I!!= PrG~le.! JJ ~ ~""U~ JJ~. S 1~ld,pl I!!l~ _ Illl_ 1I.(:."IIf1.~i~eti •• WJ e.t .. •••....•IS if) ~..:II~ v I~ lei prl_ 1'' II''.".ICllf1 MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU March 30, 1996 Vol. 73, No.6 *,sOY'=1 1J11.J I .f~ I,1 '.r.:' Ii r:] \.. j]~1 •."'tlJesslclJ- ~.II. Y'; ..... ,. 'fl '~.' .....•. i .': '.'.~'" ~ .. . ". !l 1.' ".. ' ~:. ~.' '.•.. I. I ' ..I.. f' !!i '.'''.. \Ie.. r: .•. ~I).' ., Hogmarket outlook for 1996? R ising grain prices since last summer have added nearly SIO per cwt. to the cost of raising hogs, according to a USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) hog outlook report. Feed cost currently accounts for 65 percent of cash expenses on smaller farrow-to-finish operations, and is expected to hit 70 percent of cash expense by spring. Strong export sales and seasonally higher feed use have contributed to quickly declining grain stocks. The U.S. average farm price of corn in December averaged $3.08 per bushel com- pared to $2.13 a year earlier. ERS is predicting that 1995199 average price will fluctuate between $3 and $3.40 per bushel. Pork supplies during the second half 1996 could be sharply higher compared to 1995 levels. Year-over-year increases in sows farrowing, more pigs saved' per litter, and heavier carcass weights following last summer's heat-related declines could lead to 7 and 6 percent more production Michigan's livestock industry is facing challenges - rising input costs, oversupply and market saturation in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, have forced producers to search for enhanced management skills to ride out the current downturn. compared to 1995 figures. The focus of this issue of the Michigan Farm News will provide profitable strategies for members to More constrained increases are expected in consider implementing in their operation. the spring quarter following a 2 percent decline between January and March. The shift between first and second half pork supplies refleers improving profit conditions within the industry over the last 14 months, according to ERS. Can cattle feeding COVER STORY Pork production this summer will come ight com stocks are translating into prices primarily from the December-February pig crop, . reaching $3.75 per bushel or higher over which is expected to exceed 24.5 million head. A slight increase in the number of sows farrowing and additional gains in the number of pigs saved be profitable? • the next few months, meaning continued woes for America's cattle producers and potential problems for the hog sector, according to MFB per litter will add about 380,000 head to the by Steven Rust and Roy Black discussion will be focused on three topics: market- livestock Specialist Kevin Kirk. But, he says, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, particularly for R December-February pig crop. Annual increases in ecord high corn prices, coupled with the ing, nutrition and yardage. the number of pigs saved per litter continues to largest per capita supply of beef since Marketing the producer who focuses on low-cost, high-quality average nearly 2 percent. 1986, has created uneasiness about the • Don't overstay the cattle in your feed yard. meat production. This year's March-May crop could be up future profitability of cattle feeding. Low fed cattle The longer cattle are on feed, the worse feed Kirk says that a drop in cattle herd expansion nearly 4 percent over the 1 million head from and high corn prices have affected all segments of conversion efficiency becomes (Table 1). In this is needed and although the industry has moderated 1995, based on producers' intentions to have 2 the cattle industry, reducing feeder cattle, dairy calf analysis, cumulative feed conversion efficiency its expansion rate, the current growth has helped percent more sows farrow and assuming gains in and cull cow prices. This year has been particularly increased from 7.37 to 8.35Ibs. of feed per kill the market. He noted that expansion is not the number of pigs saved per litter continues. frustrating to cattle feeders because the price of pound of gain as slaughter weight increased from isolated to any particular region. So far, expansion in farrowing has occurred corn has increased steadily, far exceeding the mar- 1,100 to 1,300 lbs. The amount of feed required "There has been an upswing over the last few primarily by limiting culling from breeding herds. ket's mid-August pre-harvest expectation of $2.70 to to take cattle from 1,100 to 1,200 lbs. and 1,200 years and a 3 or 4 percent expansion in beef cows Bred gilts entering the breeding herd during S2.80ibu. Technical trend lines, constructed in mid- to 1,300 lbs. was 9.83 and 11.05Ibs., respectively. will kill a market," Kirk said, noting that the growth September-November declined nearly 13 percent August, which had an upside potential ofS3.70ibu., The table clearly indicates that selling cattle as rate could "certainly contribute to killing a market from a year earlier, while sow slaughter fell have been breached. soon as they will grade will reduce feed costs and that is basically what we have done." 15 percent. The feeder cattle market has softened consid- and increase profitability. Not all news is bad for cattle producers. Kirk Rising production costs in 1996 will contin- erably since August, but it's been difficult to place • When possible, buy reputation cattle that have a says the market is paying a premium for choice ver- ue to squeeze profit margins. Cash hog prices are cattle with a good likelihood of making a profit - proven track record for low costs of gain and a sus select beef. A possible prescription for producers expected to range in the low 40s this spring, feeders that appeared to be priced "right" have propensity to grade Choice. Unfortunately, few is to grow higher quality beef - the type of beef de- Continued on page 8 tended to lose money as corn prices escalated. Also, producers keep adequate records that would sired by importers and restauranteurs. U.S. beef the fed cattle market for cattle placed in the fall may identify which sources of cattle are more profit- exports are strong at more than 7 percent of the total end up trading $1 to $2/cwt. lower than expected. able. Results from the first two years of the Michi- supply and are expected to continue to grow. Still, most cattlemen feeding their own corn and gan Steer Evaluation would suggest a 31 percent Kirk said large imports oflive Mexican cattle silage who bought feeders "right" will end up net- difference in live value (from $57.22 to $75.12) last year was insignificant to the U.S. beef industry ting $3 to $3.50A>u. corn compared to what they based on the origin of the cattle. because the six-month import cycle was near the would have returned to their fixed facilities if they • Study the seasonality of profitability and attempt equivalent of a normal 12-month level. had shut their feedlot down. to buy a larger proportion of your cattle at those Kirk noted that, despite a poor showing The focus of this article is, "What can be done times when the probability of a profit is greatest. for cattle producers and their farm gate receipts to reduce the risk of unprofitability?" We look at the A recent analysis of historical profitability by in 1995, it was a record year for beef packers. near terms as well as providing some comments on month of placement by, Jim Hilker and Roy Black, "That's probably not news to anyone," he said. the longer-term. From a short-term perspective, Continued on page 4 Continued on page 15 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHICAN FARM NEWS Can cattle feeding be profitable? 4 Should you consider grazing Segregated early weaning - Enterprise accounting 6 dairy cows7 11 Increasing pork production Rethinking your dairy herd without expansion 15 Determining your crop mix in -96 7 health program? 12 Effects of labor efficiency Custom feedlots - are they for you? .. 9 of heifer raising cost 15 Tips for managing the bST herd 13 10 steps to cutting cow-calf costs .... 10 Networking for pork producers 14 Contract finishing hogs - Riding out the down side Would It work for you? 16 of the cattle cycle 11 Good nutrition improves dry cow health during calving 14 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 17 ~[~~~IL'I=l'i!0 March 30, 1996 to produce higher public dividends with fewer "Key to Profit" cattle CRP "Early Out" option government mandates. The conference program will include a panel sale repeats at begins March 20 Escanaba, Mich. of farmers talking about their local, cooperative initiatives in reducing rural pollution. This panel \vill be one of the highlights of the program, not T he Upper Peninsula Hereford Breeders Associ- ation (U.P. HBA) has scheduled its sixth "Key U SDA Secretary Dan Glickman said March 14 that farmers with land in the Conservation Reserve Program can sign up March 20 through only for what the farmers can teach their fellow 10 Profit" sale for April 27 at the U.P. Beef Expo in April 26 for permission to take their land out early. producers, but for the tremendously positive image Escanaba, Mich. At the same time, CRP participants whose it \vill present to people outside of agriculture. What 'i\long with the Hereford cattle (horned and contracts expire this September may ask for a better way to address the unfair criticism that "agri- polled), we have Simmental, Umousin and Angus one-year extension. culture doesn't care about pollution" than to visibly consigned," said sale chairman and U.P. HBA Presi- Glickman says he is offering the one-year show that a group of outstanding, professional farm dent Merlin Atkins, Sault Ste. Marie. "We have 20 extension as a stop-gap measure until permanent operators is doing a great deal to address pollution bulls and 20 females, bred and open, cataloged for CRP policy is decided in the farm bill. problems in their areas. the sale, which begins at 1 p.m. (EST) at the U.P. Contracts \vith the following types of land will In addition, the program \vill have a panel State Fairgrounds. not be eligible for early out: From the of agribusiness representatives explaining their "Our Expo Sales have continued to fill the • Land devoted to useful life easements. President role in improving environmental quality; and clos- demand for top quality breeding stock. By going in • Field windbreaks. ing remarks by Sandra Batie, the Elton R. Smith \vith several breeds, we are able to offer cattlemen • Grass waterways. ometimes, those of us in agriculture com- Endowed Chair Professor of Food and Agricultural top genetics without them having to travel great • Shallow water areas. S plain that regulators and the general public don't recognize all the things that farmers are doing to help improve environmental quality. No Policy at Michigan State University. This conference is probably the most broadly supported environmental quality effort we have distances. " The sale was organized by the U.P. HBAwith a commitment to providing profitable breeding stock • Bottomland timber on wetlands. • Land within an average of 100 feet of a stream or other permanent body of water. doubt about it - agriculture has a great story to tell, seen in the state for some time. Not only is it to the area's cattlemen. Allbulls will undergo a Any "highly erodible land" that is released especially about the ways that farmers work togeth- co-sponsored by the Department of Environmental breeding soundness exam so purchasers can buy early from CRP for crops must have an approved er with their communities in many areas to make Quality, it is supported by Michigan State University \vith confidence. conservation plan. sure our air, water and soil is as clean as it can be. But Extension, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, For more details about the sale, contact Merlin Any land used for haying or pasture must have how can we provide that story with more visibility? the North Central Regional Center for Rural Atkins at 6330 Nicolet Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, MI a haying or grazing plan. We have a great opportunity coming up in Development and the Work Group Committee 49783, Phone (906) 632-7046 or U.P. HBASecretary Under the one-year extension option, no new early April to vividly demonstrate how agriculture of Partnerships for Pollution Solutions. Glenn Hanson Jr., Rt. 1, Box 94A, Stephenson, MI land may be added. The extension may be applied and the private sector can make a difference in I hope many of you \vill attend and I urge you 49887, (906) 753-4311.• to the entire contracted land or just a portion .• preventing pollution. Your organization, in an almost to encourage many of your farm neighbors to at- unprecedented effort in these days of environmen- tend as well. As an added incentive, registered pesti- tal confrontation, is joining with the state Depart- cide applicators can receive three recertification February milk pro- Michigan cattle ment of Environmental Quality to host a conference credits for coming to the conference. Agood turn- duction up 4 percent numbers down called "Partnerships for Pollution Solutions." Com- ing up April 2 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing, the meeting will present strategies to help those of us out is important, not only for the networking and idea sharing on cooperative opportunities for im- proving environmental quality, but also for demon- D airy herds in Michigan produced 446 million pounds of milk during February, up 4 per- cent from a year ago, according to the Federal;State T heJan. 1, 1996, Michigan cattle herd totaled 1,170,000 head, down 2 percent from a year ago, according to the Federal;State Michigan concerned about the environment use cooperation strating to the media and general public that agri- Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. This in- Agricultural Statistics Service. The Jan. 1 milk cow to find common ground and achieve new levels of culture is visibly committed to building private/ crease was mainly due to leap year adding an extra inventory, at 328,000 head, was down 5,000 head environmental protection. public environmental partnerships. day to the month of February. Milk per cow was from the previous year. Milk cow replacement heif- One of the important goals of the meeting is The conference costs $15 per person. Time is 1,365 pounds compared with 1,315 last year. How- ers, at 155,000, were down 6,000 head from last to help address the public demand for environmen- short, so it's important that you register today by ever, on an average daily basis, production per cow year. Beef cows at 122,000 head, were down 8 per- tal protection in these times of limited government contacting the MFB Commodity Activities and Re- for February was virtually unchanged from a year cent. Beef replacement heifers totaled 30,000 head, funding. Farm Bureau's long-term philosophy has search Division in Lansing, 517-323-7000, Ext. 2024. ago. The dairy herd was estimated at 327,000 head, unchanged from last year. The 1995 calf crop was been that voluntary efforts are always more effective up 1,000 head from February 1995 but unchanged 420,000 head, 5,000 less than the previous year. ~C~'P£~ than heavy-handed, "top-down" government regula- from last month. Cattle on full feed for slaughter totaled tion. The information that will be presented at this The preliminary value of milk sold was $14.30 200,000 head, down 10,000 from a year ago. Steer conference will, I hope, help stimulate ideas about per hundredweight in February, the same asJanuary numbers, at 220,000 head, were down 4 percent partnership-building that can leverage limited funds Michigan Farm Bureau 1996 and $1.40 more than February 1995. The mid- from a year ago; and other heifers, at 45,000 head, month February slaughter cow price was $31.00 per were down 1,000 head. Calves on hand, at 250,000 cwt., compared with $42.80 in February 1995. head, were unchanged from last year. CibalSandoz merger Sheep producers Milk production in the 22 major states during Michigan has 19,000 operations with cattle, vote for fee change C iba-Geigy and Sandoz announced the two February totaled 10.8 billion pounds, 3 percent unchanged from last year. Seventeen percent of the companies will merge to form the world's biggest drug and chemical company, with annual sales expected to surpass $30 billion. The deal S heep producers voted to alter fees on wool and lamb to underwrite an industry-wide marketing program. Approximately 54.1 percent- above production in these same states in February 1995. Again, this increase was due to February 1996 having an extra day because of leap year. Production operations had 100 or more head of cattle. Opera- tions with 100 or more head accounted for 65 per- cent of the state's cattle inventory. Milk cow opera- would be one of the world's largest and most or 10,707 producers - voted for the assessment. per cow averaged 1,343 pounds for February, 48 tions totaled 4,700, down 100 operations from 1995. expensive mergers ever and would form the According to USDA'sAgricultural Marketing Service. pounds above February 1995. On an average daily Fifty-three percent of the milk cow operations had world's largest agri-chemical company. Voting on the proposal took place Feb. 6. basis, production per cow for February was virtually 50 or more head, comprising more than 83 percent Company officials announced there would The assessment program is forecast to gener- unchanged from a year ago. The number of cows on of the state's inventory. There were 220 operations, be huge job losses and Ciba said it would sell its ate approximately $13 million a year, beginning in farms in the 22 major states was 8.01 million head, with over 200 head, accounting for 20 percent of chemical operation to an independent unit - a 1996. Funds will be collected from fees of 1 cent per 38,000 head less than February 1995 and 14,000 the total milk cow inventory .