lICHlr~f\N FARM NEWS -- ..~.~ /tIleHIGAN FAR/tl BIJREAIJ ... •".1i ill.•..;11111 FFIs Star State ,.. .. J .. IJJ , ! March 15, 1996 Vol. 73, No.5 I'1l1~.Alrila_ ... .... 111.i~ ..• IIB Elton R. Smith Chair to sponsor farm bill video conference t he new version of the farm bill recentlyap- proved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate will be discussed March 21 via satellite by agricultural economists from Michi- gan State University and Purdue University. The broadcast, sponsored by the Elton R. Smith Endowed Chair in Food and Agricultural Policy at MSU, will be available for viewing from 9:45 a.m. until noon at most Extension offices in Michigan and Indiana. Because the new bill contains major chang- es in U.S. Department of Agriculture farm pro- grams, the broadcast should be important to farmers, agribusiness managers, farm credit rep- resentatives, farm advisors, and landlords who rent farmland to growers, according to Sandra Batie, holder of the Elton R. Smith Chair. She says that the new farm bill, expected to be completed by the end of this month, contains "Freedom to Farm" provisions that replace all existing programs for com, grain sorghum, Kyle Fiebig of Unionville-Sebeawaing and Melissa Wright of Vicksburg were recognized as outstanding wheat, cotton and rice. FFA members for the exceptional supervised agricultural experience programs. The new bill stipulates that: The state FFA degree is the highest degree the Michigan Association of FFA can bestow on its members. Just two of the 234 state FFA degree recipients are selected as star farmer and star agribusiness person . • All existing target prices will be eliminated for the 1996 crop year . • Allexisting acre-idling provisions are eliminated. • Farmers will be eligible to receive fixed pay- ments each year until 2002 . • Farmers will be allowed to plant a wider range House farm bill passage of crops and retain their eligibility for program payments . • Conservation programs, including the Conser- paves way for final. action vation Reserve Program, will be continued. Batie says the broadcast will also include discussions on the new farm bill provisions and the effect legislation will have on program pay- T he farm bill 'that passed the House by a vote of 270-155, represents a major step forward for American agriculture as lawmakers craft- ed the best bill'possible given the constraints of budget pressure and the approach of planting sea- sion in the conferellce committee. The House . ~ approved a Farm Bureau- opposed dairy amend- ment that woulq phase ments and market prices, and the types of farm son, according to AIAlmy, director of Michigan out price supports for management problems that may arise under the Farm Bureau's public affairs division. butter, powder and new farm program. Almyexpects the farm bill proposals from both cheese over five years "We are very pleased to see the Elton R. the Senate and the House'to be in conference com- and prevent nationwide Smith Chair used to communicate rapidly via the mittee for just over a week before being sent back to adoption of the Califor- MSU satellite system with producers on critical both chambers for concurrence and then sent to nia milk standards. issues such as the farm bill. The dramatic chang- Pres. Clinton for approval no later than mid-March. "We were disap- es being made in the new farm bill need to be "The Agricultural Market Transition Act (H.R. pointed in the vote on fully understood by producers here in Michigan," 2854) includes most of the priorities we sought in the dairy section of the says MFB President Jack Laurie. farm legislation," said Almy. "It continues the move farm bill passed by the People interested in attending the broad- toward market orientation started in past farm bills, House," Almy explained. cast are requested to contact their county provides greater flexibility for farmers to produce for "Farm Bureau was active- MSU Extension office so that adequate seating the market, and provides a safety net for producers." ly supporting Rep. Gun- MFB's Director of Public Affairs AI Almy (left); Richard Leach, chair- Most importantly, said Almy, the House action derson's (R-Wis.) plan man of the MFB Board's Legislative Committee (second from left); arrangements can be made .• and John Weller, Gratiot County Farm Bureau president (right) met increases the chance that Congress will enact a final endorsed by the House with Rep. Vern Ehlers to review his position while in Washington, D.C. bill before spring planting begins in much of the Ag Committee. However, nation. Planting has already started in the South and Congressman Solomon from New York offered a they could come up with a hybrid, if you will, be- the lack of farm legislation has meant great uncer-, different program that did not adopt the California tween the current dairy program and the Solomon tainty for farmers, especially in securing standards as proposed in the Gunderson package." dairy program," he explained. operating loans. Almy said the Gunderson proposal would Regardless of the outcome, Almy said the con- Even though there are differences between the have resulted in increased milk consumption. The ferees will be under pressure to complete their delib- House measure and the one passed earlier by the Senate's version of a dairy program basically extend- erations quickly so that producers will know what Senate, A1mysaid he is hopeful a compromise mea- ed the existing program and will somehow have to rules they will operate under before they plant. "We sure can be crafted quickly. Dairy program provi- be recondled with the House version. "Conferees feel quite optimistic that whatever the conferees sions figure to be one of the major issues of discus- could choose to stay with the current program, or Continued on page 16 " INSIDE THISJSSUE OF THE MICHICAN FARM NEWS , ZFSsoybean processing facility Consider frost seeding clover Using reduced rates of postemer- on schedule 4 in wheat 10 gence herbicides in soybeans .... 15' Business management - Michigan cranberry production - EPApesticide revocations will "Stay the course?- 7 poised for growth 12 adversely impact farmers , 16 1B testing continues in northeast Michigan environmental Soybean Marketing Challenge 17 Michigan 9 conference slated for April 2 13 Great Lakes Grazing Conference Weed management in wheat 14 draws huge crowd 20 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 17 I~'~I~~~ March 15, 1996 NRC reports cancer risk Ag Department New crop insurance from food negligible responds to Barcia's plans in the works T he National Research Coundl reports that the risk from natural and synthetic cancer-causing chemicals in foods is minimal compared to the inquiry; extends plant- ing deadline to June ~5 T he Agriculture Department will begin testing two pilot crop insurance programs that will protect farmers against losses unrelated to weather Red meat production sets January record over-consumption of calories and fat. Of the 1.35 million new cancer cases each year, one-third could be attributed to diet, the I nresponse to a letter from U.S. Congressman Jim Barda (D-Bay City), the United States De- partment of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agen- conditions, according to Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. The "income protection" program will protect C ommercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.81 billion pounds dur- ingjanuary, up 7 percent from last year and 5 per- group said, but chemicals in food "are unlikely to pose an appreciable cancer risk." The group said if chemicals were important to cy has extended the planting deadline for dry beans fromjune 10 toJune 25,1996. Formerly, farmers farmers against losses in yield and low harvest pric- es. Farmers will be paid when gross income drops below the level of income selected. For the pilot had to plant their dry beans by June 10 to qualify cent above the previous record high for january set some human cancer cases, the naturally occurring for crop insurance. program, coverage will be available for corn growers in 1992, according to the American Farm Bureau. chemicals in food probably contributed more to the "I'm very pleased with this decision and be. in selected illinois,lndiana and Iowa counties; cot. Beef production totaled 2.21 billion pounds, cancer risk than synthetic, man-made chemicals .• lieve that the extension will result in more farmers ton growers in test counties in Alabama and Geor- up 10 percent from last year and slightly above the purchasing crop insurance," Barcia said. "Farmers gia; and wheat farmers in selected Minnesota and previous record high for january set in 1976. Head were caught in a bind with the June 10 deadline. If North Dakota counties. kill totaled 3.12 million, up 9 percent from a year Allegan, Kent and they pJailted before June 10 to qualify for crop in. The "crop revenue coverage" program will pay earlier. The average live weight was up 4 pounds surance, the quality of their crops might suffer. If farmers for losses from the set yield coverage at a from last year at 1,193 pounds. Ottawa to host farm~ they planted after June 10, they wouldn't qualify for higher price if the harvest-time exceeds the spring Veal production totaled 30.0 million pounds. land preservation forum insurance and would be operating at their own risk:' price. This coverage "should be particularly attractive This production was up 11 percent from a year earlier. Calf slaughter totaled 143,800, up 16 percent from a year earlier. The average live weight was I nan effort to address the escalating loss of farm- land around three of Michigan's largest agricul- tural production counties, the county Farm Bureaus Barcia wrote the USDA on Jan. 26, 1996, urg- ing the department to extend the planting deadline, to corn growers who have suffered a major crop loss and then, due to rising prices, were required to pay back advance defidency payments," says USDA. This since at least half of all of the beans planted in down 24 pounds to 359 pounds. Hog kill totaled from Allegan, Kent and Ottawa have teamed up Michigan have been planted after June 10. test program will be available to corn and soybean 8.29 million head, up 2 percent above january 1995. with their respective township associations, MSU "We wanted to encourage as many farmers as farmers throughout Iowa and Nebraska .• The average live weight was unchanged from the Extension, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Com- possible to sign up for crop insurance," Barda con. previous year of257 pounds. merce, Rural Development Coundl and American Lamb and mutton production, at 23.0 million Farmland Trust to sponsor an open forum on March . tinued. "When procedures make it impossible for Great Lakes Young farmers to follow good management practices by pounds, was down 7 percent from january 1995. 19 at Le Petit Chateau in Allendale at 6:45 p.m. forcing plantings earlier than normally done in Cooperators Dairy Slaughter totaled 363,200 head, down 6 percent "We want to get the point across about the Michigan, it's ridiculous for them to sign up for Leadership Conference from a year earlier. The average live weight de. rate of farmland loss in this area," explains Kent creased 1 pound to 126 pounds .