1 Michigan Farm News 111=1 September 30, 1994 Vol. 71, No. 16 At Presstime ... Spence Abraham Receives Apple Fire Blight Task Force Formed '. AgriPAC Endorsement Severe fire blight infestations in parts of These Jonathan apple trees were hard hit by fire blight, a bacterial disease that Former Chairman of the Michigan Republi- generally infects the tree during bloom. southwestern Michigan prompted various seg- can Party and U.S. Senate hopeful, Spence ments of the apple industry to meet recently at Abraham, has received the "Friend of Agri- the MFB Center in Lansing to form a task force culture" endorsement from MFB's AgriPAC, intent on securing additional research dollars after a unanimous endorsement from partici- and solutions to this bacterial disease that's pating county Farm Bureaus, according to threatening the state's apple industry. MFB AgriPAC Chairperson Faye Ad~m. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that usually "County Candidate Evaluation committees infects the apple tree during bloom, eventually had a chance to review a survey of both U.S. killing off limbs of trees. In severe infestations Senate candidate's past efforts on behalf of of younger blocks of apples, fire blight can agriculture, in addition to their priorities on actually kill the entire tree. current and future issues, n said Adam. "Ap- Although fire blight is not a new phenome- parently, Abraham's announced position on non to Michigan apple producers, the severity of agricultural issues, combined with his posi- losses and newer strains resistant to control are ~ion on private property rights, taxation, and refocusing efforts to seek new treatment options the federal budget met the expectations of and resistant apple varieties, according to the county committees. " Coloma fruit grower Jim Miller, who serves on In This Issue .... the MFB board of directors. "Three years ago, we experienced the worst Celebrating 50 Years outbreak of fire blight ever throughout the entire West Branch Feeder Calf Sale state," Miller explained. "Although the outbreak .~ turns 50 this faiL page 3 this year is more specific to various regions of Fire Blight Control the state, it is extremely severe. The newer high- Treatment options becoming density plantings established within the last five limited page 5 yea~ are yery susceptible to this dis,ease." environment for the rapid proliferation of fire Strains of fire blight resistant to the conven- _Hail storms in Van Buren and Allegan coun- . blight: The hail "wounds" the trees, creating 1 tional treatment of streptomycin, compounded Markets ties, and in the Belding area, combined with an openings in the bark, and on the apples, provid- Continued on page 5 -- see On-farm storage good bet for unusually humid wet summer, created an ideal ing the bacteria access into the tree. - corn and soybeans page 6 Fire Blight What is LDP? AFBF Recommends 5 Percent ARP for Corn in 1995 It could possibly help you earn a Based on an excellent corn harvest this year tion to record levels, but ending stocks would be els. Ending stocks are estimated to rise slightly little extra on this year's corn and crop projections for 1995, the American a more workable 17.6 percent. At 5. percent to just over 1.79 billion bushels, Miller stated. crop page 7 Farm Bureau Federation is recommending a 5 ARP, production would reach 8.68 billion bush- This would result in a stocks-to-use ratio of more Combine Safety percent com acreage reduction program (ARP) els and total use would climb to 8.75 billion than 20 percent. When ending stocks exceed 20 Some last minute tips as harvest for next year. bushels. The ending stocks would total 1.54 percent, the ARP for the following year must be activity peaks page 8 While setting the ARP at 0 percent would billion bushels of corn. set at 7.5 percent, Miller explained. provide slightly higher farm returns, according This level of ending stocks is sufficient, to The recommendation, sent to Philip Sronce, Wheat Growers Wanted! to David Miller, AFBF commodity policy and provide for stability in the feed grain sector and director of the Grjlins Analysis Division of the MSU program seeks research programs coordinator, "A 5 percent ARP allows increased demand both domestically and for ASCS, will be considered in setting the ARP cooperators page 9 for more price strength and a mQre reasonable exports, Miller said. rates for 1995. The preliminary recommendation stocks-to-use ratio." will be announced Sept. 30, and the final ARP How Does Your Dairy With a 0 percent ARP, corn production Operation Compare? Farm Bureau analysis indicates a .5 percent would reach 8.99 billion bushels in 1995. Total' level must be set by the Secretary of Agriculture 1995 ARP would allow for growth in consump- use would also rise to a record 8.8 billion bush- by Nov. 5. Take a look at MSU Telfarm dairy statistics to find out .. page 10 So New it's Patented ...Michigan Farmers Get Their First Look Roundup Ready TIC Soybeans Farmers across Michigan had their first An all new instrument panel has been relocated from the conventional steering wheel dash Ready? chance to look at and test drive the newest to a console mounted on the right hand side of the cab for improved tractor monitoring and Possibly in 1996 say researchers John Deere has to offer during mid-September diagnostic capabilities. For more details and additional photos turn to page 11 and seed companies page 13 field demos at participating dealers. John Deere introduced its 8100, 8200, 8300 and 8400 models rated at 160, 175, 200, and 225 horsepower, respectively, according to Larry "lJ» Uch of Lich Farm Service, Inc near Portland. .Q"lJc g'g A radically redesigned and patented chas- )( g sis that positions the engine 10 inches higher to) cr. and 44 inches further forward provides the ~~ ~~ operator improved visibility, improved maneu- (j~ verability with a 16-foot turning radius, im- .~'2 ;;) proved weight distribution, and added clear- g>" ance, says Lich. The frame has been elimi- CQ. ~ ;;) ~ g' nated which allows the front wheels to be :J:lD turned tighter than possible on past mod- ~ ~ els. The redesign doesn't stop with the chassis r ~ C/O either, thanks to a new "CommandARM. II 5' t. "The cab is laid out so that you can actually Ip ~ work the controls, including the hydraulics, & throttle, and gear selection and not move your ~ arm more than six inches," Lich said. "The controls are all touch hydraulics and toggles, with no levers to speak of, so the operator can control the tractor with his fingertips. " Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 - Michigan Farm News •• September 30,1994 "November In Brief ... Net Farm Income to Rise Ballot The Agriculture Department said it estimates net farm income for ~994 will rise ff(;>m$43 Proposal billion last year to $47-51 billion this year. The department also esttm!lted net cash Income will be in the $53-57 billion range. Over the past five years, net cash Income has averaged Facts and $56 billion per year. The rise in farm income was attributed to an increase in crop receipts, which is expected to come in at between 6 percent and 8 percent for the year. Fiction" Feed grain and soybeans are forecast to produce receipt increase.s of 4 per,cent to 6 percent and oilseed increases between 9 percent and 11 percent. DalfY and lIvestock are not expected to rise more than 2 percent. Production expenses are forecast to rise 2 percent to Just like autumn leaves, facts and fiction about the fall ballot proposals are 3 percent and farm debt will likely rise 1 percent. Total farm equity is expected to remain swirling around the electoral landscape. With the flurry of information being stable at between $771 billion and $781 billion. distributed by those who are against Proposal C, it's important to take a look at your organization's position (and the reasoning behind that position). No Significant Drop in Milk Consumption MFB is an active member of the Michigan Citizens for Insurance Reform Countering anti-biotechnology activist's claims that the use of a bovine growth hormone (MCIR) - a coalition of dozens of organizations and businesses and thousands in dairy cows would cut U.S. consumption of milk by as much as 25 percent, Agriculture of individuals supporting reforms to Michigan's automobile insurance law. Department figures showed a scanty .1 percent drop in fluid milk sales in July over the same time period last year. We strongly favor a "yes" vote on Proposal C, the referendum to amend Michigan's auto insurance laws. You are probably asking yourself: why do we "The American public is confident that milk is as pure and wholesome as ever," said Jim have to vote on this again? Didn't the Legislature approve and the governor Barr, chief executive of the National Milk Producers Federation. "Consumers have recog- sign a Farm Bureau-backed auto insurance reform package? nized that there is no reason to stop drinking milk." That's right: We did have effective auto insurance reform legislation (Public Act The hormone BST is said to increase milk production in treated cows by up to 15 percent 143) signed, sealed and delivered. But those who had the most to lose from and has the blessing of the Food and Drug Administration, the American Medical Associa- reform - the Michigan Trial Lawyers - are asking voters to reverse the law tion and the American Dietetic Association. enacted by a bipartisan majority of the Legislature. They have delayed enact- Court Ruling a Setback for Ethanol ment of the new law and placed the issue on the ballot in hopes that they can confuse voters into rejecting the reforms. A federal appeals court decision to grant a stay on implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency's rule to include ethanol in a cleaner-burning fuels program is being In my opinion, the trial lawyers are conducting a campaign that insults farmers viewed as a setback by agricultural interests and a temporary victory for big oil. and other Michigan motorists by implying we're not smart enough to under- stand the real agenda behind a "no" vote on Proposal C. A "no" vote is not a EPA officials said the program will move forward pending final court ruling on a lawsuit vote for real insurance reform. A "no" vote is not a vote for lower rates. A "no" filed by the American Petroleum Institute challenging the agency's decision to mandate vote is not a vote for protecting the rights of those who file legitimate claims. use of ethanol from renewable sources in the reformulated fuels program. Without a final ruling, the program will include petroleum based oxygenates as the primary air-pollution A "no" vote is really a vote to reject reforming an auto insurance system that curbing additive to gasoline beginning Jan. 1. In its ruling, the court did not agree with the i I too often rewards wealthy lawyers and penalizes ordinary consumers. But a I oil industry's position, but said its lawsuit must be heard in its entirety. i "yes" vote on Proposal C is a smart choice that brings real reform to the system and saves us up to $700 million dollars annually in insurance premiums. Although the renewable oxygenate requirement in the EPA plan (that would require a 2 percent oxygenate blend comprised of 30 percent renewable ethanol in gasoline used in I I, Michigan Farm Bureau strongly supported the original auto insurance reform heavily polluted cities) does not specify from what source ethanol must come, the oil i I legislation. Remember, your positive "yes" vote on Proposal C will be needed industry is critical of the plan because it does not require all oxygenates to be derived from to make auto insurance reform a reality. non-renewable petroleum sources. ~clut~ Michigan Farm Bureau Michigan Milk Production up in August Dairy herds in Michigan produced 466 million pounds of milk during August, up 2 percent from a year ago, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. , i I Milk per cow averaged 1,390 pounds, increasing 40 pounds from a year ago. The Michigan New MFB Staff Assignments Announced dairy herd was estimated at 335,000 head, 4,000 less than in August 1993. MFB staff member Scott Everett of the Field Operations Division has been appointed to The preliminary value of milk sold averaged $12.60 per hundredweight (cwt.) in August, coordinate administration of the Community Action Group program, with Bob Harms $.20 less than last year. August mid-month slaughter cow prices averaged $45.00 per cwt., assigned to new group development. Doug Ewald of the Public Affairs Division has been $3.30 less than the previous year. appointed to coordinate local affairs activities and will assist county Farm Bureaus in I.' .i i securing resources to help them deal with local issues . Milk production in the 21 major states totaled 10.8 billion pounds, 2 percent more than production in these same states in August 1993. Production averaged 1,344 pounds per cow I.' With the increasing importance of environmental issues facing agriculture, MFB is also for August, 38 pounds more than last year. The number of cows on farms was 8.03 million ,i i strengthening its ability to assist members in this area. Kevin Kirk of the Commodity head, 65,000 head less than August 1993, but 3,000 head more than July 1994. Activities and Research Division will, in addition to his role in the animal agriculture area, .i i become an environmental specialist to help keep Farm Bureau in the forefront of environ- Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan produced 1.2 million pounds of butter in July, ,, mental education and compliance activities. unchanged from a year ago. Ice cream output totaled 1.72 million gallons, 19 percent less f than July 1993. ,i i Country Sunshine in Northern Michigan Price Elections Announced for Fall Planted Crops .i i Farmers and sunflowers combined their talents this past summer bringing a little more sunshine to the Northern Michigan counties of Antrim and Charlevoix. This Ken Ackerman, manager of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), announced I ,i 20-acre field, sponsored by the Promotion and Education committees of Antrim the maximum price elections for 1995 wheat and barley. The top price elections will be: and Charlevoix county Farm Bureaus, was located on the Tom Wieland Family wheat - $3.15 per bushel; and barley - $1.90 per bushel. Farm. According to Wieland, the field attracted its fair share of onlookers and photographers this past summer. Price elections reflect FCIC's expectations about prices farmers will receive for their ,i commodities in the 1995-96 marketing year. Farmers have the option of selecting any price election at or below the announced maximum election. FCIC must estimate market prices .i i well in advance of production and sales so that farmers will know their insurance coverage and what it will cost. All affected producers should contact their local crop insurance agents to discuss their risk i i management options and sales closing dates. ,i i The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, I • i December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm 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 additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. 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, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West i. Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford. Michigan Farm News -. = ,- September 30, 1994 • In Brief ... MFB Takes Position on November Ballot Proposals Continuation of CRP Goal of Nov. 9 and 10 Michigan Farm Bureau has announced its position on three of the four proposals that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. MFB supports a "yes" vote on C, the referendum to amend Statewide CRP Forum Michigan's auto insurance laws. The farm organization urges a "no" vote on A, the proposal to convene a Michigan constitutional convention. Farm Bureau is neutral on P, the proposal A host of Michigan organizations, including Michigan Farm Bureau and the Soil and Water to establish a Michigan state parks endowment fund. MFB takes no position on B, the Conservation Society, have banded together to host a Conservation Reserve Program proposal to limit criminal appeals . • ' (CRP) Forum on Nov. 9 and 10, according to MFB Public Affairs Director AI Almy. "For too long we have endured an auto insurance system where we are forced to pay for "With over 300,000 acres planted to grasses and/or trees in our state as a result of CRP, policies that are weighted down with unnecessary costs -- dollars that all too often end up Michigan obviously has a vested interest in the fate of CRP during the 1995 Farm Bill in the hands of trial lawyers and those who file fraudulent, unnecessary or ridiculous debate," Almy said. "Michigan is estimated to have had an erosion reduction of3.2 million claims," said MFB President Jack Laurie. "Proposal C gives the people of Michigan the tons annually due to the CRP." opportunity to take control of their own auto insurance needs and purchase policies that reflect those needs." In addition, there have been conservation and environmental benefits, improved wildlife habitat, and reduced pesticide run-off, according to Almy. Sponsors of the CRP Forum are Farm Bureau does not believe there are currently any major issues that should be addressed hopeful that the CRP can be exterided once the existing 10 year contracts start to expire. through a state constitutional convention, Laurie said. "Major issues that have occurred • For more, infonnation and forum registration, contact Soil Conservation Service since the constitutional convention of 1964 have been handled by constitutional amend- District Conservationist Randy Seelbrede, located in the Paw Paw field office at (616) ments, which we think is a most adequate procedure," he said. 657-4220. Ogemaw-Oscoda County ASCS Employee Receives Michigan BST Labeling Bills up to 15 and Counting National Honor Rep. Varga (D-Detroit) has introduced five bills to allow for labeling of milk or milk Darlene D. Winslow, county executive director of the Ogemaw-Oscoda County ASCS products not treated with rBST. These five bills are in addition to the 10 bills that have office, was selected to receive the 1995 USDA Celebration of Excellence Honor Award, '.' already been introduced which provided for the labeling of milk from cows treated with one of the highest awards that the Secretary of Agriculture can bestow upon USDA rBST. The bills have all been sent to the Consumers Committee which is chaired by Varga. employees. Winslow is the only county office employee in the nation to receive this award and was one of just two award recipients nationwide. With the limited number of session days, it is uncertain whether the bills will receive a hearing prior to the end of this session, according to MFB Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson. Winslow was selected to receive the secretary's award for personal and professional Farm Bureau remains opposed to bills mandating labeling of milk regarding rBST. excellence during her 36 years of service with ASCS. Throughout her career, she has established as a high priority providing current information and personal attention to her '.' West Branch Feeder Calf Sale clientele. For 15 years, Winslow has performed as a trainer of employees become county executive directors (CED) and has worked within the Midwest Area as an working to Celebrates 50 Years instructor for CED management training. The 50-year anniversary is a family affair for Alcona livestock farmers Jack Small (left) and, Winslow is currently serving on special assignment to the National Work Measurement son, Kevin. Jack participated in the first sale and has served as president. Kevin is currently Committee. In addition to her agency service, Winslow has performed in an exceptional serving as president for the feeder calf sale event scheduled for Oct. 18. manner as an active charter member of NASCOE, the National Association of State and County Office Employees. She has served as a state officer for eight years, served on numerous state and national committees, was national membership chairperson for eight years and has attended the legislative conference many times in Washington, D.C., representing Michigan employees. A;J~ AMCORN@ Pllt The Filii Force Of Worldwide Research by Renee Nugent This fall marks 50 years that the West According to Harvey Hansen, secretary for the Michigan Feeder Cattle Producers Council, To Work For YOII Branch Feeder Calf Sale has existed. Bill Finley, the same producers often come ,back every year IT BEGINS WITH A $20 MILLION RESEARCH who was the county agent, prompted the first sale because of the quality animals. INVESTMENT ANNUALLY ... 30 FULL-TIME in an effort to get better livestock. The first sale Hansen said, "Producers pre-sort their ani- SCIENTISTS ... 16 GLOBAL RESEARCH STATIONS was held in West Branch through the cooperative mals before bringing them to the yards, 'which effort ofMSU, Finley, and the original president means the animals can come in closer to sale ... THOUSANDS OF TEST PLOTS. RESEARCH IS of the sale, Charlie Prescott. time, cutting down on the possibility of getting THE MOTIVATING FORCE BEHIND L1MAGRAIN According to Jack Small, past president of sick." GENETICS' FUTURISTIC, INNOVATIVE SEED the West Branch Feeder Cattle Association, eco- Since the West Branch sale began, it has BREEDI NG PROGRAM FOR LG SEEDS. nomics is the real reason the sale has been suc- expanded to three other sites: Alpena, Paulding A COMMITMENT THAT BEGAN OVER 50 YEARS AGO. cessful year after year. Jack said, "Producers and Rapid River. The Michigan Feeder Cattle make money and that's why it works." Producers Council is the organization that is AMCOR., a division of LG Seeds. Jack's son, Kevin, who is the current presi- responsible for all of the sales. The four sales draws UDOn tills worldwide research. dent, said, "The main group of producers are share the reputation for quality animals, but are THIS MEANS THE HYBRID PACKAGE, SOYBEANS, mostly family-owned operations and have about run individually by their local branch of the OR ALFALFA YOU BUY FROM YOUR AMCORN • 50 to 100 cow/calf pairs." - council. SEEDS DEALER HAS EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH The Small operation, consisting of Jack and The sales are a cooperative effort. Producers Kevin, raise 150 cow/calf pairs and farm about come together to plan the event and supply the LEVELS OF BRED-IN DEPENDABILITY AND QUALITY. 900 acres annually. Jack has been involved with labor to conduct the auction. Each sale has its YOUR AMCORN DEALER, AS PART OF THE LG the West Branch Feeder Calf Sale since it began own board of directors and is conducted inde- SEEDS NETWORK, IS YOUR SINGLE SOURCE FOR in 1944. pendently, but they pool their resources with the SEVERAL WELL-KNOWN BRAND NAMES ABLE TO According to Steve Gonyea, past president other sales for advertising and promotion. of the Michigan Feeder Cattle Producers Coun- This year, the sales will be held on Oct. MATCH YOUR UNIQUE FARMING REQUIREMENTS. a\ cil, a reputation for quality animals has generally 10 at 12 noon in Paulding; Oct. 11 at 10:30 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 800-709-3333. resulted in a 5 to 10 cent premium for producers a.DL at Rapid River; Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.rn. in who market their cattle through one of the feeder Alpena; and Oct. 18 at 12 noon in West AMCORN calf sales. Branch. Between the four sales, about SUNFIELD, MICHIGAN "A strong reputation for good, healthy ani- 4,000 head of feeder calves are marketed. mals is why the West Branch sale has survived The steer calves average about 500 pounds, for half a century," said Gonyea. "It's the quality of the cattle and the producers that are involved \ in the sale. They are committed to having quality cattle and marketing them that way." while the heifers average slightly less, about 475 pounds. To get more infonna- tion about any of the sales, contact your local Extension Service. Worldwide Research. ~l~sEEDs --~~ Homegrown Service. Michigan Farm News . September 30, 1994 II Above-normal September 3D-Day Outlook - "Near Normal" Conditions Expected temperatures during early caused seasonal growing de- gree day totals across many sections of the state to surge back to normal or even a little 8/15/94 to 9/15194 Michigan Weather Summary Temperature Observed Dev. From Growing Degree Days Actual Accum. Normal Accum. Precipitation Actual (inch,) Normal linch) Mean Normal ahead of normal by the middle of Septem- 63.2 + 0.7 1943 1925 4.31 3.29 Alpena ber. The mostly sunny, dry weatheraccom- 64.3 - 2.3 2041 2306 2.25 2.70 Bad Axe panying the warm temperatures favored Detroit 69.3 + 0.5 2844 2502 .n 2.83 early harvest and other field work activities Escanaba 63.4 + 1.0 1626 1537 4.99 3.60 and provided nearly ideal conditions for Flint 66.1 - 0.4 2328 2502 1.43 2.83 late maturing crops. Grand Rapids 67.4 + 0.1 2446 2548 1.97 3.14 Houghton 62.3 + 1.8 1596 1758 3.52 3.94 While little has changed with respect to the Houghton Lake 65.6 + 1.8 2150 1925 4.08 3.29 outlook during the next few weeks, jet Jackson 66.8 - 1.7 2425 2486 2.60 3.03 stream flow patterns on a hemispheric basis Lansing 65.9 -1.3 2355 2486 2.n 3.03 have become stronger and more active Marquette 61.5 + 1.8 1648 1758 4.00 3.94 since the beginning of the month. This is Muskegon 66.8 0.0 2180 2201 1.79 3.59 likely associated with the annual transition Pellston 62.7 + 1.3 1855 1991 6.06 3.40 of summer to winter. Saginaw 67.2 + 0.1 2362 2306 2.43 2.70 Sault Ste. Marie 59.3 - 1.4 1434 1537 3.27 3.60 Should this active pattern continue into South Bend 68.7 + 0.2 2753 2548 3.02 3.14 October, I would expect highly variable Traverse City 66.2 + 0.5 2124 1991 4.70 3.40 conditions in Michigan, with temperatures Vestaburg 63.7 - 2.9 2149 22n 3.29 3.41 ranging from above normal to below nor- mal. Given that cold air has recently begun Observed and growing degree day totals are accumulated from Apri/1. to appear on weather maps in far northern Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU sections of North America (again, in re- sponse to shortening day length and the from the lakes. The official National Weather Service 30-day outlook for mid-September change of seasons), I would also expect the through mid-October calls for the variations to average themselves out over time, with near first killing frost in some sections of the normal temperatures and precipitation expected. state, especially in interior sections away Michigan and Major Commodity Area Extended Weather Outlook Michigan Crop Yields Expected Down from Last Year T - Temp. 9/30 10/15 9/30 11/30 Barring an early frost, yield prospects look This sharp decline in production is the re- Adequate rain fell across most of Michi- p-Preclp. T P T f good for corn and soybeans. Yield and sult of a reduction in harvested acres, to gan during August, although only one Michigan N N B A production forecasts are based on condi- ] 2,000, as well as poor yields. Growers week of above-average temperatures was W. Com Belt N N B N tions as of Sept. 1, and assume favorable abandoned about 2,000 acres of summer E. Com Bett N N BIN A recorded, according to the Federal/State conditions will allow for normal crop ma- potatoes due to poor yields and poor quality Wlnt. Wheat Bett N N N N Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. turity and development. caused by excessive wet weather during Spr. Wheat Belt A B N N Pac. NW Wheat N B N N Cool temperatures this time of year nor- late June and early July. Detta N N N N/A mally raise farmers' concerns about crops Corn yield for Michigan is forecast at 106 Southeast N A/N N N/A bushels per acre, unchanged from last Nationally, corn production is forecast at maturing before first frost, and this year is San Joaquin N N N N month and four bushels below last year. 9.26 billion bushels, up fractionally from no different. However, the majority of crop Total corn production, at 227.9 million the Aug. 1 forecast but 46 percent above the A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- development is near or above the five-year bushels, is down from the previous year's 1993 production. Yields are expected to mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- average with growing degree days No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office throughout the state ranging from slightly crop of 236.5 million bushels. average 129.0 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushel from last month and 28.3 bushels below to fractionally above normal. Michigan soybean yield is expected to av- above a year earlier. erage 35 bushels per acre, down three bush- els from 1993. Production is estimated at Soybean production is forecast at a record 53.9 million bushels, a decrease of 1 per- high 2.32 billion bushels as of Sept. 1, up 1 cent from a year ago. percent from the Aug. 1 forecast and 28 Serving Michigan The average yield for sugarbeets is esti- percent above 1993. Yield is forecast at a record high 38.2 bushels per acre, 0.6 Farm Families is mated at 16 tons per acre, one ton below last year. Total tonnage is forecast at 2.99 bushel above Aug. 1, and 6.2 bushels above 1993. The previous record high yield of Our Only Business million tons, 6 percent less than 1993. 37.6 was set up in 1992. Summer potato yield is set at 200 cwt., Sugarbeet production is estimated at 29.8 Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective compared to 280 cwt. the previous year. million tons, 14 percent above last year's has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- Production is expected to total 2.4 million output. Yields are expected to average 20.7 ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- tons per acre, up 2.1 tons from last year. cwt., a drop of 31 percent from a year ago. tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm How to Estimate Your own Corn and WABJ Adrian Alpena 1490 1450 5:45 5:30 am am 11:50 am 11 :30 am Soybean Yields WATZ USDA and private survey firms have al- (the average number of rows) times (the WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm ready made corn and soybean yield esti- average number of kernels per row) di- WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm mates for 1994. The markets have made vided by 90. WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm projections and expectations based on WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm 11:20 am these August reports of Michigan and U.S. Soybean Yields WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:55 am anticipated production numbers. Have 12:20 pm Soybean yield estimates are more accurate WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am you? within three weeks of maturity. WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm There are several good reasons to go into Step 1 Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am corn and soybean fields near maturity. One WPLB Count the number of substantial plants in 6:15 am 12:30 pm reason is to estimate yields for storage, feed WBCH Hastings 1220 1/1000 acre. For 7-inch rows, this will be use or marketing purposes. WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm 74 feet and 8 inches. In 8-inch rows, meas- WHTC Holland 1450 12:15pm ure 65 feet and 4 inches. Kalamazoo 590 5:15 am Corn Yields WKZO 1530 7:20 am 11:50 am Corn yields can accurately be estimated. Step 2 WLSP Lapeer Going into fields also tells you about insect Count the number of substantial pods on WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm damage, weeds, maturity and provides an five random plants. Calculate an average. WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm opportunity to evaluate the variety. WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 1,2:15 pm Step 3 WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm Step 1 Shortcut method. Calculate yield as: (num- WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm Count the number of harvestable ears in ber of plants) times (average number of WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm 1/1000 acre. For 38-inch rows, this will be pods) divided by 60 .. WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm 13 feet and 8 inches. For 36-inch rows, Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm measure 14 feet and 5 inches. In 30-inch Long method. Calculate the seeds per acre WKJC 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm rows, measure 17 feet and 4 inches. by multiplying: (2.5 seeds per pod) times WLKM Three Rivers (the average number of pods) times 1000. WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am Step 2 * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change Count the number of rows per ear, and the Step 4 with the sign-on times. kernels of one row of the second, sixth, and Calculate pounds per acre by dividing: ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am. tenth ears. Do not count half size kernels (seeds per acre) by 2,500 seeds per pound. *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. on either the butt or tip of the ear. Calculate an average. Step 5 Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. To get yield, simply divide (pounds per Step 3 acre) by 60. The yield formula is: (ear population) times Michigan Farm News September 30,1994 Apple Fire Blight Task Force Formed .continued from page 1 the problem even more, according to Tom Butler A look at the damage caused by hail and fire blight to apple trees in southwest Michigan this of Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Market- past summer. Allegan County fruit grower Alan Overhiser ing Association's Apple Division. The only concurs with Jones' assessment, saying that the othercontrol option at this time is a less-effective need for alternative control options is immediate treatment with oxytetracycline (Myoshield) un- and critical. Overhiser, who serves as chairman der a special use permit. of the MACMA Processing Apple Growers Committee, grows 40 acres of apples, including "Obviously this makes fire blight a serious Jonathans, Goldens, Winesaps and Red Deli- problem, particularly because we grow a number cious. of unique varieties in this state, such as Jonathans, that are very susceptible to infec- "We've got a lot of farmers who are at the tion," Butlerexplained. "Michigan is the number age where they will never plant another tree, and one producer of Jonathans in the country and they've got to be able to protect their investment producers often receive a premium from proces- out there right now," Overhiser said. "Genetic sors since they're the most preferred apple pie research is necessary, but we need something in slice variety in the state. So not only are the the short-term. There is simply no way we can producers facing a big loss, but so is the process- go tear out all of our orchards and replant them ing industry that's dependent on Michigan for with something that doesn't even exist today." these varieties." Calling it an ellusive number at this time, Ida Reds and Rome varieties are also very Overhiser predicts his losses will average 5 to 10 susceptible to the fire blight. Other varieties such percent, with some orchards suffering a 20 per- as Red Delicious are tolerant to fire blight, but cent loss in production. More importantly, how- as MSU Professor of Plant Pathology Dr. Alan ever, is the long-term loss of production from Jones puts it, the state can't build its apple indus- trees and limbs that are lost this year to fire try on Red Delicious. blight. "There are researchers continually trying to With tree stock