas where development pressure ing farmland in 1988. The township conducted program. This program allows the farmer to get their right to farm it or sell it for agricultural is so intense that P.A. 116 might not provide a sUlVeys among township residents on what was his development equity out of the farm, but also purposes. It's also important to remember that strong enough incentive to protect farmland. important to them. Farmland, shoreline and sce- it's strictly a voluntary program." "There's a lot of areas in this state where P.A. Dennis Bidwell, director of land protection 116 has effectively preselVed farmland," Pontz for American Farm land Trust, characterized the said. "In areas as unique as the Peninsula Town- program as "an innovative and equitable means ship, however, the development pressure and • Bulldozers with rippers, rakes; For Your of protecting farmland and open space." "We believe the Peninsula Township pro- consequently, the value, is so high that getting out of P.A. 116 and paying back credits is pea- nuts. They'll actually use both programs on the super wide tracks ""r'C.. ..-- Farming :.:.:.::- L:A:'_ ~ Needs gram will selVe as an inspi ration for other Michi- gan communities seeking new tools for protect- ing their threatened farmland," said Bidwell. "In same piece of property in Peninsula Township." Manigold agrees with Pontz, saying that fact, I am convinced it could well become a P.A. 116 and the program's payback funds can • Excavators . /\~~r r_'-.: -l., . - ~'11~"" . model for the rest of the Midwest and beyond." Pontz, however, is less enthusiastic about the actually be used by the Department of Natural Resources to purchase development rights on with grapples, .. '~'~': ... ~ ......... concept being applied on a widespread basis, high-value properties, such as the case with saying the aesthetic value of the Peninsula makes shoreline property. buckets ~ ~} the situation a little unique and that may not Case in point, Manigold says, is the recent apply elsewhere in the state. "I think we need to DNR acquisition of development rights on a • Backhoes ~ _ look closely at the fact that residents of the 72-acre winery known as the Chateau Grand Peninsula Township wanted to protect an agri- Traverse located on the Old Mission Peninsula, culture that has a beautiful, aesthetic view in a a first for the state. The DNR is also in the process Call CRC today - Ask about OUT Specials & $10(JCoupon scenic location," she said. of purchasing development rights ofland located "Whether or not those same concepts could in Emmet County valued at $20,000 an acre. GRAND RAPIDS DETROIT LANSING transfer to a Cass County hog farm and corn field The big difference between the DNR pur- (616) 538-2400 (810) 437-8121 (517) 321-8000 is questionable in my mind," Pontz cautioned. chase of development rights and Peninsula "That doesn't mean that other local units of Township development rights purchase program TRAVERSE CITY RICHMOND SAGINAW government shouldn't consider it, but I think it's is who actually owns the development rights. In (6:16) 267-5060 (810) 727-7502 (51n 77T..{1l1!JG less likely that local tax payers are willing to pay the case of the DNR, the state of Michigan owns for preselVing farmland if it's not something that the rights, in the case of the township program, has such aesthetic value to go along with it." the township owns the rights. , Michigan Farm News October Discussion Topic -- Auto Insurance Reform -. September 15, 1994 It's about time. Finally, the people of trial lawyers and those who file fraudulent, un- power to choose their own desired level of Michigan have been given the opportunity to necessary or ridiculous claims. coverage -- requiring insurance companies to Michigan Deputy Sheriff's Association and the take control of their own auto insurance needs offer drivers policies ranging from a required Traffic Safety Association of Michigan. After careful consideration, intense debate and purchase policies that reflect those needs. and compromise, the Legislature last year made minimum of $1 million to up to $5 million in This coalition has come together to fight for For too long, we have endured an auto insurance a major advancement toward meaningful reform medical coverage. the survival of P.A. 143 and put a stop to the system where we are forced to pay for policies of the auto insurance system with the passage