-- ItI'CII'CIiN FIiRItl BIJREIIIJ February 29. 1996 Vol. 73. No.4 he framework for a seven-year '46 billion furm bill, passed by the Senate in mid- February, is currently being debated in the U.S. House. If the package dears the House intact, it must still be approved by President Bill Clinton. That ,could be doubtful however, with USDA Secretary Dan Glickman expressing concern over the fuet that payments could go to producers "not engaged in normal agricultural practices," he said. "Planting is not explidtly required in this bill and that's a very serious problem." As of presstime, it appears that Glickman will attempt to make changes in the House ver- sion of the farm bill, and then use that to make changes to the Senate's farm bill package. The House was expected to start debate on the Senate version on Feb. 26 after a three-week recess. The following highlights, according to a Reuters News report are included in the measure. Cr8p FlexlbIIltr Acreage setasides would be eliminated, al- lowing farmers who took part in a furm program at least once since 1990, to be eligible for seven- year contracts that assure annual payments u.s. Rep. Dick Chrysler (R-Brighton) accepted an invitation to address concerns of County Farm Bureau presidents over the lack of a farm bill during tlte Michigan Farm Bureau's annual Council of Presidents' through 2002. Payments would be based on a Conference held in Lansing recently. Chrysler predicts a farm bill by early March, followed by another furmer's past crop acreage and prorated over all farm bill package to address specific commodity concerns. acres nationwide for ~ch commodity. On 85 percent of their land, furmers could plant any mix of wheat, feedgrains, cotton, rice, oil seeds, beans, lentils, and industrial or experi- mental crops. No fruits or vegetables would be allowed on the land, nor would haying or grazing be allowed during the five-month growing season. On the remaining 15 percent of the land, the plan allows for unlimited haying and grazing and planting of certain other crops. No fruits or vegetables would be allowed. F__ SpeadI .. Caps The package would cap farm spending to '35.6 billion over the seven-year period. Annual payment caps would be set at: '5.57 billion in FISCalYear (rY) 1996; $5.385 billion in FY 1997; '5.8 billion in FY 1998; '5.603 billion in FY 1999; '5.13 billion in FY2000; '4.13 billion in FY2001; and $4.008 billion in FY 2002. Mark .......... Claps Maximum loan rates are set at: wheat at '2.SS; corn at $1.89, and soybeans at $5.26. Rates can be reduced up to 10 percent based on same stocks-ta-use triggers set in the 1990 farm bill. p.,...... LIllI ... Payment limits would also be lowered, with maximum crop payments reduced from $50,000 to $40,000. Producers can double the amount as Continued on page 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHICAN FARM NEWS Ruth Farmers Elevator/Cooperative Weed seedbanks 8 Michigan barns topic of Elevator Company to vote on USDA to measure farm photographic exhibit at merger plan 4 financial condition 10 MSU museum 13 Engler - Gas tax increase Soybean Marketing Challenge, Successful Barry County by year-end 5 monthly reports 11 farmer excited about Single-entry accounting - agriculture~s future' 16 Caring Program for Children begins Is it outdated? 7 fifth year of service 12 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 13 ~~~ February 29, 1996 -- lie... Dukesherer lawsuit dropped Oregon farmers remain hopeful after floods Meat farm-to-retail price $preads i. Brief A fter losing a request for a preliminary injunc- tion to stop further assessments from the Michigan Cherry Committee (MCC) and the Red Tart Cherry Information Program Committee B erry and dairy farmers in Oregon remain hopeful that last week's flooding will not adversely affect their livelihoods, but the state's nurseries may not fare so well. A ccording to the most recent USDA report on the farm-to-retail price spreads for beef and pork, both choice beef retail prices and farm prices decreased from November to December 1995. The Armey gearing up (RTCIP), in Grand Rapids U.S. District Court, Approximately a quarter of Oregon's 37,500 change resulted in only a slight increase in the farm- for farm bill fight Dukesherer Farms Inc. has dropped its lawsuit. farmers and orchardists reported flood damage, to-retail price spread for Choice beef to U.46 per H ouse Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), a well-known opponent of farm programs, is looking forward to battles over the peanut and The lawsuit was filed against RTCIP and MCC and Gordon Guyer as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, challenging the consti- said Jim Cornelius, an Oregon State University agri- cultural economist. "There could be a few folks who really got hammered," he said. "But there were retail pound. The spread averaged 10 cents per retail pound higher in 1995, compared to 1994. Retail pork prices increased less than the farm sugar price support programs. His efforts, if suc- tutionality of the assessments collected under the probably a lot of people who will come out of this price from November to December resulting in a 6 cessful, could conceivably put the entire farm biIl in Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. relatively unscathed." cent decrease in the pork farm-to-retail spread to jeopardy. Members representing peanut and sugar According to Ken Nye, administrator for RTCIP Summer harvest of Oregon's 10,000 acres U.32 per retail pound. The spread averaged 7 cents districts have said they will vote against the bill if it the lawsuit was dismissed "without prejudice," planted with cranberries - Marion and evergreen per retail pound lower in 1995 than 1994 .• includes language weakening the programs. meaning the lawsuit can be brought back again at a blackberries, red raspberries, boysenberries and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat later date. "Another case, from California, is current- loganberries - is still expected to be ample, accord- Roberts (R-Kan.) earlier tried to send the bill to the ly headed to the U.S. Supreme Court," Nye said. ing to Anthony Wurdinger, Oregon Raspberry and floor under a closed rule - allowing no amend- "It's possible that depending on the outcome of Blackberry Commission chairman. The state's blue- Flat tax bad for ments - but was rebuffed and chose to delay floor that case, this lawsuit mayor may not be brought berry and strawberry harvest also should be rela- most farmers action until members returned from the Presidents' Day recess Feb. 26 .• back again." • tively unaffected. The Oregon dairy industry was hit hard, espe- dally around TIllamook, but if necessary, milk will T op Producer Magazine recently hired an ac- countant to analyze the tax returns of four sample Iowa farms and found a flat tax - based on be shipped in if local supplies run short. The long- Japan is top U.S. Regulators want term prognosis for the industry is good. the proposals of Steve Forbes and Rep. Dick Armey (R-Texas) - would be an expensive proposition for agimporter tighter farm loans Oregon nurseries are not so lucky. One farm in average farms. T he Agriculture Department said Japan is the United States' top export market for agricul- ture products. During the lo-month period that The federal Office of Comptroller of the • Currency is seeking to tighten standards on farm loans as the agriculture sector "enters a period Salem reported that 75 of 100 acres were flooded and the owners suffered approximately '500,000 in loss- "One of the biggest flaws is that both the Arm- ey and Forbes plans tax small business without the es when 500,000 seedlings were washed away .• ability to pay," said 1bp Producer editor Marcia ended last October, USDA reported the value of of uncertainty." Zarley Taylor. "Even farmers with negative cash flow agriculture exports to Japan jumped 23 percent to a Reuters reports that comptroller Eugene lud- (and no income tax due under any flat tax) would record $4.4 billion. U.S. exports to japan of fresh, wig has asked Midwest agricultural banks to review see their Social Security tax burdens escalate. For frozen and chilled red meat rose 37 percent. and update their loan underwriting practices and to example, Iowa growers with negative incomes could U.S. agriculture exports to Canada jumped 8 encourage farm borrowers to follow certain stan- USDA urges packer still owe as much as Sl,600 to $2,SOOin Social Secu- percent to S3.s billion, but sales to Mexico dropped dardized practices. investigation rity taxes in our analysis." 42 percent to $764 million. The report predicts According to the Reuters report from Washing- A Ithough a USDA study found no wrong-doing According to the 1bp Producer analysis, the South Korea will be the second largest importer of ton, Ludwig wants banks' agricultural customers to: .-.m the meat packing industry, Agriculture impact of a flat tax on commercial-scale family farm U.S. red meat, with shipments up 50 percent. • Use accrual accounting. Secretary Dan Glickman is urging the U.S. justice operations "could be especially shocking." A large The report dted a 13 percent increase in ex- • Continue to incorporate computerized loan department to continue its investigation of possible farmer with '200,000 in net farm income ('~,OOO ports of processed fruit and vegetables, especially analysis. anti-competitive practices. Glickman said he consid- gross sales minus allowable expenses), annual inter- frozen french fries, canned tomato products and • Adjust percentages used to calculate collateral ers the Packers and Stockyards Act to be a "mini est expense of UOO,OOOand property taxes of corn; an 8.5 percent rise in dairy exports, with the margins when underlying collateral values are anti-trust law," that provides USDA the authority '30,000, pays about '6,000 a year in federal income strongest growth in Algeria, Canada and japan; and volatile .• needed to act against unfair practices and uncom- and Social Security taxes now. But under the Forbes a 15 percent jump in shipments of prepared and petitive pridng. flat tax his contribution would be '33,309 - or an preserved red meats .• However, Glickman did say that the agricultur- Wheat embargo? al industry shouldn't be treated any differently than increase of about '27,000 per year. ecause of the low ending wheat stocks and The magazine also analyzed other farm in- B high prices, some wheat groups are worried about the possibility of a government-imposed any other industry, adding that there would have to be evidence of wrong-doing and market domination come brackets and found that all of the categories saw tax bills rise under a flat tax .• Tractor sales rise 8.8 wheat embargo. "Farmers are concerned over the before any action can be considered. The USDA study concluded that although percent over year ago threat of embargoes because of the devastating there was no evidence of wrong-doing, the trend of S.sales of wheel-type farm tractors rose 8.8 effects they've had in the past," said Doug Schmale, U percent in january, compared to a year ago. The Equipment Manufacturers Institute, a chairman of the Nebraska Wheat Board. "Embar- goes did severe damage to the reputation of the packer concentration was impacting competition. The study found that the four largest packers - IBP, MFB receives Michigan Veterinary Association ConAgra, Cargill, and Farmland - controlled 82 trade group, reports 7,122 tractors sold in january, United States as a world supplier." percent of the steer and heifer slaughter in 1994, up Business Service Award compared with 6,547 a year ago. Schmale, who attended the National Associa- he Miracle of life state fair exhibit, co- Sales of two-wheel-drive tractors totaled 6,829, up 8.7 percent from a year ago. Four-wheel- tion of Wheat Growers' annual meeting in Reno, said the tight wheat stocks are not unlike those that from 72 percent in 1990 and 36 percent in. 1980 .• T sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau and Blue CrosslBlue Shield (BCIBS) of Michigan, drive tractors numbered 293, up 11.4 percent from existed in the 19705, when embargoes were placed earned both organizations the Michigan Veterinary a year ago .