M I C H I G A N ' S ONLY S T A T E W I D E F A R M N E W S P A P E R M I C H I G A N F A R M BUREAU MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU May 15, 1996 m i HUNTED WITH Vol. 73, No. 9 SOY INK USDA releases estimated PFC payment rates U SDA has announced the estimated payment rates for wheat and feed grains under the new seven-year Production Flexibility Contracts (PFC) authorized under the 1996 farm bill, according to MFB Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm. "The payment rates developed by USDA assumes 100 percent participation of 100 percent of eligible acres into PFCs for the full seven years," Boehm explained. "PFC payments could rise if producers enroll less than 100 percent, however." For 1996 crops, producers will receive an estimated payment rate of 87 cents per bushel for wheat, 24 cents for corn, 31 cents for sorghum, 32 cents for barley and 3 cents for oats. Boehm said the new payment rates also include money now owed to USDA from producers who were over- paid on 1995 crops, which now total nearly $1.72 billion due to higher market prices. Michigan's severe winter has ravaged the state's winter wheat crop. Preparing for the onslaught of wheat "Repayments for wheat, barley and oats will damage claims, the state's Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently held a training session in northeast Kent County. be redistributed in fiscal year 1996, while repay- All state FSA field examiners were brought up to speed on how to evaluate wheat stands and settle claims. ments for corn and sorghum will be redistributed in 1997," Boehm said. "Producers who have not yet repaid 1995 crop subsidies will have that amount deducted from their final fiscal 1996 pay- ment under the new seven-year PFCs." Clinton administration STORY he status of the Michigan wheat Producers will have a one-time opportunity to sign up for the PFCs from May 20 through July announces steps to halt crop is probably as poor as it has been in the last 15 to 20 years, due to adverse 12. Once the contract is approved, producers will receive 50 percent of the estimated 1996 payment drop in beef prices weather conditions such as a lack of snow, extreme cold temperatures and excessive moisture," said MSU T within 30 days of contract approval. The final 1996 he Clinton administration recently an- produced with hormones. Extension Agricultural Agent Steve Poindexter as he payment will then be made no later than Sept. 30. nounced several moves designed to help • Start USDA's beef purchase program for the summed up the state's dismal-looking wheat crop. cattle producers, including an immediate 1996-97 school year by beginning immediately to He predicts that a third to as much as a half of "In future years, the 50 percent advance $50 million beef buy for the National School Lunch make purchases of up to $50 million and consid- the wheat crop could be lost in some areas of the payment will be made on Dec. 15 or Jan. 15, at the Program and expanded Conservation Reserve Pro- er further purchases later if market conditions state, while other portions of the state appeared to option of the producer or the landowner partici- gram land haying and grazing. warrant them. have fared much better. "In the Saginaw Valley area pating in the program," Boehm advised. "Final Following a meeting between Clinton, a bipar- • Survey the credit needs of livestock producers and and in the heart of the Thumb, we're seeing some payments for each year will continue to be made tisan group of lawmakers and Agriculture Secretary report back to the president with any recommen- real severe problems, probably more than other by Sept. 3 0 . " * Dan Glickman, Glickman announced a five-point dations on the need for leniency within 30 days. areas of the state." plan to address the problems facing the catde in- • Meet with livestock producers, industry repre- Poindexter estimates this spring's below-nor- Estimated PFC Payments dustry. According to the White House, these steps sentatives and others to monitor the impact of mal temperatures have also taken a good 14 days "are designed to help relieve these pressures and the announcement. worth of heat units out of the crop's normal grow- Commodity 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 assist in ensuring a stable, affordable supply of beef Glickman said he did not anticipate the beef ing season, putting a further dent in harvest yields Vheat 87 61 65 63 57 46 45 for American consumers." buy to have a "major" impact on the market, but and test weights. The quantity and quality of wheat Corn 24 46 36 35 32 26 25 The plan includes: seed available to producers this fall is also being 37 30 that the move would help keep the markets from Sorghum 31 50 42 40 29 Birley 32 25 22 18 17 • Permit the nation's livestock producers to graze falling further. He said he hoped some of the pro- called into question. "We're watching that situation 26 24 Oats 3 2 2 cattle, and, effective July 1, cut hay on land en- posals would help keep cattle herds from facing very closely and growers may want to even consider rolled in the Conservation Reserve Program large-scale liquidation. lining up seed supplies earlier than normal," he (source: Knight Rkjder Financial News) (CRP), except the most environmentally sensitive "Allowing haying and grazing on CRP acres is suggested. "We may have a problem this year with land, through Sept. 30. Farmers who take advan- necessary to alleviate the high feed costs that have certain varieties being in short supply." tage of this new option will have to forego 5 caused substantial economic hardships for many Market Consequences percent of their annual CRP rental payment for producers," Sen. Chuck Grisly (R-Iowa) said. "And a According to Michigan Agricultural Commodi- each month they use the land for grazing. large beef purchase by the U.S. government, $50 ties Merchandiser Bruce Sutherland, the southeast- • Use all the tools at the Secretary's disposal, includ- million and more if needed, should help turn the ern portion of the state's wheat crop didn't fare ing existing short- and medium-term export credit tide in sagging markets." well either, with acreage loss estimates of 20 per- guarantees, to promote the export of American While the National Cattlemen's Beef Associa- cent being predicted. "It would appear that earlier beef. Work with the United States Trade Represen- tion had been urging USDA to make the extra beef planted wheat fared better overall, but we do have tative to press for resolution of the complaint that purchases for several weeks, many critics are calling some pretty serious winter-kill damage," Sutherland the U.S. has filed with the World Trade Organiza- the moves "token efforts in an election year de- confirmed. tion against the European Union's ban on U.S. beef signed to look good to key voting groups." * Continued o n page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHIGAN F A R M NEWS News in Brief 2 Ag lending policy changes Michigan potato growers Capitol Corner 3 from the