• move similar to a Sandoz tactic taken last year.• pound on domestiC lamb, 2 cents on domestic raw head less than January 1996. wool and 2 cents on imported degreased wool and Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan wool products .• produced 2.1 million pounds of butter in January, Bright outlook for 6 percent more than a year ago. Ice cream output u.S. meat exports Export record Russian chicken flap backlash totaled 1.5 million gallons compared with 2.3 million gallons in January 1995.• S trong demand, rising world incomes and lower international trade barriers have helped create T he farm trade surplus last year reached a record $25.8 billion. That level was 37 percent higher than the 1994 surplus. Exports totaled T yson Foods Ine. announced last week it would exciting opportunities for U.S. meat exporters, Reuters reports from a California meat conference. $55.8 billion, also a record, but imports were up scale back by 7 percent its chicken production, Regulatory reform bill "U.S. red meat exports have just been going due largely in part to Russian trade barriers that will 12 percent to $30 billion - with most of that in- be put in place later this month. pulled from House through the roof," said Hal Shenson, president of H. Shenson International, a San Francisco meat crease from imports of rubber, coffee and cattle. The trade barriers will prohibit the import of consideration company that focuses on exporting. . Highlights: Beef exports rose 15 percent to U.S. chicken based on health and sanitary issues. $2.6 billion, with half of those to Japan; poultry exports were up 29 percent to $2 billion; cotton The chicken embargo is expected to impact U.S. chicken producers to the tune of $700 million in T he Farm Bureau-backed regulatory reform bill was pulled from House consideration by Republican leaders hours before it was to be debat- He estimates that this year's U.S. exports of beef, pork and lamb could exceed S4 billion, com- pared with $1.5 billion in 1987. exports were $3.7 billion, up $ 1 billion over 1994; sales. The Russian market is important to American ed on the floor. The bill was withdrawn because the "What's really happening out there in the fresh vegetable exports were unchanged at $3.9 producers because Russians prefer dark meat, leadership feared an ugly floor fight and that their world marketplace is that demand is increasing and billion; citrus exports reached $2.7 billion; wheat whereas American consumers prefer white meat. party would be classified as "anti-environment." the pie is getting bigger, and the United States is shipments were up 6 percent with a value increase Agriculture Department officials are negotiat- "We don't want to put our members out there getting a bigger percentage of the world pie," said of 34 percent equaling $5.4 billion; corn exports ing with Russia, but not much movement has taken one more time taking a vote that the environmental Severin Johnson, assistant director of food sciences were up 68 percent with China purchasing 5.4 place. Last year, Tyson sold $ 150 million worth of extremists can twist and turn in campaign ads," said at Iowa State University. million tons; and soybean shipments were up 26 chicken to Russia, less than 5 percent of the compa- House GOP Whip Tom Delay (R-Texas). He noted that the seven. year GATTtalks and percent to 22.8 million tons .• ny's total sales .• The Gap leadership now hopes that addition- other moves to liberalize world trade have given the al negotiations may produce a more amicable com- United States "better opportunities and a more level The Michigan Farm News (ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twke per month except In the months of November, December, promise between the feuding sides. Critics said the June and July when only one issue is printed. as a service to regular members, by Michigan Fann Bureau. 7373 West playing field than we've ever had before." For exam- Saginaw Highway, lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 Is Induded In annual dues 01 bill was too broad and could endanger regulations pIe, the United States has been able to weaken trade Michigan Farm Bureau regular m~bers. Additional subsafptlon fees required for m~ling Mlchlg.n Farm News to that protect the air, water, endangered species and nonm~bers and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-class postage paid at Lansing, Michigan, and additional barriers on meat shipments to Japan and South Korea. lNiling offices. other natural resources. Johnson says some of the big markets of the Letters to the editor and statewide news artldes should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, Post Office Box However, proponents, induding Farm Bureau, futures will be Vietnam, the Philippines and Thrkey. 30960. lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post OffICe Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. said the bill would provide some relief for business- In general, there is good demand from Latin Ameri- Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. es - especially small ones - overburdened by cost- ca, Mrica, Asia, the Mideast and eastern Europe. Design and Production: Jeffrf!y Rutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers ly government regulations. "It (the bill) doesn't Officers: President. Jack Laurie, Cass Oty; VKe President. Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chude Burkett Shenson notes that pork is becoming an im- Treasurer and Chief RnandaJ Officer, Tom Parkff; Seaetary. David VanderHaagen. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, affect a single rule," said Rep. William Clinger (R-Pa.), portant product in overseas sales, especially in Ja- Coloma; District 2. BlaIne VanSldele, Marshall: District 3. Michael Fusilier, Manchester: District 4. Tom Guthrie, Delton; a bill co-sponsor. "It just says 'look at it and see if pan and Russia. He expects Russia to develop as a District S, Alan ~mer, Mason; District 6, Wayne Wood. Marlette; District 7, Ride Johnson. Leroy; District a. Richard you think it deserves to be continued or not. Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse Oty; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert III • market for U.S. beef soon, according to a Reuters Wahmhoff, Bar8g8. At-large: ~ Laurie. Cass CIty; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg. Olmax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Brigette Leach. Olmax; Young Farmers. Chris Donbrodc. Coldwater. report from the National Meat Association conven- tion in San Francisco .• I~'JI (Ij: t ~ ~ I~'I~'~ March 30, 1996 C:a4pi]t~.1 Farm bill conference okays bill Program sign-up is anticipated to run from mid-May ~ August CO.I:nel' M embers of the House-Senate Farm MFBPresident jack Laurie said farmers have conservation provisions largely avoid the punitive, Bill Conference Committee quickly waited a long time (0 wrap up the 1995 farm bill, and command-and-control approaches that have raised approved a final version of the that quick action by both the House and Senate are farmers'ire." measure known as the "Federal Agricultural expected. "We sincerely hope for an agreement with The House and Senate were expected to Improvement and Reform Act of 1996." Farm the administration and hope the president willsign it vote on the final version on March 28 and 29 before Bureau says the bill will "help farmers become (0 get this whole effort behind us," he said. "I think recessing. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman more productive, continue (0 save tax dollars agriculture is excited about moving away from what said he will, "with reluctance," recommend that and will improve the rural environment." had traditionally been part of our farming operations President Clinton sign the House-Senate compro- "This measure is the best possible outcome - government programs - toward a freer, more mise farm bill, saying farmers' need'i for a farm bill For more information on for all concerned," said American Farm Bureau market -oriented approach for agriculture." outweigh his concerns over the package. . legislative topics in the Federation President Dean Kleckner. "Farmers \vill In addition, the bill provides conservation Glickman's reservations about the new bill lYIichigan Farm News, have greater flexibility (0 produce for the market incentives that will enable farmers (0 improve the include its limits on nutritional programs and limits . call 800.292.2680. and there will be an orderly seven-year phase-down environment, according (0 Kleckner. "Even though on elements of the rural "safety net." He said he will of government payments (0 farmers." we didn't get everything we wanted, the bill's begin to work with Congress to repair and retain a rural safety net. • ,. The Agricultural Market Transition Act of 1996: Commodity and conservation program provisions by David B. Schweikhardt and Sandra In addition, to receive payments, enrolled ........ - .... etIIIg Marketing assessmenl<; on cane sugar and S. Batie, Department of Agricultural land must be used for agriculture or related uses assIstaDce Ieaas processed beet sugar will aL<;obe established. The Economics, Michigan State University; and cannot be used for nonagricultural commercial The act provides nonrecourse marketing assis- assessments will be paid by the first processor of and Otto C. Doering, Department of or industrial uses. tance loans for feed grains, wheat, cotton, rice and sugar and will equal 1.1 percent of the value of the Agricultural Economics, Purdue University Farmland owners and farm operators will be oilseeds for any participant entering into a Produc- loan rate on raw cane sugar in 1996 and 1.1794 eligible to enter a Production Flexibility Contract if tion Flexibility Contract. All production of loan com- percent of the value of the loan rate on refined beet he Federal Agricultural Improvement and they meet one of the following criteria: modities from the enrolled farm will be eligible for sugar in 1996. From 1997 until 2003, the assessment T Reform Act of 1996 contains major revisions in farm commodity programs. Because many program implementation rules are still being • The owner of the eligible cropland assumes all the ri~k of producing the crop. • The owner uf the eligible cropland shares nonrecourse marketing loans. The legislation estab- lishes a maximum loan rate (equal to 1995 levels) and provides conditions under which the Secretary on raw cane sugar will be 1.375 percent of the value of the loan rate, and the assessment on refined beet sugar will increase to 1.47425 percent. developed, program participants are advised to in the risk of producing the crop. of Agriculture may reduce loan rates. Dally P' ovl II IllS consult their local office of the Farm Service • The owner of the eligible cropland and the Loan rates for corn, soybeans and wheat are to Dairy price supports will be phased out over Agency for final program provisions in making operator who share-rents the eligible cropland be maintained at not less than 85 percent of a simple four years, declining from $10.35 per cwt. in 1996 to their decisions . both enter into the contract. moving average of the price received by producers in $9.90 percwt. in 1999. Arecourse loan of$9.9O per ~ program pnnrIsIoas • The operator of the eligible cropland cash-rents three of the previous five marketing years (highest cwt. will remain after 1999. Marketing orders will be The Federal Agricultural Improvement and the land with a lease that expires after Sept. 30, and lowest prices excluded). Maximum loan rates reduced to no more than 14 within three years of Reform Act of 1996 replaces the existing target price 2002 (consent of the owner is not required). during the life of the act are specified at $1.89 per enactment. A<;sessmenl'i on producers will be elimi- programs with Production Flexibility Contracts avail- • The operator of the eligible cropland cash-rents bushel for corn, $2.58 per bushel for wheat, and a nated. The six New England states would be allowed able to participants for the seven-year life of the act. the land with a lease that expires before Sept. 30, range of $4.92 to $5.26 per bushel for soybeans. to operate a "Northeast Compact," if USDAdecides it The major changes in commodity programs include: 2002 (consent of the owner is required). The Secretary is permitted to lower loan rates would be in the best interest of the public. • Target prices and deficiency payments are elimi- • The owner of the eligible farmland cash-rents the if carryover stocks are greater than 12.5 percent of Full funding of the Dairy E.xport Incentive nated for feed grains, wheat, cotton and rice. land with a lease that expires before Sept. 30, total use in the previous marketing year for corn Program is included as a requirement that the • Allexisting Acreage Reduction Program (ARP) 2002 but whose operator declines to enter a and soybeans, or 15 percent for wheat. The loan National Dairy Board use 10 percent of anticipated provisions are eliminated. contract. The owner will be eligible to receive rate on other oilseeds \vill be determined by the funds for international market development. • All0/85 provisions are eliminated. contract payments beginning in the fiscal year same formula, with a maximum loan rate of9.3 California would be allowed to establish non-fat • All existing Crop Acreage Bases are converted after the lease with the non-participating tenant cents per pound and a minimum loan rate of 8.7 solids standards for fluid milk products. into Contract Acreage for the payment of has expired. cents per pound. c...... _u..... ... __ ~I DlIS Production Flexibility Contracts. CaIcuIatIoII of C:o.llllr..c:t ... ,-4.11ts As nonrecourse marketing loans, these loans The bill limits CRP enrollment to a maximum • Eligible landowners and operators can sign Production Flexibility Contract payments will can be repaid at the lesser of the loan rates or the of 36.4 million acres. New CRP contract enrollments seven-year Production Flexibility Contracts and be calculated for each farm enrolled in the program. prevailing market price determined by the Secre- \vill be redirected toward priority conservation, receive contract payments from 1996 to 2002. Payments will be calculated for each year from 1996 tary. If producers repay the loan at the market price \vatershed, and environmentally sensitive lands. Contracts must be signed during the 1996 to 2002 using the following formula: rather than the loan rate, the difference between Producers can terminate their CRP contracts on sign-up period (anticipated to begin in mid-May) (Contract Acreage) x (Farm Program the loan rate and the prevailing market price will be written notice by the producer, if the land has an if any contract payments are to be received be- Payment Yield) x 0.85 x (Annual Contract the marketing loan gain. Producers who choose to erodibility index of 15 or less and has been in the tween 1996 and 2002. Payment Rate) = Annual Production forego the loan will be eligible to receive a loan program for at least five years. The bill also prohib- • Program participants are not required to purchase Flexibility Contract Payment deficiency payment equal to the difference between its the removal of wetlands, filter strips, waterways catastrophic risk protection crop insurance in The Contract Acreage for each farm is equal to the loan rate and the prevailing market price. and windbreaks. order to receive contract payments, but partici- the farm's 1996 established Crop Acreage Base for PaJlDeld ..... t..tIoIIs The bill provides $200 million for funding the pants who do not obtain catastrophic risk protec- each program crop. The Farm Program Payment Production Flexibility Contract payments, Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), tion must agree to waive any eligibility for emer- Yield is equal to the program payment yield estab- marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments with half of the funds targeted toward crop produc- gency crop loss assistance on uninsured crops. Iisheel for the 1995 crop on the farm. will be subject to payment limitations. Payments ers and the remainder targeted toward livestock • The honey program, Farmer-Owned Reserve, The Contract Payment Rate for each program made under a Production Flexibility Contract will be operations. This program provides cost-sharing and Emergency Uvestock Assistance Program crop will be calculated by the USDAas the total bud. subject to a payment limitation of $40,000 per per- assistance for animal waste management and other are eliminated. get allocation for each program crop divided by the son. Marketing loan gains and loan deficiency pay- environmental protection investments. • The permanent law provisions of the 1938 total quantity of production of that crop enrolled in ments will be subject to a payment limitation of The bill also contains a one-time buyout of and 1949 farm bills would be suspended the program. Estimates of the contract payment rates $75,000 per person. flood-prone base acreage under provisions of the (not eliminated) from 1996 to 