of It's plain to see, P.A. 143 will benefit Michi- self-serving attempt by trial lawyers to thwart that are weighted down with unnecessary costs P.A. 143, a comprehensive package of auto gan drivers, bringing real reform to the system auto insurance reform and deny Michigan mo- - dollars that all too often end up in the hands of insurance reforms designed to immediately and saving us up to $700 million dollars annu- torists choices and real control over future rates. lower our rates and help keep them down over ally in insurance premiums. The P.A. 143 reforms will survive only if the long term by introducing cost-cutting meas- But enjoying the benefits of these reforms Michigan voters ignore the campaign of decep- ures, stricter regulations, consumer information isn't going to be that easy. Powerful special tion being waged by the law's powerful oppo- provisions and mandatory rate reductions. interests who benefit from the status quo aren't nents to mislead voters into rejecting the pack- going to allow its reform without a fight. age. Michigan voters must take the final step by PA. 143 Provisions That's why Michigan's trial lawyers paid saying "YES" to reform on the November ballot. D Discounts for drivers with safety features on signature gatherers to circulate petitions to block their vehicles (including air bags, anti-lock the enactment of P.A. 143. That cynical action Discussion Questions: brakes, shock-absorbing bumpers and 'en- stalled the implementation of the reform pack- hanced sidewall protection). age and has already cost Michigan drivers more 1. Do you believe that frivolous lawsuits D Stricter anti-fraud and fraud investigation re- than half a billion dollars in insurance rate have driven up the cost of auto insurance? quirements. reductions. 2. Should motorists be allowed to purchase D Reform designed to put a stop to the prolif- Michigan Farm Bureau is a member of the amount of medical coverage they de- eration of expensive, unjustifiable and often Michigan Citizens for Insurance Reform sire? How much coverage do you believe is From Farm Bureau Insurance downright ridiculous lawsuits which are (MCIR), a coalition of nearly 50,000 individuals appropriate for your needs? driving up our rates and undermining the and dozens of major Michigan organizations. Protect Your entire no-fault concept. D An end to the practice of requiring motorists Other members of MCIR include the Michi- gan Chamber of Commerce, National Federa- 3. How much money will you save on your auto insurance if auto insurance reforms are Respiratory System to purchase and pay for medical coverage tion of Independent Business/Michigan, the permitted to take effect? that is not needed -- instead giving drivers the Dusts and molds are common hazards in farming. They can threaten your good health and, in some cases, even cause permanent or fatal damage to your respiratory system. Dusts, which can develop from small parti- cles created during the harvest of immature grains, may cause a condition known as organic toxic dust syndrome (OTDS). Depending on a person's susceptibility, OTDS can develop after a single exposure to dust and molds, or symp- toms may appear only after several exposures. FACES Flu-like symptoms such as coughing, chills, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and sometimes shortness of breath that may begin to develop two to six hours after exposure are indications of OF OUR OTDS. Persons usually feel better within two to three days, but fatigue and shortness of breath may continue for weeks. Severe cases may re- quire medical attention. INSUREDS. Moltls that develop in corn can produce pneumonitis in humans. Symptoms include fe- Worry? Not them. ver, drippy nose, persistent cough, and pneumo- nia. Symptoms may appear within hours of ex- And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a posure, or may take up to two weeks to develop. Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? Breathing dust from moldy feed materials can cause farmer's lung, one of the most dis- abling conditions among dairy farmers. Symp- Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care.! toms are easily mistaken for bronchitis or pneu- With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how monia and may not be noticed'for several hours devastating this can be. after exposure. Irreversible lung damage and even death may result if the condition is not But it doesn't have to be this way. diagnosed and treated in early stages. Long-term suffering includes shortness of breath, requiring the victim to take frequent rest periods, severely With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an limiting the amount of work a farmer can do. American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term Even nuisance dust, the dust a farmer is care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.) commonly exposed to while working in fields or around livestock, can decrease a person's lung Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for capacity and cause greater susceptibility to res- piratory infections. more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the You can reduce the risk of respi ratory prob- options available to you. lems from dust and molds by storing only dry Representing: grain and dry, well-cured forages and hay. You can also reduce dust exposure by keep- AMEX Life Assurance Company II @ ing animal areas as clean and dust-free as possi- ble. Stale dust and feed accumulations attract a subsidiary of TRAVEL moisture from the air, creating an environment RELATED @ SERVICES for mold and other microorganisms to grow. And you can protect your respiratory system l. Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA !989 by using ... 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. t 3, t 990 3. Independent analysts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and • Disposable dust masks or respirators with operating performance. replaceable cartridges designed to filter dusts. These devices ensure an adequate supply of TO RECEIVE ADOIT1ONAL INFORMATION AND AN AIlE)( BROCHURE/APPLICATION - FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW clean air. Change the mask or cartridge fre- OR CALL DIRECT 1~-2880, EXT. - 3231, quently for greatest protection. Do not depend on a standard painter's mask to provide protec- Please Print tion from mold or grain dusts . _ .. /tIICHIGAN • Filter masks, which may provide adequate .... FAR/tl BlJREAlJ Name protection from common agricultural molds, Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Addre s dusts and chaffs. Keep in mind, though, that they Membership Services will not offer protection from agricultural gases. P.O. Box 30960 Ci State ZIP A self-contained breathing apparatus similar to Lansing, MI 48909 those worn by firefighters is needed for work in Ph oxygen-deficient areas such as freshly filled si- los, manure pits, or grains bins during and after Coun fumigation. MFN Michigan Farm News ,. September 15, 1994 ' - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - GRAVITY BOX $100, gravity wagon with New Holland running gear $500 and John ." .. . . . .. INTERNATIONAL ' • tractor. 3800 hours. Cab, air conditioning, 1466 front weights, - IH 756 TRACTOR, $7,250. New Orthman disc Stab with long arms, $700. JD 95. IIH 1966 FORD TANDEM dump truck. 391 gas, 5-speed, two speed rear, air brakes, MF COMBINE 540-0. floation grain head for com, $2200. JD 4030-D wide front, Air 300 GALLON stainless steel milk tank and compressor motors. Excellent condition! 403 combine, $1,595 each. IH upgraded with maxis. $4,000 2700 hours, PS, postive trac- Call 1-517-732-5522. Deere Seeder $75. Call axle duals, new heavy duty torque and clutch 500 hours 16' drag, $150. Brillion 20' or best offer. 1-616-868-7464 tion. Plow, WU-Rich, 418 MANURE SPREADERS: 616-676-9459. John Deere ago. Excellent condition I S-tine cultivator with rolling International bottoms, spring New and used, Balzer, Better- 148 Loader $1800, 1966 FORD eleven ton truck. $12,000. 1-313-242-8945. basket, $2,500. Two brown reset JD 1(j wheel disk. Two Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also 616-691-8506. 16' flatbed. Newer brake Swiss bulls, 11 months old, gravity boxes. Call grain dryers and handling cylinders, starter and indust- 1-313-426-8330. $950 each. 1-517-868-3263 rial grade battery. Call equipment 1-517 -291-3044 evenings Hamilton Distributing Co. . 1-800-248-8070 1----Run~u~laSSifi~adfOr~SSue~----1 between 7pm-9pm. JOHN DEERE 15 hole grain drill w/grass feeder. Very 2 THREE BEATER, 16' H&S I get your third issue I chopper boxes with running good condition! $800. New STOCK TRAILER: WW fdea com picker, 2-narrow Gooseneck, 22' bed, 7Y2' gears. One 2000-150 Heston FREE! row, 8 roller. Very good condi- wide. Good condition and forage chopper with 2 row com head and hay head. One tion! $1500. 