• County Farm Bureau President Jim May. "There are options out there for all of us to collectively ex- crop insurance. While I still would have preferred even more time, I'm very relieved that the deadline T he Independent Cooperative Milk Producers Association (lCMPA) and the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) have teamed togeth- has been extended to June 25, so that farmers can plore, and that is why we wanted to bring all of make the necessary preparations to their planting er again to host the second annual Great Lakes Milk production these groups together." schedules as soon as possible.". Young Cooperators Dairy Leadership Conference. , unchanged Featured speakers during the forum include All members (or individuals affiliated with a Dr. David Skjaerlund, Director of the Rural Develop- D airy herds in Michigan produced 466 million pounds of milk during january, the same as a year ago, according to the Federal/State Michigan ment Coundl of Michigan, Dr. Tom Daniels, Direc- tor of the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Ag Pre- FDA proposes frozen member) of these two cooperatives age 21-40 are invited to attend this one-of.a.kind conference, held in Lansing April 12 at the Holiday Inn West Confer. Agricultural Statistics Service. Milk per cow was serve Board, Adams County, Pennsylvania dairy veggies to carry ence Center. Conference registration and the lun- 1,425 pounds compared to 1,435 last year. The dairy farmer John Hess, and Bob Wagner of American cheon is sponsored jointly by ICMPAand MMPA. herd was estimated at 327,000 head, up 1,000 head Farmland Trust. "healthy" label The day-long conference, which is scheduled from both january 1995 and last month. The preliminary value of milk sold was $14.40 per hundredweight in january, $.30 more than last The meeting is being held at Le Petit Chateau, which is located directly across from the campus of Grand Valley State University. For details, contact T he Food and Drug Administration said frozen fruits and vegetables have virtually the same amounts of nutrients as their fresh counterparts, to begin with registration at 9:30 a.m.,.is designed to address issues and concerns fadng today's young dairy farmers. The conference will feature topics month and $1.40 morethanjanuary 1995. The mid. the Allegan County Farm Bureau at (616) 673-6651, opening up the possibility of label changes. ranging from dairy farm management, cooperative month January slaughter cow price was cwt., com- Kent County Farm Bureau at (616) 784-1092, or The agency is proposing to allow frozen pro- leadership and involvement, to dairy industry in- pared to $40.20 injanuary 1995. Cows sold for dairy Ottawa County Farm Bureau at (616) 895-4381.. duce - plain vegetables and fruit, not the varieties sights. A tour of the Nobis and Webster Farms will herd replacements brought an average of $1,060 per covered with sauces or other ingredients - to be follow the program at 3:00 p.m. A light dinner buf. head injanuary 1996. Milk production in the 22 ma- marketed and packaged with the term "healthy." fet and entertainment will be held at the Holiday jor states duringjanuary totaled 11.3 billion pounds, Michigan crop values The canned produce industry also has peti- Inn after the farm tours. slightly below production in these same states in january 1995. Production per cow averaged 1,402 increase tioned for the same labeling treatment, but FDAsaid To register for the Great Lakes Young Coopera- they did not submit enough data to make a determi- tors Dairy Leadership Conference, contact the Mem- pounds for january, two pounds below January 1995. The number of cows on farms in the 22 major states T he preliminary farm value of Michigan field crops, fruits and vegetables produced in 1995 was approximately $2.5 billion, according to the nation whether canned produce is as healthy as fresh. Once the industry comes up with the testing ber Relations Department, MMPA,P.o. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376, (BOO)572-5824; or Frank Trierweiler, was 8.03 million head, 20,000 head less thanjanuary Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Ser. results, the agency said it would then consider ICMPAdirector, (800) 96B-49300r (517) 587-6540. 1995 and 8,000 head less than December 1995. vice. This represents an 18 percent increase from canned produce for the same labeling. A 75-day com- Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan pro- the 1994 crop production value. Corn, soYbeans ment period will preclude final rule making. duced 2.3 million pounds of butter in December, 3 and hay again led the way as the three most valu. USDA sees higher percent less than a year ago. Ice cream out put to- taled 1.3 million gallons, 17 percent below Decem- able crops, respectively, and accounted for more farm incomes ber 1995.• than 60 percent of the value of Michigan's crops. The value of corn increased 37 percent compared with 1994. Soybeans increased 27 percent in value Bright outlook for u.s. meat exports T he U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting higher farm incomes in 1996, bolstered by tight world supplies for feed grains. Net farm income is Ohio passes veggie compared to last season. All hay decreased 6 per- projected at '41.7 billion this year, up from $38.7 disparagement act cent in value below 1994. Wheat and potato values increased 53 and 17 percent, respectively, while rye S trong demand, rising world incomes and lower international trade barriers have helped create biDion in 1995, according to a team of economists. For the rest of the century, net farm income is O hio Gov. George Voinovich has signed into a law a bill that will allow lawsuits against indi- viduals who spread fallades about food products. value of production increased 28 percent. Dry beans value of production was 2 percent above exdting opportunities for U.S. meat exporters, Reuters reports from a California meat conference. "U.S. red meat exports have just been going expected to remain between $38.6 biDion and $40.3 billion, a decline of25 percent in real terms by 2000. 1994, while spearmint was up 40 percent and sugar The economists said high feed grain prices meant Passage of the vegetable disparagement act was through the roof," said Hal Shenson, president of beets were virtually unchanged compared to last crop receipts were projected at $98-U03 billion for hailed by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation because season. Barley value of production decreased 19 H. Shenson International, a San Frandsco meat 1996, above the record $97 billion forecast for 1995. it will provide a necessary defense for farmers who percent, oats were down 6 percent and maple syrup company that focuses on exporting. Despite high exports, livestock supplies wiD withstand losses due to the drculation of false infor- was down 45 percent from 1994. He estimates that this year's U.S. exports of continue to dampen cattle prices, with livestock mation about the safety of their products. Fruits and vegetables comprised 16 percent of beef, pork and lamb could exceed S4 billion, com. cash receipts projected at $85-'89 billion in 1996, "Wild-eyed reports questioning the safety Michigan's crop value. The value of the fruit crop at pared with U.5 billion in 1987. compared with the average of '88 billion from of various products have become commonplace," '210 million increased 11 percent from 1994. Value "What's really happening out there in the 1990-1994. DireCt government payments were fore- said Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President C. of the 1995 vegetable crop at '194 million increased world marketplace is that demand is increasing and cast to be their lowest in 1996 since the 19805, William Swank. "However, we must remember that 8 percent from 1994. the pie is getting bigger, and the United States is while farm projection expenses were projected to agricultural products cannot be put on a shelf Value production was calculated by multiply- getting a bigger percentage of the world pie," said continue to increase. somewhere while the farmer disproves extreme ing marketing year average price by total produc- Severin Johnson, assistant director of food sciences The economists said the outlook for farms allegations. Producers can lose an entire year's crop tion. Value estimates relate to the crop year and at Iowa State University. specializing in cattle, hogs and sheep remained statements. It. or more to unscientific, unfounded, disparaging should not be confused with cash receipts, which relate to sales during a calendar year .• He noted that the seven-year GATTtalks and other moves to liberalize world trade have given the United States "better opportunities and a more level bleak through 1997, when an upturn in prices was anticipated. The largest increases in net cash income should occur on farms that specialize in The MIchig.n F.rm News (J5SN:0743-9962) Is published twit, per month except In the months of November. December. playing field than we've ever had before." For exam- poultry, fruit or vegetable production. June and July when only one Issue Is printed. as a service to regular members. by Mlchlgan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mkhigan 41917. Member subsalption price of S1.50 Is Induded In aMuaI dues of ple, the United States has been able to weaken trade Michigan Farm Bureau ~ul. members. Adcfitionalsubsalptlon fees required for fMillng M/chJg.n Farm News to barriers to meat shipments to Japan and South Korea. nonmembers and outside the contJnen~ mal11n9 offices. U.s.A. Second-class postage paid et LansIng. Michigan. and additional Johnson says some of the big markets of the Russian ag losses Letters to the editor and statewide news rides should be sent to: Editor. Michigan Farm fHlws. Post Office Box 30960. LansIng. Mlchlvan 48909-1460. POSTMASTER - Send address ~nges to: Michigan farm Bureau. Post Office Box 30960. Lansing. MlchI9an 48909-1460. future will be Vietnam, the Philippines and Thrkey. In general, there is good demand from Latin Ameri- R ussia's agriculture sector last year lost about $450 million, while the country's imports jumped 40 percent, according to ltar-Tass news Editorial: DennIs Rudat. Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. ca, Mrica, Asia, the Mideast and eastern Europe. Design .... d Production: Jeffrey Rutzky. Staff ,Contributors: Mike Rogers Shenson notes that pork is becoming an agency. Offkers: PresIdent. Jack laIde. Clss Oty; ~ President. Tom Guthrie. Delton: AdmlnlS1ntive Director. Chudc. Burkett; About 85 percent of former state-run collec- 'J'reasurw .... d ChJef Rnanct.I Officer. Tom '_er: Secntary. Davfd VanderHugen.. Directors: DIstrIct 1. J&n MiUer. Coloma: Dfstrict 2. IIalne V.SkIde. Marshall: District 3. Michael fuslUer. Manchester. District ... Tom GuthrIe. Delton; important product in overseas sales, especially in japan and Russia. He expects Russia to develop as tive farms had been reorganized into joint-stock Distrkt 5. Alan Gamet, Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood. Marlette; DIstrkt 7. Rick Johnson. Letoy, DIstrict .. IUchard a market for U.S. beef soon, according to a Reuters. companies but changes affecting management and Luch. Saginaw; Dfstrict 9. Joshua Wunsch. Tr~ Oty: DIstrIct 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; Dfstrkt n. Robert Wahmhoff, ... age. At-lMge: Jack LM.wie. Clss Oty. Feye Adam. Snover: Jan Vosburg. Otmu; Judy Emmons. Sheridan. report from the National Meat Association conven- production had not taken place, leading to the loss- . Promotion and Eduution. 8rigette Leach. Olmu; Young F.-mers. 0II'is Donbrock. CoIdwlter. tion in San Frandsco • es, a state report said. I~'ll ~G1:J1RI} (i~ March 15, 1996 Dairy amendment to the farm bill offered by Congressmen Solomon and Dooley and approved by the House T his amendment replaces the dairy title of the bill as reported by the Agriculture Committee. Jan. 1,2001, the Secretary shall not use any funds to administer more than 14 orders. NATIONAL ISSUE The basic features include: - Extending the Dairy Export Incentive Program to • Setting the support rate for milk at 10.15 per 00. 2002, expanding the DEIP to include market 1995 farm bill details in calendar year 1996 and redudng the level of development activities and requiring DEIP to be O n Feb. 29, the House of Representatives passed a farm bill by a vote of 27D-155 . ments, and one-third in cost -share contqCts. The amendment was adopted 372-37. Farm Bu- support by 10 cents per year through 2000. • Eliminating support for milk after Dec. 31, 2000. • Continuing to support milk prices through 2000 used to the extent allowed under the Uruguay Round trade agreement. - Repealing Section 102, which states that no State The commodity provisions of the bill, with reau supported the amendment. the exception of dairy, are nearly identical to the - Reauthorization of key export and food assis- by purchasing butter, cheese and nonfat dry milk. shall provide for a greater manufacturing allow- original Freedom-To-Farm Act. The bill will provide tance programs. The Secretary of Agriculture is - Giving the Secretary of Agriculture discretionary ance than is permitted under Federal programs. farmers the opportunity to sign market transition authorized to revoke export programs that fail to authority to allocate the rate of price support - Precluding any law or regulation from preventing contracts allowing them to receive fixed declining maintain and expand exports. The amendment between butter and nonfat dry milk so as to min- California from establishing nonfat solids stan- payments over 7 years and providing increased also expands flexibility on delivery and develop- imize CCC outlays or achieve other objectives. dards for fluid milk produCts. planting flexibility. ment of food assistance programs and reautho- The Secretary cannot adjust purchase prices for - Continuing the fluid milk promotion program During consideration of the Farm Bill by the rizes the Farmer-to-Farmer program. The amend- this purpose more than twice a year. through 2002. House, several amendments were offered. The ment was adopted by voice vote. Farm Bureau • Eliminating the budget assessment. According to the USDA Interagency Dairy Anal- amendments included the following: supported the amendment. • limiting the number of federal milk marketing ysis Team, the Solomon amendment will cost dairy - Phase out the sugar program over 5 years. The - Set-aside $2 billion of the market transition pay- orders to between 10 and 14 and providing for producers $7 billion in income over seven years. amendment was narrowly defeated by a vote of ments