2002. are shown in Table 1.Allpayments will be made each 5ugM' pregra. ..... lsIDBS Flood Risk Reduction Act. pl'Og ..... ellglblDty year regardless of the market price. The act retains the loan rate on raw cane sug- -.., Production Flexibility Contract payments will Annual contract payments will be made not ar at 18 cents per pound and the loan rate on re- Operators and landowners considering be paid on eligible cropland that is enrolled in the later than Sept. 30 of each year. Participants could fined beet sugar at 22.9 cents per pound. These participation in the new program should consider program and that meets all compliance require- choose to receive advance payments of 50 percent of loans will be provided as recourse loans. If the U.S. the following: ments. Owners and operators enrolling farmland the total annual contract payments. Advance pay- quota on sugar imports is greater than 1.5 million • Contract paymenl'i \villprovide less downside price in a contract must comply wilh the conservation ments will be paid on j une 15of 1996 and Dee. 15of tons, these loans will be made available as nonre- risk protection than the target price program. plan prepared for the farm under the Food Security all subsequent years. The act also requires the Secre- course loans. Domestic marketing allotments for • Planting flexibility provisions will allow greater Act of 1985, the wetland protection requirements in tary of Agriculture to establish adequate safeguards sugar established under the 1990 farm bill will be freedom in making planting decisions than exist- the 1985 act, and the planting flexibility provisions in the division of payments to protect the interests of eliminated. ing programs. contained in the 1996 act. operators who are tenants or sharecroppers. The act also establishes forfeiture penalties • Rules must still be written to clarify the distribu- Cropland will be eligible for a Production PIaatIag fIexIIIIDt7 ~ __lilallS designed to discourage the forfeiture of sugar to tion of paymenl'i between landowners and tenants. Flexibility Contract if it has Contract Acreage This legislation allows greater planting flexibil- the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) under a • The bill requires landowners and farm operators attributable to the land and if it meets one of ity on Contract Acreage. Participants who sign a nonrecourse loan program. Cane sugar forfeited to to sign a Production Flexibility Contract in 1996 the following criteria: Production Flexibility Contract are permitted to the CCC will be assessed a penalty of 1 cent per if any contract payments are to be received from • At least a portion of the land was enrolled in the plant any commodity or crop except fruits and pound. Beet sugar forfeited to the eec will be 1996 to 2002. acreage reduction program for the contract com- vegetables on Contract Acreage. There are no plant- assessed a penalty that bears the same relative • The bill continues the Conservation Reserve modity during at least one crop year from 1991 ing restrictions on any non-contract acres on the relationship as the cane sugar and processed beet Program and provides environmental cost- (0 1995 or was "considered planted" during that farm. Alfalfa may be harvested on Contract Acreage. sugar marketing assessments. sharing programs for producers .• period (Le., setaside, 0/85, OfJ2). There will be no restrictions on haying and grazing • The land was enrolled in a conservation reserve on Contract Acreage . Tale f - Estinuted pnxIuction fleJCibirlty CDfttract payment Rtes contract that expired or was voluntarily terminat- Producers interested in double-cropping fruits and vegetables on Contract Acreage should consult 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 ed after Jan. 1, 1995. Cents per bushel The land was enrolled in a conservation reserve their local Farm Service Agency office for final Corn 0.27 0.52 0.41 0.39 0.36 0.29 0.28 contract that was released by the Secretary of Agri- details on these provisions (dry beans are consid. Wheat 0.92 0.64 0.68 0.65 0.59 0.47 0.46 culture between the period fromjan. 1, 1995 until ered a vegetable). Grain sorghum 0.34 0.53 0.47 0.44 0.40 0.32 0.31 the final day of sign-up established in the 1996 act. Can cattle feeding be profitable? ~~1~11~ March 30, 1996 - in the same direction. However, even larger feedlots may gain from reducing placement rates in lower profitability months and increasing them in higher Table 3. Effects of various economic factors on net return and break-even profitability months . prices of 725 Ib yearling steers. • Tactically,this may not be an opportune time to Impact of Changes in Economic Factors on Return stop feeding cattle or increase the days on feed by and Break-Even Price feeding higher levels of roughage. Ifyou are stuck Break-Even Break-Even with high-priced feeders, you basically have two Economic Net Return Sale Price Purchase Price choices. Finish them as quickly as possible and Factors Increased by (Slhd) ($Icwt) ($Icwt) repopulate with cheap feeders or feed a very inex- Sale Price $1/cwt 12.50 NR 1.81 pensive diet and extend their stay in the feedlot. Historically, the first alternative has been the most Purchase Price $1/cwt ~.90 0.55 NR profitable. Repopulation with less expensive feed- ers provides the opportunity to catch the cattle Feed Price $5/cwt -15.82 1.27 -2.29 Continued from front page market in an upward-trending market. Interest Rate 1 percentage point -3.39 0.27 -0.48 indicated that yearlings purchased in January _ Remain flexible in the type of cattle you pur- and February were poor choices. Conversely, the chase. Don't fight the market; buy what the mar- Yardage SO.05/day -10.80 0.86 -1.57 same yearlings purchased in November or May ket offers that will make a profit. Calculate your Death Loss 1 percentage point -3.83 0.31 -0.53 were the most profitable. Even though these break-even so you know what sets of cattle are a strategies should work on the average, in some good buy. Some example break-evens are shown Performance Feed required per Ib gain -i6.06 3.68 ~.84 years, losses could occur for cattle placed during in Table 2. Given current conditions, yearling and days on feed by 10% the most profitable months. This strategy has the heifers appear to offer the most profit potential. most potential for smaller feedlots that are not in _ Focus management skills on those factors that the market frequently. have the greatest impact on profitability. Table 3 Historically, buying and selling cattle as often demonstrates that feed price and animal perfor- Table 4. Effects of whole and dry rolled com in high concentrate ration on as possible has been an effective strategy by larger mance are the two most important factors. cattle performance. feedlots to moderate the volatility in cattle prices as _ Sell "poor dOers" and chronics when opportunity Whole-shelled Whole-shelled and dry- Dry-rolled feeder cattle and finished cattle prices usually trend Continued on page 5 rolled Table 1. Estimated feedlot performance for yearling steers placed on feed Colorado at 750 Ibs and fed a high concentrate ration. ADG,lb 3.01 8 3.08 8 2.92b DMI, Ibid 18.0 17.9 17.5 Current Cumulative Feed/gain 6.03b 5.86 8 5.99b Percent of Nebraska Days on pen grading ADG,lb 2.75 8 3.06b 2.97 8 feed Weight ADG Feed/gain ADG Feed/gain Choice DMI, Ibid 16.2 16.5 17.3 Feed/gain 5.89b 5.40. 5.82b 126 1100 2.57 8.97 2.92 7.37 50% 147 1150 2.46 9.54 2.86 7.62 60% Cost of gain, $Icwt 168 1200 2.34 10.13 2.80 7.86 70% @ $2.50Ibu corn 50.67 47.83 50.02 189 1250 2.2" 10.74 2.74 8.11 77% @ $3.00Ibu corn 56.24 53.10 55.55 210 1300 2.13 11.36 2.68 8.35 84% @ $3.50Ibu corn 61.81 58.36 61.07 @ $4.00Ibu corn 67.38 63.62 66.59 Table 2. Breakeven sale prices for various classes of cattle with two com prices. Profitifcattle are sold for: $621cwtl 44.50 62.63 48.38 Steers Heifers Holsteins ICorn priced at $3.50Ibu. Ifit costs $6.00 to rollcorn, the profitvalues per animal for the blend and dry- Purchase rolled categories should be reduced by $4.75 and $10.19, respectively. 8 b (P<.05) .. weight,Ib S3.00Ibu $4.001bu S3.001bu $4.001bu $3.001bu $4.001bu 350 62.39 70.38 63.58 72.04 64.02 7".37 500 61.40 68.57 58.85 66.30 60.61 69.73 650 6024 65.85 57.57 63.95 58.75 66.98 800 61.19 66.90 56.02 61 ..... 54.75 62.2" MICHIGAN FARM Serving Michigan (f MFRM RADIO NETWORK Farm Families is Our Only Business We Know How Much Since itsbeginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- Your Farm tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Means. Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50am Attorneys Steve Rayman &Mary Hamlin have WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30am helped Iwndreds of Michigan farmers cope WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:05 pm with serious financial and legalproblems. WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB Benton Harbor 12:30pm WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15pm With itspractice limited lawyer in West Michigan. WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:55 am 11:20am to bankruptcy and Mary Hamlin, raised on WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:20 pm reorganization a Michigan farm, has WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15pm WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15pm matters, Rayman a focused interest in WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am &Hamlin agri-law. Together, WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30pm handled nearly they offer the WCSA Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45pm 25% of all expertise you need WHTC Holland 1450 12:15pm WKZ.O Kalamazoo 590 5:15 am reorganizations in when you need help. WLSP Lapeer 1530 7:20 am 11:50 am West Michigan Call for an appointment. WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30pm last year alone. WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15pm WSJ St.Johns 1580 6:15 am 1.2:15pm Over the past decade, WMLM St.Louis 1540 6:05 am 12:20pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:20pm Steve Rayman, with 16 years of agri-business RAYMAN WMIC WCSY Sandusky South Haven 660 940 6:15 am 12:45pm 12:15pm experience, has filed more ~ HAMLIN WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45pm business reorganizations ATTORNEYS AT LAW WLKM Three Rivers 1510/95.9 6:15 am 12:15pm than probably any other 303 North Rose Street WTCM TraverseCity 580 5:55 am 11:20am Suite 440 Station signs on at differenttimes during the year. Morning farm times change Kala11la=.oo, 1\1149007 * with the sign-on times. Tel (jJ 6-34.5-.5 1.56 ...... Station airs various farm reports between 5:30 and 6:00 am . Fnx 6 16-.34.5-.5 I 6 I '*** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. 1~'11~~1~'1~ March 30, 1996 Table 5. Effects of different processing methods for corn on cattle Figure 1- The profitability of feeding uttle In tIOI1Itern illinois performance in high concentrate rations. 100 100 Dry-rolled Steam-flaked Ensiled Whole-shelled No. of trials 38 8 56 80 80 15 ..... No. of cattle Roughage level, % 1104 12.4 314 15.9 1762 12.0 490 12.4 60 ~ - 60 Grain level, % ADG,lb 80.2 2.99 71.9 2.89 81.0 2.84 77.3 2.87 40 .. - ,I - ......, .1 ..... 40 DM intake, Ib/d 19.91 18.82 18.92 :'1 Feed/gain 6.74 6.50 6.70 19.28 6.68 p~ I.•. ~ 10:. .-1 ,..., '" ~\~ ~L .....r-I 20 Calc. ME, Mcaillb Breakeven, $/cwt' Cost of gain, $/cwt,,2 Amount you could afford to 1.49 61.82 67.17 1.55 61.00 65.88 1.51 61.68 67.67 1.50 61.61 67.33 o , ID n Ir~l J ~~ - f:" JIW ..... I L...o "- 20 o pay to process corn, $/bu -20 '.' -20 @ $2.50/bu corn .023 .100 -.028 0 I~ @ $3.00/bu corn .019 .117 -.028 0 @ $3.50/bu corn .015 .132 -.030 0 -40 ~ -40 @ $4.00/bu corn .011 .148 -.030 0 'No processing charge allocated toward the feed or yardage. -60 ........ N C'W\ Olt Ln \0 ..... co en 0 ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... co 00 N co co C'W\ ~ Ln \D co co co ..... ~ 0'1 co 0 ... en N ,.., -60 2Corn priced at $3.50/bu. Adopted from Owens (1987) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0'1 0'1 0'1 a'\ 0'1 0'1 0'1 0'1 0'1 0'1 0'1 0'1 ... ... en ... ... ... ... a'\ 0'1 0'1 a'\ 0'1 ... ... 0'1 0'1 a'\ a'\ ... ... 0'1 ... a'\ 0'1 0'1 ... Continued from page 4 Long-term outlook developed to meet niche markets. Arrangements expensive grain prices. arises. Strategies for "topping" pens are The profitability of feeding cattle in northern between cow-{a1fand stocker operators and cattle The cattle feeding industry is on the precipice important. Send the cheaters (poor doers, ete.) Illinois (DeKalb, 1996) has been highly volatile, but feeders will assist in improving the percentage of of major change during the next 10 years. How the as soon as they reach Select quality grade. on average, it's been profitable (Figure 1). This cattle to meet specifications for these niche markets. finished cattle are sold will change drastically to- • There is a big incentive with high corn prices to region, which is representative of the Michigan This period of transition or change creates ward value-based marketing. Cattle that don't fit keep pens "topped off." Producing cattle that industry, has experienced a pattern of large profits many opportunities for astute managers. Cattle market specifications will be severely discounted. possess a higher percentage of Choice vs. Select following periods of losses. If this historical trend feeders who have keen management skills and good Tracking systems will be implemented that allow quality grade than the minimum market specifi- continues, profits should be realized during por- records will find expansion profitable. Mediocre identification of superior cattle and which cow-calf cations can be costly (Table 1). Efficiency of con- tions of the next two years. Additionally, there is managers who don't have the benefit of record- producers own them. version decreases with time on feed even though strong evidence that feedlots in Michigan can com. keeping systems will struggle and eventually exit Additionally, many forms of vertical coordina- the percent Choice increases. Unless you are bid pete with mega-sized feedlots in the High Plains. the business .• tion will take place within the industry. Strategic more for the extra grade, feeding to a higher This competitive edge is generally provided by less alliances between cattle feeders and packers \villbe percentage of Choice will not be cost-effective. Nutrition • Make sure you have an ionophore in your diet to make efficient use of the corn. Ionophores increase the feed efficiency by 5 to 10 percent. With S3.80 corn, that's $17-34 per steer . • Formulate your diets to contain 11 to 12 percent crude protein. Have the protein level of your corn tested as some has been found to be low (Le., less than 8.9 percent) . • Make sure your cattle are on an implant program . • Try to feed a blend of grain types to improve feed conversion efficiency. The goal is to spread the digestion of the grain over a longer time period. For example, feed a wet and dry corn blend to- gether. Another possibility is to feed corn with two different particle sizes (Le., dry-rolled and whole- shelled) as shown in Table 4. In this analysis, cattle fed the blend provided $14.25 and $18.13 more YOU DON'T profit than cattle fed either whole-shelled or dry- rolled corn as the sole grain source . • Exploit opportunities to utilize co-product feed- HAVE TO . stuffs from the food milling and processing indus- tries. Be sure to price these products on a dry mat- terbasis. Don't utilize those co-products that low- er the net energy content of the diet significantly . WAKE UP • Feeding fat may be a profitable alternative to corn. You can add up to 4 percent fat to the diet without interfering with cattle performance. The EARLY current price of fat is S6.21;1b. or S0.13/Mcal of net energy for gain as compared to corn at S0.10/ Meal (Le., S3.9Q;bu.). For fat to be competitive, it TO GET A would need to be priced at $0.16;1b. or less . • Intensify feed bunk management skills to prevent feed spoilage. Attempt to maintain as consistent a daily feed delivery as possible. GREAT DEAL! ya....... • Increase the level of management in bunker silos and stockpiled feeds to minimize spoilage. Keep the face of bunker silos fresh by removing a mini- mum of 3 to 4 inches from the face each day. In JUST ASK ALAMOSM some cases, only removing ensiled feedstuffs With Alamo's great rates,quality cars, and friendly service, members will always from a portion of the silo will reduce the amount wind up getting more for their travel dollar...no matter what time it is!For reservations, call your of face exposure and eliminate spoilage . Professional Travel • Extensive processing of the grain may not be Be sure to Agent, request access us at http://www.goalamo.com I.D. Number 223212 and orRate callAlamo Code Rent BY A Car. cost-effective. A comparison of what you can afford to pay to process corn is shown in Table 5. C /996,Aw- Rmt-A-~ In<. 1-800-354-2322 1039-2-296 In this analysis, whole-shelled corn was used as -------------------------------------------------T------------------------------------------------- the standard to compare other processing meth- ods. To justify rolling corn, it would need to be 15% OFF WEEKEND RENTAL 25%TOWARDS AN UPGRADE Certificate is valid for 15% OFF Alamo's low OOsic rate on a weekend rental.Just rent a Certificate is valid for 25% TOWARDS UPGRADE charges to a higher car done for less than 2.3 cents per bushel. If one compact, midsize or fullsize car for 3 or more days in the U.S.A. or Canada .