Michigan Farm News Vol. 71, No. 17 In This Issue.... Animal Rights Activist Arrested Soybean Producers Power Great Lakes Vessel Suspect in 1992 MSU vandalism W h a t you may have just run through your caught page 2 combine this fall, was also running through the fuel tanks of the Grayling, a 75-foot, Great Lakes Espy Calls it Quits research vessel, this past summer. Resignation official on Dec. 31, Soydiesel, produced through an esterifica- amid allegations of unethical tion process of soybean oil, was used in a blend conduct page 3 of 80 percent conventional diesel and 20 percent soydiesel to power the Grayling's four, 855-cu- Harvest Weather? bic inch, Cummins diesel engines. Fuel con- Expect wet and warm conditions sumption for the vessel averages 28 gallons per hour, according to the vessel's captain, Clifford to continue a little longer... page 4 Wilson. What's ACA? The Grayling, operated by the National Bio- logical Survey, conducts fish population studies More farmers are finding out and across Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake maximizing yields page 5 Superior. Two 2,000-gallon fuel tanks were filled with 4,000 gallons of soydiesel in June and Marketing Decisions then custom blended on board with regular die- The Grayling, a 75-foot research vessel powered by Soydiesel, was the Consider loan deficiency sel from two 3,000-gallon tanks as the fuel was subject of a recent news conference while in port at Saugatuck. payments, and pencil out best used. "Crew members and researchers immedi- tile organic compounds that come from the ex- storage returns page 6 Performance and fuel consumption did not ately noticed the difference - you can't smell haust stack. The fact that soydiesel also splash suffer, according to Wilson, and oil usage actu- petroleum fuel on the vessel anymore," Wilson blends very well with conventional diesel made Management Information ally decreased. More importantly, however, said. "All you smell is the soydiesel and the the Grayling an ideal vessel to experiment with. Systems Wilson said researchers and vessel crew mem- exhaust which smells more like fumes from a "When you blend soydiesel with a petroleum Future farm record keeping bers were pleasantly surprised with the elimina- restaurant than typical exhaust." product, it splash blends very well and won't tion of the diesel fuel odor, which was replaced Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee separate," Reinholt said. "The fact that they considerations page 7 with a much more pleasant smell similar to that Executive Director Keith Reinholt attributes the of roasted beans. odor reduction to a reduction of hydrocarbon Continued on page 5 - see Move it Safely this Fall! particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and vola- Soydiesel Powered «- Farm machinery and road travel safety tips page 8 Disaster Relief Assistance Approved - Rules Changed [U Must have suffered losses of 40 percent or Election - 94 Ballot Questions The U.S. House and Senate have passed One significant change in the program, ac- legislation authorizing funding for disaster relief cording to Jim Byrum, executive director for the more if the crop was not insured. Know the issues and how you'll assistance for farmers suffering losses due to state ASCS, is the reduction of benefits for pro- vote. Ballot language and MFB position included page 9 eligible weather conditions such as freezing, ducers who did not plant or harvest a crop. He Reimbursement Rate: frost, flood, drought, etc. The provisions were says the change will eliminate the abuses of Reimbursed for the portion of crop loss part of the 1995 USDA appropriations bill, similar programs in the past. greater than 35 percent or 40 percent (whichever Ag Program Back in Action which must still be signed by the president. "Producers who make every effort to plant is appropriate) at a rate of 65 percent of the After a 30-year leave of absence, The legislation authorizes disaster assis- and harvest obviously have more expenses, and established price for the crop. this school system is hoping to tance in the form of a grant to farmers who have suffer more loss, than a farmer who doesn't do Producers need to contact their local ASCS buck the trend page 10 suffered crop losses from adverse weather con- either," said Byrum. "Under the old rules, there office to find out the qualifications and what ditions, except for damages due to fire blight. was virtually an incentive for farmers to leave information and documentation will be required, Size and Scope of Michigan The disaster relief assistance would operate poor crops in the field since they received the according to MFB Public Affairs Director Al Farms under the disaster assistance provision of the same disaster benefits regardless." Almy. A look at the new figures from 1990 Farm Bill. After President Clinton signs "Farmers should complete the