1-810-664-4942. ready to gol $3950. Cedar !I !I 2000-150 Heston chopper with 2 row com head for parts. One Brillion culti- forage LUCKNOW MIXING wagon. New, never used. Call Springs. 1-616-696-0075. SUNSET 1000 gallon bulk packer. One 6 row IHC com 1-616-749-4712 tank with compressors and planter, #58. One IHC #55 washer for sale. $3500. Call : Deadline for next issue is September 23, 1994 1 forage chopper with hay Nice 4047 International 1-616-672-5781. head. One John Deere 4 row single axle tractor. Air, new I! I .=.] Call 1-800-968-3129 _I" I bean puller, complete. One John Deere 6 row stalk chop- per. 616-754-9404. tires, thirteen speed, 240,000 original miles. No rust, excel- lent shape. $5,000. USED FREE STALLS: Loop style. 80 stalls at $10 each. USed Burr Mill, $300. Call 500 GALLON Milk bulk tank, 1-313-242-0388 after 6pm : to Place Your Classified Ad Today! : Delaval. Creamery package: 1-517-386-4835 evenings. For more information call RAIN CONTROL I or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Michigan Farm News 'I 616-794-2408. 4 Manure, drip and sprinkler or 616-794-0427. irrigation systems. New and I Buy Line/Daily News I A G R I C U L T URAL used available. For free product catalog, contact us at I P.O. Box 6 ,',I REPLACEMENT Complete, line of Cougar BELTING: 1-517-263-5226. Fax, 1-517-263-6153. ,/ Stanton, MI 48888 / Repl~cement Belting for Adrian, MI. round baler, bottom platform ALFALFA: Top quality! 800 I / bale thrower, tub grinder, bales, first cutting, $2. Later I Classified Ad Codes 'I' hammermill, feed conveyor and combine, pickup belts. RB DRYING WAGON, 8'x18' cuttings will be available. Hay box. Very good condition! is stored in Ottawa County. I / Plus, farm duty electric $5500. Call 1-906-466-2682. CaJI 1-800-300-6184. / 1. Farm Machinery 10. Work Wanted 19. General / motors. ' Edwards Indusbial Sales HAY/STRAW: Truck I 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 20. Wanted To Buy / 1-800-442-5086 ' SEVEN CHERRY TANKS for sale. Meyers, 100 gallon anywhere! 45 years of I 3. Farm Commodities 12. Business Services 21. Special Events I: ATTENTION' Carpenters, Sawmill or Shop , Farmers, sprayer. Excellent condition. Call 1-616-823-2184. service. Oat_, Call 1-517 -286-6241 Raymond or l 4. Seeds 13. Business Opportunities 22. Recreation l owners. Early 70's Massey 1-517-286-6871. Waldron, Fergusen 6000l1b tractor type SKIDSTER CASE, 1991 with MI. - I 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 23. Financing .I fork lift. Raises 21'. Good forks, 45hp ciesel. 300 hours. FOR SALE by 6. Poultry 15. Real Estate Wanted 24. Investors Wanted. I rubber, hydraulics. drive $5500, train and OBO.' $13,000. CaJI 1-517-879-4445 even- PUMPKINS the ton only. Reasonably 7. Dogs and Puppies 16. Estate Sales 25. Building Supplies I Case 6000llb tractor type, 14' ings. Pinconning, Michigan. . priced! All sizes, can deliver. with side shifter. $4500 080. Call 1-517-828-5481. 8. Ponies/Horses 17. Auctions 26. Lawn And Garden I Baker 8000l1b Fork Uft, 12' WANTED TO BUY: Late / lift, air tires, 6-cylinder. excel- WEATHER DAMAGED HAY 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles 27. Announcements lent condition! $5000, 080. ' model John Deere, Case IH, Ford tractors, combines and for mulch, composting or 28. To Give Away I 1-616-754-0572 anytime. cornheads. Call Wayne bedding type usage. Approxi- BALED WHEAT STRAW: Shinabery Equipment mately 800 firm/dry sqare / bales. 65~ per bale. Call Badger forage wagon. New 1-517-448-8091 Name Phone ( )----- l Holland blower, flail chop- \ 1-616-636-8449. County. Kent pers, 2-row narrow picker, TWO KASTEN FORAGE Address gravity boxes, International wagons for sale. Eight ton drills, stalk shredders, brush -- gear, 9.50x15- tires. Call ..........................................•...... hogs, elevators, hay bines. 1-517-669-9376. City State Zip Call 1-517-773-5347 after 1pm. Dan Reid. USED VALLEY CENTER Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues BRAND NEW 1994 John pivots and other makes with Deere 750 grain drill. John related equipment Call any Desired Insertion Date(s): Deere 3600, six bottom reset time, toll free. MICHIGAN CERTIFIED trailer plow. Wayne Shinab- 1-800-248-8589 Chelsea wheat seed for sale. ery, 1099 South Meridian Cleaned, treated, bagged and Method of Payment Road, Hudson, MI 49247 WANTED TO BUY: Older or tagged. $7.50 per bushel. Call Schmidt Farm. of Auburn. newer model farm tractors COMPLETE solid set irriga- running or not State age, 1-517-662-2695. Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) tion system. Covers 40 acres! price and condition. Send to Includes pumps, risers, Wayne Shinabery, 1099 ~ Visa Card Number Exp. Date sprinklers, all connections. Ready to use! Good buy. CaJI South Meridian Hudson, MI 49247 Road, FOR DISPLAY AD 1-616-599-2251. Master Card Number Exp. Date HESSION 2 row beet harves- WHITE DIESEL 2-70: 1500 INFORMATION ter. Field ready! Call hours, $8500. MF 17-disc Classified Rates 1-517-684-4461 evenings grain drill, like new, $1800. CALL after 8pm. 6-row planter, 41 units, $800. ~ $8 for up to 24 words INTERNATIONAL 826 diesel Miller 6-row cultivator, $1100. : FIVe-Tine V-Ripper, $1100.' 1.800.292.2680 tractor for sale. Double PTO, Culti-Hoe, 6-row, $250.' 30 cents each additional word low hours, no cab, $7,000. 1-616-875-9873 1-517-7n-7955. EXT. 3201 Write your ad here, including phone number and area code IRRIGATION SYSTEM for sale. 2-3-4- aluminum pipe, covers 5 acres. Gorman- Rupp PTO pump. Asking 2 3 4 $8900. CaJI 1-517-727-9945. JOHN DEERE 894, 5 bar Classifieds Work 5 6 7 8 rake, excellent, $800. Farmall A with 5' belly mower, new paint and tires, $2400. CaJI Been trying to sell for two 10 11 12 9 1-616-754-9474 or years. Sold after only 1-616-754-4890. 13 14 15 16 JOHN DEERE 4310 beet one issue in the 19 20 harvester. Completley rebuilt including the ferris wheel. Michigan Farm News 17 18 Owner has approximtely $1000 in new and extra parts 21 22 23 24 that will be included. $8500. SKIDSTER, 1989 JOHN Contact Sue Ko stal, Deer 570. 31 hp gas engine, 410 25 26 27 28 1-517-875-4181 work, 1-517-875-3912 home or Don hours. Well cared for! $8000. 32 Heimburger, 1-517-875-4923 29 30 31 home. Call1-S00-968-3129To MASSEY FERGUSON 4-row 33 34 35 36 narrow corn head for sale. Place Your Add Today! L J Model 1-517-587-4305 '1143. after 6pm preferred. Call evenings, Circulation over 46,000 In State of Michigan. Michigan Farm News -. September 15, 1994 ANGUS BEEF: Bulls, heifers and cows with calves. Perfor- mance tested, semen tested. LLAMAS: Pet males. Halter trained! Also available weanling and adult female ... QUAUTY ING STOCK ANGUS BREED- Performance tested, Bulls semen tested. Recycle SAVE MONEY industrial you r diesel air intake filters and 2-3 SPORTSMEN looking to lease land for hunting Goose, Duck or Pheasant Please call Free Delivery! Call anytime, breeding stock. Great wool for Free delivery. Also Border using the Sonic Dry Oean 1~16-458~55 days. Shagbark Farm. hand spinnersl Call Collie Stock D9Qs. Call toda~. System. No liquids or deter- 1~ 16-887 -9603 evenings. Alto, Michigan " 1-616-582-7473. BORDNER ANGUS FARMS gents used. 500.4 savings over 1-616-868-6040 Horton Bay 11am_ Sturgis, MI 61~1-8353. new filters. PROFESSIONAL HOOF Charlevoix, MI Recycle Now, Inc. trimming: Statewidel Over 14 EMU SCOTTISH HIGHLAND Holland. MI years experience. Prices start Chicks, yearlings and breed- MINIATURE DONKEYS for CATTLE: Registered, vari- at $7. CaJJ ers. Great birdS! Reasonably 1-616-396-n24 sale. All ages available. ous age bulls for sale. 1994 1-616-396-8102, Fax Norman Beale priced. Mirochipped and Vet Friendly, easy to care for, calfs (heifers and bull avail- 1-616-n5-0488 certified. Boarding available. lovable. Registered stockl able in October). Call STARTERS, alternators, SuppQrt before and after sale. Exqulaita Emu'. Call 1-313-878-6345. 1-517-543-7979. generators. Rebuilt for cars, K a K AUCTION Cisco • Sona. trucks and tractors. Diesel SERVICES Belevielle, MI 48111 SOYBEAN ROASTING feed and heavy duty work. In Providing auctions statewide SAWDUST DELIVERIES: 1-313-461-1362 OSTRICH CHICKS ~ht on your farml High fat, business SInce 1970. for: Nice amimal beddin~. Also, high energy roasted Armatu re Rewind and ANTIQUES tri-axle truck with dnver for FOR SALE: Registered Exceptional South African soybeans. See the difference. Rebuild_ing, . Bay City. BUSINESSES lease for grain hauling or ? polled hereford breecing a98 bloodlines available in all We do other grains also. 1-517-686-3450 FARM 600 bushel. Call buDs, heifers, cows. Rocky ages. Let us introduce you to Short'. Roasting HOUSEHOLD 1-616-696-1421. Rockford, Banner bloodlines. MSU America's newest agricultural OLD PRINTED MATERIAL: Michigan. 