made to farmers and use the money for multiple pricing points. The amended orders MFB position: Farm Bureau opposed the 208-217. Farm Bureau opposed the amendment. research. The amendment was defeated 163-260. must be announced by Dec. 31,1998, and imple- amendment. • - Substitute dairy title known as the Solomon Farm Bureau expressed concern about diverting mented not later than Dec. 31, 2000. Effective amendment. The amendment was adopted by a to other programs market transition payments vote of 258-164. Farm Bureau opposed the intended for farmers. STATE ISSUE amendment. A summary of the Solomon dairy The next step in the enactment of a Farm Bill amendment is attached and will provide more will be for a joint HouselSenate Conference Com- Elimination of no-fault auto insurance details. mittee to reconcile differences between the sepa- territorial constraints _ Reauthorization of the Conservation Reserve rate Farm Bills passed by each chamber. It is expect- Program (CRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and the creation of the Environmental ed members of the Conference Committee were named on Tuesday, March 5. H B. 5177, sponsored by Rep. Gerald H. Law (R-Plymouth), would eliminate current state mandates constraining auto insurance rating. In addition, these measures have caused rural subsidization of urban areas and good drivers to subsidize bad drivers. House Bill 5177 would allow Quality Incentive Program (EQUIP). EQUIP is a Major differences between the House and Currently, an insurance company must comply insurance companies to determine auto rates based new cost-share program for crop and livestock Senate Farm Bills are the titles dealing with dairy, with the following restrictions: on each community's experience, which will elimi- producers to implement conservation/environ- nutrition, credit and rural development. The Con- _ an insurance company's lowest territorial base rate nate these subsidies. mental practices. The CRP is capped at 36.4 mil- ference Committee will probably complete work in can be no less than 45 percent of its highest rate. Two amendments were added in the Senate. lion acres. The renewal of existing CRP contracts about 10 days. The House and Senate can be - contiguous territories can differ by only 10 percent. The first amendment limits an insurance company and the enrollment of new lands in the program expected to approve the final legislation without - insurance companies are required to have 20 to two years, the same as the Secretary of State, for is allowed. A limited CRP early-out option is pro- delay. President Clinton will sign the bill but may territories. surcharges on driving violations. The second vided. The WRP is reauthorized with future ease- express some concerns. These steps should be These legislative constraints were enacted in amendment eliminates similar rate restrictions on ments or contracts to be divided one-third in completed no later than March 22. the early 1980s in an attempt to ensure equity and homeowners insurance. permanent easements, one-third in 3D-year ease- MFB contact: Al Almy, ext. 2040 .• accessibility of auto insurance to Michigan citizens. Gov. Engler has signed the bill into law which These measures have had the opposite effect, has immediate effect. STATE ISSUE however, as insurance companies have left Michi- MFB position: MFB supported passage of gan. In 1983, there were 216 insurance companies H.B.5177. Development rights transfer and purchase writing in Michigan. In 1993, there were only 125 MFB contact: TunGoodrich, ext. 2048 .• S en. Bill Schuette (R-Midland) has introduced enabling legislation to allow local units of gov- ernment to set up Transfer of Development Rights _ Require the purchase and sale of development rights to be at fair market value. _ Provide that a local unit, by ordinance, could companies in Michigan. STATE ISSUE (TDR) and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) authorize the purchase of development rights, programs. The bills are currently before the and that the local unit could purchase the rights Tourist-oriented directional signs (TODS) Senate Committee on Local, Urban and State Affairs. The bills would amend various laws governing by voluntary sale. _ Permit a person to petition the local unit's gov- erning body for the purchase of development H B.4770, sponsored by Rep. Sandra Hill, establishes a Tourist-Oriented Directional Signage (TODS) Program. This program allows state highway, unless the sign: - is on land wned commercialA>usiness or indus- trial (excludes agricultural, forestry, grazing or local wning authority to do the following: _ Allow a local unit (county, township, city or vil- rights and the establishment of a special assess- tourist-oriented activities in non-urban areas to use farming) and is within 800 feet of the business or lage) to adopt an ordinance authorizing the ment district to pay for the rights; and require highway signs to attract tourists. To qualify for sign commercial operation; or transfer of development rights. the petition to include the signatures of at least space, an activity would have to attract 2,000 or - is located on the premise where the business is _ Provide that the ordinance would not take effect 51 percent of the property owners in the pro- more non-residents for a tourist activity. operated. until the local unit prepared a report containing posed district. The bill requires that the state of Michigan The package has passed the House and is in specific information. MFB position: Farm Bureau policy supports develop standardized logos for different types of the Senate Transportation and Tourism Committee. _ Permit the local unit to establish an authority for TDRlPDR-enabling legislation. eligible attractions and enact a yearly application MFBposition: Michigan Farm Bureau sup- the purpose of purchasing and temporarily hold- MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2043 .• and permitting process. Michigan's present law ports H.B. 4770. ing development rights. prohibits signs on state highways or visible from a MFBcontact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048. • STATE ISSUE Aquaculture Development Act Building to a Higher Standard H B.5555, sponsored by Rep. Mike Green (R-Mayville), would recognize aquaculture as trolled waters - ponds, vats and tanks - vs. lakes and streams which are the venue of commercial an agricultural enterprise that would be adminis- tered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. A fishing. The Department of Agriculture is charged with regulating the industry, including the authority 830,395.00 list of approved species are included, along with a for enforcing the Act and invoking penalties for 541 X 131 X 901 list of species that are not allowed for production in violation of law or rule. Deluxe Machinery Storage the state. MFB position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. It clarifies that activities will take place in con- MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043 .• 1- 24' x 14'6" All..l1vtA51m.. ~ • 2' Endwall Overhang Double End Door • J'VentedSidew.ill~ • Premium Kr:ar 500~1 1- 22'6" x 13'AWMAsrF.EL~ • Continuously Ventilated Ridge Hylar 5000 Paint S~tem on Sides STATE ISSUE Double Side Door • Exterior Wainscot • GUllers & Downspouts 1- 9- Lite T300 Walkdoor • Interior Protective Liner • Free Morton We:l.lhervane Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, 1-4' x 3' 9-Liu: Wuxbw wi Shuttm • 8 Skylites • FLUOROFLEX 2000lM Revolutionary Paint S~tem on Roof RA. 232 of 1965 H B. 5362, sponsored by Rep. Kim Rhead (R-Sandusky), clarifies and updates the defini- money in anticipation of receipt of assessments under very specific situations. The loan must be 823,375.00 tion of agricultural commodities to include aquacul- paid off prior to the termination of the agreement 541 x 131 X 901 ture, silviculture, and viticulture, and it expands the and cannot exceed 50 percent of the annual average Basic MachIne Storage scope of PA. 232 to allow an assessment on agricul- tural commodity inputs if decided by that sector of the industry. Specifically, nursery and landscape were interested in exploring a checkoff under PA. 232; prior to this language it was not permitted. The assessment revenue during the previous three years. For a new program, it cannot exceed 25 percent of the projected assessment revenue . The loan must be approved by the Director of the Department of Agriculture. Provisions for the payoff ~ 800-447-7436 MORTON / All wvnn,ics include m ... erial and labor and an no, pron...L Special pricing includes Illes, nu'crials.1ahor 40 mila of a Monon Bwldi~' ..Ics utt and ddivcry &£ unloading within <>!fia. Cw'omer mw' proridc a l..d building wi,h no undu. $2.26 $3.20 $2.60 u.s. season average ::> Secretary Dan Glic~an, Secretary of State Warren Farm price, $/bu. $3.45 $4.45 $4.00 .~ Christopher and Russian Chairman Viktor Stepanov- ~ ich Chernomyrdin about the issue .• Business management - IIStay the course?11 4. Tacticalplans provide a road map of activities related to individu~ non-monetary goals and values. gives the manager the needed internal information that need to be done to reach your short-term Monthly monitoring of the financial goals and to pull together the optimal mix of enterprises. goal. Tactical planning involves a review of your progress is a wise practice. This means more than What is the cost of production on your farm? goals, notes, calendar and unfinished activities. just balancing the checkbook. Check how your To answer this question you must perform cost The tasks are prioritized with respect to impor- actual expenditures and incomes compare with accounting. This can be done after the books are tance and urgency. Then the tasks with instruc- your budgeted plan that maps out how you will closed for the year with allocation of annual total John D. Jones, Telfarm Director and District Extension Farm Management Agent, Department ................. tions are communicated to the individuals involved. "... The business plan is also a living document that requires continual attention and revision. The meet your short-term goals. Some businesses will need to take periodic inventory and produce accru- al-based financial statements for tighter manage- ment control and creditor needs. Is your actual finandal performance in agree- expenses and incomes. Or, it means doing cost accounting allocations as income and expenses are entered into your records . Be sure to make accrual adjustments for in- ventory build-up or reductions, and prepaid or of Agricultural frequency for formal revision depends on the plan's ment with your budgeted financial plan? Are chang- accrued expenses before produdng cost accounting Economics, complexity and the magnitude of adjustment need- es needed in the future months to adjust for past statements. It takes some effort, but it's the best Michigan State ed to meet a change in actual versus planned ac- occurrences? Is your marketing meeting the expec- way to know whether your crops or livestock are University Extension tion. A bad bout with mother nature can sometimes tations in the budget? Are you able to lock-in quality growing money. force your business plan to be unworkable and in inputs at good prices that will allow you to carry out ... - ..... - .l.. A business manager must direct and super- need of a serious revision. the business plan? Do you have enough liquidity or High quality information, available where and vise business operations. The act of man- Make needed revisions to your short-term working capital to meet the future cash flow needs when the farm manager needs it, is critical to prop- agement can be as much an art as a tech- goals as realistically as possible and press on, pray- of the business? These are a few of the questions to er decision making. How can one adequately assess nical skill. Results are affected by many, many fac- ing that the next time you will be treated favorably be answered during the periodic evaluations. alternative courses of action without high quality, tors, some of which are external and cannot be by mother nature. Continued perseverance toward c..tAc - JI"Ell1~~ dependable information? The Telfarm program has predicted. Even with this inherent unpredictability, your long-term business goals will yield the greatest Cost accounting, also often called enterprise many features designed to provide decision-making there are specific activities for managers to com- progress as long as your efforts remain focused. accounting, will provide the manager with a source information to the farm manager. plete to maintain a positive impact on the business. .............. a_ - _. JlIIeeds of critical information needed for budgeting and An excellent group of district Extension farm The following quote provides a good illustra- Business records for management and finan- planning. The extra efforts made in this area pro- management agents and many Area of Expertise and tion of the managem.ent process: dal planning are where a good farm records pro- vide valuable management information that cannot county Extension agents are verywell~uipped to "Managing a business is similar to charting a gram can provide the most benefit. These needs are be acquired anywhere else. assist in training you and modifying your own man- course for a ship. The manager does the charting. critical to any business plan. The measurement of It is the awareness and application of one's agement information system. The management infor- To be effective, he must have goals. He must contin- financial progress and viability is essential to any individual strengths that allows a business to pros- mation system will then help you "stay the course" ually gather and analyze facts. On the basis of his business plan, although there can be other goals per and grow. Cost accounting is the activity that and make progress toward your business goals .