\ Michigan Farm News October 30, 1994 In This Issue .... Minor Use Pesticides Victim of 1"=1 Engler Headlines MFB "Friends of Agriculture" Vol. 71, No. 18 Poor Politics Back to the drawing board since Endorsements U.S. Senate failed to take action The Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac before adjournment ......... page 3 Committee unanimously voted to endorse Gov. John Engler in July as a "Friend of Harvest Weather Outlook? Agriculture" in the governor's campaign <. Wetter and warmer conditions predicted page 4 bid for a second term. According to MFB Public Affairs Director Al Almy, the en- dorsement was based on three primary fac- GAIT After Nov. 8 tors, including the governor's support of key ag issues in Michigan. Politicians postpone action on GAIT package until after general "First of all, the governor's aggressive sup- election page 5 port on school finance reform and funding for the MSU Livestock Initiative are just ~ Markets - Bottom in Sight? two examples of his support of Michigan's Corn and soybeans could be agricultural industry," Al my said. "Sec- ondly, his record of promises made, prom- near season-lows. Not sUch good ises kept during the 1990 campaign is truly news for hogs page 6 unique among public officials. Last but not least, the governor was unanimously rec- AMAP for Your Farm? ommended by all of the county Farm Bu- This program really does chart a reau candidate ev~lua~ion committe~s." course for the future page 7 I . Soybean Processing Plant In preparation for the Nov. 8 general eJec- tion, Michigan Farm News asked Gov . ~; I Engler to comment on key issues affecting Coming to Michigan? Michigan in general and agriculture spe- Could be, says this Chicago cifically. company page 9 Q. What do you consider to be your most No Lost Quarters or Cows in significant accomplishment during your Q. During your first term as governor, Q. What's the biggest challenge facing first term as governor? what specifically has been your. biggest Michigan in the next five years? Four Years Due to Mastitis? contribution to Michigan farmers? No, it's not a dream - it's the A. Without question, the biggest accom- A. Michigan's biggest challenge over the result of a unique treatment plishment has been the reduction of the tax A. The passage of historic property tax next five years will be to continue the eco- program at MSU's KBS dairy burden on the citizens of Michigan. We reforms. We capped assessments and re- nomic recovery of the past two years. In operation page 11 have cut taxes 11 times, including the elimi- duced school operating taxes on all agricul- April and May, Michigan had an unem- nation of the inheritance tax, a historic cut tural property from an average of 36 mills ployment rate of 5.7 percent, the lowest rate in property taxes and a reduction in the to just six mills. In addition, my administra- in 20 years, and the farthest below the na- ELECTION - 94 personal income tax to the lowest level tion has fully funded the $71 million MSU tional average ever. since 1975. These cuts created 479,000 new Livestock Initiative, a research and devel- Continued on page 12 see ..Friends of Agriculture" jobs, and have given Michigan the lowest opment investment for th-e long term Endorsements unemployment rate in 20 years. growth of Michigan agriculture. Engler Headlines MFB.... Check this list before you cast your vote Nov. 8 page 12 Don Nugent - A Farmer for the MSU Board of Trustees former Pet, Inc., pie plant in Frankfort, to ... Ballot Proposals process frozen fruit and cream pies. MFB is urging the following votes: A cherry farmer who bleeds "MSU IINO" on Proposal A Green" wants to keep Michigan State Uni- Nugent was a member of the MFB Board IIYES on Proposal B II versity the premier land grant university in of Directors from 1972 - 1986. He was the nation. Don Nugent, a Benzie County appointed to the Michigan Agriculture IIYES on Proposal C II cherry producer and food processor, is run- Commission in 1991. See the ballot language .... page 12 ning for the MSU Board of Trustees as an MFB AgriPac "Friend of Agriculture." "Michigan agriculture is going to be faced with a lot of challenges in the future, par- In an exclusive interview with Michigan ticularly our animal industry, as Michigan Farm News, Nugent said that as a Trustee, becomes more and more popu lated, he would strive for excellence in the uni- whether it be primary or secondary resi- versity, faculty and students. "At the same dences," said Nugent. "This encroachment time, we must make education affordable," into agricultural lands and agricultural he said. businesses will create challenges in the handling of waste, pesticides and chemi- "Education is now a life-long process," cals that MSU is going to have to take real Nugent said. "It must be affordable as a leadership on." student and it must be affordable as a tax- payer. I'm sure it takes creativity to main- Nugent predicts that the partnerships be- tain excellence and also keep affordability tween MSU and the Michigan Department in education. But that's all right. There's of Agriculture will need to be intensified to nothing wrong with creativity in educa- do a better job of communicating with all tion, just like we use in business." He is also founder, general manager and the residents of Michigan about what agri- director of Graceland Fruit Cooperative, culture is about and the impact that it has Nugent knows about excellence in busi- Inc., and developed the process for dried on our state. "We must communicate that ness. After graduating from MSU in 1965 cherries. Today the rapidly expanding farmers are good stewards and that we are with a degree in horticulture, he farmed in company also dries cranberries, blueber- environmentally sensitive," he said. partnership with his father until branching ries, strawberries, raspberries and other off to form Nugent Farms, specializing in fruit. Most recently, Gateway Products, Continued on page 12 see growing fruit and asparagus. Inc., of which he is president, purchased the Nugent Seeks MSU Trustee Seat Exercise Your Right to Vote November 8 Michigan Farm News Regulatory In Brief ... •• October 30, 1994 Compliance MSU to Conduct Right to Farm Survey in November Assistance If you're a Michigan livestock or poultry operator, you could be one of 1,500 operators Program- randomly selected by the Michigan Agricultural Statistics Se.rvi~e, for a su,:,ey on your understanding of the Right to Farm Manure Management gUidelInes, accordmg to MFB Let it Work Environmentalist/Livestock Specialist Kevin Kirk. "The survey results will be used to evaluate producer knowledge and u~derstanding of Right for You! to Farm, said Kirk. "Michigan State University's College of Agnculture and Natural II Resources will then use the results to tailor educational programs that meet the needs of Few areas of a farm operation can be as complex, confusing and just doggone frustrating as dealing livestock farmers across Michigan. It's critical that we have a good response rate that truly with employees. First of all, it's difficult under the best of circumstances just to find and keep qualified represents the state's livestock producers. II workers. Then you have to factor in our obligation to comply with what seems to be a bewildering variety of labor regulations. It's enough to give any farm employer gray hair and ulcers. The survey will be mailed on Nov. 3, followed up by a phone call from Michigan Ag Statistics Service to non-respondents. Responses, although encouraged, are voluntary, and The agricultural industry has a reputation -- which is undeserved -- of being unwilling to make a positive will be kept confidential and used only for this project. For more infonnation, contact effort to follow the labor rules that apply to farms. I've even heard lawmakers claim that farmers don't Kirk at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2024. care about employees and won't make any effort to police themselves. Bin-Buster on the Way The result of having this kind of image is that regulators feel justified in imposing a tough, punitive regulatory environment. Lately, the U.S. Department of Labor has stepped up its enforcement actions. It's no surprise: USDA's October crop report predicts record corn and soybean crops. Two Michigan farms this fall were fined tens of thousands of dollars for allegedly violating the Migrant USDA says com farmers will shatter the record set in 1992 by harvesting 9.6 billion bushels. and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. Soybean growers, with their expected 2.46 billion bushels, will outpace the 2.26 billion bushels harvested in '79. Get the latest market news and suggestions from MSU's Jim I know that farmers have good intentions and want to do the right thing by their employees. But the Hilker on page 6. blizzard of new labor rules and the intimidating paperwork involved makes many farmers want to throw up their hands and say ifs just too difficult and expensive to comply with the letter of the law. Record Yields to Keep Lid on Food Prices Regulators aren't buying that excuse. They are insisting that farmers come into compliance, regardless This year's expected record corn and soybean crops should help keep the lid on food prices of how complex and costly. in 1995 and also help contain overall inflation, economists told the Reuters News Service. "If food prices keep moderate, that can keep inflation at moderate levels too, given no other Luckily, farm employers have access to an outstanding, easy-to-use and reasonably-priced service