documenta- the U.S. Census Bureau... page 13 the legislation, he must request the dollars Eligibility Requirements: tion as soon as possible, so that they're prepared needed for the payments and Congress still must CU Must have suffered losses of 35 percent or when the disaster program is ready to be admin- Clean Means Protection appropriate the funds. more if the crop was insured. istered," Almy said. Minimize harvest and storage loss before it's too late page 16 Harvest in Full Swing The harvest season has been picking up speed, weather permitting. Delays due to rain have been somewhat advantageous, since a late frost has allowed many crops to reach full maturity. As ofpresstime, Michigan Ag Statistics was calling corn harvest for silage 75 per- cent complete, while corn harvest for grain stood at 15 percent complete. Soybean har- vest was getting started with 15 percent of the acreage harvested. Dry bean harvest was 75 percent complete, while potato har- vest stood at 80 percent complete. Sugar beet harvest activity had also just gotten underway in the Thumb and Saginaw Valley areas. Wheat planting was running slightly be- hind, with just 55 percent planted compared to the five-year average of 65 percent. Apple and concord grape harvest was also in full swing, with some hail damage reported in southwestern Michigan. Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 i Michigan Farm News October 15, 1994 In Brief... Michigan September Farm Prices Down 1994 Sugar Production Up The Index of Prices Received by farmers in Michigan for all products as of Sept. 15 was The Agriculture Department has forecast sugar production for 1995 to be 7.84 million tons, 121 percent of its 1977 base, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricu ltural Statistics up 2.2 percent from an earlier estimate. Much of the incr~ase is due to a r~cord year for Service. The September index was down two points from August and six points less than beets, with 4.5 million tons of beet sugar produced. That IS a 450,000 ton Jump over the last year's index. The price index for all crops was 112, a three point decrease from last previous year. month. Potato prices fell substantially and com, soybeans and dry beans each decreased 5 percent from August to lead the decline. Winter wheat prices increased 9 percent from the Beet farmers are expected to harvest a record 1.44 million acres this year and the previous month while the all hay price rose 8 percent and oat prices were up slightly. combination of better yields and improved sucrose recovery also will contribute to the sugar increase. Cane sugar production is expected to drop 4 percent from 1994 to 3.34 million The livestock and products index, at 132, was one point less than August. Steers/heifers tons. The department said 873,000 acres will be devoted to cane production. prices increased 1 percent, while prices for slaughter cow and calves decreased 4 percent and 2 percent, respectively. Hogs prices were down 10 percent from August and 22 percent INS Delays Effective Date of Replacement Green below last September. Milk prices were up 1 percent to $13.1 0 per cwt. Cards Until March 20, 1995 Nationally, the September All Farm Products Index of Prices Received was 134 percent of the 1977 base, down three points from August 1994. Price declines from August for hogs, The Imigration & Naturalization Service (INS) has announced that it will delay the effective oranges, cattle and potatoes more than offset gains for wheat, milk, lettuce and tobacco. date by which all aliens must have replaced their old "green cards" INS Form 1-151, with new Form 1-551. The new effective date is March 20, 1995. The Index of Prices Paid by farmers for commodities and services, interest, taxes and farm wage rates for July was 199 percent of its 1977 average. The index was down one point When completing the 1-9 Form, employers will be able to accept Form 1-151 as proof of from April 1994 but four points higher than July 1993. The July index was most influenced employment eligibility until March 20, 1995. The delay was the decision of the INS to give by a drop in prices since April for feeder cattle and calves, feed grains, feeder pigs and hay. itself time to process applications for the new replacement cards. Applications for the new cards may be obtained from the INS by calling 1-800-755-0777. USDA Reorganization and Crop Insurance Approved GAO Calls Food Safety System Flawed The House passed by voice vote a resolution that incorporates an agreement between House and Senate leaders on both crop insurance and USDA reorganization. Senate approval is The General Accounting Office -- the investigative arm of Congress -- criticized the expected soon. The reform measure reduces the number of agencies from 43 to 29 and will nation's food safety system, saying it is weak, ineffective and rarely punishes persons or close 1,200 of the department's 3,700 