11= ItJ'GH'CAN FARItJ BUREAU February 15, 1996 Vol. 73, No.3 USDA approves early-out option on CRP contracts C iting tight domestic and world grain supplies, USDA announced plans to allow producers to opt out early on Conservation Reserve Program contracts expiring Sept.30. Nationwide, that could mean, potentially, another 15.3 million acres coming back into production this spring. According to Michigan's Farm Service Agen- cy Agricultural Program Specialist Bob Payne, 67,700 acres in Michigan are scheduled for con- tract expiration on Sept. 30 and would be eligible for the early-out option. "Some of those acres would not meet the eligibility requirements, so the actual acres eligible for early release would be less than 67,000 acres," he advised. Payne said that land devoted to useful life easements, windbreaks, grass waterways, shallow water areas, filter strips, or land within an average of 100 feet of a stream or permanent water body will not be eligible for the early-out option. Eligible land must have an erodibility index Making the decision to switch to 1S-inch rows was easier than finding a corn head to harvest them with of 15 or less, and if classified as highly erodible, for Farm Bureau member Don Morse of Saginaw County. He used a design from a three-row prototype producers must have an approved conservation created by Illinois farmer Marion Calmer to build the first "-rollY, 1S-inch corn head in the country. Morse plan. If the ground is to be used for haying or was pleased with how well the narrow-row head worked on h~rvesting over 400 acres of co~n last year: pasture, producers must also have an approved haying or grazing plan. St,-11no 1995.arm ~ b ,-Il COVER STORY USDA plans to announce sign-up dates and other details as soon as they become available, once the rule-making process is completed. USDA Interestln:ZZ-and15-lnch is reponedly going to also offer options on con- tract extensions before the early-out sign-up peri- Congress takes a three-week vacation without rows appears to be spread- Ing. Michigan producer first od. Payne predicts that it could be late February a final farm bill package or a budget deal. to build 1S-lnch corn head. or early March before all of the details are final- on't look for any direction from Congress increase in the debt ceiling, but only time will tell at nce thought of as a novel idea reserved ized and applications accepted. In total, over 36 million acres have been enrolled in CRP with payments of $1.8 billion D in making your farm management deci- sions for the 1996 growing season until at least the end of February. Politics and a three-week this point. Late Feb. 7, the Senate passed a 1995 farm bill by a vote of 64-32. The bill had bipanisan suppon for specialty crops such as dry bean and sugar beets, narrow rows are quickly proving their wonh in more typical crops, drawing congressional recess have prevented both the House with 44 Republicans and 20 Democrats voting for it the interest of more and more Michigan crop pro- made to approximately 375,000 contracts. USDA and the Senate from finalizing a farm bill package on final passage. Farm Bureau urged passage of the ducers. A standing-room-only crowd of 237 produc- Secretary Dan Glickman, said the early-out option that would assist producers in making management bill without weakening amendments. ers gathered recently in Frankenmuth to hear the will allow producers to take advantage of high decisions for the 1996 growing season. Following are some of the provisions included latest on narrow rows and to get answers on how to market prices while also allowing the depanment During the two days preceding the recess, in the bill passed by the Senate: plant and, most imponantly, how to harvest them. to meet its responsibility of ensuring sufficient events surrounding the efforts by Congress to pass • The bill provides for full planting flexibility for According to Michigan State University re- supplies of grain to meet market demand. a new Farm Bill changed by the hour, according to farmers but restricts produ~tion of cenain fruits search trials, 22-inch rows have shown an average 7 Meanwhile, traders at the Chicago Board of MFB Public Affairs Director AIAlmy. and vegetables. percent yield increase in corn, an additional2Y2 bags Trade called the announcement neutral to slightly Almy said, that despite House Agriculture • Farmers would have the opponunity to sign per acre in dry beans, and an additional 1.2 tons per friendly to the markets, since the market had Committee approval of a free-standing farm bill on seven-year market transition contracts. During acre in sugar beets. Equally imponant, sugar content been trading early-out rumors for over a week. Jan. 30 that was almost identical to the Freedom-to- each of the seven years these farmers would and quality is improved, according to Saginaw Coun- USDAalso estimates that producers will withdraw Farm Act (which President Clinton vetoed as pan of receive guaranteed but declining payments not ty Field Crops Agent Steve Poindexter. only 1 million to 3 million acres ahead of schedule the budget reconciliation package), efforts to waive linked to market prices. Payment eligibility would Although 22-inch rows have been in the spot- from CRP.• a three-day rule f;tiled, preventing the full House be linked to whether a farmer has farmed a crop light for quite some time in the state's sugar beet from voting on the measure. for three of the last five years. and dry bean growing region, the results of narrow 'The three-day rule prevents a bill approved • Mandatory acreage idling and other production rows in corn, and the availability of factory-built by committee to be considered on the floor before controls would end immediately. planters capable of planting 15-inch rows, has many three days have passed, to allow committee mem- • Assigned acreage planting limits for domestic producers poised to make the switch to narrow bers who desire to file comments in the repon that sugar growers would end and the guaranteed rows, says Poindexter. accompanies the bill to the floor," Almy said. "Con- minimum price suppon would in effect be low- "In this area, 22 -inch rows fit our system the gressman Pat Roberts, chairman of the House Agri- ered 1 cent a pound. best because there's sugar beets in the rotation," culture Committee, then tried to get unanimous • The current dairy program would not be changed. Poindexter explained. "However, if you're a corn consent from the House to consider the farm bill An amendment to delete a provision creating a and soybean producer, you may want to look at 15- on Feb. I, which also failed." Nonheast Dairy Compact was approved. inch row widths, since you aren't limited to 22-inch The House then adjourned until Feb 26. Almy said, • Payments would be available to farmers who row widths to harvest sugar beets. I have no doubt there is some speculation that the House might agree to keep wetlands out of production. that there's going to be a significant amount of return before then to consider the farm bill and an Continued on page 6 Continued on page 4 EPA to proceed with pesticide Hemp dogbane control in corn ... 10 MPPA honors farmers, cancellations 4 Fifth generation farmer makJ!s veterinarian 15 A new era in financial analysis 7 commitment to agriculture 12 Nutritional benefits of soybeans Planned post program provides growing 16 Apple committees pursue top weed control 8 funding increase 13 Consider testing corn for fumonisin Are your fuel storage tanks if feeding swine or horses 17 What's the future of dairy insured? 9 futures? 14 Ag and the Internet 20 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 17 16~~ri'I:l'~ February 15, 1996 Nevus Fischler: No backing down on EU meat Bt-resistant corn patent approved Meat inspection rules open for comment i. Bl'i.ef hormone ban E uropean Union Farm Commissioner Franz Fischler said the European Union (Ell) has no T he u.s. Patent and Trademark Office has given DeKalb Genetics the first U.S. patent for pest- resistant corn plants. The corn is injected with Ba- P ublic comments are being accepted on the USDXs plans to overhaul meat and poultry rules and regulations. The major pan of the update intention of ending a ban on imports of hormone- cillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins, which would require federally inspected meat and poultry render the plants immune to the European corn plants to adopt a science-based preventive system Group alleges use treated meat or striking a deal with the U.S. The EU borer. DeKalb expects to market this super pest- of food safety controls. Comments on (he plan are voted to continue its ban on impons of growth of BGH increases hormone-treated beef resistant corn in 1997.• being accepted through Feb. 27. risk of cancer' The European Parliament also passed a resolu- Nearly three-fourths of existing rules are scheduled for change or elimination. Some labeling A t a Washington, D.C., news conference, a group calling itself the Cancer Prevention tion calling for another conference on growth hor- mone use to be held in 1996. This conference - a Michigan 1,995 rules would become more flexible and would allow use of "low-fat" or "light turkey" on products such Coalition charged that consumption of milk from follow-up to one held last year - will include repre- vegetable summary as hot dogs and turkey ham made with substitute cows treated with bovine growth hormone (BGH) sentatives from producer, consumer, developing could increase the risk of breast and colon cancer in humans. The group is chaired by long-time anti- country and animal rights activist groups. FISchler said, the EU should be ready to enter M ichigan vegetable growers produced 832,100 tons of fresh market and process- ing vegetables, excluding strawberries, in 1995, ingredients that change nutritional values. USDAalso has plans for a sweeping reorgani- zation of its meat and poultry inspection division. chemical activist Samuel Epstein, professor of pub- a trade war with the United States to defend its ban. according to the Federal!State Michigan Agricultural The Food Safety and Inspection Service plans to lic health at the University of Illinois. "We don't contemplate lifting the ban or nego- Statistics Service. This represents a 7 percent de- consolidate 50 field offices into 18 centers and reor- The allegation theorizes that BGH increases tiating with the Americans," Fischler said of the crease over last year's production of 895,280. Spring ganize its headquarters in Washington, D.C. the presence of the natural protein IGF-l (insulin- eight-year-old ban, noting the EU is still justifying its weather conditions were cool, and some crops got The shuffle would consolidate plant inspec- like growth factor I), which, Epstein says, increases ban on the basis of scientific data. However, at a off to a slow stan. Summer temperatures were hot tion, compliance, import inspection and egg products the chance that normal breast cellular activity will recent scientific conference, beef hormones were and humid, causing the harvest season to end early inspection into one structure. The bureaucracy in transform into the development of cancer cells. proven to be fine for human consumption. for some crops. Some acreage was lost due to the the plant inspection area would be trimmed and more In response, the Food and Drug Administra- Fischler said, European demand for beef heat and isolated heavy rains. resources allocated toward "front -line" inspection .• tion said the allegations are based on blatantly false could drop by at least 20 percent, or 1.6 million Fresh market production, including the dual assumptions. Representatives of the American Med- tons, if the ban on U.S. beef is lifted. He said, the ical Association and the American Cancer Society EU would vigorously defend any challenge to the purpose crops asparagus, cauliflower and celery, was down slightly from 1994. Asparagus production u.s. predicted to become also said the charge was nonsense. Epstein's claims ban through the World Trade Organization, but was up 31 percent, carrots rose 31 percent, and beef exporter in 1996 are not new; he was active throughout the BGH conceded the fight would be tough. he United States is poised to become a net approval process and those claims were rejected back then by scientific authorities. "They (U.S.) appear to have the upper hand for the time being,': Fischler said. "The EUwill be well snap beans were up 16 percent from a year ago; cantaloupe, cauliflower and sweet com also had T exponel of beef this year, according to the National Cattlemen's Association. U.S. beef expons increases of production. Several fresh market vege- FDAsaid the coalition's findings are scientifi- advised to play fheir cards close to their chests." tables, however, had lower production: onions were increased in volume by 460 percent between 1980 cally unfounded. All the studies cited by Epstein U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor has down 13 percent; cabbage fell 26 percent; cucum- and 1995, NCAsaid. The value of the shipments were not original works (published prior to 1994), repearedly said, that if the impon ban continues, bers were down 7 percent; celery, bell peppers and rose by 650 percent during the same time period. the agency said, and it believes that Epstein's inter- the U.S. will file a formal complaint with the World tomatoes fell by 6 percent from 1994. In 1995, the U.S. exponed $3.1 billion of beef pretations of the data are inaccurate .• Trade Organization .• Processing production decreased for all of and veal, NCAsaid. This year, approximately 1.1 Michigan's processing vegetables. This decrease million tons of beef will be exported, according to caused the processing production for Michigan to the U.S. Meat Exporters Federation - up 18 percent Recent farm break-in Ilwake up call" go down 14 percent from last year.• from 1995. "This (1996) is the beginning of a historic to animal rights terrorism tendency that will make the United States a net he break-in at a mink ranch near Sheboygan, movement because they have seen to what extreme T WIS.,earlier this month, should serve as a "wake up call" to Wisconsin farmers that animal the groups will go to carry out their value system," said Tom Thieding, Wisconsin Farm Bureau animal Grain trader to use exponer in volume and in value," said RickAllen, U.S. Meat Exponers president. Exports only ac- counted for 3 percent of U.S. beef sales in the mid- rights terrorism exists in their state, according to welfare coordinator. crop maps 1980s; today they account for 10.5 percent of total the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. A group called the Animal Uberation Front has "It appears Wisconsin may be the next hotbed for this type of terrorist activity because the state is S tarting next month, Chicago grain traders will be able to use crop maps on their computers to see how specific crop fields are doing around the wholesale beef sales. NCAcredits the rise to the opening of world markets due to the implementa- taken credit for illegally releasing 400 mink at the the top mink and veal producing state in the nation, tion of NAFTAand GATT.• Sheboygan ranch. This group also took credit for and has thousands of dairy, beef, swine and poultry United States. The traders will be able to use "vege- previous terrorist attacks around the nation, includ- farms." tation greenness maps" gleaned from a National ing arson at a Michigan State University animal re- The Wisconsin Farm Bureau is urging local law Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather Beef report not as search laboratory, a burglary at the Rocky Mountain enforcement agencies to become more aware of satellite. The maps were created by Ecosystem Test- bullish as thought ing Designs Inc. and the University of Kansas. Fur Cooperative in Montana and a raid at Washing- ton State University. "Uvestock farmers in WISconsin should be- animal rights terrorism. It is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons causing damage to members' farms .• The new data will assist farmers and traders in determining when crops are ready for harvest. Sub- N ews that the Jan. 1 cattle herd was much smaller than expected puzzled industry ana- lysts until they realized that USDArevised down last come more concerned about the animal rights scribers to the system will receive four different year's figures. maps on their computers, which will be updated USDXs tally of the total cattle herd came in every two weeks. Similar maps are being developed about 1.2 million head below trade estimates, but Michigan producers speak at for China, South America and other areas .• USDArevised itsJan. 1,1995, herd down by nearly a Triazine review conference million head, accounting for much of the difference. If analysts' pre-report estimates are revised was submitted to EPAin December. Another use for down by the same amount, the result is a total beef herd about as expected, with less herd liquidation The repon was a collaborative effon soybeans? than expected. of MFB,along with the Michigan Agri- he Agricultural Research Service reports that cultural Cooperative Marketing Asso- ciation's Apple and Cherry Division, T an enzyme from soybean hulls is replacing formaldehyde in adhesives, abrasives, protective Another bearish aspect of the repon is that it shows the largest number of cattle outside of feed- lots since 1987 - up 3 percent over last year. "The Michigan Christmas Tree Association, coatings and similar products. The enzyme, soybean repon is very bearish to the feeders," says Dale and Michigan State University. peroxidase, can be used for products ranging from Henson, analyst for Dean Witter. The repon was prepared based medical diagnostic tests to removal of chlorine- Henson says, the weight breakdown suggests on a survey of apple, cherry and containing pollutants .• that feeder cattle futures will be pressured Monday Christmas tree growers, regarding , through the November contract.. their use of Atrazine and Simazine. The survey showed that 57 percent of the growers expect yield losses, Fruit production 1995 (Left to right) MFB Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm, Farm Bureau member Wayne Korson, Congressman Dick Chrysler (R-Brighton), MFB Public Affairs Director AI Almy and Farm Bureau member while 63 percent of the producers suggest that quality would also suffer with the loss of triazines. Per acre T he mild winter of 1995 and above normal tem- peratures during most of the growing season spelled a bountiful fruit harvest in the Great Lakes million pounds were not utilized. The abandon- ment of almost one-fifth of harvestable production was due to very low prices. The yield in Michigan Daryl Peterson. cost increases varied from just $4 per State, according to the FederalJState Michigan Agri- rose to 10,300 pounds per bearing acre, up from M ichigan producers and Farm Bureau mem- bers Daryl Peterson, of Montcalm County, and Wayne Korson, of Mason County, travelled to acre to S350 per acre with an average increase of $42 per acre expected. The conference was intended to provide a cultural Statistics Service. Apple output was a state record, exceeding 29 million bushels for the first time. Peach production rebounded from the disas- 6,560 pounds in 1994. Sweet cherry production rose 8 percent from 1994 to 27,000 tons. Michigan was the leading state in cultivated Washington, D.c., to attend a National Triazine Bene- mid-point assessment of the triazine special review, trous 1994 crop. Tan cherry poundage exceeded blueberry production. The 67 million pound out- fits Symposium and provide testimony on the re- which will likely conclude in 1997 or 1998.