• on wheat. • Medical Association's (MVMA) Business Service Ideal hog match'es Award, during the Michigan Veterinary Conference. new CME contract According to Dr. Peter Prescott, executive Third edition FFA collectors' tractors are here The National PorkProducers Council (NPPC) director of the MVMA, the award is presented annu- panyagreed to manufacture a limited edition series • plans to introduce a new visual aid in March to ally to an organization that promotes the profession of FFA tractors for five years, with a1fof the profits show the qualities and specifications of a "perfect" of veterinary medidne. "We thought the Miracle of going to benefit the Michigan FFAFoundation. The hog for the 1990s. life display, sponsored in conjunction with the funds will be used to help support and develop Agriculture officials at the Chicago Mercantile veterinary school at Michigan State University was young leaders for the future through leadership Exchange (CME) are exdted about the new "ideal just super promotion of animal agriculture and conferences and contests. hog," because it matches the specifications set forth veterinary medidne and certainly worthy of an Quality Stores is the largest financial sponsor in the new lean-hog futures contract that began award," he said.1 of the Michigan FFA, according to Michigan FFA trading in November. .MFB and BC/BS have co-sponsored the Foundation Executive Director Julie Chamberlain. Reuters says the new NPPC standard will call Miracle of life display for the last two years and She says there are many reasons to consider buying for a 260-pound hog that will yield a 195-pound has become a major crowd grabber with most of one of these limited edition tractors. carcass. It's to be marketed at 155 days, with a fat- the over 300,000 State Fair visitors last year who free index of 51 percent. stopped by to witness the birth of calves, pigs, T he third edition of a five-part series of FFA collectors' tractors features 2,000 highly detailed, metal replicas of the Ford 8N tractor "Besides supporting valuableFFA leadership programs, these collector tractors will increase in value over time, and they're a great way to start CME offidals say the new producer standards will help encourage active partidpation in the lean- chickens and sheep first-hand. The award was presented to MFB and BC/BS for the Michigan FFA. Each tractor is packaged your own tractor collection or give as a gUt," hog contract, which will be completely phased in by during MVMKs annual four-day educational Veteri- in a colorful box imprinted with an outline of the Chamberlain suggested. "Whatever your reason, the end of the year .• nary Conference for over 1,400 members. Topics state and a number "3" to signify the third edition. you're helping to make a difference in the young. covered included everything from exotic animals to Complete with a certificate of authentidty, the lives of students." traditional farm animals says Prescott, along with tractors sell for '29.99. Look for the third edition of the FFA educational sessions on business and personnel In a successful campaign to raise funds to Collectors' Tractors at your local Quality Farm management. • support the FFA, Quality Stores and ERTLToy Com- and Fleet and County Post Stores .• Deere reports 20 percent Increase in The MlchlgVl "rm N~ (I55N:0743-9962) b published twice per month except In the months of Nov~ December. first quarter profits June and July when only one Issue Is printed, as a Mntke to ntgular membetS. by Michigan Farm BurMu. 7373 west Saginaw Highway. LansIn9. Michigan 48917. Member subsoiptJon prke of $1.50 Is Induded In ann~ dues of MId1lgan Farm Bureau regula' members. AddltJOMIlUbscrfptlon fees required for maiUng MkhlgVl Firm N~ nonmembers and outside the continental U.s.A.. ~ mailing offices. ~ paid at lansing. Michigan. and additional to D eere & Co. reported first quarter net income for the period endingjan. 31, 1996 was up 20 percent from last year's first quarter period to • 166.2 LetterI to the editor and statewide news ankles should be sent to: EdItor. M~n F.rm ~ Post Office Box million on '2.318 billion in sales. Overall profits for 30960. LansIng. MkhJg~n 48909-1460. POSTMASTER - Send address cNnges to: MkhigM fwm Bureau. POst Office the fiscal year are expected to be up 14 percent over IIox 30960. lansing. MkNgan 48909-8460. Edit0rlai: DennIs Ruciat. Edltar and Buslne4a Manaier. Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. the previous year, according to Deere's estimates. Design and Production: Jeffrey Rutztcy. Staff ContributorS: M'lb Rogers Deere credited accelerated farm equipment OffIcers: President. ~ laurie. c.ss CIty, Vice PresIdent. Tom Guthrie. Defton; Admlnistrdve DinldOr. Chudt IIurtett; sales for a majority of the increase, followed by Treasurer .nd Ollef financial Officer. Tom ParIl;er,Secmary. o.vtd V.nderHugen. Directors: DIstrIct 1. Jim MHJer. CoIorrM; DIstrkt 2. BlaIne YanSkkM. Maf$hall; Dis1rkt 3, Mldulel FusiUer. MIndMlster; District ... Tom Guthrie. Delton; increased lawn and garden equipment sales. Con- MFB Administrative Director Chuck DIs1rkt 5. Alan Garner. Mason; District 6. w.yn. Wood, Marlette; DistrIct 7. RIck Johnson. LerOy; Dfstrkt .. IUchMd struction equipment sales were off however, due to Burkett receives MVMA's Business Luc:h. s.glnaw; Dttirkt 9. Joshua Wunsch. Trav.se CIty, DistrIct 10. Marglnt lCatWs. West Brandl; DIstrkt 11. Robert Wlhmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jade IA\.wie, Cass Oty; Faye AdM1. Snover; Jan Vosburg. Olmp; Judy Emmons. Sheridan. a slow-down in construction activity and the severe Service Award from Dr. Larry Allahen, Promotion .net Education. Brigetta l.eadl. Olmu; young F.-mers. ChrIs Donbtodl. Coldwater. winter weather .• MVMA president. ~~1~11:t~ February 29, 1996 For more information on Policy Execution at the 1996 legislative topics in the Michigan Farm News, Lansing Legislative SeRiinar call 800-292-2680. historic opportunity to get our industry on the right path toward future prosperity. But already, the coun- ter attacks against our farm bill proposal have begun. Opponents of farm program reform don't believe farmers can prosper and compete in the free market. I believe otherwise. The Michigan agricultural indus- try, once it begins to move away from the burden- some restraints of federal controls, has the ability From the and willingness to shape its own economic destiny. Other national issues of importance to agricul- President ture, many of which will surely be brought up dur- ing our Washington Legislative Seminar (March 19- I partidpated in two events last month that rein- forced my faith in the volunteer power of our organization. 22), are bonding and bankruptcy of agricultural handlers, meaningful regulatory reform and strong federal protection of private property rights. The Lansing Legislative Seminar, held Feb. 13, There is also going to be a wide range of state brought together nearly 300 county leaderS from issues that will need your attention this spring. across the state to lobby over 100 legislators and Farmland preservation efforts will accelerate. A talk with state department directors. One of the hearing on enabling legislation for transfer of devel- highlights of the activity, from my point of view~was opment rights was held in late February. Draft legis- a speech to our group by Gov. Engler. You couldn't lation on agricultural security areas will be intro- help but be impressed by the amount of time that duced in the near future. this very busy governor spent talking to our mem- State legislation to protect private property bers. It was very gratifying to see that Gov. Engler, rights will remain a front-burner issue. As a first touted by many across the nation as a future Presi- step, legislation was recently introduced to require dent of the United States, was well-informed about state agendes, when developing regulations, to be Michigan agricultural issues and how genuinely sensitive to the possibility of property rights tak- concerned he appeared to be about the future of ings. Support for legislative funding of Project our industry. I was also impressed by the intelligent GREEEN, a program designed to revitalize plant and pertinent questions posed to the governor by agriculture programs at Michigan State University, the seminar participants. will also be vitally needed. Lawmakers will also need County Farm Bureau presidents were also in to know how important it is that we secure amend- Lansing for their annual Coundl of Presidents' Con- ments to the Michigan Agricultural Commodity . ference, Feb. 13-14. They had an opportunity during Insurance Act to make it easier for farmers to recov- the conference to meet with Rep. Dick Chrysler (R- er money from bankrupt agricultural handlers. Brighton). They told Rep. Chrysler in no uncertain It's shaping up to be a busy spring. Your vol- terms that rapid House action on farm legislation is unteer energy and enthusiasm will be crucial to a top Farm Bureau priority. Just as at the Lansing helping further our priority goals. Legislative Seminar, it was great to see a dedicated, well informed and persuasive group of our county leadership in action. This persuasiveness is going to be very impor- tant in the months to come, because we have some crucial issues on tap. As I noted earlier, one of the top Jack Laurie, President priorities is House passage of the farm bill. This is an Michigan Farm Bureau STATE ISSUE Land Division Act proposal and Division Act (Subdivision ControQ S.B. L 112, sponsored by Sen. Leon Stille (R-Spring Lake) would prevent the creation of 10.1 acre lots Act - 11 with local approval. • Ifaccess is afforded by easement, not more that 2 parcels may be served by the same easement, and subsequent 100year division. Current proposed unless the local ordinance allows otherwise. divisions exempt from the platting requirement are • A maximum lot size of 2.5 acres, unless a larger as follows: lot is permitted by local ordinance. Statutory With local Current Parent size base (splits) approval law • A depth-ta-width ratio of not more than 4: 1- if <10 acres 2 4 4 munidpal or county ordinance prescribes a ~10 & <20 3 5 5 smaller maximum depth to width ratio, the mu- ~20 & <30 4 6 6 nidpal or county ordinance controls the depth to ~30 & <40 5 7 7 width ratio - a munidpality or county may grant ~40 & <80 9 11 11 a waiver from any applicable depth to width ratio. • All land divisions have to be approved and The final proposed drafts of changes are cur- surveyed rently being made, with hearings before the Senate • One division per 10 acres or fraction thereof Local, Urban and State Affairs Committee scheduled . contained in the parent parcel or parent tract, MFB Position: Proposed changes are favor- plus one division would be allowed. able at this time. MFB policy suggests that 10 + acre • Locals can offer up to two more divisions total lots need to be minimized to prevent unnecessary with shared driveways or clustering in accor- land fragmentation. dance with an adopted local ordinance. MFB Contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046; • Total maximum divisions: 9 under Land Division Ron Nelson, ext. 2043 .