11= /tIICHIGAN FARM BIJREAIJ April 15, 1996 Vol. 73, No.7 Karnal bunt quarantine and concern grows 5 honly after the USDAannounced a three- state quarantine, obstructing interstate movement of wheat and other related anicles to contain the spread of the karnal bunt wheat fungus, speculation was growing that a contami- nated lot of wheat seed may have been shipped to California. The affected states are Arizona, New Mexico (Dona Ana, Hidalgo, Luna and Sierra counties) and Texas (EI Paso and Hudspeth counties). The fungus, first detected in Arizona in early March, was later found in three seedlots that were grown in that state but then shipped to New Mexico and Texas. A shipment of durum wheat seeds possibly contaminated with the karnal bunt fungus was shipped to California, leading to fears that the fungus may have spread to that state as well. "We'll take the proper regulatory action once we've determined what's happened with the shipment, whether it's in the ground or in stor- age," said Ed Cunlett, USDA Kamal Bunt Task Force spokesman. USDA also said that additional funds are being secured to fight fungus infestation under a As planting season starts across the United States, Congress, the secretary of agriculture and the president felt the pressure "declaration of emergency" signed by Agriculture to get this year's farm programs in place, culminating with the April 4 signing of the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Secretary Dan Glickman, effective March 26. Reform Act of 1996 by President Clinton. Additional acreage may be available for spring planting due to further changes At this point, the total number of bushels in CRP early-out provisions just announced. affected by the fungus is not known. However, USDAand industry groups are meeting to deter- mine how to compensate wheat farmers if their crops need to be destroyed, Cunlett said. USDA has also ordered the destruction of MFB Washington Legislative he debate is over, votes are cast, 4,000 acres of fungus-infected wheat in Texas and New Mexico. "These plow down orders are neces- Seminar action packed conference committee work is complete and finally what staned out as the 1995 sary to prevent the spread of kamal bunt into M FB's 36th annual Washington legisla- farm bill became the Federal Agricultural Improve- non-infected areas of the U.S. and to help protect tive Seminar was a quick-paced event ment and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR)with a stroke our expon markets," says Don Husnik, with of the pen by President Clinton on April 4. that couldn't have been timed better USDA'sAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Under the new law, USDAwill hold a "one- for producers to discuss farm bill concerns. The According to Husnik, plans for Arizona, conference committee appointed to develop the time" enrollment for the new seven-year farm where karnal bunt was originally discovered, have compromise package that was eventually passed by program, beginning sometime in mid- to late-May not yet been announced. "We're still evaluating both the House and Senate staned their discussions and concluding about 60 days later: the situation in Arizona and will make a decision the same week that 112 Michigan Farm Bureau According (0 Chris White, Michigan's acting shonly," he said. members from across the state were in town to state executive director for the Farm Services Agen- Texas and New Mexico farmers who plow address a number of issues, according to MFB cy (FSA), all county FSA personnel will be going for down their wheat crops may be eligible to receive Public Affairs Director AJ Almy. training the first two weeks of May. compensation at the rate of S275 per acre, plus S25 "Many of the panicipants had one-on-one '1\11 indications are that sign up will begin May per acre for plowing, according to USDA. However, opponunities with their respective representatives 20," explains White. "Farmers should be contacting such compensation may make producers ineligible for compensation from crop insurance. and Sens. Carl Levin and Spencer Abraham on the their FSAoffice with farm changes and to be sure Meanwhile, Canada has banned the impon farm bill debate as well as estate taxes, health insur- their records are up-to-date, even if it means calling of U.S. durum wheat and restricted the entry of ance deductions, Delaney clause and minor use the office and saying, 'This is what I currently have, other wheat varieties from Arizona, New Mexico pesticide reform, immigration reform, private prop- is this what you have?'" and Texas - sites quarantined by the USDAto eny rights and regulatory reform," Almy explained. According to Secretary of Agriculture Dan contain the spread of karnal bunr. The quarantine While Levin and Abraham had differing views Glickman, Pres. Clinton signed the bill despite could be in place until the end of the year, on how to address the budget deficit, both agreed his continued concern that the legislation imperils Curdett said. that regulatory reform should be a top priority. Dur- the traditional "safety net" function of federal farm ing a breakfast meeting with MFB members, Abraham programs. said that a Senate filibuster that's prohibiting regula- "With the completion of global and regional tory reform is just two votes shan of being broken. trade agreements and the explosive growth in inter- "What breaking the filibuster would do is allow us to Genesee County Farm Bureau member national trade of ag commodities, it's difficult to have good, common sense, honest science and hon- William Hunt covers the bases with imagine a better time to transition U.S. agriculture est risk analysis of new regulations," he said. Rep. James Barcia (D-Bay City) on a to a more market-oriented system," stated MFB Sen. Levin also called for reducing the regulato- host of issues including the farm bill. President]ack Laurie. ry burden in a sensible manner. "What we're aiming The FAIRAct of 1996 eliminates annual acre. at is to try and make sure that before federal agendes the benefits justify the costs," Levin said. age set-aside programs, target prices and deficiency impose regulations that they take into consideration Turning to budget issues, Levin praised the payments and replaces these income suppon the costs and the benefits of that regulation and that Continued on page 14 Continued on page 20 News in Brief 2 Soil-applied herbicides for Weather Outlook 11 Capitol Corner 3 grass control 8 Losing farmland to development Market Outlook 6 When should I reseed alfalfa? 8 isn't inevitable 12 1995 profits and cash flows Gear your trucks up for Soybean producers taking the on Michigan farms 7 spring work 9 soybean back to school 14 Critical issues for site-specific Farm and ranch safety management in Michigan 10 management 15 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News c/assifieds-Page 17 ~tt: I[~ ~ I~'I =\'i'J:J April1S, 1996 Nevus Wheat crop Michigan producer named to National Po- Ruth Farmers Elevatorl R ecent cold weather in the High Plains proba- Cooperative Elevator in Brief bly will not kill young winter wheat, but will likely damage plant leaves and slow spring growth, scientists predict. The change in weather, which fell tato Promotion Board U SDASecretary Dan Glickman has announced that Montcalm County Farm Bureau member Company merger approved from 80 degree temperatures to singJe-digit temper- atures within a week, could prevent wheat from and potato producer, Thomas Hansen, of Greenville, is one of 23 new appointments to the National Potato M erger plans will get underway this month for implementation of a merger plan ap- proved by members of the Ruth Farmers Elevator producing additional tillers, which would restrict Imig resignation Promotion board. The board, authorized under the and the Cooperative Elevator Company. The former the crop's yield potential. 1971 Potato Research and Promotion Act, adminis- Ruth Elevator will now be known as Cooperative effective July 1 "This will delay maturity and probably won't ters industry-funded national research and promo- do any good as far as the yields are concerned," said Elevator of Ruth. The resulting merger will serve A fter sen'ing five years as Director of MSU Extension, Gail Imig has announced her intention to step clown from her position effective Gary Paulsen, professor of agronomy at Kansas State University .• tion programs to increase U.S. exports and domestic potato consumption. Each state is entitled to at least ovel 1,350 members and create total sales of $100 million for the Cooperative Elevator Company .• one producer member, who must be nominated at july I to assume a new position as A'iSociateVice local and state levels for the position .• Provost working with youth-related leadership Mycogen guarantees Lawsuit settlement programming. In a prepared announcement, Imig saicl that Dr. Arlen Leholm will serve as Interim market for Bt corn Worker shortage fears reaches $8.5 million Extension Direct~ M ycogen Seeds, marketer of genetically engi- neered Bt corn seed, says it will provide growing A Wisconsin jury has ordered farmer-equipment manufacturer Case Corp. to pay $6.5 million Tighter rules planned farmers ,vith a written guarantee that it will buy their crop if it can't be sold through normal channels. M FB is very concerned about the recent defeat of an effort in the U.S. House to add a pilot H2-temporary alien agricultural worker pro- in compensatory damages and $2 million in punitive damages to an OregQn man who lost Mycogen says it is making the offer in both arms in a 1992 farm accident, according to for cattle feed response to reports that some elevators may not gram to the immigration reform bill, according to a Reuters News report. The award must still be MFB Public Affairs Director AlA1my.He says that an A s part of its "mad-cow" counter-efforts, the federal Food and Drug Administration in- tends to tighten rules on the manufacture of animal accept corn produced from Bt seed, which gives the plants resistance to corn borers. H2 program is vitally needed by Michigan producers. "The opponents of an H2 program, who approved by a judge, which is expected sometime in mid-May. Case has said it plans to appeal. Bt seed is genetically altered with the Bt The lawsuit involves Steven Sharp of Richland, feed, banning the use of rendered sheep and cattle protein (Bacillus thuringiensis) to protect against argued against it in Congress, maintained that do- Ore., who was 17 years old at the time of the acci- parts, Reuters reports. European corn borers. mestic workers were available and that farmers only dent in 1992, when he was clearing hay away from The new rules will apply to "ruminant-to- Mycogen doesn't expect farmers to have trou- had to go into the major dties of Michigan and the front of a baler. He says the PTO on his Case 970 ruminant" feed, meaning cattle and sheep parts ble marketing corn from Bt seed. The company invite those people to come out and work on their diesel tractor self-started, pulling both cannot be fed to other cattle and sheep. notes that the federal Environmental Protection farms," A1myexplained. "The reality is that while of his arms into the baler. One arm was severed Even before the rule is made official, some Agency has given Mycogen a Tolerance Exemption there are unemployed people in many of Michigan's above the elbow, the other just below the elbow. feed processors are expected to institute the ban approving grain from Bt corn plants for use in food dties, they are not willing to come out and do the Sharp's lawyer argued that Case had known voluntarily in an effort to quell consumer concern products and as animal feed. hard work necessary in the growth of labor-inten- since 1972 about the problems of the PTO engaging about mad-cow disease. In addition, the company notes that Bt pro- sive agricultural crops." itself. The company had implemented a series of Britain banned the practice several years ago, teins have been used for more than 30 years in A1mysaid Farm Bureau will continue to ask redesigns, but farmers continued to complain about after scientists concluded that use of cattle and foliar sprays to selectively control crop pests with- Congress for programs that ensure farmers will the problem, both before and after Sharp's acd- sheep offal may have contributed to the spread out harming animals, humans or beneficial insects. have an adequate labor supply necessary for crops dent, the lawyers argued .• of bovine spongiJorm encephalopathy (BSE). Al- But EPAapproval does not extend to foreign such as apples, peaches, strawberries, asparagus though BSE has captured public concern in Britain markets, and merchandisers are worried that genet- and cucumbers .• due to a possible link with a similar human condi- ically altered crops may be banned from some u.s. beef production tion, the number of BSE cases in Britain have countries. For example, japan and the European nears record dropped since the new feed rules were instituted. CAT crop insurance U.S. renderers currently observe a voluntary Union have yet to approve importation of soybeans grown with the "Roundup-Ready" gene, which gives deadline extended B eef production for the first quarter of 1996 is projected to fall just shy of the record of $6.49 ban on using sheep in animal feed, due to scrapie - a sheep disease similar to BSE and which is present the plant more tolerance to Roundup herbicide. to May 2 billion set in 1976 despite 18 percent fewer cattle And, according to Mycogen, Europe and Japan in the United States. British scientists theorize that BSE could have spread to cattle through sheep have not yet approved Bt corn. "Although there is no scientific basis for con- U nder terms of the new farm bill signed by President Clinton, producers now have until May 2 to sign up for the minimum level of cata- slaughtered in 1996 compared to 20 years ago. The Agriculture Department said, despite the drastically lower number of head slaughtered, cattle brains used in feed in the mid-1980s. cern about possible harmful effects of Bt protein, strophic (CAT) crop insurance to make sure they average carcass dressed weight has risen 110 No BSE cases have been found in the United this particular corn hybrid was engineered with are not excluded from disaster protection, accord- pounds over the last 20 years. States, perhaps due to a shortage of British imports. tissue-specific promoters to produce Bt protein ing to MFB Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm. First-quarter choice steer prices averaged According to Reuters, no British beef has been im- only in green tissue and pollen, not in the grain," 'i\lthough the requirements linking crop in- about $8 below the 1995 level of $73.11 per hun. ported into the U.S. since 1985 and no British cattle says Carl Eibl, president of Mycogen Corp., the surance to several other farm programs has been dredweight, and USDAsaid they could drop again since 1989. California biotechnology firm that owns Wisconsin- dropped under the new farm bill, the net result is, if in late summer. U.S. beef supplies are expected to The new feed rule was rumored last week in based Mycogen Seeds. you do not sign up for the minimum CATlevel of reach record levels this year, pushing prices down livestock and feed circles, leading to higher prices "Bt seed corn has been approved for sale in crop insurance coverage, you will forfeit your rights to the lowest level in nearly 10 years, USDAsaid. for soymeal and millfeed. this country after exhaustive regulatory review, and to any crop disaster relief, including access to emer- Along the same lines, pork prices for the first At the same time, it's estimated that cattle we expect it to be approved by regulatory authori- gency loans," Boehm explained. quarter are expected to be about 1.5 percent below values will drop about $1 per head due to the lower ties in Europe and japan during the current grow- The CATpolicies can be obtained from any last year's levels, despite cash hog prices averaging value of offal. • ing season," says Eibl. • nearly 15 percent higher. The composite retail prices private crop insurance agent. While producers can also elect to cancel their CATcoverage until May 2, of pork rose 8 cents a pound last month, due mainly Boehm cautions that the CATpolicies will be the to a 32-cent increase in the price of bone-in hams .• Farm Bureau scholarship only remaining crop disaster safety net producers will have in the event of a weather-related crop Michigan corn and winners recognized disaster. "Producers choosing to cancel their coverage potato chemical usage A findings released t the spring College of Agriculture and will have to sign a waiver acknowledging that they Natural Resources awards banquet, understand they will not be eligible for any disaster Michigan Farm Bureau recognized the winners of its scholarships sponsored by the Marge assistance for any insurable crop," Boehm ex- plained .• A trazine was the most commonly used herbi- cide in Michigan, with application made to over 69 percent of the state's corn acreage in 1995. Karker and Young Farmer Trust Funds. Metolachlor and cyanazine followed with 38 and 24 The Marge Karker scholarship, worth $1,500, percent, respectively, according to the Michigan Ag was awarded to a Michigan State University (MSU) 400-pound weight Statistics Service. Herbicides were applied to 100 student enrolled in the two-year Institute of provision lifted from percent of the corn acres, while just 18 percent of Agricultural Technology program. This year's Rumensine label the acres were treated with insecticides. winner is Brian Devine from West Branch, Of the 2,450,000 acres planted to corn last a first-year agricultural business student. The Young Farmer Trust fund scholarship E lanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Ully and Company, announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed the 400 pound year, 99 percent of the acres received an applicatio of nitrogen at an average rate of 127 pounds per is worth $3,000 and was awarded to MSU senior acre for the year. Phosphate was applied to 85 per- weight provision for increased rate of weight gain Mike Prelesnik, an agriscience major who plans cent of the corn acreage at the rate of 51 pounds in pasture cattle from the Rumensin label. While on becoming a high school agriscience teacher MFB State Promotion and Education previously approved for feed efficiency as well as per acre. Potash was also used on 85 percent of and FFAadvisor .• Committee Chair Brigette Leach presents Brian Devine with the Marge Karker Schol- prevention and control of coccidiosis at all weights the acreage at the rate of 104 pounds per acre for arship award. in confined cattle, Rumensin is now indicated for the year. increased rate of weight gain in pasture cattle of all Nitrogen and potash fertilizers were also used sizes (slaughter, stocker, feeder, dairy and beef re- on all of the state's 55,000 acres of potatoes last The Af/chiglln F.rm News (ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twice per month except In the months of Nove~ December, June and July when only one Issue Is printed, as a se~ to regular members, by Michigan Film! Bureau. 7373 West placement heifers) without any weight stipulations. year, while phosphate was used on 98 percent of Saginaw Highway. lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of S1.50 Is Induded In annual dues of Rumensin, the industry's proven ionophore, the acres. Herbicides were used on 85 percent of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. AddltiOMlsubsalp1ion fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to nonmembers and outside the continental U.s.A. Second-class postage ~Id at Lansing. Michigan. and addltiOMI can now improve cattle performance from start the acres, with Iinuron applied to 75 percent of mailing offices. to finish in stocker and fed cattle as well as dairy those acres, followed closely by metolachlor on Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor. Michigan Farm News. Post Office Box 30960. lansing. Mlchig., 48909-1460. POSTMASTER - Send ~ress changes to: Michigan F.m Bureau. Post Office and beef replacement heifers. The chart below 72 percent of the treated acreage. Box 30960, lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. illustrates clearances for all market classes .• Insecticides were used on 100 percent of the Editorial: Dennis Rucblt. Editor and Buslness Manager; Thomas Nugent,. Associate Editor. Weight acreage, with Imidadoprid the insectidde of choice Design and Production: Jeffr~ Rutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rovers Oalm Cattle Desalption Provision Officers: President,. Jack Laurie. Cass Oty; Vice PresIdent. Tom Guthrie. Delton; Administrative Director. Chuck Burteu; on 78 percent of the acreage. Chlorothalonil was Improved feed efficiency Confined fO( slaughter None nusurer and Chief financial Officer. Tom Parker. Secretary. David VanderHaagen. Directors: District 1, Jim Miner, Coccidiosis prevention the most commonly used fungicide on 85 percent Coloma; District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall; DIstrict 3. Michael Fuslfier, Manchest8: Distrid 4, Tom Guthrie. Delton; Distrkt 5, AI.-. Gamer, Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood. MMtette; District 7, Rick Johnson. Leroy, Dis1rict .. RIchard and control Confinedlsemi-confined None of the total acreage. Diquat, used for plant dry I.eadt. Saginaw: Oistrkt 9, Joshua Wunsch, Travw Oty; Oistrk:t 10, Margaret IWtIts, West Branch; DIstrict 11, Robert Increased rate of down at harvest, was used on 60 percent of the Wahmhoff, Bar.ga. At-lMge: Udc LaurIe. Cass Oty: Faye AcS.m. Snover. JaIl Vosburg, OlmaJe Judy Emmons. Sheridan.. weight gain Promotion and Education, Brigette LNc:h. Olmu; Young Farmers. Ovis Donbrock. CoIdwlter. All martet classes None total potato acreage .