costing $6 per tree, multi- develop varieties and root stock that are resistant plied by several hundred trees per acres, replace- to fire blight," Jones said. "However, fire blight Part of that commitment, says Jones, needs density planting of susceptible varieties creates ment cost and time become big factors. Accord- was first discovered in 1880, and research has to include long-term research funding for resis- a greater urgency than what most realize. ing to Miller, Michigan's climate and market been ongoing since that time. If we're going to tant variety research and immediate research "We basically have a number of growers in conditions require a coordinated effort among control this disease, we need a real commitment efforts in alternative control options. In addition, this state that are sitting on a powder keg that's the industry and legislators. from the industry." he believes that the industry trend toward high ready to explode if we get the right conditions 'The time to move on this situation is right and an infestation in these high density plant- now, before we have spent literally millions of ings," Jones said. "Not only are these varieties grower assessment dollars to advertise and pro- Fire Blight Control/Treatment highly susceptible to fire blight, the blight only has to move a short distance before it can cause mote apple varieties that we can't grow because of the fire blight," Miller said. "We either need Options Very Limited severe damage to the structure of the tree, and it can move from tree to tree much easier than in older plantings where the trees are further apart." to come up with a plan to make an attempt to do something to control this disease or we need to make changes in our varietal mix." The proliferation of a strain of fire blight of fire blight by pruning, but was less than satis- resistant to the conventional treatment of the fied with the results. antibiotic streptomycin in southwestern Michi- "We went through and meticulously cut into gan this past season, has growers and researchers the green wood, behind the fire blight and ster- alike desperately seeking alternative control ilized the clippers between each cut by dipping methods. them in bleach," Overhiser said. "However, I According to MSU Professor of Plant Pa- really can't see where we did any good by doing thology Dr. Al Jones, the resistant strain was first that with the weather conditions we had this past detected in 1990 in a single orchard. The strain summer." has gradually been building up since that time. In situations where the strain of fire blight is Oxytetracycline (Mycoshield) has provided controllable with conventional streptomycin, some control, but not as successfully as strepto- Jones encourages producers to put the spray on mycin had been on other strains of the bacteria. early, have the applications well timed, and at- Identifiable Performance Parameters on Winter Wheat tempt to control the spread early on. The following are frequently observed plant responses from soil and foliar applications of ACA on winter wheat: "If we lose streptomycin because of resis- tance, growers will basically not have an effec- Producers do need to use streptomycin tive chemical control for fire blight," Jones ex- wisely and on a limited basis. Not only is it Visual Response Observation Timing (stage of Growth) • Vigorous early plant growth • Fall - first to fourth leaves unfolded plained. "That means they'll have to rely on expensive, at $14 a pound (typically applied at • Spring - greenup and vigor sanitation, by pruning out infections as soon as one to 1-1/2 pound per acre), but it also encour- • More winter hardy • Spring - observation on plant stand they see them and get those infected limbs out ages the proliferation of resistant strains. • More fibrous and extensive root system • Fall - first to fourth leaves unfolded of there," he said. "Once blight gets going, continual use of • Spring - emergence of inflorescence Since fire blight is a cyclic disease, produc- streptomycin or any antibiotic in that situation is • Increased tillering • Spring - from stem elongation on ers should take advantage of years when the how you get resistance," Jones cautioned. "In • Larger diameter stem • Spring - at completion of tillering incidence of fire blight is low, and aggressively other words, once you've got a problem, throw- • Wider, darker green leaves, fuller canopy • Spring - at completion of tillering prune out infected trees and limbs. "However, if ing more chemical at it does not solve the prob- fill row sooner you get a real epidemic going because there was lem." • Earlier pollination • Spring - at flowering disease there before and the conditions are ideal, • Heavier seed weight • At maturity Beyond a miracle cure or genetic engineer- then pruning is not going to help a whole lot. ing solutions, which aren't likely for quite some The identified performance parameters typically result in: You've already lost the battle," Jones said. time, the only other cure may lay in rethinking • Increased uptake of soil nutrients • Increased uptake of soil moisture Allegan County grower Alan Overhiser variety selection and planting methods. "Some • Increased utilization of sunlight in photosynthesis • Increased tillering and foliage learned that lesson the hard way this past sum- of these varieties may not be the most desirable • Improved winter hardiness • Improved standability and ease of harvest mer. Desperate for a solution to limit the loss of since they won't bring the top dollar as far as • Higher yields and/or test weight young trees, he attempted controlling the spread marketing is concerned," Jones concluded. 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) Fall Ideal Time to Control Perennial Weeds 2/3 pint ACA per acre broadcast [Winter Wheat at $3.00/bushel x 7.6 bushel increase/acre = $22.80 - ACA investment of $5.16/acre (2/3 pint/acre) = $17.64 R.O.IVacre] The time between crops in the fall generally The best procedure for getting control of provides an opportunity to get control of trou- perennial weeds is to begin mapping their loca- Application Techniques/Procedures blesome perennial weeds. tion now and either spot treat them with a herbi- Test results have shown that ACA can be applied to the soil or foliage of winter wheat ACA can be A perennial weed is any weed capable of cide or repeatedly till the location before the first broadcast incorporated into the soil using water or a fertilizer solution as a carrier with or without a soil surviving three or more years and reproducing killing frost. applied herbicide. The incorporation or movement of ACA into the soil profile can be by tillage, rainfall, or vegetatively (from plant parts other than seeds). irrigation. This will position the ACA near the developing root system of the plant. Some weed species can also be controlled Foliar applications should be made prior to dormancy break when top dressing wheat. It is not Such weeds reproduce either by forming rhi- through crop rotation. recommended that ACA be applied with any postemergence herbicide or insecticide until further testing zomes (underground creeping stems), runners, Tillage can decrease perennial weed infesta- has been completed. bulbs, tubers or creeping roots. tions if it's done every two or three weeks when Methods of Application Other application methods: They may or may not produce seeds, but the soil is warm and dry. Tillage during cool, wet ACA mixes easily with and fits into the following • Soil applied broadcast with water as the carrier, they always have the potential to reproduce conditions is not as effective. fertilizer programs: with or without a herbicide vegetatively. That's what makes control diffi- Chemical spot treatment of perennial weeds Soil Applications • To wheat foliage with water as the carrier cult, says Jim Kells, MSU Extension agrono- either before or after harvest can be effective. •Soil broadcast applied with liquid fertilizers mist. Ropewick treatment can be used on some peren- • Soil broadcast applied with dry blended fertilizers Seventeen perennial weed species in Michi- nial weeds with fair to good results, though • Soil broadcast applied (weed & feed herbicide/ gan can reduce crop yields: Canada thistle, field retreatment may be required. fertilizer solution) and hedge bindweed, common milkweed, hemp MSU Extension has a series of fact sheets - Foliar Applications dogbane, horsenettle, Jerusalem artichoke, E-2444 through E-2257 - on perennial weed • Application can be made with liquid fertilizers johnsongrass, quackgrass, sowthistle, smooth control. The fact sheets contain an illustration as the carrier. Contact your local Clean Crop and clammy groundcherry, swamp smanweed, and description of each perennial weed and de- NOTE: The effect on weed control when ACA is added to post- Dealer or call 1 -800-292-2701 wild onion and wild garlic, wirestem muhly and emergence herbicides is unknown. Thus, it is not recommended at for additional information on tail the effectiveness of the herbicides that can thistimeto apply ACA with any postemergence herbicide. yellow nutsedge. THE ACA ADVANTAGE be used for control. Michigan Farm News September 30,1994 ! • • •I F• i HI 1 Market Outlook... • ^^BF 1 I W My." A •• f' 4B• •• Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural CORN The latest USDA Crop Report, for Sept. 1 conditions, was released Sept. 12. It showed the Seasonal Commodity Price Trends Economics, MSU SOYBEANS FARM * & ass:s corn crop would be even bigger than the August report estimated. And, if early harvested corn yields are a good indication, the crop may be The USDA Crop Report showed we are going to harvest a record soybean crop with BUSINESS Com ? even bigger than this report indicates. As shown in Table 1 below, the 1994 corn Soybeans 9 respect to both total production and highest yield. The 2.316 billion bushel production esti- mate for the 1994 U.S. soybean crop was 24 OUTLOOK crop is expected to be 9.257 billion bushels, up million bushels larger than the August estimate. have their third huge crop in a row this winter. 43 million bushels from the August report. The Wheat And the yield estimate of 38.2 bushels per acre As seen in Table 3 below, ending stocks for the country's average yield is expected to be a ] f is amazing. Early harvested yields are not only 1994-95 marketing year will weigh heavy on the whopping 129 bushels per acre. Yes, that is less than the 1992 record of 131.4, but the best before that was ONLY 118.5. Hogs —1 backing this estimate up, but are making some believe it will turn out higher. markets. Strategy: The advice for soybeans is the Other supply side news was not so bad. We Cattle —1 There is a little bit of positive news. Exports picked up at the end of the 1993-94 marketing same as for corn. Let the basis help you make your pricing decisions. Remember, the option exported a little more last year than we thought year, meaning less carry-in. Crush is expected to markets let you get back into the market if called we would which lowered ending stocks brought into this year. But, before we get too excited, Index: ! = Higher Prices; ' = Lower Prices; be up in 1994-95. And, if exports continue at for. Don't store commercially just so you can be TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure their current pace, it appears exports will be up. in a market rally. There are cheaper ways of look at the USDA Stocks Report, released Sept. The last thing we need is for South America to doing it. 29, which will give the actual com stocks re- maining on Sept. 1. Another unknown is how the Corn Market- On the demand side, the news is mixed. Feed ing Loan option (see article page 7) will affect WHEAT use is expected to be up 11 percent over last year. the market. It may allow the market to drop Exports are expected to be up 14 percent over substantially below the loan rate for a period. Wheat is a different story than com and mentioned earlier, which means you don't have last year's anemic level. Food, seed and indus- However, that should be tempered by the need beans for the most part. One place they are the to mess with actually dealing with the futures, trial uses (FSI) are forecast by USDA to be up 8 for loan money from harvest through planting same is the wide basis. At this time, using your brokers or margin calls. percent. However, the FSI increase is expected when prices are expected to gradually increase. on-farm storage for wheat, if it is already there, The USDA Crop Report shows our total to be mostly in ethanol use. It is not clear how Strategy: At this point, the basis is still may pay you better than com or soybeans. How- 1994 wheat production number will come in at the court suit by oil companies will affect ethanol telling us that on-farm storage will pay for new ever, there is more downside risk because we are 2.361 billion bushels. This is down a bit from the use over the next year, but it won't be positive. crop. The marketing tools you should consider at relatively higher prices. August report and is the smallest in three years Even with the increased use projections, car- are tools that allow you to take advantage of Strategy: That storage gain can be locked as seen in Table 2 below. This, is on top of a short ryover will almost double from last year's low basis narrowing and, in some cases, allow for in by hedging, either with futures or with puts, if crop in Australia. However, exports are only levels. But the 1.601 billion bushel ending upside potential. Many elevators now offer a you want to keep up-side potential. All of the expected to go up marginally due to poor demand stocks forecast for the 1994-95 corn marketing wide variety of pricing tools. Talk to them before tools are available through many elevators, as I from the former Soviet Union countries. year (shown in Table 1) is still lower than 1992- harvest to try putting together a package that works best for you. Also watch for marketing 93. This will put a limit on how low and how long the market will go down. loan and deficiency payment opportunities. CATTLE see some rebound in prices over the November- HOGS The latest monthly 7-State Cattle-on-Feed December period. If we don't, try to save over- Report on Sept. 16 showed the total on feed, as weight cattle for the price increase. Prices will interesting to see if the rapid pace continues into of Sept. 1, down 5 percent from a year ago. It probably go into the high $60 range and we may The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs Report was late 1995 and 1996. showed August marketings up 3 percent from a even see some $70 cattle for a little while. just released Sept. 29. Check it out. Up to this year ago while placements were down 4 percent. The lower placement number, while wel- point, the last report was accurate in the sense The futures market shows summer 1995 that it showed more hogs would be coming and prices going back up over $40/cwt. For this to The marketing number was not positive at come, is a little misleading. August 1993 place- they did. Check to see if it shows expansion happen, along with the planned expansion, it first glance because we had one more marketing ments were very large, which means being down continuing at the same rapid pace or slowing up. would mean a lot of smaller units will continue day this August versus last. In addition, weights from a very large number can still be quite large. These extremely low prices we have been seeing leaving. are staying way above year ago levels. These With low com prices, feeder prices adjusting of late have come after the data was collected. two together indicate the market is still not cur- down, and a larger calf crop this year, I expect Over the long haul, one would expect prices rent and there is still a plentiful number of cattle the feedlots will fill on up. Nobody is making money at $33/cwt. These to average at least as much as the total cost of to clean up, at least for the next couple of weeks. Steer prices over the next year are expected are prices that large hog units, put up in the last the more efficient producers. This means prices few years, have never seen. While I expect that would be in the $37-43 range. On the brighter side, the on feed number to average under $70/cwt. This will push calf the already planned units will go on up, it will be being down and, to a small extent, the placement prices back into the $86-91 range and yearlings number being down, are indications we should into the $76-81 range. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For CORN WHEAT SOYBEANS USDA USDA USDA Hilker USDA Hilker Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. 1992-93 93-94 94-95 1992-93 9&94 94-95 1992-93 93-94 94-95 Corn Acreage (Million Acres) Wheat Acreage (Million Acres) Soybean Acreage (Million Acres) Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Acres Planted 59.1 59.4 61.8 Diverted 5.3 10.5 ? Diverted 3.5 0.5 ? Acres Harvested 58.2 56.4 60.7 Acres Planted 79.3 73.3 78.8 Acres Planted 72.3 72.2 70.5 Bu./Harvested Acre 37.6 32.0 38.2 Acres Harvested 72.2 63.0 71.8 Acres Harvested 62.4 62.6 62.0 Bu. A. Harvested 131.4 100.7 129.0 Bu. A. Harvested 39.4 38.3 38.1 Stocks (Million Bushels) Beg. Stocks 278 292 150 Stocks (Million Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) Production 2188 1809 2316 Beg. Stocks 1100 2113 824 Beg. Stocks 472 529 571 Imports 2 6 5 Production 9482 6344 9257 Production 2459 2402 2361 Total Supply 2468 2107 2471 imports 7 22 5 Imports __7J8 109 80 Use: Total Supply 10,589 8,479 10,086 Total Supply 3001 3040 3013 Crushings 1279 1270 1315 Use: Use: Exports 770 595 675 Feed 5301 4775 5300 Food 829 869 885 Seed, Feed and Food/Seed 1511 1580 1710 Seed 98 95 97 Residuals 127 92 111 Total Domestic 6813 6355 7010 Feed J3L _2Z7_ 2QQ Total Use 2176 1957 2101 Exports 1663 1300 1475 Total Domestic 1118 1241 1182 Ending Stocks 292 150 370 Total Use 8476 7655 8485 Exports 1354 1228 J25Q Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 2113 824 1601 Total Use 2472 2469 2432 Percent of Use 13.4% 7.7% 17.6% Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 529 571 581 Percent of Use 24.9% 10.8% 18.9% Regular Loan Rate $5.02 $5.02 $4.92 Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $1.72 $1.72 $1.89 Percent of Use 21.4% 23.1% 23.9% Regular Loan Rate $2.21 $2.45 $2.58 U.S. Season Average U.S. Season Average Farm Price. $/Bu. $5,50 $6.40 $5,25 Farm Price. $/Bu. $2,07 $2.53 $2,20 U.S. Season Average Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilke: Farm Price. $/Bu. $3.24 $3.26 $3.35 Source: USDA & Hilker \ Michiflan Farm News -. ..... . September 30, 1994 II Consider Corn Marketing Loan Options ...... •••••••• .... ••••••• r• ••••••• ......... ~., ..... 