• Rep. Tom Middleton (R-Ortonville) (right) meets with Farm Bureau members from Senate Agriculture Committee member Sen. Joel Gougeon (R-Bay City) (secondfrom right) Oakland County, County Farm Bureau President Tony Rainey (center) and Don Ryker. explaining his position to the representatives from his district in the Thumb Region. Ruth Farmers Elevator/Cooperative Elevator Company to vote on merger plan H uron County-area farmers who are stock- it was merged with the Sebewaing location 11 years holders of Ruth Farmers Elevator and ago. Since then the cooperative has added locations Cooperative Elevator Company will be in Akron, Gagetown, and most recently the Elkton casting their votes sometime in March as to wheth- facility five years ago. As a result of those mergers, er the two cooperatives should merge, according to Kohr says the cooperative is the largest in the state, Paul Holdwick, a cash crop farmer and current and rank xl in the top 50 in the country. chairman of the board at Ruth Farmers Elevator. Kohr says the transition will provide additional If approved, the addition of the Ruth facility services, specifically, custom herbidde application. would push Cooperative Elevator Company's annu- He also expects that the recent completion of a al gross sales from approximately $75 million to fertilizer terminal at the Elkton location will im- over $100 million, add another 40 employees, and prove effidendes and services at all locations. increase the number of producers served from "We're going to be able to save our farmers 1,000 to a total of 1,350 producers. some money and become more effident, in the "An agreement has been reached, in prindple, process, at what we're doing," Kohr said. "We also between the organizations' respective boards of felt that if we didn't continue to grow and consoli- directors," Holdwick explained. "Once we've got a date, that we could find ourselves on the outside plan of merger that the board approves, we'll be looking in someday." going out to stockholder meetings before conduct- Financial problems at Ruth Farmers Elevator ing a vote." resulting from bad accounts receivables, and a bean If all goes as planned, Holdwick expects the broker that went bankrupt, spurred the merger merger to be voted on and hopefully in effect by discussion between the two cooperatives, according April 1. While staff and management would remain to Holdwick. "We had some financial problems last the same, the name would be changed to Coopera- year that got to the point that our best option was tive Elevator of Ruth according to }ohn Kohr, Presi- After doing business for 60 years as the Ruth Farmers Elevator, the cooperative's to merge with another elevator or have an outright dent and CEO of Cooperative Elevator Company. members will soon be casting their votes on whether the operation should merge sale," he said. "Our board chose early on to try and Formerly known as the Pigeon Cooperative, to with the Cooperative Elevator Company. If approved, the merger could be effective merge with another cooperative." • maintain local identity, the name was changed after as early as April 1 of this year. Rep. Dick Chrysler didn't to balance the budget in seven years," doing the business that needed to be done." Cranberry school predicts farm bill Chrysler said. "Clinton chose, instead, to put a bud- Ifthe Senate version of the farm bill is ap- scheduled for by early March get on the table that failed by a 421 to 0 vote. Not proved, Chrysler believes that another package, April 2-3 one Republican, not one Democrat or Independent known as Farm Bill II, will be introduced to address @@~~OO ~@l.311 voted for the president's budget because it didn't balance the budget in seven years and it didn't use honest CBO numbers. specific commodity program titles such as dairy and sugar beets. Chrysler says the measure would aIsb be a seven-year package, with the dairy portion being I you f want to learn more about the latest agricul- tural commodity to be added to Michigan's pro- duction list, then make plans to attend the Cranber- Continued from front page "On}an. 6, he (Clinton) finally presented a very similar to the Gunderson proposal that was with- ry school on April 2-3 hear the latest on prospects Chrysler contends that Clinton could have submitted budget that did balance the budget in seven years, drawn from the Freedom to Farm package earlier. for increasing production and acreage in the state. his budget last December and saved everyone a lot of using CBO numbers," Chrysler continued. "The Chrysler also elaborated on taxation issues Speakers will be from Michigan State Universi- headaches. He says that a bill signed by the President question that was never asked, and I believe that we and proposals with county Farm Bureau presidents, ty Extension, the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Michi- himself in November, called for a balanced budget in all should be asking is, 'Mr. President, why didn't you saying the flat tax would be an "interim step, to get gan Department of Agriculture and private industry. seven years, using budget estimates prepared by the submit that budget three weeks earlier and avoid the where we need to be," he suggested. "Quite frankly, The emphasis will be on the beginning stages of Congressional Budget Office (CBO). whole government shutdown?' It's obvious that he we need to be able to pull the income tax system cranberry bed site selection, obtaining production "On Dee. 15, both parties were supposed to thought he could get a bounce in the polls - unfor- out by the roots in this country and discard it." permits, securing finandng, selecting plant stock put their budget on the table - find out what we tunately, he's playing with people's lives, their jobs, He's currently working on a proposal to estab- and cranberry irrigation systems. agreed on and then negotiate on the things that we and the farm community, instead of getting down to lish a national sales tax that would not only elimi- The program will include panel discussions nate the income tax, but the Internal Revenue Ser- with growers on problems they've encountered and vice, estate taxes, inheritance taxes and the capital what they expect the future of cranberry produc- ~ rfilMFii\1 RADIONElWORK Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business gains tax as well. Although Chrysler estimates that a 10 to 12 percent sales tax rate would be needed to replace revenue currently generated by the income tax system, he believes the overall impact would reduce tion to be. The school will also include a four-hour field trip to potential cranberry production sites in the Gaylord area. The program will run from noon to early evening the first day and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the cost of all goods manufactured by 14 percent. the second day at the Sylvan Resort in Gaylord. Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective "We currently spend more man-hours filling out tax progi-am registration is SIlO. has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- For a brochure and more details, contact forms and dealing with the IRS than we spend in ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- man-hours building every car! truck and airplane Ron Goldy, MSU Extension horticulture agent tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, built in this country today," he concluded .• in Berrien County, by calling (616) 429-2425 or weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: fa at (616) 429-1309 .• Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30 pm WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm WKJF WTVB Cadillac Coldwater 1370 1590 5:55 am 5:45 am 11:20 am 12:20 pm 830,395.00 WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm 54 X 13 X 90 1 1 1 WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45am 12:15 pm Deluxe MachInery Storage WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm 1- 24' x 14'6- AllJMASIFFL "'_~ "T, '. " ,'. PfJ and the end of the accounting period. this is not necessarily true. Cash accounting can be, and sales. The grocery store would require double- 5t I I • Beginning and ending inventories • Beginning and ending accounts receivable • Beginning and ending accounts payable • Beginning and ending accrued expenses and many times is, practiced on double-entry sys- tems as well as on single-entry systems. Conversely, accrual accounting is oftentimes considered synony- mous with double-entry systems, but accrual ac- entry books to keep its inventory information on: demand for the store's daily management decisions. As farms get larger and more complex, more may find the need for double-entrysystems to include • Beginning and ending prepaid expenses counting can be just as easily practiced by single- active perpetual inventory and accounts receivable • Beginning and ending unused supplies entry systems. Whether an accounting system is information. To accomplish this, the accounts will John D. Jones, • Beginning and ending growing crops single- or double-entry is a separate classification need to be actively updated for invoiced sales, weight Telfarm Director and • Beginning and ending income taxes payable from whether an accounting system follows cash or gains, feed consumed, crop inventory transfers, District Extension • Beginning and ending deferred taxes payable accrual methods of accounting . deaths, shrinkage, and other "non-cash" transac- Farm Management Agent, Department D."'. -L ....... 51.... ~ ... I Another classification of accounting~ systems is It is far more important that your accounting tions. This can greatly increase the number of trans- system can easily produce quality accrual-based actions recorded and the time invested in maintain- of Agricultural into double. and single-entry systems. A double- finandal statements than whether it is single- or ing current records. Ifmore information is needed, Economics, entry system breaks apart each transaction into a double-entry. Both systems can be used to produce then more recordkeeping time is generally required. Michigan State source entry and a destination or use entry. These balanced and coordinated accrua1ized finandal state- eo.dn1R'n8 r .. University Extension entries are typically called credits and debits and by ments. Management information needs require "true" Single-entry systems, when designed to recon- design the sources (credits) will always be equal to or accrualized finandal statements. The best way to dIe with the checkbook balance, will provide a W hen farmers are asked what record- keeping system features are important to them, they report "easy-to-use" and "efficient" as very important features. These fea- tures are espedally important in small businesses the uses (debits). Hence, the system will always be balanced or coordinated between the finandal re- ports, but more skill is required than with single- entry accounting. Monitoring the trial balance to get there will depend on the individual situation. An example will help draw a comparison be- tween the strengths. A small business with relatively few inventories may only annually or quarterly pro- good base for making accrual-based finandaJ state- ments. The same periodic adjusting entries are made to double- as well as to single-entry systems when finishing up a year. Both can provide excellent verify the correct resulting account balances is a duce accrualized finandal statements. Prior to the accrual-based and coordinated financial statements when the owner or another indentured servant is period-ending activity. end of each period, a count and/or measurement is for the management team to use in their analysis. expected to keep the records for the business. In single-entry accounting, the system suggests completed on each of the inventories for making Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a Many (or most) of our farm records are kept one entry per transaction into the ledger and the period-ending accrual entries. Furthermore, there is single- or a double-entry system depends on the by people who are not formally trained in account- accounts must be totaled and summarized to deter- not the need for extensive invoidng and billing for specific kind of management information needed ing. They may have difficulty with recordkeeping mine if the system is still balanced and coordinated. accounts receivable because sales are made for and when it is needed. H the management tearn systems that use double-entry, debits and credits, Asingle-entry system can be kept in such a way as to cash. Hence, the bookkeeping system of choice, needs to be updated daily on a wide array of inven- particularly when it comes to year-end adjusting verify every penny flowing through the business but because of the ease of use, would generally be a tory and receivables and sales information, then a entries. This is why single-entry systems remain the extra steps that would approximate a trial balance, as single-entry system, as is the case for most farmers. double-entry system may be a better choice. It will dominant system for keeping farm financial records. in a double-entry system, are required. Meanwhile, a grocery store will have a huge require more transactions and typically more ac- The argument that single-entry systems do In everyday vernacular, cash accounting is number of inventory accounts that need to turnover counting knowledge to operate. not account for all transactions and cannot remain commonly paired with single-entry accounting, but rapidly, and have a constant flow of new deliveries The choice is yours .