• Your car must category. Just reserve a compact car or above for up to 14 days in the U.S.A. or assumes a steer will eat 58 bushels or 1.62 tons be picked up after 12 noon on Thursday and rerurned before 12 noon on Monday and Canada discounted, other .• Only onepromotional certificate orper convention rental; not rates, to be or usedan in conjunction Alamo Express with PlusSlol anyrental. of corn, one can afford to pay $1.33/ton to roll it. must be kept over Saturday night, or higher rates will apply .• Only one certificateper rental; not to be used in conjunction with any other discounted. promotional or cOlM:ntion roltes. • Please make your reservation at least 24 hours before arrival and be sure Most industry estimates assume a charge of S6/ or an Alamo Express PIli?" rental.• Please make your reserv.ltion at least24 hours before to request Coupon Code UB85. Travel Agents: Please include /SI-C-UB85 in the ton to roll corn. Another factor to consider when arrivaI and be sure to request Coupon Code P55B .• Travel Agents: Please include car sell.• Due to high demand, this upgrade offer is subject to availability at time of /SI-C-P55B in the car sell.• Due to high demand, this offer is subject to availabilityat time rental, as certain car categories may be sold out. Offer may not be available during rolling corn is the decreased value as the' price of of reserv.ltion and may not be available during peak periods and holidays .•You must present peak periods and holidays .• You must present this certificate at the Alamo cour.ter on this certificateat the Alamo counter on arrivaI and itis void once redeemed. • Certificate arrival and it is void once redeemed .• Certificate has no cash value and does not corn increases because the increased feed costs may only be applied toward the OOsic rate,which does not include wees, governmental include taXes. governmental surcharges or airport access fees, if any, fuel, or any overcome the smaller yardage costs. surcharges or airport access fees,if any, fuel, or any optional items. • Certificate has no C2Sh optional items .• Any unused portion is non-refundable and reproductions will not be Steam-flaking corn is worth 14.8 cents;bu. or value and any unused portion is non-refundable. Reproductions will not be accepted and accepted. Expired or lost certificates cannot be repbced .• Subject to Alamo's standard expired or lost certificatescannot be repbced. • Subject to Alamo's stmdard rental conditions rental conditions at the time of rental .• Offer valid through December 15, 1996. S5.28/1on when corn is priced at $4;bu. Industry at the time of rental.• Offer valid through December 15. 1996. averages for steam-flaking are near $15/1on. Feeding For reservations,call your ProfessionalTravel Agent, access us at For reservations,call your ProfessionalTravel Agent, access us at ensiled, high moisture corn actually costs 3 cents/ http://www.goalamo.com or callAlamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. http://www.goalamo.com or call Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. bu. or SI.07/1on. However, there is a savings in Be sure to request I.D. Number 223212 and Rate Code BY. Be sure to request I.D. Number 2232 12 and Rate Code BY. drying cost. From this summary, it doesn't appear that rolling or steam-flaking corn is cost -effective. C /996,..u-. Rmt-A-~ In<. 1039-2-296 ~~IL'I:t','~ ,v.~ March 30, 1996 M , 'ar'k a T GRAIN STOCKS REPORT Enterprise he Grain Stocks Report will help determine this is our only source for estimating feed use to accounting - Outlook how much grain has disappeared up to this point. This should help answer the question of whether or not the market has begun to ration supplies. This is especially important for corn since this point. Exports continue to be strong and we see little or no rationing. Check and see how the actual numbers differed from trade expectation to help determine direction. maximizing HOGS AND PIGS REPORT your profit T he Hogs and Pigs Report will help determine how many hogs we have on hand and how and fall will not be up, or whether the USDNs De- cember Hogs and Pigs Report, and the low sow potential by Dr. Jim Hilker, Department of Agricultural Eco- many we are likely to have through this marketing year and into the next. This will help to project feed use from this point on. It should also help deter- mine whether the hog futures prices have been slaughter we have seen for months are correct, pushing pork production up sharply. If the latter is true, it will cause a sharp drop in futures. Sow slaughter in February was up slightly and appears to L ;t's say you're a hog producer operating a farrow-to-finish operation. Do you have. any idea what it costs to produce a feeder pIg? Do you know for sure what it costs to finish that feeder pig? Should you focus on finishing hogs or nomics, Michigan correct and whether pork production this summer be picking up as a percent of total slaughter. farrowing sows? State University As a cattle producer, do you know what it costs to raise a feeder calf? Based on your opera- O n March 29, the USDA released three major reports that will have a major affect on all five of the commodities that we cover in "Market Outlook." The reports are the T he Prospective Planting Report wiII give us the information we need to correct the 1996-97 acres planted in the third column of all three tables below. Replace my numbers, subtract off the same three bushels per acre. The USDAannounced the sign-up for early release from CRP after the prospective planting survey was completed, which means the numbers tion's past data, should you sell that feeder calf and sell cash corn, or retain ownership and finish that calf out using your corn? Undoubtedly, most producers have confront- Quarterly Grains Stocks Report, the Hogs and Pigs difference to get harvested acres, multiply the yield may grow by planting. However, it was known the ed these questions themselves recently as they Report, and the Prospective Plantings Report. And and check to see how it affects the total production USDA would have some type of early-out program struggle with high feed costs and depressed mar- last week, on March 22, a Carrle-On-Feed Report was number. before the survey was taken. There are 15.2 million kets. Mike Fassler, vice president of Salisbury Man- released. Depending on moisture levels in Kansas, acres eligible for early-out. The estimates range agement in Eaton Rapids, suggests that the ques- In tables 1-3 we show the USDA's March 12 Oklahoma and Texas the past two weeks, the wheat from 1.1-2.2 million acres that will be planted this tions would be considerably easier to answer if SupplylDemand projections 1994-95 and 1995-96 yield may need to be changed. If rains have been spring. My estimates call for about 1 to 1.5 million those producers were using enterprise accounting. crop years for corn, wheat and soybeans, and my plentiful and widespread, leave the yield the same; acres being planted to a combination of crops, Enterprise accounting, simply stated, means projections for the 1996-97 crop year. The USDA if moisture has been short, lower yields by up to mainly feed grains and spring wheat. breaking your operation down into various com- reports mentioned previously, could cause some modities or "en~erprises" to separate and identify substantial modifications of these projections. You CATTLE-ON-FEED REPORT your true cost of production and consequently, need to determine how the reports will affect the your returns. You can even go a step farther, says projections. The USDAwill not update their projec- tions until April 11; they will appear in the April 30 C heck to see what the Carrle-on-Feed Report showed. Were placements relative to last year down for the second month in a row? Were market- are. Weights are still above year ago levels, but have dropped sharply from the first of the year. The place- ments and on.feed numbers will help determine this Fassler, and break each enterprise down into a more defined component. edition. I will modify my projections for the next ings strong? How many are on-feed? These ques- summer's supply. Willwe drop back under $60? "You can get as detailed as you want to, but issue. You don't have to project the number chang- tions are important for both the crop and livestock If the reports cause rallies in grains or hogs, don't get too complicated too fast or you'll end up es, but rather the direction it will change them. producers. The on-feed and placement numbers consider your pricing opportunities and make some with information overload," Fassler cautioned. "But Seasonal Commodity Price Trends should help us get a better handle on feed disap- moves. Also, reanalyze your pricing goals, regardless if you're a pork producer, you could break the pearance from now up to the new harvest. of whether the information is bullish or bearish. whole pork enterprise down into each production Corn - ? The marketing number tells us how current we stage to determine what it costs to produce a Soybeans - ? weaned pig, a feeder pig and then eventually, a Wheat - ? finished hog." Hogs - ~ What's more important than understanding Cattle - One last suggestion - Check the December That's without any rolling of contracts and the the concept of enterprise accounting is how you Index: - = stable prices; t = higher prices; I = lower 1997 corn futures contract; and the November 1997 corresponding spread risks - just the price you prices; TP = topping; BT = bottoming; 1 = unsure interpret and use the data, especially over a number soybean contract, they look pretty good to me. see minus your normal basis and basis risks .• of years. Once enterprise accounting has been de- signed and implemented, management decisions COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS and strategies can be made based on concrete infor- mation from your actual operation, instead of rely- .. , . , , , , , tto- •........... "., ....••....•. , BeD- , , szoo ing on industry averages. .......... , ~ "When we hit a time like we have right now in the livestock industry, the guys that have some sort J!5Oe of enterprise accounting system online are able to lP make better decisions - whereas the guys that need to make a decision but can't because their :noe lacking information, are playing catch-up during a ~ . crisis time point," Fassler said. "The time to really 'CIa'" .•.........•..........•...•.• 56CJe implement a system is before you really need it." : :Wheat .•.May ~96: : : : : : : : : : : :: : Soybeans • May '96 :::::::::: szoo .... J I, IlII s., lk:t b IBc Jp r. Ilu ]f,oe When working with his clients on setting up an enterprise accounting system, Fassler attempts to have all of the questions answered and the pro- gram ready to start with the beginning of the new calendar or fiscal year. Using a standard format as f7.50 ~ a starting point, Fassler and the farmer -client then ".50 ~ go through and modify the program to meet the IS. 50 ... particular needs of that operation. -t ".50 ~ Although a computerized bookkeeping sys- 0.50 1: tern is not a necessity, Fassler recommends one, tz.50 ~ since it makes the data retrieval so much quicker Live Cattle • April '96 . : : .. , ... WI.50 . Soy Meal • May '96 , l1f1.00 tl.50 ~ and easier. Fassler also recommends a double entry n.u In J I, ,.. s., lk:t.., IBc Ju r.. Ilu n. Ju JI, llut SIp lk:t.., k J.. r.. IIIJ' ] accounting system to improve the accuracy of enter- prise accounting. Managers need to be convinced that the data obtained from enterprise accounting will be worth ~ the added bookkeeping and frustration to be suc- Table 1- Corn Table2 - Wheat Table3 - Soybeans cessful, stresses Fassler, particularly when attempt- Projected Pro;eaed lilker's Proj. Pro;ected Projected tilker'S Proj. Projected Projected lilter's Pnlj. ing to allocate costs on major capital items such as (Million aaes) 1""'1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 (Million acres) 1"....199S '99S-1996 1996-1997 (Million aaes) 1"....1995 1ttS-1996 1"""1997 tractors and other pieces of equipment. Acres set-aside/diverted 2.4 6.2 I>nes set-aside & diverted 5.2 5.2 Acres planted 61.7 62.6 63. 1 Fassler generally recommends going through Acres planted 79.2 71.2 81 I>nes planted 70.3 69.2 73 Acres harvested 60.9 61.6 62.3 Acres harvested 72.9 65.0 75 Acres harvested 61.8 61.0 64 BuJharvested acre 41.4 34.9 37.0 the depreciation schedule and making estimates on BuJharvested acre 138.6 113.5 126.5 BuJharvested acre 37.6 35.8 38 Stocks (million bushels) pieces of equipment that may be difficult to allocate Stocks (mUlion bushels) Stocks (million bushels) Beginning stocks 209 335 200 to just one enterprise. Producers may also want to Beginning stocks 850 1,558 412 Beginning stocks 568 507 346 Production 2,517 2, 152 2,305 consider logging hours and on-the-go recordkeep- Production 10,103 7,374 9,488 Production 2,321 2,185 2,432 Imports 5 5 5 ing to keep track of actual hours used on respective Imports 10 15 10 Imports 92 70 82 Total supply 2,731 2,492 2,510 enterprises. As an added measure, Fassler will often Total supply 10,963 8.947 9,910 Total supply 2,981 2,762 2,860 Use: compare producer allocations for equipment use Use: Use: Crushings 1,405 1,370 1,380 against standardized data available from MSU's Feed and residual 5,535 4,600 4,900 Food 852 860 870 Exports 838 810 810 TeIfarm annual reports to see if the allocation FoodIseed & Ind. uses 1,693 1,685 1,750 Seed 89 106 110 Seed, feed & residuals 153 112 110 percentages are similar. Total domestic 7,218 6,285 6,650 Feed 345 175 200 Total use 2,396 2,292 2,300 "Cost allocation is really key to this whole Exports 2,1n 2,250 2,250 Total domestic 1,286 1,141 1,180 Ending stocks 335 200 210 Total use 9,405 8,535 8,900 Exports 1,188 1,275 1,250 Ending stocks, % of use 14.0 8.7 9.1 ~~ concept, because your allocations will have a lot to Regular loan rate S4.92 S4.92 x do with the end results," warned Fassler. "If you Ending stocks 1,558 412 1,010 Total use 2,474 2,416 2,430 Ending stocks, % of use 16.6 4.8 11.3 U.5. season average ~ don't have a reasonable and accurate way of doing Ending stocks 507 346 430 'a Regular loan rate $1.89 $1.89 Ending stocks, % of use 20.5 14.3 17.4 Farm price, $Ibu. $5.48 $6.80 $6.85 li the allocations, the results aren't going to be all that U.5. season ."..-ege Regular loan rate $2.58 $2.58 ~ meaningful.". :> Farm price, $/bu. $2.26 $3.20 $2.60 U.5. season IMInIge ~:; Farm price, Situ. $3.45 $4.45 $4.00 ~ 1Wn3:1~~I~'I::t~ March 30, 1996 Determining your crop mix in '96 by Gerry Schwab and Roy Black The process to calculate break-even yields and Table 1 - Estimated Gross "'.l'fIln Budget tor Com .nd Soybun. A s the Spring planting season rapidly approaches, hope springs eternal. There are some solid reasons for optimism but also some concerns about the future. The time prices of the challenger crop is illustrated in the worksheet. For the example situation as described, soybeans yielding 40 bushel per acre at the break- even price of S5.96;bu will compete with corn yield- Expected yield Expected price bu/acre $/bu CORN 130 $2.70 SOYBEAN 40 $6.75 appears to have arrived for those farmers producing ing 130 bu/acre priced at S2.70;bu. Or alternatively, Expected Gross Revenue $/Acre $351.00 $270.00 crops and desiring fewer restrictions on what to soybeans that can be priced at S6.75;bu will require p Iant, Wit . h th e d emlse . 0 f crop acreage bas es (CAB) a b rea k-even YIe . Id 0 f353. b u,acre t to compete wit. h Pre-Harvest Seed Variable Costs SlAm $30.00 SLAm $17.00 and acreage set-asides in the acreage reduction the corn enterprise as described. program (ARP). Table 2 presents a matrix of break -even soy- Fertilizer: Assuming that some version of the Agricultural bean prices for alternative sets of soybean-corn N 1501bs. 30.00 Starter 3-15-40 + Mn 10.50 Starter 10-50-0 100 Ibs. 25.00 (100 Ibs) ? Market Transition Act (more commonly referred to yield combinations. If, for example, you believed Potash 1201bs. 13.20 as the "Freedom to Farm" bill) has been approved by that the relevant yield set for your farm was a 140 the time you read this, farmers will have the opportu- bu corn yield in comparison to a 40 bu soybean Weed Control: 25 35 nity to plant without the restriction of CABthat is yield, the break-even price for soybeans to compete Fuel 9.5 7.85 now called your contract acreage (CA).lt is to this with corn, with the production costs as described Repairs 21 18.6 question of "what to plant?" that we now turn. would be S6.53A:>u.A soybean price higher than Interest on Pre-harvest Variable Institutional Restrictions on those in Table 2 for the relevant yield combinations Costs ~ ~ -what to Planr would favor more acres into soybeans. Total pre-harvest Variable The rules and restrictions under the Freedom Table 3 presents a matrix of break -even soy- Costs $160.60 $92.95 to Farm Bill are expected to be less restrictive than bean yields for alternative sets of soybean-corn Harvest Costs 22 21 those to which we have previously adopted. Land price combinations where the base yield ratio of Custom Rate owners and operators will have the opportunity corn to soybean is 3.25; Le., 130 bushel corn yield Drying & Marketing Costs $.40/bu $.2O/bu ~ --B.OO in April '96 to sign up for the "Market Transition potential in relation to 40 bushel soybean yield Sum of Pre-harvest & Harvest Contract" (MTC) payments to be paid over a 7-year potential. For example, if your planning prices, Cost $234.60 $121.95 time period. possibly already locked in, were S7.05 per bushel of For those choosing to partidpate in this one- soybeans and S2.9Oper bushel of corn; the break- Gross Margin (Return to fIxed time window of opportunity, there are some limited even yield for soybeans to challenge corn for plant- and other inputs as labor & restrictions on what to plant. Restrictions include: ed acreage is 37.4 bushels per acre. land) $116.40 $148.05 haying and grazing acreage cannot exceed 15 per- Continued on page 8 Appreciation is expressed to Ned Birkey and Natalie Rector. MSU Extension Agricultural Agents. for their cent of your CAwithout redudng your contract contribution in preparing these enterprise budgets. payment; fruits and vegetables can be grown only on CAin areas that have a history of double crop- ping; and participants must continue to comply with the provisions of the Soil and Water Conserva- tion Plan drawn up for your own farm. LAST YEAR WE FINANCED 17 MILLION ACRES, other RestrIctIons COnsl............ ONE SQUARE FOOT AT A TIME. 011 -whIIt to P...... Agronomic and other physical feasibility con- siderations, such as machinery and labor capadty to plant within the desired time window, will influence your crop acreage mix in '96. The need to manage the soil profile for disease and pest management, herbicide carryover, etc., can also limit your feasible set of cropping alternatives in your crop rotation : system. Given these considerations that are unique to each farm situation, we now turn to what the mar- ket is telling us in terms of what to plant. In a free enterprise economy that has become even freer with the "Freedom to Farm" orientation, economic signals provided by the marketplace in the form of prices become preeminent in determining what to do. The flexibility to plant without restrictive CABincreases the available opportunities but also increases the risk of failure as we now operate with- out the marketing management safety net provided by government deficiency payments of the past. The "what to do" list should include a manage- ment plan that incorporates decision criteria on what to plant and discipline on when to price. You should address the "what to plant?" question using a budgeting analytical process. The illustration will be for the corn-soybean crop alternatives but could be used for comparing any appropriate set of cropping alternatives. We will call corn our DEFENDERcrop and soybeans our CHALLENGERcrop. The question then becomes, "What soybean yield/price combination is required to bid land away from corn?" Presumably, one important decision criterion for every farmer is the need to earn a profit. One of the important steps in developing our plan for "What to Plant?" is the need to develop enterprise budgets to compare the returns for each relevant enterprise. Preparation of enterprise budgets in- cludes estimation of prices and honestly realistic yield estimates for 1996 (based on historical yield records for your farm). You'll also need your input costs. Table 1 illus- trates one estimate of costs and returns per acre for corn and soybeans. Input costs are sorted into pre- harvest and harvest and include only those costs that are expected to differ between the enterprises being compared. Land cost, for example, is not included as it would not vary because of the crop being produced. For the example presented in Table I, the Gross Margin (the return over variable costs) pre- sented as the bottom line indicates soybeans to be more profitable and capable of bidding land away from corn. However, we know with certainty that the '96 future will not unravel exactly as depicted in Table 1. So the question might be, "What yield or price of the challenger crop, soybeans, is needed to compete (break-even) with the defender crop, corn in this example?" fi'JI[3:1@l'fi!]~w~ March 30, 1996 Determining your crop mix in '96, continued Table 2 - Break-even Soybean Price (Challenger) Table 4 - Break-even Soybean Yield (Challenger) with 3.5 Com:Soybean Yield Ratio Corn PRICE Com YIELD ............ $ 2.70IBu. 50 140 Bu./Acre $7.35 Bu/Acre Com YIELD (bu/acre) 110 $6.34 $5.47 $4.30 $3.89 Corn PRICE ($/bu) $2.30 33.2 31.6 30.1 28.8 27.6 120 7.11 6.12 4.81 4.35 $2.50 37.9 36.1 34.4 32.9 31.5 130 7.88 6.78 5.32 4.81 $2.70 42.6 40.5 38.7 37 35.4 140 8.64 7.44 5.83 5.27 $2.90 47.3 45 43 41.1 39.3 150 9.41 8.1 6.34 5.73 $3.10 52 49.5 47.2 45.2 43.3 160 10.18 8.75 6.85 6.19 Continued from page 7 soybeans may just be entering their optimal plant- Table 3 - Break-even Soybean Yield (Challenger) with 3.25 Corn:Soybean Yield Ratio Table 4 presents data similar to Table 3 with the ing time and the corn:soybean yield ratio will de- exception that the base yield ratio of corn to soy- cline. So, in the event of a late spring or planting Com YIELD beans is relatively higher at 3.5; i.e. 140 bu/acre corn delayed from the optimal dates, you may need to ............ yield relative to a 40 bu/acre soybean yield. As the rethink your estimated break-even yields in order 130 Bu./Acre $7.35 relative corn yield to soybean yield increases, the to adapt to the situation as it evolves. greater is the yield requirement for soybeans to com- Su.. ......, Bu/Acre pete. For the price set discussed in the previous The cropping decision mix in '96 has fewer Com PRICE ($/bu) $2.30 30 28.5 27.2 26 24.9 paragraph of $7.05lbu corn and $2.9Qlbu, the break- institutional restrictions and possibly more lucrative even yield for soybeans to compete with 140 bu/acre forward pricing opportunities than in previous $2.50 34.3 32.7 31.2 29.8 28.6 corn yield increases to 41.1 bushels per acre. years. These institutional changes have lowered the $2.70 38.7 36.9 35.3 33.6 32.2 As the planting season progresses, the expect- risk management safety net provided to farmers. ed yield relationships between competing crops can This situation creates the need for farm managers $2.90 43.1 41 39.1 37.4 35.9 change. In the corn:soybean situation, as we get to plan ahead by evaluating their crop mix alterna- $3.10 later into the planting season the expected yield for tives, and associated costs of production, and im- 47.5 45.2 43.1 41.2 39.5 an earlier planted crop as corn may decline, whereas plement a risk management plan that might lend discipline to their marketing activities. This paper has focused primarily on a budget- ing procedure to evaluate pairs or sets of cropping alternatives in addressing the question of "what to TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS plant in '96." Let us be proactive in managing the farm business and plan to be'successful in 1996.• Breakeven Analysis for Comparing Alternative Crops Worksheet Defender Crop Corn 1. Yield ~lbulA ~ 2. Price, S 2.70 Ibu 2.70 3. Gross Revenue (GR = Y x P) (line 1 x Line 2) S ~t.oo Variable Costs 4. Preharvest Costs S/A 160.60 5. Harvest Costs SlA 22.00 6. Drying and Marketing Costs a. S 0.40 Ibu b. ~2.00 7. Sum of Variable Costs NC = line 4 + line 5 + line 6b) 8. Return to Fixed Costs (RTFC= GR - VC) Challenger Crop 5oy17eane Variable Costs 9. Preharvest Costs SlA 92.96 10. Harvest Costs SlA 21.00 11. Drying and Marketing Costs a. S 020 Ibu b. &.00 12. Sum of Variable Costs NC = Line 9 + Line 10 + line lIb) S 121.ge Tobid land away. Return to Fixed Costs Challenger must be greater that Return to Fixed Costs Defender To Calculate the Breakevens of the Challenger Breakeven Prke = NC Challenger + RTFCDefender) + Yield Challenger 13. Yield of Challenger ~bulA Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family 14.a. S ~.96 = (b. 121.9& + c. ~ + d. ~bulA receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. Breakeven Yield = NC Challenger + RTFCDefender) + Price Challenger Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! 15. Price of Challenger S....£mJbu Single: $18.90 per month • Two-person: $33.60 Family: $43.05 16.a. ~bu = (b. .m.lm. + c. ~ + d. S~bu Source: Hilker, 1.. J. Black and O. Hesterman. Break-Even _~ ItIICHICAN Analysis for Comparing Alternative Crops. Extension Bulletin E-2021, Mkhigan State University, 1987 ,.~ FARItl BUREAU TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, PlEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. 3237 Hog market Please Print outlook for 1996? Continued from front page Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau showing a slight seasonal gain during the summer Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 months. Prices next fall may decline to the mid-30s Lansing, MI 48909 per cwt. based on current production estimates. Ci State ZIP Lower retail prices are likely for 1996 thanks to increases in both pork and competing meat produc- tion. Retail prices averaged $1.95 in 1995, compared to S 1.98 a year earlier. Despite large drops in live animal prices, retail prices are expected to only drop 1cent per pound, meaning that the farm-retail spread will widen considerably .• ~~r:m March 30, 1996 Custom feedlots are they for you? L ast fall's feeder calf price had many feeder calf producers contemplating retained own- ership in an attempt to garner a better re- turn. Whether that strategy turns out to be the right Almost all of the cattle fed OU(through the Stoneman operation are colored cattle, with very few holsteins put through the facility.Although weights have ranged from 550 pounds to as high as 950 one or not, many of those feeder calf producers pounds, the operation will typically feed yearlings. looked to custom feedlots as a means of finishing Cattle are generally fed a minimum of 120 OU(their feeders. days, says Stoneman. "Anything fed less than 120 According to Dave Stoneman, interest in using days just doesn't have the chance to grade as good," custom feedlots was the highest it had ever been he said. Working with the Michigan Uvestock Ex- last fall. Stoneman, along with brothers Bill, Tim, change's St. Louis facility, most cattle are shipped John and father Dale, operates Stoneman Farms, direct to packers including Ada Beef, IBP or MOPAC. which includes 3,000 acres of corn, soybeans, sugar Is a custom feedlot a viable option? Although beets, and a 1,500 head custom feedlot operation. the timing may not be the best to do so for some "We had to turn cattle away last fall because we producers, there may be an opportunity for others didn't have any room left," he said. in the near future, depending on the corn market. The Stoneman operation started experiment- "Nobody had any idea that the corn market would ing with custom feeding cattle in the mid-'80s. After do what it's done. But this (custom feeding) is getting the system fine-tuned and firmly estab- just another way to extend that marketing window lished, the operation phased out feeding their own and hopefully, make better money on fed cattle," cattle and concentrated solely on custom feeding. Stoneman concluded .• "We felt we did a good job of feeding cattle, and we saw this as an opportunity to help reduce ~.L :F- and manage our risk," Stoneman explains. "With Jeff Baker St.louis (517) 681-2047 custom feeding, we have a pretty good idea what Above left to right: Dave, John and Tim Stoneman, along with brother, Bill, and Gordon Briggs Scottville (616) 757-3118 we're going to be making on those cattle." father, Dale, operate a 1,500-head custom feedlot operation in Gratiot County. Scott Carf!/ Alma (517) 463-2372 Stoneman charges a daily yardage fee of 25 AI Hass Bad Axe (517) 269-8679 cents per head, plus the cost of feed. Ow.ners are . report generated off a computer, that shows aver- Holdwick Farms Harbor Beach (517) 479-6398 bought back to keep costs and enterprises separat- billed on a monthly basis for the yardage fee and Mackinac land age in-weight, average selling weight, average daily ed. Although their local cooperative, B&W Coopera- and Cattle Whittemore (517) 756-2783 feed costs for their respective pen of cattle. The gain, feed consumption per head, and days on feed. tive, offers producers an opportunity to lock in their Jerry Peterson Harbor Beach (517) 479-6455 only variable, Stoneman explains, is the percent of The computer program also allows entering interest feed costs, that decision rests with the owner Stoneman Farms Breckenridge (517) 842-5461 space utilized. Feedlots are generally at full capacity rates for owners who are operating on borrowed of the cattle, says Stoneman. during the winter months, while the feedlots may money, and/or opportunity costs for those operat- Medicine and vet costs, like the feed, are passed only operate at 60 to 70 percent of capacity during ing on a cash basis. Finally, the c1ose-oU( report on at cost, directly to the owner. In dealing with death the summer months. calculates average cost per pound of gain, and re- losses, Stoneman says the owner of the cattle stands The Stoneman operation's l,500-head capadty turn on investment. the loss on the first 2 percent, while the Stonemans Fertilizer Institute is spread over three different loCations, with room Unfortunately, escalating feed costs have stand the cost on the third percent. Losses on any. launches campaign for approximately 700 head on slatted floors. Typical pen size is roughly 80 head, although groups as small as 65 head will be accepted, depending on pushed the average cost per pound of gain, which includes the yardage fee, from 45 cents to nearly 70 cents, saYs Stoneman. The rations generally consist thing over 3 percent reverts back to the owner. The average death loss has been held at 1 percent, and generally attributed to respiratory complications. T he Fertilizer Institute recently launched a cam- paign to increase awareness about potential criminal misuse of agricultural products. The cam- space availability. Pen size is critical since all cattle of 80 percent shelled corn, and some corn silage, Although custom feedlots generally don't paign, "Be Aware for America," targets retailers and are kept separate for ease of recordkeeping and billed at $20 per ton. They've started using cotton- stand any of the death loss, Stoneman says the fact is comprised of three main messages: protect your calculating daily feed consumption and costs. seed in recent months since it's high in energy, that they're willing to stand a percentage of the loss product, know your customers and call authorities "We have the capability to track our feed costs fat and fiber. puts their clients more at ease and confident that if you view any suspicious activity. and to bill owners on a monthly basis," Stoneman Although the Stonemans grow corn in their their cattle will get the best care possible. "The "Be Aware for America" consists of a poster, explained. When a pen of cattle is finished and cash crop rotation, their corn is generally sold structure that we use provides an incentive to us, brochure, video and a special toU-free telephone shipped, the owner is provided with a "c1ose-out" through normal channels. Corn fed to the cattle is and it encourages the owner to send us healthy number that can be used by retailers to report any cattle," he advised. suspidous activities .• The cards of choice. Whether you want a PPO, HMO, or Managed Traditional health care plan ... Whether you want dental, vision, or prescription drug benefits ... Whether you want a basic, no-frills plan or fi rst dolla r coverage ... You can get it from Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Choice of plans, choice of doctors and hospitals, choice of coverage and choice of service. With Blue Cross and Farm Bureau, the choice is yours. For more information, call your county Farm Bureau office, contact your nearest Farm Bureau Insurance agent, or call 800-292-2680, ext. 3240 or 3239. 