• market demand, causing economic hardship for put was more than 40 percent of the U.S. total. The sults of a MFB-sponsored Benefit Use Report, which many growers. The high quality sweet cherry crop, farm-level value of this fruit was over $33 million. however, brought higher prices. While large, the Seventy-two percent of Michigan blueberries were The Michigan Farm News (ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twke per month except In the months of November. December. frozen or canned. June and July when only one issue Is printed. as a service to regular members, by Michigan Fann Bureau, 7373 West blueberry and Concord grape harvests were dimin- Saginaw Highway. lansing, Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 Is Induded In annual dues of ished by dry conditions. Fall harvest weather was Peach production catapulted from 15 million Michigan Farm Bureau regular mem~rs. Addl1lonal subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to nonmembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-class postage paid at lansing. Michigan, and additional very good for the second year in a row. pounds in 1994 to 60 million pounds. Michigan pear mailing offices. Apple production was a record high 1,220 output rose from 4,500 to 5,500 tons; prune-plum letters to the editor and statewide news artldes should be sent to: Editor. Michigan Farm News, Post Office Box million pounds, up 20 percent from a year earlier. tonnage moved up to 8,000 from 6,000 in 1994, but 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post Office Box 30960. Lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. The previous record was established by the 1,100 500 tons did not find a market. . Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. million pound crop of 1985. The preliminary farm- The production of grapes rose 8 percent to Design and Production: Jeffrey Rutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers level value of the crop was S 122 million, up 40 per- 70,000 tons. Six thousand tons of Concords, howev- Officers: President. Jack Laurie, (ass City; Vice President, Tom Guthrie. Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chl.f Flnandal Offker. Tom Parker; Secretary, David VanderHaagen. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller. cent from 1994. The yield estimate was 22,600 er, were lost before harvest to disease. There were Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Michael "-i1ier, Manchester; District 4. Tom Guthrie. Delton; pounds per acre. Michigan ranked second among 50,300 tons of Concords and 11,200 tons of Niagar- District 5, Alan Garner. Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7. Rick Johnson. Leroy; District B. Richard Leach. Saginaw; DIstrict 9. Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10. 'Margaret KJirt8s, West Branch; District 11, Robert states in apple output. as processed. Wine use reached 2,000 tons, up from Wahmhoff. Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover: Jan Vosburg. dlmax: Judy Emmons. Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Brlgette Leach. dimax; Young Farmers. Chris Donbrod. Coldwater. Tart cherry production hit the 310 million 1,400 in 1994.• pound level, 81 percent of the national total. Sixty ~tI:I@illJ~IL'I:i'~ February 15, 1996 For more information on legislative topics in the CDL drivers required to Michigan Farm News, call 800-292-2680. be alcohol/drug tested M anyMichigan farmers could be affect- transfer to a safety-sensitive driver position. ed by a piece of legislation that took The following exceptions may apply: STATE ISSUE effect Jan. 1 of this year, according A drug test is not required if you receive docu- Michigan seed law amendments would provide to MFB Legislative Counsel Howard Kelly."The mentation proving the driver has: Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of • Participated in a drug testing program within the MCIA liability protection 1991 requires alcohol and drug testing of safety- last 30 days; and 5 B. 713, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Byrum (D-Lansing) has passed the Senate and is cur- remly on the House calendar for consideration. The The second section of the bill deals with pro- viding a measure of protection from liability for the Michigan Crop Improvement Association and its sensitive employees in the aviation, motor carrier, railroad, and mass transit industries, which includes • No record of violation of drug rules within the last six months, as verified through prior employ- agriculture," Kellyexplained. ersj and bill has two major sections. The first section deals employees. The language provides that if the Michi- The provisions apply to all operations, regard- • Been drug tested within the last six months or with a problem in field bean seed and disease con- gan Crop Improvement Association or the employ- less of size, and applies to all persons who operate participated in a random drug testing program trol. Four diseases have created significam prob- ee is following the written protocol as established commercial motor vehicles, as defined in Title 49 during the past 12 months. lems in the Michigan crop and the bill provides a and approved by the Director of Agriculture, then of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 383, Post-Accident - Conducted after accidents mechanism for the Michigan Department of Agricul- there shall be no cause of action. and are required (0 have a Commercial Driver on drivers whose performance could have COntrib- ture to certify that the field bean seed is free of MFB position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. License (CDL), says Kelly.Those provisions include Uled to the accident as determined by a citation for those diseases. MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043. interstate and intrastate drivers of: a moving traffic violation, and for all fatal accidents • Commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle even if the driver is not cited for a moving traffic weight rating (GVWR)ot 26,001 pounds or more; violation. STATE ISSUE • Commercial motor vehicles with a gross combi- Reasonable Suspicion - ConduCled when Michigan aquaculture development act introduced nation weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more a trained supervisor or company official observes including a (Owed vehicle with a GVWRof 10,000 driver behavior or appearance that is characteristic R ep. Mike Green (R-Mayville), is sponsoring legislation that would define aquaculture as an agricultural emerprise and designate the Michi- case-by-case basis. The Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Quality will continue pounds or more; • Motor vehicles designed to transport 16 or more of drug or alcohol misuse. Random - Conducted on a random, unan- passengers including the driver; or nounced basis, JUStbefore, during or just after per- gan Department of Agriculture as the lead agency. responsibilities and control for the protection of the • Motor vehicles of any size transporting hazardous formance of safety-sensitive functions . The attempris to provide aquaculture with the environment, including the regulation of discharg- materials, which would include pesticides and Return to Duty and Follow-up - Con- same rights and responsibilities as other sectors of es, wetlands, fisheries and natural stocks of aquatic fertilizers, in amounts that require placarding. ducted when an individual, who has violated the agriculture. The legislation establishes a list of ap- species in the public waters. Kellysays that a narrow exemption exists for prohibited drug and alcohol conduct standards proved aquatic species that can be cultured in the MFB position: Farm Bureau supports the some farm drivers in Michigan. "Drivers who are previously, returns to performing safety-sensitive state without special approval. The bill also devel- "draft" bill. eligible for and are properly operating an mherwise duties. Follow-up tests are unannounced, and at ops process for other species to be permitted on a MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043. covered vehicle and possess an "F" endorsement on least six tests must be conducted in the first 12 their driver's license are exempt from the drug and months after a driver returns to duty. Follow-up alcohol testing provisions," he advised. "Michigan's testing may be extended for up to 60 months after STATE ISSUE F endorsement for a combination of vehicles within return (0 duty. Michigan grain dealers act amendments clears 150 miles of the farm is not a CDL endorsement, but is an example of a state waiver of CDL require- ........... ,..... ....... CI "It.'" There are several methods that small opera- the House ments for drug and alcohol testing." tions and owner/operators may use to comply, says H B. 4333, sponsored by Rep. Gary Randall (R-Alma) has passed the House and is cur- rently resting in the Senate Agricultural Committee. and that trucking is a secondary activity. This provi- sion deals with the issue of individuals who occasion- Likewise, farmers who are driving vehicles that do not require a CDL,are not required to be in a drug and alcohol testing program even though they Kelly. • Establish a complete program for the operation. • Contract with another motor carrier who is oper- ally haul grain but not as their primary source of The bill deals with the issue of truckers, or those income. The trucker would be required to pay cash may possess a CDL, says Kelly. "Farmers will not be ating a testing program to include the drivers individuals involved in transportation of grain, and at the time of the transactionj therefore providing a required to give up their CDL to avoid the drug and used by the farm operation. Contracting with would provide a requirement for truckers to regis- level of security to the farmer/seller. alcohol testing program," he explained. "However, another motor carrier does not release the oper- ter with MDA. MFB position: Farm Bureau does not before they can drive a vehicle requiring a CDL they ation from maintaining proper compliance with The test for financial solvency is eliminated, but oppose the bill. must be in a testing program or obtain an F en- the standard. the truckers would be required to sign an affidavit MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043. dorsement to operate a vehicle." • Join a consortium of other operators and em- indicating they are primarily in the farming business Otherwise, employers of CDL drivers and own- ployers for the establishment and implementa- er/operators holding a CDLand operating a covered tion of testing programs. vehicle, including farmers, are responsible for assur- • Fully document the participation in a current STATE ISSUE ing compliance with testing provisions, Kellywarned. testing program of any temporary drivers hired ...... •••• 1 btsts ............. or contracted . Property rights training .. tile ~~ ch-~ For more information on the provisions or H B. 5483, sponsored by Rep. Greg Kala (R-Rochester Hills), has passed the House Conservation, Environment and Great Lakes Com- compensation to the owner of that property is re- quired by either of the following: • Amendment V or XIVof the Constitution of the (Alltesting programs must meet requirements of 49 CFR, Pan 383.) on establishing a program or the availability of consortiums, contact Craig Anderson, manager of Pre-Employment (drug testing only) - the Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program mittee and is on its way to the Hoyse floor. The bill United States. Must be conducted before an applicant can be hired (RCAP), offered by the Michigan Agricultural Co- requires certain employees of state agencies to • Section 23 of Article I and Section 2 of Article X or after an offer to hire is made, but before actually operative Marketing Association Inc., at 1-800- receive training related to the constitutionallimita- of the State Constitution of 1963. performing safety-sensitive funCtions for the first 292-2680, ext. 2311.. tions on the regulation of private property. The MFB position: Farm Bureau supports time. Testing is also required when employees training shall include an overview of the law related H.B.5483. to constitutional takings, which means the taking of MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046. private property by government action such that NATIONAL ISSUE Clinton administration signals flexibility on methyl bromide ban T he Clinton administration has said that it's willing to work with Congress and the agricul- tural community to allow agricultural uses of methyl may be insignificant in comparison to levels which are naturally produced in the atmosphere. TItle VI of the Clean Air Act requires that pro- bromide to continue beyond the year 2001. Wit- duction of methyl bromide and other ozone deplet- nesses from EPAand USDA told the House Com- ing substances be banned effective in 2001. Al. merce Committee Subcommittee on Health and though a number of nations have agreed as signato- Environment that the agencies would support legis- ries to the Montreal Protocol to phase out the use lation to address agricultural concerns or work for a of methyl bromide, the United States is the only special regulatory exemption for agriculture. nation to enact a ban into law. Farm Bureau wel- Methyl bromide is a fumigant that is used comes the administration's support for regulatory extensively to control insects and pests in the pro- or legislative changes to protect agricultural uses of duction, processing, storage and transportation of methyl bromide. fruits, grains, nuts, vegetables and fibers. The eco- H.R. 2230 has been introduced by Rep. Dan nomic impact to agriculture of banning methyl bro- Miller (R-Fla.), which delays the ban of methyl bro- mide for soil fumigation alone will exceed S 1 billion, mide until alternative products are developed or according to USDA.A recent report by the General until other nations implement plans to eliminate its Accounting office concluded that no effective alter- use. A background paper on methyl bromide is Receive two tree "Field Jackets ••with the purchase 01 any natives exist and that the ban would unfairly disad- available from Michigan Farm Bureau by contacting new Morton Building. vantage U.S. products in international markets and the Public Affairs Division. 800-447-7436 Watch for specia price ad fliers inyOlJ" crea or Joca threaten the health of U.S. crops. Methyl bromide's contribution to ozone de- MFB position: Farm Bureau supports H.R. ~30. RA MORTON CC»1taCt XOlJ" Morton BLiJdnQS constn.x:tion center for details. All Morton 8lITcfings will reflect sae pri<:rg pletion is controversial. There is evidence to sug- MfB contact: AlAlmy, Ext. 2040.• ~BUILDINGS 1'. o. Box 399, Morto",II. 61550 specia Sale ends Febn.Jay 24th. 'fl96. o 19% Morton Building>. Inc. carNo\NI gest that risks from manufactured methyl bromide 1~'jl~~1\11:{)~ February 15, 1996 EPA to proceed with pesticide cancellations - important pesticides threatened he Environmental Prmection Agency has Although the specific pesticides and uses T announced that it will proceed with cancel- ing the use of pesticides used on raw food products, even though the action is not required by which will be affecred first are nO[ yet available, it's expected that they will include key pesticides for production in apples, grapes, wheat, feed grains, the Delaney Clause, which applies only to processed and fruits and vegetables. food. EPAclaims that the action is required by EPA's Th" decision could have a major impact on Mich- "coordination policy" which requires the agency to igan's highly diversified agricultural industry, accord- revoke pesticide tolerances for raw foods if a corre- ing to MFB's Director of Commodity Acrivities and sponding processed food tolerance revocation is Research, Ken Nye. "We have some very imporrant required by the zero-tolerance Delaney provision. specialty chemicals that are used on Michigan crops," EPAannounced the decision in response to a he cautioned. "If the cancellations go forward, it could 1992 petition by the National Food ProcessorsAsso- have a very quick and severe impact this spring." ciation, which requested that the agency discontinue Almy says, that Farm Bureau is supporting linking tolerances for raw and processed food. In legislation passed by the House Agriculture Com- denying the petition, EPAjustified its action by claim- mittee that would reform the Delaney Clause and ing that the coordination policy is necessary to pro- prevent the EPAfrom banning safe crop protection tect farmers from the use of pesticides which could chemicals. He says, that EPA'saction underscores result in violations of food processing requirements. the need for legislation to change Delaney's zero- "Farm Bureau believes that the action is unjus- tolerance provision. tified and that it imposes unnecessary costs on "There is strong bi-parrisan support for H.R. farmers and food processors," said AIA1my,director 1627 and its companion bill, 5.1166," Almy said. of Michigan Farm Bureau's Public Affairs. "In effect, "Delaney Clause reform is supported by the medical this extends Delaney's flawed zero-tolerance provi- community, the Clinton administration, the Food sion to raw food. This allows the agency to ignore use on raw agricultural commodiries." comment period. If the revocations are issued, and Drug Administration and, ironically, Carol consideration of pestiCide benefits which are re- EPAplans to announce its intent ro revoke the corresponding use of the pesticide will be can- Browner, administrator of the EPA.Farmers should quired under the Federal Fungicide and Rodenti- raw tolerances for about 10 pesticide products. celled. Revocation and cancellation actions on as not have to suffer because of the inaction of the cide Acr (FIFRA), the law that regulares pesricide This announcement wiII be followed by a 90-day many as 80 other pesticide products will follow. 104th Congress." • Monitor agrees to purchase a controlling Narrow rows - interest in Grace/and Fruit How low can you gO? raceland Fruit Cooperative of Frankfon, Mich.; "I am very pleased about our association with G and Monitor Sugar Company of Bay City, Mich., the producer of Big Chief" brand sugar Monitor Sugar. This alliance will help Graceland realize its true porential and progress into new products; are pleased to announce rhe signing of a products and markets at a more rapid pace." definitive agreement whereby Monitor agrees to "This acquisition broadens our company's Continued from front page purchase a controlling interest in Graceland Fruit. investment.in the food processing industry in Mich- acreage of corn that will be grown in I5-inch rows Graceland Fruit is the country's premier sup- igan," Monitor Sugar's President, Roben Hetzler, in the near future." plier of preservative-free dried fruit products to the said. "The companies complement one another and One of those who already took the plunge to food processing, food service and grocery markets. borh see considerable opponunity for growrh in the I5-inch rows, Don Morse of Birch Run, says thar lack Cherries, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries and years to come." of a corn head to accommodate 15-inch row heads is a variety of other fruits including peaches and ba- Nugent, who is a trustee of Michigan Stare the biggest hurdle to be cleared. Farming over 1,400 nanas are dried, sliced and diced to bring new natu- University, wiII continue as president of Graceland acres of corn, soybeans and wheat, Morse used a ral fruit taste to cereals, baked goods, dairy prod- and will become a member of the Monitor Sugar narrow row no-till planter to no-till over 400 acres of ucts, trail mix, candy and other food products. Company board of directors .• corn in 15 inch rows in the spring of 1995. Graceland's President, Donald Nugent, said: Using some ingenuity and a design from a three-row prototype, designed by Alpha, Ill., farmer/ researcher Marion Calmer, Morse set about building Serving Michigan a larger-scale version of a I5-inch, ll-row corn head. Farm Families is Since Morse had to wait for a patent to be approved on the three-row prototype, he didn't get staned Our Only Business actually building his creation until August. The final product uses just one gathering chain per row, and A close look under the hood of the Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective an ear-guide on the opposing side [Q reduce the num- 1S-inch row corn head. has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ber of parts and space required for the narrow rows. ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- Morse took two 863 Inrernational heads, increased yields at no real extra cost, it just seemed tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, stripped them down, picked out the best frame and like a natural thing to do," he said. weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: started rebuilding the narrow rowhead. Gear boxes Morse traded a two-year old, I2-row front fold Station City Frequene,y Morning Farm Noon Farm had to be milled Ys inch from each side, and then planter in on a factory built, semi-mounted Case the super structures that the stripper plates and 800 tool bar planter. The planter had factory, built WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am gathering chains run on had to be cut with a plasma splitter units that can be hinged up or down for 30- WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am curter down to 15-inch widths. inch or I5-inch rows. For peace of mind, as Morse WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm The covers were built out of lO-inch plastic puts it, he leaves the units behind the tractor tire WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm water mains cut in half\engrh ways. The snouts on up, making tramlines that allow for herbicide appli- WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm the head are the actual tips from the regular corn cation if needed, and for sidedressing 28 percent. WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm head. Morse believes the total weight of the II-row Although coulter penetration wasn't a problem WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:55 am 11:20 am unit is close to the weight of a typical eight-row unit. in narrow row no-till, trash flow was, says Morse. To WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:20 pm Morse esrimates that he has approximately get around residue flow problems, Morse extended WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm $250 per row invested in machine work and rebuild- the staggered splitter units from just 6 inches to WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm ing the corn head. Making an allowance for a trade- 20 inches. Poindexter says that residue becomes WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am in of a John Deere six-row head on the two six-row a bigger challenge in corn-on-corn rotarions, since WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm International heads, Morse estimates that he's got heavy residue levels can slow down soil warm-up WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm an additional $4,500 invested in the narrow head. and dry-down. WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm "On rhe flip side, however, I esrimare that I Morse set his population at 30,000 but is con- WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:15 am grossed an extra $10,000 the first year on corn, and sidering bumping it to 33,000 to 34,000. He broad- WLSP Lapeer 1530 7:20 am 11:50 am I had the best soybeans that I've ever grown," Mor- casts all of his fenilizer and puts all of his nitrogen WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm se said. "Payback in the rota! narrow row package is down in the form of 28 percem with herbicide. This WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm already accomplished." year, however, he plans to reduce the amoum of 28 WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm According to Morse, Case and John Deere percent that he puts on with the herbicide, and WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20 pm are both looking at Marion Calmer's I5-inch corn then nitrate rest at sidedress time and coulrer inject WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20 pm head concept and considering purchase of the whar's needed based on test results. "I think I'd WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm patent to the narrow-row com head. Once that realize a dollar savings and not look ar any yield WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm happens and rhe narrow head becomes common- loss," Morse speculated. WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm place, Morse expects producers will quickly Morse also speculates that I5-inch rows WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15 pm conven to I5-inch rows. provide an ideal environment in soybeans to WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 11:20 am While getting soybeans planted in narrower reduce the incidence of white mold. "Fifteen-inch rows using a no-till planter originally got him started rows are supposed to be the threshold for optimum * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning farm times change soybean yields, and you're also affording yourself thinking about narrow rows, Morse says, the appeal with the sign-on times. of increasing com yields with little additional cost, some airflow, compared to drilled beans," Morse ** 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. except for seed, peaked his interest in narrow rows. concluded .• "{ finally came to the conclusion thar if we could Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. ~Clchday we light the way fo~ you and other farmers across the state - providing the power that keeps you in business. But our commitment to you doesn't stop there. ?t IL'll~~~~ February 15, 1996 --- 'f:2/J Ma.ket Seasonal Commodity Corn Price Trends - f T CATTLE he USDArecently released two major reports by Dr. Larry G. Hamm Oatlo.k Soybeans Wheat Hogs Cattle . - f - f - f on cattle numbers - the Cattle-On-Feed Report which helps determine why we arc:where we are at and where we may be headed the next few months, and the Cattle inventory Report which also helps in The dairy product markets are firm and appear • to be holding at current levels. The farm level . milk prices will be holding for the next couple of months. Profit levels will be determined by feed Index: .. = stable prices; t = higher prices; ~ = lower determining the short-run picture, but more impor- cost trends. = prices; TP topping; 8T = bottoming; ? unsure = tantly gives us a look as to what might happen fur- The wholesale cheese price, which deter- ther down the road. mines the protein price on producer checks and The first report showed we had 8 percem much of the basic formula price (BFP) has been SOYBEANS more cattle on feed in the 12 major producing steady. In past years, the seasonal pattern has been states on Jan. 1 than we had the previous year. This for cheese markets to weaken in late January. This by Dr. Jim Hilker, Department of Agricultural Eco- W hile soybean stocks are tight, it is a little clearer than with corn that we will have a sufficient supply through the year. Exports are run- inventory accounts for 81 percent of the cattle on feed in the U.S. Allcattle on feed in the U.S. were resulted in weak producer prices in late spring. The fact that cheese prices have held is an indication up 3 percent onJan. I, 1995, versus Jan. 1, 1994. that dairy markets are still tight. Commercial disap- nomics, Michigan ning quite strong, but that has been calculated in The report also showed that 8 percent more cattle pearance through November 1995 was 3.2 percent State University and we should ride on through this marketing year were placed in feedlots in the 7 major states in De- above 1994. The 1995 year has shaped up as one of with prices at or a little above today, "if' cember 1995 than December 1994. In short, we will the best dairy demand years in a decade. Strong The big "if" is the 1996 crop. Unlike corn, CORN there is not likely to be a lot more acres planted, have a plentiful supply of cattle on feed on into the demand is bumping against static milk production. summer. There were 1 percent less cattle marketed December milk production nationally was flat. and maybe no additional acres planted. If that is I as S3.50 corn price high enough to ration de- mand? At this poinr, it hasn't seemed [Q do the trick; however, there are some signs that it may be true, we could have a trend yield and still stay above $6.00, and quite possibly near $6.50. in December than the same period the previous year in the 7-state report. For the first time in recent memory, California pro- duction was 2 percent below a year earlier. The This is the first release of the new 12-State higher feed prices are taking a toll on the finances coming. Export sales and actual shipments conrinue As with corn, I would project March futures [Q Report, which only counts feedlots over 1,000 head. and morale of dairy producers nationwide. The to run ahead of a year ago, but Japan has just about be near their old highs. However, without weather In the future, it will become the norm. This new combined effects of higher feed costs, lower cull bought all of their 1995-96 needs. Hog, cattle and scares, there is no reason to really go higher. At this report also tells the weights of feeders placed. How- cow prices and residual weather-induced produc- poultry numbers are still up, but there are some time, I would consider having most or all of myoId ever, since this was first release of this report, we tion problems will continue to constrain milk sup- very recent sow slaughter numbers and speculated crop moved. have no historical data with which to compare it to. plies. Even if demand for dairy products weakens canle placement numbers which may indicate While I have painted a picture above that says It should become more useful over time and is a slightly, the tight supply situation will keep milk things are changing - more on that in "Uvestock." we will ~ave good prices next fall, it does not mean step in the right direction. prices at around their current levels for the next The point is, use will be cut back. When we that I would wait to start pricing my 1996 soybean The Jan. 1 Cattle Inventory Report was posi- couple of weeks. see it, is the question, and we want to have old crop crop. The market also believes we will have good tive from a longer-term price point of view. We ex- The intermediate-term outlook (March moved before we see it. prices and is offering it to you. When we can price pected all cattle and calves to be up 2 percent, but through June) will depend on the feed cost trends. Mybest estimate would say March futures will 1996 soybeans across Michigan from between $6.70 they were up only 1 percent. Beef cows that have If feed cost increases stop and start down, profit make it back toward its previous high. If it does, and and $7.00 for harvest delivery, let's price some, and calved were up 1 percent, but expectations were 2-3 margins can return to levels that would return some doesn't shoot right through it, consider seIling most I don't mean just 5 percent, but rather something percent. Milk cows were down 1 percent. Beef cow optimism to the dairy business. of your remaining 1995 corn. We can price new crop significant. replacements were down 3 percent, 1 percent more Similarly, the dairy industry has had several [Q take advantage of weather rallies. New crop fu- than expected. At mid-year, these numbers looked rounds of hope that the dairy policy situation would tures have made new highs and the pricing opportu- like they would be much bigger. This is a quick be settled. Even though there is nearly total agree- nities look pretty good for a portion of your 1996 turnaround since cow-calf producers really only ment on eliminating the dairy deficit deductions, corn production. Don't let last year's forward pricing The hog/corn price ratio is, and has been for • some time, very low. Yet sow slaughter through had these very poor prices the past 7-8 months . the lack of a dairy bill means that producers are stilI decisions get in the way of sound decisions this year. The other surprise was the size of the calf under the yoke of assessments. Because of last the end of 1995 was low for even good years and would indicate expansion versus liquidation. How- crop. The trade expected the 1995 number would year's production problems, the May 1996 assess- ever, the sow slaughter in late January was up signif- be 41.6 million head based on the July 1 estimate. ments may be increased to 20 cents or more per The actual number was 40.3 million head, 3 percent hundredweight (cwt.). A IIof the current focus for most producers is icantly. With only two weeks of data, however, it's less than expected. This would mean placements If feed costs decline and the assessments are ~on new crop prices, with old crop being long not clear the trend has changed. With the recent jump in cash prices, will the optimism return? will have to slow up sometime. The information eliminated, some profit margins can return to Mich- gone. However, demand through the remainder of Keep current with the good cash prices we are probably will not help near- term prices much if at igan's producers. If they do not, more producers this crop year is important for next year. At this point, now seeing. The likelihood is that cash prices will fall all, but it may help prices in the latter half of the will leave the business assuring that milk supplies it appears exports will meet the USDAprojections, off again as we go through March. The futures prices year and it certainly helps the longer-term picture. will be tight and price levels will stay up at their which is the biggest unknown. Weather in the South- through 1996 are near my projections after you take All cattle and calves in Michigan were down 2 current general levels .• west continues to be a major concern of the market. off a couple dollars for basis. Over the longer-term, percent at 1.2 million head. Beef cows that have And, with light snow cover over much of the soft there is probably more downside risk than upside calved were down 8 percent at 122,000, but beef wheat areas, the recent cold spell is also a concern. potential. Therefore, ifwe do have a rally in the fu- heifer replacements held at 30,000. Milk cows that If I still had some old crop, I would seriously tures in the near-term, consider some forward pric- have calved were down 2 percent at 328,000 head, Ten-year corn outlook: consider letting it go. Face it - whether prices con- tinue [Q go up or not, they are great now. New crop ing ifyou have not already done so. with milk cow replacements being down 6,000 head $2.30 to $3 futures were making new highs the first of the month. If those prices have held or gone higher, it at 155,000. The Michigan 1995 calf crop was down 1 percent at 420,000; there is no break-down of Michi- gan calves into beef and milk types. Cattle on feed Us. corn prices will probably peak this year and then trade between $2.30 and $3 per bushel over the next 10 years, says the U.S. Feed Grains is providing wheat producers with some good for- in Michigan were down 1 percent at 200,000 head Council, which plans to reveal a bullish corn out- ward pricing opportunities. versus January 1995 at 210,000 head. look at its annual convention next week. "This is the most positive look at the future COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS that we have ever projected," says Erick Erickson, director of planning and evaluation for the council. In an interview with Reuters, he calls next week's World Grain Demand Model "fabulously positive" for U.S. feed grain demand over the next 10 years. , He says it will forecast a sustained period of 660" expanding trade and improving economic growth . . . . . . . . . (,tOO throughout the world . "There doesn't seem to be an end in sight," . '.•A r.zoo SoyIHNns • March '96: : : : : . says Erickson. Com • "Mdt '96: : 600" IIq J I, Sep IbI Dee Ja. fa Says council President Ken Hobbe: "We are on IIpr IIq J.. J I, Aq Sep Oct IbI Dee Ju fell Apr J.. Aq Oct the verge of some very sound growth in the interna- 53.00 tional market that will be sustained in economic development in the countries it's coming from, and we'll have minimal distortion from subsidized com- ~c: petition." ZU..OO ~ Hobbe and Erickson say China holds "amaz- 2DlI.00 ~ ing" potential for U.s. feed grains. "China has the 200.00 ii: potential to rival some of our largest markets in the 1: 1'2.00 .01 future - equal to Japan, or what the Soviet Union r.z.5O ........... 18t.oo .......... ]').00 ~ used to be," says Hobbe. Uve GlttIe • Feb. '96: : 61.50 Soy Meal • ".rCh '96 : : : : : : : :: 1~.00 . Uve Hogs • Feb. '96 . ~.fXJ :;~ He looks for Chinese feed grain demand to JAn fell ,.. lilt Ja. JI, flit s., Oct IbI IBc JA. fa ~ triple in the next 10 to 15 years. Just 15 months ago, China was a net exporter of feed grains. Russia is a different story - a long-term invest- 1995 farm bill • The Market Promotion Program would be cut permanent law. This provision was necessary to ment. "We hold some fairly strong views that Russia Continued from front page to $70 million per year from the current noo get enough Democrat votes to pass the bill. has the potential to come back as a major market, • The Conservation Reserve Program would be million per year, and its use would be restricted "While Congress is on recess during most of but not for 10 to 15 years," says Hobbe. reauthorized. to only small businesses. February, it will be important for Farm Bureau AndJapan is also a challenge. Hobbe says, • Money would be provided to help farmers pay •• An amendment to reinstate the Farmer Owned members to talk with their congressman back in the demand in Japan - the largest U.S. feed grain mar- for conservation and a program would be creat- Reserve was defeated. district and tell him or her, very deafly, that they ket - has matured and will probably not increase ed to help livestock producers with manure- • Research programs were reauthorized. expect Congress to pass a farm bill promptly," A1my much more. He says the challenge there is to in- handling facilities. There are reportedly some • The food stamp program was reauthorized. urged. "It's time for both Republican and Democrat- crease value-added uses for feed grains .• restrictions on the size of livestock operations • The 1938 and 1949 farm bills are retained as ic congressmen to pass a farm bill so farmers and that would be eligible. bankers can plan for the 1996 crop year." '\'JI~~~~ 1'1= February 15, 1996 Busi•• '~I'I.!.~j ss A new era in financial analysis 51I;.~I~ 7PJ ".,,: _.~ •• -1 ;;;,.,/ n ",.~ FINAN,FINPACKalso includes two other modules: (1) FINLRBfor long-run budgeting, and (2) FINFLO for annual cash flow and financial statement prepaid expenses, accrued interest and others? Did My Equity (Net Worth) and How Much? Change What is the cost of production on your farm? ea.