outside shocks. Food prices have that kind of weight," said an economist at the U.S. called the Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program (RCAP). Developed by the Michigan Agricultural Department of Labor, the agency in charge of tracking inflation. Cooperative Marketing Association (with the assistance of Michigan Farm Bureau), this program provides clearly worded, concisely stated, all-in-one-place regulatory information and implementation Not since 1979, has the U.S. produced both a record com and soybean crop in the same aids to subscribers. Irs a one-stop-shopping source of factual information that tells all you need to know year. The bad news for farmers is that prices for both crops have dropped by as much as 25 about the farm labor requirements and responsibilities imposed by government. percent since the spring as production estimates have risen. The program currently has two subscription packages available to members -The RCAP Newsletter Food prices, however, depend on more than crop prices. Areas such as energy costs, labor Package for $50 or the RCAP Manual Package for $200 (each, plus tax). A yearly renewal fee will costs and other factors must also be considered. While big harvests alone may not lower continue basic package services and manual updates to subscribers. Both packages contain the RCAP the costs of most foods, they may keep them from rising faster than the current 2.5 to 3 Newsletter Service and a Required Poster Pack. The Manual Package has 18 comprehensive percent pace of inflation at the retail level. topic-related sections covering over 40 rules and regulations. In taday's social and regulatory environment, it is crucial that all farmers fully comply with farm labor Apple Growers Want Statement of Ownership. ".nagement, and Circu"tton ~o,.)JUSC.JltlS, rules. First of all, its the law. Second, these laws protect not just employees but also the rights of Their Day in Court .l.l° Io.!J. ~ I. I. ,...:::::.._ .- .. 1..... - ,-"" 10 ,,$I.~ I employers. Third, we as participants in the state's second largest industry can no longer afford to tolerate t~-,,'--"rI ~~~l:,-: ~ luTUU ~""--"""-~""_ZI#'.41"""""" our farm opera~ons. I strongly urge you to purchase one 01 the Rex packafl'S. i, . the poor public image we get when we violate, however unintentionally, the regulations that apply to Apple growers told a federal appeals panel that the CBS "60 Minutes" segment on Alar caused them severe economic harm and lMIslnl. • c...... -.. lUehta '.0. Lanal",. 10.. • :-~~-:......: "1 r )09.0 Ifl 41t909-'4f1O .... U9O't-14f)O 0... ..-...- l-. 0.. "' ......... ".",-.., l_..o."~_a-J Call RCAP Manager CraIg Anderson today at 1-8fJO.782-6432. (j a..c-It o..u-.e their lawsuit against CBS should be al- lowed to go to trial. An attorney for CBS, l .. r.o. I-. )0%0 L..a' ... "I 41909-""-0 ,...._~ o.ftllh ',0. ...... t 10. lOttoO ...... ......, however, told the panel that the suit was ............... -~-. ~h •• "1 4194)9.14.0 Jack Laurie, President hMll ....... c , .0. In JO..o Michigan Farm Bureau already dismissed by a lower court judge, LMsl"l. I'll 4'909-'4064 and that the broadcast was protected by ..~~~ ....=::P:::~~-;;:,.f"-===:'=----;::!:::.-:=. Food Safety Lies Could Prove Costly constitutional free-speech guarantees. ~"--- The hearing was conducted by a three- Rep. Michelle McManus (R-Traverse City) has introduced legislation to authorize an award judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court I of damages for harm caused by a false or a misleading statement of fact relating to a food product. The legislation would make a person conveying false or misleading statements of Appeals. In September of last year, U.S. District Court Judge Fremming Nielsen of ..=--==::.:..-=----r=----':'.:::"- --- about food products liable for all damages caused by the false statement. The legislation Spokane dismissed the lawsuit saying the has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, according to MFB apple growers had failed to prove the report Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson. was false. II - - _ tow- __ ~~"'--" ,.". oJ .... _._ ................ __ o :::::-.-=.~1'=-",--.. __ -.. Grain Sales to Mexico to Rise According to Scott Jonsson, attorney for the apple growers, Nielsen ignored the Mexico's grain imports are likely to increase by 40 percent during the 1994-1995 crop cycle, show's assertion that Alar posed an immi- ........... -...-c:- 1" .... ,.....0'-' ...c-..-_ .... c-a- according to a report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. nent, certain risk to children. Images and The FAO report stated that Mexican imports of U.S. com will outpace the limit of 2.75 statements on the program led to a "com- .............. ...._c- ,......_" .... ,..,. million tons for tariff-free grain imports under the North American Free Trade Agreement. pelling conclusion of certainty" that chil- The Mexican news agency Notimex reported that Mexico expects to import almost 3.85 dren would develop cancer - a conclusion million tons of corn during the 1994-1995 season. One of the causes of the increase in that led to an "instantaneous response na- imports is an expected 17 percent drop in Mexico's 1994 corn harvest. tionwide" in the form or plummeting apple sales, Jonsson said. Wallace is Assistant State Conservationist Barbara Livingston Wallace has been The growers' class action lawsuit against ............ "k"",,,, _"--c- named assistant state conservationist for CBS is backed up by a Washington State the Soil Conservation Service in Michigan University study that says the telecast cost and will work from the agency's Grand the apple industry roughly $130 million in Rapids office. lost sales. Wallace will be responsible for the urban The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, conservation focus, volunteer programs December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm and constituency relations ofSCS in Michi- Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm gan. She will be working with conservation News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and groups, other private sector organizations additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan and state and local governments to protect, Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan improve and rehabilitate the environment Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909.846O. and make more effective use of limited Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna federal resources. Wilber; Henry Huisjen. Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck The Michigan State University graduate Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, served the agency in Connecticut and Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Douglas Darling, Maybee; District 4, Tom Washington, D.C., prior to accepting her Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; current assignment. She was senior public District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West relations administrator at Amway Corpora- Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan tion from 1989 to 1991 and executive direc- Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young tor of the Mecosta County Area Chamber Farmers, Andy Hagenow, Rockford. of Commerce from 1982 to 1988. , Michigan Farm News October 30, 1994 ITOL o o :D Z m :D Coastal Zone Management Act Reauthorization Amendments MFBCONTACT Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 Department of Agriculture staff met with staff from the En- vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in July for an initial threshold review as proposed under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Although no formal response has been received from EPA and NOAA on Michigan's existing laws and programs to address nonpoint source pollution, initial feedback indi- cates that the wetland and marina categories are very well addressed by existing programs and statutory authorities in Michigan. The federal agencies also agreed that Michigan has developed useful manuals for encouraging implemen- tation of best management practices (BMPs) for agricul- ture, forestry, and urban land uses. However, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Management Act, there must be an enforceable program in place to require implementation of BMP's. Michigan Farm Bureau continues to work with others in the agricultural community to develop an alternative strat- egy to address nonpoint source pollution. The concepts in the alternative strategy would include a program that is "voluntary, incentive driven, and targeted" to specific priority watersheds, and "tailored" to each indi- vidual farm, with the producer being involved in identify- ing problems and indentifying solutions. Michigan Core Curriculum Content Standards Proposed MFB posmON Public Act 335 of 1994 requires the State Board of Educa- Michigan Farm Bureau tion to develop administrative rules governing the core aca- De.spite the large margin of support in the House for H.R. 967, the bill ran into problems policy calls for the defin- demic curriculum, which must be provided by all school , in die Senate when Sen. Patrick Leahy (J)-Vermont), Chairman of the Senate Agricul- ing of a "core curriculum" districts, beginning in the 1997-98 school year. The core tureComl11itt~~, insisted it be amended to include additional recordkeeping require- of courses which must be curriculum includes math, science, reading, history, geog- l1'lent~for pes!icide users. The proposed amendments