new farm bill 7 control late blight 11 Herbicide decisions on Weather Outlook 8 Timing spring alfalfa harvest 12 replanted wheat fields 4 Weed control update for 1996 9 Discussion Topic: Your need to get Market Outlook 6 Mexico to import more dry beans, involved in the election process 13 prices begin to jump 10 Yellow nutsedge finally meets its match 16 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds—Page 13 ~~m=w:0 May 15, 1996 Anti-ethanol bill USDA invites northeast ADM lawsuit dismissed R eps. Randy Tate (R-Wash.) and Sam Gibbons dairy compact comments T he Archer Daniels Midland Co. has agreed to settle a civil price-fixing lawsuit that accused (D-Fla.) have introduced legislation to repeal the federal ethanol tax credit. Tate said by ending the tax credit, "one of the most egregious examples D oeS a compelling public interest exist to war- rant implementation of the Northeast Inter- state Dairy Compact? USDA Secretary Dan Glick- the agricultural products giant of manipulating the $600 million-per-year-market for the livestock feed of corporate welfare" would cease (0 exist. man is searching for an answer. supplement lysine. ADM reportedly controls about Tate's bill has been called "Drive Away From 40 percent of the domestic lysine market. Another CRP early-out Ethanol Welfare Act of 1996" and has some support The USDAis asking interested parties to sub- ADM said it was not admitting any wrong- mit written comments on the compact, which U SDAFarm Service Agency (FSA) announced on April 15, 1996, that in order to implement the newly signed Farm Bill, certain CRP contracts in the House. Tate's effort is similar to a failed at- tempt by Rep. BillArcher (R-Texas) last year. He is would establish a commission to regulate the mar- keting of milk among states in the New England doing by agreeing to the settlement, reported to be around $25 million. The company will still face calling his bill a safety measure that will further stuff region. The commission would also have authority criminal price-fixing charges and other federal would be eligible immediately for early termination. the coffers of the Highway Trust Fund with monies lawsuits over alleged price-fixing in markets for to examine current economic forces affecting pro- The new Notice CRP-250 supersedes early release otherwise set aside for the tax credit. • high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid and two other duction, consumption, farm prices and finandal requirements in Notice CRP-246. There is no spedf- products .• conditions of dairy farmers. ic signup period for early termination. It will be an "Before making a determination, I want to ongoing permanent policy, according to Jim Porter- field, American Farm Bureau technical specialist. ADM to cut ethanol be certain that all interested parties have had an Termination requests will be reviewed by NRCS production further opportunity to provide comments on the existence Peaches, apples suffer of a compelling public interest in the region," from cold spell for eligibility and will be effective 60 days after a writ- ten request to terminate is received by FSA. A rcher Daniels Midland Co., which announced a cutback in ethanol production at the begin- ning of April due to $4 corn, says it plans to reduce Glickman said. Comments will be accepted through June 3. N early 80 percent of So\.Ith Carolina's peach crop and over half of its apple crop did not Exceptions that are not eligible indude acre- output further in response to $5 corn. Submit two copies of your comments to USDA, survive the recent cold weather streak through the age that has been enrolled for less than 5 years, has This is a much bigger cutback than the one Room 2971, South Building, PO Box 96456, South. According to Dale linville, agriculture mete- an erodibility index greater than 15, or was accept- announced earlier at ADM's Peoria, Ill., plant. The Wdshington, DC 20090-6456 .• orologist for the Clemson University Extension ed under wetland criteria in sign-up period 8 and 9. Also not eligible are practices on which a useful life company says the current cutback has reduced its service, the state's peach crop suffered nearly $28 easement is filed, field windbreaks, grass waterways, nationwide corn consumption by about 29 million million in damages because of the cold weather. shallow water areas for wildlife, vegetative filter bushels per month. High court denies Chip Satcher, a peach grower in Johnston, S.C., strips, bottomland timber on wetlands, shelterbelts, That compares with a cutback of only eight review of alar lawsuit says, "90-95 percent of trees haven't got a single or land located within 100 feet of a perennial stream or permanent water body. All totaled, USDA esti- million per month in the earlier announcement concerning the Peoria plant. • T he Supreme Court has denied review of a law- suit brought by Washington state apple grow- ers seeking to recover damages resulting from a peach on them." • mates 12.4 million acres would be ineligible, indud- ing 68 percent of the Corn Belt CRP acres. 198960 Minutes report about the alleged health Urban populations It should be remembered, however, that the 10- Clinton sweet on risks of apples treated with daminozide - common- year contracts expire for 14 million acres in Septem- saving Everglades ly referred to as Alar. growinSl, rural ber of 1996 and many of these acres came into the Apple growers said their losses due to the Alar dwindlIng CRP under the corn bonus program. USDA has indi- cated holders of contracts that expire in September P resident Clinton received a sour reception from the sugar industry during a campaign swing through Florida recently, as his support for a scare totaled $75 million and many were forced out of business due to a lack of buyers resulting from A report to be released by the United Nations will say that by the turn of the century, for will be offered one-year extensions at that time .• pm posed penny-a-pound tax on Florida sugar drew numerous boycotts. The growers filed suit in 1990 the first time, more persons will be living in urban criticism. An environmental group is working on and a U.S. District Court ruled in 1993 that the areas and cities than in rural areas. placing the tax initiative on the November ballot to growers failed to present evidence showing that the The report was produced to warn of the Checkoff lawsuit help pay for the restoration. CBS report was false. impacts and environmental dangers in increasing C alifornia-based Joseph Gallo Farms filed a law- suit in federal court challenging a dairy check- off that requires California dairy farmers to pay 15 Entering the hot political fray concerning the restoration of Florida's Everglades, Clinton met with The growers then petitioned the Supreme Court for review after the federal Court of Appeals urbanization. The paper was produced by the U.N. Development and Environment programs, the environmental activists in a strategy session. The for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's World Bank and the World Resources Institute. cents per hundredweight on the milk they produce. closed-door meeting induded leaders of the Save judgment in October 1995.