1-800-634-2368. REAL ESTATE perfonnance tested. industfy.Blackwing Ostrich Pre-1950's magazines, Call Aye Hereford Farm, Ranches. 1-216-325-3456 We also purchase Antiques, newspapers, sheetmusic, one piece or full estates. 1-517-734-3005. or 1-708-541-4888 postcards, calendars, post- CALL NOW for spring and ers, etc. Will pickup. Richard summer sales. Harris, 715 luce, Freemon\, 1-810-227-8040. QUALITY HOLSTEIN PIEDMONTESE CATTLE: Lean, tender, double MI 49212. 1-616-924~788. service age bulls (out of high Save this adl producing dams). $8O()-$900. muscled, good calving ease. FOR SALE: Emu Chicks and ... Call 1-517-M4-3519. Quality registered breeding stock. Also available embryos Yearlings. Reasonably REGISTERED BELTED and semen. priced. Parents produced Galloway bull for sale, 12 Redbird Farm. more chicks than anticipated. BUYERS OF STANDING months old August 4, 1994. Lapeer, Michigan Need new' homes! timber and veneer logs. Call 1-517-546-7730. 1-810-797-4701 J J Emu Ranch AMISH BUGGY with harness Devereaux Sawmill, Inc. 1-512-972~78 for sale. Two seater and Pewamo, MI. Call ... AERMOTOR WINDMilLS • extras. $1000 or best offer. 1-517-593-2552. . I . New/reconditioned. Parts, . Call 1-616-788-3417. pumps, cylinders, well Taylor supplies. Miniature lawn een... IIIchigan ....... • -- windmills. Repair/restoration. Buyers of all grades of scrap WATER STOVE Sam's Windmill 14386 CR 14, Middlebury Service, metal. Call Kevin Ferguson, 1-517-386-2409 or This is the safest. most effi- AKC, UKC, registered dogs! Indiana 46540. cient wood heat system on 1-800-835-1170. puP.Pies. Dalmatians, Eskimo 1-219-825-28n 1215 East Maple Road, the market today. SPitz, Rat Terriers, Great STRAW CHOPPERS: We STATEWIDE BUILDINGS: Clare, MI 48617 • Set Outside Danes. Best buys ever! rebu~d and balance. Some Reducin~ kennel stock. Leas- , Custom built polebarns, exchanges. We stock chop- • Non-Pressurized ing poSSible. garages, gambrelsl cattle • Provide 100% of house- per parts. ENGINE WANTED: Old motorcyles, Wrighf. Corral Kennel barns, cement WOrK. Free hold heat and hot water REBUILDING our specialty. snowmobile and off road vehi- 1-517-291-5041 estimatesl • Stainless Steel Elimi- Call 1-800-968-6699 . Au to- T ruck- T ractor-Antique- cles. 1965 and older. Call JD, WANT TO BUY: Continen tal-Koh Ie r-Onan- 1-617~. nates Corrosion Uc8nsed and insuredl Wisoonsin engine dealer. • UL Listed Male Sheltie for .stud. Sable Ask for Ken . andwhiw, 1'2'-14- high, AKC. • Thermostatic Control HART'S AUTO PAR'TS Nine months to two years. • 12 to 24 hr. Burn lime Call 1-517-423-3069. C~~hiO 41 Tn 2428 W. Saganing Road - Bentley. MI 48613 TRAILER AXLES: 2 to .(517) 846-01 00 Day or Evenings 70001 Torflex rubber rides. Also, dual wheel buggy 160 ACRE FARM, '1 ~ng 9 to 1500' capacity. AUSTRALIA, NEW Shebeon Loam land (except ZEALAND, AJI: 12th Annual FOR SALE: Purebred approximately 2 acres). Good Quincy Sandlaating Dairy Tour. February 3-March Arabian horses. Show qualityl drainage, tiled, large dairy Quincy. MI 2, 1995. Dairy farming, inten- INDIANA OHIO Banat, Bask, 1~16-533-8669 Aloes. after 6pm. Call barn, milk house, pole type beef barn, 3 silos, macliine shed, grainery, 3-bedroom insulated home, attached BUILDINGS: 1-517-639-7191 Canceled sive grazing, research, farm stays, scenery, vacation. Fee $4295. MPLSIUS/ $4095 LA. Tax deductible for qualifying orders. Two Quonset Steel Agri Supply single garage. Huron County. 1-517-269-7320. Arch Builcings, .1 'x7~ and 51'x90. Selling for balance owed. Brand newl farmers. University Extension of Minnesota Service. 405 20 ACRES, Hillsdale County. Coffey Hall, St Paul 55108. OK for mobiles or build. Call Larry at our factory, 1-800-866-253 •. Serious 1-800-367 -5363. SEMI TRAILER REPAIR Paved road. $25,000. Some inquiries please. INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE mechanics wanted. Mechani- cal aptitude and own hand woods. Termsl (F-781) Fauat Real E.tate Arch BuilCling Syatema,lnc. GREAT LAKES CHAPTER Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 American Ostrich Association tools requiUKf. Must be avail- invites you to attend their • DMI No-Till Side Dress Disc Sealers able for Second shift. Mid Call for brochure! DEBT RESTRUCTURING: years practice representing 8 Seminar, October 8-9, Radis- Michi~an Trailer Service. WE HAVE CASH BUYERS son Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo, • DMI No-Till 20" Coners Apply In person, 4537 Roger for farmland in northwest Michigan Specializing family farmers. in reorganiza- MI. Exhibitors Seminar Raffle Chaffee Drive, Grand Rapids Michigan. Call Ron McGregor Auction, Ostrich meat for tionl Experienced in many dinner. For rates call, Barbara Grain Dryer Repair Peraon for details. 