1111 xVZ 123 456 789 BCBSH 59000 Blue Cross Blue Shield VALUED MEMBER Blue Care Network of Michigan Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association ~~I~'I::t'm March 30, 1996 10 steps to cutting cow-calf costs by Danny D. Simms, Kansas State University 2-3 months Why place so much emphasis • Pre-condition with IBR-BVD prior to weaning on cutting costs? if they are to be retained after weaning D uring the past few years, economists and animal scientists from several states have studied the differences between high- and low-profit cow-calf producers. Invariably, these Replacement Heifer Calves • Vacdnate for Blackleg Complex a-Way) at weaning • Vacdnate again for IBR-BVD at weaning studies have shown that the following factors have • Treat for lice and grubs at weaning and repeat the greatest impact on profitability. if necessary • Cost of production • Vacdnate for Bangs • Reproductive rate • Deworm using a broad spectrum product • Weaning weights Bulls And of these, the factor with the greatest im- • Treat for lice and Grubs in the Fall and repeat pact on profitability is the cost of production. Corre- if necessary spondingly, these studies have shown that the factor • Lepto and Vibrio that producers emphasize the most (weaning As you will note, this pealth program minimiz- weight) accounts for very little difference between es the number of vacdnations given and deworms high- and low-profit groups. In other words, produc- only the young animals. These recommendations ersgenerating the most profit are those who minimize are based on the fact that research hasn't shown costs and still produce at moderately high levels. deworming of mature animals to be profitable on Why isn't weaning weight a better most cow-caIf operations. predictor of profitability? Additionally, in herds where few animals are As noted, many cow-caIf producers using prices, it is imperative that you determine your cost Consider the Stage of Production of the Cows introduced (otherthan bulls), there is probably little weaning weight as an indicator of profitability as- of production. - The energy protein requirements for a beef cow need for all of the vacdnations often given. As a note sume that increased production through larger As a minimum, you should determine your vary tremendously during the year based on preg- of caution, you should include vaccinations for any calves translates into higher profits. While this feed costs on a per-cow basis since, as noted, this is nancy and lactation. For instance, a cow in late gesta- disease problem that has occurred on your opera- seems logical, the fact is that additional pounds of the most important category. Experience has shown tion requires approximately 1.5 pounds of CP while a tion in the past. If you feel that deworming is neces- weaning weight are worth much less than most that many producers are surprised by the magni- lactating cow requires at least 2.25 pounds. This sary, use one of the less expensive products rather cattle producers assume. Let's take a closer look at tude of their expenditures for protein and mineral variation means that you must consider the stage of than the expensive, convenient productsj however, the value of additional weaning weight. supplements as well as total feed costs. Again, feed production when developing a ration for cows. make sure that it is a broad spectrum product. The value of additional weaning weight cost is the one with the most potential for improve- Use Natural Protein Sources with Low Quali- Step 5 - Maximize the use of baDs Many producers use the current market price ment in most operations. ty Forages - Numerous research trials have shown Historically, the recommendations for the of calves as the value of additional weaning weight. Step 2 - Mlalmlze the use of that non-protein nitrogen sources, such as urea and bull/cow ratio has been 1:25. However, in typical This assumption is incorrect because it fails to baI westecI forages biuret, aren't utilized effectively when fed to cows conditions, Le., relatively smaIJ pastures, a mature consider the normal decrease in price as calves The previously mentioned studies on the fac- consuming low-quality forages. Consequently, pro- bull can easily handle 40-45 cows. get heavier. tors influendng profitability indicate that high-profit tein supplements for use with these forages should Simply changing the rati,o from 1:25 to 1:40 Remember, there are "no free lunches" in the producers employ management practices that re- contain little, if any, of these protein sources. can result in a $9-12 decrease in the cost per cow, cattle business. Allincreases in production come at duce the amount of harvested forages used by the Price Supplements on a Price Per Pound of but it should be pointed out that this increase some cost. Unfortunately, some of these costs are cow herd. This goal can be accomplished by imple- Protein Basis - When shopping for the "best buy" should only be done with mature bulls in good hidden or difficult [Q measure. For example, increas- menting one or more of the following practices: in protein sources, compare them on a cost per condition that have undergone a Breeding Sound- es in growth rate of calves can be accomplished by Maximize the use of crop residues - Crop pound of protein basis as long as they are all natural ness Exam by a veterinarian. increasing the growth rate and milking ability of the residues are typically the cheapest feedstuff utilized protein sources. For example, which is the better While this recommendation is made for ma- cows in the herd, but these cows will require more during the year. Consequently, making maximum buy - alfalfa hay (18% CP) at '70/ton or SBOM ture bulls, correspondingly, yearling bulls can prob- feed and put more grazing pressure on pastures- use of this resource is essential to maximizing prof- . (45% CP) at ,230/ton? The protein in the alfalfa ably be expected to breed 25 cows under normal costs which many producers ignore or under;value. itability in many cases. Maximizing the use of this costs 360/'75= $.194/pound, while the protein in conditions. Additionally, these recommendations The example above assumes the normal rela- resource requires matching the number of animals the SBOM costs 900/$230= $.256/pound. shouldn't be implemented when bulls of varying tionship where the value per pound declines as in the herd to the amount of crop residue available Consider Non-traditional Protein Sources - ages are placed in the same breeding pasture. For calves get larger. This relationship exists because rather than to the amount of pasture available. Minimizing costs often means evaluating such non- example, a yearling bull in a pasture with a mature the cost of gain in the feeding phase has usually When considering crop residue as it relates to traditional protein sources as whole soybeans, field bull will probably not have an opportunity to breed been below the value of a finished animal. However, your operation, keep in mind that there are many bean screenings, sunflower meal, wheat middlings, very many cows which will greatly increase the currently, the high price of grain relative to cattle variables that must be considered; however, the con- soyhulls, and other by-products as protein sources. number of cows the mature bull must breed. prices and the depressed fat cattle market have cept of minimizing costs through maximizing the use The price and availability of by-products should be Step 6 - MlallIIIz. expenditures resulted in larger calves being worth almost the of crop residue should always improve profitability. constantly monitored, since their value tends to fer minerai sappl .... ats same per pound as small calves. But, this is proba- Use Cool Season Forages to Allow Earlier fluctuate wildly. However, they are often excellent Cost/return analyses of Kansas cow/calf opera- bly short term (until the next good grain crop) situ- Grazing in the Spring - Another approach to re- buys compared to traditional feedstuffs. tions have shown that some producers are spend- ation. And since changes in levels of production in a dudng harvested forage utilization is to take advan- Step 4 - Mlnladze expe..4lL.._ ing over $30 per cow on mineral supplementation. cow herd tend to take considerable time, producers tage of the early growth of cool season forages such for the heaItII pregralll The cost of mineral supplements should be less must build their production system on the typical as wheat pasture, brome or fescue. Many health-related expenditures such as vac- than $7 per cow. Again, too many producers don't situation where there is a negative price margin. Sell High v.uue Roughages and Replace dnations are analogous to buying insurance. Surveys know how much they are spending on mineral In summary, the industry has emphasized Them with Low Cost Roughages - Cost/return of Kansas beef cow operations have shown a low in- supplementation. In many situations, mineral is increased weaning weight for many years, but it analyses of cow herds have shown that producers ddence of several of the diseases for which vacdnes being fed when it isn't needed and/or consumption is clearly time that efficiency is emphasized rather often fail to consider the opportunity cost of high are available. While the cost per head for all health- is much higher than needed. than maximum production. This is especially quality forages. For instance, producers often con- related expenditures on most operations is not large, The following guidelines are provided to aid true since we are in the down phase of the cattle sider only the cost of production of such feedstuffs even this cost category should be scrutinized for in reducing mineral costs: cycle where it will be difficult to cover even the as alfalfa hay, rather than its market value. In other possible items that could be reduced. However, it • Research has shown that cows don't have the cash costs of production. words, when alfalfa hay can be sold for $80-100 per should be pointed out that the risk of disease prob- ability to balance their diet to meet mineral - Reducing feed costs - the key to profitability ton, it should be sold and a lower quality roughage lems could be increased by minimizing the health requirements. Thus, the common belief that A review of the typical costs associated with a utilized with the cow herd. program. Consequently, you must evaluate your cows eat mineral because they need it is false - cow-calf enterprise clearly indicates that feed cost is Step J - ~~ ... Use of willingness to accept this risk in light of the econom- they typically eat mineral because they want the one of the few cost items where changes can be im- .......... ~lIp IIh•• .-15 ic outlook. To aid in the development of a minimal salt or because it tastes good because of a flavor- plemented that have a significant impact on net re- For many producers, protein supplements program, the following guidelines are offered: ing agent. Thus, meeting mineral requirements turns. Thus, many of the following 10 steps outline represent the major "out-of-pocket" feed expense. A Minimal Health Program for the Cow Herd at minimal cost requires management of both Step 1 - ~ D ...... • I,... changes that have the goal of reducing feed costs. mat .. Consequently, getting the most "bang-for-your- buck" is crudal. The following recommendations should help in reaching this goal: Implement a face and horn fly control pro- gram for all ages: Mature Cows the concentration of minerals in the supplement and intake . • Analyze major feedstuffs for Phosphorus - A It is difficult to reduce costs if you don't know Test Feed for Protein - It is simply impossi- • Vacdnate for Lepto and Vibrio determination of the P level in basal forages is what they are. And, unfortunately, very few cow-caIf ble to minimize the expenditure for protein supple- • Treat for lice and grubs essential to minimizing mineral costs. In a few producers know their cost of production. Again, ments while meeting the needs of the cows without Yearling Heifers areas in the state, the copper and molybdenum given the current phase of the cattle cycle and the knowing the protein level of base forages. Conse- • Vacdnate for Lepto and Vibrio levels might also be valuable . outlook for at least a couple of more years of low quently, feed should be analyzed for moisture and • Vacdnate for IBR-BVDprior to breeding As a general rule, the P level in most harvested crude protein as a very minimum because this will • Treat for lice and grubs forages is adequate for non-lactating beef cows . NutritJoIyI Requkements allow the use of minimal protein supplementation • Deworm using a broad spectrum product Conversely, the P level in dry, winter grass and crop SpecHK.tlons toT ... fIre Cow Diets while stiU meeting the needs of the cows. Nursing Calves residues is usually inadequate. Consequently, the Condition Score • Vacdnate for the Blackleg Complex a-Way) at Continued on page 11 Nutrient 4 5 6 Pregnant Cow (1,300 lb.) NErn]McaVd 11.4 10.3 9.2 Growing ".tion SpecfflaJtIons for Finishing ".tlon SpeclfIatlon to#' Selected WeIght ~/ns (." v.lues DIet Specfflcatlons for Selected Welgltt Gains (." values Crude Protein, % 10.0 10.0 10.0 Me Oft • dry nutter IMsIs)' RepIKement Heifers Calcium, % .26 .23 .20 .... Oft • dry nutter basis)' Phosphorus,% .21 .21 .20 Nutrient Expected ADG. lb. Frame Size NutrIent Expected ADG. II). Potassium,% .6 .6 .6 1.25 1.75 2.25 Nutrient 4 5 6 2.00 UO 1.00 NErn]Mcalllb .57 .62 .68 NErn]McaVd 9.4 9.4 9.4 NEm) Mcalllb .64 .70 .77 Lactating Cow (1,300 lb., heavy milking) NE91 Mcalllb .31 .40 .52 NE91 McaVd 2.4 2.4 2.4 NE91 McaL1b .48 .58 .64 NErn]McaVd 16.0 15.5 15.0 Crude Protein, % 10.5 11.0 11.3 Crude Protein, % 8.5 9.0 9.5 Crude Protein, % 11.0 11.5 12.0 Crude Protein, % 12.0 11.5 11.0 Calcium, % .32 .37 .43 Calcium, % .32 .29 .27 Caldum, % 18 37 .45 Calcium, % .36 .36 .36 Phosphorus, % .19 .21 .23 Phosphorus, % .21 .21 .21 Phosphorus, % 10 .23 .26 Phosphorus,% .26 .26 .26 Potassium, % .6 .6 .6 Potassium, % .6 .6 .6 Potassium, % .6 .6 .6 Potassium, % .6.6.6 'Average frame. 600 lb. steer. Assume a daily weight gain of 1.5 lb. 'A~ frame. 700 lb. steer. f h, the crisp spring air, the rebirth of the water and ice to hot springs; even the hydrothermal for preparing uncooked meat, another for ones. If you use an ordinary sponge or dishcloth, A growing season, the start of another battle with the great outdoors - it's spring clean- ing time again! But wait, before you grab your wash bucket, rakes and wheelbarrows, take a look at the vents on the deep ocean floor are the home of sulfur-metabolizing bacteria. Could your kitchen be an innocent incubator for a bacterial infection? According to Gerba, spong- preparing produce and other foods that will not be cooked, and one for slicing meat after it is cooked. Each area should have its own cutting board and a separate set of utensils. disinfect it regularly in a mixture of bleach and water, and wash it in the dishwasher every day. • Rinse dishes thoroughly after washing and allow them to air dry whenever possible. If you dry area you spend at least part of your day in every day es <64(2 left) buck wheat. Tested 99% puri- time used, $5200. Allis -Cha- ty. Call 1-800-800-9548 be- 2586 Bradleyville Road • Reese, MI 48757 Call 1-517-593-2244. UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! mers 190 XLT-S3 with 5/16 20 YEAR WARRANTY fore, 6pm. After 6pm.• call 1- Tel: 517-868-4750 • Fax: 517-868-3671 semi plow. M-M 670 diesel, 616-546-3268. AC 180 DIESEL TRACTOR: American Steel Arch Inc. low time, $3800. Oliver 88 re- New model 50 J-Star 50' belt FACTORY OIRECT built 1990, live PTO,live hy- conveyor (less motor). $1475. MICHIGAN CERTIFIED SOY- Call 1-517-386-2192. 1.800.942.1234 draulic, $1800. Ford 8N, low time, reconditioned in 1994, BEAN SEED: Kenwood-94, Conrad-94, BSR-101 and ALUMINUMIRRIGATION SYSTEM $2400. Farmall A with tools, Hardin-91. Also, certified for sale. Will cover five acres, $2400. M-M-U with loader, Newdak oats seed. Call 2", 3" and 4" pipe, with PTO $1800. John Deere 6-row Schmidt Farms of Auburn pump. 1-517-727-9945. SWEET CORN Harvester: narrow planter, $650. Intema- 1-517-662-6705 ..,.. FMC Model 12, 1-row pull tional Harvester, 4-row nar- type, 60hp with Wisconsin 1-517-662-2695 BADGER RING drive silo un- row planter, $450. Call be- loader, 18' diameter. Excel- engine. Completely self con- REGISTERED POLLED REGISTERED POLLED tween 6-8pm. HEREFORD Bull. Four years Hereford bull, 4 years old, lent condition! Dismantling si- tained. Excellent condition! 1-313-279-1762. lo, $1000. 18x50 cement $6000 invested, best offer. old in April. Tame, have pa- gentle and quiet. $1200. Call stave silo. Make offer! Che- 1-616-684-1085after 7pm. pers. Call between 5pm- 1-517-848-5584. boygan, MI. 1-616-625-2036. One BUTLER KANSUN 7pm., 1-517-435-7694. 8-17-15 grain dryer 1ph. LP FARM FANS: AB250 grain continuous flow. Two Butler 15TH ANNUAL CLUB LAMB REGISTERED SCOTTISH TFI, SIX ROW, ROD PULLER, SALE: April 20, 1996, LLAMAS: Your visit to our dryer, one phase, L.P. fuel. wind rower, end or center de- 1200 BU hopper bins, 12' di- HIGHLAND CATTLE, breed- Hutchinson 8"x54' transport 1:30pm. Topper Sired Suffolk Llama Farm is most ing stock and semen for sale. livery, three years old, 700 ameter. welcome! Learn about these auger, PTO. Hutchinson Harvester Agrl Systems Lambs. Dick and Betty See- Visitors welcome! Call 1-517- acres, asking $9750. lye, RR 1, Hersey MI. Infor- fine; easy to care for animals. 6"x54' transport auger, PTO. 1-517-686-0486. 1-800-722-8070 543-7979 evenings or week- Harvest Agrl Systems mation, call 1-616-832-9629. Woolly pets and halter ends. Charlotte, Michigan. 1-800-722-8070. trained. Weanlings available. FOR CURRENT LIST of Jack & Barbara Danley RHEA (South American Os- H & S, 8x16 steel kick bale ROTARY HAY RAKES. Horton Bay Llamas trich): Three proven breeder FARMFANS:CF/AB270 grain wagon, without running gear. Deutz Allis. Excellent! $2500. available Angus Cattle, write: dryer, one phase, natural gas Secretary, West Michigan ~ 06300 Boyne City Road pairs for sale. Should pro- Very good condition! Delivery Kuhn, needs repair, $1500. duce 150 chicks this summer. with focus control. light duty running gear, gus Breeders. 585 36th Charlevoix, 1-616-582-7473 possible. $875. First call buys package. 1- Harvest Agrl Systems 0011-616-636-8449. North $250. 24' elevator, $300. Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 1-800-722-8070. 49509. 810-679-3117evenings. Kent County. Gravity wagon, $350. Fenc- PIEDMONTESECATTLE ing and livestock miscellane- Lean, tender, double mus- Rocky Mountain Elk: FARM FANS: CF/AB320 ous, $200. 1-517-834-2576. FOR SALE, BRED COWS: Livestock of the Future. TB grain dryer, one phase, L.P. INTERNATIONAL VIBRA Simmental/Umosine/Hereferd- cled, good calving ease. Quality registered breeding accredited herd. Animals of fuel. Shanks, chisel plows, offset cross. Some bred to a Sim- all ages! Traverse City, Michi- Harvest Agrl Systems disks, wing disk, cultimulch- mental Bull, due to start to stock. Also available embryos and semen. gan. 1-800-722-8070. ers, drills, spreaders, balers, freshen the last week in IIIIperIIII Elk Ranch haybines, rakes. Large selec- March. Some bred to a Umo- RedbIrd F.... Lapeer, Michigan 1-616-946-5922 FORSALE:IH 843CORNHEAD, tion of tillage and haying sine Bull, due to start to 4 row, 30", good to excellent equipment. Call after 1pm., freshen the first week in April. 