• analysis, he must make decisions and carry them out. The process is never ending. New information and analyses require alterations just as a change of wind and weather requires the captain of the ship to make frequent changes in guiding his vessel." -L.H. Brown and J.A. Speicher, Business LAST YEAR WE FINANCED 17 MILLION ACRES, Analysis for Dairy Farms, Extension Bulletin E-685, Michigan State University ONE SQUARE FOOT AT A TIME. ........... a- ..... The current Agricultural Management Advancement Program (AMAP)sponsored by MSU Extension does an excellent job of leading partici- pants through a process of setting both long and short term goals. These goals are set with the busi- ness "mission" in the forefront to keep your direc- tion focused on what is importaryt to you. Your business plan and mission statement must also recognize the impact of external factors such as public desires and needs, available and alternative markets, governmental regulations and other world factors. The goal setting process works for any size business at any stage in life. It helps sort out the grain from the chaff and allows you to concentrate on progressing in areas that are important to you. For the well organized manager, the business plan is something that embodies these goals and spells out tactics that will be needed to reach them . .., • .L. I --1 Is ............ 1. Mission statements personalize the business, giving it its own special identity, character and path for development. A strong mission state- ment will embody the important values of the business and the owners while addressing the major external circumstances. 2. long-term goals should provide direction, and should be reasonable, achievable, inspiring and contribute to the business mission. Long- term goals also need to be visible and eventual so that they can be reached in the future. 3. Short-term goals have to be specific and mea- surable so it can be determined when the goal is reached. The short-term goal should be set to have the greatest impact with respect to meeting your long-term goal. The short-term goal should also have a spedfied time period, usually a year or less. Progress in California on methyl bromide extension bill A bill that would extend use of methyl bromide ~ntil Dec. 31, 1997 was passed by the Califor- nia Assembly Agriculture Committee and will be considered by the Appropriations Committee - the last "pit stop" before it can reach the Assembly floor. The Assembly already has voted on the issue and recently sent a similar bill to the Senate, where it is still awaiting consideration. Gov. Pete Wilson (R) has stated full support for its passage. The California state ban on methyl bromide is scheduled to take effect March 30. The extension, manufacturers said, would allow them to complete the final health effects study on the chemical, as required by state law. Methyl bromide is scheduled to be phased-out internationally by 2010 .• TB testing continues in northeast Michigan r TB FIICts he signs of disease depends on what part A fter finding 15 whitetail deer taken from of the body is most affected. Usually this IS a northeast Michigan hunt dub located the lungs, resulting in coughing and difficulty near Alpena that tested positive for TB in breathing. In general, infected animals will during the 1995 hunting season, the Michigan De- lose weight and appear to be in poor condition in later stages of the disease. Early-on in the partment of Natural Resources (DNR) has stepped disease, the animal may appear normal. up testing of the whitetail deer herd, while the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has TB is spread primarily through the air. implemented a livestock surveillance program. When an infected animal is in close contact with other animals, contamination from cough- According to MFB livestock Specialist Kevin ing and sneezing can spread the disease. Re- Kirk, as a precaution, the MDA has targeted 51 live- peated or prolonged exposure is often a factor. stock herds, including cattle, goats, pigs, and llamas located within a five-mile radius of the hunt club for The disease is considered very rare among wild deer. Until 1995, only two deer had TB testing. The testing procedure can be a some- been diagnosed with TB in Michigan. In the fall what lengthy process, warns Kirk, meaning that it of 1995, 15 deer in a northeast Michigan hunt could be several months before all livestock testing club were found to be infected. Artificially high is completed. concentrations of deer In the Impacted area, "Atotal of 1,500 head of livestock will be test- due in large part to winter-long supplemental ed, which begins with an injection of tuberculin feeding, was very 1ike1y a major factor in the TB under the skin next to the base of the tail," Kirk Infection. It's known that the disease Is most explained. "This initial screening test, called the likely spread in situations where animals are caudal fold test, is then read 72 hours later." than extend it, and that the DNR's request is the removed by the DNR itself," Kirk said. "Depopula- overcrowded and stressed. For more informa- According to Kirk, 3 to 5 percent of all animals better route for concerned livestock producers and tion is the best option to eliminate TB altogether." tion, you should call your local veterinarian or the Michigan Department of Agriculture at will normally test as suspect positive on this first hunt club members. A March 13, "TB Update for livestock (517) 373-10n. test, requiring a second testing procedure known as "The DNR has advised producers in the area Producers" meeting was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. a comparative cervical or CC test. In this procedure, that if deer attempt to move into agricultural areas at the Hillman Community Center. For more Source: Michigan Department of two tuberculin injections are made in t~e neck. One in an attempt to eat with domestic livestock, to information, contact the Alpena Extension Service Agrlcuffure Information Fact Sheet is an avian complex type and the other a bovine contact the DNR for permits or to have the deer at (517) 354-3636 .• type. Again, this test is read 72 hours later via skin measurements, and classified as either negative, suspect or reactor. ' JUST PLANT YOUR CORN Thus far, 25 of the 51 herds have been tested and released, according to the MDA.Kirk says the ...... MDNs testing will actually accomplish two purposes. "Testing will establish whether or not any livestock have been infected - and it will provide livestock producers statewide with concrete infor- mation on the risk, if any, ofTB in livestock," he explained. "Ofthe herds sampled thus far, none ------------------, have tested positive, which suggestc; that the infec- tion is limited to the whitetail deer herd. That's good news for all Michigan livestock producers, since it keeps the state's TB-free status intact." Meanwhile, the DNR is continuing to test the area's whitetail deer herd. At last count, 19 deer were found to be infected from a sampling of over 500 deer. According to Kirk, the DNR plans to test over THEN APPLY THE PROWL 3,000 deer from the area by year's end, including road-killed deer, and deer harvested through block permits and the regular hunting season. Predators will also be tested. "In addition, the DNR has announced plans to test whitetail deer statewide, primarily road-killed animals," he said . • - - - - - - - - - - - - - I In an attempt to reduce deer herd concentra- tions in northeast Michigan, the DNR issued a re- quest Feb. 1 for hunt clubs and individuals to stop feeding deer in hopes of naturally depopulating the herd during the harsh winter months. The deer herd population in the target area is estimated to average between 50 to 60 deer per square mile, well over the DNR's recommended 25 to 35 deer per square mile figure. AND GET ON WITH Despite the request, some producers and hunt club members apparently believe that feeding the deer herd will keep them located in a central- ized area and away from livestock operations. As logical as that might seem, Kirk says discontinued feeding will actually eliminate the problem rather ----------------~ Ag trade picture looks bright he USDAis forecasting a record $60 billion in T U.S. agricultural exports for the 1996 fiscal year. Higher shipments of wheat and corn are the main factors. However, e.xport volume is not seen hitting a record in FY 1996, falling short of the 169.2 mil- lion metric tons reported in the 1995 fiscal year. OTHER THINGS. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says the U.S. reliance on ag trade will continue to grow. U.S. You DON'T HAVE ANY TIME TO WASTE. THAT'S WHY YOU USE PROWL- HERBICIDE AS PART OF agriculture is currently twice as reliant on interna- YOUR CORN WEED PROGRAM. GET YOUR CORN PLANTED EARLY. THEN BEFORETHE CORN COMES tional markets as the U.S. economy as a whole. This up, COME BACK WITH PROWL IN A TANK-MIX WITH BICEp'JBLADEX2 OR ATRAZINE. YOU'VE GOT will grow to 2.5 times more dependent on interna- YOUR CORN OFF TO A GOOD EARLY START WITH AFFORDABLE RESIDUAL CONTROL OF TRIAZINE- tional markets by the year 2000, he said. Considering that prediction, Glickman lashed RESISTANT LAMBSQUARTERS, VELVETLEAF AND FOXTAILS. Now YOU HAVE MORE TIME FOR OTHER out at GOP Presidential hopeful Pat Buchanan's THINGS. THAT'S IT. WE'RE HERE TO CONTROL WEEDS, NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. plan to cancel the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and North American Free Trade Agreement. FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE YOUR CYANAMID AGRICENTER™ DEALER Given the importance of trade to agriculture, Glick- OR CALL 1-800-942-0500. man pronounced such a move would be a "dagger in the heart" of rural America. "The movement toward freer trade must con- tinue," Glickman said. "And the scare tactics of those who want to build a wall around our country must be rejected. Isolationist retreat inevitably leads to a lower standard of living and fewer jobs for peo- Always follow label directions. -fT" Trademarks, American Cyanamid Company @ I 996. I Trademark, CIBA Corporation. ZTrademark, DuPont Company. ple in this country." • Consider frost seeding clover in wheat B oosting corn yields next year will justify the cost of frost seeding clover into your wheat this year, says MSU's Dr. Richard Harwood, C.S. Mott Foundation Chair of Sustain- a clover rotation than following corn. Red clover is preferred, advises Hardwood, since it's the easiest to establish and the hardiest of the clovers. For best results, Harwood recommends broad- able Agriculture in the department of Crop and Soil cast seeding red clover at the rate o'f 10 to 15 pounds Sciences. He has conducted trials on 15 different per acre, sometime in early March. Clover should be Michigan farms testing the impact of wheat and broadcast separately from urea since the seed won't frost seeded clover on subsequent crops, and the throw as far as urea, or else double spread to avoid results have been pretty impressive. skips. One limitation, however, is that 2-40 herbjdde While including wheat in a typical corn soy- cannot be used following frost seeding. bean rotation boosted overall yields and net profit Harwood says that clover is highly resistant to per acre, corn yields on fields frost seeded with wheat harvest traffic; however, the wheat straw clover averaged 146 bushels, compared to 122 should be baled to allow maximum clover growth. bushels on fields without a cover crop in 1994. His He says that several growers then mow or clip the bottom line conclusion? "Farms raising corn, soy- clover in September for hay, to remove summer beans and wheat in the rotation had higher corn annual weeds and to set the clover back for maxi- yields and lower variable costs. They made more mum fall growth without flowering. profit," his report concluded. Research data in 1993-94suggests that clipping While frost seeded clover has little impact dover without removing the hay can result in heavy on wheat yields, several years of research data in nitrogen leaching, with as much as 40 pounds per Michigan has shown higher soil nitrogen mineraliza- acre lost. Harwood attributes the leaching to miner- tion rates the following spring. Harwood's data a1izationof the clipped clover tops in September. shows a 35 to 45-pound-per-acre increase in Consequently, Harwood advises producers to nitrates in pre-sidedress nitrate tests (PSNT) time wait until mid-to late-October to kill the clover with in corn (early June). an application of Roundup. Killing the clover any This field of red clover in wheat stubble was frost seeded in early March at the rate Harwood says that if the clover is killed early earlier will result in heavy nitrogen losses through of 10 pounds per acre on the Phil and Nolan Hall farm in Ingham County. Extension enough in the spring to prevent soil moisture de- decomposition and denitrification .