• in balance is the most frequent criticism. This is not valid with a well-designed single-entry system. The single-entry system can be designed to reconcile back to a bank or checkbook balance. When balanc- es are verified before exiting each entry session, the results approach a double-entry system. This can be taken even further when loan and savings account balances are also regularly verified. These activities should be practiced with any system whether sin- gle- or double-entry. "With Prowl we've been able to c.II ... A.... .... An accounting system should be designed to deliver both tax accounting and management infor- take care of the weeds that are mation. Tax accounting information is needed to file legally required tax reports and returns. Manage- ment information is used in the control and plan- major com challenges, like pigweed, ning functions of the business operation. Informa- tion for these two purposes overlap and can come up with what looks like conflicting results. The most obvious reason for cash accounting lambsquarters and velvetleaf." is because federal income taxes for farmers are usually reported on the cash basis. Cash account- ing's attractiveness is the ease with which income can be shifted by the timely purchase of inputs or sale of products. Also attractive is the tax deferral on Dale raised product inventories. Accrual accounting, Wessner though, does not distort the income and you do not need two sets of books - one for tax purposes Kempton, and one for management reports. Cash accounting simply recognizes revenues Pennsylvania when the cash is received for products sold and expenses when the cash is paid for items pur- chased. Accrual accounting matches revenues and expenses as they occur and become binding, even though the cash exchange may not occur at the same time as the sale or purchase event. ...... Ac:cnIaiI M 11 t •• Is Following is a list of the most common period- ending accrual entries to "adjust" cash basis to ac- crual basis. "Beginning" and "ending" refer to infor- mation from the balance sheets as of the beginning Modifications in GRPfor 1996 Continued from page 6 yield for this contract is the county expected yield. If the actual county yield in 1996 is less than the deductible (85 bu for a 15 percent deductible contract for a county with a 100 bu expected yield), the farmer receives a payment equal to the percent shortfall in the county yield times the dollar value of protection chosen. In our example, a 70-bushel county yield would be a shortfall of (85-70)185 or 21.4 percent. Ifa farm- er purchased $300/acre protection, the indemnity payment would be $64.29 ($300 x 0.214). GRPworks for farmers whose yields follow the same pattern as county yields. Its pattern that countsj it doesn't make any difference whether the farmer's yield is higher or lower than the county yield. The farmer who purchases GRP in counties where the contract improves the risk protection provided has the choice of paying more per acre for improved finandal risk reduction versus taking a larger deductible or lower level of protection and getting about the same level of finandal risk reduc. tion as they had in \995. ~~IL~ February 29, 1996 Weed Weed seedbanks centage that emerges varies by species and by the environmental conditiort'i (temperature and mois- ture) during the spring and summer. Strategies weed seeds in the seedbank is influenced by past farming practices and may vary from field to field and between areas within fields. In intensively cropped fields in the north central corn belt the weed seed, either directly or by spreading of manure. What is the Fate of Weed Seed? Weed seed is lost from the seedbank when seed is eaten by rodents, insects, and other preda- How Long will Weed Seed Persist in the Soil? Under agricultural conditions the average viability period for many weed species is less than five years although some weed species have a much weed seedbank ranged from 200 to 54,000 viable tors. Some seeds decompose in the soil over timej more persistent seedbank. The deeper the seed is seeds per square foot. Seedbanks are made up of others germinate but then die. We would not have buried in the soil the greater the seed longevity. numerous weed species, although only a few spe- annual weed problems in our crops if these were Can we Use the Weed Seedbank to Predict des such as common lambsquarters and redroot the only three fates of weed seed. However, much Weed Emergence? pigweed may comprise 70 to 90 percent of the total of the weed seed remairt'i in the soil and is dor- The weed seedbank is a good indicator of by Karen A. Renner, seedbank. mant. A seed is dormant if it does not germinate which weed species may emerge in the field but it Department of What are the Sources of Weed Seed? under conditions favorable for growth. Most weed does not accurately predict weed density in a given Crop and Soil Weed seed can reach the soil and become part species have periods of time during the year when year. This is because the percent of a given species Sciences, Michigan of the seedbank through several avenues. The chief the seed is dormant and times when the seed is not that emerges each year is variable. This variation State University source is weeds that are allowed to mature in the dormant. The underlying mechanisms controlling may occur in response to environmental thresh- field. Weed seed can also be "planted" with contami- dormancy cycling are not understood, although soil olds. A challenge in the future is to predict the weed dert'iity from the weed seedbank. H we could A gricultural soils contain thousands of nated crop seed, or arrive on farm equipment or with temperature may be important in inducing dorman- weed seeds per square foot. This is no farm labor Some weed seed can blow in with the wind, cy. Some weed seed germinates each year. The predict weed density and the expected effect on surprise since weeds are capable of pro- and many seeds reach a field site in irrigation water percentage' of the weed seedbank that emerges is crop yielq we could then select the most appropri- dudng thousands of seeds per plant. The dert'iity of or by flooding. Wildlife and livestock can spread quite low, usually less than 10 percent and the per- .' ate weed management strategy .• Making springtime nitrogen management decisions for wheat? the spring, possibly with a herbidde. marketed by IMC Global, can be added to urea or C alled the most limiting nutrient factor in wheat yields, nitrogen management is per- haps more critical this year than most, thanks to straightforward, says Vitosh. "00 it now or just be- fore green-up," he suggested. The decision to split your nitrogen application, however, requires a little "If producers are using liquid nitrogen with Harmony Extra and a non-ionic surfactant, you 28 percent to help reduce the potential for ammo- nia volatilization. some healthy prices. But don't be too quick to go more attention to when the second application can have some significant burn if you exceed more One thing you don't want to do, says Vitosh is overboard either, advises MSU's Dr. Maurice Vitosh, should be made, especially if herbidde is being than 20 to 30 pounds per acre," Vitosh cautioned. delay all of your nitrogen application until late a professor and Extension Specialist in the Depart- applied using 28 percent as a carrier. Many produc- "Without the surfactant, you could probably put spring. "Some people delay all of their nitrogen ap- ment of Crop and Soil Sciences. ers put on ~ of their nitrogen before greenup, says on up to 60 pounds of nitrogen in the spring at plication until they put their herbidde on - we have Applying too much of a good thing can lead to Vitosh, and then wait to apply the other ~ later in Feeke's Stage 6 when they're likely spraying for found that to be too late," Vitosh explained. "The severe lodging problems cutting yields and quality. weed problems in wheat." plant starts to use nitrogen at green-up, and ifyou Speaking to producers at several Wheat 2000 meet- While the benefits of split nitrogen application don't have some nitrogen there, the plant can be ings around the state this winter, Vitosh says opti- have been proven in Europe, Vitosh says the jury is pretty yellow by the time the herbidde is applied.". mum nitrogen rates need to be based on soil type still out on whether split nitrogen applications are and texture organic levels, and overall yield potential. benefidal for Michigan producers. "In a wet year Nitrogen RecommencIatfons for Wheat "Sandy soils do not have the same yield poten- you may notice some benefits from a split applica- Wheat YIeld Goal (bW~) Pounds NlADe tial as finer-textured soils, because of their inherent- tion, but I'm not sure the benefits are there for 50 40 ly low water-holding capacity and usually lower Michigan producers," he advised. 60 60 organic matter levels," Vitosh explained. "Organic matter is important because of the amount of nitro- gen that can be mineralized or released each year." likewise, says Vitosh, fine-textured soils must be well-tiled or a large portion of the nitrogen can Soil type, organic matter and your overall Ifyou do opt for splitting your nitrogen appli- cations, Vitosh suggests using urea for your first application followed either by 28 percent if applied with a herbidde, or ammonium nitrate or ammoni- um sulphate for late spring applications. Avoid us- 70 80 9~ W 75 90 110 . wheat2000 be lost through denitrification if the fields become yield goals should all be considered when ing ammonium sulphate on sandy soils however to seriously water logged. making spring nitrogen application deci- avoid addity concerns says Vitosh. TIming your nitrogen application is pretty sions, says MSU's Dr. Maurice Vitosh. Vitosh says ~t Agrotain, a new product from Farm Bureau Insurance You receive Gold Star Sert/ice with every policy offered by the Jlarm C/JureauInsurance Companies. ~ We earned a Gold $tarfiwardfor our outstanding sert,ice to Michigan, the highest v'~ insurance honor bestowed by thefimerican $arm (Jjureau$ederation. A Our life insurance company is rated among the top 50 life insurers infimerica by W Ward .!FinancialGroup, based on safety, security, and outstandingfinancial performance. $or top seroicefor all your insurance needs - life, home, auto, business, retirement, ... * boat, and more - call your $arm cfjureauInsurance agent today .. FARM BIJREAIJ Making your future more predictable .... @ INSIJRANCE fARM IUREAU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU L1F£ • FARM BUREAU GENERAL • FB ANNUITY ~~~ February 29, 1996 at or near the peak of dormancy, with resistance to vious fall in poor condition (e.g. water stress, low warmer and likely wetter weather across Michigan, cold at high levels. Historically, problems with cold fertility). This factor may have played a major role the latest National Weather Service 30-day outlook damage in Michigan have been the worst in the late in the potential for winter injury to wheat across for March and the 9O-day outlook for March-May winter and early spring, following warm spells the Great Plains region during the same February calls for a continued better than normal chance of which bring crops at least partially out of dormancy. cold outbreak. below normal temperatures, with near equal odds Also, susceptibility to winterkill is usually While medium-range forecast models are ofbelow-, near-, and above-normal predpitation greater for crops which entered dormancy the pre- indicating a change in jet stream patterns leading to totals during the same time periods .