1-810-797-4701 TEXAS LONGHORNS: condition, always housed, 1-517-773-5374. Dan Reid. 1-517-967-3506 evenings, af- Quality registered breeding $3,250 or best offer. 1-517- ter 6pm. QUALITY ANGUS BREED- stock avairable. Call 1-616- 681-4251. ING STOCK. Performance 676-1462 days or weekends. JD 3020 w/146 loader, L B. WHITE HEATERS: HIGH QUALITY HOLSTEIN tested, Bulls semen tested. Ada, Michigan. $8000. Farmall Super MTA, New, used and parts. Free delivery! Also, Border $3000. Both new paint. Patz service age bulls from high BULK FEED BINS! producing cow families and Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. TOP QUALITY FALLOW FORD, NEW HOLLAND trac- gutter cleaner, $1500. New New, used .Bordner AI9IS F.... DEER. ALL AGES, SEXES, tors and equipment from Sy- Idea 255 M/spreader, $1100. top sires. HOG EQUIPMENT! Pasch Farms, Inc. Sturgis, MI 1-61~1~ COLORS. Dana Hill Ranch, mon's in Gaines. For 43 Zero 800 gallon tank w/com- NEW, USED 1-517-644-3519 Hemlot, Michigan. years your best deal for the pressor, $1600. Semen tank PORTABLE HUTS! REGISTERED lIMOUSIN Call 1-517-642-5396. long run! $100. Grain bin, $500. Tri- Growe ~ ..... ~ LLAMAS ARE GREAT, and bull. Three years old, gentle Symon". axle 5th wheel, $500. and guiet. Easy calving! TRADE (like for like), or sell, Mason, MI now they're affordable! registered Simmental Bull. 1-517-271-8445, Gaines 1-517-772-9231. 1-800-676-4142 These docile, intelligent ani- $2000. Call 1-517-724-6480. Seven to choose from! Cows mals make wonderful pets for and heifers for sale. hiking, packing, picnicking, Call 1-517-689-4696. , . pulling carts, or to just plain Place your ad for 6 months, get phone •• ~(_I enjoy. Their wool is valuable and they also make outstand- ing guard animals. Call for a visit today! 1-616-677-3309. Ron and Nancy Laferriere. MICHIGAN CERTIFIED LA..be l.1..8nIa number or name in reel SEED: Newdak, Porter, Prai- Marne, Michigan HERITAGE rie oats, Bowers barley. Felix (Just northwest of Grand BUILDING SYSTEMS Place your ad for 1 Conrad, Century 84, Vinton 81, soy beans. Chinook light Rapids) Iqem~tr3sfI~55 CHICKS, CHICKS, PHEAS- ANTS, Quails, Chukars, Tur- mar reds. Also, Diary Brand LLAMAS: North American JO 1~ 1 10 S4.927 keys, Peacocks, Ducks, Ban- year, get phone number and crystal alfalfa. Sitting Bull and Essex blood- lines. Pet males and weaning 401601 12 50 173112 57.976 _.511.180 tams, Guineas. Stamp for B&M Seed 60 1 100 1 10 513.937 price list: Rolling Hills Pre- or name in red and also 1-517-463-2846 females. Reasonable priced! Call for more information and 80 1 150 1 14 529.653 serve, 17025 McKenzie C.ommrrrial Slftl buikti~ k'illuring filS} boll up Street, Marcellus, MI 49067. save $1.00 per ad. visit. 1-517-645-2719. ..... ~r""MI iL\!tI"m1~lfrom .\mtnra'5 IafXf'SIdisrriJulor. Wf ha\ f om 10.000 S1andard sill'S 01 ~. farm. industrial. 1-616-646-9164. QUALITY ALFALFA and Potterville, MI fOOllllNfla1 and mln~"lI/T'how' buildings. .\U itf' Call mixed hay.Almont, Michigan. foqJWlt "ilh tnglnm Sla~ Jll'rmiI lira" ings and a 20 lti11 rooI and ..-aD IU!II "-alTal\l). CaD \r.Ilod.1) EMU Chicks, yearlings and breed- ~~ REGISTERED POLLED for a frff Information parl.agl- and a QIIOlt on our lOll ers. Great birds! Reasonably 1-800-968-3129 1-810-395-7512 Hereford breeding age bulls, heifers. Also A-1 heifers and lruafil) buildings or building rompontm part\. priced. Mirochipped and Vet certified. Boarding available. cows. Rocky Banner blood- Mini Warehouse Sale Support before and after sale, for details STRAW: Clean 1995 straw. Semi quantity. How is your lines. MSU performance test- ed. Call .l~', 59,999 ~. - e.ta ,~u ""u" ., un""'.'''UI''''U "'lIhe ...... " ...." .. Bellville ,M148111 supply? Call 1-313-439-8703, Rye Hereford Farm 1-313-461-1362 leave message. 517-734-3005 fiffitil: I @'ill] ~ l~'I ::t'ill March 30, 1996 ".; .. ................................... :.:.;.:.;.:.:.:.:.;.:.: .. :.;.:.:.:.,:.:.:.:.:.:.;.:.:.:.;.:.;.;.;.;.;.;.:,' .'1\11 POULTRY CAGE, layer WANTED: Caretaker position .111111 WANTED TO RENT: Pasture 60 ACRES of good farm land house and cages (30x170'). Chore Time automated feed for couple. Husband experi- enced in machinery building, for 45 head cow/calf. Call 1-517-773-9773, leave for rent, Holt. Call 1-81 0-264-9046. Your Full Service system; 8~ton feed tank, nip- ple water system. Burch In- dustry egg cooler unit. maintenance crops and livestock. Wife ex- and repair, message. Agricultural Real Estate Broker 1-517-673-3517 perienced in care of horses. WANTED: Farms and land FISH FOR STOCKING: Giant Nonsmokers. sumes, references. Excellent re- throughout Michigan, agricul- Hybrid Bluegills, Rainbow If you have acerage to sell, tural and recreational. Large Trout, Walleye, Largemouth 1-616-348-8270. parcels preferred. We have Bass, Small mouth Bass, we may have a buyer! buyers! Channel Catfish, Perch, Fat- "Designing for Growth" .Faust Real Estate head Minnows. Laggis' Fish Adrian, 1-517-263-866 Farm, Inc., 08988 Street, Gobles, Michigan. 35th Call for more details and information 1-616-628-2056. on current listings WILL HELP PAY YOUR TAXES! Evenings, 1-616-624-6215. EXPERIENCED Michigan ag- ribusiness attorneys with farm Ethical and responsible bow hunter wishes to lease hunt- ing rights to southern Michi- HARDY OUTSIDE 2651 Coolidge Road East Lansing, MI 48823 517 336 1570 "':'- backgrounds. Knowledge and gan farm on your terms. Ref- WOOD FURNACE experience in all farm areas; erences available. Call John Words #1 seller. Stainless restructure, stray voltage, 1-313-791-0259 steel construction. Heats home, hot water tank, pools. Complete Farm System bankruptcy, estate planning. Eliminates fire danger. 10 FARM AUCTION • Grain Bins EAST SIDE: Thomas J. Bud- zynski, 43777 Grosebeck year warranty! Dealerships Due to change in business, I am disconlinuing framing. 14317 Gary • GSI Top Ory • Airstream Auto Oryers Highway, Mt. Clemens, Michi- available. 1-800-743-5883. Rd., Chesaning, MI, Saginaw County (2 miles North of m-57 via M- • Feed Processing & Oelivery Equipment gan. 48036. 1~-5253 Jamboree Acres 52 to Gary Road, 21/2 miles West). - BuCket Elevators WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stani: Tues April 9, 199610:30 a.m. • Milwright Services ha, 40 West Sheridan, Fre- Tractors: 1977 JD 4630 0 tractor, cab, air heat, radio, front wheel assist. • Oryer Repair & Services 18.4-38 axle duals, a.R. 1964 JD 4020 G tractor, good tires, no cab, 15.5-38 mont, Michigan, 49412. 1-616- COLLECTORS Farmal: Mineral Owners Gas/Oil: In- Johnson System, Inc. 924-3760 1938, F-14, Rubber nice! vestor interested in purchas- axle duals; Plow pulley, also enough ing, producing royalty income Trucks: 1971 Kenworth semi tractor, 13 speed, tandem, wet line, 425 Cat; Marshall, MI SAVE MONEY Bensen 281/2 aluminum dump semi trailer, tandem, good tires, 1980 Ford parts to make F-12. Plus ex- for immediate cash. Prefer 616-781-9000 Recycle your diesel and in- dustrial air intake filters using tra frame assembly Antrim gas. Other formations 7000 truck, 3208 Cat engine, 18' metal grain rack, hoist,live tandem, Allison auto. transmission; 1977 GMC truck, 366 engine, 18' metal grain rack, hoist, wheels/drive others. $6000 considered. Call Jay, 1-800- the Sonic Dry Clean System. live tandem, Allison auto. transmission. takes all. 1-906-338-2731. 968-7645. HOHI!lJWIBIIS! No liquids or detergents Farm Equipment: JD 223 2-row beet harvestor; Oppel 4-row beet defoliator; .~~:eck used. 50% savings over new Int. 20' cullimufcher; JD 4-16" semi mount plow; JD 101020' field cultivator, filters. FARM AUCTION hyd. fold; JD 7000 12-row planter, end transport, new PVC auger; Bush Hog 6' Recycle Now Inc. 3 pI. rotary mower, like new; 3 pI. 12-row band sprayer boom; pair 130 gal. Holland, pJII Due to recent knee Injury, cannot continue farm operation. 8569 tanks and brackets with bolt on sprayer boom. 1-616-396-7724 Hollister Road, laingsburg, MI Clinton County (8 miles south of St. Cash or approved check. Announcements made day 01 sale take precedence 616-396-8102, Fax Johns via US27 to Alward Road. 8 miles east to Hollister, then south). over printed matter. paycheck Sal., April 27, 1996, 10:30 a.m. Partial Listing Jerry Hedrich, Proprietor Tractors & combine: 1979 AC 7000 0 tractor, cab, heat, AC, 10 front suit- G1ardon Auction Service, Inc. LOANS BY PHONE 1liliiii case weight. dual hyd .. power shift, stereo, stadium lights, 540 & 1000 PTO, 6670 E Juddville Rd. tint windows, good 18.4-34 T rail duals, 3800 hours; 1951 JD A tractor, 3 pI. Corunna, MI517-743-4142 SAME DAY APPROVAL hitch, new front tires, 1949 AC WD tractor, NF, good tires; 1949 Ford 8N tractor with Freeman dual cylinder loader, 4 speed Sherman transmission, engine -Statewide Service, Call Toll Free- rebuilt 1990, new brakes; 19651nl. 3030 combine, 13' grain head, 1328 W 3- 1-800-968-ZZZI D&L PROFESSIONAL row corn head. HOOF trimming five years Farm Equipment: JD 494A 4-row planter with double disk opener, disk ALlSTATE MORTGAGt opener front attachment; JO FB-B 13-hole grain drill, single disk, grass seeder, 3000 Series !!! loans by phone!!! experience, reasonable rates. excellent condition; Clark 3 pI. 300 gal. sprayer, 12-row; 2300 gal. saddle Call Devin Eldred at 1-616- 693-3158. tanks; NH 67 baler, good; Ford 503 3 pI. side rake PTO; Inl. 990 haybine, new Reel Auggie Mixer culler bar 1995; NI 323 1-row corn picker with 8 roll huskin~ bed. hyd. lift r-FA-RMERS" PAINTING & POWER WASHING, excellent condition; 3 gravity box wagons with gears, 6 ply tIres; flat rack wagon with treated rack, standard with gear; JO 1450 4-18. semi mount plow, 20" rib Less pressure, frictioa aad wear ... faster mixing aDd better feed quality ... all fealllres of the Knigbt Reel Auggie. • Livesloci & commodity prices too Jaw? • barns, out buildings, eleva- coulters, 14" gauge wheel; JD KBA 12' wheel disk; JD 12' cultipacker with 4" •- Cash flow too slow? I tors. Top quality paint, many shaft; 10" bar roller; Brillion 18' field cultivator with 3' wings; JO 4-row front 3000 Series Reel Auggtes - Moogoge payments 000 bits over- references. Call for free esti- mounted cultivator, fits a. b, 60, 70, with rolling shields JO 2-row front mounted feature the following advantages: • whekning? I mate or information. .-::s~ - who lDierstoods Woof someone to t~ to yotIlender? • I JD Quality Painting, 429-0084 1-313- cultivator; JS 555 3-boltom trailer plwo, hyd. lift; JD12' 3 section springtooth drag; Ford 3-pl. 2-row cultivator. Cash or approved check day 01 sale. Announcements made day of sale take • Blends by gently lilting, fluffing and tum- bling the entire load, reducing mix time, power requirement, machine wear, and dead spots • - 00 you ooderstond yOCJ options with precedence over printed matter. • Aggressive upper and lower auger with Mr. and Mrs. Forest (Tufty) Wolfrom, • P.A. 116? I Proprietors 517-651-5392 hardened, replaceable knives for thorough - 00 you need 10 resfrudtJe your end-to-end movement • fll!Tli1g busiless? I Glardon Auction Service, Inc . 6670 E. Juddvllle Rd • Shear angle for both upper & lower auger - 00 you need 10 consiief molJjing yotI I Corunna, MI • Simple slide tray or three auger • YOCoIion? W• ., _ ••• ", • discharge available • of ". a60, , n ..., fin FISH FARM, TROUT: • Oil bath drive with external grease banks ..------ $249,000 plus inventory . • ,., If . Profitable going business! • Constant Velocity PTO with integral slip clutch • Call1-aOO-4SS-9137..1 Two licenses to smoke and FARM AUCTION WITH • Hay-Max Kit option for better break-up of most hay and bulk materials breed fish. 18+ acres, nice 3 FOOD HAY EQUIPMENT • Tow,truck mounted, and stationary units from 147 to 488 cubic feet bedroom home, hatchery Due to death of son, Thomas R. Semans, and due to my health. New models available barn, mobile home, 22 ponds, 1960 Austin Rd., Ovid, MI Shlawassee County (5 miles west 7 wells and electric generator. Near Grand Owosso via M-21 to Baldwin Road, 2 miles south to Dewey Road, 3575 & 3700 2 miles west to corner of Austin and Dewey Rds). Haven, MI. Sal., April 6, 1996, 10:30 a.m. Partial listing Clyde Hendrick, Inc., Real- INDIVIDUALS for custom Skid Loader and Tractors: Clark Bobcat 642 G skid loader with rubber tors, 1-616-842-5970. M. scraper blade, material bucket, tine bucket, 300 hours on major engine over- harvesting operation. Texas Weaver or R. Allen. through Montana. 1996 sea- haul; 1988 White 2-88 tractor, cab, dual hyd., 18.4-34 clamp duals; 1968 Case 530 gas tractor, WF. 3 pt., SN8334257; Oliver 77 G tractor, buzz saw. son. Must be clean, honest, RAISE HERBS, live healthier Hay and Feed Equipment: 1993 Gehl 860 forage harvester with hay head, hard working with farm back- and wealthier. Huge market! ITR3038, and 2-row corn head, used on appx. 200 acres; 1992 Hesston 4550 ground. Full time work possi- Growers needed. Free infor- baler, used only 1 year; 1984 Hesston 1014 hydro swing haybine; Gehl318 3 ble. 1-402-364-2468. mation. Send L.S.A.S.E. to pI. double 4-wheel rake; Gehl1580 blower, used little; Onawatana 2-wheel hay Herbs, Dept. E, 1910 Chocti- rake; Kasten blower; NI 622 blower; Onawatana 95 mixer mill; 2 Forage King mar, Fort Wayne. IN 46808. bale baskets; 3 Meyers 500 series forage unloading wagons on Knowles 12 ton FARM AUCTION tandem running gear; Cross 40" elevator with 1 hp. mill with 7 112 hp. electric motor; 19' feed bunk auger with motor; 20' beltveyor with motor; 3 ton feed bin Having retired from farming I will sell the following described items with 3" unloading auger; soymeal dispenser unit; 2 flat rack hay wagons . at public auction on the farm located from Auburn, MI US-10 Free- • .. ................. . . . ...................................... . ,'" - - ". - Implements: Brillion 10' cullipacker; John Blue 500 gal. field sprayer with way exil go 5 miles North on Garfield Rd., then 2 miles West on •• ltlll 140 SOW FARROW-to-finish stainless tank; cyclone PTO Seeder; 8' 3 pI. snow blower; side rake on steel; anhydrous 1000 gal. ammonia tank on gear; Terra Knife 500 gal. anhydrous tank on cart with 5 Harlon knife applicators; Graham Home 8 shank chisel plow, hand lift; old wooden running gear; Lilliston 9680 bush hog, 18-hole no till Beaver Rd., and 2 ml North on Carter Rd., then 112West to 2151 W River Rd. (or) 1 mile South of Duel, MI on Flalole Rd. and 112 mile East on West River Rd. to farm. (Bay Co.). Thursday, April, 11199610:00 a.m. grain drill with grass seeder; White 5100S 6-row no till planter with 7-row add Tractors: JD 7520 4x4 DSL tractor; JD 4240 DSL tractor, cab, air; JO 4320 hog barn on fIVe acres locat- on bean splitter. DSL tractor, synco range; JD 58 hyd loader w/6' bucket; 1963 Oliver 660 Gas ed in Tuscola County. Built in Tank, Generator, Miscellaneous: Zero 1500 gal. bulk tank; Winco 55,000 1979. P.A. 116 needs repairs. tractor. watt PTO generator on trailer; stock water tank; steel lence posts; 18.4-26 duals; Combines & Heads: JO 7700DSL Combine, rear wheel assist; JD 220 flex Lease financing $59,000. 1-517 -673-7 470, 7 Calt Tel hutches with fences and waterers; pair of 18.4-38 tire chains; jewelry grain platform; JO 643 6 row high tin com head, N row. Lilliston 6200 High wagon of farm miscellaneous; 3 buildings to be removed (16'x24' grainery, Cap Bean Combine, airlift. for equipment 1-517-673-7171. 40'x30' barn, 26'x22' chicken coop with overhead door. Consigned by Neighbor: 1975 White 4-150 4x4tractor, 3 pl., hyd. outlets. Trucks: 197343104 row beet harvestor, star bed, auto row finder; JD 70008 row n. plateless planter, dry fert. incl., Polycross auger; IH 490 26' hyd. fold 157 ACRE FARM: Southwest vehicles & Lenawee County. 101 18.4-38 axle duals, 500 hours on major overhaul; 1964 Farmall806 G tractor, SN7373-SY, complete engine overhaul in 1994, lA. good, 3 pl., live power, wheel disc; IH 750 5x20. auto sprin8 reset plows, semi mtd.; JO 2350-2450 7- 18" on land plows, toggle trip; JO 1 0025' hyd. fold field cultivator w/tine tillable, 40 wooded, custom. buildings home. May split! $295,000. good rubber, rear tires loaded, good clutch, no 3 pI. or last hitch, just swinging drawbar tricycle front end, single hyd. outlet; 1948 Oliver Row Crop 60 tractor, leveler; JD 160016' 3 pI. chisel plow; JD 1559' hyd. power angle 9' grader blade; 10 ton port a box w/unloading auger; Lockwood 835 6 row center deliv- F8USI Real Estate NF side shield and grill missing, good rubber; 1994 Sno'NCo 32' hay elevator ery bean windrower (red) w/updaled green drum; Speedy 8 row front mtd. bean • 100%tax deductible Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 on carriage, used on seasons only, always housed; 21' mowveyor with motor; pullers orange & black; DMI 4 leg 8 row anhydrous applicator 3 pt. 24' mowveyor with motor; 2 wood custom buill thrower bale wagons with Grain Sel-Up: Butler 14,000 bu. bin w/ aeration floor & fan; 2 Butler 10,000 • fixed payments FOR DISPLAY AD gears, 8'x18', housed; Ford 727 hydraulic loader with 2 buckets (also adapts to lit Farmall 806); Huskee elite 4000 gal. liquid manure spreader, 18x22.5Iires, bu. bins; 1 bin sweep-rotary screener; Butler Kan-Sun continuous flow grain dryer LP gas, i ph 1817-15; Butler 1350 bu upright wel bin; GT 6"x51" trans- • min advance payment INFORMATION 1000 RPM, brackets for ejectors, like new. Cash or approved check day of sale. Sale principals are not responsible for port auger 3 hp 1 ph motor; New Idea 8"x51" transport auger, PTO; 6"x30' unloading auger-4 Butler roof vents. accidents at auction nor for items sold. Announcements made day 01 sale take Terms: Cash or good check day of sale. ~~ CALL precedence over printed matter. Robert Mieske, Proprietor Oren Semans, Proprietor TELMARKINC. 