~ Probably the most important facet of the projections. The analysis will show how much your equity FINANprogram is the ability to build an individual The FINANprogram, which allows for the elec- increased or decreased on an accrual basis after farm financial trend database and financial ratio John D. Jones, tronic impon of data, can be used in conjunction with family Jiving expenses and other draws. The analysis repon. This allows you to quickly and clearly see Telfarm Director and other programs including Telfarm's MicroTelprogram. also reports on the accuracy of the equity change the direction and magnitude of vital financial con- District Extension .... De Vall Get • ~ -wnlysls _7 when reconciled with the net income. cerns. Tracking financial performance over time can Farm Management You can run the FINANanalysis through many Am I Viable? bring important issues and trends to the surface Agent, Department different avenues. Some farmers and farm manage- The FINANanalysis will assess the cash flow that would otherwise go unnoticed for a number of of Agricultural ment consultants, many Area of Expenise (AoE) and indicate whether there is adequate liquidity and years. With delays in detection and action, manage- Economics, agents and county Extension agents, most campus working capital to withstand shon-run disruptions able issues or problems can become unmanageable Michigan State Extension farm management speciillists and all dis- to the cash flow. and a crisis situation. University Extension trict Extension farm management agents have the Eaterprlse AaaIpIs Finally, the FINANprogram has the ability to FINPACK8.0 programs, including FINAN,residing FINANallows for detailed enterprise or cost create a summarizable file that can be used for M ichigan State University Extension has on their computers and are trained in their use. center analysis. This permits farm managers to caJ- statewide farm performance averages. Some prelim- tracked enterprise returns and farm Stan locally for MSU Extension assistance, as that culate farm profit by enterprise. Economic changes inary 1995 fmancial performance averages, updated financial performance since the birth will maintain the strongest and most responsive over the last 20 years have been associated with weekly, have already been distributed to the district of the MSU Farm Records Program in 1928. In the relationship that you would have available. increasing capital costs that impact the profitability Extension farm management agents and selected early years, the farm business analysis results were You can purchase an individual farmer FIN- of many enterprises. other Extension agents to assist in analyzing any compiled by hand calculation through the use of PACKversion from the Center for Farm Financial For example, many farmers may find it benefi- currently run FINANanalysis reports. comptometers and pencils. In the early 1960s, the Management, University of Minnesota, for $295 cial to purchase feed products rather than produce This database is very important to the Depart- use of the mainframe computers allowed for faster (phone 800-234-1111) and run the program your- them, as cited in a paper by Dr. Dan Undersander, ment of Agricultural Economics. The department and more sophisticated analysis of the farm finan- self. You may also call the Telfarm Center for assis- University of WISconsin, titled Reducing the Cost of will be collecting as many of these summarizable cial information. tance if needed (phone 517-355-4700). Forage Production, states that enterprise analysis files as possible but only from farm managers who Today, with the development and acceptance The following items will need to be available done in Wisconsin has shown that many farmers are consent to the file's use in the MSU database and of personal computers, a comprehensive farm fi- to run the FINANprogram: (1) beginning and end- producing hay or haylage at costs in excess of $100 after any personal identification has been stripped nancial analysis can be run quickly and easily on the ing feed, crop, supplies and livestock inventories; per ton. Farmers with these high costs could be off. MSU Extension programs and publications, and kitchen table. You need, of course, the right pro- (2) beginni~g and ending machinery, building and buying hay or haylage and eliminating their work MSU research and teaching efforts will all benefit gram; up-to-date income and expenses; and liability, land valuations; (3) beginning and ending balances and risk of yield loss from drought or stand failure. from the database .• asset and inventory balances or values. in savings, investment and liability accounts includ- PRE~CAIT FINPACKFINANnow available allows efficient ing accrued accounts payable and receivable; (4) and comprehensive business analysis on MSU Ex- crop acreage and yield information and basic live- tension field staff computers. The analysis includes stock production information; and (5) your finan- an accrualized net income statement, beginning cial cash flow, reponing, what was expended or and ending balance sheets, a statement of accuracy taken in under each individual account. and net worth reconciliation, Farm Financial Stan- You are encouraged to check out this oppor- dards Council's 16 financial measures, and compara- tive financial statements and trend analysis. FINPACKFINANis a stand-alone analysis pro- gram from the University of Minnesota that can be run by any farmer, consultant or Extension agent that has purchased the software program. Besides tunity and update your farm analysis procedures. WIly Is FlIIAN 1Dlp0rtaat7 The FlNAN analysis answers the big financial questions. Am I Profitable? Did my business earn a profit after making caNCRETE the historical financial analysis module called all year-end accrual entries for inventory change, Alfalfa production experts to meet at MSU 12' "A" STYLE A gronomists from universities in eight states, Ontario and from industry will be featured speakers for the National Alfalfa Symposium, March The second day's program will include topics such as the economics of home-grown alfalfa, grow- ing alfalfa as a cash crop, custom contracting for 4-5, at Michigan State University. alfalfa haylage, alfalfa and bloat prevention, and The symposium will be held in MSU's Kellogg nutrient and insect management in alfalfa. Center for Continuing Education and is being spon- The registration cost, which covers refresh- sored by MSU Extension, the Michigan Hay and ments, noon meals ~nd a copy of the symposium Grazing Council, and the National Cenified Alfalfa proceedings, is $45 for two days and $30 for one. Seed Council. Lodging (advanced registration is recommended) The program will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. can be arranged through the Kellogg Center by 9' OR 10' "L" STYLE EASILY CONVERTS TO COlTER WAll Monday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Topics the first day will focus on alfalfa breed- ing and production, its use in livestock rations, calling 517-432-4000 (ext. 5121). For more information about the alfalfa sym- posium, write to Richard Leep, MSU Extension, " managing alfalfa in grazing systems, weed competi- E3773 University Dr., Chatham, MI 49816-0168 or tion in alfalfa, and dealing with high levels of potas- call (906) 438-5698 .• sium in alfalfa in the dairy ration. Milk production down slightly SOLID OR SlAT TOP D airy herds in Michigan produced 458 million pounds of milk during December. That was down 1 percent from a year ago, according to the Milk production in the 22 major states during December totaled 11.1 billion pounds, slightly above production in these same states in December 1994. 6'-8' OR 10' DEEP SCS APPROVED FederaI;State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Ser- Production per cow averaged 1,373 pounds for De- vice. Milk per cow was 1,405 pounds, compared to cember,3 pounds above December 1994. The num- 1,415 last year, and the dairy herd was estimated at ber of cows on farms in the 22 major states was 8.08 326,000 head, unchanged from both November million head, 12,000 head less than December 1994 "H" STYLE FEED BUNKS 1994 and last month. and 6,000 head less than November 1995. The preliminary value of milk sold was $14.20 Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan pro- per hundredweight (cwt.) in December, 20 cents duced 2.2 million pounds of butter in November, more than last month and 70 cents more than De- 71 percent more than a year ago. Ice cream output cember 1994. The mid month December slaughter totaled 1.5 million gallons, 16 percent below cow price was $30.50 per ewt., compared to $37.70 November 1994.• in December 1994. 8' LENGTHS BEEF/ DAIRY CATTLE Fall potato crop up 11 percent CONCRnE WITH WIRE ichigan fall potato production was estimat- nilac and Tuscola counties. MESH REINFORCING M ed at 16.5 million hundredweight (cwt.), an increase of 11 percent from a year ago, according to Fall potato stocks in Michigan on Dec. 1were placed at 9.0 million ewt. This year's stocks represent the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics 55 percent of the total production. Stocks include Service. Fall planted acreage was estimated at 57,000, down 2 percent from last year. Harvested acreage was estimated at 55,000, unchanged from potatoes stored by both processors and growers. Nationally, production of fall potatoes was estimated at 402 million ewt., 5 percent below com- ADL AU SALES INC. last year. Fall potato yields averaged 300 ewt. per parable totals in 1994 and 3 percent above 1993. PORTLAND,MI EVENINGS: acre, up 11 percent from last year and 3 cwt. below the record of 303 set in 1993. The 1995 fall crop Dee. 1 stocks, at 252 million ewt. in the 15 storage states, were down 8 percent on a comparable basis. 517-&47-7543 TERRYGRAHT includes the areas previously designated as "sum- Disappearance was up 2 percent, including a 7 per- 800-344-&941 517-&47-4690 mer" potatoes - Arenac, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Sa- cent gain in processor usage .• ~ I @'.ffi!] ~ IL' I::\,~ February 15, 1996 Planned post program provides top weed control to'" _ B ack in the late 19805, Tim Stutzman took a the product on 10 to 15 acres the previous two ed broadleaf weeds like triazine-resistant lambsquar- 1 ,f " look at his family's heavy reliance on atra- years under a federal Experimental Use Permit ters and common ragweed, in addition to grasses, :' : \ . % ", zine for weed control and concluded that there had to be a beuer way. Weed comrol on corn (EUP), which allows Iimi£ed use of new products before they are commercialized. handled broadleaf weeds well enough on about 250 acres that no postemergence herbicides were ~~t. .. 1 , r \ \.'- .. '~'#-" acres wasn't up [0 snuff. Triazine-resistant lambs- hI[ worked well bmh years, so we were com- needed. quaners was beginning to brt'ak through. The fonable with applying it on several hundred acres," "Grass comrol was excellent," he says. "And farm's highly variable soils, which have organic says S[U£zman. common ragweed comrol was good enough that in mauer ranging from 2 percent [017 percent, com- The herbicide was applied at various crop some fields we didn't even need to cultivate." plicated the situation. stages from spike to 8-inch tall corn. Crop safety Stutzman was especially impressed with "We [Old ourselves we had to come up with was excellent, as was control of a broad range of preemergence weed control because of the high something beuer than atrazine," recalls S[U£zman, weeds, including velverleaf, giant and common variability of organic matter on the farm and within who farms near Seneca, Mich., wi£h his father, David ragweed, and yellow nutsedge. individual fields. On one field three-quaners of a Stutzman, and grandfather, Jack Raymond. Permit can be applied until the corn canopies mile long, organic matter ranges from 3 percent to "Weed control wasn't adequate in our book," and has excellent crop safety. It can be tank-mixed 16 percent, according to Stu£zman. he says. "We decided to handle broadleaf weeds by with 2-4 ounces per acre of Banvel~ to improve To compensate for more difficult weed control coming back over the top with a planned pastemer- control of lambsquaners, pigweed and waterhemp. typical at higher organic matter levels, Stutzman gence herbicide treatment. Today, we've gone away This additional mode of action also helps prevent varied the herbicide rate on the go. Harness rates from atrazine and we are geuing a 1mbetter control." resistant weeds from building up. varied from 2 pints per acre for 3 percent organic Achieving top control can be a tall order on The herbicide has good soil residual, so it matter soil, to 2.5 pints per acre for 6-7 percent Raymond and Stutzman Farm's 1,250 acres, which provided control until the crop canopied, says organic matter, and 2.8 pints per acre for 15-16 per- are grown in continuous corn to provide feed for the Stutzman. "One thing I really like about Permit is its cent organic matter. 3,000 cattle fed out on the farm each year. The lack of low volatility," he added. "With some of the older "With the monitor tied to a radar gun, I feel I a rotational crop can make controlling grasses a chal- herbicides, volatility is really a problem. We have can be about 80 percent as accurate as a Global Posi- lenge. And manure from the cattle complicates the neighbors with soybeans or gardens. So volatility is tioning System tied to a variable rate rig, he says. n weed~ontrol situation by providing a steady supply imponant to us." By varying the rate, he was able to achieve Tim Stutzman says weed control has im- of weed seeds to fields where it is spread. Control of nutsedge was also a pleasant surprise. excellent control across the board at a lower cost proved significantly since switching away "Velvetleaf is our biggest problem," says Tim "The herbicide just smoked it," he says. "Wegot than otherwise might have been the case. from atrazine to a two-step program that Stutzman. He rated weed control in 1995 as the 90 [095 percent control with a single application." "It would be too expensive to treat everything relies on a soil-applied herbicide for grass cleanest in years. For broadleaf control, he used a For gras~weed control, the operation relied at the high rate," he says. "But weed control would control, followed by a postemergence new postemergence herbicide, Permit~, from Mon- on Harness~ herbicide, which was sprayed while slack 'off in the high OM (organic matter) areas at product to control broadleaf weeds. Permi" is a registered trademark of, and used under license santo Company, on about 750 acres. He had tested planting. The herbicide, which controls small-seed- anything less than the top rate." • from, Nissan Chemical Industries, tne. HarnesS- is a registered trademark of Monsanto Company. BanveJ- is a trademark of Sandoz LTD. PERMIT@HGHTS TOUGH Monsanto announces commercialization WEEDS, TOOTH AND NAIL. plans for Roundup- Ready soybeans G rowers planning to use Roundup-Ready soy- beans in their cropping rotation will be re- quired to sign an agreement with Monsanto and pay Safe on corn. All-ways crop safe Call1-800-CORN-SAFE a S5-per-bag "technology fee," at the time of seed Rip through broadleaves, with Because Permit combines excep- Discover how Permit can help purchase. According to Doug Dorsey, soybean mar- the unmatched performance of tional control with crop safe~ you bear down on tough weeds, keting manager for Monsanto, the agreement will Permit herbicide. Youcan use it you can tackle large or small without the fear of corn injwy. ensure that growers understand the benefits and in corn or grain sorghum to con- weeds in large or small corn. It For more information, the responsibilities associated with the technology trol a broad spectrum of tough extends your application window call1-8QO-CORN-SAFE before purchasing Roundup-Ready soybeans. weeds, including: velvetleaf, Two key elements outlined in the agreement from spike all the way through (1-800-267 -6723). stipulate that Roundup-Ready soybeans cannot be cocklebur, pigweed (even tri- canopy closure. f.J..WAYS READ AND FOu.oW lABEL D1RECI1ONS FOR PERMIT HERBIODE. saved for replanting and that Roundup brands of azine-resistant varieties), com- Yet,Permit does not carry over Pennit' is a registered trademark of, and used under license from. Nissan Olemicallndustries. LId. Exceed is a trademart of Ciba Crop P1ttectioo. herbicides are the only herbicides containing mon ragweed and sunflower. from one season to the next. CiMonsanto Company 1~ 1195 glyphosate that can be used over Roundup-Ready Unlike atrazine or Exceed, Permit permif soybeans. Stronger, longer degrades in both low and high Because Roundup-Ready soybeans are patent- Its unique chemistry and two-fold pH soils. It also does not pose ed, growers cannot save seed for replanting or for action allows Permit to move into volatility problems, eliminating sale as seed. The patent rights extend beyond Plant both the leaves and roots of worries of damage to adjacent ~~ Variety Protection (PVP) rights, which prevents labeled species, attacking weeds HERBICIDE growers from brown bagging or selling to other crops from vapor drift. growers, but may allow them to save back seed to immediately. Then, its residual soil activity keeps Permit working Stronger longer, And All-Ways Crop Safe plant on their own farms. Patented varieties, unlike PVPvarieties, cannot be saved. all season long. Monsanto The Agricultural Group The company expects that Roundup Ready soybean seed will be limited during the introducto- A Unit of Monsanto Company ry 1996 season, and will be available primarily for growers planting Group III through mid-Group VII Savage on broadleaves, varieties. ~grow Seed Company and Jacob Ham Seed Company will sell the majority of Roundup- Ready seeds this season, although several other seed companies will have small quantities available. In a company press release, Monsanto said that Roundup-Ready soybeans will be widely avail- able in 1997, and that by 1998 there will be enough seed available that every grower who wants it will be able to purchase the new seed .• Dry bean stocks up ommercial elevators in Michigan held 4.8 C million hundredweight (cwt.) of dry beans in storage as of Dec. 31,1995. according to the Feder- a1/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. This stock level is 49 percent more than last year. The quantity on hand included 2.8 million cwt. of navy beans and 2.0 million cwt. of all other classes. This compares with 2,150,000 ewt. of navy beans and 1,075,000 cwt. of all other classes on hand a year ago. All other beans recorded the highest Dec. 31 stocks since records began in 1983. Stocks on hand Aug. 31, 1995 included 370,000 cwt. of navy beans and 300,000 ewt. of all other classes. Dry bean stocks account for all beans in commercial off-farm safe on corn. storage and include a small panion of non-Michigan grown products. An estimate of the quantity of dry beans held on farms is not included in this report .• ILlli~~ ~ IL'I~ February 15, 1996 Are your fuel storage tanks insured? W ith the demise of the Michigan Under- ground Storage Tank Fund Act~ (MUSTFA),operations with under- ground fuel storage tanks in excess of 1,100 gallons ~'~ ~. q '1<4 0 "\/ ~"" . ¥ .. ' ...- '\' ...~ i". tank, says Brunner. "It's a totally risk-based scenario - we don't have minimum premiums - and then we charge on a per tank basis," he said. Although the number of farms with under- are now requ!red to demonstrate financial responsi- bility. That means demonstrating evidence of at least $I million of first party liability for cleanup t _' Vf1 "'-:.........'