resulted in senators placing holds required of every pupil raphy, economics, American government, and writing. ... on the. bill ancJifwas not considered by the Senate before adjournment on Oct. 7. plus elective courses to be available to every pupil. The State Board of Education has approved a draft core curriculum for public review. Benchmarks have also been Health Care Tax Deduction on Hold developed for each content standard as indicators of stu- MFBCONTACT dent expectations at various developmental levels. MFB POSITION The 103rd Congress adjourned without taking action on Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 Farm Bureau strongly fa- the expired 25 percent income tax deduction for health in- School districts may supplement the core academic cur- vors legislation to give surance. This provision expired Dec. 31, 1993, and despite riculum; therefore Model Core Curriculum Content Stand- .self-employed persons a repeated efforts to enact an extension through 1994, this ards and benchmarks have also been developed in the fol- 100 percent tax deduction proposal died with adjournment. lowing areas: art education; career and employability "for the cost of health insur-' skills; health education; life management education; physi- ance premiums. The special session scheduled for Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 is re- , cal education; technology; and world languages. served for action on GATT only, so unless there is a modi- fication of this schedule, the self-employment tax deduc- MFBCONTACT To provide an opportunity for input on the core curriculum content standards and bench- Al Almy, Ext. 2040 . tion will await next year and the 104th Congress. marks, the department will hold three types of meetings including: formal public hear- There is precedent for a retroactive extension of this provi- ings on the proposed administrative rules; field review sessions in the COre Curriculum .. sion early next year. In 1992, this provision expired on Content Standards document; and content reviews to focus on individual subject areas . July 30. In the administration's economic recovery legisla- Formal public hearings on the proposed Core Academic Curriculum Standards have tion adopted by one-vote margins in both the House and been scheduled as follows: the Senate in early 1993, this provision was retroactively extended from June 30, 1992 through all of calendar 1993. November 10,1994 November 10, 1994 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:3a.8:30 p.m. Traverse Bay Area Career-Tech Center Don H. Bottom University Center Rooms 127-129 Lake Ontario Room, Second Floor Disaster Assistance Funding Approved 880 Parsons Road Northern Michigan University Traverse City, Michigan Marquette, Michigan MFB POSITION Legislation providing fiscal year 1995 appropriations for Comer of Three Mile and Parsons Comer of Kaye and Lee Drive Farm Bureau supports the USDA has been approved by Congress and signed by disaster assistance pro- President Clinton. The legislation included funding for dis- November 16, 1994 November 16,1994 gram. aster assistance for 1994 crops, including aquaculture, af- 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. fected by natural disasters and for 1995-96 orchard crop Michigan Library and Historical Center Kent Intermediate School District MFBCONTACT losses, if the loss was due to freezing conditions between Forum, First Floor Educational Service Center AI Almy, Ext. 2040 Jan. 1 and March 31, 1994. 717 West Allegan Grand Room Payments to farmers will be made according to the benefit Lansing, Michigan 2930 Knapp Street, N.E. formula contained in the 1990 Farm Bill. The formula re- Exit Martin Luther King Blvd. off 1-4% Grand Rapids, Michigan quires an uninsured crop to experience a 40 percent loss Exit East Beltline off 1-96 and an insured,crop to experience a 35 percent loss to be eligible for disaster assistance. Assistance for target price November 17,1994 November 17, 1994 commodities will be paid in an amount generally equal to 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. 65 percent of the established price for the crop for any loss Oakland Community College Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce exceeding the 35 or 40 percent trigger. Royal Oak Campus Presentation Center Linda Jones-Johnson Theater 600 W. Lafayette Room D-214, Second Floor Detroit, Michigan Assistance for non-program crops will be paid in an amount generally equal to 65 per- 739 S. Washington (and Lincoln) Exit Howard off Lodge Freeway cent of the average market price during the preceding five years excluding the high and Royal Oak, Michigan low years. A major change in the disaster program is that there will be a reduction in Exit Wodward North of 1-696 benefits for producers who incur less expenses in crop production by not planting or har- vesting crops in their fields. Producers who believe they have suffered crop losses that qualify for disaster assistance Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 should contact their local ASCS office. Michigan Farm News . October 30, 1994 II 3D-Day Outlook - Above Average Temps. and Precipe Michigan weather during early Octoberav- eraged mostly milder and drier than nor- mal, continuing a trend that started back in 9/16/94 Michigan Temperature Weather Summary Growing Degree Days Precipitation Actual Normal early September. This weather scenario to 10/15/94 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal greatly favored drydown and harvest of Mean Normal Accum. Accum. linch,) linch) most summer crops. Alpena 55.1 + 2.6 2174 2111 1.15 3.12 Bad Axe 56.1 - 0.3 2275 2557 2.88 2.n Frost and freezing temperatures brought an Detroit 59.7 + 1.9 3151 2788 1.95 2.55 end to the growing season in many spots Escanaba 53.9 + 1.5 1823 1668 1.96 3.07 early in the month, which is very close to Flint 57.0 + 1.0 2582 2788 3.31 2.55 or slightly after the long term climatologi- Grand Rapids 57.3 + 1.5 2707 2843 2.34 3.44 cal first fall freeze normals. By mid-Octo- Houghton 53.4 + 3.0 1778 1910 2.06 2.94 ber, base 50F growing degree day totals for Houghton Lake 56.6 + 3.4 2390 2111 1.16 3.12 the 1994 seasons (since April 1) ranged Jackson 56.5 -1.5 2661 2764 2.11 2.95 from below normal in the upper and central Lansing 56.7 + 0.6 2608 2764 1.91 2.95 lower peninsulas to above normal in south- Marquette 53.0 + 4.4 .1826 1910 2.53 2.94 ern lower Michigan. Muskegon 57.5 + 1.2 2440 2429 2.72 3.21 Pellston 54.5 + 3.5 2059 2190 1.67 3.38 The 30-day National Weather Service out- Saginaw 58.0 + 1.4 2635 2557 2.52 2.n look for mid-October through mid-No- Sault Ste. Marie 52.5 + 2.3 1593 1668 1.49 3.07 South Bend 60.1 + 1.8 3066 2843 4.15 3.44 vember is somewhat unfavorable, calling Traverse City 56.8 + 1.2 2361 2190 1.12 3.38 for temperatures and precipitation to aver- Vestaburg 54.9 - 1.3 2364 2506 2.09 3.11 age near to above normal. Observed and growing degree day totals are accumulated from Apri/1. As has been noted in the past, however, continuity in the computer model guidance Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU recently used in the creation of this outlook has been very weak, so confidence in the November range from the mid to upper 40s in the Upper Peninsula to the upper 40s/low outlook is considered lower than average. 50s in northern lower Michigan to the mid to upper 50s in the extreme south. Normal minima Normal maximum temperatures in early range from the low 30s north to the upper 30s south. Michigan and Major Commodity Extended Weather Outlook Area Michigan Corn and Soybean Yields Near Historical Levels T - Temp. 10/30 11/15 10/30 12/31 Corn and soybeans benefitted from the gen- The soybean yield increased one bushel yield since 1986. This puts production at 3.96 P - Preclp. T P T f. erally warm and drierconditionsduringSeptem- from September, to 36 bushels per acre, com- million cwt., 35 percent less than last year. Michigan A A B A W. Com Belt N N N N ber as yields are up slightly from last month, pared to 38 bushels per acre a year ago. Total As harvest gets underway, the sugarbeet E. Com Belt A A N AIN according to the Michigan Agricultural Statis- production, at 55.4 million bushels, is 1 percent yield dropped a half ton from last month, to 15.5 Wlnt. Wheat Bett N N B N tics Service. Development of most crops is near above 1993. tons per acre. Total tonnage is forecast at nearly Spr. Wheat Bett A N N N or ahead of the five year average. With about 65 percent of the dry beans har- 2.90 million tons, 9 percent below a year ago. Pac. NW Wheat A B A B Detta N A B N Statewide, com yield is forecast at 112 bush- vested, yield is projected at 1,200 pounds per The alfalfa hay yield of 3.9. tons per acre is Southeast N A N N els per acre, two bushels above last year, and up acre, down 400 pounds from the previous year. down .3 tons from the record 4.2 tons set in 1993. San Joaquin N N A N six bushels from the Sept. 1 estimate. This would If realized, this would be the lowest dry bean All yield and production forecasts are based on be the highest corn yield since the record 115 conditions as of Oct. 1. A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- bushels per acre set in 1990. Total production, mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- at 240.8 million bushels, is up 2 percent from the No Preclp. Source: National Weather Office previous year. Michigan Fruit Harvest Progressing Quickly The Oct. 1 grape production forecast, ac- Warm weather in mid-to-late September brought cording to the Michigan Agricultural Statistics the crop to maturity much sooner than the cool Service, was 63,000 tons, up 15 percent from August had led growers to expect. The Jonathan 1993. This would be the largest output since the harvest was near completion and the Empire and 67,500 tons of 1978. Hot, dry weather in June Rome harvest were gearing up. Some Golden ~ ~M;RA1 RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business provided perfect pollination conditions for Con- cords. The warm, sunny conditions in September were ideal for ripening. The harvest of Concords was half done Oct. 1. The brix content for Nia- garas and Concords was excellent. The grape Delicious matured so rapidly that they became soft controlled before they could be picked. Many growers were waiting on Red Delicious to color more. The volume of Northern Spys, the premier frozen slice variety, was down because of bud Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective crop in Pennsylvania was set at 70,000 tons, up damage from last winter's bitter cold. Winter has been to seNe Michigan's farm families. This dedication to seNe agricul- 30 percent from 1993. New York production damage was most prevalent in the northwest. ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- was placed at 185,000 tons, a 57 percent leap Hail damage in southwest and west central tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, from a year ago. weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Michigan sent many bins that would normally The apple crop forecast for Michigan was have gone to fresh apple shippers to juicers. Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm 930 million pounds, 9 percent below 1993 out- Blocks that escaped the hail have produced ex- WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11 :50 am put. Harvest progress was ahead of normal. cellent quality fruit. WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 1-1:30 am WTKA WLEW WHFB Ann Arbor Bad Axe Benton Harbor 1050 1340 6:05 6:30 am am 12:05 pm 12:50 pm 12:30 pm Discover the '1Jislinct Advamge!" WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm • 50 Year Protection • 10 Year Protection WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:55 am 11 :20 am Against snow-load damage co the Against wind load damage to our WTYB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:20 pm structure with no weight limit. optional AlumaSteel@ sliding doors with WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm • 50 Year Protection no wind velocity limit. WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm Against decay or insect attack on • 5 Year Protection WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11 :45am preservative treated columns and Against wind load damage to the WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm preservative treated lumber. structure with no wind velocity limit. WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm • 20 Year Protection • All warranties include materials and labor 1450 Against red rust on and are not prorated. WHTC Holland 12:15 pm painted steel panels WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:15 am including damage WLSP Lapeer 1530 7:20 am 11 :50 am caused by WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm atmospheric WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm pollutants. WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 1,2:15 pm WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WCSY South Haven 940 12:15pm WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am 800-447-7436 * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change g&MORTON with the sign-on times. ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am. *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. G'99~t~~I/M~~ o 1_ Monon Buildonp. In<. Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 • Brown City, MI (810) 346-2702. Kalkaska, MI (616) 258-2580 Rockford, MI (616) 874-6400. Three Rivers,MI (616) 279-5271 ) . Michigan Farm News . -. October 30, 1994 '.- WMU Soy Ink Research Results Good News for Producers In a recent study conducted by Western indicate that soy content does not affect deink- Michigan University, funded by Michigan soy- ability over the aging period and that there were bean growers through their soybean checkoff fewer ink particles remaining in the 100 percent . investment, researchers found that pure soy ink deinked pulp over the six month aging period, has desirable qualities related to papers printed indicating an increase in soy oil content does not with soy ink, aged then recycled . affect the effectiveness of the deinking process. - There was also no significant yield loss in According to the final report given by WMU project's principle investigator, Jean either soy formulation over the six month aging Rosinski, the intent of this study was to: time frame. Research revealed an increase in the o Evaluate and characterize two separate soy Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) over the six month aging period which means that the ink formulations (one was a 60 percent soy oil content ink formulation, the other a 100 organisms were able to break down the wastes. percent soy oil content ink). The fact that it did increase the BOD level sug- gests that more research needs to be done on the o Analyze the waste generated in the recycling use of increased levels of soy oil in the inks. process from these two inks. o Evaluate the aging process on the recycling One other key finding of the research indi- cates that the aqueous waste generated in the process with regard to soy oil content of the deinking and recycling process is not classified inks. as a hazardous waste under the Resource Con- Results of the study prove positive for the servation and Recovery Act. This fact alone environment and soybean growers. Test results could prove very beneficial to recyclers as they dispose of the waste materials. GATT Vote "AII-in-all, the Michigan Soybean Promo- tion Committee is pleased with the results of this Scheduled After the study, and looks forward to continued research You could be reading more of what many Michigan farmers are growing, thanks to the positive results of a research project at Western Michigan University. More and General Election on soy ink and its effects on the environment," more printing presses, such as the one pictured above, are regularly applying soy said Executive Director Keith Reinholt. ink to newspapers and magazines. Before going home Oct. 7, the House and Senate agreed to a lame duck session to vote on passage of a bill to implement GATI. The delay was cause~ by concerns of Con- gressmen about voting on GATT before the election. The House will return on Nov. 29 and the Senate on Dec. 1 to vote. The vote will LIFE INSURANCE occur under so-called "fast track," which means the implementing bill cannot be amended, according to MFB Public Affairs Director AI Almy. "The Administration has given written as- surance to agriculture regarding several in- itial concerns expressed during develop- ~ LIFE INSURANCE ment of the implementing legislation," Almy said. "Farm Bureau supports the • em LIFE INSURANCE GATT bill with the written assurances from the Administration and has asked Michigan congressmen to support ratification." Those assurances include: • Redirecting the export enhancement pro- gram and the dairy export incentive pro- gram toward market expansion and promo- tion at the maximum allowable levels under GATT. Currently, these programs are tar- geted to combat subsidized exports from other countries. • Provide additional funding of $600 million for GATT - legal export promotion activi- [jJ LIFE INSURANCE ties for a wide range of commodities includ- lI] LIFE INSURANCE ing dairy, oilseed products, and high-value commodity products such as fruits and vegetables. • Reauthorize and extend the Conservation Reserve Program, in discretionary spend- ing on USDA agricultural programs at or above the 1995 level in the 1996 and 1997 • budget requests to Congress . The new GATT will establish new trade Life insurance is so important, we agent today to find out the best life disciplines for the 121 participating nations when it takes effect in 1995 and represents can't mention it often enough. Without insurance plan for your situation. Ask some important gains for U.S. farmers. The gains include: it, your family is not protected, your about our new lifetime benefits rider, • The European Union's (EU) push toward higher export subsidies will be reversed. planning is incomplete, and your which allows terminally ill The EU will be required to cut the level of subsidized exports 21 percent in volume future is not secure. policyholders to receive a portion of and 36 percent in budgetary outlays. As a their life insurance proceeds before result, the EU will no longer be allowed to That's why Farm Bureau Insurance spend the U.S. equivalent of $12 billion agents are talking to as many people as death. annually on farm export subsidies. possible about life insurance. But don't Farm Bureau Life Insurance • Market opportunities for all U.S. farm products will be expanded throughout Asia. wait to be asked. Company of Michigan ... protecting • Foreign countries will no longer be al Call your Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan farm families since 1951. lowed to use arbitrary health and sanitary measures to erect trade barriers. • Stronger enforcement measures against foreign unfair trade practices. ___ FARM BIJREAIJ • Does not weaken U.S. sovereignty under the new World Trade Organization that will replace the GATT. MAKING YOUR FUTURE MORE PREDICTABLE •• _@ INSIJRANCE . Michigan Farm News .' '~ October 30, 1994 Market Outlook ... ...... •••••••• ••••••• .