1-800-292-2680 Glardon Auction Service, Inc. 6670 E Juddvllle Road For more info. Call 517-662-6888 Sykora AucUon Service, Inc. Jim& Scott Sykora, Auctioneers 800-451-3322 EXT. 3203 Corunna, MI517-743-4142 Clare, MI 517-386-9694 or 2252 Fax 517-386-2246 1~'ll~~I~'I::t'ill March 30, 1996 -- • FARM AUCTION Having retired from farming the following described machinery and equipment will be sold at a public auction on the farm located 4 mi. East of Kingsley, MI on M-113 then South 2 ml to 8909 Townllne Rd. PROFESSIONAL CATTLE WANTED: BUYING OLDER HUDSON CONSTRUCTION 1960 CHEVY PICKUP FOR SALE. (SE Grand Traverse Co) hoof trimming: Statewide! printed matter. Pre-1960's SERVICES Restorable, $2500, 305, pri- Friday, April 12, 1996 10:00 a.m. Over 14 years experience. magazine, sheet music, All types of agricultural, com- mer. Call Linda Mae 1-810- Tractors: John Deere 440 DSl tractor; Case 2290 DSl tractor; Case 1175 Prices start at $6. Call newspapers, postcards, cata- mercial, residential construc- 360-2046 or fax 1-810-539- DSl tractor, Case 730 gas tractor. Norman Beale logs, etc. Richard Harris, 715 tion. Steel, bricks or sticks. li- 0773 Combine & Heads: Gleaner F-2 DSL combine, 1584 hrs. on seperator; AC 1-616-775-0488 Luce, Fremont, 49412.1-616- censed and insured with cer- 430 row (black) corn hd. 30" rows; AC 13' grain platform (orange), Grain head 924-6788. Save this ad . tified engineers. wagon. SAVE 75% ON WORK Call 1-616-785-9704.025 1985 CHEVROLET TRUCK: Truck & Trailers: 1972 GMC Astro Live Tandem Truck Tractor, 318 det, 13 CLOTHESI Good, clean, re- WANTED: Old motorcycles, C70 cab and chassis, 360 cu- sped, wet kit; 1969 Trailco 30' Tri Axle Steel Dump Trailer, new Hoisl. high sides cycled in very best quality. snowmobile and off road ve- bic inch V-8, 5/2 speed rear rolltarp; 1974 Trallm.obile 40' flatbed semi trailer w!bulk head, tandem axle; 15' Money back guarantee. Free hicles. 1965 and older. Call axle, 28,000 GVW, 9000 5th wheel tandem trailer, brakes. brochure JD at 1-517-676-0583 front, 18,500 rear, good Grain Bins & Dryer: GSI 4900 bu. grain bin, w/aeration floor & fan, 7 ring x Suntex Recycling paint. Excellent condition! 21' width; GSI 4500 bu. grain bin w/aeration floor & fan, 6 ring x 21' width; Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 WANTED: WWII GERMAN 10020 rubber, 80%, hydraulic 2000 bu. upright wet bin; AS 180 lP gas grain dryer, 1 ph; 6"xl0' bin sweep; and US war souvenirs and brakes, double framed, 107" Mayrath 8"x62' transport auger PTO; Versatile 8"x55' transport auger PTO. SHREDDED PAPER: Excel- equipment, uniforms, flags, Machinery: JD 70006 row planter, 30"rows, dry fert. monitor cross auger lent absorbent material-ani- mal bedding. Use instead of straw/sawdust. Contract rates as low as $125. Call Mark at 1-616-786-2424. medals, knives. 1-517-287- 5183. Place your ad for 6 months, get phone CA. $7995. Harrington Seed, Inc. Reese, MI 1-517-868-4750 yetter trash cleaners, minimum till coulters, rake attachments; JD 8300 18 hoe grain drill w/packer wheels; JD3200 5x18" on land trailer plow; JD 27 6 row stalk chopper; JD 336 square baler; JD TWA 14' wheel disc; JD F950 15' cultimulcher w/1S'spray attachments; IH 18' field cultivator w.rear tine leveler; -\ number in red. White 285 20' field cultivator; Kenwanee 13'tooth chisel plow trailer type; Yetter 3 pI. 6 row rotary hoe; Wilmar 5 ton DBl spinner fertilizer spreader; Kewanee STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- Special Events build and balance. Some ex- Place your ad for 1 1985 FORD F-350 pickup. 41'transport hay/grain elevator, PTO; Demeo 300 gal. trailer sprayer w/30 1(2.' changes. We stock chopper One ton, 6.9L, diesel, 2WD. boom & P~mp; Kuhn 9' hay tedder rake; 8 ass' sized gravity boxes 8 wagon parts. ENGINE REBUILDING LET THE SNAKE LADY do year, get phone Loaded! 160,000 miles. Al- gears, (6 light. 2 heavy duty) 5 8x16' hay flat racks - these pes sold by discre- our specialty. Auto- Truck- your parties, birthday, store ways starts. Great hauler. tion of auctioneer. Tractor -Antique-Continental- openings, fund raisers, com- number in red and One owner! Asking $4000. Farm Related Items: 220 gal. s steel bulk tank for 28%; buzz rig less blade; Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- pany picnics, pet shows. Call 1-517-689-4160. 1QOO.gal. fuel tank w/Gasboy elec. pump; 2 1100 gal. poly tanks used for water; gine dealer. Linda Mae 1-810-360-2046 or also save Cardmal14' alum. elevator w/314 hp motor; 40' semi tarp (new), 2 jewelry 69 years of service! . fax 1-810-539-0773 wagons. HART'S AUTO PARTS $1.00 per ad. 1993 OLDSMOBILE: 4-door, Consigned by Neighbor: Hesston 5540 4x5 round hay baler, elec. lie; New Cecil, OH 1-419-399-4777 Elite, loaded, with leather and Holland 469 9" haybine. -- sun roof. $13,000 or trade. Auctioneers Note: This is a good clean line of equipment. Plan on attending TV ANTENNAS dirt cheap! Call 517-531-3265. this auction, well worth the drive! Save a bundle on Channel Call Terms: Cash or good check day of sale. Master and Winegard anten- Larry Cornell, Proprietor, 8909 Townllne Rd., Kingsley, MI 49649 nas and accessories. For a free catalog, call 1-800-526- ..................... 1-800-968-3129 WANTED: The old Ford convert- For more Information call 616-263-7353 Sykora Auction Service, Inc. ABSOLUTE TOP CASH for ible that's back in your woods in 9984 Denny's Antenna Sales land contracts. Up to 95e on for details your field. Jlm& Scott Sykora, Auctioneers Clare, MI 517-386-9694 or 2252 Fax 517-386-2246 the dollar. Best offer guaran- Call 1-517-224-7952. WEST MICHIGAN BARN teed. Same day close. RESTORATION. We repair 1st National or replace foundations of all kinds. Roofs, floors, beams, sidewalks and doors. Struc- 1-800-879-2324 r---------------------------------, Deadline for next issue is April 5, 1996 tural straightening and paint- FARM AUCTION ing. No Sunday calls. 1-616-924-4151. Retiring from farming. 3121 Alward Rd., Laingsburg, MI Clinton County (8 miles South of St. Johns via US-27 to Alward Rd., 2 miles East). Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your _ MSU SPORTS FANS! Wednesday, April 10, 1996, 10:30 a.m. Partial l'sting Subscribe to Spartan Maga- Tractors: 1981 JD 4040 D tractor, cab, air, heat, radio, front weights, new Classified Ad Today! zine, your source for Michi- gan-State Sports~ 18 issues tires all around 1 year ago, 18,4-38 clamp on duals, 3131 hours; 1983 JD 750 or use the coupon below and mail or fax your - for only $32.95. Call D tractor wilf be sold as is, currently leaking water into oil. Combine, Com Picker: 1965 JD 45 EB combine, cab, chopper, 10' grain classified ad to Michigan Farm News 1-800-732-6532. head; NI 325 2-row corn picker with sheller atlachment The Spartan Hay and Feed Equipment: JD 660 rake with front caster wheel; NH 1010 Buy Line/Daily News stackliner; Gehll090 haybine; Kuhn rotary hay tedder, PTO; JD lOA FAX: hammermill on trailer; JD belt driven corn sheller; JD 38 forage harvester, 2- P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 488~8 1-517-831-5063 row corn head, dry hay head; JD 115 chuckwagon with JD gear; Little Giant 40' elevator, PTO; single chain aluminum elevator; MF blower with pipe. Equipment: JD 1350-1450 4-18" onload hitch plow, trailer type; JD 10' Classified Ad Codes cultipacker; JD 4-14" semi mount plow; JD 825 4-row cultivator, S tine, rolling CASH PAID FOR: Old fishing shi~lds.; Killbros 375 gravity boxes on JD gea.rs; 2 flat rack wa.gons with metal 1. Farm Machinery 10. Work Wanted 20. Wanted To Buy tackle, rods, reels, spears, gram Sides on JD gears; 2 flat rack wagons With metal grain Sides on JD gears; gaffs. One piece or entire col- JD 8200 18-hole grain drill, single disk; 3 pI. blade; JD 270 7' corn cribs, 18' 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 21. Special Events lection! Also, antique hunting high, 18' diameter snowmobile sled; 3300 gal. fuel tanks on stands; Consigned by Neighbor: 1983 Peterbilt tractor, tandem, air ride, 13 speed, 3. Farm Commodllies 12. BusIness Services 22. Recre:lllon and golf memorabilia. Call 517-427-5881. 400 Cat engine, Sleeper cab; Willmar 500 fertilizer spreader, tandem; Woods 5'3 4. Seeds 13. Business OpportunlUes 23. Financing pI. rotary mower; truck chassis grain wagon with 4' sides, 200 bu. capacity; 16' OLD GLASS NEGATIVES 5th wheel single axle flat bed trailer; 16.9/4-30 duals; Deutz Allis KS200 3000 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors Wanted. from late 1800's to early mm rotary hoe rake with 3 pI. hitch; old 9' field cultivator. 6. Poultry 15. Real Estate Wanted 25. Buildings 1900's. Willing to pay top pri- Cash or approved check. Announcements made day of sale take precedence ces for certain negatives. Call over printed matter. 7. Dogs :lnd Puppies 16. Estate Sales 26. Lawn And Garden Joe at 1-616-945-5536 or Louis Boron, Proprietor 517-669-9785 8. PonlesIHorses 17. AucUons 27. Announcements leave message. Glardon Auction Service, Inc. 6670 E. Juddville Rd. 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles 28. To Give Away SOFTWOOD WANTED: Corunna, MI517-743-4142 Sawlogs and pulpwood. 19. Gener.ll 29. Vehicles White, Red, Jack, Austrian and Scotch pines. Also, Bal- Name Phone ( ) _ sam, Spruce and Hemlock. AFTERNOON AUCTION, Especially White Pine saw- TRACTORS, ORCHARD, Address logs; standing or roadside. BAKERY, FARMING EQUIPMENT Lower Peninsula only! 12473 Seymour Rd., Montrose, MI, Genesee County (North of Flint City State Zip Northern Tlmbertands, Inc. via 1-75 to M-57 exll131, 6 miles west to Seymour Rd., 1 mile in business over 35 years!. North) Note: Not a Going out of Business Auction - Just Refining our Call 1-517-356-9759 Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues Operation. for pricing and specifications. Saturday, April 13, 1996, 1:00 p.m. Partial Listing Desired Insertion Date(s): TRAVERSE CITY: If you Tractors, Backhoe, Fork Lift: 1975 Case 580 CK G backhoe; Inl. Farmall M wish to buy or sell farm or tractor, SNll 0831, NF 3 pl., suitcase front weights with bracket; Ford 2000 G tractor, WF, miliary cab, heat, fenders, no 3 pl., used strictly for towing tractors Method of Payment recreational property in north- west Michigan, we can help. and wagon; MF 135 G tractor, 3 pl., hyd.; Inl. Farmall BN tractor, NF; Hyster Call Ron McGregor, North- model H 25 E fork lift, propane. Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classiried) ern Michigan Land Brokers, Speciallnterestltems: Ditch Witch 2200 ride-on trencher, 48"x8" with front blade and Wisconsin engine, SN5658874; Mitts & Merrill chipper, 16" head, Visa Card Number Exp. oale _ 1-616-929-1515, 1-616-943- 7709. WANTED TO BUY: Standing timber of all kinds. Call powered by Ford 300 industrial engine (can handle up to 8" trees and is on trailer); 1983 Chevy l-ton step van with aluminum body; 3 pI. underground trickier hose placer, appx. 25 rolls 1(2. poly pipe; hyd. dump 3-yard travel trailer; 12' wooden Christmas Iree display racks; Howey gas powered Christmas Master Card Number Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each additional word Exp. Date _. R. H. Rehkopf tree shaker; Danuser 3 pI. post hole au~r, 18" and 24"; Inl. loadstar 1850 D Big Rapids, Michigan .Write your ad here, including phone num~r and area code truck with 5th wheel single axle, crank IS scored. 1-800-725-7861 Farming, Orchard, and Spraying Equipment: 3-3 pI. 2-row cultivators; Oliver 2 3 4 3 pI. bottomplow; 3 pI. 7' cultipacker; Servis 3 pI. 8' York rake; 7' trailer-style WANTED, STANDING TIM- rotary mower; Ford 5' 3 pI. offset rotary; Bush Hog 5' 3 pI. rotary mower; 3 pI. BER: Buyers of timber of all 5 6 7 8 6' land plane; 3 pI. back blade; Rotovator 3 pI. 50" rototiller; 4-row corn planter; types. Cash in advance! Holland 2-row transplanter with Wisconsin engine, for plugs and strawberries; 1-517-875-4565.ask for lim. 9 10 11 12 McCormick Deering ground driven fertilizer spreader; Monitor 1926 sour cherry Maple Rapids pitter, 24" cast barrel drum, brass teeth, stainless trough, good, FB Pease com- Lumber Mill, Inc. mercial apple peeler, 2-cup; Aero 600 gal. stainless catch tank; appx. 70 tripod 13 14 15 16 St. Johns, MI wooden l-bushel crates; appx. 1800 wooden 1/2 bushel crates; 220 volt apple box dumper; 4 - 4-bushel produce bins; several double fans for ref. units; 194 17 18 19 20 WANTED: 2"-8" used alumi- num irrigation tubing. Buy, Berthoud 18' sprayer 3 boom wheels, John Bean pump; Hardi 50 gal. sprayer Sell or Trade! Call with hand gun, B&S engine, on trailer; Hardi orchard sprayers; many mtscella- 21 22 23 24 Rain Control neous parts for sprayers; 2 sprayers with B&S engines; 1000 gal. metal water 1-800-339-9350 tank on trailer. 25 26 27 28 Cash or approved check day of sale. Announcements made day of sale take WANTED: Bag Sewer in precedence over printed matter. 29 30 31 32 good condition. Call 1-616- Monlrose Orchards, Proprietor 546-3331. Ask for Jim or 810-639-6971 33 34 35 36 John. Glardon Auction Service, Inc. WANTED: CHERRY PITTER, 1- 6670 E Juddvllle Rd L ~ Corunna, MI517-743-4142 Circulation over 46,000 In State of Michigan. 616-944-1457. I~~I~ March 30, 1996 ProbClbility of Abov~ Probability of Above Higher Probability of Abov!? Hir;h~r Probability of Above Probabilit.y of BelO'W' ProbClbility of 134.>10w Hir;hl?r Probability of Below Higher Probability ofl34.>1o'W Probability of Normal Probability of Norm<\! Higher Probability of Normal Higher Probability of Norm<\! Equal Chnnc.;;; Equ<\! ChQ.noes by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural tion patterns across the state were similar to those normal conditions in the Upper Midwest. And the meteorologist, Department of of previous weeks, with normal to above normal development and continuation of a weak to moder- Geography, Michigan State University totals in lake-enhanced areas and normal to below ate La Nina event during the past few months may S easonably changeable weather was the rule across Michigan during early March, with many northern areas of the state experienc- ing the first extended thaw of the season. Precipita- normal totals elsewhere. Statistical evidence indicates a link between La Nina conditions (the symmetrically opposite phase of ENSO with El Nino) and colder than be at least partially responsible for the generally colder than normal temperatures experienced here in Michigan Since late last Fall. While La Nina condi- tions are expected to continue into the summer months, there are few, if any related weather anom- alies in the Midwest during the Spring and Summer seasons. The latest extended outlooks for April and - - - .-" the April through June 9Q-day period both call for near equal chances for below-, near., and above- RESPONSIBILITY NO. 19 normal temperature and precipitation. As with most long-term outlooks and their relatively low skill and reliability, the best planning strategy is to expect the historical normals, the upcoming spring season being no exception. IFYOU KEEP By early April, normal maximum temperatures should range from near 50 across southern Lower SPITTING INTO Michigan to the mid-upper 405 in the northern Lower Peninsula to the low 40s across Upper Michi. THE WIND, gan. Normal low temperatures at the same time range from the low 305 south to the mid-upper 205 YOU'RE GONNA north .• GET WET. Michigan Weather Summary I PROMISE TO TAKE THE EXTRA Temperature Precipitation 2/16/96 to Observed Dev. from Actual Normal TIME TO MAKE SURE THE SAFETY 3/15/96 mean normal (inch) (inch) SHIELDS ARE IN PLACE. HOUGHTON 16.8 -1.3 1.76 1.56 MARQUETTE 17.5 0.3 2.37 1.56 ESCANABA 18.8 -3.0 0.43 1.5 I PROMISE TO ACTUALLY REPLACE SAULTSTE.MARIE 16.9 -1.5 1.29 1.57 LAKE CITY 21.2 -0.9 1.55 1.54 THOSE BOLTS THAT HAVE BEEN PElLSTON 21.8 2.3 1.27 1.54 MISSING ON THE GRAIN BIN TRAVERSE CITY 24.2 0.2 1.86 1.54 AlPENA 23.0 0.7 0.54 1.61 LADDER FOR 5 YEARS. HOUGHTONLAKE 24.0 0.8 1.13 1.61 MUSKEGON 27.4 -1.0 1.43 1.89 VESTABURG 24.9 -1.6 1.55 1.80 I PROMISE TO DO EVERYTHING I BAD AXE 24.1 -2.2 1.16 1.75 CAN TO PUT EVERY SPECK OF SAGINAW 26.6 0.0 2.09 1.75 GRAND RAPIDS 27.1 -1.1 1.11 1.93 INSECTICIDE ON THE SOUTH BEND 30.8 -0.4 2.10 1.93 INSECTS ... NOT ON ME. COLDWATER 27.3 -2.3 1.49 1.84 LANSING 27.0 -0.6 1.06 1.84 DETROIT 28.7 -1.2 1.91 1.93 FLINT 27.0 -0.8 1.23 1.93 TOlEDO 30.1 0.2 1.29 1.93 Observed totals are accumulated from April 1. Normals are based on district averages. YOU HAVE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU RUN A FARM. IN YOUR HASTE TO MEET THEM, SOMETIMES IT'S TEMPTING TO PUT SAFETY LAST. GET IN TOO BIG A HURRY AND YOU CAN FIND YOURSELF KICKING UP A CLOUD OF INSECTICIDE DUST. THAT'S WHY IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A PRODUCT LIKE COUNTER~ CR'" SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE-NEMATICIDE IN THE LOCK'N LOAD. CLOSED HANCLING SYSTEM .• THE UNIQUE, CONTROLLED-RELEASE FORMULATION OF CR RESULTS IN LONGER-LASTING PROTECTION, GIVING YOU THE MOST EFFECTIVE INSECTICIDE YOU CAN BUY. THEN LOCK'N LOAD MAKES IT EVEN BETTER BY PUTTING IT IN THE SAFEST SYSTEM. OUR PATENTED LOCK'N LOAD CONTAINER AUTOMATICALLY KEEPS INSECTICIDE DUST AWAY - FROM YOU AND PUTS IT WHERE YOU WANT IT ... ON YOUR INSECTS. No BAGS TO BURN. NOTHING TO BURY. No CLOUDS OF TROUBLE TO STIR UP. COUNTER.t:R~OCWn LOAD"(. ~. RES P 0 N SIB L E. L I KEY 0 U .l-~