• by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural meteorologist, Department of Geography, Michigan State University W inter tightened its grip on the Great Lakes region during early February, with several incursions of arctic~rigin air and associated frigid temperatures. Average tem- peratures during the last 30 days ranged from signif- icantly below normal in northern areas of the state to near or even slightly above normal in the south. Precipitation varied greatly across the state, IFYOU KEEP with heavy lake effect snowfall leading to much above normal predpitation totals across much of SPITTING INTO the Upper and northwestern Lower Peninsulas and below normal totals in sections of Lower Michigan. THE WIND, Extreme cold during Feb. 3-4 has raised con- cerns of winterkill damage for both field and fruit YOU'RE GONNA crops across the state, especially in southern sec- tions of the state where snowcover was very light or GET WET. non-existent. Miniumum temperatures on the morn- ing of the 3rd ranged from less than -40" in the Upper Peninsula to the -15 to -35" range across central and northern Lower Michigan (where snow- I PROMISE TO TAKE THE EXTRA cover was present) to-lOto-15~across the far south. TIME TO MAKE SURE THE SAFETY While it will be difficult to assess what, if any, damage the cold caused until spring, it is important SHIELDS ARE IN PLACE. to note that overwintering crops in Michigan were I PROMISE TO ACTUALLY REPLACE THOSE BOLTS THAT HAVE BEEN Michigan MISSING ON THE GRAIN BIN Weather Summary LADDER FOR 5 YEARS. Temperature Precipitation 1116196 to Observed Dev. from Actual Normal 2/15/96 mean normal (inch) (inch) I PROMISE TO DO EVERYTHING I Houghton 10.7 -2.7 5.37 1.85 Marquette 9.4 -2.4 4.99 1.85 CAN TO PUT EVERY SPECK OF Escanaba 12.4 -3.7 4.19 1.77 INSECTICIDE ON THE Sault Ste. Marie 11.5 -1.9 4.81 1.77 INSECTS ... NOT ON ME. lake City 13.6 4.1 4.28 1.77 Pellston 15.6 0.9 5.32 1.77 Traverse City 18.3 -2.0 1.67 1.77 Alpena 17.4 -0.5 2.42 1.61 Houghton lake 17.4 -0.3 2.12 1.61 Muskegon 20.9 -1.8 2.14 2.19 Vestaburg 18.0 -3.2 1.76 1.57 Bad Axe 19.8 -1.3 3.47 1.44 Saginaw 21.3 -0.1 2.34 1.44 Grand Rapids 21.5 -0.5 1.33 2.14 South Bend 25.1 1.5 1.76 2.14 YOU HAVE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU RUN A FARM. IN YOUR HASTE TO MEET THEM, Coldwater 23.2 -0.6 2.05 1.63 SOMETIMES IT'S TEMPTING TO PUT SAFETY LAST. GET IN TOO BIG A HURRY AND YOU CAN FIND lansing 22.2 0.8 1.00 1.63 YOURSELF KICKING UP A CLOUD OF INSECTICIDE DUST. THAT'S WHY IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A Detroit 24.1 1.0 1.77 1.64 Rint 22.0 0.7 2.70 1.64 PRODUCT LIKE COUNTER- CR"" SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE-NEMATICIDE IN THE LOCK'N LOAD- Toledo 25.0 0.9 1.82 1.64 CLOSED HANDLING SYSTEM .• THE UNIQUE, CONTROLLED-RELEASE FORMULATION OF CR Observed touls are accumulated from April 1. NormAls are based on district ~ages. RESULTS IN LONGER-LASTING PROTECTION, GIVING YOU THE MOST EFFECTIVE INSECTICIDE YOU CAN BUY. THEN LOCK'N LOAD MAKES IT EVEN BETTER BY PUTTING IT IN THE SAFEST SYSTEM. OUR PATENTED LOCK'N LOAD CONTAINER AUTOMATICALLY KEEPS INSECTICIDE DUST AWAY FROM YOU AND PUTS IT WHERE YOU WANT IT ... ON YOUR INSECTS. No BAGS TO BURN. NOTHING TO BURY. No CLOUDS OF TROUBLE TO STIR UP. COUNTER.~OCff!n LOAD. RESPONSIBLE. LIKE YOU. ~ 00Iffi!iJ u'~ February 29, 1996 Bullish year ahead for corn USDA to measure farm N ext year's u.s. corn crop is expected to re- bound 25 percent from this year's depressed level, say industry analysts. They look for 81 to 82 China, formerly an exporter, turned into an importer a year ago, and may not reverse course for years. "It just doesn't look, with the amount of Chi- financial condition H million acres, up from 71.4 million this past year. And nese demand we are getting in the world, like we oW finandally healthy is U.S. agriculture? • Determine the needs for credit and conservation with better yields, analysts expect a crop near 9.5 are going to increase world stocks to any kind of Agricultural income and expenses, assets programs. billion bushels, up from 7.374 billion this past year. comfortable level," says Charlie Sernatinger, vice and liabilities, costs of producing various The FCRS is one of the ways that USDA and But even with those extra 2 billion bushels, president at Man International in Chicago. commodities, production practices, and operating producers work together to provide meaningful, Reuters reports t~at corn prices are expected to Says Merrill Lynch analyst Mickey Luth, "We characteristics are some of the topics to be mea- accurate, and objective statistical information and remain high, possibly at record highs, as feed sup- have to see very high yields next year to get us out sured during February and March 1996. The United services that help keep U.S. agriculture and rural plies remain extremely low and world livestock of trouble." States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be communities among the healthiest in the world. demand grows. For the year that ends next Aug. 31, USDA is conducting the 12th annual Farm Costs and Returns All the data collected are kept confidential. "There are no signs whatsoever that (prices) predicting an average farm-gate corn price of $2.95 Survey (FCRS) with the Federal/State Michigan Questiom'1aires are destroyed after summary data have caused rationing or that the demand will sub- to $3.35, well above $2.26 last year. But should crop Agricultural Statistics Service directing the survey in are compiled. Results of this survey will begin to side in the next few months," says Terry Francl, econ. problems occur in the u.S. or elsewhere within the Michigan. appear in reports starting in the summer of 1996. omist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. next nine months, corn prices could easily top $4 Out of2 million farms in the U.S., fewer than Normally, about a billion bushels of carryover per bushel, analysts say. Besides the 440 FCRS samples in Michigan, 20,000 are selected to partidpate in the FCRS. Only from one crop to the next are needed to keep the "We have to make sure we buy acreage away there will also be 315 fruit growers interviewed for 440 operations have been selected to represent our distribution pipeline moving and to maintain a safe from soybean plantings," says Luth. the second phase of the Fruit Chemical Survey. state. All survey information will be merged and reserve. But USDA estimates only 617 million bush- Buying that acreage will be expensive, says Those growers will be asked to provide economic used by commodity analysts, producer organiza- els of carryover corn from the 1995 u.s. crop, down Reuters, as soybean prices are currently high due to data relating to their operations. This data will allow tions, and others in ways that return benefits to from 1.558 billion bushels of carry-in stocks. possible crop damage in Brazil. the determination of risk;benefit analysis of agricul- agricultural producers. The world picture is equally tight, with global For the past five years, world farmers have tural chemical use on fruit. The data are used to: corn carryover projected at 60.35 million tons, planted more oilseeds than feed grains, but Smith down from 92.11 million in carry-in stocks. Major Barney's Gustafson sees that coming to an end • Develop and adjust farm programs delivered by corn producer Brazil, usually an exporter, may have to import corn, says Smith Barney analyst in 1996. The wild card is U.S. government policy, • local offices of USDA; Set cost -of-production estimates from which MSUBoard Dale Gustafson. which could open up more Conservation Reserve Program areas for plantin~ • program supports and loans are calculated; Assess how acreage changes are affected by new approves programs; and final animal agriculture initiative LAST YEAR WE FINANCED 17 MILLION ACRES, ONE SQUARE FOOT AT A TIME. construction T he final wave of construction connected with the massive animal agriculture initiative was approved by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees Feb. 9. The board approved budgets totaling $4.75 million for four major projects in swine, poultry, dairy and beef cattle. The approval of the budgets includes the awarding of four construction contracts - and the kick off to the university positioning itself to continue to be a major player in the agricultural science arena. "This is creating a lot of excitement here and allover the country," said Maynard Hogberg, chair- person of MSU's animal science department. "It's putting us in the driver's seat to continue to be one of the elite land-grant sdence schools in the coun- try. This is the place to be right now." The latest building, remodeling and upgrading push is part of the $70 million initiative called the "Revitalization of Michigan Animal Agriculture." It's a way to combine the resources and expertise at MSU, the financial backing of the state of Michigan, and the commitment of the state's agricultural in- dustry to improve it. The initiative could inject U billion into the state's agricultural industry and create 22,000 jobs. Included in the latest contract awards: • Building a Swine Teaching and Research Center. The new swine farm will use state-of-the-art tech. nology imported from Japan to improve manure management - a problem which has plagued the swine industry. Hogberg said the new systems will use orona- tion to reduce odors and com posting to better manage the leakage of nutrients into the soil. "This fadlity is the first in the country like it," Hogberg said. The budget for this project is $3.48 million, with a construction contract of $3.09 million award- ed to Excell Construction of Pontiac . • Building a Poultry Building. This will include a facility for studying nutrition issues in turkeys. The budget for the project is $557,286, with a $476,400 construction contract awarded to Kares Construction Co. of Lansing . • Building a new facility for metabolism research on dairy cattle to study nutrition and improve efficiency of milk production. The budget for the project is $422,340, with a $344,000 construction bid awarded to Moore Tro- sper Construction Co. of Holt. • Renovating the Beef Cattle Research Center by adding a truck scale and building new cattle han- dling fadlities, including a working corral. The facilities will be used to weigh and treat animals from the Beef Cattle Research Center. The budget for the project is $686,452, with a $392,500 construction bid awarded to Era Compa- nies Inc. of Aint. fL'ITt3 : I@'ill] ~ ~~~ February 29, 1996 Soybean Marketing Challenge monthly position reports! n A total of 28 Michigan producers have signed up to compete in the the Michigan Soybean Marketing Challenge, sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Soybean hypothetical500-acre "Challenge Farm." Each trader started with a beginning cash account balance of $20,000 and are limited to marketing 15,000 bushels (three contracts of 5,000 bushels each) until pro- I Association the farmers will compete for national duction is known. prizes as well as state-level prizes from Farm Credit As of Feb. 1, only the Shady Lawn Farm's Sat- Services, FarmDayta and American Cyanamid. urday Morning Boys had made any trades, selling Our three consultants/traders, Bruce Suther- one contract of Nov. 96 beans at $6.