1• ......• ~~ Jim Hilker and David Schweikhardt •••• '1••• , LDPExample Department of Agrlcuhural Economics Michigan State University The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Farm Bill) contains provi- 1. Determine Corn Marketing Loan for Gratiot County Posted County Price (PCP) FARM .'~ J~::.. •••• •••••••• •••••••• sions for a com marketing loan during the 1994 crop year. While there are several ways for farm- Cash, No.2 Yellow Corn Cincinnati $2.05/bu. Toledo $1.94/bu. BUSINESS ers to use this new alternative, the basic idea is Gratiot County Differential Spread -.31/bu. -.24/bu. that they can pay back their government loans at the market price rather than the loan rate if the Gratiot County PCP $1.74/bu. $1.70/bu. OUTLOOK market price is lower than the loan rate. This accomplishes several things. First, it date it is delivered, but it is difficult to forecast allows corn producers to receive a price equal to 2. Determine Loan Deficiency Payment (LOP) the exact date when it will be largest. The odds at least the loan rate without having to store the are that PCP will be the greatest during the Loan Rate for Gratiot County $1.81 crop for nine months. Second, less corn would harvest season. PCP (higher of either Cincinnati or Toledo) -1.74 be forfeited to the government. Third, the market Net Loan Deficiency Payment (LOP) $ .07/bu. price can go below the loan rate if the market Ases has the Details called for it, which would move more corn into Again, all the details of these programs are the market, reducing the potential for accumulat- are advantages and disadvantages to this ap- This method has the advantage of allowing not included here. There may also be changes as ing large surpluses. proach. producers to harvest their grain, deliver it to an ASCS learns from implementation. If the price then goes up, participants will elevator, and lock in the LDP based on the PCP in effect that day without having to make a trip The use of these programs will require farm- Marketing AltemativeslDecisions have added ten cents to their total price. Partici- to the ASCS office. ers to work closely with the local ASCS office pants can sell their corn and not have to pay The marketing loan program will be admin- to understand all of these marketing alternatives. storage. The disadvantage is that participants no Producers can then wait until after harvest to istered by local ASCS offices. Farmers should longer have any downside price protection if the go to the office and present evidence of delivery check with the ASCS office for final details. To corn is stored. In addition, that corn is no longer and dates. The PCP may not be the largest on the be eligible for this program, farmers must have eligible for the cheaper government loan rate if participated in the 1994 government feed grain the price decreases. program, and the com must be eligible for a I. non-recourse loan. Farmers must still have a beneficial interest in the com and must provide production evidence. There are fees to partici- pate in this program. To eliminate the burden of taking out a loan just to pay it back, there is another option that allows farmers to collect a Loan Deficiency Pay- ment (LDP). (This has nothing to do with the regular deficiency payment.) • 50 Year Protection Against snow-load damage to the • 10 Year Protection Against wind load damage to our The usefulness of this program depends on There are two methods of executing an LDP. structure with no weight limit. optional AlumaSteel@ sliding doors with the outlook for com prices. If com prices stay In both of these methods, the com can still be • 50 Year Protection no wind velocity limit. above the loan rate plus interest, the marketing used to deliver on a forward contract. Farmers Against decay or insect attack on • 5 Year Protection loan will not be used. However, if corn prices go will need to work closely with their elevator to preservative treated columns and Against wind load damage to the below the Joan rate, even for a short period, it is use this alternative. It appears that LDP must be preservative treated lumber. structure with no wind velocity limit. a tool fanners may need to know how to use. executed first. Once the LDP is used, that com • 20 Year Protection • All warranties include materials and labor This is also a year farmers may have to Against red rust on and are not prorated. is no longer eligible for the loan. forecast the lowest price as well as the highest painted steel panels during the marketing year. The September One method is to wait until after harvest and incluc\ingdamage , USDA Crop Production Report gave an indica- then execute a form CCC-666 at the ASCS of- caused by tion of how low prices may go. fice. This allows the farmer to lock in the PCP atmospheric that is in effect on the day the form is approved. The "market price" that the ASCS will use is pollutants. Farmers must make sure to go in early enough the Posted County Price (PCP). This price is to give ASCS personnel time to approve the calculated using predetermined spreads for each form before the end of the day. The LDP re- county from the Toledo or Cincinnati price. The ceived will be the difference between the county spread is subtracted from each price and the PCP loan rate and the county PCP in effect that day. is the higher of the two. For example, if the loan rate is $1.86 and the PCP is $1.76, the farmer would receive a lO-cent loan Loan Deficiency Payment (LOP) deficiency payment times the quantity requested There are at least three ways to use this on the CCC-666 form. 800-447-7436 program. The first one is to put corn under loan. If com is put under loan and the price goes below The other method is to execute a form CCC- 1ft. MORTON or stays below the loan rate, a participant will be 709 at the ASCS office prior to harvest. At that ~BUILDINGS o. time, producers can specify the quantity on P. Box 399, .\lorton. IL 6/550 o 1_ Monon8uildi"l''-In<, allowed to repay the loan plus interest at the PCP. which they would like to receive the LDP. This For example, if com is put under loan at a amount can be revised at any time prior to har- Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 • Brown City, MI (810) 346-2702. Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 $1.86 loan rate and the loan is immediately re- vest, but not after harvest. Farmers should check Rockford, MI (616) 874-6400. Three Rivers,MI (616) 279-5271 paid at a PCP of $1.76, participants will have to see if they will be eligible for a loan if the LDP gained a 10-cent marketing loan payment. There is zero at harvest. 276 700 26B 3B5 f)8() 37S f)6() 260 252 36S 640 244 3S5 fJ20 34S f)OO Z36 228 33S SOO 220 32S SfJO Com- Dec. 94 Wheat - Dec. 94 Soybeans - Nov. 94 212 31S S40 Nou Dee Jan feb nar Apr nay Jun Jly fktg Sep Nou Dee Jan feb liar ApI' nay Jun J Iy fktg Sep Nou Dee Jan feb liar Apr nay Jun Jly fktg Sep 74 51 20S 73 4'3 200 .. h. 71 70 47 4S 43 1'JS 1':JO 185 6'3 41 180. fiB :r.J 175 67 Tl 170 Uve Cattle - Oct. 94 I f)6 Uve Hogs - Oct. 94 3S Soy Meal - Oct. 94 Nou Dee Jan feb flar Apr May Jun Jill Aug SeP Hov Dee Jan feb flar Apr nay Jun J Iy Rug Sep Hov Dee Jan feb flar Apr May Jun Jly Rug Sep Charts Provided by Knight-Ridder Financial AIr Travel and the Common Cold- Dps to Ease DIseomfort. Air travel probably won't make your cold worse, but landing with a cold can cause severe ear pain. The problem is air pressure. At high altitudes air pres- To prevent ear pain when you fly with sure is low, but as you descend air a cold, take a decongestant at least pressure increases. one hour before landing. Also use a decongestant nasal spray before de- When you have a cold, the tiny tube scent. These over the counter medi- (eustachian tube) that connects your cines help keep your eustachian tubes throat and middle earis often blocked. open. Sipping a non-alcoholic drink on Normal the eustachian tube equalizes take-off and landing also helps keep air pressure in your middle ear with the these tubes open. increasing outside pressure. Blockage in the tube leaves a vacuum in your Drink plenty of non-alcoholic bever- middle ear, leading to build up of ages whenever your fly, but especially painful pressureon youreardrum. Your when you have a cold. Liquids keep body'sattempttofillthevacuum causes yourthroatand sinusmembranes from fluid and sometimes blood to enter the drying, and they keep sinus secretions middle ear. thin and easy to clear. o. Taking Care of Crowns and Bridges Keep your mouth healthy, prevent bone loss and discourage periodontal disease by having your dentist regu- larly check the condition of crowns and bridges. And pay special attention to home care techniques to ensure your dental health and comfort. If you have crowns and bridges, here's what you can do: Although you can't get cavities in your tooth replacements, they are potential food and plaque traps. To keep supporting teeth and gums healthy, brush and floss around the edges of the crown or bridge diligently or use interdental cleaners (ask. your Don't be scared to treat your little their families. The families followed Amongthe school age children, whose dentist or hygienist about these monsters to sugar snacks this three different diets, one sweetened parents had described them as sugar devices that clean between teeth). Halloween. The newest researchshows with sugar, one with aspartame, and sensitive prior to the study, the three Try rinsing with an anti-plaque no evidence that sugar has an adverse one with saccharin. Throughout the diets made absolutely no difference on mouthwash before brushing. Use a effect on children's behavior. Those study, the youngster's behavior was any of 39 different behavioral mea- toothbrush with a small, tapered head resuItsare reported from a study monitored and tested by researchers, sures. Among younger children, dif- to reach hard-to-c1ean areas. funded by the National teachers and parents. ferences turned up in three of 31 Rinse your mouth with water after Institutes of Health and the measurements. The first difference every meals. Rinsing will remove food industry. It suggests- was noted on parents' ratings of any trapped food from your mouth contrary to popular belief- theirchildren'sschool performance. and fixture. sugar does not cause hyperac- Their behavior actually improved on the sugar Keep your mouth clean. Brush your tivity in children. diets. The other two gums and the roof of your mouth with The report supports the findings a soft brush (soften the bristles first measurements showing of severalother studiesconducted in a warm-water soak). You'll clean differences involved a over the last few years. In this study away food particles and keep your pegboard test. The young- conducted at Vanderbilt University by gums healthy. sters moved more slowly Mark L. Wolraich, dietitians went into on the test when they were the homes of subjects and provided eating sugar. prepared meals for youngsters and Source: The Sugar Association, Inc., Washington, D. C. Self Care- AConcern The followiog questions and answers come from lansing's Sparrow Heatch System s physi- cian referral and information serwce called • for Rural Women "NurseLine". They are timely and commonly asked questions. The unique needs of rural women were the focus of a women's health strategy Q: I sometimes experience a ri'l1g;ngin my ears. What causes this? session in the nation's capitol this summer. Dr. Elaine Eaker, Sc.D., senior epidemiologist at the Marshfield Medical Research Foundation expressed A: As many as 30 million Americans experience tinnitus, described by many people concern over accessto good primary care for rural women. as a high-pitched, ringing sound in the ears. Some people also describe tinnitus as uOften, women will go to their doctors for reproduction issues, but not a buzzing, whistling, popping, hissing or roaring. prevention. Doctors need to be more aware of conducting screening tests and Tinnitus is a symptom which can be caused by many different problems. Exposure t.o preventive care such as pap smears and checking cholesterol during these loud noises, blows to the head, large doses of certain drugs such as aspirin, anemia, visits," said Eaker. hypertension, stress and impacted earwax are among just a few of the causes. And she encourages women to be more involved in their own health care To most effectively treat tinnitus, the cause must be found and eliminated. However, decisions. JIlt'snot that we shouldn't trust doctors. Rather women need to take if the cause cannot be identified, then the tinnitus may have to be treated .. Drug more responsibility for their own health. In order to do that she needs more therapy, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, hypnosis and tinnitus maskers have been information. Fortunately, there are lots of good health articles available today effective in het-ping many tinnitus sufferers. in women's magazines and in health newsletters," says Eaker. UA woman doesn't need to know all the guidelines, but she should definitely If you experience persistent tinnitus, you should consult your doctor who can check be informed enough about her health needs and risk factors to ask for a for factors associated with tinnitus such as blood pressure~ kidney functioR!f drug mammogram, for example, or to ask about checking her cholesterol level." intake, diet or allergies. Good, open communication with the physician is essential. UA woman should Greg Stewart MS, CCC-A. Mr. Stewart is an audiologist at Sparrow Hospital. feel that her physician is listening and responding to her concerns and questions," Eaker recommends. Making the shift to more active involvement in health care can be simple. Here are a couple of examples: A woman could open discussion with her physician I .• .A: Snoring may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea when loud snoring is by asking for information about smoking cessation programs, by inquiring interrupted with a cessation of breathing. This is a serious medica' probJ ern, whether estrogen replacement therapy is appropriate for her, or scheduling a especially if these episodes last more than ten seconds and occur more than seven complete physical exam and discussingthe follow-up reports thoroughly with times per hour. A sleep study in a sleep laboratory will confirm the ciagoosis. Apnea her physician. patientS have reduced blood oxygen lev~1sto the brain, forcing the snorer to-steep in URuralwomen face unique dilemmas, " saysDr. Eaker. "Evidence indicates that a lighter stage which ieeps the breatffiAg passage musc~es tighter to prevent their 'r • women in rural settings may be more likely to suffer from depression compared collapse. As a resalt, the snorer does not obtain the benefit at deep sleep, leadihg to to women in urban settings. To the extent this may be due to isolation, a tendentyto fan ~sreep (luring daytime hours, at work Of Wh~e drivi11!to -anC:fffom underemployment, financial concerns and heavy family and work demands work. Long-term '8ffeclS of obstructive sleep apnea are iooreased blood preSStlfe, needs further investigation. enlarged heatt, and irregulat heartbeat In addition, rural women may be more susceptible to chronic diseaseproblems For the m~d or occasional snorer, most physicians recommen.d increased exercise such as high-fat diets, obesity, diabetes and alcoholism. and losing weight TranQuilizers, sleeping pltls, antihistamines and alcohol soould be Dr. Elaine Eakeris primarily involved in the study of women's health issuesand avoidedptiorto retiring. Heavy mealsthreenours priorto bedtime should be avoideo. cardiovascular disease epidemiology. Before joining the Marshfield Medical Regular sleep patterns and sl~eping atJeast seven hours at night are recommended. ResearchFoundation, Dr. Eaker served in various capacities at the Centers for Sleeping on one side ratherfhan the back with the entire head ofthe bed elevated wlll DiseaseControl and the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. She received help. Finally, allow the snorer to get to steep first her master and doctorate degrees in science from Harvard University. For disruptive snorers or those with symptoms of sleep apnea, a medical evatue1:ion with particular attention to the nose, mouth, palate, throat and neck is recommended. For snorers who have failed self-help remedies and those with obstructive steep quick 'Ups. apnea who fail medical treatment, surgery may be necessary to lighten up flabby tissue and expand the a~rpassages. A UvuJoPalatoPlasty (UPP) was developed to correct the problem snorer, and, until recently, required an overnight stay in the Nutrition researchgives new meaning Hold the phone! Don't cradle the hospital. This was a one stage operation and felt ~ikea tonsillectomy. Now ava~able to Uthreesquares." A recent study has phone between your neck and shoul- inthe lansing area is a laser-Assisted UvuloPataloPlasty(LAUP), VYhichis performed found that eating