• The report said in 1975, only a third of all Gallo said although the dairy promotion dol- persons lived in dties, but by the year 2005, more Our Everglades group. lars earned by the checkoff have helped boost fluid The sugar industry says the tax will place than two-thirds of the world's population will live in milk consumption, it is of virtually no help to thousands out of work. Over 1,000 sugar workers, EPA changing towns and dties, rather than in the countryside .• cheese producers. Gallo said for an average herd of 550 dairy chartered to the Coral Gables hotel, gathered out- guidelines cows produdng an average of 20,000 pounds of milk per year, that farmer would have to pay side the meeting, waved signs and chanted, "Save Our Jobs!" They had company. About 100 environ- mentalists demonstrated in favor of the proposed F or years, the Environmental Protection Agency has relied on animal testing to determine can- cer risks of certain chemicals and pollutants. Ac- Higher corn prices $110,000 annually in checkoff fees. He is encour- tax, wearing t-shirts with the message, "Make The cording to the Wall Street Jounuz/, the EPAwill de- don't equal higher aged by a recent successful challenge by almond growers to a similar checkoff on their crops .• Polluters Pay." emphasize animal testing and utilize recent sdentif- food prices The restoration of the Everglades is shaping up as a hot political issue in the Sunshine State this ic advances to determine the risks of chemicals and pollutants. C onsumers need not worry about food price inflation resulting from the recent surge in Growers urged to year. Apparent Republican presidential nominee Pollutants were automatically judged by the corn prices, according to the lllinois Corn Market- Sen. Bob Dole toured the Everglades during an EPAto be cancer-causing if they were shown to ing Board (ICMB). recycle pesticide earlier campaign swing .• cause cancer in laboratory animals. Under the new The highest corn prices in recent memory containers procedure, the EPAwill have greater flexibility when have triggered consumer concern over the impact F armers should recycle pesticide containers, not burn them or send them to a landfill," said Jim Byrum, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Pork prices pick up taking into account epidemiological data. The new guidelines will expand the instances in which non- the prices will have at the grocery store. Joe Uhl, an agricultural economist at Purdue University, says he Agriculture Department said the number of animal data is used to determine the cancer risk in a the high corn prices will not translate into higher Association. "More than 101)pesticide retailers across the T U.S. sows farrowing will be lower this year, leading to a 3 percent decline in domestic pork certain substance. The new procedure will apply to substances costs to the consumer. "The farm value of a commodity going into a state, in cooperation with manufacturers and dis- already being regulated by the agency and to finished product at the retail level is very small, production. Those lower numbers will likely equate tributors, will collect clean, empty pesticide contain- new substances. The EPAalso has established a especially in the grain area," he said. Floyd Schultz, to slightly higher market prices for producers - in ers from their farmer customers this season and process for listing a priority on which chemicals to District Director with ICMB, worries that food com- the upper HOs per 100 pounds in the late spring, to send them to a central point for grinding, then on re-review .• panies will use the higher "farm-level" prices as an near $50 per cwt. this summer and back to the mid- to be used in the manufacture of new plastic materi- excuse to boost prices. In years of low commOdity $40s this fall. als," added Byrum. prices, food companies have not historically passed For consumers, USDAprojects the composite "Farmers should rinse the containers, and retail price to average near $2.50 per pound com- Congress working to along any cost savings to consumers, according to then take them back to their retailer," he added. pared to $1.92 per pound last year and $2.01 in 1994. free up FmHA loans Schultz. Increases in commodity prices have been The plastic in these containers can be used for used as an excuse to raise the price of items like many different purposes, and it is much better to recycle the material than burn it or turn it over to a Although the average will likely trend lower during the latter part of the year, USDAsaid those prices will C ongress is working to remedy a loan bottle- neck that was unintentionally written into the new Farm Bill, according to FarmDayta. breakfast cereals." still be an average of 5 percent above 1995. trash hauler for a landfill. Legislation is being drafted to free up loans for The U.S. is projected to remain a net pork Recycling is an excellent way for farmers to exporter -last year was the first time in history the farmers blocked by a new farm bill provision that U.s. challenging help maintain environment quality and properly dispose of pesticide containers. For more informa- U.S. exported more pork than it imported. The denies FmHA loans to farmers who had previous Canadian tariffs FmHA loans written off or written down. tion on the pesticide container recycling program, and to locate the partidpating retailer nearest you, department said exports near last year's 771 million pounds will likely occur this year. Most of the ex- ported pork - 47 percent - goes to Japan, fol- The provision took effect immediately with the April 4 signing of the farm bill, shutting off an C anadian tariffs on dairy products, poultry and eggs - some reaching as high as 351 percent - are being challenged by the U.S. government, call the Michigan Agri-Business Association at 517/ estimated 1,000 to 1,200 farmers nationwide who lowed by Russia, Mexico and Hong Kong .• which claims the tariffs violate a 1988 commitment 336'{)223.• need FmHA loans for spring planting. that was supposed to phase out all tariffs within Lawmakers say they never intended to block 10 years. The MlchlgVl F.rm News (lSSN:07G-9i62) Is published twice per mon1h except In the months of Nov~ December. farmers who had already submitted applications Canadian offidals maintain the tariffs, set last June and July when only one Issue is printed. as a service to regufar members. by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of S1.50 is Induded in annual dues of before the farm bill took effect and are paying back year, are necessary to protect the country's agricul- Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Addition. subsafptlon fees required for mailing MJchIg.n F.rm News to their loans on time. tural community. The United States says the tariffs nonmembers and outside the continental U.s.A. Second-dass postage paid at Lansing. Mkhigan. and addi1ioMI mailing offices. The chairmen of the House and Senate Agri- are a direct violation of the North American Free LetterI to the editor and statewide news ar1kIes should be leftt to: EdItor. MIch/gVI Fmn News. Post Office Box culture Committees are pushing through corrective Trade Agreement (NAFfA). Canadian officials dis- 30960. LMsIng. Mlchlvan 48909-1460. POSTMASTEJIt- Send address changes to; Michigan F-.n BurMU. Post Office legislation and intend to attach it to a stop-gap Box 30960. UInslng. MkhIgan 41909-8460. pute this claim, stating that Canada and the United Editorial: DennIs Rudat. Editor Md BusIness Manager. Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. spending bill so that approval will come quickly, States agreed to limited rather than unlimited mar- Design and Produdion: Jeffrey Rutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers says Reuters News Service .• ket access for dairy, poultry and egg products. Officers: President. JIldt lAurie. Cass Oty:~ President. Tom Guthrie. Delton; AdmInistrative Director. 01udt Burtett: neuuret and ChIef RnancW Officer. Tom 'pner. Secmafy. OIIv1d VanderHaagen. Directors: DIstrict 1. Jim MiDer. Canada accuses the U.S. of "trying to achieve Coloma; DIstrict 2. BlaIne vanSktJe. Marshall; District 3, MlchMl FusiUef. Manchester. District ... Tom GuUvie. Deltoft through dispute settlement what it couldn't get Distrkt S. Alan Garner. Mason: District 6. Wayne Wood. Marlette; Dis1rkt 7, Ride Johnson. L.eroy. DIstrkt .. RIchard Leach. Saginaw: DIstrict 9. Joshua Wunsch. Traverse City, DIstrict 10. Margaret 1Wtes. West Branch; District 11. Robert through negotiations" during NAFfA talks .• Wahmhotf. BlrIl9L At-lMgr. Jade Laurie. Cass Oty; Faye Adam. Snover; Jan Vosburg. Olmu; Judy Emmons. Sheridan. Promotion and Ed~. Brigette ~ Olmu; Young F.-men. Ovis Donbrodt. Coldwater. Capitol NATIONAL ISSUE Health care insurance deduction COrR.'J T he 25 percent tax deduction for health insur- ance premiums paid by self-employed persons expired Dec. 31,1993. Congress later passed, and On March 28, 1996, the House of Representa- tives passed H.R. 3103, which increases the 30 per- cent health insurance premium deduction to 50 STATE ISSUE President Clinton signed, a bill to reinstate the 25 percent by 2003. On April 23, 1996, the U.S. Senate percent tax deduction for 1994 and put in place passed S. 1028, which would increase the deduction Amendments to Farmland and Open Space a permanent 30 percent deduction for 1995 and 5 percent each year through 2006. The annual in- Preservation Act, RA. 116 of 1974 future years. creases would raise the deduction from the current In late November 1995, Congress passed a 30 percent to 80 percent in 2006. It is expected the H B. 4325, sponsored by Rep. Michelle • Major language is added to the criteria for termi- budget reconciliation bill that would balance the legislation will now go to a Conference Committee McManus (R-Lake Leelanau), has been nation and states that upon request from'the budget in seven years. The bill included a provision to recondle differences between the two bills. approved by the Senate Agricultural landowner, the local governing body (usually the increasing the 30 percent tax deduction for health FB Position: Strongly supports increasing the Committee and sent to the Senate floor for further township), and the DNR shall terminate the insurance premiums to 35 percent in 1998-99,40 health insurance premium deduction to 100 percent. debate. The following is a summary of substantive agreement if one or both of the following condi- percent in 2000-2001 and 50 percent beginning in FB Contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• House amendments to H.B. 4325: tions are present: 2002. President Clinton vetoed the bill. • The definition of agriculture was clarified and • The local governing body determines one or updated to reflect the diversity of Michigan's more of the following: agriculture and expanded to include berries, o The quality of the farmland cannot be NATIONAL ISSUE herbs, flowers, seeds, grasses, nursery stock and made economically viable other agricultural products . o Surrounding conditions create physical Fireblight disease of apple trees • "Permitted use" is defined and clarified to include obstacles or prohibits essential practices storage, retail marketing and processing of prod- ucts that are grown and produced on the farm. o Significant natural physical changes in the farmland have occurred that are generally F ireblight, a Ir.!cterial disease of apples, has caused severe production problems in Michi- gan and other apple-produdng states. The only monitored for copper resistance. • The development of fireblight-resistant cultivars and rootstocks, using conventional breeding meth- • The definition of "permitted uses" is expanded irreversible and permanently limit the pro- known control for fireblight is Streptomydnj how- ods, will be an important but long-term objective. to include storage, retail marketing and process- ductivity of the farmland ever, resistance to Streptomydn is becoming com- • Genetic engineering of fireblight-resistant plants ing of agricultural products if more than 50 per- o A court order restricts use of the farmland mon, leaving producers with no effective alternative using techniques developed at Cornell University cent of the stored, processed or merchandised • The local governing body determines the to control fireblight disease. will be expanded and, when available, perfor- products are produced by the farm operation termin:Ition is in the public's interest and one A new research project to control and solve mance of resistant plants will be evaluated out- during at least three of the last five immediately or more of the following conditions are met: the fireblight problem has been proposed coopera- side New York State. preceding years . o The farmland is to be owned, operated and tively by the Michigan State University Agricultural • Chemical screening, and integrating chemical • The maximum term of agreement is set at 90 maintained by a public body for public use Experiment Station and the New York State Agricul- with biological and cultural control methods will years; current law provides no maximum. o The farmland had been wned for the im- tural Experiment Station at Cornell University. The be undertaken to find short-term control proce- • Allows for housing to be built for a farmer or mediately preceding three years for com- proposed research effort calls for the following: dures. Integrated pest management will be the farm employees. merdal or industrial use • Refinement of fireblight detection techniques, major consideration in this area . • "Permitted uses" are allowed if they do not affect o The farmland is to be owned, operated or including molecular methods for detecting the A finandal grant of U.5 million annually for a the productivity of the land. maintained by a tax exempt organization, pathogen and computer models for identifying period of 5 years is being requested from Congress. • The State Land Use Agency (DNR) is required to and the project will benefit the local com- environmental conditions favorable for infection. The request is currently pending in the U.S. House notify owners seven years before the expiration munity. Release for public interest shall • Possible biological controls with microorganisms Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee . and of the options for claiming credits in the consider the following: and bacteria~estroying viruses and their integra- FB Position: Farm Bureau and the Michigan remaining seven years. • The long-term effect of the termination tions with cultural methods of control. Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association • The bill describes the procedure for determining on remaining farms • The antibiotic-resistance phenomenon will be (MACMA) are supporting the fireblight research life-lease or life-estate claim credits. • Other reasonable and prudent site further researched with emphasis on developing proposal. • Requests for termination, due to death of one of alternatives antiresistance strategies; field populations will be FB Contact: AIAlmy, Ext. 2040 .• the individuals essential to the operation, may • Infrastructure changes and costs to local take place within three years of the death of the government as a result of developing the individual. farmland. • When the owner of the land becomes totally or The landowner may appeal to the DNR if the permanently disabled or dies, the surviving own- request to terminate the agreement is denied by the Sugar/peanut programs again under fire er/spouse may request a portion of the land that local governing body. The DNR will review applica- contained structures existing prior to the agree- ment be removed from the program. This in- tions for termination to verify the criteria to termi- nate was met. The bill defines "economic viability" T wo leading critics of the sugar and peanut sup- port programs say they may ask Congress again this year to pare back or kill the programs, Reuters If he does try to reform the peanut program, the most likely method would be through an amend- ment to the yearly appropriations measure for USDA. cludes an individual who may inherit property and the method for determining economic viability. reports . As for the sugar program, Rep. Dan Miller through rights of survivorship. • The process and criteria for the purchase of Sen. Rick Santo rum (R-Pa.) points out that the (R-Fla.) says he and his anti-sugar allies may try to • An agreement may be divided or split as long as farmland development rights agreement is de- sugar and peanut programs - as well as dairy - just push through some modifications, such as boosting the division or split follows the same criteria as tailed in the bill. This is a major new section con- underwent modest reform in the new seven-year sugar imports or putting limits on U.S. sugar prices. for enrolling the land (Le., 40 acres or more of taining detailed language regarding the purchase farm bill and could use some more changes. "I don't think we'd do a total elimination. which 50 percent or more is tillable). of development rights. He says the peanut support price of $610 per There are some intermediate steps we could take," • "Individual essential to the operation" is defined Several very important Senate amendments ton is too high and that acreage controls are inde- he told a Washington seminar sponsored by the as a co-owner, partner, shareholder or family were added, including: fensible. He argues that jobs in the food industry conservative Heritage Foundation .• member who, to a material extent, cultivates, • A window until April 1, 1997, to allow farmers to are in jeopardy due to high peanut prices. operates or manages the farmland if that individ- terminate their agreement if they entered and ual does one or more of the following: signed an agreement before April 15, 1994. Any • has finandal interest equal to or greater than credits received in the last seven years are calcu- one-half of the cost of the crops, livestock or lated and no interest is added. Farm Bureau products and is actively involved with the opposes this sedion. MSU pesticide recordkeeping books revised production. • "Farm manager" is added to the list of individuals • works 1,040 hours or more annually on the farm. • A fee may be charged for splits or transfers . essential to the operation. • Removes the cap of $5,000 on the purchase of de- T he Annual Record Books (part of the MSU paper recordkeeping system introduced in 1992) were revised in 1995. These revisions affect • The -rotal Amount Applied- was added to the Pestidde Applications Chart listed for each individual field. • New language provides that an agreement may velopment rights, which was a House amendment . only the pestidde recordkeeping and make these These changes make the Annual Record be extended for seven years. Under current law, • Requires that when the lien is released or paid record books a more complete guide for the Books a more complete pestidde application re- ten years is a minimum renewal period. up, the contract is also released at the same time. information that is required and/or recommended cordkeeping tool for producers, Le., if all the infor- • Clarifies that buildings that existed prior to the • Removes the House provision in the bill that for crop producers to keep. Changes include the mation is recorded in the books, the producer will agreement, and up to two acres of land, may be provided for reimbursement to local govern- following: be meeting the required pestidde recordkeeping released from the program. ments when land was placed in development • An Index to fields - provides a chart (at the and/or the pestidde recordkeeping recommended • Provides for the removal of land from the agree- rights agreements, thus providing revenue for front of either book) to list the Field IDs for each by the Right-to-Farm GAAMP.One exception to this ment for a building site of up to two acres for the difference in value between farmland and field induded in the Annual Record Book so is the separate posting of re-entry times for fields, individuals essential to the operation. developmental land. records for an individual field can be more easily as required by the Worker Protection Standard. • Provides for a window of opportunity to reduce • Pulp wood was added to the type of production found by the number used in each corner of the 1\\'0 sizes of Annual Record Books are avail- the length of the agreement to seven years re- that would qualify for P.A. 116 land. book's pages able. The pocket-sized book (Extension Bulletin maining, provided the land has been in for an • Clarification dealing with special assessments • A brief discussion of -Laws Related to Pesti- E-2341) measures 3.5 x 5.5 inches (easily fits in a initiallO-year period. that land under contract to P.A. 116 is exempt cide Recordkeeping- shirt pocket) and can be used to record information • Provides for repayment, at 