%75. The Jan. land from Michigan Ag Commodities (MAC), Marvin 31 Settle Price of $7.0825 resulted in a $575 margin Hodgson from The Andersons, and the Shady Lawn call, in addition to the original $2,500 margin and Farm's Saturday Morning Boys, have also supplied 37.50 resulting in a month-end cash account bal- us with their first market commentary and their ance of 16,887.50 game plan in marketing their soybeans from the The commentaries follow: MIchigan Agricultural Coal .......... to be sure to protect part of my crop at this level. I am by Matt Homann - Marketing Specialist going to assume we will raise an "average" crop this Shady Lawn Farm's "Saturday Morning Boys" pony up for Michigan Farm News' feature series on the American Soybean Association Marketing Challenge. Standing (left to right): C an new crop corn prices go to $4 and new crop soybeans go to $8? This is the question being asked repeatedly year. History tells me that with an "average" crop, November soybeans will be closer to $6 than $7. I have sold 5,000 bushels of November soybeans fu- Glenn Williams, Keye Terrell, Aaron Somers, Ken Swanson, Allan Moore, Jim Newton, Jay Ellsworth and Scott Miller. Seated (left to right): Walt Miller, Merle Gillis and Bill Spike. Absent: John Franich and Lee Thelen. ~ for. t~e last few months. tures above $7. This will get one-third of expected ~ 11us ISthe wrong ques- production locked-in at profitable levels. -sIIadr Lawa F..... we have traded sideways to down for several rea- tion producers should be asking. The question that My next target level is $7.25. At that time, I will SatanIaw Moral .. Bop sons; one of them being that the market is just a should be asked is: "How do I protect these current evaluate the market to determine whether hedging by Bill Spike little bit void of fresh bullish news and, in addition, historic high levels?" another 5,000 bushels of November futures or pur- To be able to accurately predict prices for the next nine months, one must be able to predict the chasing a November soybeans call is warranted due to timing and market volatility. T he Shady Lawn Farms' Saturday Morning Boys is a group of about a dozen area farmers in the Elsie-Bannister, Michigan, area who started meeting the crop conditions in South America are steadily improving as the rains have been quite timely for the last several weeks. weather. Since no one can predict the weather, I want early on Saturday morning back It is very difficult at this point in time to fore- TIle Andersons by Marvin L Hodson and Steve Beier O ur marketing approach for this challenge is consistent with our baseline marketing phi- As of this writing, we have elected not to price any of our estimated production. We feel the new crop soybean marketing offers better pridng oppor- tunities between now and spring for our first block ~ 5lE in 1988 in an effort to try to self- educate and discipline themselves into h~ to 00 a better job of marketing theIr crops. The group includes a broad representation of cast what may really happen with the soybean crop here in the U.S. this summer. First of all, we don't have a government program as of yet, so we don't really know what the effect will be on the acreages planted. For now, we will go forward with our plans ~ losophy. This philosophy saJes. Given the current fundamental market condi- all sizes of farms, all of which are primarily cash for the spring and summer as though a normal crop 1 is a disciplined market- tions, we are considering advandng saJes when the grain farms. The objective of this group is to try to will be planted which will be about 60 to 62 million • ing approach designed November (SX6) 1996 futures challenge the life of maximize our possibilities with the marketing of the acres. Given the way the market has turned side- to help assure profitability, minimize production contract high of $7.163/4. With price risk manage- soybeans on this model farm, rather than what ways to lower, we thought it was essential to at least and price risk, and help capture market opportunity ment in mind, and with a market that technically would typically be our strategy to manage the risk. get some of the crop hedged off on the November when possible. With this philosophy in mind, we appears to be forming a double top, we are protect- Therefore, the market moves that we make in this futures so we sold our first 5,000 bushel contract minimize the need for price forecasting and instead ing our downside price risk exposure by using a marketing challenge would be quite different from aiming for $7 or better, but we took the dose on focus our efforts on production and price risk man- trailing stop at $6.90 Sx6. Should we reach the what we might do on our own farms. Jan. 29 at $6.9675. agement. $6.90 Sx6level before our pridng objective is As we look at the market situation here in the If the market goes higher, we will be eager to We have established our marketing plan based achieved, or should time passage threaten our last of January, we see that November soybeans are make more sales, probably in the S7.256 range. If on the market opportunities and the constraints of planned time allowance, we plan to execute the saJe actually at very good price levels. November futures not, we will hold this position for now and continue the program. Our marketing plan establishes four of a first block of soybeans. peaked back on Jan. 5 at $7.1675. Since that time, to monitor market conditions into spring .• marketing blocks for pridng dedsions. We are esti- In summary, we are unsold on all of our esti- mating four-5,000 bushel blocks of soybeans which mated production. We feel there is very little pro- relates to a 40 busheVacre yield estimate and plan duction risk associated with the saJe of our first to stay within the challenge guidelines of no more planned block of soybeans. than 15,000 bushels sold before production is We are planning to advance saJes to 5,000 bush- known. Our marketing plan considers production els sold between now and spring planting. Given and price risk management, price opportunity, mar- keting time frame considerations, and this market- current market conditions, we will consider advanc- ing saJes with a price objective 0£$7.16 SX6 while We Know ing program's limitations. maintaining a stop loss contingency of $6.90 Sx6. How Much Laker FFA shows how sugar ;s made Your Farm he Laker Future Farmers of America (FFA) MSC's sugar products are marketed under the T chapter was the recipient of a $200 special cash award for building a display that demonstrates how Pioneer Sugar, Peninsular and Great Lakes labels, as well as numerous private labels. The products are Means. sugar is made from sugar beets. Michigan Sugar distributed throughout an expanding Midwest Company (MSC) and its growers presented the market. The company is based in Saginaw, Mich. Attorneys Steve Rayman & Mary Hamlin have check to the Laker FFA for a job well done. and is a subsidiary of Savannah Foods and indus- The sugar display was entered as a Demon- tries, Savannah, Ga. helped luuulreds of Michigan farmers cope stration Project in regional FFAcompetition. The The Laker FFAsugar project is currendyon with serious financial and legal problems. project took first place. display at Gettel & Company John Deere, 8610 S. According to Laker High School instructor and Unionville Road, Sebewaing. After several weeks in With its practice limited lawyer in West l\1ichigan. FFAAdvisor Don Wheeler, just about all the students Sebewaing, the display will be moved to the Gettel & at the school helped on this project. Many volunteer Company John Deere dealers in Pigeon and Bad Axe. to bankruptcy and Mary Hamlin, raised on technical advisors from the community also assisted. reorganization a Michigan farm, has MSC Factory Manager Lewis Zemanek was the matters, Rayman a focused interest in biggest help, Wheeler said. Zemanek took Wheeler & Hamlin agri-Iaw. Together, and a small group of FFA members into the factory and taught them about making sugar. "Lew is really handled nearly they offer the good; he used to be an ag teacher," Wheeler said. 25% of all expertise you need Sugar beet grower Bill Herford has been an reorganizations in when you need help. ongoing supporter for the chapter. Bill motivated West Michigan the group to build the sugar display. He also helped Call for an appointment the group learn about raising sugar beets. Herford last year alone. is a director of the Sebewaing Beet Growers Associ- ation Inc. Over the past decade, MSC Agriculturalist Roger Elston has also been a bng-time supporter of the Laker FFA.It was he who The Laker FFA sugar project is currently on display at Gettel & Company John Steve Rayman, with 16 years of agri-business RAYMAN contracted with the club to raise sugar beets, teaching the students the realities of sugar beet production. Deere, Sebewaing. After several weeks in Sebewaing, the display will be moved experience, has filed more ~HAMLIN MSC and its growers are active supporters of to the Gettel & Company John Deere business reorganizations ATTORN E Y SAT LAW the FFAboth at the local and state levels. They dealers in Pigeon and Bad Axe. Above than probably any other 303 North Rose Street sponsor the FFAsugar beet project, awarding prizes are (left to right): Laker FFA Advisor Don Suite44() for excellence in sugar beet cultivation. Only stu- Wheeler, FFA members Adam Herford Kalamazoo, AU 49007 dents who partidpate in the FFAor ~H sugar beet and Corey Braun, sugar beet grower Bill Tel 616-345-5156 projects are eligible to apply for the company's Herford, Executive Vice President Robert Fax 616-345-5161 Albert Flegenheimer Memorial Scholarship awarded Young and Michigan Sugar Company to one high school senior each year. Agriculturalist Roger Elston. [itj(t3: I@'l'fi!] ~ I~11~ February 29, 1996 Caring program begins fifth year of service: 11,000 uninsured children receive coverage Free health care F rom a ~ou.ngster ~reated ~or seve~e asthma, sters are in families where one or both parents work. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foun- to a chtld Immumzed agamst polio, the Youngsters receive basic, preventive and emer. dation offers a matching program to organizations coverage for dJ Caring Program for Children has had a gency care in addition to x-rays, doctor's office visits who donate S4,720 or more, which can enroll 10 or po~itive impad .on the lives of more than 11,000 and diagnostic tests at no charge to families, and more youngsters for a year. n-ns red k-.ds children statewide. prescription drugs for a S 1 copayment. Hospitaliza- The program has no waiting list, although an U. U Begun in November 1991 by Blue Cross Blue tion is not induded. estimated 30,000 to 35,000 Michigan youngsters S~iel? of Michiga~, the Blue Cross Blue ~hi~ld of "The Caring Program is an example of a joint qualify under its guidelines. Outreach efforts contin- Caring Program Michigan Foundation and the State of Michigan, the public-private effort that has provided health care ue with schools, physidans, pharmadsts, govern- nonprofit program begins its fifth year of providing services to Michigan youngsters until a more com- ment agencies, community groups and the media to for Chi Idre n free basic and preventive health care coverage to prehensive solution is found on a national level," increase public awareness and locate eligible families. uninsured children. Since its inception, the program has enrolled more than 11,000 Michigan children and provided said Richard E. Whitmer, Blues president and chief executive officer. Private donations and state matching funds Eligible children must be under 19 years old, Michigan residents, unmarried, not eligible for any other government or private health-care coverage, I your f children are uninsured, you are encour- aged to apply for free health care coverage through the nonprofit Caring Program for Children. more than 50,000 medical services. Currently, about pay for health care premiums of S472 per child per and meet income and other guidelines. The Caring Program provides basic preventive 4,500 children are enrolled in the program. It also year for youngsters enrolled in the program. The The family income guidelines for youngsters health care coverage to uninsured children at no has identified in excess of 10,000 children whose Blues donate administrative services, including ages one to 15 are: S15,048 to S18,564 for a family of charge to their families except for a small copayment family income levels made them eligible for Medic. claims processing. Thus, all dollars contributed go two, S18,888 to S23,292 fora family of three, S22,728 whenever your child needs a prescription drug. aid health care coverage and referred them to the to provide health care services for kids. to S28,032 for a family of four and S26,568 to S32,772 Eligible children receive Blue Cross Blue state Medicaid program. Numerous organizations and individuals have for a family of five. For youngsters ages 16 to 18, the Shield of Michigan identification cards and receive Openings are available in the program on a raised donations for the program. The Detroit- minimum income guidelines drop to S6,019 for a outpatient and preventive health care coverage first come.first serve basis, and families are encour. based Skillman Foundation awarded S1 million