• Technician Gary Zehr (standing) and Jack Knorek, former MSU County Extension agent pletion, corn will nearly always yield more following inspect the growth of the clover in early August. Auxein Corporation and the J.R. Simplot The Insecticide Company to develop novel agricultural products .For Peo21e . A uxein Corporation announced Feb. 26, 1996, the formation of a strategic alliance with the J.R. Simplot Company, to continue commercial product development of auximone plant growth WIth More Brams formulations from Auxien Corporation. Auximones represent a new class of proprietary products that enhance plant growth and productivity through improved nutrient uptake anduse by the plant. ThanMoney. The Simplot Company and Auxein Corporation alliance will focus on the continued development of product formulations and product evaluations in field trials performed on agricultural crops. Upon commercialization of the auximone products, the Simplot Company will have exclusive rights for prod- uct distribution in the western U.S. agricultural mar- kets. Initial target markets for Simplot indudeauxi- mones for the potato, cotton and tomato industries. "This alliance is key to Auxein's strategy for commercial product development and will help launch market introductions of Auxein products," said Dr.John Mdntyre, president and CEO of Aux- ein Corporation. "This is an opportunity for Simplot Minerals and Chemicals Group to work with a com- pany that shares our philosophy to develop and market a new generation of environmentally-safe products for agriculture," stated Larry Hinderager, president, Minerals and Chemical group. Active ingredients in the formulations are natu- rally-occurring, present in all life forms and environ- mentally-safe. Although one of the key ingredients was discovered in plants over 50 years ago, Auxein scientists were the first to discover its function. These products can also reduce the amount of nitro- gen fertilizer application, while maintaining crop productivity. The products developed by Auxein represent a significant market opportunity both inside the United States and worldwide. Auxein Corporation is a Lansing, Mich."-based company that provides new technologies that can be readily integrated into conventional farming Smarr people like you know value. That's why you probably already know about THIMET- methods. Products in commercial development will soil and systemic insecticide. Yearafter year, THIMET has proven itself for rootworm control. Now, with maintain a level of crop productivity that can ensure conservation tillage, THIMET is proving itself against high residue insects, such as wireworms, a stable food supply for the world's population. The J.R. Simplot Company is a privately held white grubs, and other pests that will increase their pressure season after season and for which there is no agribusiness corporation with headquarters in Boi- rescue treatment. So, if you want to save your money and show off your brains, get THIMET in the se, Idaho. The company has annual sales of more LOCK'n LOAD- closed handling system. It's your best all-around package for value and perlormance. than $2 billion, derived prindpally from food pro- cessing, fertilizer manufacturing, agriculture and And, it's compatible with Accene and Beacon~ Need more proof? Call us at 1-800-942-0500. related businesses. The Minerals and Chemicals Group of Simplot, located in Pocatello, Idaho, will be responsible for Simplot's product, development and commercialization activities. Marketing the PROTEcnON. VALUE. PERFORMANCE. co~merdal products will be through Simplot's Plant Health Technologies business unit, located in Boise, Idaho. The first products from this alliance Rtstriclal Ust Ptsticidt. Always follow Iabd dim:lions ..... Trademarks, Amaican Cyanamid Company 01994 are expected to ~ launched in 1997.• I Trademarn, DuRlnl Company zTmdanarn, Ciba Probability of Above HiVler Probabilny of Above Probability of Below m,her Probability of Below Probability of Normcl Higher Probability of Nonnni Equcl ChnnC4H> ern Lower Peninsulas. Snowfall across southern and as an active jet stream should lead to an active storm of Mexico-origin moisture. central sections of the state continued lighter than track through or to the south of Michigan. The National Weather Service 3o-dayoutlook normal, with seasonal totals lagging behind normal Climatologically, it is interesting to note that for March and the 9(}day outlook for March-May totals by a wide margin by month's end. some of the heaviest snowfalls in central and south- both call for continued better than normal chances Latest medium-range forecast models indicate ern sections of the state (those away from the lakes of below normal temperatures, with near equal that colder, and possibly stormier than normal condi- and not normally affected by lake-effect snowfall) odds ofbelow-, near-, and above-normal predpita- tions, should be in store for the early part of March, occur in March due to the greater availability of Gulf tion totals during the same time periods .• by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural meteorologist, Department of Geography, Michigan State University W hile the monthly mean temperatures across ~he state during February gen- erallyaveraged near normal, tempera- tures during any given week were anything but normal. February began with frigid, arctic-origin air in place across the Great Lakes region, and ended with spring-like temperatures and thunderstorms in many spots. BEWARE Precipitation for the month was once again near to below normal in most spots, and above OF THOSE normal across much of the Upper and northwest- ~~ .. WHO QUIT ~~ BEFORE :::-7\ Michigan !1::l.J Weather Summary THE JOB Is Temperature Precipitation 2/1/96 to 2/29/96 Observed mean Dev. from normal Actual Normal (inch) (inch) DONE. Houghton 13.7 -0.8 2.83 1.40 Marquette 13.3 0.7 2.48 1.40 Escanaba 15.6 -2.5 1.50 1.47 SaultSte.Marie 13.5 -1.2 2.08 1.47 LakeCity 17.0 -1.8 1.83 1.36 I PROMISE TO NEVER TOLERATE Pellston 17.5 1.8 2.45 1.36 ANY WORKER WHO LOOKS AT TraverseCity 20.7 0.1 3.31 1.36 HIS WATCH EVERY 5 MINUTES. Alpena 18.3 -0.7 1.37 1.38 HoughtonLake 20.6 1.5 1.34 1.38 Muskegon 24.2 -0.1 1.57 1.69 Vestaburg 21.4 -0.9 1.65 1.34 I PROMISE TO BOYCOTTANY BadAxe 21.2 -1.6 1.23 1.32 PARTS DEPARTMENTTHAT Saginaw 24.1 1.8 2.20 1.32 CLOSES AT 5 O'CLOCK DURING GrandRapids 25.0 2.4 0.90 1.62 SouthBend 29.3 3.1 2.01 1.62 PLANTING. Colcfv.later 24.7 -0.4 1.53 1.47 Lansing 24.9 1.6 0.78 1.47 Detroit 26.6 1.6 1.80 1.51 I PROMISE TO BURN THE PHONE Rint 24.3 0.9 1.15 1.51 NUMBER OF ANY VET WHO Toledo 28.3 2.8 0.91 1.51 Observed totals are accumulated from April 1. WON'T COME OUTAFTER HOURS. Normals are based on district averages. I PROMISE TO "RETIRE" MY IPM Scout Training set INSECTICIDE IF IT "QUITS" forKBS BEFORE MY INSECTS DO. I PM Field Crop Scout Training for southwestern Michigan farmers and crop scouts is set for March 21 and 22 at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station (KBS). YOU HAVE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU RUN A FARM. ONE WAY YOU MEET THEM IS Partidpants in this program will learn about TO NEVER QUIT BEFORE THE JOB IS DONE. THAT'S WHY YOU USE PRODUCTS LIKE COUNTER- CR'" soil fertility, compaction and drainage; how to iden- tify important weed and insect pest species; and SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE-NEMATICIDE IN THE LOCK'N LOAD- CLOSED HANDLING SYSTEM .• THE how to collect and submit field samples. UNIQUE, CONTROLLED-RELEASE FORMULATION OF CR RESULTS IN LONGER-LASTING In addition to receiving the MSU Field Crops PROTECTION, GIVING YOU THE MOST EFFECTIVE INSECTICIDE YOU CAN BUY. CR HITS Weed Control Guide, they'll receive a subscription ROOTWORMS HARD AND THEN KEEPS ON HITTING THEM LONG AFTER THE OTHERS HAVE QUIT. to the 1996 Field Crop CatAlert. Partidpants can also receive CCA and RUP credits . MORE THAN ANY OTHER INSECTICIDE, CR IS WHERE YOU NEED IT, WHEN YOU NEED IT. .. "We want to help people understand how • PLUS, CR MAKES THE UNMATCHED POWER OF COUNTER COMPATIBLE WITH ACCENT,l weeds, insects, soil and crops are all interrelated," EXCEED2 AND BEACON~*. UNFORTUNATELY, INSECTS WORK JUST AS LONG AND HARD AS YOU. says Dale Mutch, MSU Extension district agriculture SO MAKE SURE YOUR INSECTICIDE DOESN'T QUIT BEFORE THEY DO . agent. "Using chemicals to affect one of these ends up impacting all of them." The cost to attend this program is '90, which includes lunch both days and all handout materials. To register, call the KBS Extension office at (616) COUNTER.I:R~ocwn LOAD." ~ 671-2412 .• RESPONSIBLE. LIKE YOU.~ Michigan cranberry production - Poised for growth? A lthough the concept of cranberry pro- dUdion in Michigan has been explored for over four years now, numerous obsta- cles, including regulatory battles over wetlands, and the huge start-up costs assodated with cranberry Ron Bodtke, presi- dent of the Michigan Cranberry Coundl, is counting on a recent Memorandum of Agree- 6....al'rf SdIoOI P roducers interested in learning more about cranberry production are encouraged to attend the Cranberry School on April 2-3 in Gaylord. The emphasis will be on the beginning bed construction, have kept the fledgling industry ment (MOA) on Cranber- stages of cranberry bed site selection, produc- in its infant stage. That could all change, however, if ry Production and Envi- tion permits, financing, and irrigation systems. the state's pioneers in cranberry produdion have ronmental Protection Farm tours and producer panel discussions are anything to say about it. between the Michigan also planned. For more information, contact Ron Goldy, executive director of the Michigan Department of Agricul- Cranberry Council, at (616) 429-2425. ture (MDA) and the Department of Environ- mental Quality (DEQ) to in a lot more trouble than with just cranberries." help alleviate the wet- The similarities between raising cranberries land regulatory prob- and other crops, particularly blueberries, says Bodt- lems that several would- ke, has been a pleasant surprise. He speculates that be cranberry farmers the perception that a great (leal of water is being have run into. used in cranberry production has unfairly com- Bodtke, who oper- Tom Bodtke (pictured at left), brother Larry and father Ron Bodtke pounded the problem. ates Corner Stone Ag - planted their first five acres of cranberries in 1993. Theyre hoping to "The impression that you're using so much grow cranberries without the customary flooding and icing of the water with cranberries is only because of the fall a bl u ebe rry ..an d casV:h b e ds to prevent wmter- . k'll lot f h e cran berry vmes . ('pIcture db)a ove. crop opera tJ on m an flood, when you harvest, and that's where all the Buren County - with sons Tom and Larry complet- Michigan on equal footing with other states from a pidures get taken," Bodtke said. "We actually use ed his first harvest in 1995 from five acres of regulatory standpoint. Bodtke pointed to a Massa- less water per acre on those cranberries than we do cranberries planted in 1993. The family operation chusetts operation that bypassed Michigan to start a on our blueberries." includes 1,300 acres of corn, 1,300 acres of soy- cranberry operation in Minnesota. Bodtke speculates that the adual cranberry beans and 800 acres of blueberries. Ron has been "When we asked why they didn't come into bed construction has also caused a great deal of researching and considering how well cranberries Michigan, they said, 'we didn't even consider Michi- regulatory anxiety, saying that it probably appears a will work into their operation. gan because of the environmental problems, '" Bodt- little strange to a reguIatory agency when they see Bodtke believes the MOA sets the stage to make start-up considerably easier, while also putting ke explained. "I think the MOAgives us some poten- tial to real1ywork through this thing. H we can't, we're ............... topsoil being moved around. F~om a market demand perspeoive, the pic- ture has never looked