6 percent, of credits from special assessments for sanitary sewers, • Required Pesticide Information - a chart for up to 20 individual fields. The full-sized book calculated for termination for the last seven water, lights or nonfarm drainage unless the where the pestidde name can be written along with (Extension Bulletin E-2342) measures 5.5 x 8.5 years. (May be simple or compound interest, improvements are used on the land. its EPARegistration Number, the Active Ingredients, inches (can be carried in the cab of a pickup truck, depending on the reason for termination.) Several other amendments were offered but and its REI (Restricted Entry Interval) tractor, etc.) and can be used to record information • The DNR is required to provide a 3(May notice were not approved. • Pesticide Applicator Information - a chart for up to 40 individual fields. The new cost of E- prior to placing a lien on the property at the FB Position: Michigan Farm Bureau supports where the name of all applicators can be listed 2341 and E-2342 is $2.50 each maturing of the agreement. H.B. 4325 but continues to oppose the section that along with their certification number Annual Record Books can be obtained from • Only farmland development rights may be pur- provides for an early out. • Calibration of Application Equipment-brief your county MSU Cooperative Extension Service chased from the funds collected. Current law FB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043, discussion about calibration of equipment and a office or from the MSUE Bulletin Office, lOB Agri- provides that unique or critical lands could be Special Notes: Senate floor amendments are place to write down the month and year of the last culture Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, preserved. This definition would be limited only expected. The House is also required to approve calibration for 1 to 1 "fertilizer spreaders," "pesti- MI 48824-1039. Please make check payable to Michi- to farmland. the Senate amendments or the bill will be assigned dde applicators," and "manure spreaders" gan State University .• • The method in determining the repayment of to a Joint Conference Committee of the House and the credits in the event of death or disability is Senate .• clarified. li'lrt3..:Jl~ ~ I~'I:t'ill May 15, 1996 Herbicide Weather takes its toll on Michigan wheat crop decisions on Continued from front page a normal yield," Poindex- ter explained. "That's a replanted big range, so then the question becomes, how wheat fields Similar winter-kill patterns exist in other Mid- healthy are the plants? If they're less than a cou- west states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, says Suth- ple of inches and they're T he past winter's severe weather conditions had serious consequences on much of the state's erland. To add insult to injury, drought conditions in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, combined with really struggling, then you're doser to the 50 wheat crop, especially in fields planted in late Octo- ber. Growers faced with the decision of whether to record-low inventory levels, pushed the new crop percent level. If they're keep the wheat crop or replace it with another crop wheat price on the Chicago Board of Trade to his- vigorous plants that are may find the following information, from MSU's torical highs of over $6.20 per bushel, meaning growing well above 4 Dr.Jim Kells, valuable in considering alternatives. producers may miss out on the chance of capturing inches, then you can Crop Selection high prices, and making the cost of getting out of expect closer to 80 per- From a nitrogen management standpoint, the forward contracts a costly proposition. cent." crop of choice for planting into winter-killed wheat "Quite a number of producers started to lock For fields that are would be corn, says Kells. in contracts in the $3.50 to $4 range - which is still considered salvageable, '1111_ Considerations a heck of a price," Sutherland explained. "The big- Poindexter says produc- Alternative crop can be planted with or with- gest number of calls we're getting right now are, ers will need to be on out tillage. Kells says what's important is that re- 'I've got a $4 contract on wheat, but I'm not sure their toes in combatting maining wheat be killed to avoid competition with I've got the wheat. What's it going to cost me to get weed infestation in "thin other crops. Secondary tillage can effectively kill the out of that contract?'" stands." "Weed control is over-wintered wheat. In general, the smaller the Typically, the cost will be the difference be- critical to get the crop wheat, the easier it will be to kill, advises Kells. tween the contract price and the current new crop into July to harvest a "Agood tillage implement would be a disk, price, plus 5 to 15 cents per bushel, says Sutherland. high-quality crop," he followed a few days later with either a disk or a field Despite the cost of cancelling a contract, Sutherland said. "Normally we apply cultivator to kill the wheat that may have survived urges producers to avoid rolling a contract. "I'd rath- chemicals once to the the initial tillage," Kells said. "If areas of the field er do a cancellation - if you've got a problem, take wheat to control weeds. have larger healthy tillered wheat, an application of care ofjt right now, don't prolong it," he said. If the stands are thin, Roundup Ultra three or more days before tillage will That means a producer shouldn't waste too there may be a need for assure adequate wheat kill." much time deciding what co do with a questionable a second application of In situations where no-till will be used, Kells field of wheat, especially if the producer had for- perhaps an alternative said wheat kill with a herbidde, preferably Roundup ward-contracted the crop. "Make a decision as soon herbicide." Ultra, is absolutely essential. "Be sure that the sur- as you can because, if you prolong it, it'll just get From a disease viving wheat has recovered to the extent that it is worse," Sutherland predicted. "Not only are farms standpoint, Poindexter actively growing with green leaves to intercept the in Michigan dealing with a poor wheat crop, you've says that while thin spray," he advised. got guys elsewhere that are experiencing a poor stands wiII have less risk MSU Extension agent Steve Poindexter show the winter kill The following table can be used as a guideline crop as well. So the sooner you react to the situa- of powdery mildew, the damage to wheat that's left its mark on many wheat stands for Roundup Ultra to kill over-wintered wheat. • tion, the better off you're going to be." delayed spring growth across the state. Stand Evaluation and potentially delayed Roundup Ultra Ratelb) Minimum acceptable plant populations de- harvest could open the door for more leaf rust later For more information on deciding what Wheat Heightw Applied Alone Tank-Mixed pend on several factors, including the current price on in the season. to do with marginally growing wheat, contact up to 6. 