in family of two, S7,555 for a family of three, S9,Q91 fora through Blues partidpating physicians and other aged to apply. grants over the last several years. The UAWand its family of four, and S10,627 for a family of five. health care providers. The Caring Program covers children in families president, Stephen Yokich, hosted several fund The program is designed so that families who The Program benefits include sick-clilld doc- whose income levels are above the Medicaid eligibili- raisers generating more than S300,000. The Wom. fall below its minimum income guidelines will quali- tor visits, a recommended schedule of well-clilld ty standards, have no access to health care coverage en's Caring Foundation, the George Pedes Golf fy for the state's Medicaid Healthy Kids program. visits and immunizations, x-rays and other diagnos- through an employer or other sources, and meet Tournament in Lansing, Proctor and Gamble, and Application foons are available by calling tic tests performed in a doctor's office or outpatient income and other guidelines. Many enrolled young- Blues employees also made substantial contributions. the Blues at 800-543-7765, Monday through facility, prescription drugs (with a small copay- Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ment), emergency care and surgery in a doctor's office or as an outpatient, and outpatient substance abuse treatment (subject to an annual maximum). JUST PLANT YOUR CORN Inpatient hospitalization is not a covered benefit To be eligible, uninsured children must be: • Under age 19 • Michigan residents • Unmarried • In a family whose gross income is below the maximums listed in the chart on page 16 ------------------, • Not eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or other government sponsored insurance • Not eligible for private employer-sponsored health care coverage, even if a premium is charged • All children in family must apply Continued on page 16 THEN APPLY THE PROWL Health insurance rates for ag to fall F BI... Cross BI... Shield .. ........ r to drop 20 to 2S perceat. ~----------------- T he cost to provide health insurance coverage to farm employees and farm families will soon get a bit more affordable - that is if you are cur- rentlyenrolled in Farm Bureau's small group or sole proprietor plans or take one out after Aprill. "It's going to be a significant rate decrease," explains Blue Cross Blue Shield Special Markets AND GET ON WITH Account Manager Bob Reynolds. "We're antidpating a 20 to 25 percent rate decrease among all of our ag small group and sole proprietor plans on average beginning Aprill." "Many of.our current subscribers took out small group or sole proprietor coverage because it saved them hundreds or thousands of dollars," ----------------~ relates Manager of Michigan Farm Bureau's Member Services Department Doug Fleming. "This major rate decrease only enhances the value of a member service program that was already very competitive." What is a small group or sole proprietor? According to Fleming, any Farm Bureau mem- ber who owns or operates their own business quali- fies for as a small group (two or more employees) or sole proprietor (individual). The business must be operating for at least 12 months, verifying its ownership through appropriate tax forms. You DON'T HAVE ANY TIME TO WASTE. THAT'S WHY YOU USE PROWL- HERBICIDE AS PART OF For current subscribers, the rate decrease will YOUR CORN WEED PROGRAM. GET YOUR CORN PLANTED EARLY.THEN BEFORETHE CORN COMES take effect on the first renewal date after April I. up, COME BACK WITH PROWL IN A TANK-MIX WITH BICEp,1BLADEX2 OR ATRAZINE. YOU'VE GOT New subscribers will take advantage of the lower YOUR CORN OFF TO A GOOD EARLY START WITH AFFORDABLE RESIDUAL CONTROL OF TRIAZINE- rates at that time as well, according to Fleming. RESISTANT LAMBSQUARTERS,VELVETLEAF AND FOXTAILS. Now YOU HAVE MORE TIME FOR OTHER The decrease can be attributed to an adminis- THINGS. THAT'S IT. WE'RE HERE TO CONTROL WEEDS, NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. trative change that Farm Bureau advocated within BCBS, according to Fleming. FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEEYOUR CYANAMID AGRICENTER ™ DEALER "The decrease does not affect coverage or OR CALL 1-800-942-0500. benefits current subscribers receive," explains Fleming. Any Farm Bureau member who currently own a farm or small business should contad their county Farm Bureau office or Farm Bureau insurance agent for more details on how they can enroll in the program or call 800-292.2680, . Always follow label directions .• /''' Trademarks, American CyaMmid Company @1996. ext. 3239 or 3240 .• 'Trademark, ClBA Corporation. lTrademark, DuPont Company. '~ Michigan barns topic of photographic exhibit at MSU museum A griculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week is right around the corner and the MSU Museum staff is gearing up for the activities. In honor of agricultural history, an exhibi- tion of photographs by professional photographer, 1Irr.. ~~ ..di Mary Keithan, will be on display at the museum. Barns Across Michigan Photographs bWMaIy Kelthan Opened Feb ••• 1996 "We want to inform people about Michigan barns and the museum's efforts to preserve them, as well as put the word out about ANRWeek and the Wood Peg/Cat Barn - (southeastern Michi- Michigan Barn Preservation Network," said Terry gan) This is a good example, and one of the Shaffer, assistant curator!Extension specialist. "Any- few remaining, of an early Michigan barn one interested in barns and rural Michigan, especial- built with wooden pegs and no nails. ly those interested in ANR,should see this exhibit." The exhibit features over 20 black-and-white photographs of barns from across-the-state. Keithan has traveled from lower southeastern Michigan to the Upper Peninsula to capture such pieces of agri- cultural history as a cobblestone barn, a Finnish barn, an Amish barn, a brick barn, and a carriage horse barn. Keithan, who was formerly an art instructor at Pennsylvania State University and Juniata College, has had several solo exhibitions around Michigan and Pennsylvania. Most recently, her work has been featured at the Pierce Street Gallery in Brick Barn - (southeastern Michigan) Built Birmingham, Mich. in 1905-06, the owner of Clippard Brick Works made his barn from the same bricks which The exhibit is opening in conjunction with paved the streets of Detroit. ANRWeek, which is March 2-9. Barns Across Michi- gan is sponsored by MSU Museum's Agriculture Heritage Program and the Michigan Barn Preserva- tion Network, which is holding its annual meeting Saturday, March 2.• Masonic Barn - This was a farmstead in southeast Michigan before Michigan became a state. Attached to the side of this small horse barn was the original farmhouse which was 1856 Barn - This barn on Indian Trail later moved and is now used as a garage. This barn was built by a farmer who was a very in southeast Michigan was the owner's "Un- Artist-photographer Mary Keithan strict Mason and added the ornate details - note the Masonic symbol carved in the wood at cle's place. ,. with her 8x10-inch view camera. the top of the barn . . , .. '.' ...... ..':":':':' ............................................. :'.il.!'i .• ;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::;::::::.:::::.:.: 9.::.:: . .. ~.::.::.::.:i.::.P.::.;:.::.::.e.:::.:'.::W.: ..:; .. :::'.:;.:'il i\:i!iJ.;.i~~!:~il:ll: ... - •......••............• - ..........•........ - ... , 1038 STACK LINER WAG- BALER, NEW HOLLAND NEW HOLLAND skid steer, CLAAS ROLLANT 66 net JD 4320, $13,500. JD 530, RETIRING FROM FARM: ON: Like new condition! 311 with kicker and bale L553, (1991) 70" bucket, very wrap round hay baler. Private restored. International #55 Tools, 8 tractors 90hp or less, Priced to sell. Wanted, front chamber liner. Excellent con- low hours, excellent condi- party has baled under 60 chisel plow, $750. 8"x56' tillage, harvesting, planting side shields for 60 Oliver row dition! $3700. Also, square tion. Call Cui by's, 1-616-944- bales. Under warranty. Hutchins auger, electric, Heavy duty steam cleaner, crop. Call 1-517-843-6932 bales alfalfa hay. Karl Yoder, $500. Gehl grinder mixer with 1881. $15,000. 616-754-7378f two water pressure cleaners evenings. Blanchard, Michigan. 1-517- scales, $2500. Hi-Low trailer, and many 3-point tools. Call 1440 IH COMBINE, 3800 866-2348. BUFFALO SCOUT Guidance FOR SALE: 4310A beet har- vester, 4-row, field ready. Ex- $2500. OBO on all. Call 1-616-279-2565 or 1-616- between 6-8pm. 1-313-279- 1762. FOR DISPLAY AD hours, 15 1/2 grain head. 843 cellent condition! Rebuilt in 279-2480 evenings. corn head, Completely recon- ditioned! Maintenance re- system equipment. for up to 16 row 1995. $10,500. wooden fertilizer Four ton box with JOHN DEERE 7200, 4-row ROTARY HAY RAKES, INFORMATION no-till corn planter, plateless, Deutz Allis. Excellent! $2500. cords. Baxter rotor. One own- Call 1-616-897 -6475. er, always housed. St. Louis, auger on 1952 IH stake truck. $1000. Jim, 1-5617-673-3211 finger pickup, monitor, less than 2000 acres. Excellent Kuhn, needs repair, $1500. Light duty running gear, CALL Michigan. after 4pm. $250. 24' elevator, $300. Call 1-517-681-4251. FORD 5610 TRACTOR, less condition! Ulliston 13 hole no- till drill, 2000 acres. Excellent Gravity wagon, $350. Fenc- 1.800.292.2680 1979 FORD TRI-AXLE farm condition! 1-517-734-4000 for ing and livestock miscellane- than 500 hours, purchased in truck, JD4630 tractor, Case 1570 tractor, J 0431 OA beet 1991. $15,OOO/offer. 1-616- 676-1393. information. ous, $200.1-517-834-2576. EXT. 3203 JOHN DEERE 1010, flat fold, harvester, JD8350 grain drill, FORD, NEW HOLLAND trac- 21' field cultivator with JD dummy head with pickup, tors and equipment from Sy- leveler, set up for incorpora- JD 25K-3 PTO generator, Calumet spreader, 3250V Better manure Bilt 900 mon's in Gaines. years your best deal for the For 43 tion, $3000. John Deere C21, 13 1/2 foot field cultivator with leveler, $400. New Idea hay DEMeo FIELD SPRAYERS manure pump. long run! rake, on rubber, $400. Four 1-517-673-7470 Symon's frOm~ 1-517-271-8445, Gaines row 3 point cultivator. $200. 1- 1-517-673-7171 313-697-5696 after 5pm. Lease financing 1982 FREIGHTLINER: Cummins, 9-speed. 350 1989 for equipment H & S, 8x16 steel kick bale wagon, without running gear. Very good condition! Delivery JOHN DEERE 7200 Vac. 12 row front fold planter. Liquid fertilizer, inset hoppers, 250 .~ ') - ~ Agra trailer, 30' roll tarp, new possible. $875. brakes and tires. 1991 Ford vehicles & 0011-616-636-8449. North monitor. Row cleaners, fold markers, 6 ditto set flat Ranger XLT, 4x4, V-6, 5- Kent County. plates. Excellent! 1-517-879- speed, new tires, 62,000 buildings IH MODEL 4500, 26' field 2903. miles. 1-517-463-2372. SpnIy .. to ... On cultivator with Busren bar, MF 1135 TRACTOR, cab and • Polyethylene elliptical tankwJ(2) dual jet agitators. sump, baffle and 16" manway w/center cap • 1993 FORD 9030 Bi-direction • 100% tax deductible $2900. DMI 27' crumbier, duals, $8750. MF 9' snow- • Formed steel trailer wig round clearance settings of 23" or 29" & adjustable row spacing tractor with loaded. 235 used 300 acres, $3900. Jim, plow, $750. Oliver 5 bottom • A large & convenient front mounted step, wort platform & safety rail • fixed' payments 1-517-673-3211 after 4pm. hydraulic reset plow, $500 . • 3-Section electric boom controls hours, $42,000. Also, Fair Mohawk 10 tooth chisel plow, • Heavy duty axle cross member tube 848 snowblower, $5200. Call • min advance payment • Sleek. compact. auto. level and 1I0tation boom 1-616-399-7884 . $1200. Dunham Lehr Mulder, JD 4250, duals, 4100 hours, • Rearward horizontal folding boom. No vertical $1750. Buy whole setup, folding 2+2 INTERNATIONAL through dealer 25-point win- $12,000. 1-517-834-2576. • Sprayers wIlmumper piston pumps come 65880 tractor. 2200 hours. ~e ter program. Very good! w/elec. shut-olf, centrifugal agitation pump $28,900. Ford 8600 cab, Excellent conditionl $25,000, firm. Used on potato harvest- er. No longer in potatoes. TEIMARKINc. $7,950. Case IH CHA with 1900 hours, $24,900. THE FOLLOWING USED in 1995 and set up for 4-row narrow planting, culti- ALL (C9401B4) & PTO shaft • All booms are complete with 3/4' high volume plumbing & Demeo drip free diaphragm check nozzles spaced at 20" McBain, 1-616-825-2845 . 