~ -~ ... ground fuel tanks over 1,100 gallons is not clear, Brunner says the size is the primary determinant as to whether insurance is required. Underground and restoration, as well as $I million worth of third farm tanks under 1,100 gallons in size, residential party liability, explains Jim Gallagher, manager of tanks and tanks used to store home heating oil do Community Service Acceptance Company (CSAC). not fall under the insurance requirement. CSAC,which provides Farm Bureau Insurance Brunner says the company does provide insur- agents with an underground fuel tank insurance ance coverage for both smaller underground tanks product, underwritten by Zurich Insurance and and above ground tanks. However, construction marketed through Foster Environmental Insurance and installation criteria must meet the same stan- Group, has been offering farmers an opportunity to dards applied to the bigger tanks .. purchase the required insurance since last June. "Above-ground tanks, as a general rule, are Roger Brunner, president of Foster, says the less expensive to insure than underground tanks," policies are surprisingly affordable and are quite ...,;~" ~ t Brunner explained. "There are some new under- prescriptive, based on U.S. Environmental Protec- -;....' ~ • J ground tank installations that, because of all of the tion Agency standards. Premiums start as low as bells and whistles, are less expensive to insure than $350 per tank annually, with deductibles starting as above-ground tanks." low as 15,000. Your best bet, however, says Brunner, is to "What we are required to provide is coverage seriously cOl1sider whether or not you even need an for releases that happen after the insurance is pur- Historical spills, according to Wayne Gay of "It's pretty clear that if you've got historical underground fuel storage tank since the risks are chased, meaning that insurance will not cover his- Farmers Petroleum, refers to existing, known spills contamination that you haven't dealt with, then substantial. "As somebody that's been involved in torical spills," Brunner said. "We provide coverage or leaks, and are based on actual date of discovery in terms of dealing with that from a fmancial environmental risk financing, I'd suggest that if you for environmental cleanup both onsite and offsite if of a spill or leak. Brunner says that although soil standpoint, it's going to come out of the owner's don't have serious need for a tank to get rid of it," the leak has migrated, as well as third party liability tests or probes aren't actually taken, applicants are pocket," Brunner advised. he advised. "People don't seem to realize just what a for bodily injury and/or property damage." asked whether or not they have knowledge of an Each tank is evaluated and the premiums risk underground tanks are, but they're a high risk existing or historical spill at the time of application. based on the risk characteristics of that individual that requires a lot of effort." • Michigan hog inventory declines M ichigan's hog and pig inventory on Dee. 1 declined 8 percent from a year ago, accord- ing to the FederallState Michigan Agricultural Statis- tics Service. Total inventory was estimated at 1,150,000 head. Market hogs made up 87 percent of Michigan's hog and pig inventory while breeding stock comprised 13 percent of the state total. Mar- ket hog inventory was down 8 percent from last December at one million head. The under 60 pound weight group totaled 320,000 head, down 55,000 head from a year earlier. The 60-119 pound weight group at 235,000 head was 5,000 less than a year ago, while the 120-179 pound weight group was estimated at 245,000, down 20,000 head from last ONCE AGAIN, year. Hogs weighing 180 or more pounds totaled 200,000 head, a drop of 10,000 from last year. The THE CREAM RISES TO THE TOP. Michigan breeding stock inventory at, 150,000 head, was down 10,000 head from the previous year. Johnson Farms - Pinconning, MI (Bay County) Producers farrowed 50,000 sows during the Planted: 05/07/95 Harvested: 10/25/95 September-November quarter, down 10,000 head Harvest $ Return Brand-Hybrid #2 Yield Moisture Per Acre* from the previous year. Average pigs per litter was 8.0 pigs, unchanged from last fall. Fourth quarter ~DK471 DEKALB - DK471 187.4 18.6% $513.10 pig crop dropped 17 percent from the previous DEKALB - DK442 171.4 18.4% $469.98 year, totaling 400,000 pigs. Producers' farrowing Pioneer - 3751 170.6 19.2% $465.05 intentions for the next two quarters are 40,000 for Ciba-4214 175.6 19.1% $479.04 the December 1995-February 1996 period and Great Lakes - GL471 172.5 20.6% $465.40 82,000 for the March-May 1996 period. Nationally, the inventory of all hogs and pigs Doug Boerman - Fremont, Ml (Newaygo County) on Dec. 1, 1995, was 60.2 million head. This was Harvested: 10/16/95 Harvest $ Return slightly above December 1994 but 1 percent below the Sept. 1, 1995, inventory. This is the highest December inventory since 1980. Breeding invento- 0..; DK 527 Brand-Hybrid DEKALB - DK527 #2 Yield 174.7 Moisture 24.6% Per Acre* $457.36 Pioneer - 3527 155.6 25.8% $403.63 ry, at 7.13 million head, was up 1 percent from both "I ran the DEKALB side-by-side, the Pioneer, and it was 19 bushel better Dec. 1, 1994 and Sept. 1, 1995. Market hog invento- and was standing great. It came out of the ground good and looked good ry, at 53.1 million head was slightly above last year all year with good plant health." but 2 percent below last quarter. The September-November 1995 U.S. pig crop Britton Elevator - Britton, MI (Lenawee County) at 24.9 million head was 2 percent more than 1994 Harvest $ Return and 4 percent more than 1993. Sows farrowing Brand-Hybrid #2Yield Moisture Per Acre* during this period totaled 2.99 million head, only DEKALB - DK546 146.1 21.5% $391.55 9,000 head below last year. litter rate increases ~DK546 DEKALB - DK493 Great Lakes - GL 450 138.0 146.0 17.7% 22.7% $402.38 $366.53 continue at a record level, with an average of 8.34 pigs saved per litter for the September-November Pioneer - 3751 134.4 17.1% $372.10 period. U.S. hog producers intend to have 2.92 *Relurn Per Acre Calculated @ $2.80 per Bushel and $.02 Drying Cost per Point of Moisture above 15.5%. million sows farrow during the December 1995- February 1996 quarter, 1 percent more than the actual farrowings during the same period last year and 1994. Intended farrows for March-May 1996, at 3.31 million sows are 2 percent above 1995 but 2 percent below the 1994 period .• FOR THE NAME OF YOUR NEAREST DEKALB DEALER CALL l-BOO-B-DEKALB 1~'ll[~:I~~IL'I::l'm February 15, 1996 Hemp dogbane control in corn any tillage system, but it is most competitive in a no- emerged following herbicide application. At the no- tillage environment As the number of acres of no- till sites, hemp dogbane emerged more uniformly Figure 1 tillage increases, hemp dogbane will likely become and control was more complete. an even greater problem. Beacon tank mixed with 2,4-D amine is the Two years of research, financially supported by most effective treatment for selectively controlling the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, has been hemp dogbane in corn. Tank mixtures of Accent or conducted at Michigan State University to evaluate Beacon with Clarity also provide greater, more con- postemergence herbicides for hemp dogbane con- sistent control than any single herbicide applied by Dr. James J. Kells trol in corn. alone. Tank mixtures of Accent with 2,4-D are not & Corey V. Ransom, In each year, one site was no-tillage while the currently labeled. Department of other site was tilled. Accent and Beacon were evalu- Hemp dogbane requires long-term, persistent Crop and Soil ated alone and in combination with 2,4-D or Clarity. management to minimize its spread and impact An Sciences, Michigan Nonionic surfactant (0.25 percent v/v) was added to effective strategy for controlling hemp dogbane could State University all treatments containing Accent or Beacon. The include corn, soybeans and wheat grown in rotation. results are summarized in Figure 1. During the corn rotation, the treatments suggested H emp dogbane is a perennial weed, native Beacon tank mixed with 2,4-D amine gave the above could be used to control hemp dogbane. Hemp dogbane control six weeks after to North America, that can be found in greatest hemp dogbane control (82 percent) and In soybeans, Roundup could be applied with treatment averaged over four sites. Her- most of the lower 48 states. Michigan was the most consistent across sites in years. Accent wipers or other selective equipment when hemp bicides were applied at the following farmers identify hemp dogbane as a serious prob- or Beacon tank mixed with Clarity were the next dogbane grows above the canopy. Roundup could rates: Accent - 0.33 ozlA, Beacon - 0.38 lem more frequently than any other perennial spe- most consistent treatments, with an average of 60 also be applied broadcast in Roundup-Ready soy- ozlA, Clarity - 0.5 ptlA, 2,4-D amine - 1.0 cies. Once established, hemp dogbane spreads percent control. Hemp dogbane control with 2,4-D beans. If wheat is included in the rotation, hemp ptlA. The red dot represents the average primarily by underground rootstock as compared to alone averaged 50 percent while control with Clarity dogbane could be treated in the fall, following har- control provided by each treatment. The seed production. averaged 34 percent. Accent and Beacon alone aver- vest Small patches of hemp dogbane can also be gray boxes represent 50 percent of the Tillage can reduce the density of hemp dog- aged less than 25 percent control. spot-treated in season with Roundup. data and the whiskers represent 80 per- bane infestations but may simultaneously increase Hemp dogbane control was generally greater Detailed recommendations for hemp dogbane cent of the data. Smaller boxes and the size of the infestation by spreading root sections at the no-tillage sites. Control was lower at the tilled control are described in Extension Bulletin E-2247 shorter whiskers indicate more consistent across the field. Hemp dogbane can survive under sites because additional hemp dogbane shoots IPMFact Sheet available from any county MSU Ex- control. tension office .• 1995 MSU soybean tillage by variety study Maurice L. Vitosh, MSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University T wo soybean studies were conducted in 1995 at the MSU Research farm, East Lansing. Fourteen varieties were evaluated in adjacent no-tillage and BEWARE conventional tillage experiments. The soil type was a Capac loam. The data are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Both experiments were planted on May 19,1995. All OF THOSE seed was inoculated with Rhiwbium inoculant. The surface residue cover on the no-till was estimated to WHO QUIT be 65 percent. During the growing season, the crop encoun- BEFORE tered some periods of moisture stress. There was no white mold in the trial. No-till plots were har- THEJOBls vested on Oct. 11. Conventional plots were harvest- ed on Oct. 16. The overall yield average for no-till DONE. and conventional plots was 56.1 and 57.0 bu./acre, respectively. Some varieties performed slightly bet- ter under no-till; however, the reverse is true for other varieties. Most varieties performed similarly I PROMISE TO NEVER TOLERATE for the two tillage systems .• ANY WORKER WHO LOOKS AT Jable 1 - Performance of 14 soybean HIS WATCH EVERY 5 MINUTES. varieties on no-till M.G. Yield- Moisture Height lodgingt Variety Bu/A % (em) (1-5) 15Hardin91 57.3 14.2 86.6 3.3 I PROMISE TO BOYCOTT ANY Parker 54.4 13.0 86.3 2.5 NK519-90 57.9 13.7 85.6 1.0 PARTS DEPARTMENT THAT 5turdy 58.5 13.8 86.9 3.4 CLOSES AT 5 O'CLOCK DURING Burlison 51.1 14.7 91.3 2.9 NK 524-92 58.8 13.4 80.6 1.4 Asgrow A2506 56.4 13.7 80.0 1.1 Asgrow A2242 56.6 13.6 82.5 1.5 TerraT5253 61.9 13.5 82.8 1.1 I PROMISE TO BURN THE PHONE Pioneer9242 55.4 13.9 96.9 1.9 DeKalbCX232 56.9 13.3 78.1 1.0 NUMBER OF ANY VET WHO Greatlakes 2415 60.8 13.6 86.9 3.0 WON'T COME OUT AFTER HOURS. Resnik 51.3 13.8 88.1 1.8 Pella86 48.4 ..14.1 93.8 2.0 LSD (0.05) 3.4 0.5 7.4 0.7 I PROMISE TO "RETIRE" MY Table 2 - Performance of soybflan INSECTICIDE IF IT "QUITS" varieties on conventional tIllage M.G. Yield- Moisture Height lodgingt BEFORE MY INSECTS DO. Variety Bu/A % (em) (1-5) 15Hardin91 58.6 12.3 104.4 4.4 Parker 54.4 11.7 101.9 4.3 NK519-90 61.0 11.9 95.6 1.3 5turdy 59.2 12.1 104.7 3.1 YOU HAVE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU RUN A FARM. ONE WAY YOU MEET THEM IS Burlison 54.5 12.0 99.4 2.0 TO NEVER QUIT BEFORE THE JOB IS DONE. THAT'S WHY YOU USE PRODUCTS LIKE COUNTER- CR'" NK 524-92 55.6 11.7 88.1 1.3 Asgrow A2506 56.8 12.0 86.9 1.4 SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE-NEMATICIDE IN THE LOCK'N LOArY CLOSED HANDLING SYSTEM .• THE Asgrow A2242 57.5 12.1 87.5 1.5 UNIQUE, CONTROLLED-RELEASE FORMULATION OF CR RESULTS IN LONGER-LASTING TerraT5253 60.7 11.8 85.6 1.3 Pioneer9242 56.0 12.1 108.1 1.8 PROTECTION, GIVING YOU THE MOST EFFECTIVE INSECTICIDE YOU CAN BUY. CR HITS DeKalbCX232 60.4 11.7 81.9 1.1 ROOTWORMS HARD AND THEN KEEPS ON HITTING THEM LONG AFTER THE OTHERS HAVE QUIT. Great lakes 2415 60.0 11.9 88.1 1.4 Resnik \I 50.9 11.9 92.5 1.4 MORE THAN ANY OTHER INSECTICIDE, CR IS WHERE YOU NEED IT, WHEN YOU NEED IT. Pella86 III 52.5 12.0 98.1 1.4 • PLUS, CR MAKES THE UNMATCHED POWER OF COUNTER COMPATIBLE WITH ACCENT,l - EXCEED2 AND BEACON~* • UNFORTUNATELY, INSECTS WORK JUST AS LONG AND HARD AS YOU. -Yield adjusted to 13% moisture; tlodging Score: 1 • no plants lodging; 2 .. 25% lodging; SO MAKE SURE YOUR INSECTICIDE DOESN'T QUIT BEFORE THEY DO. 3 .. 50% lodging; 4 .. 75% lodging; 5 .. 100% lodging. COUNTER.t:R~OCWn LOAD"~ ~ RESPONSIBLE. LIKE YOU.~ fiVm~ : I@l'fi!] ~ Il'~j February 15, 1996 Proba.bility of Above Higher Probctbilit.y of Above Probo.biliiy of Deiow High ...r ProbcUillity of Below ProlxLbility of Normo.l Higher Prooobility of Normal Equell Chanc",s Upper Peninsula, while severe thunderstorms with temperatures averaged near to slightly below nor- Long-range models suggest that the current damaging winds marched across southern ponions mal for the entire month at most locations. Above jet stream configuration may continue into the late of the state. 12-hour temperature drops of more normal precipitation occurred across much of the winter/early spring, with normal to below-normal than 40 degrees occurred with passage of the state, particularly in lake effect locales, where sub- temperatures forecast statewide. Confidence in the storm. The jet stream plunged southward during stantial snowfall occurred on several occasions; long-term precipitation forecast is low, however, the fmal week of January bringing much below however, southwestern portions of the state re- with outlooks calling for near equal probabilities of normal temperatures to the entire state; however, ceived below normal precipitation for the month. below-, near-, and above-normal totals. by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural meteorologist, Department of Geography, Michigan State University T empera(ures moderated across the entire state during the middle of January as an upper level trough of low pressure, which had been centered over the Great Lakes region during much of the fall and early winter, shifted westward to the nonhern and central Great Plains. This upper air regime provided a series of strong storms that moved into Michigan from the southern Plains bringing abundant precipitation to much of (he area. The most intense system of the month occurred Jan. 17 and 18 as a strong storm moved nonh-nonheast from (he lower Mississippi Valley. Several record high temperatures were established across the Lower Peninsula ahead of this system. Blizzard conditions prevailed across the western ~~~ V'(i) \' ~ Michigan LJ' Weather Summary Temperature Precipitation 1/1/96 to Observed Dev. from Actual Normal 1/31/96 mean normal (Inch) (Inch) Houghton 13.5 -1.0 4.19 2.02 Marquette 11.4 03 4.44 2.02 Escanaba 14.4 -2.1 3.10 1.82 Sault Ste. Marie 11.3 -2.6 3.93 1.82 Lake City 14.8 -3.9 3.42 1.91 Pellston 14.9 -1.4 3.87 1.91 TraverseCity 19.6 -2.0 6.71 1.91 Alpena 17.1 -1.8 1.57 1.69 Houghton Lake 17.0 -1.7 1.78 1.69 Muskegon 22.1 -1.4 1.51 238 Vestaburg 17.9 -43 1.21 1.68 Bad Axe 19.7 -23 2.99 1.56 Saginaw 20.4 -2.0 1.90 1.56 Grand Rapids 21.7 0.0 1.11 2.44 South Bend 25.8 2.6 1.51 2.44 Coldwater 22.9 -1.4 1.35 1.70 Lansing 21.4 -0.5 0.87 1.70 Detroit 23.8 1.1 1.80 1.74 Flint 21.7 -0.2 2.26 1.74 Toledo 243 -03 1.80 1.74 Observed totals are accumulated from April 1. Normals are based on district averages. This Season's Winning Hog lot debate in Iowa Lineup For Sugar Beets. T he Iowa Legislature may begin debate this week on a bill that would give county officials new controls over large hog lots. The state senate When you team up quarters, ragweed, or extra expense of Pyramin@SC herbicide pigweed, mustard and hand hoeing. Poast can measure would allow counties to use zoning laws to regulate hog producers who don't raise a( least 20 with Poast@herbicide nightshade. And when even be banded to keep percent of the grain needed to fee their animals. you're sure to score some followed by Poast, adds costs down. Supponers say it is important to allow coun- major points against a strong defensive line The Beet Team. Put ties to control the growth of large hog lots. Oppo- broadleaves and grasses of grass control that'll them through a tryout nents say (he proposal will hun small producers. in your sugar beets. keep you in the game all on your farm this year. In a related move, county officials in Garner, And no wonder. The season long. Call 1-800-87 4-0081. Iowa turned down a request by DeCoster Farms to build a 10-building complex housing 14,000 hogs. unmatched preemergence No other combination The county board based the decision on a coun control of Pyramin SC delivers more economical Agricultural Products order tha( makes it unclear whether the county has blocks out troublesome or consistent control. jurisdiction over zoning local farmers. DeCoster broadleaves like lambs- There's no risk of damage Farms said it doesn't really need county permission (0 build the facility since the land is already zoned for agricultural use .• I~'jl[It: I ~ ~ I~'I~,~ February 15, 1996 Fifth generation farmer makes commitment to agriculture, education by Sue Ann Stuever issues that we have to face in agriculture today is M aking the decision to farm wasn't a the conversion to free enterprise," VanSickle said. tough one for Blaine VanSickle, a ''As government tries to wean itself from agriculture, Marshall native. After a year away at as we recover from dependency on farm program college aspiring to be an ag teacher, he decided to payments to the open market, as we work with return to the family farm. GATTand NAFTAand the effects they have on agri- VanSickle's father owned the farm along with culture," he continued, "there are going to have to a trucking business, "but his heart was in his be some adjustments in farm operations." . trucks," VanSickle said. "I came home, replaced one "I always look for a better tomorrow," VanSick- of the hired men and just basically took over the le said of the industry. farm at about 19." Besides his involvement in Farm Bureau, Van- The VanSickles grow corn, soybeans, wheat Sickle has served on his township's planning com- and hay and have a small farrow-to-finish operation. mission since 1976, was a 4-H leader and ASCS Blaine is the fifth generation to run the family's Board member. sesquicentennial farm, which his ancestors pur- Following yet another family tradition, Van- chased from the government in 1835. Sickle is the third generation to serve on the local Farming isn't the only thing that's a family school board. He's starting his 23rd year on the tradition for Blaine VanSickle. So is Farm Bureau. MarLee Schools board of education, the largest K-8 While he represents District 2 on the Michigan Farm district in Michigan, and is its president. VanSickle is Bureau board of directors, his son Kent is president very involved in education, and had a seat on the of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau. VanSickle's Michigan Association of School Boards' State Com- father, Lorain, was also an active member. mittee, as well as their task force on school finance. VanSickle first joined Farm Bureau in his 20s Blaine VanSickle doesn't just farm because it's to take out a life insurance policy. He became active VanSickle first joined Farm Bureau in his 20s to take out a life insurance policy. He tradition. He likes the people, the land and the in the organization and held positions as county became active in the organization and held positions as county president and county lifestyle. "People talk about retirement, and I'd like president and county vice president. "I was on the vice president, before being elected to serve on the MFB state board of directors. to have a few more days to go fishing or something, county board when I became a state board member, but I don't look for retirement because I like what I so I resigned from the county board," he said. He also served on the American Farm Bureau Feder- for Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. do," he said. His work as a state board member has led him ation Swine Advisory Comminee for four years. Staying active in agriculture keeps him abreast Blaine VanSickle and his wife, Sharon, have to become involved on several state committees. VanSickle is now a member of the board of directors of industry issues. "Probably one of the greatest three grown children .• Farmers to use LAST YEAR WE FINANCED 17 MILLION ACRES, ONE SQUARE FOOT AT A TIME. more fertilizer in 196 armers in the Midwest are expected to apply F more fertilizer in 1996 than last year because they will be planting more corn and other grains in response to higher prices and increasingly tight stocks, according to a report from Reuters News service. "We fully expect planted corn acreage to in- crease more than 10 percent as we see 80 to 81 million acres of U.S. corn planted versus 71.2 mil- lion acres in 1995," said John Douglas, of Douglas Associates, a consulting group in Florence, Ala. U.S. corn prices hit a 13-year high this month and extra fertilizer can boost corn yields 40 percent, experts said. 