nine small meals a der. Instead, take the time to hold the in the doctors office under local anesthesia. The laser is used to trim and reshape the day may be better for the arteries than phone to your ear and you'll avoid the uvula, which has no real function. Usually, three to five treatments are required eating the same amount of food in the muscle strain and (lerve compression spaced aboutfourweeks apart. Each session takes aboutfifteen minutes. AmHd sore traditional three meals a day. that results in pain to your neck and throat for a few days is expected, but eating and speech are not effected. In most back. If you spend a lot of time on the cases, patients can resume their normal activities within a day after each session, an Relatedresearchsupports findingsthat phone, consider using a headset. immediate reduction in snoring is common after the first session, and 85 percent of frequent snacking can be a factor in lowering blood-cholesterol and may The latest exercise guidelines recom- patients are cured of their snoring atthe conclusion ofthetreatmentsesstons. A LAUP t ,&. help to control blood sugar levels for mend at least 30 minutes of daily can be performed on adults over 16years of age. Under 15years of age, snorers may exercise, such as brisk walking. The be benefited by a tonstllectomy and adenoidectomy. Should you wish further people with diabetes. exercise doesn't have to be strenuous information about snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, please contact you primary It's important to remember, however, care physician or an otolaryngolist and you can break it up into intervals. that eating more often means increas- Frequent and regular are key words to ing eating frequency - not increasing Robert Helmes, MO. Or. Robert Holmes is an otr1Iarynguiogist at Head & NecJcSurgery ConSfJltllnts, 2Df6 Asher Ct10Jt remember. East l.8nsitJg, aM Ofief of the Medical Staff at Spllnvw HospitBI. calories. Meclical Elllergency at HOllie - • Dial 911 immediately. If 911 service isn't available in your area, keep emergency phone numbers next to the phone. • Stay calm. Speak slowly and clearly. • Location is important for emergency personnel. Give your name, phone number, street address, city or town and directions, including crossroads and landmarks. • Describe the nature of the emergency. Let the dispatcher know whether you need medical, police, or fire assistance. • Give details about the victim's condition. Is he/she bleeding? Conscious or unconscious? Choking? • Describe any first aid. If the victim is receiving or has received first aid describe what kind, such as cardiovascular resuscitation (CPR), or other emergency care. • Describe the victim's location. Emergency personnel need to know if the victim is in an upstairs room, bathroom floor, barn or shed, or open field. • Listen carefully and write down instructions. If necessary ask the dispatcher to repeat instructions or information. • Stay on the line. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you. • Make sure that your house or accident site is lighted and visible to emergency personnel. Your house number should be visible from the road. What is a Heart Attack? The human heart basically is a muscle that pumps blood. It has its own blood vessels,the coronary arteries,thatnour- ish it and keep it alive. In most cases when a heart attack occurs, fatty de- posits (composed mostly of choles- How to Recognize medical service and hospitals cover Eat Nutritious Food in Moderate terol) have lined the coronary arteries. a Heart Attack your area. Keep emergency informa- Amounts. Eat a well-balanced diet As these deposits build up, they pro- If you feel an uncomfortable pressure, tion and phone numbers where you that's low in cholesterol and saturated gressively narrow the arteries and de- fullness, squeezing or pain in the cen- can find it easily and develop a "buddy fats and moderate in sodium (salt). creaseor stop the flow of blood to the ter of your chest (that may spread to system" with someone you know. Fatty foods contribute to atheroscle- heart. When there's a decreased flow your shoulders, neck or arms) and rosis,which itself isa major contributor of blood to the heart, the heart muscle your discomfort lasts for more than a to heart attack and stroke. may be damaged, but when there's a How To Reduce your Risk of few minutes, you could be having a Have Regular Medical Checkups. Risk complete blockage of the flow of blood Heart Attack (and Stroke) heart attack. Lightheadedness, faint- factors such as high blood pressure, so that the heart can't get the oxygen ing, sweating, nausea or shortness of Have your blood pressure checked at elevated cholesterol, excess weight, and food it needs, a part of the heart breath also may occur, although not least one a year. High blood pressureis lack of exercise and cigarette smoking may die. This is a heart attack. all symptoms necessarilyoccur. Sharp, a major risk factor in heart attack and call for medical supervision to prevent A heart attack most often resultswhen stabbing twinges, on the other hand it's the major risk factor in stroke. a heart attack or stroke. a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery usually aren't signals of a heart attack. Don't smoke cigarettes. Smoking Source: American Heart Association and blocks the flow of blood to the When a person has these symptoms, increases the risk of heart attack part of the heart muscle supplied by it's natural for him or her to deny and stroke. that artery. Doctors call this form of what's happening. No one wants to heart attack a coronary thrombosis or think that he might be having a heart myocardial infarction. attack. But before your shrug off the When a heart attack occurs, the dying symptoms, it's important to know that part of the heart may trigger electrical as many as 300,000 heart attack vic- activity that causesventricular fibrilla- tims died before reaching the hospital tion. Ventricular fibrillation is an unco- last year, many of them because they ordinated twitching that replaces the refused to take their symptoms seri- smooth, me~ured contractions that ously. cause blood to be pumped to the What should you do if you think you organs of the body. In many cases, if might be having a heart attack? If trained medical professionals are im- you're uncomfortable for more than mediately available, they can get the few minutes, call your local emer- heart beating again by using electrical gency medical service (EMS) immedi- shock and/or drugs. ately. If the EMS isn't available, get to If the heart can be kept beating and the hospital offering emergency car- not too much heart muscle is dam- diac care as S00n as possible. aged, small blood vesselsmay gradu- Here's some things you can do to be ally reroute blood around blocked ar- prepared in case of a cardiac emer- teries. This is the heart's own way of gency. Know in advance which route compensating for the clogged artery, from home or work will take you to the and it is called collateral circulation. hospital the quickest. You might even The key to surviving a heart attack is discusspossible choices with your doc- promptly recognizing the warning sig- tor. Another option is to call your nals and getting immediate medical nearest American Heart Association attention. and ask which recognized emergency Michigan Farm News September 30,1994 Michigan Wheat Growers Being Hunted by MSU "Wanted: farmers inter- A continued decline in Michigan wheat yields and acreage has MSU looking for producers interested in on-farm research and demonstrations. ested in growing wheat bet- In spite of the fact that most of the new ter. Call (517) 353-9545." wheat varieties released by MSU in recent years have yield potentials exceeding 100 If Michigan State University Extension bushels per acre, the average over the past agronomists had their druthers, the above six years is around 49 bushels per acre. classified advertisement would appear throughout rural Michigan. The trend puzzles agronomists and worries leaders of Michigan's milling industry, "We want to create a partnership between which depends almost entirely on the growers, Extension agricultural agents and state's production of soft white and soft red research agronomists," says Larry wheat. Copeland, MSU Extension agronomist. "Our goal is to make 100 bushel-per-acre "We really don't know the reason," wheat yields commonplace in Michigan." Copeland says. "Possibly it is a matter of climate, or perhaps it's because wheat To reach that goal, Copeland and his col- planting is treated as an afterthought as the leagues, Rick Ward, MSU wheat breeder, crop year winds down or maybe it's a lack and Steve Poindexter, MSU Extension ag- of good management. Whatever the reason, ricultural agent in Saginaw County, are re- we'd like to solve it because winter wheat cruiting farmers for a five-year wheat grow- should be a lucrative cash crop for Michi- ing improvement project. gan growers." Copeland says he would like to see growers More information about the wheat from all over the state volunteer for the growing campaign can be obtained from project before fall wheat planting begins. The primary reason for the program is the In the 1970s, Michigan growers harvested Copeland by calling him at (517) 353- decline in wheat acreage planted in Michi- around 900,000 acres of wheat. By 1992, 9545 or by contacting the county MSU "This project will take the most promising gan each fall and a lackluster statewide the acreage harvested had dropped to about Extension office. management practices from MSU to mem- yield average. 630,000 acres. ber growers in a coordinated, comprehen- sive program intended to substantially im- prove their production practices," Copeland says. "This will include blending firsthand grower experience with our best manage- ment recommendations to help all of us TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS develop a better knowledge of the wheat crop and how it should be managed for maximum yield under Michigan condi- tions," he says. MSU Wheat Program Triais The MSU Wheat Improvement Project will demonstrate different management practices in strip tests on different partici- pating farms. The following provides a guideline that each producer can elect to demonstrate. 1. Plant Populations 1.5 million plants per acre 1.8 million plants per acre 2.2 million plants per acre 2. Date of Planting Results will be compiled on the basis of whether the participant planted: - before the fly-free date, - from the fly-free date to 10 days after the fly-free date, - more than 10 days after the fly-free date. 3. Single Versus Split Nitrogen Application A total of 80 pounds of spring-applied nitrogen will be recommended for all par- ticipants, who will then elect to either apply all nitrogen as urea prior to spring thaw and before spring greenup; or apply 40 pounds prior to spring thaw and an- Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family other 40 pounds at growth stage 6. receive the dental care services you require — even when sudden and costly needs arise. 4. Fungicide Use for Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! Disease Control Single $18permontn • Couple $32 per month Member/Child $32 per month • Family $41 per month Participants who choose to apply a fun- gicide based on scouting may apply MICHIGAN either Baleton or Tilt; however, each must be applied in accordance with the FARM BUREAU label. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION , PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 3234 5. Other Information Other information collected from each Please Print participant will include variety planted, Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name herbicide(s) used, total fertility program etc. Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 Address Lansing, Ml 48909 Participation in this program will be for- City State ZIP malized with growers signing an agree- ment to follow one or more practices. Field records will be used to document Phone these practices and yields obtained. County These will be analyzed on a regional and state basis and reported annually. MFN Michigan Farm News Telfarm Dairy Management Stats - How do you Compare? •• September 30, 1994 Sherrill B. Nott, Dept. of Agricultural Gross income in 1992 was $353,531. Milk cow. This may have changed in 1993 de- year when managers might have been able Economics, MSU sales were the largest single item averaging pending on how healthy the herd is kept, the to hold down the increases. $2,515 per cow, or $278 more than in 1991. number of calves born and the inventory Future profitability in dairy farming is Milk price received was $13.44 per cwt. for price used per head. Depreciation was $264 per cow in 1992. more likely if your farm can perform better 18,712 pounds of milk sold per cow. This This is income tax depreciation on build- than the average in several categories. This is after all adjustments for fat and quality Expenses included cash interest, deprecia- ings and equipment. It is 6 percent more discusses how a group of Michigan dairy premiums. tion, hired labor costs and all other cash than in 1991, and probably reflects new farmers did in 1992 compared to 1991. The business items. In 1992, these expenses investments. Individuals control this item base data and the methods used will help In 1991, the price was $12.27 and the totalled $305,958, or $2,693 per cow. In by the capital purchases they choose to you judge how you are doing. The trends amount was 18,233 pounds. The 2.6 per- 1991, they were $2,525 per cow. They went make. discussed are continuing in 1993. cent increase in milk sold per cow is about up 6.6 percent on a per cow basis during on the long-term trend. 1992, and could do so again in 1993. Interest paid averaged $131 per cow in The net farm profit from operations on a 1992. This was 18 percent lower than in 200 dairy farm sample averaged $47,572 in The combination of price, quantity and Purchased supplements and feed crops 1991, reflecting lower interest rates being 1992. The managers kept records with more cows gave $47,126 more to the aver- were $600 per cow in 1992. That's 16 per- charged. This dropped further in 1993 as MSU Extension's Telfarm project. Each age farm in 1992 compared to 1991. This cent more than in 1991. managers refinanced old debts to lower in- farmer provided inventory information, a more than offset the losses on the cropping terest rates. Capital replacements will also crop report and 75 percent or more of gross side. Flood and drought conditions around the be at the new, lower rates. sales came from milk. country in 1993, may have resulted in Cash crop sales were over $3,000 lower in higher feed prices which could make the Crop costs averaged $254 per cow in 1992. A similar group in 1991 made $42,946. 1992, and inventory slipped by nearly increase even more in 1993. However, a lot These cover fertilizer, lime, seed, chemicals However, the 1992 farms averaged 113.63 $7,000. Corn grain was the big loser. Com- of the cost increase was due to special and supplies. These farms averaged to sell cows, or 6.96 cows more than in 1991. To bined, these crop items were about $100 per weather problems in 1992; they didn't ap- $139 of cash crops in 1992. If your farm equalize for size, many of the items below cow lower in 1992. pear to repeat in 1993. feeds all it grows, this cost could be $139 are given on a per cow basis. The net farm lower and still reflect good management. profit averaged $419 per cow in 1992, up Cull cow sales averaged $329 per cow in Cash wages and related labor expenses av- $16 from 1991. 1992. Change in livestock inventory added eraged $366 per cow in 1992. This was up All other expenses totaled $1,078 per cow. another $103 per cow to gross income. In 8.8 percent on a per cow basis. This was These were up 5 percent compared to 1991. 1991, inventory changes were only $40 per unexpected given 1992 was a recession Several of these items vary a little with milk per cow. Examples are veterinary and medi- cal, milk hauling, electricity and supplies. Crop yields on owned land were 101 bush- [2J LIFE INSURANCE els of corn, 13.2 tons of corn silage and 3.6 tons of hay per acre. They were all lower than in 1991. Yields for oats in 1992 were 58 bushels and wheat was 55 bushels per acre, both up from 1991. Yields on rented land were lower. Other profit measures indicate the average performance of Michigan dairy farms in ~ LIFE INSURANCE 1992. Management income was -$2,540; profits were not enough to pay 6 percent on capital and $6.25 per hour for unpaid family and operator labor. Labor income was $14,754. The rate earned on owned capital was 5.2 percent. Net ~ LIFE INSURANCE worth as a percent of assets averaged 75 percent as of Jan. 1, 1993, which is the same as a .25 debt to asset ratio. These figures indicate what your competi- tion is doing. If you plan to be in business 10 years from now, you should be doing as well or better. [)U LIFE INSURANCE Aspen Lodge Kick Off Generates $27,825 for MFB Kettunen Center ~ LIFE INSURANCE Campaign Seven County Farm Bureaus were hon- ored Sept. 14 in East Lansing, at the Kick Off Dinner for Farm Bureau's Aspen Lodge renovation campaign. Pacesetter County Farm Bureaus - Ber- rien, Calhoun, Eaton, Genesee, Kalama- Life insurance is so important, we agent today to find out the best life zoo, Ottawa, Isabella, and Saginaw - were recognized for pledging at least can't mention it often enough. Without insurance plan for your situation. Ask $5,000. Guest rooms at the Aspen Lodge will be named in honor of each of these it, your family is not protected, your about our new lifetime benefits rider, Pacesetter counties. planning is incomplete, and your which allows terminally ill A spirited after-dinner auction of do- future is not secure. policyholders to receive a portion of nated items raised an additional $4,180. In total, the dinner and Kick Off event That's why Farm Bureau Insurance their life insurance proceeds before netted the Aspen Lodge campaign a total of $27,825. agents are talking to as many people as death. Michigan Farm Bureau has pledged to possible about life insurance. But don't Farm Bureau Life Insurance rai~e $150,000 in support of the cam- paign to renovate the Aspen Lodge at the wait to be asked. Company of Michigan ... protecting Kettunen Center near Cadillac. The Cen- ter, formally known as "Camp Kett " is Call your Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan farm families since 1951. used to train 4-H leaders and youth f~om across the state. Campaign pledge cards have been dis- t~ibuted to all county Farm Bureau of- fices. For more information on contrib- MAKING YOUR FUTURE ~. FARM BIJREAIJ uting to the campaign contact Mike Kovacic, director of MFB's Infonna- ••• @ INSIJRANCE MORE PREDICTABLE fMM IUIfAl1 MlJTlJAl • fARM IUIlUU Uf( • fARM IIlIllAU GOOAl • fl ANNUm tion and Public Relations, 1-800-292- 2680, Ext. 6586. Michigan Farm News m September 30, 1994 John Deere Unveils 8000 Series Tractors from 160 to 225 Horsepower -. One of the most distinctive ~ea~uresof the tractors is .the Command~RM that places from increased load starting capability and am- John Deere has developed four all-new 8000 the controls for the .trans.mlss/~n, thr0tt.le, SCVs, hitch and PTO m the armrest of pIe reserve power in tough conditions. Series tractor models ran in from 160 t 225 the seat for convenient fmgertlp operation. The secondary tractor controls and the , . , g g . 