1 pt./A 1-1/2 pt./A on wheat and the current price on an alternative For wheat stands considered lost, Poindexter your MSU Extension office or Steve Poindexter 6. to 12. 1- 1/2 pt./A 2 pt./A crop. Under ideal conditions, the best yields will be suggests an application of Roundup be made as soon at (517) 799-2233 .• (a) Wheat must be green and actively growing (daytime achieved with stand counts of 1.9 million plants per as the decision has been made to abandon the crop, temperature equal to or greater than 60 F) for maximum acre, which equates to 44 plants per square foot or to help preserve moisture for the next crop, which effectiveness. (b) Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) at 77 Ibs/700 gallon of spray 26 plants per foot of a 7-inch row. he suggests be corn. "If the wheat crop had been top- ohen improves control and is recommended. especially "If you want to use base figures, 14 plants per dressed with nitrogen, it makes good sense to re- when tank-mixing with other herbicides. foot in a 7-inch rqw, or 24 plants per square foot place the wheat crop with corn, since most of your can still provide anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of nitrogen will still be there for the corn to utilize," Poindexter recommended. Producers who opt to no- till corn on abandoned wheat acres should be alert for army worm problems, which are quite common Serving Michigan in corn following a rye cover crop rotation. (fMF~ RADIO NETWORK farm families is our only business While soybeans and dry beans could also be an option, especially later in the planting s~on, Poindexter hesitates recommending either of those crops as a first option due to potentially increased white mold pressures. ince its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only Last but not least, Poindexter discourages any S objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication t.o serve agriculture is shared by 26 local radio stations consideration of spring-planted wheat since yields will be, at best, only 60 percent of winter wheat, and in Michigan. Through these stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network marketing would be a problem. provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Station WABJ City Adrian Frequency 1490 Morning Report 5:45 am Noon Report 11:05-12:00 pm Building to a,H,ighel' Standard WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30am WTKA WLEW Ann Arbor Bad Axe 1050 1340 6:05 am 6:30 am 12:00-1:00 pm 12:50 pm 830,395.00 WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 12:15 pm 54 X 13 X 90 1 1 1 WKJF Cadillac '1370 5:45 am 11:10am Deluxe Machinery Storage WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:10-1:00 pm WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:00-1:00 pm WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm 1- 24' x 14'6" ALl.JMAS1F£L~ • 2' Endwall Overhang Double End Door • J' Vented Sidewall ~ • Premium Klnar 500~1 WGHNAM Grand Haven 1370 5:45 am 12:15 pm 1-22'6" x 13'AllJMA51lE...~ • Continuously Ventilated Ridge Hylar 5000 Paint System on Sides Double Side Door • Exterior Wainscot • Gutters & Downspouts WGHN FM Grand Haven 92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm 1- 9- Ute T300 Walkdoor • Interior Protective Liner • Free Morton Weathervane 11:50 am 1-4' x 3' 9-1iu: Wumw wi Slumm • FLUOROFLEX 2000Thl WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am • 8 Skylites Revolutionary Paint System on Roof WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm WHTC WKZO Holland Kalamazoo 1450 590 5:00-6:00 am 12:15pm 12:00-1:00 pm 823,375.00 1 1 1 54 X 13 X 90 WPLB FM Lakeview 106.3 6:15 am 12:15 pm Basic Machine Storage WOAP Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm 1- 24 x 14'-6" OED (Wood) WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm 1- S300 Walk Door White Only • White Pol~ter Paint System WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:05-1:05 pm ~ • KYNAR 56oQ!l~ /"" All warnntics indudt m~tcri.al ,md labor and .art nOI prou.tcd. Special HYLAR 5000 Color Trim WMLM St. Louis 1520 6:05 am 12:20 pm 800-447-7436 eJ' pricinr. includa Ina, m .. ai.ls. bbor .nd ddivCf)' t.l unloading within • Gutters & Downspouts 790 5:55 am 11:30-12:30 pm ~d~1df;g~;:";~h8~~~~J;~:r:r~t~~~:~~~\!):~d~ • Free Morton Weathervane WSGW Saginaw ~! 'f/f~ MORTON crarr .he need for exua rq. uipmrnl and mWI p.utici~tr in the thrtt a 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WMIC Sandusky 12:40 pm r. O. Box • BU ILD IN GS "low ProOObilit.y of Normal Hi:;her ProbQbility of Normal Equal ChCtnce5 Weather temperatures possible by early fall. Near equal odds of all three precipitation categories are forecast through early fall. Michigan Weather Summary autlaak ,frJ_!!!!l ,__~!!!'!I by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural '.J}Jt' =< ~, With the loss of National Weather Service agricultural products and services last year, the MSU Ag. Weather Office has begun to run the specific minimum temperature forecast for 25 agricultural 4/1/96-4130/96 Houghton Marquette Observed mean 32.9 31.9 Temperature Deviation from normal -4.5 -5.0 Growing Degree Days Actual Accumulated 3 11 Normal Accumulated 55 55 Actual (inch) 3.38 6.15 Precipitation Normal (inch) 2.28 2.28 Escanaba 34.1 -4.9 6 24 2.66 2.43 meteorologist, Department of locations around the state. Sault ste. Marie 32.6 -5.4 0 24 4.12 2.43 Geography, Michigan State University The forecast, is a 12-24 hour estimate of mini- Lake city 37.3 -4.7 40 68 3.03 2.69 Pellston -3.8 68 4.13 2.69 N orthwesterly jet stream flow and cold temper mum temperature based on numerical computer 36.0 26 Traverse city 39.3 -3.0 52 68 3.86 2.69 atures persisted across Michigan during guidance combined with the cloud and wind fore- Alpena 37.0 -3.5 30 60 2.64 2.52 much of April, with average monthly temperatures casts adjusted by climatological data at each of the Houghton lake 38.0 -4.9 43 60 2.56 2.52 remaining 3-6 degrees below normal and above. sites. The forecasts are generally more accurate than Muskegon 42.1 -3.3 52 90 2.47 3.16 Vestaburg 40.6 -5.1 62 101 3.39 3.07 normal precipitation. the regular zone forecasts alone. Bad axe 40.1 -4.0 51 97 3.67 2.55 New Climate Prediction Center new long lead The forecast is available for the upcoming Saginaw 42.5 -3.0 72 97 3.22 2.55 Grand rapids 43.5 -2.7 73 124 2.39 3.41 outlooks for the coming months continue to be evening/morning by 2:45 p.m. each day. It is cur- South bend 47.1 -1.9 128 124 3.45 3.41 vague, calling for near equal probabilities of above-, rently available to those who have Internet access, Coldwater 43.3 -3.9 72 122 4.23 3.19 near-, and below normal temperatures and precipi- on the MSUAg. Weather Office home page, located Lansing 43.2 -2.7 76 122 3.58 3.19 Detroit 45.9 -1.5 104 111 2.37 3.21 tation for May into the early summer. Beyond that, at hup://cumulus.geo.msu.edu/-manager/. Please Flint 42.7 -3.3 70 111 2.79 3.21 normal to above normal temperatures are favored call the Ag Weather Office at 5171355-0231 for Toledo 47.4 -0.3 130 111 4.38 3.21 Observed totals are accumulated from April 1. Nor~ls are based on district averages. into [he mid summer, wi[h normal to below normal further details .