field offices. companies who violate food safety laws. In two separate reports, GAO said the food safety system, which is overseen by the Agriculture Department, the Commerce Department, the Under USDA reorganization, House members mandated a new undersecretary post for food Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, is too frag- safety and gave the authority for six other undersecretaries and three assistant secretaries. mented, lacks enforcement muscle, and needs to be completely overhauled. The bill also mandates an office of risk assessment and cost benefit, and authorizes a consolidated farm service agency (CFSA). Farmers Home Administration county commit- The report said despite 21,439 reported food safety violations between 1989 and 1992, only tees were also eliminated. one prosecution was obtained by the government. GAO also said the system is flawed because the government instead relies too heavily on warning letters to violators that carry The bill retains the Conservation Reserve Program under the guidance of the new CFSA no penalties. The reports were critical of U.S. agriculture's reliance on crop protection and gives state committees the authority to request a vote on any CFSA county committee chemicals and animal drugs. that is scheduled for elimination under streamlining recommendations. ADM Chief Andreas - "Farm Policy Hurts Exports" The agreement included catastrophic crop loss coverage based on a formula that will be calculated at 50 percent of yield multiplied by 60 percent of market price for crop years Archer Daniels Midland Chairman Dwayne Andreas said paying U.S. farmers not to 1995 to 1998; beginning in 1999, coverage will be based on a formula of 50 percent of produce is a "world disaster" that is hurting farm exports. "Every time we take an acre out, yield times 55 percent of price. another country steps in and replaces it," Andreas told members of the National Agri-Mar- keting Association during an issues meeting in Chicago. To participate in Farmers Home Administration loan programs and price support programs, farmers must purchase minimum crop insurance for $50 per crop/county up to $200 per Andreas said U.S. agricultural exports of $40 billion could double if the government county with a total cap of $600 per farm, regardless of how many counties are involved. allowed farmers to produce as much as they could and paid them a fair price for their products. He said the assumption that lower production means higher prices is wrong. Arrest Made in 1992 MSU's Vandalism Case Older Consumers Prefer Turkey The recent capture of Rodney Coronado, Older Americans are eating more turkey, but a lack of interest from younger generations wanted on federal charges for vandalism has contributed to flat turkey consumption in the last four years. These are the findings of and damage to MSU's Mink Research Cen- a study done by the NPD Group for the National Turkey Federation (NTF). The study found ter in February 1992, brought a bittersweet females over age 65 and males over 55 are the only age groups that consistently increased sigh of relief to many people at Michigan the amount of turkey they bought during the last four years. State University. "~hildre~ are not as fond ?fturkey, and they're tomorrow's consumer," said Teresa Farney, Coronado was arrested on an Indian reser- ~Ice preSident of marketing and consumer information for NTF. "We need to get them vation in Arizona by U.S. Bureau of Alco- Involved. Although turkey sales have doubled since 1985, many consumers still think of hol Tobacco and Firearems officials, on a turkey only at Thanksgiving and Christmas." five-count indictment including arson, ex- tortion and possession of stolen property. Ac~ording to t.he survey, nearly one-quarter of all turkey consumed in the U.S. is bought dunng the holtday season. The report also reflected on how turkey consumption patterns Those charges stem from an incident that ~ave ch~nged in ~ecent years ..In ~994, the study found that 51 percent of all turkey bought destroyed over 30 years of research and ISused. In sandWIches; one-third IS used as a base dish or the main part of a dish. In 1983, records, when Coronado alledgedly broke those flgu~es were ~eversed. One-half of all turkey was used as a base dish and 35 percent into the offices of Dr. Richard Aulerich and was used In sandWiches. The NPD Group's National Eating Trends Service compiled the Dr. Karen Chou, located in Anthony Hall, study by monitoring 2,000 households. and torched the contents. Equipment and storage areas at the MSU mink research Byron FFA Hosting Farm Toy Show and Sale facility were also destroyed. The Byron FFA Alumni Chapter and Byron FFA Chapter will be hosting a Farm Toy Show More than $200,000 worth of damage re- and Sale on Satur?