0 vehicle monitor are located on the right-hand console within easy view and reach The electrontc governor also provIdes a PTO hors,epower. Th.e. t~a.ctors establtsh .n.ew of the operator. ' Field Cruise n. feature for maintaining a consis- standards In control, VI~lbl~lty,~a?euverablltty, .., tent groundspeed in light-load operations such power and ease of servIce In thIs sIze class. as cultivating or spraying. The operator uses the The John Deere 8000 Series tractors include Field Cruise knob in the cab to trigger a con- the 160-horsepower 8100, 180-horsepower stant-speed governor curve that provides instant 8200, and 200-horsepower 8300, which replace engine response as loads change to produce a the 4560, 4760, and 4960 models in the product ground speed with little or no fluctuation. line. The largest model, the 225-horsepower All four models use the same 16-speed for- 8400, provides the most PTO horsepower and ward x 4-speed reverse power shi ft transmission hitch lift capacity of any row-crop tractor in the designed and manufactured by John Deere in industry. Waterloo, Iowa. The electronically controlled The tractors feature a John Deere-designed- transmission provides eight gears in the working and-manufactured powertrain. They use proven range, evenly spaced in 13-percent (about one- electronic technology to provide fingertip con- half mile-per-hour) increments to easily match trol of the transmission, SCVs, PTO, and hitch; ground speed to the field operation for optimum precise engine performance; self-diagnostic ca- productivity and fuel efficiency. • pabilities; and complete compatibility with op- The transmission control lever (located in tions like row guidance and electrohydraulic the CommandARM) enables 'the operator to depth control. simply bump the lever once with a fingertip to The chassis design is so innovative and change to the next higher or lower gear. unique that it enables these tractors, equipped The operator also can hold the lever and the with 16.9R-30 MFWD tires set at 60-inch spac- transmission will shift gears sequentially. ing, to have a l6-foot turning radius- the shortest Bumping the lever in quick succession permits of any competitive tractor in this class. the transmission to reach the desired (com- manded) gear quicker than holding the lever Fingertip Controls The monitor, located to the right side of the nor beltline supports for the one-piece front glass until the desired gear is reached one gear at a and CommandView Cab cab as opposed to the standard dash, provides panel to restrict the operator's vision. time. Effective use of reliable electronic technol- status information on machine systems and has For added comfort, the fully adjustable air The MFWD axle driveline, located above ogy, widely used in automotive and industrial the capability to display diagnostic codes di- suspension seat swivels 20 degrees to the right the axle housing, delivers power from the trans- applications for years, combined with the shape, rectly to the operator - a first in John Deere and 15 degrees to the left. mission through two drop gears in the axle's placement, and color of the controls, provide a tractors. Analog gauges monitor engine coolant The CommandView cab has 65 percent more differential. This eliminates driveline universal system that optimizes operator comfort and ease temperature and fuel level. interior volume than the 60 Series SoundGard joints and their associated maintenance, and in- of operation while minimizing hand and arm The 8000 Series Command View cab pro-- Body@. Low interior sound levels and tuned creases clearance for crops and crossing levees. movements. The CommandARM moves with vides unobstructed visibility to the front tires sound quality contribute to a pleasant cab envi- The axle oscillates a full nine degrees and the seat when the operator makes adjustments or (for row-crop applications), over the hood, to ronment. Five pairs of attaching points and two has a maximum steering angle of 52 degrees. A 'swivels it, so the controls are always at the op- the sides, and to the rear hitch with 62 square convenience outlets (one is standard) are pro-- 5-degree caster angle provides increased trac- . erator's fingertips. feet of glass area. There are no cab side posts vided for mounting implement monitors and tion during turns. Swivel mounts permit the communication equipment. optional MFWD fenders to pivot during turns Aspen Lodge Kick-Off Auction Sponors The model 8100, 8200 and 8300 are powered for a tighter turn angle. The MFWD axle is by a six-cylinder. 7.6-liter John Deere diesel. The standard on the 8400 features and features an Past MFB President Elton Smith and his wife Lynde accept a twin-size quilt after succesfully bidding on the item sponsored by MFB's Blue Cross/Blue Shield Program and Country 8400 features a new six-cylinder 8.l-liter Deere automatic mode for operator convenience. Stitches. Other donors and buyers are listed below. diesel. Both engines are turbocharged and air-to- To provide maneuverability and visibility air intercooled for increased performance, and for today's row crop applications, the 8000 Se- both meet 1996 emissions standards. ries tractors feature an integral chassis that is 60 The engines feature an electronic governor percent stronger than the 60 Series chassis. that provides precise, consistent engine perform- This John Deere designed-and-manufac- ance and up to a 10 percent PTO power bulge tured chassis consists of seven modules that within the constant-power range. That means as form a strong backbone for the tractors, yet much as 16 to 22 additional PTO horsepower provide fast, easy access to major powertrain (above rated power) is automatically available to components should repair ever be needed. pull through tough spots. With a PTO torque rise The front-frame module illustrates the dis- of 40 percent, the engines reach peak torque tinctive design of the chassis. This 350-pound quickly and sustain it over a wide RPM range cast structure is the base for mounting the engine Forward visibility is enhanced by the narrow steering con- and front axle. It also serves sole and a minipod that telescopes the steering wheel and as the oil sump for the en- displays the hazard, turning signals, and high beam indi- gine. The front frame is po- cators. sitioncd between the trans- mission and the front assem- bly, which houses the cool- ing package of the tractor and serves as the mounting point for front weights, tanks, and an optional front 3-point hitch. The front frame is nar- row by design to provide Item clearance for large MFWD One night stay for two and one round tires to enhance maneuver- of golf at "The Bear." ability for narrow tread set- Ada Beef Company 100 Pounds of New York Strip steaks. Paul & Bonnie Vasold tings. The design posi tions Chuck & Dotty Burkett the engine 10 inches higher and 44 inches farther for- M FB VISA Program "For Amber Waves of Grain," Gary & Carol Higgins ward than the 60 Series Deck The Walls a limited edition print by by Terry Redland. chassis for increased visibil- The Westin Hotel One Saturday night stay for Ken & Brenda Nye ity. It also provides a better two, $20 food & beverage credit, valet weight split on both stand- parking, & Sunday brunch. ard and MFWD configura- Jane Nelkie Handmade wire and wood arrangement. Don & Vivian Lusch tions, as well as better bal- Walt & Yvonne Wosje lasting flexibility to opti- Jane Nelkie Handmade wire and wood arrangement. mize drawbar performance Amway Grand Plaza One night stay for two. Tom & Nancy Guthrie and fuel efficiency. Dodge Division of Two Dewalt electric wrenches. Tom & Nancy Guthrie Chrysler Corporation Robert Eppelheimer Serviceability Dodge Division of Two Dewalt reciprocating saws. Mark & Jeaneen Smuts All daily engine service Chrysler Corporation Kent & Michelle VanSickle can be done from the left David & Betty Morris side of the tractor by remov- Comerica Bank Two $500 U.S. Savings Bonds. ing a tethered side shield. Bonnymill Inn One night stay in Deluxe Suite with Jacuzzi. Sandy Clarkson Wide fiJl opening make add- MSU,4-H Foundation, 4 MSU hockey, 2 MSU Bill & Judy Harrison ing oil, fuel or coolant fast MSU Athletic Dept., basketball, 2 MSU football, and easy. All daily service & MSU Academic & and 2 AutumnFest tickets. can be done from ground Student Affairs Dept. level. Michigan Farm News . II!II Two and ~ Four Year Agribusiness Programs •• September Agribusiness career options are numerous and often offer a variety of responsibili- 30,1994 and farm supply, chemicals and fertilizers, ties such as working in sales as a company representative. by Kelly Jo Siemen equipment, and fruit and vegetables. As agribusinesses grow in size and num- Students graduating from this three-semes- ber, the number of jobs available in the area ter, certificate program have job opportuni- of agribusiness grows as well. Michigan ties ranging from working on a farm to State University offers two programs to working in retail. An internship in the stu- help these businesses fill positions with dent's area of interest is required beyond qualified personnel. the program courses to provide hands-on work experience. The Institute of Agricultural Technology (Ag Tech) offers a three-semester Agri- Many students in production agriculture business Management program, and the major in agribusiness to enhance their fu- four-year College of Agriculture and Natu- ture employment opportunities. Each stu- ral Resources (CANR) offers Agribusiness dent receives advice and instruction spe- Management as an option in the Food Sys- cific to their priority interest, such as mar- tems Economics and Management major. keting, pesticides, fertil izers or retailing. Each of these programs have unique char- acteristics that appeal to students looking Through the Agribusiness Management for a challenging, diversified position in the program, students also have the opportunity agribusiness arena. to complete the requirements to receive their pesticide applicator's license and their crop advisory license. Two-Year This program can also be tailored toward Agribusiness the environmental field, allowing a student There are a few scholarships available to The Agribusiness Management curriculum Program to seek job opportunities as a technician in those who qualify. For example, the Michi- focuses on management skills needed by this field. gan Agri-Business Association offers an organizations throughout the food system. The growth and expansion of agribusi- excellent scholarship for individuals in this Faculty involved with the program main- nesses are creating a larger demand for Admission into this program requires a high tain close relationships with agribusiness program. individuals with education and training in school diploma or GED with a C average or companies, benefitting students through the various agribusiness settings. The Insti- higher grade point average. Neither the career consultation and job .search. tute of Agricultural Technology's Agri- ACf nor SAT is required. In the past, any Four-Year graduate from the program has been placed business Management program combines both the business and the technical skills in their particular area of training. If gradu- Agribusiness Classroom learning uses both traditional and non-traditional methods, including needed for these career opportunities. ates wish to continue for a four-year degree, Program case studies, utilizing real life problems, they can receive up to half of their Ag Tech speakers from industry, and field trips. • The Agribusiness Management program credits as transfer credits for a related four- The' Agribusiness Management four-year includes several areas of interest: elevator year major. program at Michigan State University is growing. Why? Agribusiness is an exciting, The job market is very promising for new f-------- Msij C~ii~g~- ~iAg~i~-';It~;~~;'d N~t-';;~iR~~;'~~~~~------ -l challenging, diverse area of study, involv- ing industries and careers covering a large agribusiness graduates. USDA estimates there will be a shortage of qualified people : Please send more information on the following majores) to: range of opportunities, from biotechnology for agribusiness careers. This shortage will I to futures trading, entrepreneurship to inter- be between 15 percent and 18 percent an- I I national business management, and from nually for managers, financial specialists, I marketing, merchandising, and sales repre- , .: Name: I Phone: ( sales to production. sentatives . The four-year Agribusiness Management Zip: program is an option in the Food Systems There are several scholarships available for : Address: City: I Economics and Management major. This the Agribusiness Management program, program is designed to meet the needs of and many great job opportunities. : The career I'm most interested in is: students interested in careers in agricultural Ag- Tech (two-year) - Four- Year Majors - input supply, agricultural production, com- If you are interested in either of these modity assembly and processing, and also programs at Michigan State, call the De- :0 Dairy Management 0 Agricultural Engineer- 0 Fisheries and Wildlife partment of Agricultural Economics ing 0 Food Engineering agricultural marketing organizations. The :0 Livestock Production program provides students with the chance (four-year program) at (517) 355-4563, :0 Horse Management 0 Agriculture & Natural 0 Food Science or the Institute of Agricultural Technol- Resources to diversify, making themselves better pre- :0 Crop Production 0 Food Systems pared for the job market. ogy (three-semester program) at (517) Communications Economics Mgmt. 355-0190. :0 Electrical Technology 0 Agriscience D Forestry :0 Commercial Floriculture 0 Animal Science :0 Agribusiness D Biosystems Engineering D D Horticulture Packaging Two-Year Agribusiness Graduate :0 Landscape and Nursery :0 Turfgrass Management- D Building Construction Management D Park and Recreation Resources Profile: Joe Simmons Golf Course 0 Crop and Soil Sciences to pursue. "I could take the courses that 0 Public Resource .... :0 Turfgrass Management- 0 Environmental and Joe Simmons, a 1992 graduate of Ag pertained to my interest," he explained. Management Tech's agribusiness program, has been Lawn Care/Athletic Field Natural Resource Policy working in his field of study for over two When Simmons talks to others about the : Complete this coupon, clip and mail to: years now. His two-year certificate from two-year Agribusiness Program, he tells : MFB Promotion and Education Dept. the program led to employment with them that if agribusiness is what they want : P.O. Box 30960 Schoolcraft Farm Services, a custom fertil- to study, "the two-year program is a great : Lansing, MI 48909-8460 izer application business. opportunity to learn and discover their ex- I act interest. It allows you to meet many "The Agribusiness Program provides an people and instructors at MSU." excellent opportunity to learn what you need to become employed in the area of In more simple terms, he noted, "The two- your interest," Simmons said. year agribusiness program is a direct path to what you want to learn. It's basic, to the He went on to say that the program was point, and provides great opportunities for built around the opportunity area he wanted both learning and employment." Leach Named MFB Volunteer of the Month Brigette Leach of Kalamazoo County has been selected as Michigan Fann Bureau's Volunteer of the Month for her efforts in helping to conduct the recent Michigan Department of Agriculture's "Ag Tour," as well as a tour for Kalamazoo County elected officials. Brigette also has personally made Whether you're looking for a small, rustic cabin or a large Call or write today. 