800-451-3322 1-616-979-2171. vating and harvest. Combine • A clean water tank is conveniently mounted on each sprayer frame • Wi~ tile purcUse 01 I., 500, 600, 750 Of 1,000 GaIlOll Demeo Sprayer, I" the with heads, $2000. Planter, New Rave. 330 Sprayer CoIIlroI for lust S995flStaU ... I. lieu 01std. E1ectrtc eo.trol. ALLIS-CHALMERS 8030: MANURE SPREADERS: $1000. Cultivator, $400. MFD, tractor, 5200 hours. New and used. Balzer, Better- Complete package, $2750. Nice condition! 518 NH man- CASE IH: Model 4800, 30' Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also, Call 1-517-834-2576. ure spreader. 19 1/2' McKee field cultivator with heavy 5 grain dryers and handling heavy duty S tine field cultiva- bar spike. Used two seasons. equipment. ORTHMAN CULTIVATOR, tor with roller basket. 1-517- Like new! need bigger one. Hamilton Distributing Co, eight row, 30", folding, like 479-9658. Call 1-517-879-2903. 1-800-248-8070 new, $9000.1-517-832-2034. ~~~ February 29, 1996 ••Fits like a Glove" LAND SALE BEEFALO: registered cows, REGISTERED TENNESSEE 400-Cow Dairy 4 Tracts - 311 Acres heifers, bulls, and steers. The Yields healthy red meat! Also, regis- Walking Horses for sale. 1- 517-426-7686. Mikek Farms - St. Louis, MI tered Texas longhorns. All Dissolution of Partnership Stands beautifulanimals. White Mold Shamrock Beefalos Tuesday, March 12, 1996 St. Clair County :::::::::::::::::;::~::::::::.::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::: .................................... ", Bethan~ Townshi~ Hall - 2:00 p.m. Tolerance 1-810-765-8122 FOR CURRENT LIST of IlIlllt1Ji" 9958 N. Blair Road Tract 1 35 acres, Sec. 16, Bethany Township ProSoy@ available Angus Cattle, write: INDIVIDUALS for custom • Complete 400 cow dairy facility SOYBEAN SEED Secretary, West Michigan An- harvesting operation. Texas Tract 2 60 acres, Sec. 17, Bethany Township gus Breeders, 585 36th through Montana. 1996 sea- Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI son. Must be clean, honest, • House and HeiJer Borns 49509. hard working with farm back- Tract 3 158 acres, Sec. 17, Bethany Township ground. Full time work possi- LLAMAS ARE GREAT, and ble. 1-402-364-2468. • Vacant farmland now they're affordable! Tract 4 58 acres, Sec. 18, Bethany Township These docile, intelligent ani- mals make wonderful pets for • Vacant farmland hiking, packing, picnicking, pulling carts, or to just plain On-site inspection dates on Tract 1 800.937.2676 i enjoy. Their wool is valuable and they also make outstand- ing guard animals. Call for a visit today! 1-616-677-3309. Ron and Nancy Laferriere. WANTED: Caretaker position for couple. Husband experi- February 28, 1996, 2-4 p.m. Moren 6, 1996, 2-4 p.m. Note: To be admitted to sole, bidders must obtain bidder pocket and submit inmal bid to Kenneth Swanson (receiver for Mikek Forms Call us for your closest dealer. laferriere Llamas enced in machinery building, Partnership) not later than 9:00 a.m. day of sole. For bidder pocket Marne, Michigan maintenance and repair, ~le (Just northwest of Grand crops and livestock. Wife ex- or additional information, contact: .................... .. Rapids) perienced in care of horses. :: :: Nonsmokers. Excellent re- Kenneth Swanson (receiver for Mikek Farms Partnership) 1_'111 ~ LLAMAS: North American sumes, references. Sitting Bull and Essex blood- 1-616-348-8270. SLFManagement Services, Inc. lines. Pet males and weaning 11367 S. Mason Road, Bannister, MI 48807 L B. WHITE HEATERS: MICHIGAN CERTIFIED SEED: Newdak, Porter, Prai- females. Reasonably priced! Call for more information and Ph: (517) 862-4262 • Fax: (51 862-5407 n New, used and parts. visit. 1-517-645-2719. BULK FEED BINS! rie oats, Bowers barley. Felix Miller's Uamaland New, used Conrad, Century 8.1, Vinton Potterville, MI HOG EQUIPMENT! 81, soy beans. Chinook light NEW, USED mar reds. Also, Diary Brand PIEDMONTESECATTLE • EXPERIENCED Michigan ag- ...................................... , ... and crystal alfalfa. Lean, tender, double mus- ........................................ .. ,', PORTABLE HUTS! ribusiness attorneys with farm ,', , Growe Systems Mason, MI 1-517-676-4142 B&M Seed 1-517-463-2846 cled, good calving ease. Quality registered breeding stock. Also available embryos and semen. backgrounds. Knowledge and experience in all farm areas; restructure, stray voltage, bankruptcy, estate planning. 1L.&~rAl1 MIX MILL GRAVITY feed QUALITY ALFALFA and Redbird Farms FOR SALE:. 150 ACRE HARDY OUTSIDE side discharge. Big Dutch- mixed hay.Almont, Michigan. Lapeer, Michigan EAST SIDE: Thomas J. Bud- zynski, 43777 Grosebeck DAIRYfarm, double six par- WOOD FURNACE man chicken feeders. Ferguson Farms 1-810-797-4701 lor, free stall, dry cow and calf Words # 1 seller. Stainless Call 1-517-674-2763. 1-810-395-7512 Highway, Mt. Clemens, Michi- QUALITY ANGUS BREED- gan. 48036. 1-800-463-5253, barn, three harvesters, and steel construction. Heats STOCK TRAILERS ROUND BALES ALFALFA ING STOCK. Performance WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stani- four bedroom house. Addi- home, hot water tank, pools. 16' extra heavy duty with 16" alfalfa mix, some stored in- tested, Bulls semen tested. ha, 40 West Sheridan, Fre- tional land, equipment, and Eliminates fire danger. 10 tires and wheels. Also 14' side. Delivery available! No Free delivery! Also, Border mont, Michigan, 49412. 1-616- cattle available. 1-517-766- year warranty! Dealerships stock trailers. Fred Howard, rain. Also, square bales. Call Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. 924-3760. 8028. available. 1-800-743-5883. 1-313-461-1414. Jamboree Acres 1-616-894-6839 evenings or Bordner Angus Farms VEGETABLE FARM: West- leave message. Sturgis, MI1-616-651-8353 SAVE MONEY Mineral Owners Gas/Oil: In- Recycle your diesel and in- ern Michigan, 190 acres, tilla- ble ground. Two outbuildings vestorinterested in purchas- STRAW: Clean 1995 straw. dustrial air intake filters using ing, producing royalty income Semi quantity. How is your the Sonic Dry Clean System. for storage and refrigeration. Four bedroom home. for immediate cash. Prefer supply? Call 1-313-439-8703, No liquids or detergents leave messa~e. HOMEOWNERS! used. 50% savings over new filters. $450,000. Faust Real Estate Antrim gas. Other formations considered. Call Jay, 1-800- 968-7645. .~l~:eck Recycle Now, Inc. Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 r-FA-RMERS" Holland, MI MSU SPORTS FANS! ILivestoci & commoDity prices too 1Drr? I 1-616-396-n24 616-396-8102, Fax Subscribe to Spartan Maga- zine, your source for Michi- Cosh IIow too slow? •- _ Mortgage payments 000 bits over- I paycheck gan State Sports! 18 issues for only $32.95. Call 1 I •-=.s - v.tJekni1Yll? sc;neone wOO lJlderstonds Woofsomeone to tal to yotIlender? I I FOR SALE: AuSable seed oats. Purity, test weight, and LOANS BY PHONE SAME DAY APPROYAL 1-800-732-6532. The Spartan STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- • _ 00 you oocIerwoo 'fOIl options with germination tested. Call Duane Basel at 1-517-734- -Statewide Service. Call Toll Free- build and balance. Some ex- 1_ P.A. 116? Do you need to restrud1le your I 3694. I -800-968.;.ZZZ I CRANBERRY ROOTED cut- changes. We stock chopper parts. ENGINE REBUilDING • ftrmiIg busiless? I MICHIGAN CERTIFIED SOY- tings for sale. One year old, our specialty. Auto- Truck- _ Do you need 10 coosifer cholYllilg 'fOIl I BEAN SEED: Kenwood-94, ALlSTATE MORTGAGE RAISE HERBS, live healthier and wealthier. Huge market! 72 cell plug size. Stevens va- Tractor -Antique-Continental- I vocation? Conrad-94, BSR-101 and !!!loans by phone!!! riety. Plugs will establish very Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- 101W,~'" ., w,lan_w,." 1 Hardin-91. Also, certified Growers needed. Free infor- mation. Send L.S.A.S.E. to quickly, 15e each. 10,000 m gine dealer. .. t.t ., ... """ Newdak oats seed. Call minimum order. Order now! 69 years of service! 1,-:",..... 1 Schmidt Farms of Auburr REGISTERED POLLED Herbs, Dept. E, 1910 Chocti- mar, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Lawton, Michigan. 1-616-657-5040. HART'S AUTO PARTS 1-517-662-6705 Cecil, OH 1-419-399-4777 ~~ ~~~:.9~7.J 1-517-662-2695 Hereford breeding age bulls, heifers. Also A-1 heifers and AGRIPRO CORN YEILDS = - cows. Rocky Banner blood- WANT THE BEST SOY- lines. MSU performance test- Above P3751 - $38-$83/80K. BEAN VARIETY? Stine Five soy varieties yields = - ed.Call 2660, top yield in MSU south- Above S19-90. Zoopore alfal- ern Michigan trials. Stine Rye Hereford Farm fas blends and cut and graze, 3630, highest 2 year average. 517-734-3005 $100-$180. Sorgo-Sudnas, Introductory offer, $900 per REGISTERED POLLED $14-$18. Millet, 1-517-386- unit if you try some Stine Hereford bull, 4 years old, 7076. corn. Supply limited, order gentle and quiet. $1200. Call now. 1-517-848-5584. ALFALFA HAY, all cuttings, Williams Seeds round bales, approximately 1-517-629-3684 700 pounds. Excellent REGISTERED SCOTTISH quality, no rain, stored inside, HIGHLAND CATTLE, breed- call Marcellus, MI 1-616-646- ing stock and semen for sale. 9821 or 1-616-646-9940. Visitors welcome! Call 1-517- GIANT SQUARE BALES of 543-7979 evenings or week- hay and straw and small ends. Charlotte, Michigan. square straw bales. Delivery Rocky Mountain Elk: available! ANGUS BEEF: Bulls, heifers Livestock of the Future. TB Edward kalls and cows with calves.Per- accredited herd. Animals of Winn, 1-517-866-2540 forrmance tested, semen all ages! Traverse City, Michi- tested. Free delivery! Call Whether you're looking for a small, rustic cabin or a large Call or write today. GOOD QUALITY ALFALFA gan. spacious home, an HONEST ABE lOG HOME Is for you. 0 Send me your FREE full-<:olor brochure explaining anytime. Imperial Elk Ranch hay. 2nd and 3rd cutting. SHAGBARK FARMS Our log homes are special, one of a kind, homes. Let us your log homes. Also, have wheat straw. De- 1-616-946-5922 help you create your own special home. Our company has 0 Enclosed Is $10.00 for your oolor catalog, which in- Alto, Michigan livery available! 1-616-868-6040 many years of experience and hundreds of homes as a tes- dudes 40 standard floor plans. Fisk Farms timony to this fact. 0 Please send 0eaIer Information 1-616-984-5183 TEXAS LONGHORNS: Quality registered breeding • Free design services let you create your dream home. r--------------------------------------, : Name : MICHIGAN CERTIFIED DAIRY AUCTION: stock available. Call 1-616- Jersey's 49th Annual Michi- • Construction service to make it easy for you and assure : Address : Seed. Montcalm dark red kid- 676-1462 days or weekends. ney beans, Vinton-81, tofu gan Jersey Cattle Club you the highest quality job. : City State : Ada, Michigan. • large, massive logs accurately pre-cut and numbered : Zip Phone : soybeans, Jack's soybeans Spring Show and Sale. 60 consignments! Saturday, TOP QUALITY FALLOW at our plant to provide the highest qualit) ;;;aterIaIs. L - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - :oJ (excellent yielder). Bulk/bag. Early season pricing. Valley View Seeds March 23, MSU Uvestock Pa- vilion. For information and sales catalog, 1-517-547- DEER. ALL AGES, SEXES, COLORS. Dana Hill Ranch, ~~:c Please cfip and mail to: =,c:;ount-!Hwy. 1-517-693-6155 Hemlot, Michigan. ~~ Moss, Tennessee 38575 1-517-693-6628 6n2. Call 1-517-642-5396. I!!:!.rI!!!!!! Dealerships Available. 1-800-231-3695 ,. ~Ji~~~m, February 29, 1996 - • ~ FOR DISPLAY AD INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL CATTLE hoof trimming: Statewide! Over 14 years experience. Prices start at $6. Call CALL 1-800-292- 2680 Norman Beale • HERITAGE 1~16-775-0488 SAVE 75% ON WORK CLOTHES I Good, clean, re- BUILDING SYSTEMS 800-6.3-5555 BUILD IT YOURSELf AND SAVE EXT. 3203 cycled in very best quality. 24 x 40 x 10 ~---------------------------------, 54,075 Money back guarantee. Free 36 x 40 x 10 55,263 brochure 40 x 60 x 12 58,007 Suntex Recycling so x 75 x 12 Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 60 x 100 x 12 5 II, 189 516,515 I Deadline next issue is ISO x 200 X 14 (m'l) $77,018 I mmercial~f1 buildinS!Sff