•.•••• ••••• ~.'I .r••...•. •••• •••• fl ••• ,j ••• r• 1. ~:.. CORN What does a 9.6 BILLION bushel U.S. corn crop mean? That is what the USDA esti- Seasonal Commodity Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU WHEAT E~RM •••••••• .'~ J~::.. •••• •••••••• mated we will harvest this fall in their Oc- tober Crop Report released Oct. 12. This Price Trends The wheat supply/demand numbers, shown BUSINESS 1994 corn crop will be both a record for below in Table 2, show a relatively tight number of total bushels and for bushels per acre. The country is expected to average Corn ?ST stock situation, and this has been reflected in the prices. The world stocks situation is OUTLOOK 133.8 bushels per acre, wiping out the 1992 record of 131.4, which wiped out the pre- Soybeans ?ST also quite tight. However, at this point, unpriced wheat in on-farm storage, con- stocks are adequate. vious high of 119.8 bushels per acre grown sider hedging it. If you want to stay in the in 1987. Wheat ?TP If the situation stays as we now see it, we market, consider buying a put option to give Iowa is expected to average 150 bushels per acre and Illinois is expected to average Hogs - may be topping. But there is considerable room to move in either direction. If the supply situation becomes any tighter, we yourself some downside protection. If you have wheat stored commercially, check the basis narrowing potential against your stor- 147. Mich igan is expected to average 112 bushels per acre, three bushels below it's Cattle -1 could see much higher prices. However, if supply stays where we expect it and de- age costs. If it still appears it will pay to store, consider the above advice. If not, record, but up six bushels from last month's mand falters, prices could drop off sharply. consider selling your wheat and replacing estimate. While 112 bushels per acre is Index: I = Higher Prices; I = Lower Prices; it with a call option or using a minimum about the expected yield for Michigan, it TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure The wheat basis is quite wide. If you feel price contract. Watch for next year's pric- does not mean that everyone in Michigan is the market is topping and you still have ing opportunities. having average yields. This average 1994 is an indication along with some other signs yield is made up of some very poor yields, that the market will pay on-farm storage. SOYBEANS along with some very good yields. The basis continues to be wide and the Talk about records. The U.S. will produce As we study the supply/demand numbers While total supply is huge, as shown in futures markets show considerable carry. more soybeans than ever this year at 2.458 below in Table 3, it is easy to see stocks will Table 1 below, we are far from the situation This is an indication that on-farm storage billion bushels. And talk about breaking be burdensome, even with the high use es- we saw in the mid 1980s. Total supply is will pay and you should pencil through yield records. Yields are expected to aver- timates. Crushings will be high with the slightly lower than two years ago. And, whether commercial storage will pay for age 40.5 bushels per acre for the country, continued strong oil demand and large live- total supply is considerably below the 12 your location. Use the government loan if only three years ago, we thought a 34.2 stock numbers. And exports are expected to billion bushels we had in 1986-87 and you need cash now. bushel per acre crop was large. And I grow due to low prices and expected aver- 1987-88. On the demand side, it appears we thought the 1992 record of37.6 would stand age South American crops. But that is still will have a high use year. While part of that While I feel we are near the bottom, if you for more than two years. Iowa is expected a wild card. is due to low prices, there are some other need downside protection, consider buying to average 51 bushels per acre. positive factors. Animal numbers are at a put option. If the numbers indicate com- The pricing advice for soybeans is the same very high levels and expected to stay there mercial storage will not pay for you, the Michigan is expected to average 36 bushels as for corn, the basis is wide and it appears at least through this marketing year and decision is much harder. If you want to stay per acre. This is up from last month's esti- prices are bottoming out. Again, I expect probably longer. in the market, you could buy futures, buy a mate of 35, but below the high of 38, which most of the price gains to come from basis call option, or use a minimum price con- we have reached three times. Again, this appreciation versus the futures, unless This gets us to expected ending stocks. The tract, but all of these need the futures to go average, while decent for the state as a South America has trouble or the U.S. crop most recent estimate is 1,822 million bush- up in order to payoff. I expect most of the whole, does not mean everyone achieved has problem next summer. els, over twice last year's amount. This puts price appreciation to come from basis nar- their average yield. the stocks-to-use ratio at 21.] percent, rowing versus futures price increases, at which means an annual average price in the least until next spring. $2 -2.15 range. While these aren't good, it HOGS The hogs just keep on coming. The last Packer margins are the best in over seven CATTLE Hogs and Pigs Report indicated that 4-5 years. Producers who are vertically inte- percent more hogs would be coming into grated are doing fairly well with the implied '!Ie should start to see less cattle coming There is not much pricing advice to give. the market this fall than last year. And we value of their hogs at near $40. But there are Into the market. But, as of mid-October, we The market can not handle over-ready cat- have been seeing 5-6 percent more. This is very few hog producers in this situation. were still seeing over 4 percent more and at tle, so keep current. However, the market an indication the report was correct, and While the high packer returns mean they weights that added several more percent to should be inching up, so don't send them there is little reason to believe they won't could afford to pay higher prices, there is total production. The October Cattle-on- early. I expect the market to reach at least keep coming at levels the report indicated. little reason for them to change their ways Feed Report, should give us a better indica- $69 per cwt. sometime in November. One With prices around $30, this is not a good given the large numbers. But it would be. tion of when year-to-year production will might consider being ready to hit prices at scenario. nice if more of this was passed on to con- slow up. Check it out, we will review it in that level or higher quickly, if it fits into sumers to try and stimulate demand. the next issue. your plans. 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 Pro). Pro). Pro). Pro). Pro). Pro). 1992-93 93-94 94-95 1992-93 93-94 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 60.1 61.8 Diverted 5.3 10.5 ? Diverted 3.5 0.5 ? Acres Harvested 58.2 57.3 60.7 Acres Planted 79.3 73.3 78.8 Acres Planted 72.3 72.2 70.5 Bu./Harvested Acre 37.6 32.6 40.5 Acres Harvested 72.2 63.0 71.8 Acres Harvested 62.4 62.7 61.7 Bu./A. Harvested 131.4 100.7 133.8 Bu./A. Harvested 39.4 38.3 37.6 Stocks (MIllion Bushels) Beg. Stocks 278 292 209 Stocks (MIllion Bushels) Stocks (Million Bushels) 2113 850 Beg. Stocks 472 529 570 Production 2188 1869 24~ Beg. Stocks 1100 Imports 2 6 5 Production 9482 6344 9602 Production 2459 2402 2320 Total Supply 2468 2167 2672 Imports 7 21 5 Imports 70 109 80 Use: Total Supply 10,589 8,478 10,457 Total Supply 3001 3040 2970 Crushlngs 1279 1272 1350 Use: Use: Food 829 869 885 Exports 770 593 740 Feed 5301 4715 5350 Seed, Feed and Food/Seed 1511 1588 1660 Seed 98 95 97 Residuals 127 93 117 Total Domestic 6813 6303 7010 Feed 191 278 225 Total Use 2176 1958 2207 Exports 1663 1325 1625 Total Domestic 1118 .1242 1207 Exports 1354 1228 1250 Ending Stocks 292 209 465 Total Use 8476 7628 8635 Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 2113 850 1822 Total Use 2472 2470 2457 570 Percent of Use 13.4% 10.7% 17.6% Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 529 513 Percent of Use 24.gok 11.1% 21.1% Regular Loan Rate $5.02 $5.02 $4.92 Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $1.72 $1.72 $1.8 Percent of Use 21.4% 23.1% 20.gok Regular Loan Rate $2.21 $2.45 $2.58 ~.S. Season Average U.S.Season Average Farm Price. $/Bu. S5.5O $6.40 S4.95 Farm Price. $/Bu. $2.07 $2.50 $2.10 U.S. Season Average Source: USDA & Hilker Source: USDA & Hilker Farm Price. S/Bu. S3.24 S3.26 S3.45 Source: USDA & Hilker '.~ , Michigan Farm News •• ..... October ...... 30, 1994 . .' IIAMAP Helping to Plan for Now and the Future With the changes sweeping the world in Written as a cooperative effort by several ning, controlling, staffing, directing, and organ- •••••••• ••••••• ••••••• .r••.