'l\ny time you have high grain prices, farmers want to maximize their production," said Ed Wheeler, president of Ed Wheeler Associates in Washington, D.C. He estimated sales of all fertilizer to be up 5 per- cent to 7 percent for the 1995-96 Ouly-June) season. "Last year we sold 50.7 million short tons," Wheeler said. He said he expects an additional 2.5 million plus tons to be sold in 1996. "That includes all fertilizers," he said. Corn should lead in number of acres planted. Last year's crop was down one-third from the 1994 record, and projected end-year stocks next Sept. 1 are less than a month's usage. Corn farmers are big users of fertilizer and corn takes about 45 percent of total U.S. fertilizer sales, Wheeler said. He noted nitrogen will probably lead the charge. '1\11 corn planted now is hybrid seed and hybrid corn takes a lot of nitrogen," Wheeler said. Pat Mino, manager of the Maxon, 111.,Farmers Elevator and a fertilizer dealer, said there was excel- lent demand last fall for potash, anhydrous ammo- nia and phosphates. But he was concerned about rising phosphate prices, which are at least $30 to $40 per short ton higher than last fall. "That may affect spring usage," he said. Diammonium phosphate (OAP) prices cur- rentlyare about $225 per short ton FOB barge New Orleans compared with $190 last September. But high corn prices may offset stronger OAP values. "Corn is $1 a bushel higher, so even if phos- phate prices are up, the farmer still benefits," Wheeler said. Weather permitting, anhydrous ammonia use also will rise. "Soil conditions are more critical to the usage of ammonia than other products," said Allen Car- penter, vice president for trading with Continental Nitrogen and Resource Inc. "But, weather permit- ting, ammonia is the cheapest source of nitrogen there is. So, it is the product of choice," he said .• ,... .. Apple committees pursue funding increase 200 grower signatures and pre- and post-harvest research. attained in petition drive; 'i\ll this is hand-in-hand with the university," MDA hearing set for March 18. states Swindeman. "We're right now one of the F aced with growing competition from major industry groups in the state that,are funding the apple-producing states on the east and west integrated pest management project that's going on coasts and the need to increase research at Michigan State University. This research group funding, the Michigan Apple CJmmittee launched a right now is funding that for $10,000 a year." successful petition drive last fall to put the funding "I think growers recognize the need to pro- increase to a vote among Michigan's apple growers mote and to fund programs for research and devel- this spring. opment," states Nye. "The apple industry is large The proposed promotional assessment will here in Michigan, and I think the apple growers add five cents per hundredweight every year for the want to make sure that we're going to have a very next three years on fresh apples, raising the assess- viable industry in the future." ment from 30 cents to 45 cents per hundredweight "I just feel it's time for the industry to stand on by 1998. The promotional assessment will also in- their own two feet a little bit more," adds Swindeman. crease on processed apples by two cents each of "We want to continue to stretch the growers' the next three years, going from 15 cents per hun- dollars," notes Arney. "So we always constantly eval- dredweight to 21 cents in 1998. No increase is being uate the programs that we're conducting." sought in the juice category, currently assessed at "From a personal standpoint, an individual has five cents per hundredweight. The last increase in invested a small fortune in the land and in the trees the Apple Committee's promotional assessments and time to grow this crop," explains Bull. "It just was in 1989. makes sense to me that we have some control on "Looking at our competition - primarily Wash- where this crop is going to go and in creating a ington, but also New York and California, we see a research," continues Swindeman. "We're an arm of ing budget and approximately $360,000 more for demand for this crop. By increasing our budget for tremendous increase of apple trees planted," ex- the Apple Committee and, since we're the research the research budget," explained Arney. advertising, and promotion in general, we can help plains Michigan Apple Committee and Farm Bureau committee, that's what we definitely should be Swindeman says, the additional funds would create a demand for these apples that we have so member john Bull, from Manistee. "It became evi- doing some research in - the market aspect of it." allow the research committee to focus its energy on much time and money invested in now. We just dent that as these other states were promoting their "The referendum will generate approximately apple quality and production research induding have to take responsibility ourselves for creating a apples to a larger degree every year, that we had to $500,000 more to the Apple Committee's advertis- pest control measures, environmental stewardship demand for these apples." • use that to develop a five-year plan with some goals and objectives that we thought were realistic; we just did not have the budget. We've got increasing apple production in this state that needs additional dollars in the area of promotion and also for research:' Last year, Michigan grew the second largest U.S. apple crop, raising 29 million bushels, behind Washington's mammoth 123.8-million-bushel crop, according to Secretary-Manager of the Michigan Apple Committee Mark Arney. New York and Cali- fornia followed closely at 26.4 and 23.8 million "Prowl lets me worry about bushels, respectively. Following a successful grower petition drive last fall, MDAwill hold a hearing on March 18 re- garding the proposed referendum, according to things other than spraying my MFB's Director of Commodity Activities and Re- search Division Ken Nye. "There will be an MDA hearing held to assess the interests of the industry in pursuing the referen- com again in the summer; it dum," explains Nye. "Growers will get, the opportu- nity to vote and once the growers have voted, ei- ther an affirmative or a negative, we'll either have works great all season." an assessment increase or we'll stay exactly the same as we are now." According to Nye, the actual vote could take Phillip place in the spring or early summer of this year and, Potter if the referendum passes, will need to be renewed every five years as required by PA 232. Tully, "We (the Michigan Apple Committee) current- New York ly have two people out in the Midwest calling on accounts and we'd like to add a third person," ex- plains Bull. "We feel that a big demand could be created for Michigan apples in the processing arena and in the juice arena, that we currently don't have the manpower to call- for instance, on bakeries that are making pies or whatever." "From an advertising standpoint, we see a need to expand our promotional programs, both domestically and off-shore," Arney added. "For ex- ample, the jonagold is a variety that is increasing dramatically in new planting and soon will have a more important role in the marketing mix for Michigan, and we need to be ready for that." Arney says that, through Michigan's participa- tion in the U.S. Apple Export Council, markets are becoming established in Brazil, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Mexico. The Michigan Apple Research Committee also recommended an increase in assessments on all categories of apples to fund expanded research efforts. The research funding tariff of one cent cur- rently would increase a penny per hundredweight on all fresh, processed and juice apples each of the next three years for a total of four cents per hun- dredweight in 1998. "The Apple Research Committee was estab- lished in 1982, and we haven't asked for an assess- ment yet," states Michigan Apple Research Commit- tee Chairmanjim Swindeman from Deerfield. "Ev- erybody knows that the ag program at the federal government is sooner or later going to be cut, and with that, we're going to be standing on the outside looking in, if we don't do something to help our- selves out." "One of the things we want to focus on with this increased money is to do some marketplace 1~'JI~~I~'I:t'~ February 15, 1996 1'1/1 What's the future of dairy futures? airy producers now have a new market- D says MFBDairy Specialist Kevin Kirk. He says the vidual producer utilization, early on,.will be minimal. go Regional Federal Milk Market Order. The buyer is ing rool at their disposal that's been avail- need for such a marketing tool will become more "Some big dairy farmers may use the contracts," responsible for picking up the shipment and assum. able ro crop and livestock producers for critical as the dairy market grows more unstable. Hilker said. "But they need to have someone in place ing all transportation costs from the point. quite some time - futures contracts, at both the "Milk prices have fluctuated 15 to 16 percent who's an expert in getting the right contract and The CME contract, on the other hand, re- Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa 2xchange (CSCE) since over the past year, while cheese prices varied 17 understands the contract specifications and details." quires delivery to a CME-approved facility within December 1995 and, effective Jan. 11,1996, the percent and butter prices dropped 34 percent in "It should really be used as a risk tool," Hilker the boundaries of Wisconsin and Minnesota or lo- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). one week," Kirk cautioned. "Atthe same time, feed continued. 'J\nytime the price is in a range that cated in the portion of surrounding states included While there are some significant differences costs are higher and government policy remains offers you a profit margin, that's a reasonable time in the Chicago Regional or Upper Midwest Federal between the contracts offered by the two exchanges, uncertain at best." to consider using the contracts. That's especially Milk Marketing Orders. The seller assumes all trans- the overriding concept is the same - offer producers Errol Baxter, director of commodity marketing critical with these high feed prices, because you portation costs to the buyer's facility except that the and fluid milk purchasers a chance to lock in prices, and education for the CME, is predicting that there don't want to risk a drop in milk prices with these buyer will be assessed a standard freight rate per will be no government price supports in the future, current grain prices." mile for each additional mile the milk is hauled over Mille ~h..H TredI .. : ..... 8MIca meaning that prices will vary widely, similar ro cattle Coabad SpedfIc:atIOIIs of MIlk FutuNS and above the distance between the seller's facility A futures contract is a standardized, bind- and hog prices. He suggests that producers consid- The contract specification for Grade A milk and either Eau Claire or Fond du Lac, Wis. The ex- ing agreement between two parties to make er the use of future and option contracts as one way for the CSCE and the CMEare given below. There or take delivery of a specified quantity and cess hauling costs will be paid to the seller. • grade of a commodity at an established of leveling out the prices they receive. are some significant differences between the two Source: Department of Agricultural Eco- price. Buyers are said to be "'ong" and "If you know the market is going down ... contracts. nomics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, sellers "short" the futures contract. you're better off selling futures contracts," Baxter The biggest distinction between the CSCE and Futures Contracts For Milk: How Will The milk futures contract calls for delivery advised. "It is, by far, the best way of protecting your the CMEcontracts is the delivery point. The CSCE They Work?, Ed Jesse and Bob Cropp, of a tanker load of Grade A milk (50,000 pounds or 500 cwt.) with a 3.5 percent but- milk price - no question about it. However, if they contract requires delivery from an approved plant Professors and Extension Dairy Marketing terfat content. Prices are quoted in dollars (prices) go up, options provide a price floor. It's or facility in the Madison, Wis., district of the Chica- and Policy Specialists per cwt., with a minimum fluctuation of one nice ro pay a premium and have the potential for cent/cwt. (equal to $5 per contract). the higher prices." Milk deliveries will take place at an Inter- MSUAgricultural Economist Jim Hilker pre- Contract Specification CSCE CME state Milk Shippers certified plant, receiving station and transfer stations in the "Madison dicts that if the fluid milk contracts are to be suc- District," an area comprised of counties in cessful, however, that milk cooperatives will have to FOB delivery of Grade A FOB delivery of Grade A southwestern Wisconsin and northern Illi- playa role ~n providing their members a chance to milk with 3.5 percent milk with 3.5 percent nois. The delivery months are February, April, Commodity butterfat con-tent from an utilize the futures contracts through forward pric- butterfat content to an June, August, October and December (deliv- approved plant. approved plant. ery months for (ME are different). Trading ing, similar to what elevarors offer cash crop pro- hours are 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. New York time. ducers, as a risk management tool. Because all contracts are standardized, "If these contracts are going ro work, in my Trading Unit One tanker load. One tanker load. market participants are able to focus on the opinion, the co-ops are going ro have ro use them only variable - price. Price is established on as a marketing tool for their individual members," One tanker load; allowable One tanker load; allowable the floor of the exchange through a com- Delivery Unit variation 48,000 to 50,000 variation 3 percent. petitive auction market system, known as Hilker suggested. "There's a good deal of risk in the markets, and the co-ops would be the logical place pounds. "open outcry" trading. Under the open out- cry system, all traders call out bids and offers to use the contracts, ro help reduce that risk. They in the ring. The traders recognize each oth- would theoretically have the expertise and the re- 9: 15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. NY Trading Hours 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. er's bids and offers, and prices change as time buyers and sellers agree on transactions. sources ro do it right." The vast majority of futures contracts Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) General Manager Walt Wosje says that, although the Feb., Apr., June, Aug., Oct., Feb., Apr., June, July, Sept., never result in actual delivery. While delivery Delivery Months Dee. Nov. is required of contract buyers and sellers that cooperative is studying the contracts, they have no hold their position through contract expira- immediate plans to get involved in using them. tion, most prefer to remove delivery obliga- Dollars and cents per tions by executing offsetting transactions in "This is more of an individual farmer assess- Price Quotation Same hundredweight. the market. In other words, those who are ment as opposed to the co-op," Wosje said. "It's long in the futures market sell contracts, and pretty easy for a producer ro buy or sell a 50,000- those who are short in the futures market $0.01 per 00., equivalent $0.025 per 00., equivalent pound unit - the forward pricing opportunities are Minimum Fluctuation buy contracts. to $5.00 per contract. to $12.50 per. contract. there with or without a co-op. I don't know that we Source: Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange, Inc., Trading Milk Futures (MMPA)should be speculating or gambling on be- From the previous day's From the previous day's and Options half of all farm members." settlement price, $0.50 per settlement price, no trading Hilker and Wosje do agree, however, that indi- 00. with variable limits at a price more than $1.50 effective under certain per 00. Brookside Laboratories, Inc. conditions. No price limits Daily Price Limits on two nearby months, Crop Consulting Services with no limits on third nearby month from first day of a delivery month until the last trading day of the GPS/GIS Services delivery month. Soil sampling and analysis,fertility recommen. Grade A raw milk with dations; Processyield monitoring data into Standards 3.5 percent butterfat Same maps; Evaluate fields Jor cause oj varied content. production; Appropriate recommendations to reduce the effect oj crop yield IimitingJactors. From Interstate Milk To CME approved facilities Shippers (lMS) certified within borders of Wisconsin Complete Analytical Services plants, receiving stations or and Minnesota or that Delivery Points transfer stations located in portion of surrounding Soil,feed, tissue, water, manure, lime the Madison district of states included in the and Jertilizer, herbicide/pesticide and Chicago federal order. Chicago or Upper Midwest environmental analysis. federal orders. Pick up by the buyer from Seller to buyer's facility. Delivery the seller's plant. Manure and soil analysis; Recommendations for manure utilimtion that provide optimum Six Exchange business days Seven Exchange business crop production while complying with the Right- prior to the last Exchange days prior to the last Last Trading Day to-Farm Guidelines Jor Manure Utilimtion. busi-ness day of the delivery Exchange busi-ness day of month. the delivery month. Nitrogen Monitoring First Exchange business day Soil sampling and recommendations Jor corn, Notice of Delivery following the last trading Same sugar beets, and vegetables. day. First and Last Delivery Day First Exchange day Buyer and seller shall select Crop scoutingJor weeds, insects, and disease following notice day up to a day so that delivery can with control recommendations. the last Exchange business be made by the last day of the delivery month. calendar day of the delivery Integrated Pest Management month. If no agreement is conveyed to the Clearing House, the Exchange will The Brookside Consultanls Jor tbis area: choose a delivery date from calendar days beginning IIeIIDillgs aDd AssDciatesJ Inc. four days after notice of no agreement and ending on 7879 Upton Road. Elsie, Michigan 48831 the last calendar day of the 517-862-5615 delivery month. PURDUE UNIVERSITY 1995 YIELD TRIALS MPPAhonors farmers, Northern Sandy Looms, veterinarian Regular Population Ra, aamed Michigan's (row's 490 1996 Master Pork Prodacer. 196 B.P.A. C 24.6% Harvest Moisture hip Ray, of Gobels, has been named by the Michigan Pork Producers Association 2% SL (MPPA)as Michigan's 1996 Master Pork Producer. The award is given annually to pra- (row's 494 ducers who demonstrate 179 B.P.A. skills in proficient swine 20.1 % Harvest Moisture production and take 2% SL an active leadership role Plot Average in the Michigan pork industry. 175 B.P.A. 18.9% Harvest Moisture Ray is currently nearing completion of 2% SL . converting his 400-sow farrow-ta-finish operation into a 1O,000-head-per- Central Clay Looms, year finishing operation. "I looked at my operation Regular Population and decides that in order to remain competitive, I needed to make some changes," Rayexplained. "When I looked at the facilities that I had, it was only (row's 494 natural to convert everything to finishing space." 162 B.P.A. Ray has been active both nationally and locally 18.4% Harvest Moisture in pork industry activities, having just served as the 1% SL immediate vice president of the National Pork Board. He has also served on numerous commit- (row's 490 tees for both the National Pork Producers Council and the former National livestock and Meat Board's Pork Industry Group. Ray also served as the first president of MPPAand is currently serving on the organization's executive committee. Schall recehres MIdaIgaa's all elo ~ 158 B.P.A. 21.6% Harvest Moisture 7% SL Independent university trial results are some of 18.9% Harvest Moisture 1996 Pork AlJ-AmerIcaa Awanl 2% SL Mike Schug, the best proof of Craw's hybrids' outstanding from Climax, was named performance. They can pour on the yields for Southern Silt Looms, to receive the 1996 Pork All-American Award and you, .too. Call your local Craw's dealer Regular Population will represent Michigan or 1-800-331-7201 for more information. on the National Pork Producers Council's Pork (row's 490 All-American team at the 157 B.