~y, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Byron High School cafeteria. sulted in the first-ever incidence of animal More than 15 exhibitors are expected, with over 900 square feet of exhibit space. rights activist activities at MSU. Coronado is suspected of being a member of the Ani- do several things," said Hogberg. "One is There will be a $1 admission fee for adults while children under 12 are admitted free of mal Liberation Front (ALF). Ironically, you become a prisoner unto yourself. Sec- charge. A concessions stand will also be op~n. All proceeds from the event will be used to Aulerich's and Chou's research focused on ondly, you start raising questions in peo- ~upport l~cal FFA member activities. Call Dave Wyrick at (810) 266-4620 for more nutrition and the decline of the natural mink ple's mind that you are trying to hide some- mformatlon. population. thing." The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962)is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, According to MSU's Animal Science According to Hogberg, Coronado's arrest December,June, and J~ly wh~n only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm chairperson, Maynard Hogberg, Aulerich sends a message to animal rights activists Bureau,7~7~West Saginaw Highway, lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual and Chou have done a good job of recover- across the country that the judicial system dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm ing. "There are some things you'll never get N~~ to non:~emb~rs and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at lansing, MI and does work. Previous failures in getting in- additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan back, but for the most part, their research dictments issued against similar cases was Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan programs are back up, running and going starting to send the idea that terrorist acts Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, lansing, MI 48909-8460. strong," Hogberg said. could be performed without any repercus- E~itorial:Dennis ~~dat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers: Connie lawson; Donna sions. Wilber; Henry HUls)en. In response to the vandalism incident, MSU evaluated its security and the structure of its MSU's future prevention of similar inci- Officers: President, Jack laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie Delton' Administrative Director Chuck research programs. However, in the words dents rests on its strong commitment to the ~urke~; Treasurer a~ C~ief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S: Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Jim ~llIer, CoI~~; ~Istrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall: District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom of Hogberg, "It is important to maintain advancement of animal agriculture. Hog- G~h,ne,Del.ton,District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood Marlette. District 7 larry Snider Hart; openness because MSU is a public institu- berg said, "What we're doing here is using Dlstnct 8 Richard Lea h S' D'. ' , , ' ',. c, aglnaw; Istnct 9, Joshua Wunsch Traverse City. District 10 Margaret Kartes West tion, specifically a land grant institution." a lot of our best knowledge, the use of Branch; Dls~nct 11, Robert Wahmhoff. Baraga. At-large: J~ck laurie Ca~s City' F~ye Adam Snov~r' Jan science to improve animal agriculture, and Vosburg Climax' J d E Sh ' ", ' , ,u y mmons, endan. Promotion and Education Paul Swartzendruber Pigeon' Young "We could make this a fortress that nobody we're doing it in a way that we feel is right." Farmers,Andy Hagenow, Rockford. " , could penetrate, but when you do that, you Michigan Farm News -. .J' October 15, 1994 Espy Resignation Final Dec. 31 Search on for Replacement to Espy's girlfriend, Patricia Dempsey, has mer North Dakota governor and farmer, Laurie said administrative capabilities will Amid continued controversy and investi- also resulted in accusations of government George Sinner, who almost got the job be- also be important qualities in a new secre- gation of USDA Secretary Mike Espy's ethics rules violations. fore Espy; and Oklahoma Congressman tary. "With the recent reorganization of the acceptance of gifts from companies the Mike Synar, who recently lost his primary U.S. Department of Agriculture, it's impor- agency is suppose to regulate, the secretary Attention has now shifted to finding a re- race for re-election, says Knight Ridder tant that a strong leader be in place to guide announced his resignation effective Dec. placement for the USDA post by Jan. 1, News. the reorganization through its formative 31. Espy admitted he had been "careless 1995. Deputy Secretary Richard Rominger stages of development," he said. with some of the details" of his personal was rumored to be at the top of the "Wash- Regardless of the final decision, MFB business, but said he broke no laws and ington short list," according to a