• fi'Jl [tf: I @'l!i!] ~ I~ I ~'m April1S, 1996 For more information on STATE ISSUE legislative topics in the Amendments to RA. 232 Michigan Farm News. call 800.292.2680. H B. 5362, sponsored by Rep. Kim Rhead (R-Sandusky), is expanded to allow additional commodities to organize under PA. 232, including collected because of funding of projects will be shared in by the program. This amendment was initiated by the corn producers. Provisions are nursery stock and aquaculture. The bill contains a made for the borrowing of funds by commodity STATE ISSUE clarifying amendment for soybeans, which is orga- programs with the approval of the Director of the Transportation reform nized under a national checkoff to allow the waiving Department of Agriculture and with strict limits on of the five-year referendum if a periodic review is the amount of funds borrowed and the payback S en. Philip Hoffman has introduced the follow- ing transportation reform package: Act provides for the current distribution of the $1.4 billion Michigan Transportation Fund. There provided for. There is provision in the national pro- gram for a periodic review. provisions. MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. • SJRV would amend the Michigan Constitution to is no proposal to replace this formula. The bill also provides that royalties that are MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043.• eliminate the State Transportation Commission . • S.B. 874 and S.B. 875 would allow coupty boards This amendment would be a statewide ballot to dissolve county road commissions. question for voters to decide. In effect, it would • S.B. 876 would allow countywide local gas taxes. STATE ISSUE eliminate a public forum for discussion on state MFB Position: Farm Bureau opposes this transportation issues before MOOT. package of bills. Primary seat belt bill • S.B. 873 would repeal Public Act 51 of 1951. This STATE ISSUE MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048.• H B. 5000, sponsored by Rep. Fitzgerald is now on the House floor calendar where it has been since Feb. 1, 1996 awaiting second reading. The bill would make seat belt violations a "primary offense" instead of a secondary violation, allowing law enforcement officials to stop motorists Recently Gov. Engler have endorsed this bill and for seat belt violations. Workers' compensation insurance fraud has tied it to an increase in the highway speed lim- MFB Position: MFB policy position is that we 5 B. 895 defines a workers' compensation fraud- ulent act to mean an act by someone who purposely provides fraudulent information in order In addition, the legislation reverses the Michigan Supreme Court's decision in Gardner vs. Van Buren Public Schools, which allows an employ- its. Both actions by the Governor has increased the probability of enactment, contrary to Farm Bureau's policy. Action on the bill is being delayed because oppose further expansion of police powers such as the primary seat belt proposals. MFB Contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044.• to "injure, defraud, or deceive." The bill makes ee to obtain workers' compensation benefits for there aren't sufficient votes for passage. workers' compensation fraud a felony. It provides stress, anxiety, personality conflicts, misperceptions immunity from liability to individuals and compa- of stimuli or events that over time resulted in a STATE ISSUE nies that furnish information regarding fraudulent "hypersensitive" reaction. act') to an authorized agency or the National Associ- MFB Position: MFBsupports S.B. 895. Affirmative action ation of Insurance Commissioners. MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048.• STATE ISSUE L egislation has been introduced to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act that would pro- hibit employers, employment agencies, and educa- eligibility to participate in any program offered by the institution, or eligibility for a grant of finandal assistance. It also includes state employees covered Tourist-oriented directional signs tional institutions from adjusting test scores, using by the Civil Service Commission. different cut -off scores, or otherwise altering the MFB Position: Farm Bureau opposes any H B. 4770 would create the Tourist-Oriented Directional Sign Act. This bill would allow approved applicants to obtain a permit for a tourist- Department ofTransportation (MOOT). A vote is expected soon. MFB Position: MFB testified before the results of a test based upon the religion, race, color, national origin, or sex of the person taking the test. legislation that would directly or indirectly result in employers implementing hiring quotas as a defense The bill would also bar educational institu- against allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. oriented directional sign on a state highway. House Transportation Committee in support of this tions from changing tests or scores used to deter- MFB Contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044 .• The size, location, design and arrangement of each legislation. mine class rank or status, eligibility for admission, sign will be subject to approval by the Michigan MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048.• STATE ISSUE STATE ISSUE Environmental audits SARA Title '" 5 B. 728 has been signed by the Governor with immediate effect, and will allow companies and farms that have a historical environmental evaluation is completed and a cleanup plan of action is developed, the individual is exempt from any local, state or federal environmental law. M any counties have now reached the point where they have approved emergency explaining and helping them to develop an emer- gency plan for their operation. MFB policy encour- ages members to become informed about and plans from industry and business and now are ag- problem to voluntarily come forward to develop MFB Position: MFBsupported the bill. gressively turning their attention to the farm com- comply with the Right-ta-Know Jaws in an effort to a privileged environmental evaluation. Once the MFB Contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046.• munity, seeking.compliance with required planning develop a safer workplace for employees and farm by farms that qualify under the law. Many farmers family members. MFB also supports the use of a STATE ISSUE have already complied with the reporting portion of uniform instrument for reporting generic informa- the law, but now will move to the next phase which tion to the local fire district and endorsed the site Private Property Preservation Act specific simplified form approved by the state is the development of an emergency plan for their H B. 4433 has also been signed by the Governor with immediate effect and requires the Attor- ney General to develop guidelines to be considered other bills soon to be introduced by Rep. Ken Sikkema (R-Grandville) to address additional problems with regulating private property. "facility", (farm). The Local Emergency Planning Committee Emergency Response Commission for reporting by individual farms. (LEPC), in each county will be contacting farmers, MFB Contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044 .• by state government entities prior to implementing MFB Position: Farm Bureau supported a regulation or decision on a permit that may cause H.B. 4433. a taking of private property. Currently there are five MFB Contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046.• STATE ISSUE STATE ISSUE Governor signs ag exemption legislation he Michigan Vehicle Code requires someone "truck and semitrailer or trailer" for transporting Land Division Act T who operates a vehicle transporting agricultur- saw logs, pulpwood, and tree length poles as long O ne hearing has been held on S.B. 112, the Land Division Act. A major part of the legisla- tion is the proposed change to close the unlimited and if access is afforded by easement, not more than two parcels may be served by the same easement, unless the local ordinance al commodities "in the normal operation of a farm" to ensure that the contents of the vehicle cannot escape from the vehicle while in transport, although as the entire vehicle, including the load, does not exceed 70 feet in length. The bill would expand the type of vehicles that could be used for this purpose 10.1 acre land division exemption to platting. allows othef\vise. such persons are exempt from a requirement that to include a "truck tractor and semitrailer or trailer," The legislation calls for the following: • A maximum parcel size of2.5 acres, unless a their vehicles either be covered or that the contents subject to the same length restrictions. • All land divisions have to be approved and larger lot is permitted by local ordinance . be securely fastened to the vehicle. MFB Position: Farm Bureau supported the surveyed before sale. • A depth-to-width ratio of not more than 4:1. The bill amends the act to include the trans- bill and Gov. Engler signed the bill on March 21, • r.vo divisions per the first 10 acres or fraction If municipal or county ordinance prescribes a port of "other materials necessary" in the normal 1996 making it Public Act 136 of 1995. thereof contained in the parent parcel or parent smaller maximum depth-to-\vidth ratio, the mu- operation of a farm to the exemption described MFB Contact: Howard Kelly,ext. 2044.• tract, plus one division for each additional whole nicipal or county ordinance controls the depth to above. The act also permits someone to operate a 10 acres. \vidth ratio. A municipality or county may grant a • Locals can offer up to two more divisions \vaiver from any applicable depth-to-width ratio . total with shared driveways or clustering in Also within the proposed Land Division Act is STATE ISSUE accordance with an adopted local ordinance. a requirement to notify land buyers of the potential Migrant Camp Licensing responsibilities • Total maximum divisions: nine under Land Divi- of agricultural operations doing business under the sion Act or 11 with local approval. Right-to-Farm guidelines. transferred to MDA he Michigan Department of Public Health has receptive to the input of farmers on camp licensing • All parcels created must have approved access MFB Contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• T transferred its Migrant ~mp licensing duties issues. Governor Engler signed the Executive Order on March 15, 1996 transferring this section to the STATE ISSUE to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Farm Bureau requested the section be housed in the Michigan Department of Agriculture which will take Michigan Aquaculture Development Act Michigan Department of Agriculture where it was place within 60 days. felt the administration would be more a\vare of and MFB Contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044 .• R ep. Mike Green (R-Mayville) has introduced legislation to provide for the establishment, regulation and protection of aquaculture as follows: Species qualifying for inclusion on the list are under the following criteria: • Were naturally indigenous \vithin "the waters of NATIONAL ISSUE • The Department of Agriculture is the lead agency the state," which includes groundwater, lakes, and clarifies that aquaculture is an agricultural streams and all other waters within the state Legal Services Corporation enterprise. including the Great Lakes. • The raising, breeding, transporting and sale of fish and aquaculture products are regulated by • Were naturalized within those waters . • Could not perpetuate in the waters of the state. E fforts to obtain significant reform of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) have experienced setbacks in the Senate. The setbacks occurred when However, there is no indication of softness in the House to reforming the LSC,especially the issue of increased funding. the Department of Agriculture and specifically • Were confined in a research facility for the pur- the Senate approved an increase in funding for LSC MFB Position: Farm Bureau opposed the states that these activities take place in private pose of determining whether they should be from $278 million to $300 million and removed Senate actions. waters, not in the public waters. added to the approved list. . lobbying restrictions against legal aid grantees. MFB Contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040.• • Research on species that are not indigenous to MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports Michigan may be permitted. The bill provides a list H.B.5555. of approved species for aquaculture production. MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043.• National Issuescontinued on page 4 ~~~ April1S, 1996 NATIONAL ISSUE NATIONAL ISSUE Health care Private property rights T he House has passed the Heallh Care Coverage Availabiliryand Affordability Act of 1996. The legislation comains provisions on ponability which of long-term care insurance. The second measure would allow persons who buy high-c!eductible health insurance plans lO 5 605, the Omnibus Property Rights Act, has been scheduled for consideration by the Sen- ate when it returns from Easter recess in mid-April. Prior to issuing any regulation that is likely to result in a taking, a federal agency must submit a takings impact analysis to the Office of Management would allow employees lO take heallh insurance make tax deductible comributions lOspecial medi- The bill requires compensation for private property and Budget outlining the likelihood that the action with them when they change jobs and provisions cal savings accoums to pay for medical expenses. if, because of federal government action: would provoke a taking, alternatives to the proposed on pre-existing conditions which limits ability of The bill also allows the terminally ill lO receive • Private property has been physically taken for regulation that would ease the impact of the taking, insurance companies to exclude people from health life insurance benefits while alive without paying public use. and an estimate of the cost of compensation. The insurJnce coverage. tax. Malpractice changes are made limiting pain • Allor substantially all economic value of the land takings impact analysis must be made public and The bill comains two measures supponed by and suffering awards lO $250,000 per case. Insurers has been lost. given to owners of affected property. Farm Bureau. The self-employed health insurance would be given greater protection against punitive • The affected propeny is devalued by 33 percent. MFB Position: Farm Bureau strongly deduClion would be increased from 30 percem to damage awards that often run imo the millions of • Any circumstance occurs that is considered a supports S. 605. 50 percem by 2003. The types of insurance that are dollars. taking under the 5th Amendmem to the U.S. MFB Contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040.• deductible would be expanded to include the cost MFB Contact: AIAImy,ext 2040 .• Constitution. NATIONAL ISSUE OSHA tightens grain Food disparagement safety rules laws on the rise Immigration reform W alking down grain" will no longer be per- mined at grain elevalOrs after April 8, says the Labor Depanmem's Occupational Safery and F ood disparagemem laws, written (0 protect agribusiness from false, negative claims about its products, are gaining populariry in the states. T he House has passed H.R. 2202, which reforms immigration law. The bill focuses primarily on illegal immigrants and contains the following major those states, employers would have the option of calling into the system for each new employee instead of checking specified paper documents Health Administration (OSHA). To date, 12 states, including Alabama, Arizona, provisions: as is currently required. The pilot program would OSHA has published a final rule prohibiting Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, • States are authorized to deny public education lO end in October 1999 and a subsequent vote by the praClice of "walking down" grain lO make it flow Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and children who are illegal immigrants. Congress would be required to expand the pro- bener. Texas, have enacted such legislation. • Illegal immigrants are barred from receiving state gram nationwide . OSHA's new rule follows a 1993 death of a 19- Four other states - Maryland, Nebraska, Ver- and federal welfare benefits. If within seven years • Rules for deporting illegal immigrants would be year-old Florida man who was walking across a corn mont and Wisconsin - are currently debating the of arrival an illegal immigrant receives 12 months streamlined. Persons entering the United States slOrage faciliry when he was pulled down and suffo- issue, with the Maryland state legislature slated (0 of benefits under major state or federal welfare illegally would be permanently barred from re- cated, Remers reports. vO(e on disparagemem legislation sometime during programs, he/she could be deponed. However, ceiving legal immigrant status. The new ruling requires a harness with a life- the next two weeks. A Supreme Coun decision is they could receive certain public health and nu- • The H-lB temporary visa program for foreign line or a boatswain's chair to provide protection expected in April on a food disparagement case. trition programs, emergency medical care and workers with specialized job skills would be re- whenever an employee walks or stands on grain at a The nc"Xlfor these laws, according to agricul- short-term emergency relief. vised. Employers with a small number of H-IB depth that "poses an engulfmem hazard." tural groups, is the potemial massive income loss • Sponsors of illegal immigrants would be required workers would be exempted from certain exist- If this is not possible, the employer must pro- caused by consumer boycotts of the products to assume greater financial responsibiliry for the ing regulations. Employers who replace a U.S. vide an allernative means (0 prevem the employee attacked. One example of this is the $75 million lost immigrants they bring to the United States. Pro- worker with a temporary foreign worker would from sinking funher than waist-c!eep inlO the grain. by Washington state apple producers in 1989 due lO spective sponsors would have to show they have to pay the new employee at least 110 per- While the previous rule protected workers the Alar scare. could support themselves and the sponsored cent of the U.S. worker's wage. from hazards while walking on or underneath accu- "You've got to let science decide these immigrant(s) at a minimum of twice the federal During consideration of the bill, a temporary mulated grain, it did nO( apply lO workers emering things," said John Keeling, associate director of the poverty level. agriculture worker program amendment was of- "flat slOrage buildings or tanks" unless emry is made American Farm Bureau Federation's Washington, • 1,000 additional border -patrol agents per year for fered. The amendment would have created a 3-year from the lOp of the struClure, Reuters reports. D.C., office. 'There needs to be some constraim. five years would be authorized. This would double pilot program enabling employers to hire tempo- The new rule also requires that all mechanical, What you ingest is a very imponam thing; the the size of the border force to about 10,000 agents. rary and seasonal workers for periods of not longer electrical and pneumatic equipmem that presems a problem is standing up in a crowded theater and • Law enforcement agencies would be given in- than 10 months and required employers to give danger to employees inside grain slOrage structures screaming fire.". creased powers to investigate and prosecute preference to available American workers. Farm shall be SlOpped by effective means or methods, smuggling qf illegal immigrants and the produc- Bureau supported the amendment but the House Remers repons .• tion of fraudulent documents. Penalties for these rejected it by a 180-242 vote. The Michigan Con- activities would be increased. gressional Delegation voted straight party line on • Measures to block illegal immigrants from find- the amendment with all Republicans supporting it ing jobs would be strengthened, such as hiring and all Democrats opposing it. 500 new inspectors to enforce laws against hiring The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved (tMFim RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan Farm Families is Our Only Business illegal immigrants. The number of documents that can be used to establish work eligibility would be reduced from 29 to six. • A new telephone confirmation system would be tested for employers to verify that a new employ- a similar immigration reform bill. The bill also re- quires Immigration and Naturalization Service agents to obtain permission of property owners or obtain a search warrant prior to entering open fields being used for agricultural purposes to search Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective ee is legally eligible to work. The pilot program for illegal immigrants. The Senate is expected to has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- would be conducted for three years in five states consider the bill about mid-April. ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- with large populations of illegal immigrants. In MFB Contact: AIA1my,ext. 2040.• tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Station City Frequen~y Morning Farm Noon Farm WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:50 am WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am WTKA WLEW WHFB Ann Arbor Bad Axe Benton Harbor 1050 1340 6:05 6:30 am am 12:05 pm 12:50 pm 12:30 pm Building to a lIighell SI.andal'd' WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:15 pm WKJF WTVB Cadillac Coldwater 1370 1590 5:55 5:45 am am 11:20 am 12:20 pm 830,395.00 WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm 541 X 131 X 901 WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm Deluxe Machinery Storage WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:45am WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm 1- 24' x 14'6" Al..lJ1vtASIFEL~ • 2' Endwall Overhang WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm Double End Door • I' Vented Sidewall ~ • Premium Kynar 500.00 Pigs under 60 pounds were up 1 percent. Decem- ber-February farrowings were down 1 percent, but pigs per litter were up 2 percent. ~ March-May farrowing intentions were listed as ~ down 1 percent, which, when put with an expected ~ 1-2 percent increase in litter size, means a few more ~ hogs coming to market next fall than this past fall. ~ June-August farrowing intentions are 100 percent of . . . . . . ..................... . . . . . . .. . tl.oo ~ this past summer, so we will likely have more hogs Uve c:.tt/e • April '96 : 60.50 Soy Meal. May'96 ... " .... 