••• ••••'l••• •••• ~., ~~ ,j ••• r, 11 . general and agriculture in particular, producers need to look at their own operation and ask themselves: "Where will my farm business be in five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Will I MSU departments and field staff, the AMAP workshop encourages a close interaction be- tween the workshop experts and the participants, and strongly recommends all members of the izing. In doing strategic planning, the state's com- petitive business environment is reviewed. Com- parisons are made that allow for identifying E~RM • ' J~:;.. •••• ~ •••••••• •••••••• w. expand? Specialize? Turn it over to the next generation?" farm business and their spouses to attend. It all starts with the Michigan's strengths and potential problems. The development of the mission statement is BUSINESS Considering the future direction of your farm dependent upon individual, family, and business business is important. With some thought, and the use of the right management tools, producers Introductory Workshop -- In the Introductory Workshop, producers values and circumstances. The participants end the mission portion of the workshop having writ- OUT.LOOK can guide their business toward its full potential. develop their own business plan. This business ten their own mission statement. The mission That is where the Agriculture Management plan has four main components: statement is the vision for the business. The use of the acronym DRIVE (directional, Advancement Project (AMAP) can help. This 1) the business mission, They also complete homework exercises, reasonable, inspiring, visible, and eventual) is management education program is offered again 2) long-tenn goals to accomplish the mission, including completing the Myers-Briggs Person- introduced in assessing long-term goals. Partici- this year through Michigan State University Ex- 3) short-tenn goals that achieve the long-term ality Inventory, the rating of critical success fac- pants develop their own long-term goals for their tension, and has expanded to include field crop goals, and tors for their business, and discussing and rewrit- farm business, and learn how to handle conflict- producers and cattle feeders in addition to dairy 4) tactics that reach the short-term goals. These ing their mission statements. ing goals. and swine producers. are illustrated by a pyramid with the mission at the base, followed by long-term goals, short- Short- Term Goals: AMAP helps producers create a vision for Long- Term Goals: their business, positioning it to meet the changes term goals and tactics on the uppermost level. The participants come to the second phase Based upon the long-term goals they've de- and challenges sure to arise. An AMAP work- of the workshop and discuss their revised mis- veloped, they learn how to develop short-term shop acquaints managers with basic manage- Mission sion statements. Their Myers-Briggs Personality goals to accomplish the long-term goals. The ment skills in a classroom type setting. Review- The participants begin the workshop defin- Inventory is scored and observations are made acronym SMART (specific, measurable, attain- ing case studies and using their own business as ing and learning about management. They also on how their personality might influence deci- able, rewarding, and timed) helps in the develop- "homework," participants develop a plan for write their own definitions of management, and sion making and relating to people. They discuss ment of these goals. their business' success. do an exercise that helps them visualize the areas the use of the critical success factors in develop- continued page 11 see of management they are most effective - plan- ing their long-term goals. AMAP Helping to Plan ... .' T of Farm East Central Region Dates* Coordinating Agent Table 1. Scheduled AMAP Introductory Workshops+ Type of Farm Southeast Region (continued) Dates* Coordinating Agent Cattle Feeders Dec. 1,8, & 15 Fred Hilkley - Sanilac County Field Crops (February, dates to Ned Birkey - Monroe County 37 Austin St bes~ 963 5. RaisinvilleRd. '. Dairy Field Crops Jan. 17,24, &31 Jan. 26 Sandusky, MI 48471-1298 Phone: (313) 268-2515 Joe ShaJby - Saginaw County 705AdamsSl Saginaw, MI48602-2192 Phone: (517) 799-2233 Steve Poildexter - Saginaw County Field Crops Southwest Region March 10, 17, & 24 Monroe, MJ 48161-9740 Phone: (313) 243-7113 Rich Hodupp - St Clair County 108 McMorran Blvd. Port Huron, M148060-4061 Phone: (810) 985-7169 Feb. 2 &9 705 Adams St. Dairy and 9Nile Jan. 5, 12, & 19 Stan Moore - Eaton County Saginaw, MJ 48602-2192 551 Courthouse Dr., Suite One • Field Crops Jan. 27 Feb. 3 & 10 Phone: Jim (517) 799-2233 LeCureux - Huron County County Building,Room 104 Jan. 6, 13, &20 Charlotte,Ml 48813-1047 Phone: (517) 543-2310 Ron Green - HillsdaJeCounty Dairy and Field Crops 250 East Huron Ave. 20 Care Dr. Bad Axe, MJ 48413-1397 Hillsdale,MJ 49242 Phone: (517) 269-9949 Phone: (517) 439-9301 Feb. 14,21, & 28 Dan Rossman - GratiotCounty '. Dairy and Swile SWine Feb. 16, 23, & Ron Hayden - Van Buren County 2045. Main March 2 801 Hazan St, Suite A Ithaca, MJ 48847-1465 Paw Paw, MI49079-1075 Phone: (517) 875-5233 Phone: (616) 657-n45 Southeast Region West Central Region Dairy Dec. 2, 9, & 16 Usa Townson -lenawee County Jan. 31, IraKrupp - Ottawa County Dairy 1040 S. Winter St, Suite 2020 Feb. 7 & 14 333 Ointon St Adrian, MJ 49221-3867 Grand Haven, M149417 -1492 Phone: (517) 264-5300 Phone: (616) 846-8250 + Depending upon interest.other workshops may be scheduled. Check with your local Extension agent for workshops near you. ~. * Insome cases, 1he dates may need to be rescheduled. 6'j() 4SO &70 4~ &50 410 aJ m 610 370 5'j() 350 570 330 Com-Dec. 94 I Soybeans - Nov. 94 I 550 Wheat - Dec. 94 310' s:J) ~ Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Rug Sep Oct Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Rug Sep Oct Dee Jan Feh Mar Apr Mall Jun JIll Rug Sep Oct 74.50 212 56 73.50 52 72.50 1% 48 71.50 111) 44 70.50 100 40 61).50 172 :Ii 68.50 1&4 3Z I Live Cattle - Dsc. 94 I 67.50 Soy Meal - Dsc. 94 156 Live Hogs - Dec. 94 28 66.50 148 24, " Dee Jan reb Mar ApT flAy Jun JIg Rug Sep Oct Dee Jan reh Mar Apr May Jun JIg Rug Sep Oct Dee Jan Feh Mar Aprftly Jun JIg Rug Sep Oct Charts Provided by Knight-Ridder Financial Michigan Farm News October 30,1994 Protect Your Hearing on the Farm Do you have a dull, ringing sensation in your ears after a long day on the tractor? It could be an indication of too much noise for you to comfortably tolerate. Overnight rest Permissible Noise Exposure ESBD may restore your normal hearing - but re- peated, prolonged exposure to such intense noise will likely result in permanent hear- HOURS per day of safe exposure ing loss. 10^/ Noise at a level of 85 decibels or below, says the National Institute for Occupational 8 Safety and Health, does not threaten the hearing of most individuals, regardless of iL3 NOISE (decibels) ear plugs or ear muffs while working the length of exposure. And research shows 6 around noisy equipment. that the noise level inside an acoustically Here are recommendations for dealing with insulated tractor cab performing typical potentially damaging noise: 4 field operations is about 85 decibels. But take off the cab, or let corrosion deteriorate • Block noise to protect your hearing. You the exhaust system, and the same tractor can do so by keeping equipment well lubri- 2- cated, properly adjusted, and maintained. will produce 100 decibels. Those 15 extra decibels limit safe operation to two hours before hearing damage becomes a threat. u || ffl^^ Proper maintenance will also lengthen the life of your equipment, reduce down time, and create safer working conditions. 90 92 95 97 100 102 105 110 115 If it is not possible to keep tractor or equip- • Limit your exposure to noise. The risk of ment noise below the 85-decibel level, ear have a rating ranging from 26 to 31; ear Noise-induced hearing loss does not dis- muffs usually have a rating of 23 or more. criminate by age; it can affect teenagers as hearing damage increases with the amount plugs or ear muffs become necessary. of time you spend in a noisy area. If you The operator of a tractor producing 100 well as grandparents. The loss isn't likely decibels of noise could reduce his or her to be reversible, but you can protect the can't reduce your exposure, wear rated ear Ear muffs and disposable ear plugs carry ratings that indicates the number of deci- noise level exposure to a safe level of less hearing you have left by consistently using muffs or ear plugs. Cotton is not an effec- bels by which they reduce noise. Ear plugs than 80 decibels using such protection. tive ear plug material. • In the shop, keep distance between you and noisy equipment. Locate noisy equipment as far away from the work area as possible. Doubling the distance from the source of A FEW SMALL REASONS noise reduces the sound level by a quarter. An acoustic barrier made from fire-resistant material can also help reduce the noise level in a shop. • When purchasing new equipment, con sider the noise output level of the machine. The additional cost of a tractor with a cab may be outweighed by the increased bene- fits of reduced noise and operator comfort. Calendar of Events Nov. 1-3, MFB Policy Development Committee, Lansing, MI. Nov. 9-10, 1994 Michigan Rural Health Conference, McGuire's Resort, Cadillac, Mich. Call (517) 336-1066 for more infor- mation and registration details. Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, MFB Annual Meeting, Westin Hotel, Detroit. Dec. 3, Michigan Crop Improvement As- sociation Annual Meeting, Valley Plaza, Midland, MI. Call MCI A at (517) 355- 7438. Dec. 14-15, MFB New President's Con- ference. Dec. 14-15, Michigan Crop Management Conference, Holiday Inn-South, Lansing, MI. Call MSU's Larry Copeland at (517) 353-9545. Jan 4 - 5 , Michigan Agriculture Mega- Conference (first annual, hosted by the Mich. Cattlemen's Assoc., Mich. Corn Growers Assoc., Mich. Hay and Forage Council, and Mich. Soybean Assoc), For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield Holiday Inn-South Lansing, MI. Call Cindy Reisig, at (517) 669-8589. have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. Jan. 8-12, American Farm Bureau An- nual Meeting, St. Louis, Mo. No matter what your needs... Jan. 17-19, Great Lakes Vegetable Grow- small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family — ers Convention, Grand Rapids, MI. Call Bernie Zandstra at (517) 353-6637. we have the right plan at the right price. March 6-10, Agriculture and Natural Re- sources Week, East Lansing, MI. Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting March 14-17, Michigan Farm Bureau the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. Washington, D.C. Legislative Seminar. Mail or FAX information (include con- For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. tact name and phone number) three weeks in advance to: % MICHIGAN Michigan Farm News P.O. Box 30960 » FARM BUREAU Lansing, MI 48909-8460 FAX: (517) 323-6793 ~: Michigan Farm News October 30, 1994 Is a Soybean Processing Plant in Michigan's Future? Chicago-based Cushman and Wakefield, a real estate service company, says yes. They're seeking an investor to build a $35 million processing plant in Webberville. Michigan crop and livestock producers plant could help eliminate the associated trans- actually have the fa- could get a nice Christmas present this year, if portation of the beans going out of the state and cility built and in op- all goes as planned for a proposed soybean proc- the soybean meal coming back into the state." eration in time for essing plant in Webberville. A decision is ex- Michigan State University Ag Economist the 1995 soybean pected by year-end on the plant which would John Ferris agrees, saying the idea of a Michi- harvest. process 22 million bushels of soybeans annually gan-based soybean processing plant has been "Th i s P Iant - roughly 40 percent of the state's production, discussed over the last 10 years; however, the makes a lot of sense according to Bart Woloson, director of financial restriction has always been to find markets for fo r the a re a and services for Cushman and Wakefield. the soy meal within the state. Growth in the could certainly have Woloson 's company and the Ingham County livestock industry combined with increasing major ramifications Department of Development have been working transportation costs could change things. for the farm commu- closely for the past eight months, conducting "With the transportation costs for soybeans nity in Michigan," market research and feasibility studies. Woloson to be shipped to Indiana, Ohio and elsewhere for Woloson said. "Not says that Webberville has some obvious advan- processing, and then shipping the meal back, it only is there a great tages over other Michigan locations. begins to make sense at some point to begin advantage in regard "Webberville has an excellent business park processing beans locally," Ferris said. "This to animal nutrition, that's already set up with all the necessary infra- plant would not be a long shot as far as I can see. bu t we th ink the structures, and has a couple of major agribusi- The Kent Feeds plant located in Mason should pricing structure for ness companies at the site," Woloson said. "It's also help to attract a potential soybean process- soybeans will in- also located in the approximate center of the ing plant." crease to the extent state's soybean growing territory. It's the one Although he declined to name any company that there will be a site that could best serve the whole state of specifically, Woloson did say his company is sizeable switch-over Michigan." now working closely with "a major player" to from corn to soy- Woloson said that Webberville's location on build and operate the facility. He hopes that a beans in the state." the 1-96 interstate system, CSX Railroad access, positiye decision will be made by year's end, and and readily available source of high-pressure gas from Consumers Power were all big bonuses for '- , a processing facility that requires good transpor- tation and access to raw product. The Country- mark Cooperative Terminal and the Anderson Fertilizer facility are also located at the same site. Ingham County Director of Development, TAKE' THE"Bln'OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS Ed Grobe, says the Webberville site would be suitable for a number of agricultural enterprises, including a food distribution center and process- ing facilities. He believes that location and local government commitment to funding infrastruc- tural needs, will pay-off in the long run. "For the last 10 years, we've been building roads, getting water and sewer, and gas and all of the other necessities in the industrial park," Grobe explained. "Between the local develop- ment authority and state grants, we've got nearly $128 million in long term bonding committed to this industrial park." Grobe expects the $35 million plant will add another 100 jobs to the local economy, in addi- tion to providing another market outlet for soy- beans, which could mean a better price for farm- . , ers raising them, and a lower price for the live- stock producers buying soymeaI. According to Woloson, the recent commitment by the state legislature to fully fund the $71 mill.ion livestock initiative made the idea of a soybean processing plant all the more attractive, since more livestock means more demand for soybean meal in live- stock feed. "The thrust of that legislation is to encourage more animal production, particularly hogs and poultry, which directly affects the intake of soy- . /' bean meal in the state," Woloson said. "This Webberville Business Park Proposed Site #17 Member dental insurance is the affordable way !o assure that you and your f'amily receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and eon.sider the advantage! Single $18 per montn • Couple $32 per month Member/Gnild $32 per month • Family $41 per month ,,~ 1I':='j,t"E~1J TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 3236. Please Print Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, MI 48909 C' State ZIP MFN Michigan Farm News - EPA Minor Use Pesticide Proposal a Wakeup Call? •• October 30, 1994 ~I settlement agreement wiJI not take effect until it is accepted by the U.S. District Court An Environmental Protection Agency and the NFPA. proposal that could lead to the cancellation of at least 36 chemicals commonly used on This determination may not be made until fruits and vegetables could provide needed January, 1995. If accepted, EPA will begin momentum for reform of the nation's food reviewing pesticide tolerances within six ~, safety laws, according to Ken Nye, director months and make final decisions on initial ~ of commodity activities and research for revocations of tolerances within 18 months. Michigan Farm Bureau. Additional reviews and tolerance revoca- tions are scheduled to occur within five "While we do have a very good food safety years of the agreement. system, there are some reforms that are necessary, especially in the area of deter- At this time, it is unclear how the proposed mining risks versus benefits," Nye said. settlement agreement will affect the use and "This EPA plan, if agreed to by industry cancellation of agricultural pesticides. Al- groups and the federal court, provides a ready, strict interpretation of the Delaney reasonable timetable that recognizes the Clause by EPA is expected to result in the technical complexity of reviewing chemi- loss of many pesticides which are essential cals as well as the absence of an imminent for the production of agricultural commodi- threat to human health." ties. The EPA proposed settlement agreement is In spite of the NRDC's efforts to use the in response to a petition which was filed by proposed settlement agreement to generate the National Food Processors Association a new food scare, thle~eis no new. i~dform~- ~ (NFPA) in September 1992. The NFPA pe- EPA's most recent proposal could jepoardize 36 different minor-use pesticides tion to support the c aim that pestici e resI- tition was filed in response to a suit by the depended on by Michigan fruit and vegetable producers. dues constitute a substantial health risk. A state of California and the Natural Re- that may concentrate in processed food, and Although the proposed settlement agree- Farm Bureau-supported food safety reform sources Defense Council (NRDC) to iden- revoke both the raw and processed food ment is being hailed as a major victory by bill that reforms the Delaney Clause has tify every pesticide that is a carcinogen and tolerances for such pesticides. the NRDC, it is important to note that the attracted over half of the members of the U.S. House as cosponsors. Nye said Michigan farmers could be af- ..... fected if the EPA bans chemicals used on l.