Knight President Jack Laurie believes it's critical A strong belief in the importance of world apologized for letting President Clinton and Ridder News report, since he is already fa- that the next USDA secretary understands trade to agriculture will also be critical. ''I'm those around him down. miliar with USDA's current agenda. Rom- the role that so-called minor crops like fruits confident that whoever the president selects inger, who is from the diverse ag state of and vegetables play in the total scheme of will have that commitment to the value of Poultry giant Tyson Foods played a big role California, also has strong ties to conserva- agriculture. world trade to our agricultural industry," he in Espy's apparent undoing. Espy has been tionists. said. "President Clinton has worked dili- charged with accepting sporting tickets and "We think the next agriculture secretary gently to bring both the NAFf A and the travel accommodations from the company Other names in the rumor-mill include In- should be someone who has a broad under- GAIT world trade agreement to reality, and in violation of the Meat Regulation Act. A diana Congresswoman Jill Long, a current standing of total agriculture, including both I would expect he would select someone $1,200 educational scholarship from Tyson member of the House Ag Committee; for- crop and livestock production," Laurie said. who would share that line of thinking." Governors Backing Ethanol in Legal Battle NAFTA's Impact on U.S. Agriculture Michigan Gov. John Engler caught national interest and support recently when he an- nounced that the Governors' Ethanol Coalition, which represents 13 corn growing states, After Six Months? will join the legal fight against oil interests who have filed suit against the Environmental Information is now available on U.S. trade reach $4.1 billion, a half billion dollars Protection Agency and its rule to include ethanol in a clean air program. Farm Bureau also with Mexico after the first six months of the more than last year. has filed an intent to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the case brought by the American North American Free Trade Agreement. Petroleum Institute. Overall, U.S. exports have risen by 17 per- Imports of Mexican agricultural products cent, to $24.5 billion, in the first six months have also increased, by 5.9 percent. On an "Both the EPA and the U.S. Justice Department have indicated to me and the Governors' of this year. annual basis, 1994 imports from Mexico Ethanol Coalition that they share my confidence that the outcome of the court case will be should be around $2.9 billion, which results positive," said MDA Gordon Guyer. "However, it is unfortunate that the case could not be On an annual basis, this will mean ex orts in a ro 'ected U.S. trade surplus of $1.2 decided before the rule was scheduled to take effect." should reach billion in a record ...increased exports will mean 100,000 farm prod- Health Care - Time for a "Decent Burial" $48.9 billion in 1994, an new jobs in the U.S. There has been no ucts. Health care reform legislation is dead -- may God have mercy on its soul -- for the year and increase of "sucking sound" of U.S. jobs to Mexico. U.S. ex- $7.3 billion ports show- departing Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell is almost resigned to that fact. Mitchell, from 1993. According to the administra- ing substantial gains include: feedgrains, blamed House and Senate Republicans for the reform bill's demise and is ready to re-focus tion, these increased exports plus the in- soybeans, cotton, tobacco, peanuts, soy- his attention on other pressing issues, including passage of the General Agreements on creased exports to Canada wi II mean up to bean oil, sugars and sweeteners, red meats, Tariffs and Trade Uruguay Round agreement. 100,000 new jobs in the U.S. There has been poultry and fresh fruit. no "sucking sound" of U.S. jobs to Mexico. House Minority Whip Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) told President Clinton yesterday that if a Imports from Mexico showing gains in- health care bill was brought up at this late date, the all-important GAIT bill would almost In agriculture, U.S. farm exports have risen clude: coffee, tea, snack foods, fruit and certainly be killed. Other congressional members agreed with his statement and said 11 percent in the first six months, from vegetable juices. Coffee and tea were al- Congress should try again next year to pass a reform measure. $1.93 billion to $2.16 billion. On an annual ready duty-free before the NAFTA. basis, U.S. agricultural exports should "The country owes you and the first lady a debt for your leadership," said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) in a letter to Clinton. "But it is time to give health care reform a decent burial and provide for its rebirth." Dingell blamed "greedy special interests" for defeating the