116.00 . 'Uve Hogs • April '96 3'J.00 ~ next winter. Hopefully, we will have more corn . Jan Jlv ~ Sell Oct Ibt Dee J&I fell liar /lpT J.. Jig ~ Se, Oct IbI lee J.n fo liar Apr Ju. J I, Ilut Sq Oct IbI lee J.. f .. nu Itpr ~ Michigan's breeding herd on March 1 was 155,000 head, equal to a year ago. There were large decreases in the breeding herd in many states - COMMODITY SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE SHEETS Illinois, the third largest hog state, was down 10 percent, 70,000 fewer sows; Missouri, which had Table 1- Corn Table 2 - Wheat Table 3 - Soybeans been growing, was down 5 percent; Nebraska was Projected Projected Hilker's Proj. Projected Projected Hilker's Proj. ProjedecI Projected Hilker's Proj. down 8 percent; South Dakota and WISconsin were (Million acres) 1~199S ,"S-,996 1!96-1"7 (Million acres) 1~1"S 1HS-1996 '.'997 (Million aaes) , "....,"S , ttS-, '" ,,.'''7 down 19 and 14 percent. There were also some Acres set-aside/diverted 2.4 6.2 Acres set-aside & diverted 5.2 5.2 Acres planted 61.7 62.6 62.5 70.3 69.2 73.1 Acres harvested 60.9 61.6 61.7 large increases with North Carolina's breeding herd Acres planted 79.2 71.2 79.9 Acres planted Acres harvested 72.9 65.0 73.7 Acres harvested 61.8 61.0 64.1 Bu.h1arvested acre 41.4 34.9 36.5 growing another 17 percent, 135,000 head; Oklaho- Bu.Alarvested acre 138.6 113.5 128.0 Bufttarvested acre 37.6 35.8 37 Stocks (million bushels) ma up 33 percent, 40,000 head; and Ohio up 19 Stocks (million bushels) Stocks (million bushels) Beginning stocks 209 335 200 percent, 40,000 head. In the biggest hog state, Iowa, Beginning stocks 850 1,558 362 Beginning stocks 568 507 346 Production 2,517 2,152 2,252 the breeding herd held even with a year ago. Production 10,103 7,374 9,433 Production 2,321 2,185 2,372 Imports 5 5 8 What does all this mean? Usually I feel the Imports 10 15 15 Imports 92 70 82 Total supply 2,731 2,492 2,460 market does a good job of projecting future prices, Total supply 10,963 8,947 9,810 Total supply 2,981 2,762 2,800 Use: but this time it must know something I haven't Use: Use: Crushings 1,405 1,370 1,360 figured out. The market was nearly limit up the first Feed and residual 5,535 4,700 4,900 Food 852 860 870 Exports 838 810 800 trading day after the report and they were higher Food/seed & Ind. uses 1,693 1,685 1,725 Seed 89 106 110 Seed, feed & residuals 153 112 100 than my fundamentals would suggest already. How Total domestic 7,228 6,385 6,625 Feed 345 175 200 Total use 2,396 2,292 2,260 can we have about as many hogs as the same period Exports 2,ln 2,200 2,275 Total domestic 1,286 1,141 1,180 Ending stocks 335 200 200 Ending stocks, % of use 14.0 8.7 8.8 ~ the previous year and have a lot higher prices, even Total use 9,405 8,585 8,900 Exports 1,188 1,275 1,225 Ending stocks 1,558 362 910 Regular loan rate S4.92 S4.92 x given strong demand? If futures prices have not Total use 2,474 2,416 2,405 Ending stocks, % of use 16.6 4.2 10.2 Ending stocks 507 u.s. season average ~ fallen off much after the initial rally, it looks to me 346 395 Regular loan rate $1.89 $1.89 Ending stocks, % of use 20.5 14.3 16.4 Farm price, Slbu. $5.48 $6.85 $6.85 ~ like they are giving us excellent forward pridng u.s. season average Regular loan rate S2.58 S2.58 ~ opportunities into 1997. ::J Farm price, Slbu. S2.26 S3.25 S2.75 u.s. season average ~ Continued on page 10 Farm price, Slbu. $3.45 S4.45 :; S4.25 ~ 1995 profits and cash flows on Michigan farms The 34 farms (25 percent) that were lowest on the more to get Column 3. A noncash value for unpaid up to 68 percent of the assets on the lowest 25 list averaged a ($6,097) loss for 1995. owner and family labor is estimated. For most of percent of the farms. Many feel 70 percent is a criti- CasII ..... these 136 farms, this value ranged from $30,000 to cal point; ratios over 70 percent means there wiII be For most farms, debt is a major consideration $40,000. This value is subtracted from net farm difficulty in generating enough cash to meet in cash flow. Principal repayments are in Column 5. income. The result is divided by average assets. This principal payments and other needs. Money borrowed during the year is shown in is convened to a percentage. S -, Column 6. Think columns 5 and 6 should be flip Column 3 can be compared to what might Good managers have goals that deal with flopped? I thought the abilily to repay lots of princi- have been earned if your assets had been sitting in a profitability. One might be to have net farm income pal was good, so big debt payments were in the savings account. In 1995, the lower 2 quartiles of of $30,000 or more. You might select 2 or 3 of the Sherrill Nott, top 25 percent. The need to borrow even more farms might have made more money on their assets measures in Table 1 and develop goals using them. Department of money is not good, so the listing had the smallest if they had been converted to bank deposits. At the end of the year, calculate the profit measure Agricultural borrowings on top. Remember, each column in .,.. ta SIIeets and see whether you met your goal. Economics, Table 1 was sorted separately. Net worth is assets minus debts, which are The next step would be to compare your Michigan State Many farmers struggled to provide us the shown on a balance sheet or financial statement. farm's performance with Table 1. If you discover University principal flows in Columns 5 and 6 when doing the How much net worth changes from year to year is a you are in the lower 25 percent, and you don't like analyses. It takes a quality financial records system good measure of financial progress. The lowest 25 it, what can you do about it? Your dislike becomes a ver wonder how your profit'l and cash to track this information. And, the bookkeeper has E percent of the farms when ranked by change in net focal poiflt for getting into problem solving. flow last year compared to your neigh- to be conscientious. Of course, if you're among worth, Column 4, tended to go backwards during Most Michigan State University Extension bor's? Table 1 can answer that question. those who don't borrow money, you don't have the the year. Their assets were worth less, and/or, their agents have Finpack software on their computers. In Column I, the 25 percent of farmers with the problem of tracking principal flows. debts were greater, at the end of 1995. If you'd like help in doing an analysis that results highest net cash farm income averaged $206,338 Net cash income, minus principal payments, The farm debt to asset ratio in Column 7 com- in calculating the factors in Table 1, plus several per farm. This includes all farm related income. plus principal borrowed during the year, shows the pareS total debts to total assets. This items is often others, contact us. It's a 2 to 4 hour process. The The expenses include cash interest paid, but amount of cash left for family living and reinvest- given as a decimal number; .68 would give the same software works for all types of farms. It's a good way ignores depreciation. ment in machinery or buildings. message as the 68 percent at the bottom. Debts add to fine tune your financial management skills .• Look at the summary of your 1995 records, or Other ProfIt M...... s your income tax returns, to calculate your net cash Net farm income, Column 2, was adjusted for Table f - FlIrm Management Chart farm income. Draw a line through the closest num- inventory changes and depreciation. These are both All Columns Sorted Individually, 136 Michigan Farms, All Types, 1995 ber in Column 1 to see where your farm ranks. noncash items. Despite higher crop prices, most Net Cash Net Farm % Return Changein TotalOebt Total Farm Debt Column 1 was built by taking 136 farms that farms had more depreciation than they had inven- Farm Income on Assets Net Worth to Prindpal Money to Asset % had completed a year-end analysis with their Michi- tory increases. To figure your value for Column 2, Income (market) (market) (market) Payments Borrowed (market) Column 1 234 5 6 7 gan State University F:xtension agent using Finpack you'll need beginning and ending inventories for Top 25~o 206,338 226,681 15 221,416 473,928 1,943 6 software. These farms were of all types, from beef 1995. The market at the top of several of Table 1 Upper 25% 88,982 87,860 7 69,475 123,871 43,322 30 to vegetables. If the analysis was complete, the re- columns means the calculation was done using Lower 25% 39,457 35,286 2 19,959 55,595 127,862 46 sults were tossed into the pool. The net cash in- market value, not CO'ltbasis, balance sheets. Lowest 25% (6,097) (19,145) (5) (28,081) 8,443 512,602 68 come was listed fro~ high to low (better to poorer). The numbers have to be sliced and diced a bit DHIA top producers recognized airy farm families from Saranac and Sebewa The VanderMeers began assembling their herd D ing were among those honored recently at the Michigan Dairy Herd Improvement Assxia- in 1989 with the goal of being one of the state's highest producing herds within five years. Their 56- tion's (DHIA) annual meeting. Jim andJohn Hardy cow herd has a rolling herd average of 30,600 of Saranac were awarded the DHIA Progressive pounds of milk, 991 pounds of butterfat and 954 Dairyman of the Year,while the MSU Department of pounds of protein. The herd sports a per-cow value Animal Science Dairy Farmer of the Year honors of $3,736. went to Harold and tillian Gremel. The VanderMeers also have an 85-month old The three top DHIA awards - high dollar cow that received the highest individual production value, highest milk average, and the highest individ- level in the state last year with a 46.717 pounds of ual producing cow - were all won by Donald and milk, 1,675 pounds of butterfat, and 1,348 pounds Pam VanderMeer of Lake Odessa. of protein during her last lactation. Total dollar value The Hardy operation consists of a 320-cow for the animal was pegged at $5,770. Holstein herd that had a rolling herd average of The VanderMeers were also among the seven 27,394 pounds of milk with 959 pounds of butterfat producers \vinning the DHIA's Gold Club award for and 823 pounds of protein. The DHIA's Progressive the highest rolling herd average over the last five Dairyman award recognized the operation's years. Other winners included Carlos and Doug milk production improvement, which included Long, of Clayton; Jeff Alexander, of Hanover; Steve an increase of 10,808 pounds of milk per cow per Benthem, of McBain; Earl and Jeff Horning, of year in the past five years, and a reduction in the Manchester; Kevin and Sheila Kurtz, of Laingsburg; heifer calving interval to 24 months which is two and Del Fostic and Sons, of Applegate. Rolling herd MSU Animal Science Chairperson Maynard Hogberg (right) presents Lillian and months below the state average. The operation averages ranged from 25,720 pounds to 26,753 Harold Gremel with the prestigous 1996 Dairy Farmer of the Year award. plans to increase herd size to 1,300 cows. pounds of milk.• Harold and tillian Gremel were cited for their competent farm management and outstanding service to Michigan's dairy industry and their local community. The couple started Stanvard farms in ** 1954, which has grown to its present day size of a 1,050-acre cash crop farm and 78-head registered Michigan Farm Bureau presents dairy herd with a rolling herd average of 24, 161 pounds of milk, 960 pounds of butterfat, and 747 * pounds of protein. The operation's cropping rota- tion includes alfalfa, dry edible beans, sugar beets, * 1996 Young People's oats, corn and wheat. Harold serves on the board of directors for * the Michigan Milk Producers A'lSociation, the Pi- * Citizenship Seminar geon Cooperative Elevator, the Thumb Area Com- munity Bank, Huron Sires, and Thumb Sires and in several community civic organizations. Ullian has * served as 4-H youth leader at the local and state level and is actively involved with the Huron County June 17.21 High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend this five-day seminar designed to teach you about our American political system. The seminar emphasizes the need to be informed and involved in the decisions that Farm Bureau, Huron County Dairy Promotions, the Alma College • Alma, Mich. affect Americans in their communities, state and nation. Huron County Dairy Diplomats, and the Immanuel The program will include: Lutheran Church. * Keynote Speakers Don't miss out * Workshops on this great * caucuses Political rallies, campaigns, and elections with students as "political party" opportunity! delegates, "candidates" and "registered" voters Reservation Deadline * Rural and urban students from all over Michigan is May 24, 1996 Students should be proud to represent their school and the Contact your county Farm Bureau Farm Bureau organization, and office, or call the Michigan Farm be willing to discuss their experi- Pam VanderMeer (left) of Lake Odessa Bureau Young Farmer Department ences with groups following accepts the top three DHIA awards from at 800~292-2680, extension 3234. the seminar. Leslie Campbell, Area 2 DHIA field rep. Weed Soil-applied herbicides for grass control Straleg.ies porated or preemergence. Prowl must be applied after planting on the soil surface without incorpora- tion. Crop safety with Prowl is based on preventing exposure of the corn roots to the herbicide. Weed SpectruIII With adequate, timely rainfall for herbicide activation, all of these herbicides provide very good control of common annual grasses. The herbicides are water solubility and binding to soil particles. The follO\ving table summarizes the water solubility and soil binding (adsorption) of these herbicides to soil. All of the herbicides except HarnesslSurpass vary in their activity on broadleaved weeds and yel- Herb/dde Water solubility (ppm) Adsorptivity to soil are labelled on soybeans. They are labelled preplant low nursedge. For pigweed control, each of the her- Prowl 0.28 very strong incorporated or preemergence. Avoid surface bicides except Prowl is rated good. Prowl is rated fair. DuaVDual1l 488 strong application of Prowl on sandy soils with less than 1 For common lambsquarters control (including Micro- TechIPartner 200 strong percent organic maner. triazine resistant lambsquarters), Prowl is good, HarnesslSurpass 223 moderate by Dr. James J. Kells Frontier 1174 moderate & Dr. Karen Renner, Micro-Tech!Partner, DuallDual II, and Prowl HarnesslSurpass is fair, and the others are poor. Department of are registered for use in dry edible beans. Front~er HarnesslSurpass is rated fair due to inconsistent Prowl is very immobile in soil. Harness/ Crop and Soil recently received a label for application to dry edi- results on lambsquarters. Surpass and Frontier are less tightly bound to Sciences, Michigan ble beans as well. For common ragweed, HarnesslSurpass is fair soil. DuallDual II and Micro-TechlPartner are State University Crop~ and the others are poor. For velvetleaf, Prowl will intermediate in terms of soil binding. Severe corn injury from any of these herbi- provide some control and is rated fair. The other Penlstence In SolI C rop producers have several herbicide - cides is not common when the herbicide is applied herbicides have linle activity on velvetleaf. Dual, Prowl is the most persistent herbicide of this options for grass control with soil-applied according to the label. Therefore, corn injury is not HarnesslSurpass, and Frontier are good on yellow group and can cause carryover problems to sugar herbicides. These herbicides differ in a major issue for commercial field corn in Michigan. nutsedge. Micro-TechlPartner is less effective. Prowl several characteristics. This article will summarize beets and, at high rates, no-till or reduced tillage Injury to corn inbreds is a greater concern due to has no activity on yellow nutsedge. Details of the corn. The other four herbicides do not present any some of the most significant comparisons between greater herbicide sensitivity in many inbred lines. In effectiveness of these herbicides are available in the the following herbicides: Micro-TechlPartner, carryover concerns. Research in 1995 at the Univer- a 1995 MSU trial on hybrid corn, normal application 1996 Weed Control Guide, MSU Extension Bulletin sity of Illinois showed that Dual II was more persis- HarnesslSurpass, DuallDual II, Frontier, and Prowl. rates caused no corn injury. With high rates (above E-434. tent than Frontier or Topnotch (microencapsulated CheaaIstryIMode of AdIoa label) some injury was observed from all herbicides Rainfall for Activation Surpass). All of the herbicides listed above, except tested except Dual II. MSU research has demonstrated differences in Is longer persistence important? With early Prowl, are acid amide herbicides. They are absorbed Soybean tolerance to Micro-TechlPartner, the relative amount of rainfall required to "activate" preplant applications and in seed corn production, primarily by the emerging shoot and affect shoot Frontier, and DuallDual II is very good. Soybean these herbicides. The actual amount of rainfall re- longer soil persistence may result in better weed growth and development. This results in malformed tolerance to Prowl is good on medium and heavy quired to obtain weed control in any specific field is co~trol. Iflate season grasses in corn are a problem, leaves that do not unroll properly or seedlings that textured soils. On sandy soils, Prowl should not be dependent on several factors; however, the relative longer persistence is important. However, with at- leaf out underground. Prowl is a dinitroaniline. It is applied preemergence because soybeans can be- rainfall requirement is useful information. planting applications in commercial field corn or absorbed primarily by the roots and inhibits cell come brittle at the base of the stem. The herbicide requiring the most rainfall is soybeans, herbidde failures due to inadequate herbi- division in the root. This results in inhibited root Prowl and Micro-Tech should be incorporated Prowl. The herbicide requiring the least rainfall is dde persistence are rare with any of these herbicides. growth, swollen root tips, and stunted plants. on dry edible beans. Dual and Frontier can be ap- HarnesslSurpass. The relative ranking is as follows Crops When selecting one of these herbicides, con. plied preplant incorporated or preemergence. Dry (rainfall requirement): HarnesslSurpass < Frontier sider the specific characteristics of each herbicide. All of the herbicides listed above are labeled bean tolerance to Dual is greater when preplani < DuallDual II = Micro-TechlPartner < Prowl. Determine which herbidde or herbicides fit your on commercial field corn. All of the herbicides, incorporated; tolerance to Frontier is greater Mobil", In Soil specific situation, then consider cost in making your except Prowl, can be applied either preplant incor- preemergence. Some navy and black bean varieties Herbicide mobility in soil is affected by several final dedsion .• are more tolerant to Dual than to Frontier. complex processes. Two factors that affect mobility When should I reseed alfalfa? by 0.8. Hesterman, Department of of plants per square foot before I should reseed? however, total dry maner production tends to de- the fact that extra money earned on a new stand in Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State High yields of alfalfa can be produced with as few as crease. An additional problem arises because some future years is not worth as much as the money University five plants per square foot in older stands and in at weeds are past their optimum maturity when alfalfa earned this year.• W hen should I replant myoId alfalfa least one case, a 1O-yearold stand of plant density of is at the proper maturity for harvest. stand? To answer this question, you only 1.9 plants per square foot. In many cases, the best way to get rid of a Length of Row need to take into account several Admittedly, this stand was managed with weedy alfalfa stand is to reseed, using clear seeding Row Width Equal to 1 ft.lsq. factors including age of stand, stand uniformity, sound practices of fertilization, insect control, ade- techniques with herbicides. 7" 20.6" plant density, weediness and potential productivity. quate drained, and optimum pH, and the variety PotentIal prod~ 7.5" 19.2" But the answer to this question should be based on had a high level of disease resistance. This example The best way to dedde whether or not to 8" 18.0" economics and this article will assist you in deciding shows, however, that plant density alone is not a reseed an alfalfa stand is to assess the potential 10" 14.4" whether to replant an alfalfa stand. good indication of the need to reseed alfalfa. productivity of the existing stand and compare this Age of stand StaDel .............., to the anticipated costs and productivity of a new Plantsl % Yield Most alfalfa stands, if seeded properly with a A uniform stand is probably more important seeding. By expressing the two situations (Le., Square Foot % Stand Potential good, hardy variety on a weli-drained soil, if fertil- than stand density per se. If there are large spots in keeping the remaining stand another year vs. reo 30-35 100 100 ized and limed adequately, and if not cut too inten- a field with only a few plants, but the remainder of seeding) in terms of economics, the most profitable 24-28 80 100 sively should produce respectable yields for five to the fields have uniform stands of two to five plants decision can be made. This decision can be based 18-21 60 90-95 seven years. But age of stand isn't a good guideline per square foot, it may be possible to reseed those on average yearly hay yield and economic return 15-18 50 75-80 for deciding when to replant. In alfalfa variety trials low-producing spots rather than the entire field. If from the new stand or it can be based on the net 12-14 40 60-70 conducted at Michigan State University, many vari- an alfalfa stand has many areas with few or no present value of the new stand, taking into account 6-7 20 40-50 eties were still producing yields of7.5 tons per acre plants, even if the average plant density is adequate, or more after 10 years. On the other hand, we all reseeding is advisable. Viable Plllnts per $qulll'e Foot have seen three-year old alfalfa stands that should Weed __ Year Seeded 2 3 4 5-6 7-9 10-15 >15 be taken out of production. As an alfalfa stand thins out, alfalfa plants are percent of potential yield Pa..t~ often replaced with weeds. Research has shown Last Year 15 25 30 40 50 65 80 100 When alfalfa is seeded at 12 pounds viable seed that many of the common weeds in alfalfa are just 2 Years Ago 30 50 60 70 85 100 100 100 per acre, you are seeding approximately 60 seeds per as palatable and nutritious to animals as the alfalfa, 3 Years Ago 30 65 70 85 100 100 100 100 square foot. It is not uncommon to have 30 to 40 when harvested at the proper maturity and if weeds 4 Years Ago 50 70 85 100 100 100 100 100 plants per square foot in the fall of the seeding year. are not the predominant part of the hay. As the >4 Years Ago 75 90 100 100 100 100 100 100 The question is asked: What is the minimum number proportion of weeds in an alfalfa stand increases; Source: Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2310 New agribusiness leader formed from merger of Ciba, Sandoz T wo Switzerland-based leaders in agribusiness and pharmaceuticals, Ciba and Sandoz, March and development investment in the crop protection business. Currently, 15 new compounds are in an Princep~ Ridomil~ Orbit~ Agree~ Cotoran~ Curacron~ Ambe~ Design~ Supracide~ Program~ rapid merger implementation process. Benefits of the merger will include higher critical mass for key 7,1996, announced the decision to merge and form advanced stage of development, mainly in the weed Intercepto~ Fasinex~ and Ciba Seeds. Sandoz investments such as research and development, a new company called Novanis. The new company control, disease control and insect control markets. brands include Banvel~ Clari~ Marksman~ more efficient and broader marketing and distribu- \vill serve its customers as the largest worldwide In seeds, Novartis will produce varieties for Frontie~ and Zorial.