better. According to Bodtke, cranberry cooperative giant Ocean Spray is actually looking for at least 3,000 acres of additional cranber- ry produdion over the next two years. "The indica- tion is they may just open it up.for no acre limits for the next several years," he claimed. Within Michigan, Bodtke says the fresh market will quickly consume current cranberry produdion. However, longer-term as production increases, he suspects that, in addition to Ocean Spray, Welch's, as well as local wineries, will also be interested in Michigan-produced cranberries. Demand for dried and frozen cranberries, combined with local processing facilities through- out the west side of the state, will also be big factors in expanding production within Michigan. Bodtke says that limited production potential in other states means opportunity in Michigan. "New Jersey is pretty well maxed out because of the environmental laws and restrictions on what they can do out there," Bodtke explained. "Massa- chusetts doesn't have much opportunity for expan- sion, so it's going to come down to WISConsin, which still has some room for expansion, and then Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and hope- fully, Michigan." er.abeny Production Cranberries prefer a cool climate and addic soils similar to those used in blueberry production on the west side of the state, as well as various locations in northern Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula. Water is also a necessity for both iniga- tion and harvesting. At harvest time, usually in October, the beds are flooded with about 14 inches of water to float the cranberries for harvesting. According to Bodtke, the cranberries fall rather easily from the vine once the harvest machine's paddles create a wave action in the water. In constructing their cranberry beds, the Bodtkes actually moved the topsoil off an existing blueberry planting, to build a 3 foot deep bed for flooding the cranberry beds at harvest. In the fu- ture, Bodtke plans to build the beds 1~ feet deep, This Season's Winning and rely more on managing drain tiles to help con- trol water levels. Lineup For Sugar Beets. Once Bodtke is completely satisfied that cran- berry produdion will work in their operation, he hopes to increase their acreage from five acres to as many as 100 acres. They're testing whether they can When you team up quarters, ragweed, or extra expense of overwinter cranberries without flooding the beds Pyramin@SC herbicide pigweed, mustard and hand hoeing. Poast can early-winter to form a protective ice cap over the with Poast@herbicide nightshade. And when even be banded to keep cranberry plants to avoid winter kill. Why the caution? A $15,000 to S25,OOO per you're sure to score some followed by Poast, adds costs down. acre investment in cranberry bed construction is major points against a strong defensive line The Beet Team. Put reason enough, cautions Bodtke. "That doesn't broadleaves and grasses of grass control that'll them through a tryout even include the cost of the land; that's just the prep. in your sugar beets. keep you in the game all on your farm this year. aration. The plants themselves range somewhere Call 1-800-874-0081. between S5,OOO and S7,OOO per acre," he explained. And no wonder. The season long. Once the beds are fully matured and at full unmatched preemergence No other combination production, in five to six years, yields typically aver- control of Pyramin SC delivers more economical age 18,000 to 20,000 pounds, although yields as Agricultural Products blocks out troublesome or consistent control. high as 30,000 pounds have been achieved. "It's broadleaves like lambs- There's no risk of damage really going to take five or six years to see what kind of produdion we're going to get, although we've BA F been pleased thus far," Bodtke concluded .• Cranberry Production and Environmental C oncerned about the impact of environ- partnerships to meet environmental agendas in a Protection MOA mentalism and regulations on your farm's sensible and cost effective manner. future? Michigan producers have their first In addition to meeting and hearing from a T he Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) be- tween the Michigan Department of Agriculture opportunity to sit down with regulatory agencies number of environmental agency personnel, pro- Conference and the Department of Environmental Quality is and agricultural businesses to learn first-hand just what the future may hold in store, during a work- ducers attending the conference will also get an agri-business perspective, with presentations sched- Registration Form being hailed by the Michigan Cranberry Coundl's shop co-sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau and uled from AgriBank, Monsanto, DuPont, and Dow Executive Director Ron Goldy as a big step in mov- Name . ing the state's cranberry industry from concept to the newly formed Michigan Department of Environ- Elanco. Luncheon speaker, Jim Breinling, Agricultur- reality. He says getting through the permit process mental Quality (DEQ). al Research Manager of Gerber Foods, will discuss Organization . and into cranberry production should now be less The conference, known as "Partnerships for Gerber's efforts and incentives in assisting produc- daunting. Pollution Solutions - Private Initiatives in !tgricul- ers to implement IPM on their farm operations. Address .. "MDAand DEQ have agreed to work together ture," will be held April 2, in Lansing at the Radisson According to Kirk, producers will also hear on this, along with MSU Extension and other agen- Hotel. Program coordinator KeVinKirk expects the from several of their peers on how they've imple- City, State, Zip . des, to begin a cranberry industry here," Goldy ex- conference to draw a mixed crowd of regulators, mented IPM and other farm-based initiatives on plained. "That's very encouraging because it com- farmers and ag businesses. He calls the conference their own operations during a scheduled producer Telephone . mits all of the agendes to help this industry get going:' an excellent opportunity for agriculture to tell its panel. Producers include: Bill McPhee, of Innovative side of the story, as well as establish a plan of action Farmers of Huron County; Jan Vosburg, a hog and Fax . Goldy believes that there's a considerable amount of acreage that is "previously converted for the future. cattle producer and no-till farmer from Kalamazoo land" that's in blueberry, corn, potato, mint or on- "The agricultural industry, through the use of County; Don Gregory, a fruit grower from Leelanau ~ $15 ~r participant - Check ion production that could be put into cranberries Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Best Man- County; and Joe Slater, a dairy producer from ~ payable to Michigan Farm Bureau I with a minimal amount of red tape. He encourages agement Practices (BMP) has made significant Muskegon County. producers considering cranberry production to strides in reducing the reliance and use of chemi- The conference begins with registration at ?> Phone: (517) 323-7000, I • ext. 2022 locate the beds in previously converted wetland cals, while also maintaining a high level of quality 8 a.m., with the program scheduled to get under- I sites, instead of attempting to get a permit from the production," Kirk said. "The growing practice of no- way at 9 a.m. Lunch is included in the conference, Mail «fax resenatian I state or federal agendes for a virgin wetland site. till has also helped to reduce the amount of soil which concludes at 4 p.m. Registration for the con- formbvMarch291o: I According to the MOA, the MDA and DEQ erosion, which has a direct benefit on water quality ference is due by March 25 and will cost $15. For Fax: (517) 323-6541 I agree that: due to reduced run-off." more information or reservations, call Kirk at (517) Michigan Farm Bureau I • In former wetland areas that have been histori- Kirk added that many regulators and environ- 323-7000, ext. 2022. Reservations can also be made C.A.R.D. - I cally farmed and drained and are no longer con- mental agencies are also operating under growing via fax at (517) 323-6541 or by simply completing PostOffice Box 30960 sidered regulated wetlands according to state political pressure to do more for less and that and mailing the coupon provided .• I L lansing, MI 48909 ~I and federal standards, no permit is required. there's a growing need for private and public MDAand DEQ will review state and federal pro- cedure to ensure consistency regarding this issue . • Permits for the construction and expansion of cranberry beds and associated facilities in areas that retain wetland characteristics, where the wetland may have been previously altered due to agricultural activity, will not be more stringent than federal permit requirements regarding con- struction of cranberry beds and assodated facili- ties. In addition, previously farmed lands are preferred sites for conversion to cranberry pro- "Prowl lets me worry about duction, and will be permitted unless other re- sources would be adversely impacted by the proposed conversion . • Permits are required for the construction of cran- things other than spraying niy berry beds in natural, undisturbed wetlands. Permit requirements will be consistent with fed- eral programs regarding construction of cranber- com again in the summer; it ry beds in natural, undisturbed wetlands, and will weigh the impacts and benefits of the proposed project. • Permits are not required for the planting, culti- works great all season." vating and harvesting of cranberries or for the maintenance of existing structures such as water Phillip control structures and the beds themselves, in established operations . Potter • MDA and DEQ also agree to develop Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices, Tully, pursuant to the Right to Farm Act for cranberry New York production in Michigan. These practices will provide technical and regulatory guidelines for the cranberry industry that are both economical- ly viable and environmentally sensitive . • MDAand DEQ will support funding for research, education, and development of cultural practices that address both production needs and environ- mental management concerns. While the agreement has generally been well- accepted, at least one person contends the MOA has little merit in a legal environment, calling it totally ineffective. Attorney Dave Haywood, who has represented a producer named Wallace Hugget in an ongoing court battle over the establishment of a cranberry operation in Cheboygan County, claims the MOA has eliminated all of the success gained in court with the Hugget case. "There's no teeth to it (the MOA) - it's totally unenforceable in terms of having any basis in law," Haywood argues. "This MOA was done out of fear that we were going to end up with some legislation that would make it more difficult for a cranberry farmer. The result, however, is that this MOA takes away everything we've won in drcuit court." As a result of the MOA, Haywood says the state's Attorney General has filed a Motion for Recon- sideration in the Cheboygan County Circuit Court case, which had previously ruled that since "farming is an exempt activity, no permit was required." MDA Director, Dr. Gordon Guyer, however, calls the MOA a major step forward. "This MOA represents an opportunity for agriculture to get into a very important and new crop," Guyer countered. "It makes the cranberry industry a legitimate agri- cultural operation and it takes them out of the per- mitting process that we had previously. This gives us a big jump forward on any land that's previously been in agriculture." • Weed management in wheat E ffective weed management is essential for In fields planted to wheat only, Kells said that tril), while others should only be applied in spring. will usually be more competitive with wheat than successful winter wheat production accord. several selective foliar-applied herbicides are avail. Allof the herbicides commonly used on wheat can spring-germinating weeds and therefore must be ing to Michigan State University's Dr.James able for weed control. The herbicides vary in the be safely applied between Feeke's stage 3 and 6. treated early to minimize impact on the crop. Annu- Kells, in the department of Crop and Soil Sciences. weeds controlled and in the safe application window Decisions on the need for a herbicide start al grass species are generally not a problem in Mich- Inadequate weed control can lead to significant on wheat. Table 1 lists the effectiveness of wheat with close monitoring of the field. This includes igan winter wheat production. yield loss and harvesting difficulty. herbicides on weeds commonly found in wheat. timely identification of weed species in the field. Wheat seeded with a legume presents an en- While Cultural and chemical control practices Table 1 shows the safe application timing of Herbicide selection involves several considerations tirely new management challenge, advised Kells. are often combined to achieve adequate weed con- wheat herbicides based on crop growth stage. Note including weed species, weed size, wheat growth Very few herbicide options exist for weed control in trol, Kells says that there are four times during the that the safe application period varies gready stage, and herbicide cost. wheat underseeded with a legume. MCPA can be production season where weed control practices among the herbicides. Some herbicides can safely The earlier a weed emerges, the more com- applied with any legume other than sweet clover. can be employed: prior to planting, at planting, in be applied in the fall (e.g, Harmony Extra and Buc- petitive it will likely be. Tall, winter annual weeds Application should be made at 5-6 gallons per acre the spring, and following harvest. (gpa) to minimize penetration of the spray down to High on Kells's list of recommendations is the the legume. This treatment relies on the wheat and establishment of a healthy, vigorous wheat stand r.ble 1- Weed IleJiponse to HetfJJcides In Small Grains. weed canopy as a barrier from direct exposure of which can be extremely competitive \vith weeds and Annual Broadleaves Perennials the legume to the spray. c a; Buctril can be used for weed control in wheat is the single most important component of a weed :g 0 E c c control strategy in this crop. "Most production prac- 8 E ~ '0 GI underseeded with alfalfa.To avoid alfalfainjury, do ~ e III ~ E ... 