1-616-929-1515 or IllQriculturai issues, including Smith, 1-517-732-2514, 1-616-947-6211 evenings. PRE-OWNED EQUIPMENT needed. Full time year round work for the experienced Northern Michigan land PA116 r8CJuests. MD~ Daniel KI'IIft. Derrick Borup, person. Send resume with Brokera, TrllYerM City 1-517-485-8885. 1~16-642-9134. • Toolbars back~roulid to: Grain Dryer Repair, Michigan Farm News, FOUR FARMS: 100, 80, 79~, 40 acres. Hillsdale INTRODUCTORY OFFER: • Pull Type Sprayers PO Box 6, Stanton, MI 48888. County, Michigan. No till drill. $60 per ton; animal bedding • ATV Pull Type Sprayer All replies confidential. Call 1-517-869-2113. made from recycled news- paper, chopped not shred- FOR DISPLAY AD IRONS, MICHIGAN: Think ded. More absorbent-less • Spra Coupes retirement! Three bedroom, 2 bath doublewide on 5 wooded flies-less odor. 701 bales. INFORMATION acres. Blacktop road. CIun Future Possession at close. 1-517-876-6051 Turner, .. CALL $29,900. NEW EQUIPMENT SPECIAL ThiaUedown 1.800.292.2680 BARN FOUNDATION Real Eatate REPAIRS: Underpins,. HARDY OUTSIDE • Spra Coupes reposting, footin~s, silo 1-616-754-2201 WOOD FURNACE: EXT.3201 WorIds'l seller. All stainless • Running Gears repairs. Anywhere In Michi- ganl Since 1973. steel construction. Heats • 1,000 Gallon Tanks - $469.00 J.M. Graham \:::~:::~~::~:~K:~:::::::::Riilr_ilw home, hot water tank, pc>c?Is. Eliminates fire danger, Inside Saginaw, Michigan 11'1~1l1Il~II~I~'~~~~'lln,.~I'1 mesa, odor. 1-800-743-5883 • Weed Wipers - Starting at $1,795.00 • 1-517-792-3299 after 5pm. .Iam __ Acrea "'"< HUNTING LEASES Diatrfbutora WANTED: 80 acre parcels or HERITAGE EXPERIENCED Michigan larger, anywhere in Southem BUIWING SYSIEMS u.s. 24 West 7925W 100S agribusiness farm attorneys backgrounds. with Know- Michigan. needed 5,000 b~ 10-1-94. acres Firat PRESSURE TREATED fence posts, hi-tensile fence 800-&43-5555 $7_ 30 114Q II 10 14,215 ledge and experience in all supplies. Installation crew 30 II eo 1I10 $8,OlI5 come, first server eo Wabash, IN 46992 farm areas; restructure, stray 1-616-561-299., Monday- available. Nevil Supply 4Q II so 1112 1110 II ,4 1SO II 300 1111 ,3,7ll5 715 voltage, bankruptcy, estate Friday, Bam-5pm. BUILD IT YOURSELF ~Ianning. EAST SIDE: 1-517-386-3517 AND SAVE MONEY Thomas J. Budzynski, 43777 LEASE PROPERTY 1-517-386-2382 CorrrneIciII .... buiII*lgB IIlalIi1g .-y bel up -mly lor tie do I (219) 563-0581 Groesbeck Hwy .. Mt. WANTED: ienced Three responsible exper- Mid- ytU9llI tdler from America'. ~ cfIa1Jl.«lr. We '- standard sizes 01 shop, 'arm. industrial. commercial and mini- ___ buiII*lgB. AI n ~. ~ ~ ~ 5.lXXl Clemens, MI 48036, WEOOING DRESS for sale. pemiI Toll Free: 1-800-728-3030 31~: WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. Michigan hunters lease Northem lower or South wish to Brand new, never been worn, Michelle Vincent and Moon- drawings 10 mMI 1986 IolIlMA codes. 20 'f8IJI rooI warTWIly, and pllirjed'" Calla \:ldey lor alr8e riormlIPl peckage. n a CJ.C* on _ tlp CJ,IIIIy buiII*lgB 01 buidng ~ pens. Central Michigan property for Fax: (219) 563-3915 Sheridan, Fremont, 49412, 616-92.-3760. MI the 1994 ~ and possib- light Asking $100-$300 or best offer. Call MINI WAREHOUSE ly firearms Deer Season. Call 1-616-896~5. SALE 511898 ~G X 11' WllH "J U...tTS cr-.'PLf"'f :" Tt-4 1-517-676~. PARi\TIOt~s 8 X ~ coo~s :"r ..D HARD .....ARt: - Michigan Farm News -. _i>J September 15, 1994 It was standing room only at the Michigan Farm Bureau and Blue Cross/Blue Shield sponsored "Miracle of Life" exhibit at the 1994 Michigan State Fair. Tens of thousands of Farm*A*Syst Environmental .1 fairgoers were able to witness real live births of pigs, cows, sheep, and chickens. Michigan State University veterinarians were on hand to monitor the births and provide information Farm Plan Satellite Conference about the animals. County Farm Bureaus in southeastern Michigan provided people to staff the Farm Bureau exhibit. Consumers were able to talk to real farmers and were also able to Scheduled for Sept. 29 see different types of