~ tion of products, lower cost of financing, increased marketer of crop protection chemicals and become growers of corn, oilseeds, sugar beets, vegetables Ciba's Dr. Alex Krauer will be chairman of liquidity, and leaner organizational structures. the second-largest company in seeds and animal and flowers. The company will have one of the larg- Novartis, and Dr. Daniel Vasella of Sandoz will be The new company will be releasing additional health. Total consolidated agribusiness sales of the est biotechnology research programs in the indus- president and head of the executive committee. information as it becomes available .• two companies in 1995 were nearly $6 billion. try, focusing on enhandng disease and insect resis- Dr. Wolfgang Sarno of Ciba \vill be one of eight Finalization of the merger will be subject to tance while improving yields-. members of the NOV3rtisexecutive comminee, ciba approval by bOlh boards of directors, scheduled to Novartis will also be a major force in the ani- representing the agribusiness sector. meet next month, as well as regulatory approval in mal health business, with a variety of disease treat- Krauer said, "To combine two strong and suc- some countries. ment and prevention products. cessful companies into an even stronger and more In crop protection, Novartis will have a leader- Outside the agribusiness sector, the merger successful new entity represents a fascinating vision, ship position in four key areas: weed control, espe- creates the second-largest pharmaceuticals company indeed. I personally consider this bold move as the cially in corn, soybeans and cereals; disease control in (he world, with combined sales of nearly $13 billion. future-oriented response to the challenges in the in cereals, vegetables, vine}'3rds and orchards; In the agribusiness and health markets, global markels where we do business." insect control in a variety of crops; and seed treat. Ciba produces such familiar brands as Mtrex~ Integration L~ms will be formed immediately memo Novartis will have the world's largest research Dual~II, Bicep~II, Exceed~ Beacon~ Tilt~ to initiate and carry out what is expected to be a riVl1[3:1~~1~11=lW April1S, 1996 Gear your trucks up for spring work Tru ck re 9 u Iat Iii on S 1"..- endorsement or full CDLwhen operating a combi- III • ~. nation of vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR a pply to a II .~. t~ fIR fJ of 26,001Ibs. or more, according to Anderson. ! ~" .. "Once you truck for a fee, you then are a com- M ich i9a n farm e rs ~ .---~ wI',) / JI mercial trucker and become covered by commercial trucking standards," explains Anderson. L ast fall, Eaton County Farm Bureau member John Howell innocently volunteered two of his trucks for a safety inspection day, look- ing to learn about all of the rules that applied to his "If the rig stays under 26,000 GVWR,we have basic provisions as long as they do it with small equipment that they don't need a COl." elaborates Mohr. "Once the power unit gets over 26,000 set of trucking circumstances, but found himself GVWR,then you're talking full CDL for a placarded two months later being audited by Michigan State ~ load of hazardous material." Police Motor Carrier Enforcement. ...... SIIlppl.., p....... What pushed Howell over the regulatory edge According to Mohr, shipping papers are was a fuel truck with a capacity greater than 119 required for almost all hazardous materials, gallons and a driver that did not have the needed _ regardless of quantity. The basic elements of a Commercial Driver' License (CDL) endorsement. To 4;":,il\t ----........... legal shipping paper are the proper shipping name, make matters worse, Howell's commercial electrical hazard class, identification number, packing group, contracting company's truck fleet traveled more ~ total quantity transported, shipper certification, than 150 air miles from his principal place of bus i- emergency response information and emergency ness requiring all truck drivers to carry a CDL telephone number. Although Howell may not be your typical Although that may sound like a lot of informa- central Michigan farmer, operating a sizable electri- tion, fertilizer/chemical dealers should be supplying cal contracting business throughout the state, he is If your farm fuel truck carries a tank with capacity greater than 119 gallons, then you their customers with the necessary paperwork to quick to point out to other farmers that they need need to be sure to placard your load accordingly. The same applies to "mini-bulks" get farmers back home legally, according to Ander- to be aware of trucking regulations they may not used to transport farm chemicals son. But he warns that farmers still need to keep even know of. track of what they are carrying when they travel "Every farmer's vehicle in Michigan is going fleet of trucks, including pre- and post-trip safety they are operating their vehicles within a 150 mile from field-to-field and be sure to update the to be impacted (by this trucking regulation)," ex- inspections and log books. radius of their farm and do not truck commercially quantities as they are used. plains Howell. "You're going to have to go through 'Farmers are exempt from needing a CDLif for other people. Farmers do need either an "F" Continued on page 15 an annual inspection on that farm truck - on the complete truck. Our farm trucks are going to be in better shape than they've ever been before. They're going to get pulled over and checked at scales and JUST PLANT YOUR CORN weigh stops just to make sure they are in shape. The farmer with the old grain truck isn't going to be out there any longer." "If we're over 119 gallons of diesel fuel, that truck will be placarded," continues HowelL" Four placards, all four directions on the truck, visible from four directions. And you better be showing ------------------, the right symbols on the farm chemical truck, which is a water truck with chemicals on it. You may even need to have more than one set of plac- ards, because you're carrying more than one set of hazard classes on there at one time." According to Assistant Division Commander BillMohr, with Michigan State Police's Motor Carrier Division, Howell is correct about the capacity limita- THEN APPLY THE PROWL tion on farm fuel trucks being exempt from hazard- ous material regulation. Once the capadty of a fuel tank or any other type of tank exceeds 119 gallons the regulatory levels change. "Then we introduce them to another whole dictionary of hazardous material regulations." ~----------------- "If you have two or more tanks or 'mini-bulks' with total combined capacity greater than 119 gallons," explains Craig Anderson, manager of the Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program (RCAP), "you should check with your chemical dealer regarding potential placarding because the combi- nation of the two or more farm chemicals may require you to do so." CoaIIDeI'CIaI Driver LIe __ AND GET ON WITH Another regulatory avenue that opened up because of Howell's CDL requirement, as it would with anyone required to carry one, is the need to regularly test drivers for drugs and alcohol, thanks to a new law that went into effecrjan. 1, 1996. I ----------~ The drug and alcohol testing provisions apply to all persons who operate commercial motor vehi- cles and are required to have a Commercial Driver ucense (CDL) including interstate and intrastate drivers of: • Commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)of 26,001 pounds or more • Commerdal motor vehicles with a gross combi- nation weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more including a towed vehicle with a gross vehicle OrnER THINGS . weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more; • Motor vehicles designed to transport 16 or You DON'T HAVE ANY TIME TO WASTE. THAT'S WHY YOU USE PROWL- HERBICIDE AS PART OF more passengers including the driver; YOUR CORN WEED PROGRAM. GET YOUR CORN PLANTED EARLY.THEN BEFORETHE CORN COMES • Motor vehicles of any size transporting up, COME BACK WITH PROWL IN A TANK-MIX WITH BICEp,1BLADEX2 OR ATRAZINE. YOU'VE GOT hazardous materials (including pesticides and YOUR CORN OFF TO A GOOD EARLY START WITH AFFORDABLE RESIDUAL CONTROL OF TRIAZINE- fertilizers) in amounts requiring placarding. RESISTANT LAMBSQUARTERS, VELVETLEAF AND FOXTAILS. Now YOU HAVE MORE TIME FOR OTHER Anarrow exception exists for some farm driv- THINGS. THAT'S IT. WE'RE HERE TO CONTROL WEEDS, NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. ers in Michigan. Drivers who are eligible for and are properly operating an otherwise covered vehicle and FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE YOUR CYANAMID AGRICENTERTN DEALER possess an "F" endorsement on their license are OR CALL 1-800-942-0500. exempt from the drug and alcohol testing provisions. Howell enlisted the services of Fleet Compli- ance Group located in Grandville to assist him in bringing his fleet of drivers into compliance with the CDL drug and alcohol guidelines, as well as • • - other regulations that apply to his commerdal Always follow label directions. erA Trademarks, American Cyanamid Company <91996. 'Trademark, ClBA Corporation. lTrademark, DuPont Company. 1\'~I[~~~m~ Apri/15, 1996 Critical issues for site specific management in Michigan by Neil R. Miller articles is that farmers will soon need to become technology to benefit many Michigan farmers. Yield 1995 Corn YIelds O pen any agriculrural trade magazine computer jockeys in order to run the equipment monitoring, can provide both immediate and long- these days and articles on site specific that plants, sprays and harvests their crops. term benefits by helping farmers improve manage- management virtually spill out on your Computers and satellite (GPS) systems will ment practices. We will examine these benefits in lap. The impression one gets from reading these undoubtedly play an important role in farming of detail, and discuss how yield monitoring will impact the 21st century. But the farms of our children may other SSM activities. We will also compare the not look as foreign as much of the media hype indi- various equipment and software options available cates. In fact, much of the new technology is based to farmers in the coming year. on principles which have been part of agriculture Variable rate (VRT) fertilizer application using for centuries. GPS will begin in Michigan in 1996. The economic In the coming months, I will examine curr,ent payback of variable rate fertilizer application has ..... ,"'. - 1 : .... trends in site specific management in order to clari- been difficult to demonstrate in the Midwest. fy how they fit into the context of Michigan agricul- Custom applicators in Michigan have learned from ~~ l\0'~\. 50 100150200250300 ~'''<'~''Q.Q. ture. Here's a quick preview of several critical issues these observations, and have waited to purchase , ... 'I "'.\"'W'I. that I believe farmers in the state need to be aware VRTequipment. However, in 1996, several suppliers bushels/acre \. ~~~\\'Q.\\\~~\\," of in order to keep abreast of this emerging tech- will offer VRTservices beginning with lime and nology. potash application. We will look at the economic Yield monitoring will be the first Effective site specific management (SSM) is and agronomic implications of these practices and GPS-based technology to benefit possible now with little or no cash investment. discuss the pros and cons of grid soil sampling ver- many Michigan farmers. Farmers have practiced SSM for years, whenever sus soil-based sampling approaches. they varied spreader or planter rates, spot -applied Most other GPS-based technologies are still Understanding these trends and issues will herbicides, etc. Although improving these practices in their infancy. We will discuss planters that vary be critical to continue farming profitably into the may require adapting current equipment, the criri- rates and varieties on the go, sprayers that identify 21st century. Let me know if there are further issues cal factor in conventional SSM is investing the time weeds and apply appropriate herbicides, and which you feel I should address. Hopefully, through to develop good management practices. We will equipment that analyzes soil nutrients and instanta- this dialogue, the combine of the future will seem look at the effectiveness and the limitations of neollsly applies proper fertilizers. It will be years more like the equipment in your toolshed and less conventional SSM. We will also examine how GPS- before most of these rechnologies can function like the Starship Enterprise .• based SSM can increase the precision and efficiency reliably on a farm scale. Furthermore, in many A true GIS can go beyond printing maps of many of these same practices. cases, we lack the agronomic and economic data to analyzing relationships within and Yield monitoring will be the first GPS-based to determine where and to what degree the inputs between map layers. should be varied. TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAl CARE COSTS Specialists In Crop Production and Protection Neil R. Miller Phone: 810-220-1571 E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com Market Outlook Continued from page 6 CATTLE . T his is one sector where we may soon see some Reporl cutback in feed use. The March Cattle-on.Peed showed total numbers on feed down 1 per- cent, February placements down 6 percent, and marketings in February up 12 percent. These num- bers reflect the hurt in the cattle sector. While there are still plenty of feeders available, feedlots are not in a hurry to put them in the lots, even at very dis- counted prices. The marketing number shows we are current. Weights are slightly above year ago levels. Even higher feed prices will likely bring cattle to market quicker and others will likely be put to grass. This means less beef in the near-term, less feed use, and possibly more beef late this year and into next year. At this point, there is little to do other than keep current. However, keep an eye on futures - if the markets rally enough to lock in cash prices this summer over $62, you may want to take a look at it. EGGS by Henry Larzelere Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. E gg prices at the end of March were about 26 cents a dozen above year ago levels. These higher prices were panially offset by feed ingredient costs 10-11 cents a dozen eggs above last year. Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! It is likely that wholesale egg prices in New York Single: $18.90 per month • Two-person: $33.60 for Grade A large white eggs in cartons \vill average in Family: $43.05 the low to mid-80s during the April.May-]une quarter. This quarter seasonally shows the lowest prices of .... /tI.eH.OAN the year, however, the demand factors of strong us- , ... FAR/tl BUREAU age in shell eggs, expon and egg products still exist. The data in terms of the number of layers and egg TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW production are slightly above last year. OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680, EXT. 3237 The egg-type chicks hatched and the layer- Please Print type eggs in incubators show modest increases that may indicate further increased production potential Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau in the last half of the year. Membership Services The incentives for increased egg production P.O. Box 30960 A r will be moderated by the relatively high feed ingredi- Lansing, MI 48909 Ci State ZIP ent prices that seem to be expected even with bumper crops and weather in the last part of the year. However, in the past, when egg prices have been relatively strong in the first 3 months of the year as has been the case in 19%, the egg-type chick hatch in the major hatch season has been strong leading to MFN high production levels and lower prices .• ~~I~'I~''.!.t::j April 15, 1996 Probability of Above Hir;herProbability of Above Probo.bility of &olow Hi€her ProbQbility of &olo'W' Probability of Normal Higher Probability of Nonnal Equal ChQnoes Great Plains and Cornbelt region this spring and Service outlooks for April through June also call for occured over eastern sections of the region last summer. The reasoning: 1) a La Nina event with odds to favor a drier than normal precipitation sce- season). One thing remains much more likely; associated cooler than normal ocean surface tem- nario for sections of South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa watch for strong commodity price moves during the peratures currently in the equatorial Padfic, and 2) and Minnesota. Even with such forecasts, remember upcoming weeks as the market reacts to changes to a statistical association of droughts shortly following that the skill of such outlooks is very low and that or persistence of current weather trends (especially years with little or no sunspot activity (such as past drought occurs over sections of the Corn Belt reo dryness in the southern Great Plains) and the p0- droughts in 1936, 1956 and 1976). National Weather gions about once every 6 years or so statistically (it tential impacts (real or perceived) .• by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural meteorologist, Department of Geography, Michigan State University Customized trip routing M arch was significantly colder and drier than normal across nearly all of Michigan, courtesy of a persistent northwesterly jet stream. With the exception of It's free and it's designed especially for Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA and Gold MasterCard holders on the move. Simply tell us where you're going, whether you wan to take the scenic route or get there fast. .. March 19-21, when a major snowstorm accompa- and we'll do the rest! Within seven days nied by strong winds buried southeastern sections you'll receive detailed maps to your of the state, weather patterns were fairly benign. destination - custom fit to your specification While the cold weather made a seemingly long and travel pians. It's a convenience you ca winter even longer for most humans, it also kept use again and again as you enjoy the many most ovenvintering crops from breaking dormancy other benefits and advantages you receive with a Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA or and becoming vulnerable to future cold outbreaks. Gold MasterCard. While the long-term outlooks for Michigan during the upcoming couple of months continue to Better interest rates be vague (Le., near equal probabilities ofbelow-, Both the Gold MasterCard and the near-, and above-normal temperatures and precipi- MemberLine VISA offer a 9.8% introductory tation), a few private meteorologists have called for APR for the first six months. There after, drier than normal conditions across sections of the the Gold MasterCard has a low 15.65% APR one of the lowest interest rates available! The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA is 17.15% APR. In addition, you pay no interest on new credit card purchases on Michigan next month's statement when your full Weather Summary balance on your current monthly statement Temperature Precipitation is paid by the due date. 3/1196 to Observed Dev. from Actual Normal 3/31/96 mean normal (lnch) (inch) Better premiums Houghton 20.0 -3.6 2.41 1.94 Both the Member Line VISA and the Marquette 20.4 -2.7 3.12 1.94 Gold MasterCard offer a wide array of Escanaba 21.5 -5.1 0.91 1.93 complimentary features and options for your Sault Ste. Marie 20.2 -3.8 1.56 1.93 protection and peace of mind. And when lake City 24.1 -3.4 1.68 1.83 you carry a Gold MasterCard, you'll enjoy Pellston 24.2 -0.8 1.44 1.83 the added advantages of a higher credit Traverse City 26.9 -2.6 1.21 1.83 Jine, executive travel privileges, emergency Alpena 25.7 -2.1 0.49 1.87 Dad assistance, purchase protection Houghton lake 26.7 -2.0 0.77 1.87 surance and a warranty extension program - 29.8 valuable "extras" you and your family can Muskegon -3.1 1.22 2.25 c1ipend on. Vestaburg 27.5 -5.1 0.96 2.16 Bad Axe 26.8 -4.8 0.99 2.04 Convinced? Saginaw 29.3 -3.2 0.73 2.04 Simply remove this page from the magazine Grand Rapids 29.6 -4.0 0.99 2.48 and fill out the application on the reverse South Bend 32.0 -4.1 0.89 2.48 side. Letterfold and staple the form with the Coldwater 30.2 -5.3 0.96 2.26 mailing address on the outside. No postage lansing 29.6 -3.3 0.89 2.26 necessary! Detroit 31.5 -3.5 1.62 2.32 Rint 28.8 -4.0 1.83 2.32 Toledo 32.0 -3.7 2.73 2.32 Observed totals are accumulated from April ,. Normals are based on district averages. Name NO POSTAGE Researchers find NECESSARY natural plant defenses A P.O. Box or Street Address Apt. Number IF MAILED IN ustralian researchers and scientists have THE UNITED City State Zip Code STATES found a chemical trigger that helps plants boost their own natural defenses against disease by as much as 85 percent. The chemical "activator" benwthiadiazole stimulates plants to produce in- creased amounts of proteins that help boost the plant's immune response to disease. The research- BUSINESS REPLY MAIL ers said the discovery of this activator "promises to FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 90 WYANDOTTE, MI slash the use of chemicals in food production." POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE The treatment works best on rice and wheat and, in test plots in Australia, has helped bump yields by as much RETAIL CREDIT SERVICES as 10 percent. But, researchers said further work is need- ed to stimulate plants to defend themselves against in. FIRST OF AMERICA BANK P.o. Box 1055 sectsand viral diseases-although work in that area has Southgate, MI 48195-9941 "also been promising." Gm3JT@.ffi!] ~,~~ April1S, 1996 Losing farmland to development isn't inevitable $1 ........ Mkh fanaIaad Over the years, the Loves raised beef and hogs .... tl.dIoII fIIncI to CNatecI ..... or produced milk. Their farm also proved popular IIIstork ~ ~ _penrIsor .... f___ of late ."_azoo to migrating Sandhill cranes and other wildlife. Since the late 1970s, when the Loves retired from largest such fund ever created by American active farming and their children moved on to other Farmland Trust careers, the land has been rented to other families, T he former chairman of the Kalamazoo County Board of Supervisors, characterized in life as a quiet hero who cared deeply about his community, has in death just as quietly most recently the Vosburgs, of Climax. For Jan Vosburg, the family patriarch, it has been a home- coming of sorts. Vosburg was born and spent the first 12 years of his life in the Love-farmhouse. left behind a legacy of a lifetime. "Were it not for Owen Love, there might have A mere day before he suddenly was felled by been blacktop and houses on that farm today," said the illness that took his life, Owen Love, 84, signed Vosburg. "Lots of people talk about protecting their an agreement deeding his historic 660-acre farm to farms. He's one of the very few that did something the national farmland conservation group, Ameri- about it." can Farmland Trust (AFT), as part of its farm legacy Under the Loves' agreement with AFf, the program. Vosbu;gs will continue to farm the property. Mrs. The agreement sets the stage for the creation Love will maintain her residence there as well and of a S1 million Michigan farmland protection fund receive an annual income. Upon her death, the and ensures Love's Climax Township farm, midway to a farmland conservation group, Mrs. Love said, The Love farm lies in an area previously desig- Vosburgs or another farm family will be given the between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, stays in was simply his way of leaving a lasting legacy and nated by AFT as one of the nation's most threat- opportunity to purchase the farm from AFT at a agriculture. a model for farmers in Michigan and other states ened agricultural regions. According to a recent reduced price, subject to the protective agricultural Owen's wife of 58 years, Ellen Love, said that to emulate. study on Michigan agriculture, the state is now los- conservation easement placed on the land in 1990. despite attractive offers from developers, her hus- "It just sickened him when prime farmland ing 10 acres of farmland every hour to non-farm Sale proceeds will be used to establish the band always had remained committed to protecting such as ours was turned over for development," development. The Loves began farming in the area Owen and Ellen Love Family Farmland Protection the farm. A member of several prominent Michigan remembered Mrs. Love, who also signed the agree- 45 years ago. The couple purchased the land in Fund for Michigan. To be managed by AFf, the Love farm organizations, he disdained the impact on ment with AFT. "He wanted to set a good example stages, acquiring the historic Eldred House at family fund will give the organization a permanent nearby farms from surging residential and commer- and be sure our farm would never be used for any- one point. The house was built two years before source of capital for its farmland protection work in dal developmem in Kalamazoo and surrounding thing but agriculture. It seemed to settle his mind Michigan statehood and played host to the first Michigan. Dennis Bidwell, AFT director of land counties. Transferring ownership of the family farm when all of that had finally been taken care of." Climax Township meeting in 1838. protection, urged Michigan state and local govern- ments to follow Owen Love's lead and create farm- CARD PREFERENCE (choose one design only) OPTIONAL GROUP CREDIT INSURANCE DISCLOSURES land protection programs of their own. To enroll in Chargegard, you must be under age 70 in all states except under age 71 in AZ., FL, MI, MO, "Individual acts ,of leadership such as the o cnScenic VISA VR 6400 0900 PL 1 200904 DGOLD MASTERCARD cn GM 1000 0900 PL1 200904 OK In HI, IN, and VT, maximum enrollment age is 64 (age 65 in IA) and coverage converts to Accidental Death at age 65 (age 66 in IA). In CA, N.J, AI, WA, WI, and WY maximum enrollment age is Loves' remind us that losing farmland to develop- age 64 (age 65 in CT, 10, MA, ME, MN, NY, OA, and TX) and coverage ends at age 65 (age 66 in 10, MA, ME, MN, NY. OA, andTX). You, the primary cardholder. are eligible for this coverage if you are ment isn't inevitable," said Bidwell, who, along with • • employed full-time in a non-seasonal occupation. Self-employment exduded for disability in MN; for unemployment coverage in CT, MA, MS and TX. Only life benefits are available to the co-cardholder (spouse, if no co-cardholder). Benefits are not payable on purchases or advances made while daims are AFT Counsel Jeff Winegard , crafted the agreement being paid. Seasonal restriction does not apply to: unemployment in NC; disability in AZ., CA, MA, MD. with the Loves. "If we have a shared vision, we can NJ, OR, RI, TX. and VA; both coverages in ME, MI, NM, NY and WI. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: if you become involuntarily unemployed, Chargegard will make your protect the way of life that farm families represent." scheduled minimum monthly payment, subject to the master policy limit. Aetirement is not covered. If I do not qualify for the Gold MasterCard, consider my application for the Scenic VISA. (Coverage not available in MN; labor disputes/strikes excluded in AR. IL and KY.) Unemployment and American Farmland Trust is a private, nonprof- disability benefits begin aller 30 consecutive days of unemployment or disability, aI1d are retroactive to it, membership organization working to stop the I APPLICANT (please print) the first day of loss. Disability and unemployment exdusions vary by state. Please read your Certificate for detail. All benefits are based on the outstanding balance as of the date of loss and will continue until loss of productive farmland and to promote farming your balance is paid off, you return to work, or you reach the limits of the master, $10,000, whichever NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD occurs first. practices that lead to a healthy environment. Its If you become disabled, Chargegard will make your scheduled minimum monthly payments as long as I I I I I I I I I you are under a doctor's care and unable to WOl1<, up to the master policy limit. farm legacy program assists families in making their Rrst Name Middle Initial Last Name LIFE COVERAGE: It you or your co-cardholder (spouse, if no co-cardhokler, only spouse or business permanently protected farmland available to other partner in NM & TX) die, Chargegard will pay the outstanding account balance as of the day of death, up Social Security # Date of Birth to the master policy maximum of $10,000 (Suicide exduded except in MA, MD. ME and MO.) (Single farm families at an affordable price. Program partici- Ufe coverage only in MA and ME). CHARGEGARD COSTS: The monthly premium for Chargegard is ~ per $100 of your outstanding pants continue to enjoy use of the land and income Home Phone ( balance on your account in all states except as follows: 2B.ge in MA; 29.3e in MN; 38.3e in NY; 46.ge in during their lifetimes and benefit from the income NH; 48.1e in CT; 55.Be in ME; 56.7e in VT; 53.Be in GA; 64e in NM; 64.6e in NC; 64.Be in NO; 59.3e in Years VA; 65.Be in AZ.; 57.6e in SC; 42.7e in TX; 57.5e in HI; 5ge in WI; 60e in CA, IA, 10, IN, MO, N.J, OR, RI, and estate tax benefits of making a gift to a nonprof- Address There Mos. WA. and WY. The monthly premium will be charged to your credit card account. Coverage is underwritten by Bankers Life Assurance Company of Florida and American Bankers it, tax-exempt farmland conservation organization. Insurance Company of Florida. 11222 Ouail Roost Drive, Miami, Florida 33157-6595. In NY, Life and City, State lip Code Disability coverage is provided by Bankers American Life Assurance Company. TX Certificate numbers AFT's national office is at 1920 N. Street, Suite 400, o Mortgage 0 Rent Monthly AD9139CQ.0791, AC31B1CB-0592 (3.53 R.A.) and B2754EQ-l089. NO COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS IN PA. Certificate provisions vary by state. Washington, D.C. 20036 .• o Own (Free and Clear) 0 Other (Describe) Payment $ Aead your certiflCllte for details. Previous Address o Yes, I want FIrst 01 America's Chargegard Insurance. I have read and understand the important eligibility and cost disclosure infonnation provided. Consumer credit insurance is not required to obtain (if less than 2 years at present address) credrt and will not be provided unless you sign and agree 10 pay the addilional cost. Whether credit insurance is obtained is not a lador in the approval 01 this application for credrt. MMPA returns $1.9 Employer Years or DBA There Mos. million in patronage Position Business Phone ( Applicant's Signature (Your signature conslitu1es acceptance of this coverage.) Birth Date refunds to members I CO-APPLICANT Previous Employer (if less than 2 years at present employer) Years There NAME AS YOU WOULD (please print) LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD I nFebruary, Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)returned $1.9 million to its dairy farmer members. This cash allocation represents 30 per- Total Annual RrstName Middle Initial Last Name cent of the $6.4 million earnings generated by the Income cooperative in fiscal year 1994-95. The cash patron- (Income Imm A/imony, cIliId support, or separate mainlllnanc8 need not be revealed ~ you do nol Social Security # Date of Birth wislIlO have ~ as • ba8is to< repaying \his clliQ81lon.) paymenlS age returned includes 100 percent of the farm sup- Years Do You Have: Employer There Mos. ply earnings and 25 percent of the milk marketing o Checking ( Bank) earnings. All members who marketed milk through o Savings Name Business Position Phone ( MMPAduring the past year will be receiving a por- Nearest Relative Phone Years tion of the $1.9 million. (not living with you) Previous Employer There "We are proud to be able to send these earn- Tolal Annual ings back to the members," said MMPAPresident Address Income $ Elwood Kirkpatrick. "Our strong financial standing I/we hereby certify that each of the answers on this apprlCStion is true and correct, and is made for the purpose 01 obtaining a loan or credit from the First of America Bank. Michigan, N.A. (Income 'rom A/imOny, cIIiId support, or separate malnIllf\lItIC8 payments need not be revealed ~ you do not and sound management enables us to return these wish to have rt as a basis lor repaying \his obligation.) l!we hereby authorize the Bank to investigate my/our credit record to the extent it deems earnings as well as the retirement of other equities necessary and to verify my/oor credit, employment and income references. I/we further authorize Complete the following information if different from applicant and instruct any person or consumer reporting agency to fumish the Bank any infonnation that it which will be sent later this year." may have or obtain in response to such credit inquiries. IIwe further agree that this application Home Phone ( ) Over the last three years, MMPAhas returned shall become property of the Bank, whether or not it is approved. Years more than $17.s million to its members in the form IIwe agree that if this application is accepted and a card or cards are issued that any use of Address There the card(s) will be govemed by the tenns and concfrtions of the Bank's VISAlMasterCard City, of cash patronage refunds, cash equity retirements Agreement and Disclosure provided before or with delivery of the card(s). IIwe assume. il more Zip than one jointly and severally, liability for all charges incurred in any use 01 the card(s). State Code and cash estate payments. o Mortgage o Rent Monthly Cash patronage refunds and equity allocations X Applicanrs Signature Date o Own (Free and Clear) o Other (Describe) Payment $ are based on the amount of milk each individual Do You Have: member marketed and on the supplies purchased X o Checking( Bank) through the cooperative during the year in which Co-Applicant's Signature Date o Savings Name earnings were achieved. The allocated certificate of equity for the 1994-95 earnings will be revolved Annual Variable Rate Balance Calculation back to the members in approximately 10 years. Percentage Rate Infomlation Method Annual Fee Grace Pen(){J 9.8% introductory APR on cash advances and Your annual percentage rate may vary monthly. The rate is 1-Cycle Average Daily Balance None For repayment of the balance for Since 1987, MMPAhas operated without an balance transfers for the first six months, 15.65% new purchases. 25 Days, starting variable APR on Gold MasterCard and 17.15% determined by adding 6.9 percentage points for the Gold (including new purchases) with the billing date on the equity capital retained, relying on the association's MasterCard and 8.4 percentage points for the Scenic VISA to the variable APR on Scenic VISA there after. highest Prime Rate published in the .Wall Street Journal. on the statement. plant operations, milk marketing and member dues first day of your monthly billing cycle. to fund the cooperative. MMPAhas generated ATM/Cash Advance Fee- 2% of the advance amount; $2 minimum; $20 maximum. Late Payment Fee-$O -$12 (varies by slate). record-breaking earnings the past three fiscal years. Over Limit Fee - $0 - $12 (varies by stale). Dishonored Check Fee - $15. "Cash refunds and equity retirements are one Minimum household income required for a credit line of $5,000 is $35,000, subject to verification. If your income is less, we will consider you for a Scenic VISA with a lower line of credit and an APR of 17.15%. of the greatest advantages of marketing your milk Finance charges are assessed on cash advances, balance transfers and convenience checks from the date of the transaction. The information about the cards described in this application is current as of 12195. This information may have changed after that date. To find out what may have changed, through a successful cooperative," Kirkpatrick adds. call us at 1-800-423-3883, 24-hours a day, 7days a week. "They are proof that the profits MMPAearns are Notle. to California R.sldents: If you are married. you may apply for a separate accounl Notice to N•• Yortl Residents: Consumer credit reports may be obtained in conneclion WIth this application for credit. Upon your request. theBank returned to the members." will inform you whether such reports were obtained and If so. 01 the names and addresses of the consumer reporting agencies Notle. to Ohio Residents: The Ohio laws against discrimination require that all creditors make credit equally avalla~le to all creditworthy customers, and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate histories on each IOdMdual upon requesl The Ohio Civil Rights Commission administers compliance with thiS law Notle. to Wlaconsln Residents: No prOVISIOn MMPAis owned and controlled by over 3,200 of a mantal properly agreement. a untlateral statement under Wis. Stal Ann. Section ~ 766.59 or a court decree under Wis. Stat. Ann. Section ~ 766.70 adversely affects the interest of the creditor unless the creditor, prior to lhe lime credit is granted. is tumished a copy of the agreement. statement or decree or has actual know1edge althe adverse obligation when the obligalion to the credllor is Incurred dairy farmers located in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio Please letterfold and staple this form with the mailing address on the outside (reverse side) and Michigan .• - $500 CASH BACK TO FARM BUREAU@MEMBERS. As if our Magnum@ engine series, overall the most powerful line of pickup engines on the planet, wasn't enough incentive for Farm Bureau members, now there'~ an extra $500 in the deal. That's $500 back on all 1996 5.9L Magnum includes all 1996 Ram Van and Ram Wagon V-8 Ram and Ram Club Cab pickups, $500 models, too. back on all 1996 Cummins diesel-powered That's on top of any other national Dodge Ram and Ram cash back offer.* All you need to do is get a Club Cab certificate from your state's Farm Bureau pickups ... and validating that you've been a member for at $500 back on least thirty days. Then stop by your Dodge select mid-size dealer. Where you'll discover it pays to be in the Farm Bureau. 1996 Dakota *This cash back offer is valid for members of participating Farm Bureaus, expires pickups. 9/:1]/96, and may not be used in combination with any other Chrysler Corporation certificate program or certain other special programs. Ask for restrictions and details. The offer Farm BureauS!is a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Soybean producers taking MFB Washington Legislative Seminar the soybean back to school action packed Continued from front page progress made in reducing the federal budget deficit model the format found on the Michigan Education Students will also receive a newsletter called "Soy from $300 billion annually to $ 150 billion annually, Ac;sessment Program (MOO) test." News" that contains several different articles on soy and called current Republican efforts to balance the The lesson plans were written by Sharon diesel and other soy-based products, as well as a budget in seven years irresponsible. "I think ifwe're Caldwell, elementary agriscience consultant, of East test for checking the student's reading skills. serious about deficit reduction and elimination, we Lansing; Rebeccajosepson, elementary science Fleischmann says that the program will target should reach certain milestones in actual budget curriculum specialist, Sanilac County Science and primarily fourth- and fifth-graders, since the stu- deficit reductions before initiating any tax cuts," he Math Center; and Cary Trexler, graduate student, dents are still in a single classroom setting and the said. Levin also suggested that, compared to other Michigan State University, Department of Agricul- teachers don't necessarily have to be limited to just industrialized nations, the U.S. budget deficit and ture and Extension Education under a contract science teachers. national debt weren't that abnormally high. with the MSPC. So, what's the next step in getting these les- Abraham, on the other hand, warned that with Once fully developed, the program will pro- son plans into your local school? Fleischmann sug- an aging baby boomer generation that will soon be vide a way for soybean producers to get their mes- gests checking with your local teacher and/or prin- drawing Social Security and a growing national debt, F ourth- and fifth-graders across the state sage into the classroom, via the teachers, while cipal to see if they're interested. "If they are, then time is quickly running out for the country to get its could soon be learning more about the making the lesson plans beneficial for the teachers either the teacher or the parents can call our office- financial house in order. "Within 15 years, there will soybean, thanks to a three-week series of as well. Each of the lesson plans comes with a and we'll take it from there," she explained. To learn not be any dollars available for any programs other teaching lessons being developed through a con- checklist of specific goals and objectives being met more about the MSPC lesson plans, either fill out than entitlement programs (Social Security, Medic- tract by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Commit- by the lesson plan for quick and easy reference, the coupon below, or call (517) 652-3294 .• aid and Medicare) and interest on the national debt tee (MSPC). According to Nanine Fleischmann, Fleischmann says. if we don't get the budget balanced," he said. MSPC administration and finance director, the Thus far, over 30 teachers have requested "That's why this debate goes far beyond the political lesson plans have been designed to meet Michigan's material for the lesson plans, most of which are rhetoric that you usually hear." Essential Goals and Objectives for Science Educa- science-based in nature, but also include some so- USDA .-..... - U.S ... export tion and Michigan's core curriculum. cial studies as well. Fleischmann says the lesson pilat Keeleratlng "As a result, these lessons help students mas- plans will work equally well in both public and paro- U.S. agricultural exports reached a $40 billion ter essential science outcomes," Fleischmann ex- chial schools, and that the lesson plans can either surplus last year, thanks to the GATTand NAFfA plained. "Activities are specifically targeted at out- be used as a series or as individual lessons. trade agreements combined with an average 8 per- comes outlined in the "Organization of Uving As part of the MSPC program, the lesson plans cent increase in income in the Pacific Rim, according Things" and "Ecosystems" sections for both elemen- \vill also include hands-on samples of soy-based to USDATrade Specialist Paul Drazek. In comments tary and middle school curriculums. AUassessments products, such as Environ, and samples of soy ink. to MFB members, Drazek said that the agricultural trade surplus is expected to hit $60 billion in 1996. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Drazek predicts that U.S. ag exports will con- •• • tinue to set new records for several years as the tariff reductions called for in NAFfA and GAIT con- • • • • • • Fourth and Fifth Grade Teachers tinue to be implemented. Increased meat consump- tion in the Asian sector, particularly in China, has made that country a corn importer instead of a corn exporter in just two years. That means continued Are you interested in receiving a series of lesson plans about soybeans? The Michigan Soybean Promotion • strong demand and prices for U.S. producers. "Even • Committee is in the last stages of developing soybean curriculum for fourth and fifth grades. These lessons • are aligned with Michigan's core curriculum and will be infused with activities in science, social studies, with a good crop this year, the price of corn and • beans will stay high for the next several years," •• math and reading. The kit will include hands-on materials and supplies . Drazek suggested . • U.S. agricultural exports to China were up 175 • • Why Soybeans? percent in 1995, with over $2.4 billion in sales. • How are plants used in our lives? Drazek said that producers have a great deal at risk in • the future of China's "most favored nation" trading • • Analyze food packaging labels status, saying that if it's revoked, as some are calling • • • Examine common product labels containing soybeans for, it would obviously cut into agricultural exports . • In the European arena, Drazek claimed that • (paints, soy ink, fish food, cosmetics) the continued meat hormone ban is costing U.S. • • • o cattle producers at least $100 million annually in • lost sales. He said that if the ban isn't revoked vol- • untarily, the U.S. will begin the formal appeals pro- • From Tofu to Diesel - The Soybean Grovvs Up • cess allowed under GAIT. "We could very well be • How have soybeans been used by people in different lands? exporting more than $100 million in beef each • • • Trace the movement of soybeans to the U.S. p year," he said. "We're going to be very aggressive • on this issue and we're going to win." • • Examine the diets of foreign countries \ The European Community's recent agreement - • to accept Roundup-Ready soybeans was termed a • Cooking and eating foods of many cultures mixed blessing by Drazek. The agreement will allow • Report on pioneers in soy research: G.W. Carver shipment of the new soybeans, but it requires that the beans be labeled. Drazek warned that biotech- nology could playa larger role in future trade dis- Racey Soys putes. "We think we're in pretty good shape on the Roundup-Ready soybean, but we're just getting start- How do soybeans grow? ed with Bt corn, for example," he explained. Drazek also assured producers that fears of • Germinate and grow soybeans a trade embargo are unwarranted, and that the • Maintain and care for growing plants Clinton administration is committed to not allowing -- - • Measure, record and interpret data on growth enactment of any export embargo. "The previous trade embargoes were a horrible mistake; we literally shot ourselves in the foot," he said. I Can the Golden Bean be uGreen?" u.s. ce~~ I:_~~ - ...., How are soybeans used to protect the environment? • of tile ..... as- Farmland preservation, the average age of • Examine alternatives to petroleum-based fuels producers and getting young farmers started in farm- • Examine an alternative to using petroleum-based inks ing ranked high on the list of issues and concerns of Kaoru Yoshimura, counselor for agriculture, Forestry •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• and Fisheries, during comments to MFB members. PLBASE COMPUTE AND RETURII IF YOU ARE 1m. ~TED With a farmland base roughly equal to the state of Michigan,japan loses nearly 50,000 acres every year Name Phone to development. Additionally, over 50 percent of japan's producers are 60 years old or older . • Embassy officials anticipate those trends will School Grade continue, resulting in additional export growth for U.S. ag products, namely beef, pork, and processed Address fruits and vegetables. Although rice still plays a predominant role in thejapanese diet, its position City IState/Zip is quickly slipping and being replaced by U.S. ag products. Although officials had high praise for the Retum to Michigan Soybean PnHIIOtIon Committee, quality of U.S.-produced beef, the quality of wheat P.o. Box 287, Frankenmuth, MI 487J4-0:187 was often a concern and considered inferior to •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Australian-produced wheat. • ~~J~ll::t~ April1S, 1996 Spring farm sa et~ management Anhydrous ammonia equipment used for storing or applying ammonia. A nhydrous ammonia (N~) is a chemical Containers should be made of high-strength steel made up of one pan nitrogen and three or other suitable materials, and fittings should be pans hydrogen. The propenies of INHALATION HA made of black iron. this fenilizer make it one of the most potentially All containers used for storing ammonia must dangerous chemicals used in agriculture. Anhy- drous means without water. Consequently, when ANHYDRD S be painted white or silver. Ught colors reflect heat and this helps keep the temperature and pressure down inside the tank during warm weather. anhydrous ammonia contacts moisture, it rapidly combines with the moisture. When it is injected into the soil, the liquid ammonia expands into a gas AMMa.'A Labels • ....sclags .... ~ Legal requirements .Igas and is readily absorbed by the soil moisture. Nurse tanks must be labeled ANHYDROUS Similarly, the liquid or gas that contacts the AMMONIA in 4-inch letters, on contrasting back- body tissue - especially the eyes, skin and respira- ground, on the sides and rear of the tank. Federal tory tract - will cause dehydration, cell destruction DOT regulations require that the words INHALA- and severe chemical burns. Victims exposed to TION HAZARD, in association with the anhydrous even small amounts of ammonia require immediate ammonia label, be placed on both sides of the tank treatment to avoid permanent injury. in 3-inch lettering. A Non-Flammable Gas placard Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas that has with the numbers 1005 (identifying it as anhydrous a built -in safety factor because of its sharp, penetrat- ammonia) must be located on both sides and both ing odor - you "can't stand to breathe it." No one ends of the tank. can voluntarily remain in a concentration of anhy- Even a little anhydrous ammonia causes major injuries. Flush with water at once. A Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem must be drous ammonia gas that is strong enough to dam- prominently displayed on the rear of the tank with age the nose, throat, lungs, eyes or skin. When lenses and cause permanent eye damage before you vapors. Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can be the bottom of the sign at least 2 and not more than 6 people receive burns or eye damage from the prod- can remove the lenses and flush your eyes with harmful ifit contacts the skin and eyes orifit is inhaled feet from the ground. The valves must be appropri- uct, it is because of a sudden release of it where the water. The lenses also can trap the gas, causing or swallowed. When ammonia contacts the skin or ately labeled by color or legend as vapor (Safety Yel- victim is unprotected and cannot escape. them to freeze onto your eye. eyes, tissue damage occurs rapidly. Immediate use of low) or liquid (Omaha Orange). The letters of the Accident situations Loose-fitting rubber gloves with an extended water to flush the exposed bodyarea( s) is crudal. legend must be at least 2 inches high on contrasting The acddental release of anhydrous ammonia cuff are recommended for handling anhydrous Water must be available for flushing the eyes background and within 12 inches of the valves. can create a dangerous situation for both the han- ammonia. Turn the extended cuff down so anhy- and skin in case of exposure. Each vehide used for Care. malntenana of _. eqalpnleat dler and bystanders. The following situations are drous ammonia doesn't run down your sleeve when anhydrous ammonia must carry a 5-gallon (19 L) Anhydrous ammonia can be handled and used dangerous: you raise your arms. You can remove gloves that fit container of clean water. Anyone handling NH} safely. It is imperative that all equipment is properly • Over-filling the tank loosely in case of an emergency. should carry a 6- to 8-ounce (170 to 226g) squeeze maintained and checked daily. A regular, scheduled • Handling hose by valve handle or hand wheel You can further protect your arms from bottle of water in their shin pocket for rapid emer- maintenance program will ensure that all the valves • Faultyvalves and deteriorated or out-of-date hoses splashes by wearing heavy-duty clothing, such as gency access . and the tank are safe for handling the high pressure • Not using personal protective equipment coveralls or work shirts that cover your arms. Thin Washing with fresh, clean water is the only liquid and its vapor form. • Failure to bleed pressurized NH} from the hose dress shirts or shon sleeves do not provide satisfac- emergency measure to use when skin or eyes are Dally InspectIoII before connecting or disconnecting tory protection . exposed to anhydrous ammonia. Time is important! Each day give the tank and hoses a brief in- • Not enough water available First aid = water + water + water Get fresh water onto the exposed area of the skin spection: • Ovenurning an applicator tank Seconds are critical when someone is sprayed or eyes immediately and flush for alleast15 min- • Hoses - Look for cuts, soft spots, bulges, • External overheating of the storage container with liquid ammonia or engulfed in concentrated utes. Contaminated dothing should be removed by kinking, flattening or slipping at the coupler. An estimated 80 percent of reponed accidents running water over it before attempting removal. • Tires - Inspect for proper inflation, cuts, weath- result from improper procedure, lack of knowledge Wash the affected skin area with abundant amounrs ering, wear and tightness of lug bolts on wheels. or training, and failure to follow proper safety pre- of water and do not apply anything except water for • Refill the emergency water tank with fresh, cautions. Accidents can be reduced if all individuals the first 24 hours. Stay warm and get to a physidan clean water. follow safety rules and maintain the equipment immediately. Each time you fill the nurse tank, check the properly. It is essential that all equipment be in ContaIner and spt8aI ..... l...... nts liquid level gauge and pressure gauge. The gauges good operating condition. Only trained individuals The specially fabricated and designed pressur- should be working properly and be consistent in should handle and apply anhydrous ammonia. ized equipment should meet the guidelines provid- their readings. Don't use nurse tanks with faulty Operator protection ed by the American National Standards Institute in gauges. Even with the best precautions, you may be standard "K61.1-1981, Safety Requirements For Close all hand valves by hand only. Do not use involved with the accidental release of ammonia. Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia." All a wrench, because you could break the stem of the Simple protection can prevent serious injury if used parts and contact surfaces must be able to with- valve or damage the seal. Either damage could allow consistently. stand a minimum working pressure of 250 psi. This ammonia to escape. Proper-fitting face shield or goggles, rubber includes pressure welds, safety valves, gauges, fit- W .dIarte IlISpectIe. gloves and heavy-duty, long-sleeved shirts are recom- tings, hoses and metering devices. Several situations are cause for immediate mended as minimum protection for operators rou- Ammonia is corrosive to certain metals and repair or replacement. Any leak in a liquid or tinely handling ammonia. Wear rubber gloves and their alloys, such as copper and zinc. Galvanized vapor shutoff valve requires immediate repair or eye protection whenever you are handling hoses or pipe and brass fittings must not be used with Continued on page 17 working on or operating anhydrous equipment. Regular glasses do not provide adequate pro- tection. Never wear contact lenses when working with ammonia. The chemical might get under the Keep a container of water in your pocket to flush ammonia from eyes. ROO~ REROO~ PATCH Gear your trucks up for spring work Continued from page 9 "Generally, if you're out there and just going between fields, it's usually within a couple of miles them, you have to stay under 25 mph," said Mohr. "Implements of husbandry, including some modi- fied pickup trucks, are all included under that same e It~ easy to do it yourself with proven ~(i) II ~ 5!~_ IITII SELF-STICK ~~~C::ING and you could move to the next field without hav- regulation and have to stay under 25 mph." ing to make out a new set of shipping papers on What to expect from the Motor CarrIer quantity or just draw a line through it and change Division of the MIchigan State Police the number," relates Mohr. "It's for the protection "We conduct inspections on the roadside," of anybody who would have to approach that explains Mohr. "We have a walk-around inspection, vehicle should there be a problem. Any emergency where you would just look down at the tires and first-responder who would come up to a vehicle check the lights, a~d not get a creeper out and go and see a little marker on a container that is hazard- underneath and check for brake lines and proper ous material needs to know what they're going to adjustment. There are five levels of inspection that Roof or reroof most low slope roofs, and patch asphalt or metal have to deal with." can be conducted." roofs and metal gutters. Effective for hundreds of other farm "In the spring, when farmers are hauling fertil- applications. Just peel off release paper and stick down to most Placarding "There is a regulated quantity of material that izer, anhydrous, and planting equipment," Mohr clean, dry surfaces. A utility knife and a small hand roller are the only tools needed. Tough, multilayer membrane won't needs to be placarded," explains Mohr. "It's not al- adds, "they have an awful lot of exposure going crack or dry out. Seals around punctures and resists LN radia- ways the same, but the rule of thumb is 1,000 pounds from field-to-field." tion for long life. Aluminum top surface dramatically reduces of something before you start talking placards." Howell believes the steps he has taken will roof temperatures. Peel & Seal has been proven on thousands According to Mohr and Anderson, you may ensure that he will pass inspection when he is of commercial and residential roofs. Available in narrow rolls for not necessarily have to placard the load you are audited again, but he still advises other farmers to patching and 36 x 33.5' rolls for complete w roof-overs. hauling to the field, but it is still necessary to, carry watch how they obey strict trucking regulations. Complete instructions included with every carton. CALL OR the shipping papers. "The farmer's going to have to meet all those re- WRITE FOR FREE SAMPLE & ORDER FORM direct from factory. Other New Regulations quirements," he said. "He can do a lot of it himself, According to Mohr, there are some other regu- but the records of compliance are key here, for any Oiifm) MFM Building Products Corp. lations that farmers need to become informed about. size operation." • PO Box 340 • Coshocton, OH 43812 • 80D-882-7663, ext. 33 "If you're pulling vehicles without brakes on ~~:I~~h'l:t"'J.i April1S, 1996 Personal protective Spring farm safet~ management SPLASH GOGGLES ~ NON-ABSORBENT Manure gases equipment G ases are often given off when animal OR FULL FACE HARD OR manure is stored. The most common P ersonal protective equipment (PPE) con- sists of clothing and devices that are worn SHIELD BUMP HAT gases given off from liquid manure are: to protect the human body from contact ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen \vith pesticides and their residues. Personal sulfide. protective equipment includes such items as A person can suffocate in a manure building coveralls, protective suits or aprons, footwear, ~CHEMICAL or pit because of gases given off by manure. The gloves, respirators, eyewear and headgear. CHEMICAL RESPIRATOR gases displace air until there is no oxygen to breath. Ordinary shirts, pants, shoes and other Hydrogen sulfide is released rapidly, and is regular work clothing usually are not considered RESISTANT most dangerous when liquid manure is first agitated. personal protective equipment, although the APRON OR It has a foul odor, similar to rotten eggs. It causes pesticide label may require you to wear specific headaches, dizziness and nausea, in concentrations items of work clothing. LOOSE-FIT as low as 0.5 percent. Exposure to a 1 percent con- CHEMICAL Pesticide labeling lists the minimum personal COVERALLS centration can result in unconsciousness or death. protective equipment you must wear while han- RESISTANT Although you can smell very low levels ofhydrogen dling or applying the pesticide. Sometimes the label sulfide, continued exposure dulls your sense of smell lists different requirements for different activities. GLOVES and you may not know that you're in danger. Several For example, more personal protective equipment deaths have been attributed to this gas. may be required for mixing and loading than for LONG Carbon dioxide is an odorless gas that is a nor- application. mal part of the air we breathe. However, it exists in Exposure to pesticides can cause harmful SLEEVES the air at a very low concentration (about 0.03 per- effects. To prevent or reduce exposure, you need to cent). When it's present in higher concentrations, it wear correct, clean, properly fitted personal protec- displaces the air so that less oxygen is available. Con- tive equipment. You are legally required to follow all centrationsof3 to 6 percent can cause heavy,labored personal protective equipment instructions that breathing, drowsiness and headaches. A 30 percent appear on the label or labeling. concentration can cause death by suffocation. Gloves - Always wear unlined, elbow length, Methane gas is nontoxic. Concentrations as chemical-resistant Oiquid-proof) gloves when han- high as 50 percent only cause headaches. However, dling any pesticide concentrate or chemicals that methane is highly flammable. It ignites readily, and carry the signal words Danger-Poison or Warning. methane-air mixtures can explode. When spraying overhead, wear shirt sleeves inside CHEMICAL Here are just a few of the safety precautions. gloves. At all other times, wear shirt sleeves on the outside to prevent chemicals from entering gloves RESISTANT • Know the effects of each of the gases described above. Any time you detect one or more of the at the cuff. Pay special attention to labels when BOOTS symptoms, get to fresh air immediately. A delay determining what type of chemical-resistant gloves to wear, since some fumigants and pestiddes are could be fatal. absorbed or trapped readily by the gloves. • Do not rely totally on smell to detect the pres- Never wear cotton or leather gloves. They Use personal protective equipment when working with pesticides. ence of hydrogen sulfide gas. It may be present absorb the pesticide and provide constant dermal in hazardous concentrations even though you exposure to the chemical, which can be more Several available types of head gear, such as water- to high concentrations of toxic chemicals or for can't smell it. hazardous than not wearing gloves at all. proof rain hats or washable, wide-brimmed hard or long exposure to low concentrations of toxic chemi- • Provide maximum ventilation to keep gases Always check gloves carefully for leaks before bump hats or caps can be used. Waterproof or re- cals. This respirator should never be used in areas away from people and animals whenever a tank wearing them. Fill the gloves with water and pellent parkas will protect the neck and head at the where the oxygen level is too low to support life. is pumped or agitated. If a power failure has squeeze. If leaks appear, discard the gloves. Before same time. The headgear, including the sweatband, Chemical canister respirators (gas masks) are occurred and lasted for several hours, open all removing the gloves, wash them with detergent and should be cleaned often to remove any chemical designed to protect applicators longer than car- windows and doors and get all people and live- water to prevent contaminating your hands. residues. Avoid cotton or felt hats since they also tridge respirators. A gas mask usually protects the stock out of the building before they suffocate. Boots - When handling or applying chemi- wi]] absorb pestiddes . face better than the cartridge respirator since it It is best to have an emergency generator. cals, wear unlined, lightweight rubber vinyl boots Respirators - Correct, properly fitted respi- covers the entire face (that is, it protects your eyes, • Don't allow any smoking or other fire source that cover your ankles. Wear trouser legs on the rators prevent inhalation of toxic chemicals. Wear a nose and mouth). Use a gas mask when you are in or around the liquid manure tank. Methane- outside so pesticides cannot drain down into the respirator when the label calls for it. Respirators are exposed to toxic fumes in high concentrations or air mixtures are explosive. Keep unauthorized boots. The boots should be washed daily and dried especially necessary when handling concentrated, for a long period of time. Also, wear a gas mask people away. thoroughly inside and out to remove pestidde resi- highly toxic pestiddes. when applying pestiddes in enclosed or poorly • Only a trained person, equipped with proper dues. As with gloves, especially check the label to Specific cartridges and canisters protect ventilated areas. As with the chemical cartridge breathing apparatus, should enter