0 01 a; GI 01 'C :v ::l ~ ~ e. ~ 5- t: 'C GI 0 GI GI tices (seeding rate, fertility, etc.) which increase 'C 1:: GI GI 'C :l III tl c not treat when air temperatures are expected to .. v S ~ t: ::lCl Z GI 'C wheat vigor and yield reduce weed problems;' he said. :; GI ~ III :l 'C III 'C '0 GI GI ':; 1;; :l >- <{ 0 a:: GI 'C ~ 'C CII GI III :l 't: 0 'c exceed 70~ within 3 days following application. Do ~ ~ ~ t GI .0 .s::. GI GI III c !l a: CII CII ~ III :c ~ ..Q~ ~ ~ ~ CII tI GI Iii C7 0 ~ t 'C In many cases, weedy areas in a field are often ~ ~ .0 E .s::. C\ III CII > J2 III ..Q :l C 'C III C ~ III J2 J2 not apply to wheat seeded with legumes other than ~ :x: ~ :cu ~ 0 alfalfa.Buctril can also be applied in the fallprior to production problem. It is not uncommon for vigorous stands to eUminate the need for chemical control. SIIItIIII ..... ,. ~~ Banvel Buctril Express Harmony Extra G G G G F - G - G E E E G G P P G F F E G G F P E G F G G F F F P E - E G E - G G F G G F P G G F F E E N N N N F P P P F P F F P N F F N N N N N N N N F N F G F N P F .. .. ~ -is - ... ---- ................ seeding a legume into the wheat in the spring. ~ ---- - As with planting practices, production practic- MCPA F F G G G G P F G G G P P N P P P N N P P Combining herbicide and nitrogen into a es in spring that improve wheat yield will also re- Stinger E G P P P G F P P P P P G N P G F N N N N "weed and feed" strategy reduces the number of duce weed problems. Such practices include nitro- 2,4-0 Amine F F G G G G P F G G G P P N P P P N N P P trips over the field. However, this practice has two 2,4-0 Ester F F G G G G P G G G G P P N F F P N N F F gen fertilization, insect control, and disease control. major limitations: In fields where wheat has sustained winter injury, P = Poor; F = Fair;G = Good; E = Excellent; N = None; - = Not enough information to rank • the optimum timing of herbicide and nitrogen *The above ratings are a relativecomparison of herbicide effectiveness.Weather conditions greatly influence the herbicide's chemical weed control may be more important. effectiveness, and weed control may be better under favorable conditions or poorer under unfavorable conditions . often do not overlap and; • risk of crop injury. Herbicides are often applied to wheat be- tween Feeke's stage 5 and 6. The ideal time for a single spring nitrogen application is early in the spring prior to green-up. Therefore, application of allthe spring nitrogen at Feeke's stage 5-6 repre- sents a major delay, which can reduce wheat yield. Earlier applications for control of winter annu- al weeds will minimize thedelay in nitrogen timing, but may be too early for spring-germinating weeds, cautioned Kells. One solution to this problem is to split the spring nitrogen application with ~ to ~ applied in early spring and the remaining nitrogen applied as the herbicide carrier. liquid urea-ammonium nitrate fertilizer(28 A Large Root System Helps: percent N) is a common wheat while the the most common carrier for herbicides in herbicide to be • Better utilizesoil nutrient reserves used in this manner is 2,4-0 ester (2,4-0 amine is • Manage moisture stress difficultto mix in 28 percent N). Kells also urged caution when making applica- • Improve vigorous early growth tion of herbicide in 28 percent liquid nitrogen to • Improve grain quality avoid leaf burn from the nitrogen, especially under hot, humid conditions. This risk increases with later • Build higher yield potential wheat growth stages since more leaf area is exposed to the treatment and recovery time is shorter. "In addition, the use of surfactant (required ACA has been used on corn, wheat, soybeans, with herbicides such as Harmony Extra) greatly increases leaf burn potential," explained Kells. "MSU sugarbeets and numerous other crops. Best performance research has demonstrated that excessive leaf burn from high nitrogen rates combined with surfactant has been achieved when ACA is applied just before, at or can reduce wheat yield." To minimize the risk, Kells recommends the just after planting. following: • Do not apply more than 20 Ibs. of nitrogen per For the dealer near you call 517.323-2125 acre in the form of 28 percent N when using a surfactant with herbicide . • Do not apply more than 40 Ibs. of nitrogen per acre in the form of 28 percent N when no surfac- tant is used . For Cleaner Fields • Avoid high temperature, high humidity days. Late :ifternoon applications carry less risk of leaf burn. • Safe on corn - _ of J AU4, _ 1dIIM.. • Tough on Weeds Extreme sensitivity to a specific herbicide has SHeTGUN@ • Including triazine resistant broadleafs and weeds resistant been documented on certain wheat varieties in the past, said Kells. Most recently, extreme senSitivity to Banvel herbicide has been observed on Wakefield FLOWABLE HERBICIDE to ALS inhibiting herbicides. wheat. Application of Banvel to this wheat (and probably Madison) often causes no immediate inju- • More effective weed control per dollar ry symptoms; however, seed set is often reduced to zero. Wakefield yield has been reduced by more than 90 percent from application of Banvel at a Shotgun Flowable Herbicide is an environmentally friendly, typical use rate in a 1995 MSU research trial.Injury from Banvel occurred only in Wakefield wheat. This non-ALS formulation, combining phenoxy and triazine variety did not appear unusually sensitive to other common wheat herbicides. chemistries into a broadleaf herbicide that, through multiple MSU is screening new wheat varieties to be released from itsbreeding program and public re- sites of activity,provides consistent control of the toughest leases from other universities that will be marketed in Michigan. Farmers and agribusinesses should weeds in corn and sorghum yet is gentle to the crop. check with their seed supplier or MSU Extension agent for current information on wheat variety sen- sitivityto herbicides .• For the dealer near you call 517.323-2125 ... "•. 1~'jl~~:~~'JII~'I::t'~ March 15, 1996 Using reduced rates of postemergence herbicides in soybeans suits in better season-long weed control. Soybeans planted in narrow rows can more effidently utilize Effectiveness of reduced rates of postemeJVence herbicides In soybean~ Weed response to applications of 112x rate sunlight, water and nutrients because the plants are I I spaced equidistantly. This can increase soybean yield. -. These advantages can increase the effectiveness of ~ "0 III Goo ~.c 1~ t:: a: reduced-rate postemergence herbicide programs. Growers must identify weed species and :; ..0 Goo ~u ~ CT 1; ~ E Z 01 -tS a::: ~ "2 c ~E a 1~ III III Goo ~ ~ choose optimal herbicides. It is important to Posternergence Herbicide 112x RateiA ~ III co a: U Basagran 1 pt G G F N N P G F identify weeds so that the most optimal herbicide or Blazer 3/4 pt P F P F G F- f P herbidde tank mixture can be applied. The suscepti- Cobra 30z P F N F F F N P bility of a given weed spedes to two herbiddes can Retlex 1/2 pt N P P F F G P P by Karen A. Renner, ClaSSIC 1/6oz G F N N E F G F Department of vary greatly. Even ifboth herbiddes will control the Pmnacle 1/8 oz f F G N E P G F Crop and Soil weed at a labeled rate, one herbicide may be more Pursuit 20z G F P E E P F G Sciences, Michigan active. At a reduced rate, this more active herbicide Galaxy 1 pt G G f F F F G F State University may provide good control while the less active herbi- Storm 3/4 pt F F P F F F F P dde will fail. The activity of herbicides can be judged Basagran+Cobra 1 pt+30z G G F F F F G F Basagran+Retlex 1 pt+ 1/2 pt G G F F F G G F T he use of reduced rates of postemergence by looking at the maximum size at which the weed is Basagran+PursUlt 1 pt+2oz E G F E E P G G herbiddes to control weeds in soybeans is labeled for control. Herbicides labeled to control a Pmnacle+Classlc 1/8 oz+ 1/6 oz G F G N E F E G one strategy being researched at Michigan larger weed may be more active on the weed than a Pmnacle+Blazer 1/8 oz+3/4 pt F F G F E F G F State University to increase soybean production herbidde that will control only a small weed. Pmnacle+Cobra 1/8 oz+3 oz F F G F E F G F profitability. This fact sheet provides guidelines for Early application will not provide sea- Pmnacle+Retlex 1/8 oz+ 1/2 pt F- F G F E G G F Plnnacle+PursUlt 1/8 oz+2 oz G F G E E P G G growers who are interested in applying reduced son-long weed control. Smaller weeds are more Pursult+Blazer 2 oz+3/4 pt G F P E E F F G rates of postemergence herbicides for weed control susceptible to herbicides than larger weeds, so re- Pursult+Cobra 2 oz+3 oz G F P E E F F G in soybeans. duced rates of herbiddes will be more successful if Pursult+Retlex 2 oz+ 1/2 pt G F P E E G F G Narrow rows provide weed control and applied to small weeds. However, this requires that E = Excellent. G = Good, F = Fair, P = Poor, N = No Control soybean yield advantage. Planting soybeans in '112x rates applied in a split application of 1I4x at early posternergence followed by 1I4x at postemergence result in better and more the postemergence herbicide application be applied consistent weed control. narrow rows rather than wide rows (30-inch) results very early in the growing season. Research has shown bll2x rates of Assure II, Fusilade DX, Fusion, Option II, Poast, Poast Plus, or Select will control Giant Foxtail. However, do not tank mill these herbicides with Pursuit as poor grass control will occur. See labels or Table 2L in E-434 for labeled tank mixtures. in quicker closure of the soybean canopy. A closed that an early application of reduced rates of post- <64 (2 left) • 1-517-662-2695 welcome! 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Rehkopf 1-517-868-4750 Call for more details and information ing, producing royalty income Big Rapids, Michigan for immediate cash. Prefer 1.... 757881 on current listings Antrim gas. Other formations 1993 OLDSMOBILE: 4-door, 60 ACRES of good farm land for rent, Holt. Call 1-810-264-9046. considered. Call Jay, 1-800- 968-7645. WANTED, STANDING TIM- BER: Buyers of timber of all Elite, loaded, with leather and sun roof. $1"3,000 or trade. Call 517-531-3265. 2651 Coolidge Road East Lansing, MI 48823 517 336 1570 -- MSU SPORTS FANS! types. Cash in advance! FISH FOR STOCKING: Giant Subscribe to Spartan Maga- 1-517-875-4565,ask for Tim. WANTED: The old Ford con- Hybrid Bluegills, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Small mouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Perch, Fat- zine, your source for Michi- gan State Sports! 18 issues for only $32.95. Call 1-800-732-6532. ==.St. Johns, MI vertible thats back in your woods your field. Call 1-517-224-7952. head Minnows. Laggis' Fish The Spartan Farm, Inc., 08988 35th WANTED: 2"-8" used alumi- Street, Gobles, Michigan. num irrigation tubing. Buy, 1-616-628-2056. PROFESSIONAL CATTLE Sell or Trade! Call Evenings, 1-616-624-6215. FOR SALE: Two used hoof trimming: Statewide! Over 14 years experience. Rain Control 1......... ~ FOR DISPLAY AD INFORMATION 45,000 gallon (14' diameter x Prices start at $6. Call 40" high) solid fiber reinforced polyester tanks (previously Norman Beale 141.. 