22 "Ag in the Classroom" presentations,and hosted spacious home, an HONEST ABE lOG HOME is for you. o Send me your FREE fulk:olor brochure explaining over 200 students at the family's fann operation. Our log homes are special, one of aldnd, homes. let us your log homes. Brigetteand her husband Larry, daughter Kelly help you create your own special home. Our company has o Enclosed is $10.00 tor your color catalog, which in- and son Kevin, operate a cash crop and swine many years of experience and hundreds of homes as a tes- dudes 40 standard floor plans. timony to this fact. o Please send Dealer Information operation raising 200 acres of seed corn, 350 acres • Free design services let you create your dream home. r--------------------------------------, :~ame I of corn, 400 acres of soybeans, and a 100 acres of Construction service to make it easy for you and assure wheat. The operation also annually feeds out 2,500 : Address I you the highest quality job. : City State : market hogs. large, massive logs accurately pre-eut and n~bered L_P~ :Zi Phone :JI Brigette serves on MFB's State Promotion and at our plant to provide the highest quality materials. Education Committee, and the Kalamazoo County Please clip and m811 to: 3855 C1ay County Hwy. Fann Bureau Board of Directors. Brigette is also Depl TSR Moss, Tennessee 38515 quite active with the local 4-H and Soil Conserva- ~~~ Dealerships Available. 1-800-231-3695 tion Service. Michigan Farm News II. September 30, 1994 Roundup ReadyTM Soybeans Expected by 1996 Season by Deb Laurell study funded jointly by Monsanto and the Pioneer hopes to hit the market with their 1996, according to company representative A Roundup Ready ™ Soybean that offers Soybean Promotion Committee looking at version of Roundup Ready ™ Soybeans by Herb Schmidt. less expense, saves times and reduces the two different planting times. These plots are part of a Roundup ReadyTM Soybean research project at MSU, number of weed control headaches is ex- funded jointly by Monsanto and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. pected to hit the market in 1996, pending "In this study, we are looking at burndown governmental approval. applications and preemergence timing ver- sus postemergence herbicide application," The new soybean contains a gene that al- sa~d Renner. "This study will help us deter- lows Roundup ™ herbicide to be applied for mme the best way to control weeds in no-till broad-spectrum weed control - a huge tech- systems if we have the opportunity to plant nological leap, considering the herbicide Roundup ™ resistant soybeans.n could previously be utilized only in soy- beans for precise spot sprays or rope-wick What do some of the companies offering applications. the soybean have to say? According to Dr. Karen Renner, of MSU's Not much! Only three out of seven compa- Crop and Soil Sciences Department, the nies contacted by Michigan Farm News, Roundup resistant soybean has been in ICI Seeds, Pro Seeds and Pioneer Hybrids, their research trials for the last three years. were willing to comment about the status of Monsanto developed the Roundup resistant their Roundup Ready ™ Soybeans. soybean and made the gene available to seed companies. Ron Jacobs of Pro Seeds said his company is hoping to market three different varieties Renner went on to explain companies ex- in 1997. Likewise, ICI Seed is aiming for pect to market the soybeans in 1996 pend- product introduction by 1997, provided the ing the approval of several federal agencies product holds real advantages for the including the U.S. Department of Agricul- farmer, said company representative Bill ture, the Environmental Protection Agency Banker said. and the Food and Drug Administration. Approval from these agencies is required because the new soybean varieties are a genetically engineered crop. According to Renner, benefits of the Roundup Ready Soybean are dependent upon yield potential. If the new technology and varieties have the potential to produce the same yields as conventional varieties, then there wiIJ be definite benefits. Renner explains that with Roundup resis- tant soybeans, the producer has a wider herbicide application window. "We can control weeds postemergence with Roundup anywhere from three and with some varieties, up to 10 inches,n she said. Other benefits of Roundup resistant soy- beans are reduced cost per acre for herbi- cide and the simplicity of the herbicide program. .Alamo keeps business travel clear and easy: "Roundup at one quart per acre, with an Alamo gives the business traveler more ways than ever to breeze. You can use it at more than 115 Alamo locations average use rate, would cost the producer keep things simple. And now, your association membership nationwide-more than two thirds are right on-airport! $10 an acre," commented Renner. "Cur- entitles you to complimentary Trial Alamo Express@which To ensure a uniform standard of quality, all locations rently many of the postemergence herbi- gives you easy access to the cost-effective convenience nationwide are company-owned and operated and feature cide programs average $25 per acre, so the of Alamo. a fine selection of quality General Motors cars. producer would have a substantial herbi- Save Money Get A Bonus cide dollar savings." First, you will save your company money. Because we are Because there is more to business travel than renting a car, offering substantial discounts daily, weekly, weekend and Alamo gives you more ways to benefit. Renner expects the anticipated cost differ- international rates. And, with the attached coupons, you You will get airline frequent flyer benefits with Alaska, ence of Roundup Ready Soybean seed and will get $10 off any 2-day to 14-day rental and One Free American, Delta, Hawaiian, United and USAir. Plus, you traditional varieties will onl y be $1 per bag, Upgrade with Complimentary Trial Alamo Express~. will get Hyatt Gold Passport or Hilton HHonors bonus not a significant difference. Better yet, if you are traveling with an associate, there points when Alamo car rental is in conjunction with a is no charge for additional drivers. And as always, you qualifying stay. Another benefit is the simplicity of the her- get utllimitedfree mileage every day, on every car at bicide program, says Renner. "Currently Call today every location. For member reservations, call your Professional Travel Agent when weeds are controlled postemergence in soybeans, we often are tank mixing two Save Time or call Alamo at 1-800-354-2322. Be sure to request or three herbicides to control various weed Second, you will love the convenience of Alamo Express~. Rate Code BY and LD. # 223212 . species," she said .. "Roundup has broad- It speeds up your bookings and makes business travel a spectrum control of grass and broad leaf weeds, eliminating the need for several dif- ferent herbicides." The Michigan Soybean Promotion Com- mittee (MSPC) has donated approximately $10,000 of Michigan soybean check-off Where~l ~.mIb dollars to Roundup resistant soybean re- Alamo ftatmrs fitle Galcral Motors cars like this Chevy &rrtta. 39155AS search, since it could prove beneficial to producers both economically and environ- -------------------------------------------------------,----------------------------------------------------- $10 OFF MIDSIZE CAR : ONE FREE UPGRADE WITH mentally, according to MSPC Executive I COMPLIMENTARY TRIAL ALAMO EXPRESS • • Catificte is ~kl for $10 otT a rmuI on a rniliize through a fullsize cu. Director Keith Reinhold. He explained that • Offer viliI on n:nuIs ci l\W to fourtm1 days. , In the us. A., ccrtificte is \'llkl for one fire upgme frem a COO1pXl cu to a fullsize cu . Roundup becomes inactive when it hits the • Only one certifiatc: per rennI, not to be used in conjunctioo with any other ccrtifictes/oifen. , In Eu"¥*, ctrtificte is ~kl for one free upgme to next cu atega)'. \'.Ukl from m mJnOOl)' cu • A 24-lnu- advance ~tion is required. IWrvations art subject to ~'3ibbility at time cilxding. ani above, up through a fullsize cu with cornpmble tnnSmissioo . soil, a definite benefit to the environment. • Catifiatc: nwst be ~ at the Ablm counter on arrival. • Upgrade subject to anibbility at time ci n:ml, as cnuin cu types may not be anibble. • This certificte is redeenuble at ill Abrno Ioations in the US./\. only. Once I1.'dcxnrd. this ctrtificte • Offer \-alkl on muls ci one to fourtml days. is wid. , Only one ctrtificte per rmuI. not to be used in conjunction with my other mtifictesiotTen. What's the expected impact to no-till • This certifiatc: ani the cu rrnnI punuant to it art subject to J\brm's conditioos at tlv: time ci rrnul. • A 24-hour advance =rv.IUon is required. IWl"vations art subject to ~'3ibbility at time cilxding. trends? MinimUll1 age for rem) is 21. All mxrn must have a ~1I drivers license. • Cmificte must be pmentcd at tile Alamo Exp-e5S' COUJ1[eron arrival. • The muill1Ull1 value ci this certificte which nuy be ~ic:d row.ud the basic rate ci one rrnul is $10 off . • This ccrtificte is mlcmuble at all AWno Ioatiom in the US./\. ani Europe *. Once mimned. this The basic r.Ile does not include taxeS ani other optional Items. No refund \\.;11be gim1 on any unused portion certificte is wid. Renner and Reinhold both agree that the ci the certifiate. Catifiatc: is not mleenubIe for ash. , This ccrtificte ani the cu muI pursuant to It are subject to Alamos cooditions at the time ci muI. , Catificte is null ani wid if altmd, revised or du~iated in any wr,'. In the C\'eI1tci loss or cxpiratioo, Minimum age for muI is 21. All rentm must have a \'llid driver's license. roundup resistant soybean itself will not • Certificte does not include any taxeS or other optional items. \'.Uid on sdf-drM muIs only. certificte will not be rqhccd. necessarily increase no-tiIJ trends. How- • Certificte annot be usaf in conjunction with m J\brm E)(~ Plus'" Rcnt.al. • This ccrtificte is null ani wid if altered, revised or dupiated in my~. In the eYeIll ciloss or cxpiratioo, • Offer ~1I August 21, 1994 through IXconber 13, 1995 cx.cept: 09/01194-09/03/94, 10106/94-10108/94, ccrtiflcte will not be rqUced . ever, the herbicide resistant soybean should 11/23/94-11/25/94, 12/15/94-01/01/95,02116/95-02/18/95,04/13/95-04/15/95, OS/25/95-05/27/95, , Cmificte cnnot be used in conjunction with an AbIOO Exp-e5S Plus'" rental. enhance it. Reinhold predicts that instead 06/29/95-07/08/95,07/21/95-08/19/95,08/31/95-09/02/95, 10105/95-10107/95 ani 1]/22/95-1 ]/25/95. , Offer valkl August 2]. 1994 through December 13, 1995 cx.cept: in the US./\., 09/01/94-09/03/94, 10106/94-10108194, ]1/23/94-11/25194, 12/15/94-01/01/95, 02/16/9~2/18/95, ~/13/95-04/15/95, producers considering no-till will consider For r=vations a1I}OO1"Professional Travd fo.t;m or all Ablm at 1-800-354-2322. 1k sure to request OS/25/95-05127/95,06/29/95-07/08/95,07/2]/95-08/19/95, 08/31/95-09/02/95, 10105/95-10107/95 the Roundup resistant soybean as an added Rate Code BY ani LD. # 223212 __ ' ani 11/22/95-11/25/95; Eu"¥* 12/21194-12/31/94 ani 06115/95-08/15/95. advantage. " For =rv.Itions all }OOrProfessional Travd Agent or all AWno at 1-800-35.--2322. Be sure to request Rate Code BY and 1.0. # 223212 . However, Renner explains it will make a * Offrr good al European 10C4lioltSoprnlling ulldrr 1M raamt ojAL2Illo. difference in both no-till and conventional tillage production, She currently has one IDOO9\ $10OFF I U67B\ ONE FREE UPGRADE Michigan Farm News II. September 30, 1994 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - 500 GALLON Delaval milk bulk tank. Creamery pack- age. For more information, call 1-616-794-2408. 19n GLEANER K2 with 12' grain head and 238 corn head. $5000. Call 1-616-924-6497 1989 JOHN DEERE 4055 FWD, PS,350 hours, with 256 loader, three remotes, duals. $46,000. ~~ 1976 GLEANER F diesel for sale. New engine, 430 black com head. Excellent condi- tion! $12,500. Call MF COMBINE 540-0. Air, floation grain head, corn head, 2200 hours. JD 4030-0 wide front, 2700 hours, PS, ..- MANURE SPREADERS: Newand used, Balzer, Better- Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also grain dryers and handling or 1-616-794.{)427. 1978 JOHN DEERE noo. Call 1-517-223-9004 1-616-781-3648 days or postive traction. Plow, Wil- equipment noo JD COMBINE, Turbo, Turbo hydro. Very good 1989 JOHN DEERE: 4955, 1-616-781-1065 evenings Rich, 418 International Hamilton DIstributing Co. after 9pm. bottoms, spring reset JD 10' 1-800-248-8070 Hydro, grain loss monitor. condition I CallWayne PS, 20. 8x42's, 450 hours. wheel disk. Two gravity Field ready! $8700. Call Shinabery Equipment Like new! $67,000. Call AGRICULTURAL boxes. Call 1-313-426-8330. STOCK TRAILER: WW 1-313-279-1016 1-517-448-8091 1-517-223-9004 REPLACEMENT BELnNG: Gooseneck, 22' bed, 7iS' Complete line of Cougar NEW AND USED irrigation wide. Good condition and I----Runyourclassifiedadror~ssue~----l Replacement Belting for and manure spreading equip- ready to gol $3950. Cedar ment. Pumps, travelers, Springs. 1-616-696-0075. ... round baler, bottom platform get your third issue bale thrower, tub grinder, a~itators, PVC and aluminum hammermill, feed conveyor pipe. Call for listing. We deliver! FREE! and combine pickup belts. Plus, farm duty electric Plummer Supply, Inc. motors. 1-800-632-7731. Edwards Industrial SaJ_ Nice 4070 International 1-800-442-5086 single axle tractor. Air, new ALFALFA-GRASS HAY: tires, thirteen speed, 240,000 First and second cutting, 4x5 1981 GLEANER M-92: original miles. No rust, excel- and 5iS x6 round bales. Deadline for next issue is October 7, 1994 Hydro com plus! $17,500. lent shape. $5,000. Stored inside! Call 315 Rex A-603O com head. 1-313-242-0388 after 6pm 1-517-539-7386, Clare Good condition! Call County. 1-517-641-4584 RAIN CONTROL [VISA] Call 1-800-968-3129 _ 1985 GMC: Tandem axle, Manure, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. New and HAY/STRAW: anywhere! 45 years of Truck 300 Cummins with 28' double used available. For free to Place Your Classified Ad Today! deck aluminum livestock bed. product catalog, contact us at service. Call Raymond Oates, 1-517-286-6241 or Very good condition, with 1-517-263-5226. 1-517-286-6871. Waldron, or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to Michigan Farm News records. Will separate. Call Fax, 1-517-263-6153. MJ. 1-616-467-7384. Adrian, MI. Buy Line/Daily News 1987 GMC: Tandem, 5 & 2, PUMPKINS FOR SALE by RB DRYING WAGON, 8'x18' the ton only. Reasonably P.O. Box 6 8.2 Del diesel, 2ft Omaha box. Very good conditionI pricedl All sizes, can deliver. grain body, and hoist. $5500. Call 1-906-466-2682. Call 1-517-828-5481. Stanton, MI 48888 $23,000. Call 1-517-223-9004 SKIDSTER CASE, 1991 with WEATHER DAMAGED HAY forks, 45hp diesel. 300 hours. for mulch, composting or 1974 CHEVY C-60 Series, $13,000. Classified Ad Codes 350, V-8, engine, 4-speed Call 1-517-879-4445 even- bedding type usage. Approxi- mately 800 firm/dry sqare transmission, 2-speed axle, ings. Pinconning, Michigan. bales. 65~ per bale. Call 16' box and hoist, 80% 1-616-636-8449. Kent 1.Fann Machinery 10.Work Wanted 19.General rubber, fresh paint $4,900. TWO NEW PRODUCTS: 24- LP burners, complete, $500. County. 2. Livestock Equipment 11.Agricultural Services 20. WantedTo Buy Call 1-517-467-7041 Case 448 hydro tractor with -- ATTENTION Farmers, mower and snow blower, ................................................. 3. Fann Commodities 12.Business Services 21.SpecialEvents $2000. Call 1-616-474-4710. Carpenters, Sawmill or Shop 4. Seeds 13.BusinessOpportunities 22.Recreation owners. Earty 70's Massey Fergusen 6000llb tractor type TWO ROW NEW IDEA com 5. Livestock 14.RealEstate 23. Financing fork lift. Raises 21'. Good picker for sale. Wide row. Call rubber, drive train and 1-517-248-3548. MICHIGAN CERTIFIED , 6. Poultry 15.RealEstateWanted 24.InvestorsWanted. hydraulics. $5500, OBO. Chelsea wheat seed for sale. Case 6000IIb tractor type, 14' USED VALLEY CENTER Cleaned, treated, bagged and 1 7. Dogsand Puppies 16.EstateSales 25. Building Supplies pivots and other makes with with side shifter. $4500080. tagged. $7.50 per bushel. Call I 26.LawnAnd Garden Baker aooollb Fork Uft, 12' related equipment Call any Schmidt Farms of Auburn. 8. Ponies/Horses 17. Auctions time, toll free. lift, air tires, 6-cylinder. Excel- 1-517-662-2695. I ... 9. HelpWanted 18.Antiques/Collectibles 27. Announcements lent condition! $5000, 080. 1-800-248-8589 1-616-754-0572 anytime. I 28.To GiveAway WANTED: Older tractor BRAND NEW 1994 John I Deere 750 grain drill. John 65-90hp, WF, no cab, working PTO, 3-pt, dual hyd., prefer I Name Phone ( )----- Deere 3600, six bottom reset trailer plow. Wayne Shinab- diesel but gas okaV for riglt I Address ery, 1099 South Meridian unit Reasonably pnced only. 1-616-756-601'1. ANGUS BEEF: Bulls, heifers ROad, Hudson, MI 49247 I and cows with calves. Perfor- COMPLETE solid set irriga- WANTED TO BUY: Older or mance tested, semen tested. I City State Zip tion system. Covers 40 acres! newer model farm tractors Free Delivery! Call anytime, Includes pumps, risers, running or not State age, ~Farm. 1 Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues !prin~ers, all connections. Alto, Michigan price and condition. Send to I, HeacJy to use! Good buy. Call Wayne Shinabery, 1099 1-616-868-6040 1~ 16-599-2251. South Meridian Road, Desired InserUon Date(s): Hudson, MI 49247 GMC TRUCK with 20' semi, OSTRICH CHICKS new 30 ton hoist New Idea Exceptional South African Method of Payment manure spreader, ground WANTED TO BUY: Late bloodlines available in all driven. Dodge truck running model John Deere, Case IH, ages. Let us introduce you to parts in gooO condition. Call Ford tractors, combines and America's newest agricultural Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) corn heads. Call Wayne industry.Ba.ckwing o.trlch 517-684-4159. Shinabery Equipment Ranch_, 1-216-325-3456 Visa Card Number Exp. Date IH 756 TRACTOR, $7,250. 