reform effort. Insurance Tax Deduction on the Line - Again The demise of health care reform in Congress may spell doom for the 25 percent income tax deduction for health insurance premiums paid by farmers and other self-employed people. The deduction expired on Dec. 31,1993. A;J~ AMCORN@ Farm Bureau has championed a 100 percent tax deduction for the self-employed. During consideration of health care legislation this year, all the major proposals (including the administration's) have contained language either increasing or extending the tax deduction for self-employed people. Legislation is being introduced to restore the 25 percent deduc- tion for the 1994 tax year, according to Al Almy, MFB director of public affairs. "Whether Pllt Tile Filii Force Of or not Congress will enact this in the few remaining days that it will be in session this year remains to be seen," he said. "We're pointing out that the expiration of this provision would cause considerable hardship and would result in more people being uninsured." Worldwide Researcll GATT Bill Finalized - Passage Expected To Work For YOII Members of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee IT BEGINS WITH A $20 MILLION RESEARCH announced yesterday that they had agreed on terms of the General Agreement on Tariffs INVESTMENT ANNUALLY ... 30 FULL-TIME and Trade Uruguay Round implementing bill and that the legislation would pass both houses SCIENTISTS ... 16 GLOBAL RESEARCH STATIONS before the planned mid-October congressional adjournment. ... THOUSANDS OF TEST PLOTS. RESEARCH IS THE MOTIVATING FORCE BEHIND L1MAGRAIN Farmers Call for Changes in GENETICS' FUTURISTIC, INNOVATIVE SEED Endangered Species Rules BREEDING A COMMITMENT PROGRAM THAT FOR BEGAN LG SEEDS. OVER 50 YEARS AGO . Reforming the Endangered Species Act D The socio-economic impact of pro- (ESA) is one of the prime goals of Farm posed ESA decisions must be fully JUtCOIt 1 I D. of ......... .... _ _111. r•• • Bureau and a coalition in Washington, D.C. considered and the options with the .h. ... least adverse socio-economic impacts THIS MEANS THE HYBRID PACKAGE, SOYBEANS, Congress is beginning to hear the horror must be selected. OR ALFALFA YOU BUY FROM YOUR AMCORN stories of people running into conflicts with the ESA, according to AI Almy, director of D Private property rights, including SEEDS DEALER HAS EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH public affairs for Michigan Farm Bureau. water rights, must be fully protected LEVELS OF BRED-IN DEPENDABILITY AND QUALITY. "The move is on to a common-sense, real- and compensation be provided where ity-based reauthorization of the ESA," he the use and value of property has been YOUR AMCORN DEALER, AS PART OF THE LG said. diminished substantially by the ESA. SEEDS NETWORK, IS YOUR SINGLE SOURCE FOR SEVERAL WELL-KNOWN BRAND NAMES ABLE TO Farm Bureau is part of the National Endan- "If somebody is going to lose the value of MATCH YOUR UNIQUE FARMING REQUIREMENTS. I , gered Species Act Reform Coalition, and their land for society's goals, then the pub- committed to four major reforms in the ESA lic should bear the cost of that goal," said FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 800-709-3333. including: Almy. "Only then will we be able to get a true measure of the cost of the ESA." AMCORN D Determining which species should be SUNFIELD, MICHIGAN protected must be based on sound sci- Reauthorization of the ESA has been put on ence and subject to peer review. hold until the next Congress. Farm Bureau is supporting a recently introduced bill that D The act must be implemented in the open with maximum opportunity for would prohibit any further listing of endan- gered species or habitat creation until the Worldwide Research. It~lsEEDs -~ Homegrown Service. public comment. act is reauthorized. Michigan Farm News October 15, 1994 II 3D-Day Outlook - Average to Above Average Temps. and Precipe Expected For most agricultural crops, September weather was near ideal, with mean tem- peratures in most areas from 1-4 degrees above normal and precipitation generally 9/1/94 Mkh~anWea~erSumma~ Temperature Observed Dev. From Growing Degree Days Actual Normal Precipitation Actual Normal to 9/30194 remaining well below normal levels. The Mean Normal Accum. Accum. linch.) linch) warm temperatures brought many summer Alpena 60.2 + 2.7 2116 2035 1.58 3.47 crops to near maturity by month's end. Bad Axe 61.9 + 0.1 2222 2454 2.36 2.70 Detroit 66.1 + 2.4 3073 2673 1.95 2.43 On a historical note, if you consider the Escanaba 60.8 + 3.6 1785 1616 4.26 3.55 present growing season's weather as being Flint 62.7 + 1.4 2518 2673 2.66 2.43 anything but normal, you have a keen sense Grand Rapids 64.0 + 2.0 2641 2723 1.09 3.26 of climatological judgement. Preliminary Houghton 59.4 + 3.8 1734 1845 3.36 3.58 data indicates that the June-August tradi- Houghton Lake 62.4 + 4.1 2332 2035 1.40 3.47 