grains that animals are fed. The display enabled many consumers to experience and learn about animal agriculture. Farm *A *Syst and Environmental Farm Participants identify possible sources of Plan, voluntary farm pollution risk assess- contamination from toxins, nitrates and mi- ment programs, will be the focus of a satel- croorganisms on their own property. They lite video conference Sept. 29. also learn what steps to take to reduce and eliminate pollution. The Farm* A *Syst and Environmental Farm Plan programs help farmers and rural Farm* A *Syst and Environmental Farm residents protect their well water and the Plan assessments are confidential. Partici- environment from pollution by identifying pants choose their own action plans and pollution risks on their property. keep records with their own private files. The primary purposes of these programs are Tentatively scheduled are opening com- to assist participants in evaluating ap- ments by USDA Secretary Michael Espy; proaches for making voluntary pollution EPA Administrator Carol Browner; Cana- risk assessments available to farmers and dian Agriculture Minister, Honorable rural residents; and to identify mechanisms Ralph Goodale; and Ontario Minister of for increasing the availability of pollution Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Hon- prevention products and services. orable Elmer Buchannan, who will identify the relevancy of this program to environ- With a set of step-by-step work sheets, mental policies and programs. Farm* A-Syst and the Environmental Farm Plan programs help participants evaluate Panelists participating in the interactive pollution risks from each farmstead activity program are: Gary Jackson, director, Na- or structure that can cause groundwater con- tional Farm *A *Syst and Environmental tamination. Farm Plan Project and University of Wis- consin-Madison/Extension professor; Ted • Louden, Michigan State University Exten- sion professor of agricultural engineering; Don Hill, Ontario Environmental Farm Plan program coordinator; and repre- sentatives from the Environmental Protec- tion Agency, Soil Conservation Service and the private sector. The program will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following Extension offices: Alcona George Byelich (517) 724-6478 ... '~ Alpena Paul Wegmeyer (517) 354-3636 Barry Jim Good (616) 948-4862 Bay Harold Rouget (517) 895-4026 Berrien Joanne Davidhizar (616) 429-2425 Cass Dan Rajzer (616) 445-8661 Charlevoix . Rod Cortright (616) 582-6232 Cheboygan Ann Hiles-Chastain (616) 627-8815 Clinton Giles Roehl (517) 224-5254 Delta Cindy Brock (906) 786-3032 Dickinson Clifford Kahl (906) 774-4672 Eaton Allen Krizek (517) 543-2310 Grand Traverse Duke Elsner (616) 922-4620 While you're busy farming, In the halls of Congress and in Farm Bureau is on the job in Huron Jim LeCureux (517) 269-9949 the Michigan Legislature, Farm Lansing and Washington, D.C. Bureau is respected as the voice Kalamazoo protecting your'interests. of agriculture. It's a grassroots Gerry Draheim (616) 383-8830 Our experienced and highly organization with responsible KBS Dean Solomon (616) 671-2412 respected team of lobbyists are legislative clout, powered by .... there working for you. its members and guided by its Kent Bill Steenwyk (616) 774-3265 > farmer-developed policies. With the thousands of bills With over seven decades of Lenawee Brian Ehlert (517) 264-5300 introduced on the state and experience in the legislative and federal level, Farm Bureau regulatory arenas, you can count Livingston lobbyists work full-time on Farm Bureau to get results! John Leech (517) 546-3950 aggressively supporting MSU-E Wilma Miller (517) 355-0117 legislation that benefits farm Farm Bureau member benefits families while seeking to defeat include: Montcalm measures detrimental to • Educational and leadershiP Jill O'Donnell (517) 831-5226 agriculture. opportunities Ogemaw • Health care insurance George Portice (517) 345-0692 Farm Bureau - always there and proven effective ... • Travel program Ottawa Chuck Pistis and Ira Krupp • Discount prescription drugs (616) 846-8250 • Nofee VISA card Saginaw • Farm. auto and life insurance Jim Thews (517) 799-2233 Sanilac Martin Nagelkirk (313) 648-2515 VVhatconcernsyou concerns us. Tuscola Kevin Gould (517) 673-5999 Washtenaw For your nearest Farm Bureau Joe Ames (313) 971-0079 office call 1(800) 292-2680 extension 3237