~A. World Pork Exposition 21.9% Harvest Moisture next June in Des Moines, 3% SL Iowa. The award, created in 1970, is intended to acknowledge outstanding young pork producers who have established them- ~ selves as dedicated, involved business professionals 20.0% Harvest Moisture 4% SL and leaders in their communities. Schug entered into the family partnership in Milford, IL • Nevada, IA • Greenville, OH 1980 with his father, Uoyd, and brother, Denny, in a 400-sow farrow-ta-finish operation. Mike now man- ages the pork production portion of the operation, while Denny manages the cropping program. The Schugs closed the ~erd in 1980 to help with disease control. Since then, no new animals have been brought into the operation, with all replace- ment stock produced through the use of artificial insemination. The operation also utilizes all-in all-out production, phase feeding and split-sex feeding. Schug serves as a regional representative on the MPPAboard of directors and also serves on the lES SIELER CARL F. SPARKS MARK HILASKI RON GUDAKUNST Pork Quality Assurance Program Committee, and ADRIAN, MI CASSOPOLIS, MI HOPKINS, MI ONSTED, MI the Michigan Pork Expo Planning Committee. 517-263-2458 616-445-3195 616-793-4541 517-467-7041 GREG PARKHURST ROBERT MOLYNEUX DON HASSEVOORT DANIEL GUST Gr...- recehres MPPA's ARMADA, MI COOPERSVillE, MI HUDSONVillE, MI OTTAWA LAKE, MI DI.~ SwIae 5enrIce A ..... 810-784-5894 616-837 -8710 616-875-8403 517-486-2237 Dr. Larry Granger, swine species veterinari- lOREN CLEMENCE JEFF CONKLIN GOLDEN ACRES JAMES F. CREW an in the Animal Indus- BATTLE CREEK, MI DECATUR, MI JASPER, MI QUINCY, MI 616-965-4034 616-423-8351 517 -443-5526 517 -639-4854 try Division of the Michi- gan Department of Agri- RON WENGER JOE BENNETT RICHARD ZENNER BILL MORGAN culture, received the BELDING, MI EDMORE, MI KINGSLEY, MI SHERWOOD, MI MPPA'sDistinguished 616-897 -8958 517 -762-5480 616-263-5339 517-741-3698 Swine Service Award, which is given annually MICHAEL OBERT DENNIS LASCESKI WENDEll NORDER LARRY ROBERTS BIG RAPIDS, MI FILION, MI LAINGSBURG, MI THREE RIVERS, MI to recognize individuals 616-796-3063 517-269-7980 517-651-5409 616-279-2117 who have made signifi- cant contributions to Michigan's pork industry STEPHEN SMITH, DSM ALAN HEEG RICHARD STANK RICHARD SUTHERLIN, JR., DSM and MPPA. BLISSFIELD, MI FOWLERVILLE, MI LAKE ODESSA, MI THREE RIVERS, MI Prior to assuming his present position, Grang- 517-486-2854 517 -546-4339 616-374-7394 616-273-3621 er was in private practice for several years and also LANCE KALBFLEISCH ANDY SPARKS ADDISON BROOKS EDGAR MILLER worked with USDA'sAnimal and Plant Health In- BROWN CITY, MI FREMONT, MI LITCHFIELD, MI WHITE PIGEON, MI spection and Veterinary Services Division. Granger 810-346-2332 616-924-5945 517 -542-3273 616-483-7284 was recognized for his efforts in the state's pseudo- rabies eradication program to eradicate the costly ED GROHOLSKI DALE THORNE GENE BROST disease by the year 2000. Dr. Granger has also been BURLINGTON, MI HANOVER,MI MONROE, MI active in working with producers interested in set- 517-765-2111 517-563-2683 313-241-9451 ting up producer networks .• JAMES D. CROW HERBERT HAIGHT JAY GOULD CAMDEN, MI HOMER, MI MORENCI, MI 517-254-4512 517 -568-4072 517-458-2573 Nutritional benefits of soybeansgrowing Sop now thought to help pre- fits such as reduced heart disease, reduced choles- diet," Messina s~ggested. "It's not a miracle food Nutrition, has received funding from the Michigan vent cancer, fight heart disease terollevels, improved bone health and reduced and it's not just for vegetarians or 'the health-con- Soybean Promotion Committee and the American and lower cholesterol levels osteoporosis, better kidney function, and reduced scious - it's another healthy food that everyone Soybean Association to fund research regarding the W hat's the next big growth area for menopause symptoms. should try to have every day." soybean's effect on colon cancer. soybean demand? Ask Dr. Mark Messi Soybeans contain Isoflavones, one of which is Dr. Kathy Rhodes, a registered dietitian and a Although the results are only preliminary at na and he'll tell you the answer could a product called Geinstein. Researchers suspect that cardiovascular nutritionist for Preventative Cardiolo- this point, Bennink says it appears that soybeans be as close as your kitchen table. Messina, a nutri- Geinstein is the key ingredient, found only in soy- gy at MedSport, University of Michigan, echoes might actually serve as a treatment as well as a pre- tional consultant based in Port Townsend, Wash., beans, that provides all of the health benefits. "It's a Messina's call far increased consumption of soy- ventive measure in the fight against colon cancer. just outside of Seanle, says that the negative image weak estrogen," Messina explained. "It's theorized beans. Her work involves counseling heart patients, "Some of the Isoflavones definitely inhibit the of soybean products for human consumption is that consuming a soy product will help replace the which generally includes a recommendation w growth of colon cancer cells in cell culture tests," largely undeserved and unjustified wday. Messina estrogen lost when menopause occurs, helping to make soybeans a part of their daily diet. Bennink explained. "We have purified the chemicals holds a master's degree in nutrition from the Uni- lessen the severity of the sympwms as well as pro- "It can be as simple as having some soymilk from soy and put them in a media where we're versity of Michigan and a Ph.D in nutrition from viding a host of other benefits." on your cereal in the morning, or a tofu stir-fry or growing cancer cells, and the chemicals appear to Michigan State University. Messina says that, although soybeans are com- tempeh burger for lunch," Rhodes explained. "It inhibit the growth of cancer cells. When we fed "If you haven't tried soy products in the last monly used as an ingredient in more and more food could also include a texturized vegetable protein in whole soy to rats that had been treated with a colon five to six years, you haven't tried soy products," products, the average one gram per day consump- your spaghetti sauce instead of hamburger, and carcinogen, we saw that there was also a decrease in Messina claims. "Compared to the soy products of tion level isn't nearly enough to provide the nutri- there are soy cheeses now available, so it can be some of the early symptoms of colon cancer." the '60s and '70s, the products of today are much tional benefits that soybeans are capable of. He, worked in quite easily." Product development is also being worked on more improved. When you have companies like along with a growing list of nutritionists and dieti- Rhodes says that the growth of frozen foods at MSU, by incorporating soy flour into pasta dishes Green Giant coming out with a soy burger, that's tians, is recommending that American consumers and prepared dishes containing soybeans, along and other food items to increase human consump- certainly an indication that soy is becoming a bit attempt to consume at least three to four grams, or with better tasting soy products, are available and tion. Bennink says that scientists have been success- more mainstream - but it's still an uphill battle." one serving per day, of a soy-based product. will be key to increasing American consumption of ful in increasing the soybean mixture to as high as So why is Messina sold on increasing soybean U.S. per capita consumption is dwarfed by soybeans. She contends, however, that additional 35 percent in spaghetti and as much as 30 percent consumption? He spent a little over five years head- other countries, such as Japan, where daily soybean product development and research are needed to in noodles. ing up a S3 million research project for the National consumption averages 30 grams per day. "TheJapa- help make soy products more commonplace in Researchers are also attempting to integrate Cancer Institute looking at the anti-cancer effects of nese, on average, consume about one serving per American diets. more soybeans into breakfast foods and snack soybeans in the human diet. Messina was surprised day of some type of soy product - they're not sitting Michigan soybean producers, through their items. "If we can convince consumers and major to also learn that, in addition to helping prevent all around all day just eating tofu," Messina pointed out. checkoff dollars, have been helping to fund such food manufacturers that there are definite health types of cancers, including breast and colon cancer, 'i\mericans need to start viewing the soybean research at Michigan State University. Dr. Maurice benefits, these types of food items would be a good soybeans also provide a host of other health bene- as another very healthy food to add to their overall Bennink, a professor in Food Science and Human way to increase soybean consumption," Bennink concluded .• P..oducts Containing Do You Need to Get Your Soybean or Soy Products The number of soy products on the shelves of supermarkets, food co-ops and health food stores is increasing rapidly. These products are being pro- Heart Back on Track? duced by small companies and major manufactur- ers. Products range from main dishes to snack foods and desserts. Tofutti - Wide variety of frozen tofu dessertS Ken and Roben's Veggie Pockets - Wide variety Amy's Tofu - Lasagna Yves Veggie Cuisine - Tofu Weiners Worthington Natural Touch - Fat Free Vegan Burger, Vegii-Unks, Okara Patty, prosage links, Prosage Patties White Wave - Sea Veggie Tempeh, Tempeh Veg- gie Burger, Teriyaki, DairyieSs Yogurt, Tempeh, Reduced Fat Tofu, Meatless Jumbo Franks, 5- Grain Tempeh, Soy Rice Tempeh, Wild Rice Tem- peh, Original Soy Tempeh, Veggie Burger, lon- don Broil, Baked Tofu Soy Dog - Meatless Leaner Wieners, Veggie Sizzlers, Not Dogs Morning Star Farms - Meatless Breakfast links, Meatless Breakfast Patties, Meatless Grillers Mori-Nu - Ute Silken Tofu, Silken Tofu lightlife - Tofu Pups Green Giant - Harvest Burger FantaStic Foods - Tofu Burger, Tofu Classic, Man- darian Chow Mein Frieda's - Firm or Soft Tofu Chiecko - Tofu Bpca Burger - Chef Max's Favorite and Original Azumaya - Regular Firm, Extra Firm, Soft Tofu Arrowhead Mills - Soybeans Health Valley - Tofu Baked Beans Vegetarian Cuisine, Tofu Black Beans Vegetarian Cuisine, Tofu Lentil Vegetarian Cuisine Westbrae Natural- Wide variety of soy milks Health Valley - Soy Moo EdenSoy - Multiple varieties of soy milks Eden Blend - Rice and Soy Beverage Incorporate Healthy Soyfoods Tofurella - Wide variety of soy cheeses Betsy's Tempeh Wide variety of products containing soy oil, such as crackers, breads, cookies and other into Your Daily Diet! baked goods Soy nuts Soy flours Miso Soy sauces and Tamari - light and regular As technology advances, science is Consuming even one portion of soy per For more information on soyfoods, discovering that unique compounds day may help your body fight against these write to: Texturized vegetable or soy protein - used in chili and sloppy joes, etc. found in soybeans may help prevent or diseases. Whether whole soybeans, soy Michigan Soybean even treat some diseases such as heart flour, tofu, soy oil, soy milk or other soy Promotion Committee Source: Dr Kathy Rhodes, Registered disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, products, the health benefits associated RO. Box 287 Dietitian and Cardiovascular Nutritionist, high blood pressure, gallstones and with soyfood consumption are truly Frankenmuth, MI 48734 Preventative Cardiology at MedSport, kidney disease. remarkable. University of Michigan rtmmIl I~'ll[~: I~ ~ I~'I:t',~ February 15, 1996 Consider testing corn For best results with your for fumonisin if feeding chain salllf, take these tips swine or horses W hat could be cozier than a blazing fire in the wintertime? If you want to be sure of having plenty of wood this cold season, you'd bener Every time you sharpen or replace the CUlling chain, rotate the guide bar to avoid one-sided wear. It's also necessary to clean the oil-inlet holes and Infected corn could be deadly koencephalomalacia, or ELEM,in horses, by de- get that chain saw ready for action. bar groove regularly. for swine and horses stroying white maller in the brain of a horse. Since gas breaks down in storage, you should If you live in the third of the country that has L ast summer's hot growing conditions could Dr. Brinton Miller, vice president for science at have drained the tank before pUlling it away last year. switched to reformulated gasoline as part of the be making its presence known for a little Neogen Corp. in Lansing, speculates that the rumi- Ifyou failed to do so, that should be step number one. ongoing struggle to make the nation's air safer, longer, thanks to an unusually high number nants of livestock destroy the fumonisin through When you fill up with fresh fuel, make it regu- you'll be pleased to know that RFG, as it's usually of positive tests for a toxin known as fumonisin in normal fermentation and digestion. "Remember lar (87 octane) unleaded gasoline. That's what most called, actually burns cleaner than conventional gas. Michigan-produced corn. According to MSU's Dr. that a horse isn't a true ruminant, and obviously a makers of chain saws recommend, so there's no That means fewer carbon deposits and a smoother- Pat Hart, a professor in the department of patholo- pig is a monogastric, which could be the differ- need to pay more for premium whether you're running engine. gy and an Extension specialist, 13 out of 71 samples ence," Brinton suggested. using conventional gas or the new, cleaner-burning The reason it burns cleaner and pollutes less analyzed tested positive for fumonisin at over 1 part Producers should avoid feeding elevator reformulated gas. is because RFG contains a higher percentage of per million - three of those samples tested over 5 screenings unless it's been tested, and producers Check the owner's manual for the proper fuel- oxygenates (a chemical form of oxygen) and a lower parts per million. may want to also consider having their corn tested oil mix for your brand of saw. With some brands, it's percentage of toxic chemicals such as benzene, "The samples that tested under 5 parts per if they suspect a problem, says Hart. Pulling a repre- as lillIe as one part oil to 16 parts of gas. With oth- which has been shown to cause cancer. The added million are probably going to be below FDAguide- sentative sample, however, is critical. "Don't just ers, it's as much as one-to-one. oxygen makes RFG combust more thoroughly and lines, should they (FDA) decide to regulate this," take a scoop of corn off the top of the bin; make Too lillIe oil in the mix can cause severe en- thus burn cleaner. Hart explained. "We had one sample, however, that sure you use a probe, and/or collect random sam- gine wear; too much oil will result in carbon depos- Although RFG was developed for automobiles, tested at 16 parts per million, and two other sam- ples for a few days from the bottom of the silo its in the combustion chamber and an insufficient it works fine in all types of small engines too, in- ples that tested at 7 parts per million. People that chute," Hart advised. octane rating for the fuel-oil mix. It's best to pay a cluding chain saws, according to the Portable Power raise horses and/or swine should be aware of the The Neogen Corp. has two different test few pennies more for oil blended for two-stroke Equipment Manufacturing Association (PPEMA) potential problems and keep their eyes open for kits available for fumonisin - one which requires engines. Don't substitute cheaper auto oil. member companies in the United States, Europe problems." special equipment to determine a quantitative Be sure to always shake the container of fuel- and Japan ran extensive tests of RFG and found "no Fumonisin is generally produced in the field, amount in parts per million, or another less oil mix before filling the tank. If it's left standing for significant performance problems." A PPEMAdealer prior to harvest, by a fungus known as Fusarium expensive and easier test that shows the presence any length of time, it will begin to separate. survey turned up no customer complaints. But Moniliforme, explains Hart. He suspects that the of fumonisin only. Before starting the chain saw, check the spark remember: when it comes to what fuel is right for above average temperatures during the 1995 Neogen is also equipped for handling samples plug. A faulty plug can cause engine power short- your chain saw, your owner's manual should always growing season are primarily responsible for the sent to its lab in Lansing. Brinton said, that depend- age, hard starting and rough idling. If the plug has have the final say. increased incidence of fumonisin. "The last time ing on when samples are submitted, test results can tan or light gray deposits, it should still be good. If Thanks to reformulated gasoline, internal- we really saw a lot of fumonisin was in Indiana fol- be determined within 24 to 72 hours and will cost the deposits are white and blistery, black or metal- combustion engines of all types, including chain lowing their extremely warm 1993 growing season," $30 per sample. For more information, contact lic, it should be replaced or cleaned with a wire saws, will spew 300,000 fewer tons of smog-produc- he said. Neogen at (517) 372-9200 and ask for KurtJohnson. brush or hand file. ing hydrocarbons into the air each year. That's the Hart says that while fumonisin doesn't appear Samples can also be submined to the Another important step before getting started equivalent of taking 8 million cars off the road. to affect callIe, it can cause severe lung damage MSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic to be analyzed. is cleaning the two fuel filters - both the pre-filter Overall, the new, cleaner-burning fuel is expected to and/or death in swine due to swine pulmonary Contact Dave RobertS at (517) 355-4536 for and the fine-mesh filter. Use a clean, soft paintbrush reduce toxic pollution by more than 20 percent edema, which essentially results in the lung tissue more details .• or toothbrush. over the next decade. becoming leaky and drowning the hog in its own During the season, the filters should be washed For more information about RFG, liquid. likewise, fumonisin can cause equine leu- weekly with soap and water to dissolve grease. call 800-468-6743 .• .....•.•............................ .................... .. .. .......... .... .. . JS:r4_ ... . ::ia5ij::.• . . :l:IIIII..• ~~:!glll:: ':':':':':':':':':':':-:';"':"':'::~':-:':':-:':':':':':.:-:.:.:.:.:.' . ~~lij_Pi:.: :~:~:~:}}}}::~:~:~::~::~::::::::::::::::t:~:)~:~:~:::::.:.; '~' ." . 1994 JOHN DEERE JD 4320, $13,500. JD 530, MF 1135 TRACTOR, cab and 750 for sale. No tilt drill with restored. International #55 STOCK TRAILERS BAYSIDE SEED CORN: duals, $8750. MF 9' snow- 16' extra heavy duty with 16" grass seeder, minimum bid chisel plow, $750. 8"x56' Topped MSU County Exten- plow, $750. Oliver 5 bottom tires and wheels. Also 14' $13,900. Sealed bids must be Hutchins auger, electric, sion Plot in Isabella and oth- hydraulic reset plow, $500. stock trailers. Fred Howard, delivered to the Tuscola Soil $500. Gehl grinder mixer with Mohawk 10 tooth chisel plow, ers, for about $50 per bag. Conservation District Office scales, $2500. Hi-Low trailer, 1-313-461-1414. Check your local trials or call $1200. Dunham Lehr Mulder, by 2-26-96. District reserves $2500. OBO on all. $1750. Buy whole setup, MIX MILL GRAVITY feed B&M Seed 1440 IH COMBINE, 3800 1-517-463-2846 the right to reject any or all Call 1-616-279-2565 or 1-616- $12,000. 1-517-834-2576. side discharge. Big Dutch- hours, 15 1/2 grain head. 843 bids. For more information 279-2480 evenings. man chicken feeders. corn head, Completely recon- NEW HOLLAND skid steer, contact TSCD at 1-517-673- Call 1-517-674-2763. ditioned! Maintenance re- L553, (1991) 70" bucket, very QUALITY ALFALFA and 8174. cords. Baxter rotor. One own- JOHN DEERE 1010, flat fold, low hours, excellent condi- mixed hay. Almont, Michigan. er, always housed. St. Louis, BUFFALO SCOUT Guidance 21' field cultivator with Ferguson Farms 1itJIJt. tion. Call Culby's, 1-616-944- Michigan. system for up to 16 row leveler, set up for incorpora- 1-810-395-7512 1881. Call 1-517-681-4251. equipment. tion, $3000. John Deere C21, Call 1-616-897-6475. 