7JI.CMII WANTED: Bag Sewer in good condition. Call 1-616- CALL 1-800-292-3129 used as air pollution control 546-3331. Ask for Jim or scrubbers). Sold as-is, where is (Madison Heights). Dis- mantling/moving not included. SAVE 75" ON WORK CLOTHESI Good, clean, re- John. EXT. 2680 Will consider offers. For more cycled in very best quality. WANTED: BUYING OLDER details, contact: Mike Czu- Money back guarantee. Free printed matter. Pre-1960's brochure prenski, SOCRRA, 1-810-288- 5150. TV ANTENNAS dirt cheap! Save a bundle on Channel Suntex Recycling Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 magazine, sheet music, newspapers, postcards, cata- logs, etc. Richard Harris, 715 Luce, Fremont, 49412.1-616- r---------------------------------, Run your classified ad for 2 issues, Master and Winegard anten- STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- 924-6788. Save this ad . get your third .issue FREE! nas and accessories. For a free catalog, call 1-800-526- build and balance. Some ex- changes. We stock chopper WANTED: WWII GERMAN Dudllne for next .... Is IIM:h 20, 1196 9984 parts. ENGINE REBUILDING and US war souvenirs and DInnr'a ~ SIIIe our specialty. Auto- Truck- equipment, uniforms, flags, Tractor -Antiq ue-Continental- Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- medals, knives. 1-517-287- 5183. ~J Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your Classified Ad Today! gine dealer. ~ 69 years of service! or use the coupon below and mail or fax your HART'S AUTO PARTS classified ad to Michigan Farm News Cecil,OH 1.. 1.......", HERITAGE Buy Line/Daily News FAX: BUILDING SYSTEMS 100.5<13.5555 P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 488£J8 1-517..a:J1-5083 Summer Sale ABSOLUTE TOP CASH for 30' 40 X 10 54.927 land contracts. Up to 95ft on 40 x 60 x 12 50 X 75 x 12 57.976 511.180 the dollar. Best offer guaran- Classified Ad Codes 60 x 100 x 10 515.957 teed. Same day close. SOFTWOOD WANTED: 1st National 80 x 150 X 14 529.655 Sawlogs and pulpwood. t. Farm Machinery to. Work Wanted 20. Wanted To Buy Commrrrial strrl buildings fraluring ras)' bolt up White, Red, Jack, Austrian 1~ assrmblr from AllIt'rlra's Qrgrsl distributor. Wr ha'"r 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 2t. Special Events om 10,000 SlilOdanl slzrs 01 shop.lann. Industrial. and Scotch pines. Also, Bal- fOOlfl1('rdal and mlnl.warrhousr buildings .. \11 arr sam, Spruce and Hemlock. 3. Farm Commodities t2. Business Services 22. RecreaUon rompk-tr wllh rnginm stamprd prrmh drawings and Especially White Pine saw- 4. Seeds t3. Business OpportunlUes 23. Financing a 20 yrar roof and wall rust "1Imnl)'. call us rudar logs; standing or roadside. for a frrr Information partagr and a quolr on our lop Lower Peninsula only! 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors Wanted. qualil)' buildings or building rornponrnr pans. Narthwn ......... Inc. 6. Poultry t5. Real Estate Wanted 25. Buildings Mini Warehouse Sale in business over 35 years!. Cal1-517 ....... 7!8 7. Dogs and Puppies t6. Estate Sales 26. Lawn And Garden $9,999 for pricing and specifications. 't 8. PonlesIHorses t7. AucUons 27. Announcements .!Il , I.!t. ,,"h .!. unll'" I (111111" "lIh IlolfTlllt''' .. HUDSON 00NSTRUCT10N SERVICES 9. Help Wanted t8. Antlques/Collecl/bles 28. To Give Away All types of agricultural, com- WANTED: Old motorcycles, mercial, residential construc- 19. General 29. Vehicles .1( lH:'\SOi\: SYSTEM snowmobile and off road ve- tion. Steel, bricks or sticks. U- INC. hicles. 1965 and older. Call censed and insured with cer- Name Phone ( ) _ JD at 1-517-67&0583. tified engineers. "Designing for Growth" Call 1-616-785-9704.025 Address Cily Slale Zip Classified Ad Code Requesled Number of Issues Desired Insertion Dale(s): Method of Payment Complete Fann System Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) • Grain Bins • GSI Top Dry 297 Acres - 15 Tracts • • - • • Airstream Auto Dryers Fred Processing & Delivery Equipment Buckel Elevators Milwright Services Dryer Repair & Services Kalamazoo County, Michigan Location: 2.5 miles east of Fulton, Michigan, at the junction of WAve . Visa Card Number Master Card Number Exp. Date Exp. Date _ ... Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words. 30 cents each additional word & 47th St. Johnson System, Inc. 'Write your ad here, including phone numl)er and area code Marshall, MI Land: 297 acres to be sold as 15 tracts • building sites 2 3 4 616-781-9000 • country home on 4 acres 5 6 7 8 • various tract sizes of tillable land DOHmWJflIJ1/Sf .~~:eck • prime wooded, recreational land 9 10 11 12 Auction Date: March 21, 1996 13 14 15 16 2 p.m., Vicksburg Community Center 17 18 19 20 Owner: Starr Commonwealth paycheck 21 22 23 24 For More Information. Contact: LOANS BY PHONE Bill Earle 25 26 27 28 SAME DAY APPROVAL (219) 982-8351 29 30 31 32 -Statewide Service. Call Toll Free- Auctioneer: Mark Metzger 1.800-968.ZZZI HAlDERMAN~- PO Box 297 33 34 35 36 ALlSTATE MORTGAGE REAL E5TATE~ Wabash, IN 46992 L ~~ ~ !!!/oans by phone!!! SERVICES1-800-424-2324 Circulation over 46.000 In state of Michigan. Great Lakes Grazing Conference draws huge crowd O ver 350 livestock producers were in Battle Creek in late February, to attend the two-day Great Lakes Grazing Confer- ence, sponsored by Michigan State University, Ohio John Cockrell Ex- tension Specialist with University of Wisconsin agrees with Wiley saying ers in New Zealand, are typically managing over 200 cows with no hired labor utilizing rotation grazing and seasonal milking. "U.S. producers need to sit down, establish some objectives and decide where State University and Purdue University. Based on that despite the percep- they're going to spend a dollar," Cockrell advised. the attendance and the workshops, interest and tion, New Zealand pro- "Be careful, however. There are many cases where growth in grazing appears to be nothing short of ducers have nothing you can save a dollar and end up costing yourself S2:' spectacular. - over Michigan producers Indiana dairy producer David Forgey contends Why the interest? Pure and simple economics in regards to forage pro- that U.S. dairy producers need to figure out how said Matt Wiley of Schoolcraft during a panel pre- duction potential. They they're going to compete in a global marketplace sentation at the conference. He's been using inten- do, however, know how with New Zealand's producers who typically receive sive rotational grazing management on 275 acres, to manage their available anywhere from S6 to S8 per Cwt. split up into 55 five-acre paddocks since 1990, when forages and adjust feed- "We need to realize that we may very well he started with 100 ewes and stocker feeder calves. ing plans accordingly. have to produce milk someday in this country at S8 He figures that he can produce 700 to 900 pounds "We need to learn or $9," Forgey warned. "New Zealand now produces of beef per acre, or seven market lambs per acre in how to utilize the forages 1.5 percent of the world's milk production, but they a typical season. that we have better," control 25 percent of the world's dairy exports. If This spring, WIley will be lambing 1,200 ewes Producers attending the recent grazing conference heard from Cockrell suggested. other countries can do that, and they will, then starting in mid-April on pasture. While he has typi- (left to right) Kalamazoo County livestock farmer Matt Wiley; Dr. Ann "New Zealand producers that's the competition that we need to deal with." cally pastured stockers in rotation with sheep to Clark, from Ontario; John Cockrell, from the University of Wisconsin; are constantly walking Forgey, who operates a 15O-cow dairy opera- and Indiana dairy producer Dave Forgey about the merits of grazing, take advantage of excess forage, Wiley doesn't plan forage selection a,nd genetic requirements. and measuring their tion in Logansport Ind., converted his traditional to run any stockers this year due to the low prices pastures. They know dairy operation over to a rotational pasture-based currently plaguing the livestock industry. In past - it doesn't seem like you could lose. But I've made how fast the grass is growing, what's out there and dairy operation in 1990. He's also been attempting years, stockers were purchased in the spring and that statement for the last three years." how much dry matter is going to there. Based on to convert his herd over to a seasonal operation sold in the fall when the grass ran out. Wiley's choice of forages is pretty straight growth today, he knows ifhe's going to have enough since 1991, but calls the effort very "challenging" "The market lambs, profit-wise, have outdone forward - he relies on rye grass, white dover and feed for his cows a month from now - he doesn't with Holsteins. the steers every year that I've been grazing," Wiley whatever else grows naturally. He calls the rye have any surprises." "The results I have seen out of the many other daimed. "I will probably not put any steers in this grass/clover mix almost foolproof. "You will always Cockrell says U.S. producers could also learn a breeds of cows, especially Jerseys, have shown year. However, it's extremely enticing when you can end up with a nice crop, regardless of the weather," lot from New Zealand producers in terms of how much more success in getting seasonal than we buy 200 to 300 pound steers for less than 40 cents he explained. they focus on profitability, not production. Produc- have been able to achieve in our herd," Forgey ex- plained. "I have not achieved the kind of success I believe is necessary," Your name doesn't have Forgey says that although taday's dairy cow can consume large volumes of forages and produces well, the cow isn't suitable for a seasonal, pasture- based system. He's working at trying to integrate to be Jack and you don't some genetic traits from New Zealand and possibly Jerseys into his herd to develop a cow better suited for pastures. "It's a critical issue for those of us who want to maintain a seasonal dairy," he said. need rmgical beans to have Dr. Ann Clark from the University of Guelph in Ontario is another advocate of learning some man. agement principles from New Zealand producers. "You're comparing yourself to people who are very imaginative and very enterprising in the way they a spe crop. resolve their problems. The point is, if they can do it, you can too," she said. Forage management and consistent animal performance go hand in hand, says Clark. She rec- ommends under-stocking the paddock with live- stock and harvesting the excess mechanically to improve consistency. "The buffer against the weath- er is the amount of hay that you take off mechani- cally, which can make livestock performance much more predictable," Clark advised. One other aspect of grazing management, forage selection, needs a great deal more attention and research. According to Clark, legumes such as birdsfoot trefoil promise to help revolutionize pas- ture management. "Ifbirdsfoot trefoil had received even a tenth of the effort that's bee~ devoted to alfalfa in North America, we would have quite a differ- ent industry already," she claimed. "It's a species that needs a great deal more attention because it's a non- bloating legume and a strong mid-season legume." If interested you can obtain a copy of the graz- ing conference proceedings, from Ben Bartlett, C/o U.P. Experimental Station, P.O. Box 168, Chatham, MI 49816. Send check for S5 payable to Michigan State University .• Using reduced rates of postemergence herbicides in soybeans Continued from page 15 reduced rates of postemergence herbicides is made (split application). It is best to apply reduced rates of postemergence herbicides at or just prior to a standard post emergence herbicide application tim- Good beans are the product of good down any late-germinating weeds and dry down ing unless a split application is planned. management, not magic. One of the best tools your beans. Keep adjuvants at full rates. Any additives that are recommended to be applied with a herbi- you can use to produce an outstanding crop is This year, don't trust your beans to fairy tale dde should be applied at the full rate even when EPTAM~ herbicide. It provides an unbeatable claims, depend on products that are proven to applying reduced rates of the herbidde. Do not apply reduced rates of herbicides foundation for a good weed control program by perform - EPTAM and GRAMOXONE EXTRA. if weeds are under moisture stress. Weeds eliminating more than 40 troublesonle weeds. respond to moisture stress by produdng a thicker Plus EPTAM makes a great tankmix partner for ~ cuticle. This can greatly reduce the amount of herbi- an even broader spectrum of protection. EXTRA dde absorbed into the plant. Weeds growing under moisture stress become very difficult to control even And, for a cleaner and faster harvest, depend with full rates of postemergence herbicides. on GRAMOXONE~ EXTRA herbicide to burn The Start of Something Big. When applying less than labeled rates, the manufacturer is not liable for failures. It 01994. Zcneca Inc. A business unit of Zeneca Inc. EPTAMo and GRAMOXONE. are tndemarks of a Zeneca Group Company. is not illegal to apply less than labeled rates of her- Gnmoxone Extn is a restricted use pesticide. A1wa)'1 read and follow label directions carefully. 04-1571-006 bid des, but the grower assumes all risk involved .•