a liquid determine what types of shoes or boots can be against specific chemical gases and vapors. Be sure respirator, a gas mask should never be used in areas manure transport tank or slurry storage silo. worn when using fumigants. to choose the type made to protect you against the where the oxygen level is too low to support life. Have the local fire or sheriff's department come Goggles or face shields - Wear tight .fitting, pestiddes you will use. The respirator must proper- Air-supplied respirators should be worn in to the site. You can't "hold your breath" and res- non-fogging chemical splash goggles or a full face ly fit to ensure a good seal. Long sideburns, a beard, areas where the oxygen supply is low or where the cue someone. Keep rescue equipment (rope, shield when pouring, mixing or applying pestiddes. or glasses may prevent a good seal. applicator is exposed to extremely high concentra- harness, respirator) near manure storage. Clean the equipment often and make sure the sweat- Chemical cartridge respirators - Usually tions of very toxic pestiddes in enclosed areas. Manure drowning band on the face shield is cleaned, since some mate- recommended: a half-face mask, containing one or Fresh air is pumped by a blower through a hose to People can also drown in liquid manure. Thick rials used in face shield sweatbands absorb and hold two cartridges, which covers the nose and mouth only. the face mask from an uncontaminated area or from crusts on top of liquid manure in storage can ap- chemicals. If possible, wear the sweatband under the Fu]] face-piece respirators provide both eye a backpack carried by the applicator. pear solid, but a person will break through into the head covering. Eyewear should meet or exceed the and respiratory protection for the applicator. The Care and maintenance of respirator -If liquid. Sometimes a person just slips and falls into current requirements of ANSI (American National inhaled air that enters the cartridge is pulled breathing becomes difficult during spraying, get to the liquid. That's one more reason to keep rescue Standards Institutej 1.87.1,1968). through a filter pad and a filtering medium such as fresh, dean air and change the respirator cartridges equipment near liquid manure storage, and to have Head and neck coverings - The hair and activated charcoal. Use chemical cartridge respira- or canisters. Cartridges should be changed after others at the site if you must enter the storage. skin on your neck and head should be protected. tors either for relatively short periods of exposure eight hours of use or sooner if you detect pestidde Working around liquid manure storage can be odor while wearing the respirator. ~\ ---r~-- ~~\"'~/f' ),~ The face-piece should be washed with soap and water, rinsed, dried with a clean cloth and stored in a clean, dry place away from pesticides. A tightly closed plastic bag works well for storage. hazardous. For more information on safety or its storage and removal, contact the state safety Exten- sion specialist at your land grant university, or your county Cooperative Extension office. Contact OSHA , :/'//T\\~ The manufacturer's instructions on the use and care of a respirator and its parts should be read carefully (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for regulations affecting employees entering and work- before the respirator is used. Use only respirators ing in confined air spaces .• approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the Bureau of Mines. General care Wear clean clothing each day you spray pesti- cides. If pesticide solutions get on your clothing, SELF-CONTAINED change immediately. BREATHING Do not store or wash contaminated clothing APPARATUS with the family laundry because your pesticide-con- taminated clothing could contaminate theirs. Addi- tionally, contaminated clothing may require special attention to assure that it is thoroughly cleaned. If your clothes have been heavily contaminat- ed by pesticides, discard them. You may not be able to clean and safely wear them again. All personal protective equipment should be washed daily with soap and water, rinsed, dried with Only a trained person with breathing a clean cloth and stored in a clean, dry place away apparatus should enter liquid manure Personal protective equipment can be hot to work in. Use caution - avoid heat stress. from all pesticides .• storage. I~'JI~~~ 1~'I:t'lli April1S, 1996 Farm and ranch safet~ management Anhydrous ammonia Continued from page 15 • Environmental damage resulting in checking and ings, steering, knuckles, ball joints and pins for replacement of the valve. If an accident causes a cracking damage, cracks, excessivewear and adjustments. dent, gouge, crack or other damage to the tank that Immediately replace hoses that show any Tires - Check for proper inflation, cuts, badly might result in failure, have tanks, valves and hoses defects. Hoses exposed to anhydrous ammonia lose worn spots, and signs of weathering. Assure that lug inspected before putting them back into service. An strength and should be replaced on a regular sched- nuts are tight. overturned tank or colIision between the tank and ule, regardless of visible damage. Lubrication - Steering knuckles, wheel 'other farm machinery is an example of cause for For a more detailed explanation, refer to bearings, or other applicable wagon equipment inspection. Any repairs should be performed by a External Visual Inspection Guidelines for Anhy- should be lubricated at least once every year. qualified repairman. A certified welder must make drous Ammonia Nurse Tanks, Applicators, and All nurse tanks and applicator equipment any welding repairs. Tank Appurtenances, published by The Fertilizer should be securely attached to the towing vehicle. Annual Inspection Institute, 501 2nd St., N.E., Washington, DC 20002. Always use a safety hitch pin and safety chain. At least once a year, inspect hoses carefulIy Highway safety Don't exceed 25 mph when transporting anhy- and repair or replace them as needed. Lay your Towing anhydrous tanks on public roads pre- drous ammonia on public roads. For proper brak- hoses out straight and examine carefulIy for: sents problems because acddents can cause serious ing, it is strongly recommended that the vehicle • Cuts exposing reinforcement fabric injuries to others, environmental damage, costly used to tow the nurse tank be at least equal in • Soft spots or bulges repairs, and possibly other liabilities . weight to the gross weight of the nurse tank. • Blistering or loose outer cover Prior to operating a nurse tank on public road- For proper safety lights, reflectors, and • Unusual abuse, such as kinking or flattening by a ways, make sure all running gear and tires are in SMV emblem for transporting farm equipment vehicle safe working condition . on public roads, check with your local and state Anhydrous ammonia vehicles must carry • Slippage of hose at any coupling Running Gear - Inspect the wagon frame, highway authorities .• clean, fresh water for emergency first aid. • Brassor copper fittings or water hose-type clamps tongue, reach poles, anchor devices, wheel bear- Tractor operator training for 14- and 15-year-old youth Some questions and answers What about my kids under 16 years old illegal regardless if the youth is paid a wage or just What if my county does not offer a tractor for farmers and parents operating a tractor on their grandfather allowed to operate the tractor without pay. training program this year? How long has this federal law concerning or uncle's farm? How do youth get this training and You may have to travel to another county youth employment in hazardous jobs in It is illegal, unless the youth's parents have a exemption certificate? where the program is being offered. agriculture been around? lease or manage the farm of a relative. Documented Only youth 14 and 15 years of age can receive Is there a handout that gives more details Since Feb. 6, 1970. This order makes it illegal proofis a good idea prior to each year's activity to tractor operator training. They must meet addition- on -Youth Employment in Hazardous Jobs to hire or permit any youth under 16 years of age protect yourself and the relative's farm from liability. al requirements of the program including a wrinen in Agriculture-? to do jobs such as operating most farm tractors A violation of an existing law could put your exam, and demonstrated ability to operate a tractor Ask your county Extension office for a and other machines or working in areas which are farm at risk, as most insurance does not cover illegal hitched to a two-wheel trailed implement on a four-page fact sheet with the above title listed as determined to be hazardous ... except when on land acts that in this situation could be allowing a youth course. Your Extension office can provide further AElS #598 dated April 1992 from the Agricultural leased or operated by a parent or legal guardian. under 16who has not received a training certificate, details. Engineering Depa~ment. to operate a tractor over 20 PIO horsepower. This is Source: Howard Doss, Ag. Safety Leader, MSU Extension .•••••• - •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• + •••••••••••••• - ••• - ••• - •••••• . ..... ... ...................................... "', :.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.'.;.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. 111.. 1.... .. 1•.)):11111..;:.111.:.:1 .:; :11.\lil~Jilit One BUTLER KANSUN 1038 STACK LINER WAG- BALER: New Holland 270 FOR SALE:H&S super 7 plus JD 7000 4-row wide corn WANTED: Four row narrow ON: Like new condition! with thrower. Excellent condi- 4 18' forage box, fro.nt and planter. Plateless finger pick- 8-17 -15 grain dryer 1ph. LP corn planter with plates. Pre- Priced to sell. Call 1;517-843- tion! $1800 or best offer. Call end unload:-'12 ton tandem up, monitor liquid, 2000 continuous flow. Two Butler fer International 56' or John 6932 evenings. 1-616-754-6969. gear. Excellent condition! Kill acres, no till units on seed 1200 BU hopper bins, 12' di- Deere. 1-313-522-6677. Brothers gravity wagon, 10 units. Always housed. Excel- ameter. 1974 GLEANER F combine CLARK IT 70, 8,000# tractor ton JD gear. NI 2-row corn lent condition. 1-313-428- Harvester Agri Systems with 4-row wide corn head type forklift. 12' lift, 6-cylinder picker, 4-row 40" cultivator. 7758. 1-800-722-8070 and 13' grain head. 1979 gas, power shift. Good condi- JD RM 7-row 21" cultivator. Ford F-250, 4x4 pickup. En- gine needs work. Call eve- tion! $8450. Warner Swazey tractor type forklift, 4,000# Graham Home plow. Two 9' JOHN DEERE 1240 FOR'SALE. Four row planter, excellent PLANTER, Granule calibrator, r-FARMERS" nings, 1-616-674-3681. cab and side shift, 3-cylinder B'rillion cultipackers. H narrow front. 220 James- Farmalll condition, 1-517 -723~5672 .• manufactured Farms, Davis by Hines Junction, IUvesIod & commotliIy iRes 100 law? I gas. Runs great! $695Q. way drinking cups. 30 James- •- Cash flow too slow? I 1979 FORD Tri-axle farm 1-800-754-7107. Illinois. Mounted on adjusta- - Mcrtgoge lllJYITII!f1fS am bits over. truck. JD4310A beet harvest- way stanchions. Jamesway JOHN DEERE 17 hole grain ble stand. Operates CW or I whemq?' I er. Speedy JD4630 tractor.JD head with Innes pickup. JD beet topper. dummy 1-616-754-0572. FARM FANS: AB250 grain dryer, one phase, loP. fuel. ..pipe line. 1-517-871-2915. H & S, 8x16 steel kick bale drill with seeder. $695 . Call 1-616-754-3079. JOHN DEERE 7000 six row CCW. $185. Norm Burtraw, 1112 Chris J, Lansing, 48917. 1-517-323-4365. MI .-::s~ wOO lJ1derstlIlds ,_ WID someooe to fit. to yolIlender? I , wagon, without running gear. 25K-3 PTO generator. Cal- Hutchinson 8"x54' transport narrow R planter, monitor - Do you IJIderstund yolI options with Very good condition! Delivery umet 3250V manure spread- er with injectors (bad tank). auger, PTO. Hutchinson 6"x54' transport auger, PTO. possible. $875. bean cups. Great condition! SIX GANDY INSECTICIDE I P.A. 116? _ Do you need to restTuctlle your I 0011-616-636-8449. North Call 1-515-587 -6842. units. Uke new condition! Call 1-517-673-7470, Harvest Agri Systems Kent County. Marc, 1-517-845-6891 after I ftmq busiIess? I 1-517-673--7171. 1-800-722-8070. L1LLlSTON 2000, rolling cul- tivator, with new fertilizer box, 8pm. ,- Do you need to consiIer ~PlI yolI VOClIIioo? I INTERNATIONAL 12' disk, 20' BADGER UNLOADER: FARM FANS: CF/AB270 grain I.,"' I $800 .. Call 1-616-853-2418. $400. 1-616-599-2251. Good motor! New covers. dryer, one phase, natural gas TWO COLBY CHOPPER '" -'en. t.I n ...,trn N.H. 890 chopper, corn, hay International Flbra Shank, MANURE SPREADERS: heads. N.H. 12' 495 haybine. with focus control. Harvest Agri Systems chisel plows, wing disks, off- New and used. Balzer, Better- wagons tor sale. Tandem gear. One 7', 3-point hitch I,... 1ft ..... I N.H. #28 blower.JD center fold, 17' disk. #220 FARM 1-800-722-8070. FANS: CF/AB320 set disks and cultimulchers, drills, spreaders, balers, hay- Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also, grain dryers and handling stone rake. 1-616-924-5558. ~:! !:.8~~!:.'~7..1 1-517-587 -6842. bines, rakes. Large selection equipment. grain dryer, one phase, L.P. of tilage and haying equip- Hamilton DIstributing Co. 3250 GALLON CALUMET, fuel. ment. Call 1-517-773-5374 1-800-248-8070 top load liquid manure Harvest Agri Systems after 1pm. Dan Reid. spreader with agitator and 1-800-722-8070. MF 300 COMBINE, three row tandem axles. 1-517-647- JD 3020 w/146 $8000. Farmall Super MTA, loader, narrow and two row wide corn heads, 13' grain head, Place your ad for 6 0008, evenings. FOR SALE: Gehl forage 65 BUSHEL DRYING BIN, blower: Patz gutter cleaner. $3000. Both new paint. Patz gutter cleaner, $1500. New $900. 1-616-329-0633 in eve- nings. months, get phone $3000. 2-4 or 6 ton feed 12' disk and cultipacker. JD 4- tanks plus auger and motor, row cultivator. PTO Idea 255 M/spreader, $1100. Zero 800 gallon tank w/com- NEW HOLLAND 455 and number or name in red. generator, 20KW. AC 4-row 456 hay mowers and 402 hay $1000.-$975. 3 ton tank plus ~ auger and motor, $750. 17', corn planter. Case grain drill, 13 hole. pressor, $1600. Semen tank $100. Grain bin, $500. Tri- crimpers. Rosensaw corn Place your ad for 1 .. I 5" transport auger plus motor, huskers, corn binders and axle 5th wheel, $500. $475. 54' PTO 8" transport 1-616-396-4868. 1-517-772-9231. grain binders. year, get phone number auger, $1800. 10' auger. $50. Call 1-810-628-4147. 1-616-399-2284. FOR SALE: 4 row, 30", IH 843 CORN HEAD, good to excellent JD 4430, $11,900. JD 4630, $12,900. International 1566, NEW IDEA snowblower, or name in red and also Model 517, $1500. JD 116 AC #72 PLANTING for sale. $50 each. UNITS condition, $3,250 or always housed, best offer. 1-517- $8900. JD 544 loader, 4x4, 2 1/2 yard bucket, $15,900. lawn tractor, 46" deck, $1000. save $1.00 per ad. Call 1-517 -593-2244. 681-4251. Blade for Farmall Cub, $300. AC 180 DIESEL TRACTOR, JD 450 six way blade, $8900. Clark's Tractors, 1-810-727-2452. Call new J-Star 50' belt 8am-4:30pm. NEW OAK HAY WAGON conveyor,(less motor). $1475. 1-517-386-2192. FORD, NEW HOLLAND trac- tors and equipment from Sy- 1-810-629-9376. BEDS. Any size (8x16 with 6' back, $299). Oak truck equip- 1.800.968-3129 mon's in Gaines. For 43 JOHN DEERE M with plow ALUMINUM IRRIGATIONSYSTEM for sale. Will cover five acres, years your best deal for the long runl and John Deere B. Good sheet metal and running con- ment or semi decking. Instal- lation available! for details dition. 1-616-279-2565 or Mobile Custom Saw Milling 2", 3" and 4" pipe, with PTO Symon'. 1-313-587-8431 pump. 1-517-727-9945. 1-517-271-8445, Gaines 1-616-279-2480 evenings. 1~'J~~I~'I~'4!j.j Apri/15, 1996 Miclligan Farm News ClassiJRed • 11'_ L. B. WHITE HEATERS: New, used and parts. BULK FEED BINSI ::: •..•... }}<:..::.::.':' •• • .. ~:.: DEXTER : ..... :: ready to bred. Also, rare Cotswold sheep and Scottish :.:.:::::::}:::::m:rr:tf:::r:::::rIf:m:. :....::a;.!!~lgS~.j:::j::::::::j":::::,,.' ;...:.:.: •..•.. ..... ... ... : : .. : :.::.:.:.:.: :.:.:.: .. :.:.:.:.:.:: ...:.:.:.:.:.: .... ..::::-:.-:> .•.:::;.:,::::::::::::::::::::;.:.:.:::::: .•:::::::::, HEIFER: Small, 1 a• .llJi&'t,1 AGRILAND EXCHANGE INC. ~ LLAMAS: North American Sitting Bull and Essex blood- lines. Pet males and weaning CHICKS, CHICKS, PHEAS- ANTS, Quails, Chukars, Tur- keys, Peacocks, Ducks, Ban- Your Full Service New, used Blackface rams. females. Reasonable priced! tams, Guineas. Stamp for HOG EQUIPMENT! NEW, USED Call 1-616-674-8885 late eve- nings. Call for more information and visit. 1-517-645-2719. price list: Rolling Hills Pre- serve, 17025 McKenzie Agricultural Real Estate Broker PORTABLE HUTS! Miller's L1amaland Street, Marcellus, MI 49067. Growe Systems EXPERIENCED HEIFER GROWER willing to custom raise heifers Potterville, MI 1-616-646-9164. If you have acerage to sell, Mason, MI 1-80<>-676-4142 and return as springers. 400- 500 head capacity. LLAMAS: Your visit to our Chicks, yearlings and breed- EMU we may have a buyer! Llama Farm is most 1-616-793-7338. welcome! Learn about these ers. Great birds! Reasonably FOR CURRENT LIST of fine; easy to care for animals. priced. Mirochipped and Vet certified. Boarding available. Call for more details and information Woolly pets and halter available Angus Cattle, write: Secretary, West Michigan An- trained. Weanlings available. Support before and after sale, on current listings Jack & Barbara Danly Exquisite Emu's 400 POUND SQUARE bales straw and 1st and 2nd round gus Breeders, Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49509. 585 36th Horton Bay Llamas 06300 Boyne City Road Charlevoix, 1-616-582-7473 Belevielle, M148111 1-313-461-1362 2651 Coolidge Road East lansing, HI 48823 517 --336 1570 bales hay. Delivery available! HIGH QUALITY HOLSTEIN FREE CATALOG-WHOLE- Edward Kalis service age bulls from high SALE prices broiler and pedi- PIEDMONTESE CATTLE Winn, 1.517-866-2540 producing cow families and gree laying chicks, turkeys, Lean, tender, double mus- top sires. cled, good calving ease. ducks, guineas, goslings. MICHIGAN CERTIFIED Pasch Farms, Inc. Reich Poultry Farms, Mar- Quality registered breeding SEED: Newdak, Porter, Prai- 1-517-644-3519 ietta, PA 17547. Call 1-717- stock. Also available embryos rie oats, Bowers barley. Felix 426-3411. JOIN THE NEW Livestock: and semen. Conrad, Century 84, Vinton D&L PROFESSIONAL CATTLE EMU chicks and coming 2 Redbird Farms WANTED: Farms and land 81, soy beans. Chinook light hoof trimming, five years ex- year olds. Lapeer, Michigan throughout Michigan, agricul- mar reds. Bayside seed, perience, reasonable rates. Call 1-810-378-5471. 1-810-667-7389 tural and recreational. Large corn, soybeans, Dairybrand Call Devin Eldred at 1-616- parcels preferred. We have and Crystal alfalfa .. QUALITY ANGUS BREED- B&M Seed 1-517-463-2846 LLAMAS ARE GREAT, and now they're These docile, intelligent ani- affordable! ING STOCK. Performance tested, Bulls semen tested. I, 'ill 693~3158. KOUTZ BARN PAINT & RE- buyers! Faust Real Estate Adrian, 1-517-263-866 mals make wonderful pets for Free delivery! Also, Border PAIR: Now with 100'.boom QUALITY ALFALFA and hiking, packing, picnicking, Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. HERITAGE truck Now doing grain dryers, pulling carts, or to just plain Bordner Angus Farms BUILDING SYSTEMS steel roof repairs and high WILL HELP PAY YOUR TAXES! mixed hay. Almont, Michigan. enjoy. Their wool is valuable Sturgis, MI1-616-651-8353 800.643.5555 buildings. Ethical and responsible bow Ferguson Farms Summer Sale hunter wishes to lease hunt- and they also make outstand- 1-517-681-3110, 1-810-395-7512 30 x 40 X 10 54.927 ing guard animals. Call for a 517-463-1029. ing rights to southern Michi- 40 x 60 x 12 57.976 visit today! 1-616-677 -3309 . . 1( )Hl'.SUi\: SYSTEM gan farm on your terms. Ref- 50 x 75 x 12 511.180 Ron and Nancy Laferriere. INC. erences available. Call John 60 x 100 x 10 515.957 Laferriere llamas PAINTING & POWER WASHING, 1-313-791-0259 80 1 ] 50 xU 529.655 Marne, Michigan "Designing for Growth" C.oml11t'lflal Slffllxliktings ItalUring tas)' bob up barns, out buildings, e/eva- (Just northwest of Grand assrmhl) from .\mtrifa's IargrSl dl.. rihu!Ol. II't ha\t tors. Top quality paint, many Rapids) om 10.000 sr.llloord silts 01 shop. farm. induslllal. references. Call for free esti- cOl1U1ltrclal and min~wilrthoust buildings .. \11art' mate or information. CARGILL SEEDS: Cash and REGISTERED POLLED COmpltlt .. ilh tnginttr Slamptd prrmil drawings and JD Quality Painting, 1-313- HEREFORD Bull. Four years a 20 ) far roo( and M'ilII ruSl "'ilITiln/)'. C.all us rOlla)' 429-0084 Carry prices. Single cross for a frt't informarion pacl.agt and a QUOIt on our lop corn, $40. Premium alfalfa, old in April. Tame, have pa- quan!)' buildings 01 building compontnl pans. $99. Sorghum-Sudan, $18. pers. $800. Call between -*- Good selection yet! 5pm-7pm., 1-517-435-7694. Mini \Varehouse Sale ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MAR- Bob Wilcox. . 59.999 KET: Sunday, April 28. Fea- 1-517-834-2387 . "''''I,h turing 300 exhibitors, display- Complete Fann System ..!U"" I..!ll "nil.!, 111111 .. tt hUhll,lrllIl.'"'' ing over one million antiques . • Grain Bins CORN: High moisture, $85 140 SOW FARROW-to-finish First show of 1996! Show, • GSI Top Dry per ton. Feed analysis availa- • Airstream Auto Dryers hog barn on five acres locat- rain or shine, 7:30a.m. to • Feed Processing & Delivery Equipment ed in Tuscola County. Built in 4:30 p.m. Located at the Fair- ble. Omega Farms - Bucket Elevators 1979. P.A. 116 needs repairs. grounds, right in Allegan, MI 1.517 -468-3366 • Mifwright Services $59,000. $3 admission . • Dryer Repair & Services 1-517 -673-7 470, Johnson System, Inc. 1-517-673-7171. COLLECTORS Farmal: FOR SALE: AuSable seed INDIVIDUALS for custom Marshall, MI 157 ACRE FARM: Southwest 1938, F-14, Rubber nice! oats. Purity, test weight, and harvesting operation. Texas Plow pulley, also enough germination Duane Basel at 1-517-734- tested. Call 616-781-9000 through Montana. 1996 sea- Lenawee tillable, 40 County. wooded, custom. 101 parts to make F-12. Plus ex- son. Must be clean, honest, tra frame assembly 3694. hard working with farm back- home. May split! $295,000. Lease financing TEXAS LONGHORNS: ground. Full time work possi- Faust Real Estate wheels/drive others. $6000 takes all. 1-906-338-2731. Quality registered breeding ble. 1-402-364-2468. Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 FOR SALE: Cleaned Mancan for equipment stock available. Call 1-616- buck wheat. Tested 99% puri- ty. Call 1-800-800-9548 fore, 6pm. After 6pm., call 1- 616-546-3268. be- vehicles & buildings 676-1462 days or weekends. Ada, Michigan . TEXAS LONGHORNS: easy to raise cattle! Bulls, The • A'~ CHRISTENSEN (i AUmON SERVICE o~ steers, heifers, and bred ~ MICHIGAN CERTIFIED SOy- • 100%tax deductible cows for sale. Stock for pen- MALE, GERMAN/AMERICAN PhD FARM AUCTION BEAN SEED: Kenwood-94, ning and for purebred breed- • fixed payments ing. student (Ag Engineering Friday, April 19, 1996 -10:00 a.m. Sharp!! Conrad-94, BSR-l0l and Stuttgart, Germany) seeks full Havingretired,I will sell thefollowingat PublicAuction.Salesile to be: Hardin-91. Also, certified Diamond 6 Ranch • min advance payment 1-616-642-9042 time work experience July 1 fromtheJunctionof M-91 & M-57 at Greenville,go 12-1/2 milesnorthon M- Newdak oats seed. Call through corn harvest on 1000- 91 to KendavilleRd.,theneast5-1/2 milesto salesite -or- from theJunctionof Schmidt Farms of Auburn TOP QUALITY FALLOW 3000 acre crop or combina- M-46 & M-66 at Six Lakes,go 1 mileweston M-46, thensouth5-1/2 miles on 1-517-662-6705 DEER. ALL AGES, SEXES, tion crop/livestock farm. Wag- Miles Rd.,thenweston McBridesRd.to salesite.(MontcalmCounty)Follow 1-517 -662-2695 ~e COLORS. Dana Hili Ranch, es negotiable. Raised on 50 AuctionSigns! TELMARKINC. Hemlot, Michigan. Call 1-517 -642-5396. acre dairy/livestock holds truck drivers license farm, Tractors& Unloader-IH 1486Diesel,cab,3 outletsSIN 14462- Less than500 hourson majorrebuild;IH 1066DieselSIN 38038NewT/A & Clutch, 800-451-3322 TRADE (like for like), or sell, (Class 2). American with social security number, citizen IH826 DieselSIN 14218,lessthan300 hourson freshmajorrebuild& rebuilt injection pump;IH 400 N/F,SIN33051;IH-M N/F.SIN 266187;IH-H,N/F,SIN registered Simmental Bull. fluent in English. Call my 66044;Case1845GasSkidSteerLoaderwf2-buckets. Seven to choose from! Cows aunt, Melanie 1-616-626- HayEquip- NH49912' CenterPivotHaybine;JD 1530 RoundBaler; REGISTERED LlMOUSIN and heifers for sale. 8896 for more information af- VermeerR-23TwinRake;HessIon30 Slacker;IH50 RoundBaleMover-5Bale bull. Three years old, gentle Call 1-517 -689-4696. ter 6pm. Cap;JD 1321 40' Elevator;NH38 Flail Chopper;IH SideDelivery115 Hay and guiet. Easy calving! Rake;(2) FlatRacks& run gear;IH 155 Baler;MF5' RotaryMower-3pl. $2000. Call 1-517-724-6480. TillageEquip-IH 550 - 5x16"Plow-Semi-mtd.;IH 500 16' WheelDisc;IH SUPER HEAVY 25>30 (2 30.40 (3 left) left) _50 UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! 20 YEAR WARRANTY ('left) 42><64 (2 left) American Steel Arch Inc. FACTORY DIRECT STEEL 50>100 ('left) REGISTERED Hereford breeding age bulls, heifers. Also A-1 heifers and cows. Rocky Banner blood- lines. MSU performance test- ed.Call Rye Hereford Farm POLLED -= FARM BUREAU JBA\IEl. OF MleHIG.4N Providing Michigan EXPERIENCED Michigan ag- ribusiness attorneys with farm 16' 4 sec.Drag;IH 18.5'VibraShankFieldCultivator;Oliver21' WheelDisc; IH 155 11Shank3pl. ChiselPlow;Noble4 RowCultivator;JD 16' F-950 Cullimulcher. SilageEquip- NH790 Chopperwf2. row NarrowCornHead& 7' Hay Head;Badger18' IBN1050 ForageBoxwfTandemRunGear;Badger16' Forage boxwfTandemRunGear;Badger14' ForageBoxwlRunGear;BadgerSilage Blower;IH 1600 SilageBlower;FarmHandF89BGrinderBlower. Farm Bureau members backgrounds. Knowledge and Planters& Drill - JD 70006RPlanter-DryFert.& Herbboxesw/monitor; 1-800.942-1234 517-734-3005 with the specialized experience in all farm areas; IH455-4 RowCorn Planter;IH 16holeGrainDrill/GrassSeeder;(2) Brillion REGISTERED SCOTTISH service you deserve. restructure, stray voltage, Cullipackers10' & 12'; Brillion 8' CrowfootPacker. HIGHLAND CATTLE, breed- bankruptcy, estate planning. PickerlSpreader/Grinder - NI 325 2 row NarrowCorn Picker,12 rowhusk ing stock and semen for sale. • Airline Tickets EAST SIDE: Thomas J. Bud- bed w/Sheller;JD 780 HydraPushManureSpreaderw/SlopGate;NH 1355 • Tour Packages zynski, 43777 Grosebeck Grinder. HOJ/mlfI811S! Visitors welcome! Call 1-517- 543-7979 evenings or week- • Cruises Highway, Mt. Clemens, Michi- gan. 48036. 1-800-463-5253, MiscellaneousEquip- (2) GravityBoxesw/run gear;(2) FeederWagons; FieldSprayer-300gal.30' booms;PostholeDigger3pl. PTO;SnowPlow; •• ~~~:eck ends. Charlotte, Michigan . • Hotel Reservations WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stam- TractorDuals18.4x 34 ClampOn;TractorDuals20.8 x 38 HubMount;Rear RHEA (South American Os- • Car Rentals ha, 40 West Sheridan, Fre- Blade3 pI. 6'; S&S StockTrailer,BumperPull 16'x6';500 Gal.PlasticTankfor trich): Three proven breeder • Amtrak mont, Michigan, 49412. 1-616- Pickup. pairs for sale. Should pro- 924-3760. Feed- Approx.3,000Bushelsof EarCom. duce 150 chicks this summer. Monday-Friday, Terms- Cashor GoodCheckwith Proper1.0. on saleday. No property paycheck First call buys package. 1- 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SAVE MONEY removedfrompremisesuntil selliedfor.Notresponsiblefor accidents.Lunch Recycle your diesel and in- LOANS BY PHONE 810-679-3117 evenings. Rocky Mountain Elk: Call 800-292-2693 dustrial air intake filters using andportapOllieon grounds. Ed Porter, Owner the Sonic Dry Clean System. Christensen Auction Services, John C. Christensen, Auctioneer SAME DAY APPROVAL Livestock of the Future. TB No liquids or detergents 6395 Cannonsville Rd., lakeview, Michigan 48850. -Statewide Service, Call Totl Free- accredited herd. Animals of used. 50% savings over new 517-831-4919 (i all ages! Traverse City, Michi- 1..800-968-Z ALLSTATE MORTGAGE !!!loans by phone!!! ZZ 1 gan. Imperial Elk Ranch 1-616-946-5922 filters. Recycle Now, Inc. Holland, MI 1-616-396-n24 A'~ CHRISTENSEN AUmON SERVICE o~ 616-3~8102,Fax II --....... ......... .,- .. . . . . :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::':::':::'::::::::::::::::'::::::::::::::::::~'::I .... .... . ', ....... ......... ' . .. .. . . • It.. - . " .••:.......... .:.•:....•..... :•.•...:•..:...::.::.::..:.:...:::.::.?•G:....... :e::Hn:::-::.:e:::.::::r.: a::'. ,:: . . :: .. ..:..... .. .. '.' ' . ..........•.. .....-.-.- - .. .. ................... - ....... . .... - , .. .. . . ".~.. - . ."..... . " "." ........ '. ...... . . . . . . . . ... . . .. - 0 • •••••••••••••• ..... .. - .. .. " •• . .. .. ' . • BINS FOR SALE: Martin CASH PAID FOR old fishing ICELAND-LAND OF FIRE smooth wall drying and stor- tackle, rods, reels, spears, AND ICE:August 13-27 Tour. Farm Visits ~1t. age bins, 10,000 bushel and gaffs. One piece or entire col- 6,000 bushel, gas dryer. lection! Also, antique hunting/ Dairy/Sheep Quotas Hatfield Farms, 11632 10th golf memorabilia. Paying up to 5-Gaited Horses Avenue, Remus, MJ 49340. $300.1-517-427-5881. Reforestation 1-517-967-3547. Geothermal Greenhouses. Lava Fields, Glaciers, FISH FOR STOCKING: Giant Geysers, Hot Springs, Water- Hybrid Bluegills, Rainbow CASH: Old steel animal traps falls Phannacy Catalog and save $1.00 off Trout, Walleye, Largemouth in excellent condition. Advise Greenland Optional Bass, Smallmouth Bass, size, make, type and price Fully Escorted. your first order of Ibuprofen! Channel Catfish, Perch, Fat- excluding victors. Norm Bur- Good Company Tours. head Minnows. Laggis' Fish traw, 1112 Chris J, Lansing, Call RoseMary, Save even more when you order from Farm, Inc., 08988 35th MI 48917. 1-517-323-4365. 1-800-434-8987 for brochure. Street, Gobles, Michigan. TWO BEDROOM COTTAGE our catalog of over 5,000 items, includ- 1-616-628-2056. Evenings, 1-616-624-6215. OLD GLASS NEGATIVES for rent w/direct access to ing non-prescription, prescription, vitamins, beautiful, sandy beach on from late 1800's to early FLY CONTROL: Safe, effec- 1900's. Willing to pay top pri- Lake Michigan at Frankfort. diabetic, ostomy & medical supplies. You'll find it a tive, no chemicals. Prevent Excellent swimming at the ces for certain negatives. Call flies from hatching. Informa- Joe at 1-616-945-5536 or beach or use indoor heated time-saving and convenient way to shop for all your healthcare needs! tion prices, call or write: Use- pool at Harbor Lights Motel ful Farm Items, 3540 76th, leave message. and Condominium. Fish Caledonia, MI 49316. from two piers. $550 per 1-800-635-5262. week. Cable TV, washer/dry- HARDY OUTSIDE WANTED TO BUY: Standing er. All linens furnished. "Your Pharmacy Through the Mail!!" WOOD FURNACE timber of all kinds. Call Call 1-800-346-9614. Words #1 seller. Stainless R. H. Rehkopf steel construction. Heats Big Rapids, Michigan - home, hot water tank, pools. 1-800-725-7861 Eliminates fire danger. 10 year warranty! available. 1-800-743-5883. Jamboree Acres Dealerships WANTED, STANDING TIM- BER: Buyers of timber of all ABSOLUTE TOP CASH for HEARTLAND types. Cash in advance! land contracts. Up to 95Q: on PRESCRIPTION SERVICE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES Minerai Owners Gas/Oil: In- 1-517 -875-4565, ask for Tim. vestor interested in purchas- Maple Rapids the dollar. Best offer guaran- 11028 "Q" Street + Omaha, NE 68137 ing, producing royalty income Lumber Mill, Inc. teed. Same day close. for immediate cash. Prefer St. Johns, MI 1st National Antrim gas. Other formations 1-800-879-2324 considered. Call Jay, 1-800- 968-7645. WANTED: 2"-8" used alumi- Subscribe to Spartan Maga- zine, your source for Michi- gan State Sports! 18 issues MSU SPORTS FANS! num irrigation Sell or Trade! Call tubing. Buy, Rain Control 1-800-339-9350 HUDSON CONSTRUCTION r---------------------------------, I Deadline for next issue is April 19, 1996 for only $32.95. Call I SERVICES 1-800-732-6532. All types of agricultural, com- I The Spartan WANTED: BUYING OLDER mercial, residential construc- Call1-80G-968-3129 to Place Your PROFESSIONAL CATTLE printed matter. Pre-1960's tion. Steel, bricks or sticks. li- censed and insured with cer- Classified Ad Today! hoof trimming: Statewide! magazine, sheet music, Over 14 years experience. newspapers, postcards, cata- tified engineers:-- or use the coupon below and mail or fax your Prices start at $6. Call logs, etc. Richard Harris, 715 Call 1-616-785-9704.025 classified ad to Michigan Farm News Norman Beale Luce, Fremont, 49412.1-616- 1-816-n5-0488 924-6788. Save this ad . Buy Line/Daily News FAX: SAVE 75% ON WORK CLOTHESI Good, clean, re- WANTED: CHERRY PITTER, 1- P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 488~8 1-517-831-5063 cycled in very best quality. 616-944-1457. Money back guarantee. Free NUT TREES: Carpathian and I brochure Hazelnut. 3' to 5' tall, $6 Classified Ad Codes Suntex Recycling each. Add $10 for shipping. Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 Frank Radosa, 4084 Kane, 1. Fann Machinery 10. Work Wanted 20. Wan led To Buy Merrill, MI 48637. ... SHREDDED PAPER: Excel-' Call 1-517-643-7592. 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agrfcultural Services 21. Special Evenls lent absorbent material-ani- • mal bedding. Use instead of 3. Fann Commodities 12. Business Services 22. Recreallon straw/sawdust. Contact rates 4. Seeds 13. Business Opportunities 23. Financing as low as $125. Call Mark at Fourth Annual Top of the Flock 1-616-786-2424. Club Lamb Sale. Many win- 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors Wanted. ning lambs have come from STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- these four flocks in the past. 1960 CHEVY PICKUP FOR SALE. 6. Poultry 15. Real Estate Wanted 25. Buildings build and balance. Some ex- The lambs look even better Restorable, $2500, 305, pri- 26. Lawn And Garden 7. Dogs and Puppies 16. Estate Sales changes. We stock chopper this year! Saturday, April 20, mer. Call Linda Mae 1-810- parts. ENGINE REBUILDING sale at 2:30pm, 10456 Bath 360-2046 or fax 1-810-539- a. ponlesIHorses 17. AucUons 27. Announcements our specialty. Auto- Truck- Road, Byron, MI. Contact 0773 28. To Give Away 9. Help Wanted 18. AntiqueS/Collectibles Tractor -Antique-Conti nental- Bobby Clements 1-810-266- Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- 1973 International Scout: 19. General 5109 or Mike Fleming 1-810- 29. Vehicles gine dealer. 4WD, automatic, Texas truck. 798-3775. $2500 or best offer. 69 years of service! Name Phone ( ) _ HART'S AUTO PARTS Call 1-616-754-1463. Cecil, OH 1-41wa9-4m LET THE SNAKE LADY do 1985 FORD F-350 pickup. Address TV ANTENNAS dirt cheap! your parties, birthday, store One ton, 6.9L, diesel, 2WD. Save a bundle on Channel openings, fund raisers, com- Loaded! 160,000 miles. Al- City State Zip Master and Winegard anten- pany picnics, pet shows. Call ways starts. Great hauler. nas and accessories. For a Unda Mae 1-810-360-2046 or One owner! Asking $4000. Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues free catalog, call 1-800-526- fax 1-810-539-0773 1-517-689-4160. 9984 Desired Insertion Date(s): Denny. Antenna 5.1•• Method of Payment Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) Visa Card Number Exp. Dale _ ThinkIng about Master Card Number Exp. Date Sawlogs SOFTWOOD WANTED: and pulpwood. seUing your farm? Classified Rates - S8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each additional wo.rd White, Red, Jack, Austrian 'Write your ad here, including phone numl)er and area code and Scotch pines. Also, Bal- -Consider the auction method! sam, Spruce and Hemlock. 2 3 4 Especially White Pine saw- Over the last two years, our logs; standing or roadside. auctions have generated actual 5 6 7 8 Lower Peninsula only! Northern nmbert.nd., Inc. sales prices on average 28.8% 9 10 11 12 in business over 35 years!. Call 1-517-356-9759 higher than the release prices! 13 14 15 16 for pricing and specifications. TRAVERSE CITY: If you -If you want to learn more about 17 18 19 20 wish to buy or sell farm or recreational property in north- Halderman auctions, give me a 21 22 23 24 west Michigan, we can help. calli Call Ron McGregor, North- 25 26 27 28 .m Mlchlg.n Land Brok..... Larry Borton 1-616-929-1515, 29 30 31 32 1-616-943-7709. (517) 323-8611 WANTED: Old motorcycles, 33 34 35 36 snowmobile and off road ve- hicles. 1965 and older. Call JD at 1-517-876-0583. ~R~l\'l~~SERViCES L Circulation over 46,000 in state of Michigan. ~ r~'r~'\'J.!:,J.l ::J.~ '1 ...."'J ..~.: ~rd I'J 'I ~J!~JJ J 6 Contract Payment Authorizations Commodity Allocation Percentages .com 46.2% Continued from front page • Cash rent producers with a lease which expires • Wheat 26.3% programs with production flexibility contracts OIl C prior to Sept. 30, 2002. In this case, the owner .oau 0.15% (PFC) covering the seven-year period from now ~ 4 may also enter into the same contract. However, .. Barley 2.16% in until 2002. c payments to the owner would not become effec- .;;; 3 • Grain SOrghum 5.11% In regard to other farm bill commodities, c tive until after the expiration of the lease agree- the final agreement reauthorizes the dairy price ~o ment. A producer with a cash-rent lease which :D Upland Cotton 11.6% support program, with a $.15 annual reduction in G ,g 2 expires prior to Sept. 30, 2002, who seeks to _Rice 8.47% the support price from the current $10.35/cwt. to < enroll less than 100 percent of eligible cropland How They Voted - Farm Bill $9.90/cwt. in 1999. Federal Milk Marketing Orders must have the consent of the owner. Adoption of the conference report on the bill to will decrease from 33 to a minimum of 10, but Contract P..,.....ts reauthorize and provide about S47 billion through 2002 for no more than 14 within three years. The sugar The following amounts (see bar chart) have all major federal farm programs, replacing current price- support programs with a system of fixed annual payments to program will be extended for seven years, keeping been authorized for contract payments in fiscal farmers that would decline over the next seven years while their structure largely intact, except for the elimina- years 1996-2002 and will be allocated by commodity granting them more flexibility in deciding what to plant. The tion of the domestic marketing allotments estab- The following producers and/or owners may according to the percentages (see pie chart): bill would also scale back some provisions of the sugar and lished under the 1990 farm bill. enter eligible land into production flexibilitycontracts: Advance Payments peanut support programs; phase out price supports for CAP EarI7 Out Provision Enhanced Eligible owners A 50 percent advance payment will be avail- butter, dry milk and cheese over four years; reauthorize the food stamp program for two years; expand conservation and According to Knight -Ridder, the USDAsaid it • An owner of eligible land who assumes all or part able to producers within 30 days of sign up with the rural development programs; and retain permanent farm will immediately implement a provision that allows of the risk of producing a crop, (i.e. owner-opera- remainder of the 1996 payment due by Sept. 30, law established in 1938 and 1949 after 2002. farmers to end any of their eRP contracts on "less tor, crop share lease, variable cash-rent lease, ete.) 1996. Payments in subsequent years would be made MICHIGAN SENATORS environmentally sensitive lands" with 60 days notice • An owner who cash rents eligible land (lease on Sept. 30, with producers having the option of Name Vote to USDA.Such land must also have been in the expires prior to Sept. 30, 2(02) to a tenant who receiving half of their annual payment in advance, Levin C (0) N program for at least five years. Previously, USDA declines to enter into a PFC. Contract payments either on Dec. 15 or Jan. 15, according to AFBF. Abraham S (R) y had planned to let only farmers with CRP contracts MICHIGAN REPRESENTATIVES to the owner would not begin until the lease There are certainly numerous other questions District/Name Vote expiring in fiscal year 1996 take land early out of held by the tenant expires. that need to be answered about program participa- 1 Stupak B (0) Y the program. Eligible producers tion, including sign up details and planting flexibility 2 Hoekstra P (R) Y "Uit's for the '% spring planted crop, they can • Crop-share lease producers, regardless of provisions. Look for the April 30 issue of the Michi- 3 Ehlers V (R) Y plant as soon as the acreage is approved for early 4 Camp 0 (R) Y length of the lease, if the owner also enters gan Farm News to go into greater depth on all of 5 Barcia J (0) Y termination," explains White. "But we don't have into a contract. the issues surrounding the new farm bill, including 6 Upton F (R) Y anything on how quickly after the producer comes in • Cash-rent producers with a lease which expires worksheets and examples to assist in making deci- 7 Smith N (R) Y and signs the request we will be doing the approval." on or after Sept. 30, 2002. sions about program participation .• 8 Chrysler 0 (R) Y 9 Kildee 0 (0) Y 10 Bonior 0 (0) N 11 Knollenberg J (R) Y Your name doesn't have 12 Levin S (0) 13 Rivers L (0) 14 Conyers J (0) 15 Collins B (0) N N N N 16 Oingell J (0) Y to be Jack and you don't State winning FFA contestants need I11agicalbeans to have A t the recent state FFAconvention held the first week in March, hundreds of FFAmem- bers competed in nine contests and tryouts for national talent contests. Here is a brief rundown of all the winners - congratulations to everyone! a spe crop. Public Speaking: Teresa Swamba, Capac Extemporaneous Public Speaking: Rachel Beckers, Standish-Sterling Parliamentary Procedure: Team from Cassopolis consisting of Beth Smego, Barbie Hartsell, Katie Ruth, Sara Brossman, Dennis Peterson, Sara Radtke and Jesse Bement Agricultural Forum: Team from Corunna consisting of Kandi Kuchar, Matt Gooding, Amy Tribley, Jason Eicher, Adam Wentz, Nick Nielson and Amanda Kurney Demonstration Contest: Team from Whittemore-Prescott consisting of Luke Guoan, Derek Oliver and Noel Logan Job Interview: Mark Roose, Capac Greenhand Public Speaking: Shannon Finnegan, Lowell Greenhand Conduct of Meetings: Team from Montague consisting of Todd Courtland, Rick Ramthun, Erica Anderson, Joe Ladegasl. Amber Wackernegel, William Schmidt and Sunshine Moore. Junior High Greenhand Conduct of Meetings: Team from CassopOlis consisting of Nicole Smego, Leyna Dussel, Amy Abrams, Alan Peterson, Lori Owen, Eric Ruth and Elizabeth Deubner. Top-Ranked Candidates for National FFA Band: Katie Coffey, Vicksburg Emily Green, Ovid-Elsie JeH Kenyon, Hillman Jennifer Leininger, Waldron Sarah Martz, Marshall Shirley Pavlin, Montague Lori Preston, Branch Area Career Center Stacy Reagle, Homer Top-Ranked Candidates for National FFA Chorus: Joy Eisenga, McBain Michelle McPheron, Montague Christina Papworth, Ogemaw Heights Jacob Washburn, Marshall Good beans are the product of good down any late-germinating weeds and dry down Top-Ranked Candidates lor National FFA Talent: management, not magic. One of the best tools your beans. Grella Barrie, Hillman Brandee Davis, Hopkin you can use to produce an outstanding crop is This year, don't trust your beans to fairy tale EPTAM@ herbicide. It provides an unbeatable claims, depend on products that are proven to Newly Elected State FFA officers are: President: Teresa Swamba, Capac foundation for a good weed control program by perform - EPTAM and GRAMOXONE EXTRA. Vice President: Kevin Nugent, Lowell eliminating more than 40 troublesome weeds. Secretary: Kristin Prelesnik, Mason Treasurer: Gabe Camp, Homer Plus EPTAM n1akes a great tankmix partner for ~ an even broader spectrum of protection. And, for a cleaner and faster harvest, depend Eptil!.!1. !!!!A Reporter: Kerry Ackerman, North Adams Sentinel: Jack Schut. Hopkins Region 1 Vice President: Anelyce Jones, Vicksburg Region 2 Vice President: Carrie Grant, Sand Creek on GRAMOXONE@ EXTRA herbicide to burn The Start oj S0111ething Big. Region 3 Vice President: Kyle Fiebig, USA Region 4 Vice President: Kelly Wizner, Laingsburg 01994. Z~nc:ca Inc. A business unit ofZc:nc:ca Inc. EPTAMa and GRAMOXONEo are tr.ldemarks of a Zeneca Group Company. Region 5 Vice President: Melanie Endres, Saranac ZENECA Ag Procb:ts Gramoxone Extr.l is a !'e1tricted we pcsticid .... Always read and follow label dir ...ctions car ...fully. 04-1 571-00t> Region 6 Vice President: Stephanie Sumerix, Hillman