13 1/2 foot field cultivator with RETIRING FROM FARM: 1978 MF 10850, CAH multi leveler, $400. New Idea hay Tools, 8 tractors 90hp or less, power, power adjust rear CASE IH: Model 4800, 30' rake, on rubber, $400. Four tillage, harvesting, planting AGRIPRO CORN YEILDS = - wheels, 75% rubber, 3-point, field cultivator with heavy 5 row 3 point cultivator. $200. 1- Heavy duty steam cleaner, Above P3751 - $38-$83/80K. 2 remotes,housed. Excellent bar spike. Used two seasons. GIANT SQUARE BALES of 313-697-5696 after 5pm. two water pressure cleaners Five soy varieties yields = - condition! 3200 hours. $8000. Uke new! need bigger one. hay and straw and small and many 3-point tools. Call Above S19-90. Zoopere alfal- Deerfield, 1-517-447-3361. Call 1-517-879-2903. JOHN DEERE 7200 Vac. 12 square straw bales. Delivery between 6-8pm. 1-313-279- fas blends and cut and graze, row front fold planter. Liquid available! 1979 FORD TRI-AXLE farm FOR SALE: 4310A beet har- 1762. $100-$180. Sorgo-Sudnas, fertilizer, inset hoppers, 250 Edward kalls truck, JD4630 tractor, Case vester, 4-row, field ready. Ex- $14-$18. Millet, 1-517-386- monitor. Row cleaners, flat THE FOLLOWING ALL 7076. Wim, 1-517-866-2540 1570 tractor, JD4310A beet cellent condition! Rebuilt in fold markers, 6 ditto set USED in 1995 and set up for harvester, JD8350 grain drill, 1995. $10,500. Four ton plates. Excellent! 1-517-879- 4-row narrow planting, culti- JD dummy head with pickup, wooden fertilizer box with 2903 . vating and harvest. Combine JD 25K-3 PTO generator, Calumet spreader, 3250V Better manure Bilt 900 auger on 1952 IH stake truck. $1000. Jim, 1-5617-673-3211 after 4pm. 1982 FREIGHTLINER: 350 with heads, $2000. Planter, $1000. Cultivator, Complete package, $2750. $400. ••Fits like a Glove" manure pump. Cummins, 9-speed. 1989 FOR SALE: HESSTON TUB Agra trailer, 30' roll tarp, new Call 1-517-834-2576. 1-517-673-7470 1-517 -673-7171 grinder, like new, $5,200. brakes and tires. 1991 Ford ORTHMAN CULTIVATOR, Gehl flail chopper, 6' cut, Ranger XLT, 4x4, V-6, 5- eight row, 30", folding, like JOHN DEERE 7200, 4-row good condition, $750. 1-810- speed, new tires, 62,000 new, $9000.1-517-832-2034. Yields no-till corn planter, plateless, 657-9087 miles. 1-517-463-2372. finger pickup, monitor, less FORD 5610 TRACTOR, less Stands than 2000 acres. Excellent CLAAS ROLLANT 66 net condition! Ulliston 13 hole no- than 500 hours, purchased in wrap round hay baler. Private White Mold till drill, 2000 acres. Excellent 1991. $15,000/0ffer. 1-616- condition! 1-517-734-4000 for 676-1393. party has baled under 60 Tolerance bales. Under warranty. information. FORD, NEW HOllAND trac- $15,000.616-754-7378 tors and equipment from Sy- FOR SALE: Semen tank; 75 1993 FORD 9030 Bi-direction mon's in Gains. For 43 years KINZE FOUR ROW, double straw, Melwood, Kemper, tractor with loaded. 235 frame, three Coulter Rawson your best deal for the long Rex, Secret; DeLaval milder hours, $42,000. Also, Fair (new coulters), dry fertilizer, run! with electronic pulsators, 848 snowblower, $5200. Call Symon's plastic cross auger, monitor, glass line, large claws, surge 1-616-399-7884. 1-517-271-8445, Gains planter mounted liquid 28 cube cooler, 500 gallon craft 2+2 INTERNATIONAL tank, John Blue pump, trash bulk and; Cablevey for double GRAIN SEED BINS, all wheels, planted 1300 acres. 65880 tractor. 2200 hours. sizes, $100-up. Brower m four parlor. 1-517-639-4739. Excellent condition! $23,000, Excellent condition. $8500. Leave message. mixer, $800. Elevator legs, 1-517-654-2531 , firm. Used on potato harvest- $400-up. Other seed proc- er. No longer in potatoes. 1-517-654-2425. L B. WHITE HEATERS: essing equipment. 1-517-831- New, used and parts. McBain, 1-616-825-2845. 8317 or evenings, 1-517-831- BULK FEED BINS! BALER, NEW HOLLAND 5589. Stanton. MANURE SPREADERS: New, used 311 with kicker and bale New and used. Balzer, Better- IH MODEL 4500, 26' field HOG EQUIPMENT! chamber liner. Excellent con- Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also, cultivator with Busren bar, NEW, USED grain dryers and handling dition! $3700. Also, square $2900. DMI 27' crumbier, equipment. PORTABLE HUTS! 800-937-:2676 • bales alfalfa hay. Karl Yoder, used 300 acres, $3900. Jim, Growe Systems Blanchard, Michigan. 1-517- Hamilton Di~ Co. Mason, MI 866-2348. 1-517-673-3211 after 4pm. 1-800-248-8070 1-517~76-4142 Call us for your closest dealer. rlm~~'l":t'~ February 15, 1996 Michigan Farl1lllews, . j " ,_ .. ,. <, ., '. ''''' CI1a,ss,ifri; . "" .. ,,.., ' ...'"<''' ";~ <_«v" '.,,,-, .... ",<.",,~" .__ ,100 (llell) Estateof EdwardA. FederspielTrust Rye Hereford Farm 30•• 0 (3 lell) .2><&4 (2 lell) and raise a family. ArthurWickeandSusanWolfe,Trustees ern Michigan trials. Stine Send personal resume and 3630, highest 2 year average. 517-734-3006 UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! references including your Introductory offer, $900 per REGISTERED SCOTTISH 20 YEAR WARRANTY thoughts and suggestions if G::rdon Auction Services, Inc. unit if you try some Stine HIGHLAND CATTLE, breed- American Steel Arch Inc. the opportunity were yours to: 6670 E. Juddville Rd. corn. Supply limited, order now. ing stock and semen for sale. FACTORY DIRECT Marlene Savine, 100 West Corunna, Michigan Glardon Visitors welcome! Call 1-517- AUCTION SERVICE Williams Seeds 543-7979 evenings or week- 1-800.942-1234 Long Lake Road, Suite 220, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 517-743-4142 IIICOI'OUTID 1-517-629-3684 ends. Charlotte, Michigan. 48304 . .. li1J[~~ll'~ February 15, 1996 .~,. FOR SALE: 150 DAIRYfarm, double six par- ACRE lor, free stall, dry cow and calf CRANBERRY ROOTED cut- tings for sale. One year old, 72 cell plug size. Stevens va- Minerai Owners GaS/Oil: In- vestor interested in purchas- ing, producing royalty income WANTED: 2"-8" used alumi- num irrigation tubing. Buy, ABSOLUTE TOP CASH for land contracts. up to 95e on the dollar. Best offer guaran- HUDSON CONSTRUCTION SERVICES All types of agricultural, com- riety. Plugs will establish very for immediate cash. Prefer Sell or Trade! Call teed. Same day close mercial, residential construc- barn, three harvesters, and Antrim gas. Other formations Rain Control four bedroom house. Addi- quickly, 15e each. 10,000 m 1st National tion. Steel, bricks or sticks. U- minimum order. Order now! considered. Call Jay, 1-800- 1-800-536-7246 1-800-879-2324 censed and insured with cer- tional land, equipment, and 968-7645. tified engineers. cattle available. 1-517-766- Lawton, Michigan. WANTED: Old gas pumps 1-616-657-5040. PROFESSIONAL CATTLE and globes, old oil bottles, old Call 1-616-785-9704.025 8028. FARMERS, ARE YOU hoof trimming: Statewide! porcelain signs. Any old gas FRUSTRATED? Do you Over 14 years experience. station items. Call 1-616-984- NEAR HOLLAND: 10 acre have a need to: increase Prices start at $6. Call 5183 anytime. horse farm, 1 1/2 story home, profitability of your farm? Im- Norman Beale 1-616-775-0488 WANTED: Old motorcycles, double garage, 30x60 barn, prove soil condition? Increase snowmobile and off road ve- storage loft, 1000 bales ca- pacity, two other buildings. crop yields? Conserve and SAVE 75% ON WORK hicles. 1965 and older. Call Place your ad for 6 use water more efficiently? CLOTHESI Good, clean, re- JD at 1-517-676-0583. $139,500. These are just some of the cycled in very best quality. months, get phone Yonker Realty Company many possible benefits we Money back guarantee. Free 1-616-396-4618 can provide. We have a solu- brochure number or name in red. Evenings, call Peter Yonker, tion! Call Mr. Bielas today at Suntex Recycling Realtor, 1-616-396-2532. 1-616-463-4602. Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 Place your ad for 1 year, VEGETABLE FARM: West- get phone number or ern Michigan, 190 acres, tilla- STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- build and balance. Some ex- name in red and also ROBEOS~~ ble ground. Two outbuildings for storage and refrigeration. changes. We stock chopper parts. ENGINE REBUILDING Four $450,000. bedroom home. our specialty. Auto- Truck- save $1.00 per ad. Tractor -Antique-Continental- Faust Real Estate Adrlan,1-517-263-8666 Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- 9th ANNUAL EASTERN Call W1LBWEST • ~a~~/e u€ an~ l!X€erience gine dealer. 69 years of service! HARTS AUTO PARTS Cecil,OH MICHIGAN FARM TOY AND CRAFT SHOW, February 18, 9am-3pm. Imlay City Middle School, Imlay City, Michigan. 1-800-968-3129 Days, 1-810-724-8010.or ~ ~ tile unique~ fbmerican S€6rt 6{ r~e6. ~ee &111 1-419-399-4777 1-810-724-1186. for details ..,. ribin8' calf r6€in8. steer wrestlin8. 6rMc ribin8 an~ m6re. ---- ...................................... .: .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.;.:.:.: ~earn a66ut 1Jative fbmerican 157 ACRE FARM in south- western Lenawee County. 101 acres tillable, 40 wooded, custom built ranch. $295,000. culture an~ see ilist6ric reenact- ments at tile ~a~a~ ~tam€f~e 6r ~il~enne 'I'r6ntier t)a~s. r------------~----------~---------, Run your classified ad for 2 issues, May be split. Formore informatiobl. on Maupintour's 1996 SOFTWOOD WANTED: get your third issue FREE! Faust Real Estate Sawlogs and pulpwood. Rodeos of the Wild West Adrlan,1-517-263-8666 call 800-292-2693, . White, Red, Jack, Austrian and Scotch pines. Also, Bal- Deadline for next issue is February 21, 1996 WANTED: Farms and land Monday-Friday,8 AM-5:30 PM sam, Spruce and Hemlock. Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your • throughout Michigan, agricul- tural and recreational. Large parcels preferred. We have buyers!.~.. __ .._ ~ "_._ I'!J= FARH BlJREAIJ 1BA~ Especially White Pine saw- logs; standing or road~ide. Lower Peninsula only! Northem TImberlands, Inc. Classified Ad Today! Faust Real Estate OF IHICHIGAN in business over 35 years!. or use the coupon below and mail or fax your Adrian, 1-517-263-866 Can 1-517-356-8758 classified ad to Michigan Farm News for pricing and specifications. FOR DISPLAY AD TRAVERSE CITY: If you Buy Line/Daily News FAX: . INFORMATION wish to buy or sell farm or recreational property in north- P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 48888 1-517-831-5063 --- west Michigan, we can help. CALL Call Ron McGregor, North- em Michigan Land Srok.,., Classified Ad Codes 1-616-929-1515, 1-616-943- 1.800.292.2680 7709. 1. F:mn Machinery 10. Work W:lnted 20. Wanted To Duy COLLECTORS ITEM for WANTED TO BUY: Standing sale. Restored Adams road EXT. 3203 timber of all kinds. Call 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 21. Special Events grater #3. Horse or tractor R. H. Rehkopf 3. F:mn Commodities 12. Buslnoss Services 22. Recre:ltlon drawn. Also, other g~aders. HARDY OUTSIDE Big Rapids, Michigan 4. Seeds 13. Duslness OpportunlUes 23. Fln:lncJng Call 1-517-834-5187. WOOD FURNACE 1~725-7881 Words #1 seller. Stainless 5. Livestock 14. Real Est:lte 24. Investors W:mled. FOR SALE: 4' rotary mower WANTED, STANDING TIM- steel construction. Heats BER: Buyers of timber of all 6. Poultry 15. Real Estate W:lnted 25. DUlldlr,g s for Farmall cub. Pulley belt, home, hot water tank, pools. adjusting shelves, mounting types. Cash in advance! 7. Dogs :lnd Puppies 16. Est:lte S:lles 26. L:lwn And G:lrden Eliminates fire danger. 10 1-517-875-4565,ask for Tim. brackets. Also, one cylinder year warranty! Dealerships gas engine. Call 1-616-873- Maple RaDida 8. PonlesIHorses 17. Auctions 27. Announcements available. 1-800-743-5883. Lumber Mill, Inc. 2742 after 7pm. Jamboree Acru 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles 28. To Give AW:lY St. Johns, MI 19. Gener.ll 29. Vehicles Name Phone ( ) _ FOR Address City State Zip Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues Desired Insertion Date(s): DISPLAY AD Check $ Visa Card Number Method of Payment (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classiried) Exp. Date _ INFORMATION Master Card Number Exp. Date Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each additional wo-rd Write your ad here, including phone num~er and area code 2 3 4 CALL S 9 13 6 10 14 7 11 15 6 12 16 1-800-292-2680 17 21 2S 16 22 26 19 23 27 20 24 26 EXT. 3203 L 29 33 30 34 31 3S Circulation over 46,000 In State of Michigan. 32 36. ~ I~'JI[~:I~ ~1~'I:t'~ February 15, 1996 Discussien Ag and the Internet Topic; plished by using e-mail. Computer users can use e-mail to send (or receive) messages with anyone in the world who also has an e-mail address. It's simi- lar [Q the way your county Farm Bureau office uses Windows (or the Macintosh operating system.) You also need [Q subscribe to a service that connects you to the Internet (known as an Internet provid- er.) All three of the major online services (America an e-mail system to communicate with the Farm Online, Prodigy and Compuserve) offer e-mail and MIIrch1996 Bureau Center in Lansing. Internet access. A monthly resource This e-mail function makes available the part Once you are connected, the possibilities are for the Community of the Internet that is perhaps most useful [Q farm- nearly limitless. One of the highlights of the Web's Action Groups ers: newsgroups. Newsgroups have been formed many resources for agriculture is the new Michigan of Michigan Farm around nearly every subject you can think of. "Large Farm Bureau site. MFB's Web pages offer weekly Bureau numbers of practicing producers, literally from all news summaries and the opportunity to get news over the world, can talk [Q one another through releases (and Ag in the Classroom lesson plans) by F armers have always been eager adapters of newsgroups," said Don Jones, Extension agricultural e-mail; information about how agriculture cares new technology, especially when it improves engineer with Purdue. Jones is a well-known expert about the environment, details on the latest MACMA their bottom line. So what should farmers on agriculture and the Internet and was a featured sales offers and weekly excerpts from the Michi- make of the hoopla over the Internet? What is it? workshop speaker at the 1995 AFBFAnnual Meet- gan's Cookin' with Karen and Dean recipe book. What does it mean for agn'culture? Hoiv can farm- ing in St. Louis. "The newsgroups let farmers have The address for MFB's Web page is http:// ers take advantage of the lnternet's capabilities? something like a coffee-chat about their farm opera- www.fb.com!mich_state!. The e-mail address Michl .... Fann B.......... Web .......... The formal answer for "What is the Internet?" tions. Many agribusiness people and Extension staff for the MFB Information and Public Relations Divi- Is: 1Ittp:JIwww.fb.coaII_lcII_stataI is that it is a linked computer network that links monitor these conversations." sion is mfbinfo@aol.com. individuals, universities, government agencies, com- Another important part of the Internet is the The American Farm Bureau Federation's Web Cowtown America (the National Cattlemen's Associ- mercial organizations and non-profits Qike Farm World Wide Web. This lets people navigate along the page is http://www.fb.com. It offers news, back- ation) and the National Pork Producers Association. Bureau). The informal way [Q describe the function Internet using "hyiJerlinks" that send them directly ground information about American agriculture and The key to understanding the impact of the of Internet is that it is something like a world-wide to a destination. Unlike the text-only messages of e- links to about a dozen other state Farm Bureau Web Internet is avoiding getting overwhelmed by the system of electronic sidewalks. You can "walk" along mail, the information on the Web is multimedia and sites, including Michigan, Texas and Georgia. technical hype. Don't worry about comprehending the Inrernet to visit specific people, go directly [Q rich with graphics, photos, video and sound. Other Web sites of interest to agriculture in- all of the computer jargon that unnecessarily com- specific destinations for information or products, or Getting hooked into the Internet can be clude the USDXs Agricultural Research Service and plicates discussions about the Internet. The impor- just meander along, stopping when you feel like it somewhat technical. You need a computer and a its National Agricultural Ubrary; Agriculture On-line tant thing to remember is that accessing the Inter- at inreresting spots. device called a modem that connects your comput- (Successful Farming); Michigan State University net is getting simpler, easier and cheaper all the Visiting people on the Internet is accom- er to a phone line. Aq:essing the Web also requires and nearly every other university in the country; time. Watch for your opportunity to take advantage of the "information superhighway's" capabilities for bringing farmers together and providing them with endless amounts of useful and interesting information .• The Insecticide INTERNET TIP Check the ends of Web addresses for clues on what . For Peo21e the addresses connect to. For example, endings like: •. org are for organizations (www.nppc.org), •. com for commercial groups (www.monsanto.com), •. edu for educational institutions With More Brains (www.msu.edu), and •. gov for governmental bodies (www.usda:gov). Than Money 1) How many members of your group own computers? 2) What do they use the computers 3) For those members who do not currently own computers, what kinds of uses would they have for a comput- for? er if they did own one? 4) When you hear the word "Internet, n what kind of picture enters your mind? 5) What information or topic areas have you heard about that you might be interested in connecting to through the Internet? If you could connect to newsgroups, what kinds of things would you discuss? Expect 12 percent increase in corn acres A ccording to a recent FarmDayta repon, fertil- izer producer Vigoro Corporation expects U.S. producers to plant about 79.5 million acres to corn in 1996, up 12 percent from last year's 71.2 million acres, while soybean acreage, on the other hand will be down approximately 2 percent, based on the company's survey of Midwest farmers in December 1995. The corn estimate of79.5 million exceeds the 79.2 million acres planted for the record 10.1 bil- lion-bushel crop planted in 1994. Vigoro, who will be doing a follow-up survey in March, predicts that Smarr people like you know value. That's why you probably already know about THIMET~ 1996 corn acreage could go even higher. "It's possi- soil and systemic insecticide. Yearafter year, THIMET has proven itself for roorworm control. Now, with ble that our second farmer-survey will show planted corn acreage exceeding 80 million acres," said Vig- conservation tillage, THIMET is proving itself against high residue insects, such as wireworms, oro President Robert Fowler. white grubs, and other pests that will increase their pressure season after season and for which there is no Apparently, major seed companies concur rescue treatment. So, if you want to save your money and show off your brains, get THIMET in the with those estimates, with several major suppliers predicting corn acreage of 80 to 82 million acres, LOCK'n LOAD~ closed handling system. It's your best all-around package for value and performance. which translates into higher earnings for 1996. And, it's compatible with Accene and Beacon~ Need more proof? Call us at 1-800-942-0500. Nonhrup King is projecting an increase in sales of 15 percent, while DeKalb is expecting a 15 to 18 percent increase in sales. While Pioneer didn't re- lease projections, Dave Nelson, agribusiness con- PROTECTION. VALUE. PERFORMANCE. sultant, predicts that Pioneer's market share of seed sales will grow to 46 percent, while DeKalb's and Northrup King's market shares will grow to 11 per- Restricted Use Pesticide. Always follow label dir«tlons."'" Trademarks, American Cyanamid Company 0 I 994 cent and 4 percent, respectively, he concluded .• , Trademark, OuR'"t Company 2Trademark, Cilia