tional summer period was the wettest on Jackson 62.4 - 1.4 2607 2653 1.92 2.79 record since 1985 for the state as a whole Lansing 62.6 + 0.9 2541 2653 1.90 2.79 (this would come as no surprise to those in Marquette 58.7 + 4.8 1781 1845 2.85 3.58 Muskegon 64.2 + 2.6 2378 2338 1.87 3.19 the central Lower Peninsula, where rainfall Pellston 59.6 + 3.7 2019 2109 2.24 3.66 was heaviest). Saginaw 63.8 + 1.6 2568 2454 1.95 2.70 Sault Ste. Marie 56.6 + 1.4 1557 1616 1.50 3.55 In addition, the August mean temperature South Bend 65.4 + 1.7 2962 2723 4.69 3.26 for the state was the coolest on record, a Traverse City 62.4 + 1.5 2315 2109 1.87 3.66 factor which undoubtedly led to slow rates 2.07 3.09 Vestaburg 60.8 -1.1 2316 2414 of crop growth and development. Observed and growing degree day totals are accumulated from April 1. The outlook for the coming weeks is a difficult call, with medium-range com- Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU puter guidance calling for a highly vari- able, transitional jet stream pattern. The precipitation to average near to above normal. The 90-day outlook (October-December) new 30-day National Weather Service out- continues to call for slightly cooler and wetter than normal conditions. Because of the look for October calls for temperatures and difficulties noted above, confidence in these outlooks is considered lower than average. Michigan and Major Commodity Extended Weather Outlook Area Michigan 1994 Small Grain Production a Mixed Bag T - Temp. 10/15 10/30 10/15 12/31 Near normal planting and growing condi- percent from last year. The crop was har- U.S. 1994 winter wheat production was P - Preclp. T P T .e tions were seen throughout most of the vested from 580,000 acres with a yield of estimated at 1.66 billion bushels, down 6 , Michigan A A B A small grain growing regions in 1994, ac- 53 bushels per acre. percent from 1993. The average yield was W. Com Belt B N N N cording to the Federal/State Michigan Ag- 40.2 bushels per acre. Area harvested for E. Corn Beh B N N A/N Wlnt. Wheat Belt B N B N ricultural Statistics Service. Oat production, at 6.3 million bushels, was grain was placed at 41.4 million acres. Spr. Wheat Belt N N N N down 12 percent from 1993. Yields aver- Pac. NW Wheat N N A B Favorable growing conditions in 1994 al- aged 57 bushels per acre for the 110,000 Production of oats in 1994 was estimated at Delta B N B N lowed small grain yields to improve from acres harvested, compared to an average 230 million bushels, up 11 percent from last Southeast B A N N last year for wheat and oats. Barley and rye yield of 55 bushels per acre a year ago. year. Area harvested for grain, 4.02 million San Joaquin N/A B A N acres, was up 6 percent from last year. yields, however, were down marginally from 1993 levels. Barley yields dropped three bushels per A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- acre from last year to 51 bushels. However, Barley was harvested from 6.68 million No Preclp. Source: National Weather OffIce Michigan's winter wheat production was harvested acreage increased from 18,000 to acres in 1994, producing 375 million bush- estimated at 30.7 million bushels, up 39 32,000 acres, causing production to rise 8 els of grain, down 6 percent from 1993. percent to 1.6 million bushels. Rye production increased 8 percent from a Rye production was estimated at 442,000 year ago to 11.1 million bushels. Harvested bushels, up 5 percent from 1993. Yield was area was 406,000 acres while planted area, estimated at 26 bushels per acre, two bush- 1.60 million acres, was the smallest on re- Serving lIichigan els less than last year. Acres harvested in- creased by 2,000 to 17,000 in 1994. cord. 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October 15, 1994 Protect Your Investment, Make Sure Your Grain Bins Are Clean Taking time now to make "A special effort should be made to clean Sprays or dusts of some insecticides can be sure that the combine, grain and spray this area," Landis says. mixed directly with new grain as it goes into handling equipment and the bin to protect the grain from insects. storage bins are clean is a He also recommends that an insecticide They are recommended if the grain is to be good way to minimize the spray be directed into cracks, corners and stored longer than one year. potential for costly insect other hidden places of the grain bin that damage later in the year. cannot be adequately cleaned. Surface sprays of insecticides can be ap- / plied and raked into the surface of new grain "Thoroughly cleaning in Sanitary sprays can be used in any empty to help prevent insects from getting into the and around the bi nand bin regardless of the grain that will be grain and also to control surface-feeding cleaning all handling equip- stored there later. caterpillars such as the meal moth and In- ment are strongly recom- dian meal moth. mended," says Douglas Once the grain