1-517-448-8091 or 1-708-541-4888 New Orthman disc Stab with long arms, $700. JD 95. IIH Master Card Number Exp. Date 403 combine, $1,595 each. IH WHITE 4-150 DUALS: Three PIEDMONTESE CATILE: 16' drag, $150. Brillion 20' point, three outlets, 4100 Lean, tender, double hours, $7950. David Brown Classified Rates S-tine cultivator with rolling basket, $2,500. Two brown 1200, three point, live PTO, muscled, good calving ease. Quality registered breeding Swiss bulls, 11 months old, quick-tatch loader, $49,500. stock. Also available embryos $8 for up to 24 words $950 each. 1-517-868-3263 Call 517-641-4584 and semen. INTERNAnONAL 826 diesel Redbird F.nn8 30 cents each additional word tractor for sale. Double PTO, WHITE PLOW: 5x18, spring reset, $800. Call Lapeer, Michigan 1-810-7g7-4701 low hours, no cab, $7,000. 1-517-641-4584 Write your ad here, including phone number and area code 1-616-875-8973 JOHN DEERE 15 hole grain drill w/grass feeder. Very good conditionI $800. New 2 3 4 fdea com picker, 2-narrow row, 8 roller. Verygoodcondi- Sold immediately after 6 7 8 tion! $1500. 1-810-664-4942. running the ad once in the 5 KJEFER 16' GOOSE NECK 9 10 11 12 horse trailer. Very good Michigan Farm News. condition! Call 1-616-946-5922. GOOD RESULTS. 13 14 15 16 LISLLlSTON bean cmom- INTERNATIONAL 1466 bine 16200, 1979 (approxi- 17 18 19 20 matley). Never outside! Bean tractor. 3800 hours. Cab, air air lift, 30-40 acres per year. conditioning, front weights, 21 22 23 24 Very good condition! $8,000. 616-937-5500. axle duals, new heavy duty 26 27 28 LUCKNOW MIXING wagon. torque and clutch 500 hours 25 New, never used. Call ago. Excellent condition! 1-616-749-4712 29 30 31 32 $12,000. MASSEY FERGUSON 4-row 33 34 35 36 narrow corn head for sale. Call1-S00-968-3129 To Model '1143. Call 1-517-587-4305 evenings, Place Your Ad Today! L J after 6pm preferred. Circulation over 46,000 in State of Michigan. Michigan Farm News Sept. 30, 1994 Livestock Ponies/Horses Real Estate General L^, EMU FOR S A L E : Purebred 20 ACRES, Hillsdale County. INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Chicks, yearlings and breed- Arabian horses. Show quality! ers. Great birds! Reasonably Banat, Bask, Aloes. Call OK for mobiles or build. Paved road. $25,000. Some $60 per ton; animal bedding made from recycled news- Taylor priced. Mirochipped and Vet 1-616-533-8669 after 6pm. certified. Boarding available. woods. Terms! (F-781) Faust Real Estate paper, chopped not shred- ded. More absorbent-less WATERSTOVE Support before and after sale. This is the safest, most effi- Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 flies-less odor. 70# bales. cient wood heat system on Exquisite Emu's Call for brochure! Clean Future Betevielle, Ml 48111 the market today 1-517-876-6051 1-313-461-1362 Help Wanted IRONS, MICHIGAN: Think retirement! Three bedroom, 2 Turner, Ml • Set Outside • Non-Pressurized FOR SALE: Registered bath doublewide on 5 wooded • Provide 100% of house- ited he re ford breeding age K lis, heifers, cows. Rocky Banner bloodlines. MSU Grain Dryer Repair Person needed. Full time year round acres. Blacktop road. Possession at c l o s e . Mineral Owners Gas/Oil: Investor interested in hold heat and hot water • Stainless Steel Elimi- work for the experienced $29,900. purchasing, producing royalty performance tested. nates Corrosion person. Send resume with Thistledown income for immediate cash. Call Rye Hereford Farm, Real Estate Prefer Antrim gas. Other • ULUsted background to: Grain Dryer 1-517-734-3005. formations considered. Call • Thermostatic Control Repair, Michigan Farm News, 1-616-754-2201 LLAMAS: Pet males. Halter PO Box 6, Stanton, Ml 48888. WE HAVE CASH BUYERS Jay, 1-800-968-7645. T&T Sales • 12 to 24 hr. Burn Time trained! Also available All replies confidential. for farmland in northwest 2428 W . Saganing Road • — — • Bentley. Ml 48613 weanling and adult female SEMI TRAILER REPAIR Michigan. Call Ron McGregor HARDY OUTSIDE breeding stock. Great wool for hand spinners! Call mechanics wanted. Mechani- for details. 1-616-929-1515 or 1-616-947-6211 evenings. WOOD FURNACE: (517)846-0100 Day or Evenings cal aptitude and own hand Worlds #1 seller. All stainless 1-616-582-7473. tools required. Must be avail- Northern Michigan Land Horton Bay llamas Brokers, Traverse City steel construction. Heats able for second shift Mid home, hot water tank, pools. Charlevoix, Ml Michigan Trailer Service. QUALITY ANGUS BREED- ING STOCK Performance tested, Bulls semen tested. Apply in person, 4537 Roger Chaffee Drive, Grand Rapids Real Estate Wanted Eliminates fire danger, inside mess, odor. 1-800-743-5883 Jamboree Acres Distributors FOR DISPLAY AD Free delivery. Also Border Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. BORDNER ANGUS FARMS Sturgis, Ml 616-651-8353. QUALITY HOLSTEIN 2-3 SPORTSMEN looking to lease land for hunting Goose, Duck or Pheasant Please call PRESSURE TREATED fence posts, hi-tensile fence supplies. Installation crew INFORMATION 1-616-458-6055 days. available. service age bulls (out of high BARN FOUNDATION 1-616-887-9603 evenings. CALL producing dams). $800-$900. Nevill Supply R E P A I R S : Underpins, 1-517-386-3517 Call 1-517-644-3519. reposting, footings, silo HUNTING LEASES repairs. Anywhere in Michi- WANTED: 80 acre parcels or 1-517-386-2382 RED DEER larger, anywhere in Southern Ontario farm raised bred gan! Since 1973. J.M. Graham Michigan. 5,000 acres females and stags for sale at reasonable prices. Superior size, excellent breeding stock. Government tested! Saginaw, Michigan 1-517-792-3299 after 5pm. BIRD FERTILIZER needed by 10-1-94. First come, fi rst 1-616-561-2994, Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm. serve! PROFESSIONAL HOOF trimming: Statewide! Over 14 years experience. Prices start at $7. Cad 1 -800-292-2680 For further information, SERVICES. 1100 N Irving, Norman Beale please call Eagles tone Farm 1-416-485-3466 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK, Greenville. Fertilizer, chemi- cals, seed, time, feed. Soil testing, truck spreading and custom spraying. Call Auctions 1-616-775-0488 EXT. 3201 1-616-754-3684. SAWDUST DELIVERIES: livestock of the Future". Nice amimal bedding. Also, Whole herd tested. Taking EXPERIENCED Michigan tri-axle truck with dnver for deposits for 1994 calfs. K A K AUCTION agribusiness attorneys with SERVICES lease for grain hauling or ? Traverse City, Ml. Imperial Elk Ranch 1-616-946-5922 SCOTCH HIGHLAND Cattle. farm backgrounds. Know- ledge and experience in all farm areas; restructure, stray voltage, bankruptcy, estate planning. EAST S I D E : Providing auctions statewide for: ANTIQUES BUSINESSES FARM 600 Michigan. bushel. 1-616-696-1421. Rockford, Call Why Pay More? Three bull calves for sale. Registered stock. Great Thomas J. Budzynski, 43777 HOUSEHOLD dispositions, color choice, Groesbeck H w y . , Mt. REAL ESTATE STRAW CHOPPERS: We gentle. 4-H Project! Wonder- C l e m e n s , Ml 4 8 0 3 6 , We also purchase Antiques, rebuild and balance. Some ful beef, cross breeding, 313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: one piece or full estates. exchanges. We stock chop- CALL NOW for spring and er p a r t s . ENGINE majectie a p p e a r a n c e . 1-616-832-4472. Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. Sheridan, Fremont, Ml summer sales. & EBUILDING our specialty. Auto-T ruck-Tractor-Antique- Cut Your Prescription Costs 49412, 616-924-3760. 1-810-227-8040. SCOTTISH H I G H L A N D Continental-Kohler-Onan- CATTLE: Registered, vari- SAVE MONEY Wisconsin engine dealer. Enjoy substantial savings on over 5,000 of the most ous age bulls and 1994 calfs. Recycle your diesel and industrial air intake filters popular name brand prescriptions, non-prescriptions, Call 1-517-543-7979 Antiques/ HART'S AUTO PARTS evenings. using the Sonic Dry Clean Cecil, Ohio vitamins, and medical supplies. Plus, save even System. No liquids or deter- Collectibles more when you order generic equivalents! SOYBEAN ROASTING feed 419-399-4777 gents used. 50% savings over right on your farm! High fat new filters. AMISH BUGGY with harness Heartland/Feld Drug has been serving Rural high e n e r g y r o a s t e d Recycle Now. Inc. for sale. Two seater and soybeans. See the difference. Holland, Ml extras. $1000 or best offer. Americans for over 30 years. We do other grains also. 1-616-396-7724 Call 1-616-788-3417. —. Short's Roasting 1-800-634-2368. 1-616-396-8102, Fax To get your FREE Discount Pharmacy Catalog STARTERS, alternators, Wanted to Buy generators. Rebuilt for cars, trucks and tractors. Diesel and heavy duty work. In General BUYERS OF STANDING Call Toll-Free 1-800-228-3353 Poultry business since 1970. timber and veneer logs. FOR SALE: Emu Chicks and Yearlings. Reasonably Armature Rewind and Rebuilding, Bay City. 1-517-686-3450 $500 REWARD for the return of or for information leading to the return of a Doda Manure pickup. Painted orange. Devereaux Sawmill, Inc. Pewamo, Ml. 1-517-593-2552. Call «g> H E A R T L A N D FEI&LORUG PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES 5023 Grover Street • Omaha. Ne 68106 HEAHTUNBFEID IS A MEMBER BENEFIT PROVIOER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS priced. Parents produced Plummer Supply, Inc. Central Michigan Metals more chicks than anticipated. 1-800-632-7731 Need new homes! Buyers of all grades of scrap J J Emu Ranch metal. Call Kevin Ferguson, 1-512-972-3278 BEAUTIFUL SCOTCH PINE 1-517-386-2409 or Get Your Tillage 1-800-835-1170. Handyman Enterprises Christmas Trees (5* to T tall), $8, cut and wrapped. Quantity 1215 East Maple Road, Parts at Decks, Additions Clare, Ml 48617 Dogs and Pole buildings discount and Fund Raising Plan. Wholesale and resale. Group Purchasing Roofing & Siding Puppies Quality work at a fair price. Call 1-517-866-2515. WANTED: Old motorcyles, Rates! snowmobile and off road vehi- roup x urchasing Licensed & Insured Builder. cles. 1965 and older. Call JD, AKC, UKC, registered dogs/ Call 1-517-762-5254. SAW MILL with Renco 1-517-676-0583, puppies. Dalmatians, Eskimo STATEWIDE BUILDINGS:: carriage and Morbark. Chevy Spitz, Rat Terriers, Great Custom built polebarns, log truck. Danes. Best buys ever! garages, gambrels, cattle Call 1-517-875-3219. WANTED TO BUY: Older Reducing kennel stock. Leas- barns, cement work. Free farm tractors. Good or not ing possible. worth repairing. Call Wayne Wright's Corral Kennel estimates! B U I L D I N G S : Canceled Shinabery, 1-517-448-8469 1-517-291-5041 Call 1-800-968-6699. orders. Two Quonset Steel evenings Licensed and insured! Arch Buildings, 41'x78' and WANT TO BUY: Ask for Ken. Male Sheltie for stud. Sable 51'X90. Selling for balance and white, 12"-14"high, AKC. owed. Brand new! Nine months to two years. Call Larry at our factory, Call 1-517-423-3069. Real Estate 1-800-866-2534. Serious Special Events inquiries please. Arch Building Systems, Inc. GREAT LAKES CHAPTER 160 A C R E F A R M , #1 American Ostrich Association Ponies/Horses Shebeon Loam Land (except approximately 2 acres). Good DEBT RESTRUCTURING: 8 years practice representing invites you to attend their Seminar, October 8-9, Radis- drainage, tiled, large dairy Michigan family farmers. son Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo, bam, milk house, pole type Specializing in reorganiza- Ml. Exhibitors Seminar Raffle beef bam, 3 silos, machine tion! Experienced in many Auction, Ostrich meat for PAIR OF GRADE Haflinger agricultural issues, including Mares, 3 and 4 years old. shed, grainery, insulated dinner. For rates call, Barbara 3-bedroom home, attached PA116 requests. Smith, 1-517-732-2514, Broke to drive! $2000 pair. Attorney Daniel Kraft, single garage. Huron County. Derrick Borup, Also have wagon. Call 1-313-971-1804. 1-517-269-7320. 1-517-485-8885. 1-616-642-9134. Call 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2015 Michigan Farm News VerHages are MMPA's 1994 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators •• September 30,1994 Photo: MMPA Tim and Sandy VerHage, of Alle- Doug and Cheryl Chapin, from Remus, The VerHages represented MMPA's Dis- gan, have recently been selected as the were selected as the runner-up cooperators . .trict 2, which covers Calhoun, Branch, state winning 1994 Outstanding They represented MMPA's District 5 and Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, AlIegan, Van Bu- Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC). the Alma Local in the contest. ren, Cass and Berrien counties. They represented Michigan Milk Pro- ducers Association's (MMPA) Dis- Selection of the OYDC is based on the MMPA is a milk marketing cooperative trict 2 and the Kalamazoo Local in the applicant's farming operations, farm-re- owned and controlled by approximately annual OYDC conference held Aug. lated and community activities and demon- 3,500 dairy farmers. 17-19. strated leadership abilities. The VerHages were selected earlier in The State OYDC Conference, held at u.s. Dairy Industry the year by fellow dairy farmers in their district to participate in the pro- MMPA headquarters in Novi, Mich., is de- signed to provide information about milk Concentrated on gram. As the winning cooperators, the VerHages will represent MMPA at marketing activities, cooperatives, milk testing procedures and other current events Fewer, Larger Farms various industry and association ac- within the dairy industry. The contest has Nearly half of the U.S. dairy herd ,.Ii was . ~ tivities. been held annually over the past 44 years. concentrated in large dairy farms ( with 100 Tim and Sandy VerHagealong or more milk cows) in 1993, according to a "The OYDC program identifies outstand- USDA Economic Research Service sum- with daughters Kristi (left) and ing young leaders in our organization and mary. Julie, operate a 50-cow herd provides the opportunity for them to gain a with a rolling herd average of greater understanding of milk marketing These large dairies represented just 13.6 23,046 pounds in addition to activities and MMPA," says Elwood Kirk- percent of all U.S. farmers with milk cows, farming 300 acres. Tim and patrick, MMPA president. but they were responsible for about 50 per- .~ Sandy have won MMPA's cent of total milk production. New tech- All 11 of MMPA's district Outstanding Quality Award for the past Young Dairy Cooperators will be officially nologies have required extensive capital in- three years running! recognized at the 1995 Annual State Dele- vestment that is most feasible for large dairy operations. gate meeting to be held next March. Since 1977, farms with fewer than 30 milk cows have declined continuously as a share of all farms with milk cows. The share of farms with 30-49 milk cows gradually in- .~ creased until 1990, but then began a slow decline. The share of farms with 50 or more milk cows increased in recent years, with farms having 100 or more milk cows increasing most in both number and share of all farms with milk cows. The largest farms are in- .) creasing most in the West and Southwest. The traditional milk-producing states of the Northeast and Lake States have seen their share of milk production become stable and then decline in recent years. Wisconsin, California, New York, Pennsyl- '" vania and Minnesota will probably remain ... the five leading milk-producing states. Ex- cept for California, however, these states will see their relative shares of total U.S. milk output decline. California's dairy in- dustry has grown rapidly during the last 30 years and will probably become the largest producer on an annual average basis in ") 1994. New Mexico's dairy industry also has good prospects to become of the top 10 producers in the next few years. The West and Southwest have accounted for an increasing share of total U.S. milk production. Increased demand for locally produced milk due to rapid population growth and the cost incentives associated.): with milder climates encouraged the While you're busy farming, In the halls of Congress and in growth of very large specialized dairies in Farm Bureau is on the job in the Michigan Legislature, Farm Southern and Central California, Arizona, Lansing and Washington, D.C. Bureau is respected as the voice New Mexico, Texas and Florida. Dairy protecting your interests. of agriculture. Ir's a grassroots herds of 700 to 1,500 cows are common in Our experienced and highly organization with responsible those areas, but rare elsewhere. respected team of lobbyists are legislative clour, powered by there working for you. its members and guided by its During 1977-93, milk per cow rose by' 39 } farmer-developed policies. percent, reaching 15,554 pounds per year. With the thousands of bills With over seven decades of Total milk output in the United States rose to 150,954 million pounds in 1993. introduced on the state and experience in the legislative and federal level, Farm Bureau regulatory arenas, you can count Technological achievements have signifi- lobbyists work full-time on Farm Bureau to get results! cantly influenced the structural changes in aggressively supporting the U.s. dairy farm industry. Capital-inten- legislation that benefits farm Farm Bureau member benefits sive technologies for milking and feeding families while seeking to defeat include: have generaJly increased the minimum eco- ';-) measures detrimental to • Educational and leadership nomically feasible size of a dairy operation, agriculture. opportunities increased production efficiency, and influ- • Health care insurance enced specialization. Genetic improve- Farm Bureau - always there and proven effective ... ments, higher rates of concentrate feeding, • Travel program and better feeding management have also • Discount prescription drugs helped increase milk production per cow . • Nofee VISA card Emerging technology and environmental • Farm. auto and life insurance concerns will affect the location and struc- ture of dairy farming in the near future. What concerns you Environmental regulations on air quality concerns us. and waste handling may limit the type of milk production technologies that can be used, especially in regions where the largest For your nearest Farm Bureau dairy herds are highly concentrated. The office call 1(800) 292-2680 trend toward large-scale, more specialized extension 3237 farming is expected to continue .... ,