#' fruits and vegetables. "We have many mi- nor crops that depend (;n these crop protec- tion tools. If we lose some of those, it will be one more arrow out of our quiver of control measures that we use to battle in- sects. In some cases, we have very few alternatives left, he said. II LOQking Back Alamo keeps business travel clear and easy; Alamo gives the business traveler more ways than ever to breeze. You can use it at more than 115 Alamo locations keep things simple. And now, your association membership nationwide-more than two thirds are right on-airport! entitles you to complimentary Trial Alamo Express~ which To ensure a uniform standard of quality, all locations gives you easy access to the cost-effective convenience nationwide are company-owned and operated and feature of Alamo. a fine selection of quality General Motors cars. Save Money Get A Bonus 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. international rates. And, with the attached coupons, you You will get airline frequent flyer benefits with Alaska, will get $10 off any 2-day to 14-day rental and One Free American, Delta, Hawaiian, United and USAir. Plus, you 60 Years Ago . Upgrade with Complimentary Trial Alamo Express". Better yet, if you are traveling with an associate, there will get Hyatt Gold Passport or Hilton HHonors bonus points when Alamo car rental is in conjunction with a A highlight for the Michigan State Farm Bureau in 1934 was winning a court suit to ., is no charge for additional drivers. And as always, you qualifying stay. exempt farm supplies from sales tax. The get unlimited free mileage every day, on every car at Call today decision by Judge Leland W. Carr of the every location. Ingham Circuit Court meant from a For member reservations, call your Professional Travel Agent Save Time or call Alamo at 1-800-354-2322. Be sure to request $500,000 to $1 million savings in sales Second, you will love the convenience of Alamo Expresstl• Rate Code BY and I.D. # 223212 . taxes on the production supplies in dispute. It speeds up your bookings and makes business travel a Judge Carr ruled that sales of merchandise to farmers -- seeds, feeds, fertilizers, insec- .. ticides, fungicides, machinery, imple- . ments, fences, etc. -- for use in producing crops intended for sale should not be sub- ject to the 3 percent sales tax. Whae~~mJb It was the climax of a 17-month effort by Alamo ftaturesJW General Motors Cim like this Chevy Beretta. 39155AS Farm Bureau and 180 associated farmer -------------------------------------------------------.----------------------------------------------------- cooperatives to convince the state Board of $10 OFF MIDSIZE CAR : ONE FREE UPGRADE WITH Tax Administration that farmers are enti- • • Certitiate is valid for $10 elf a renuI on a midsiu: through a fulhiu or. I I COMPUMENTARYTRIALALAMO EXPRESS • tIed to sales tax exemption on farm supplies '. • OtTer valid on rewIs c:i two to fourteen ~ I • In the US.A., certifiate is valid for one free upgr3dc fiun a cornp:Kt or to a fullsize or. • Only one certifiatc per rewI. oot to be used in coojunction with my orha certifiates/elfen. : • In Europe*, cenifiatC is valid lOr one free upgrade to next oratepy. Y.lJid fiun m ecooomyor bought to produce goods for sale. • A 24-hour advance reservation is mJUi~ RcservmonS ~ subject to avaibbility at time c:ibociing. I and aboYe, up through a fullsiu: or with cornpmble tnlUmission . • Certifiatc must be ptscrUd at the Abmo counter on arriVll • Up~ subject to avaibbility at time c:i renuI, as certain or types nuy oot be avaibble. • Offer valid 01"\ rewls c:i one to fourtttn ~ • This certifiatc is ~ isQi at ill Abmo Ioations in the USA ooIy. Once ~, this certifiate • This certifiatc and the or rewI pursum to it ~ subject to Abmoi corditions at the time c:i rewI. • Only one cenitiatC per rewI, oot to be used in coojunction with my orha cenifiates/iXTen. • A 24-hour advance reservation is mp1i~ Reservations ~ subject to avaibbility at time c:iboOOng . ****** Minimum age lOr renuI is 21. Alllttten mUlt Iuve a valid drMr's Iicmse. • CertifiatC must be presented at the Alamo Express' CtlUrttr on arrival. At the 17th annual meeting of the Michigan • The maximum ,-we c:i this certifiate which nuy~ied tl7N.lrd the basic me c:i one renuI is $10 iXT. • This certifiatc is redttnubIe at all Abmo Ioations in the US.A. and Europe*'. Once redemJed. this State Farm Bureau in November of 1934, The basic Dte does oot include WI:S mi other . items. No refund will be given on my unused portion certifiate is \tlid. c:i the certitiace. Certifiatc is oot redemubIe ash. • This certifiatc and the or rewI punumt to it ~ subject to Abmo's cooditions :It the time c:i rewI. two more commodity marketing exchanges • Certificate is mill and mid if altered, revised or wpiated in my Wl'f. In the evett c:i loss or expimion • Minimum age lOr rewI is 21. All rerUn must Iuve a valid drimo's Iicmse. became affiliated with the Bureau -- the .(j certifiatc will oot be rqUced. • Certifiate dots oot include my WI:S or other optioml items. ~Iid on self-drM renuIs ooIy. • Certifiatc annot be used in coojunction with m Abmo Express Plus'" PnuI. • This anifiate is null mi mid if altered, revised or dupiated in my Wl'f. In the evett c:iloss or expimion • Michigan Cooperative Wool Marketing • OtTer valid August 21, 1994 through Drcember 13, 1995 ccctpt: 09/01/94-09/03/94, 10I06/94-1044. Banner bloodlines. MSU Austin. 1-517-738-8667. ATTENTION Developer.: Call 1-517-866-2515. performance tested. 19 subdivision 166' frontage Call Rye Hereford Farm, lots. 200' lot on South Van 1-517-734-3005. Dyke. Water, sewer, gas. City BUILDINGS: Canceled o( Bad Az. By owner! Call orders. Two Quonset Steel LlAMAS: Pet males. Halter 1-517-269-8225. Arch Buildings, 41'x78' and trainedl Also available 51'x90. Selling for balance weanling and adult female breeding stock. Greatwool for hand spinnersl Call PAIR OF GRADE Haflinger Mares, 3 and 4 years Old. FOR SALE: Year round produce market with Deli & Greenhouse. Also market owed. Brand newl Call Larry at our factory, 1-800-866-2534. Serious FOR DISPLAY 1-616-582-7473. does some wholesale. Great inquiries please. Horton Bay llam. Broke to drivel $2000 pair. potentialI Frankenmuth. Call Also have wagon. Call Arch Building Systems, Inc. Charlevoix, MI 1-810-793-4907. OSTRICH CHICKS Exceptional South African bloodlines available in all 1-313-971-1804. Thoroughbred Horaes for ONE OF THE FASTEST growing telecommunications company in American, needs DEBT RESTRUCTURING: 8 AD sale. Broodmares; pleasure years practice representing ages. Let us introduce you to and hunt jump prospects. Call you. Terrific 0rportunity for Michigan family farmers. America's newest agricultural aggressive sel starters. Be industrySlackwing Oabich 1-810-615-4872. your own own boss. Training Specializing in reorganiza- tionl Experienced in many INFORMATION am -- Ranches, 1-216-325-3456 providedl Call agricultural issues, including or 1-708-541-4888 1-517-773-7484. PA116 requests. PIEDMONTESE CATTLE: . Alto Daniel Kraft, 1-51~85-8885. Lean, tender, double muscled, good caMng ease. Quality registered breeding stock. Also available embryos AVON: We need Rep's in FOR SALE: One Class A CALL and semen. your areal Earn to Share of stock in the Scottish Redbird Farm. $200-$1200 month. Training 241 ACRES WITH 213 acres Hills Club k>catedin Gladwin Lapeer, Michigan 1-810-797-4701 QUALITY ANGUS BREED- and support. Work your own hoursl Only $20lkit to start! Call 1-800-655-3295. tillable. A very good bottom farm with drainage ditch to control the water table. Has 28,000 bushel grain storage. County. This entitles you to a building site, hunting and fishing 1-517-426-4902. rights. 1-800-292-2680 ING STOCK Performance A very good specialty crop tested, Bulls semen tested. farm. Located north of Free delive~. Also Border Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. BORDNER ANGUS FARMS Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353.. Coldwater, Michigan. Priced to sell at $900 per/acre. Call Don Leis for details. 1-800-878-5751 INTRODUCTORY $60 per ton; animal bedding OFFER: EXT. 3201 made from recycled news- QUALITY HOLSTEIN and BIRD FERTILIZER COOPERSVILLE, Michigan. paper, chopped not shred- Jersey service age bulls for SERVICES. 1100 N IrvinQ, Dairy farm, 80 acres, 5 ded. More absorbent-less sale. High producing Dams Greenville. Fertilizer, chemi- bedroom ranch with walkout f1ies-less odor. 70# bales. with high butterfat Call 1-517-871-2516 1-517-871-9414. and protein. Reasonably pricedI or cals, seed, lime, feed. Soil testing, truck spreading and custom spraying. 1-616-754-3684. Call basement (18 years old), 84x176 and 48x96 barn, 5 silos. 1-616-453-0817. Sundays. Call Gary No Clan Futur. 1-517-876-6051 Turner, MI Why Pay More? RED DEER Mineral Owners Gas/Oil: Ontario farm raised bred EXPERIENCED Michigan MICHIGAN MUSHROOM Investor interested in females and stags for sale at agribusiness attorneys with Farm. Owners retiring. 62 purchasing, producing royalty reaoonable prices. Superior farm backgrounds. Know- acres, 48,000 square foot Income for Immediate cash. size, excellent breeding ledge and experience in all building, fully equipped, tum- Prefer Antrim gas. Other stock. Government tested! farm areas; restructure, stray key. Must seel Financing formations considered. Call For further information, please call voltage, bankruptcy, estate planning. EAST SIDE: available. Southeastern Michigain. Contact Dennis Jay, 1-800-968-7645. Cut Your Prescription Costs Eagleatone Farm Thomas J. Budzynski, 43n7 Oster, Agent, P.O. Box 271, 1-416-485-3466 Groesbeck Hwy .. Mt. Sl Clair Shores, MI 48081. Enjoy substantial savings on over 5,000 of the most Clemens, MI 48036, 1-810-775-7990. HARDY OUTSIDE popular name brand prescriptions. non-prescriptions, REGISTERED Black Angus WOOD FURNACE: bull. Top blood lines. Provenl 313-463-5253; WEST SIDE: vitamins, and medical supplies. Plus, save even Robert A. Stariha, 40 W. Wortds #1 seller. All stainless Call 1-517-726-1014. SEED PROCESSING equip- steel construction. Heats more when you order generic equivalents! Sheridan, Fremont, MI ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK, ment for sale from former horne, hot water tank, po