has been properly dried and Landis, MSU Extension en- cleaned and put into the grain bin, you can These caterpillars arc often abundant in tomologist. use special products registered for use on poorly ventilated grain where moisture has stored grains. They are listed in Extension condensed at the surface. Remove the dam- Step-by-step recommenda- bulletin E-1582, "Chemical Control of In- aged grain before spraying, then keep the ~ tions are outlined in Exten- sects and Nematodes in Field and Forage grain well ventilated. sion bulletin E-934, "Pro- Crops." tecting Stored Grains from Fumigants can be used to kill insects that Insects." He cautions farmers to be sure to read all have invaded the grai n mass. They are insecticide labels to make sure the product sometimes applied to newly binned grain in Landis recommends remov- to be used is specifically registered for use place of sanitary sprays and grain protec- ing all debris from handling in stored grains. tants. Fumigants can be costly, however, equipment, from inside the and can be applied only under certain re- L.' grain bin and under the false "Insecticides and fumigants arc effective strict ions. flooring of the bin, which is only in properly dried and cleaned grain," an especially good place for Landis cautions. Growers must be certified by the Michigan insects to breed. Department of Agriculture in the fumiga- tion standard to buy and use fumigants. New restrictive standards include the use of self-contained breathing equipment (scuba ~ gear) in place of a gas mask and the use of gas detection devices in some situations. The best practice is to take preventive steps against insect damage by putting properly dried, as clean as possible grain in the bin and carefully managing the bin's operation - temperature, ventilation and moisture .. content - throughout the storage season. Michigan Vegetable Chemical Use Survey Slated for Mid-October The Michigan Ag Statistics Service is gearing up for it's third survey of vege- table growers' use of pesticides and com- mercial fertilizers. The survey will cover chemical use on 14 vegetable crops. Nationally, the survey will cover 30 crops in 14 states that account for 80 to 85 percent of U.S. vegetable production. The purpose of the program is to main- tain an agricultural chemical use data base so that policies can be based on timely, detailed and reliable information. "The information benefits producers, processors and consumers alike," ex- plained State Statistician Don Fedewa ... "All segments of the vegetable industry, While you're busy farming, In the halls of Congress and in along with policy makers and govern- Farm Bureau is on the job in the Michigan Legislature, Farm ment agencies, rely heavily on the survey Lansing and Washington, D.C. Bureau is respected as the yoice results when responding to public con- protecting your interests. of agriculture. It's a grassroots cerns about chemical use and its possible Our experienced and highly organization with responsible effects on food safety. It's essential the respected team of lobbyists are legislative clout, powered by information be gathered, analyzed, and there working for you. its members and guided by its released by an impartial organization." I: farmer-developed policies. With the thousands of bills With over seven decades of Vegetable growers have a lot at stake in introduced on the state and this survey, since these growers also rely experience in the legislative and on numerous minor-use pesticides. federal level, Farm Bureau regulatory arenas, you can count Many producers of specialty crops have lobbyists work full-time on Farm Bureau to get results! no alternative to these pesticides. aggressively supporting legislation that benefits farm Farm Bureau member benefits Fedewa says that if use of a particular families while seeking to defeat include: pesticide can't be documented, the .-t, measures detrimental to • Educational and leadership manufacturer might discontinue produc- agriculture. opportunities tion. More importantly, however, suc- • Health care insurance cessful registration and re-registration Farm Bureau - always there and proven effective .., • Travel program depend heavily on accurate, up-to-date information on actual use of the various • Discount prescriptiotJ drugs pesticides . • Nofee VISA card Interviewers will visit growers in person « • Farm, auto and life insurance to conduct the survey beginning the sec- ond week of October. A typical interview What concerns you takes about an hour. Producers are en- concerns us. couraged to have records documenting their agricultural chemical use on hand to help the interview go quickly and For your nearest Farm Bureau smoothly. All information on individual office call 1(800) 292-2680 grower operations will be treated with extension 3237 absolute confidentiality, aod lls:ed only in summaries of state and national totals.