• The cards of choice. Whether you want a PPO, HMO, or Managed Traditional health care plan ... Whether you want dental, vision, or prescription drug benefits ... Whether you want a basic, no-frills plan or first dollar coverage ... You can get it from Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Choice of plans, choice of doctors and hospitals, choice of coverage and choice of service. With Blue Cross and Farm Bureau, the choice is yours . BlueCross ~~ ~ Blu~~hie'd For more information, call your county Farm Bureau ,~ , U of Mict\lgan • office, contact your nearest Farm Bureau Insurance agent, or call 800-292-2680, ext. 3240 or 3239. t:.J'l~--'-""- -. 1111 XYZ 123 456 789 .Ia Weed control update for 1996 'I 1'-1 S_i,;~ra .:,el •85 c.. Accent has received supplemental labels for tank-mixes with the following herbicides: Exceed, timings labeled for each tank-mix. Basis is now labeled for tank-mixing with atrazine 900F and Marksman. Basis also has a sup- MSU has not studied this combination for crabgrass control. Application rates and additives are listed in Table 2. Resource or Scorpion III. The Accent rate for each plementallabel for tank-mixing with Scorpion III. A Poast Plus is now labeled for broadcast tank-mix is ~ oz. per acre (1 soluble pouch for 4 supplemental label has also been issued for a Basis "over-the-top" postemergence application in set- acres). Table 1 describes the rates, additives and + Prowl tank mix for control of crabgrass in corn. hoxydim-resistant (SR) corn. Poast Plus can be applied only to SR com Application of Poast Plus without other herbiddes can be made to SR corn Dr. Karen Renner Table 1- New tanIr~ pM'fners for Aaent until pollen shed. Do not apply within 45 days of and Dr. Jim Kells, Tank-mix Maximum herbicide harvest for corn forage/silage or within 60 days of Department of Application rate Additives corn height harvest for grain. Additives are crop oil concentrate Crop and Soil Exceed 0.50z/A Surfactant (!14%)or Crop 24" or 6-collar or Dash. Labeled tank-mix herbicides are atrazine, Sciences,Michigan (1 pouchlB A) Oil Cone. (1%) + 28% N (24 qt/A) Basagran or Laddok. Tank-mixing can reduce herbi- State University or AMS (24Ib/A) dctal activity of Poast Plus (antagonism) on some Resource 4-8 fl. oz/A Crop Oil Conc. (1%) + 28% N (24 qt/A) 24" or 6-collar grass species, induding barnyardgrass and yellow T his article provides an update for weed or AMS (241b/A) foxtail. For control of these species, Poast Plus control in field crops since £434 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops was pub- Scorpion III O.251b/A Surfactant (!14%)+ 28% N (24 qt/A) 8" should be applied at 36 01jA. Do not tank-mix for (1 pouch/2 A) or AMS (241b/A) quackgrass control. lished in December. SoJbeans SR corn hybrids are available in Michigan for Stellar is now registered for use in soybeans. 1996 (from DeKalb) but will be limited. Poast Plus Table 2 - New tanlc-mbr pM'fners for BasIs offers an additional option for postemergence con- Stellar is a prepackaged mixture of Cobra and Re- Tank-mix source. Ifa farmer applies 5 ounces/Acre of Stellar it herbicide Application rate trol of annual grasses in corn. [Note: SR com is only Additives is equal to a tank mixture of 4 oz/A of Resource and tolerant to Poast Plus. Do not apply any other poste- Atrazine Y2-11b900F/A Crop Oil Conc. (1%) + 28% N (24 qt/A) or AMS (24lb/A) 6 oz/A of Cobra. Always add crop oil concentrate to mergence grass herbidde O.e. Select, Fusion, As- Marksman 1 pt/A Crop Oil Conc. (1%) + 28% N (24 qt/A) or AMS (24lb/A) sure II) to SR corn.] It will fit well for control of Stellar at ~% v/v (this is equal to 4 pints of crop oil in 100 gal. of spray solution). If spray gallonage is Scorpion III 0.251b/A Surfactant (!14%)+ (1 pouch/2 A) 28% N (24 qt/A) or AMS(241b/A) certain troublesome grasses in corn such as wild less than 25 gal. of water per acre, keep crop oil Prowl 1.8-3 pt/A Surfactant (!14%)+ 28% N (24 qt/A) or AMS (241b/A) or proso millet and wooly cupgrass (serious problems concentrate at a minimum of 1 pint/Acre. Crop Oil Conc. (1%) without fertilizer in other states). Poast Plus will also fit well on or- Stellar will control many broadleaf weeds ganic soils .• since it contains both Resource and Cobra. Broad- leaf weeds controlled include velvetleaf, common and giant ragweed, pigweed, and eastern black nightshade. The label states that Stellar will control Customized trip routing common lambsquarters and cocklebur but Michigan It's free and it's designed especially for State University data shows regrowth of common Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA and Gold lambsquarters and common cocklebur, following • MasterCard holders on the move. Simply Stellar application. Smartweed will not be con- tell us where you're going, whether you want trolled by Stellar. to take the scenic route or get there fast... and we'll do the rest! Within seven days Apply Stellar in 10 to 30 gal. of water per acre you'll receive detailed maps to your. at 30 to 60 psi. This is a contact herbidde so thor- destination - custom fit to your specifications ough coverage is important. and travel plans. It's a convenience you can Stellar can be tank mixed with Select for use again and again as you enjoy the many post emergence grass control. Spray pressure other benefits and advantages you receive should be a minimum of 40 psi. Some grass antago- with a Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA or Gold MasterCard. nism may occur, so a separate application is sug- gested for control of quackgrass and other difficult- Better interest rates to-control grasses. Both the Gold MasterCard and the The rain free period for Stellar is one hour. Do MemberLine VISA offer a 9.8% introductory not apply Stellar within 90 days of harvest or after APR forJ.he first six months. There after, podset. The field cannot be grazed and the straw the Gold MasterCard has a low 15.65% APR and hay cannot be used for feed or bedding. one of the lowest interest rates available! The Interest rate on the MemberLine VISA Steel is a prepackaged mixture of Pursuit Plus is 17.15% APR. In addition, you pay no (prepackaged mixture of Prowl and Pursuit) and interest on new credit card purchases on Scepter. Steel will be sold as a co-pack (double jug) next month's statement when your full in 1996 and a premix in 1997. In the copack, Herbi- balance on your current monthly statement dde CB (Scepter) is applied at ~ pt/A and Herbi- is paid by the due date. dde CG (Pursuit Plus) is applied at 2.5 pt/A. Steel will provide better cocklebur and common ragweed Better premiums Both the Member Line VISA and the control than Pursuit Plus because of the addition of Gold MasterCard offer a wide array of Scepter. Crop rotation restrictions are: Field corn complimentary features and options for your and seed corn - 9.5 months; wheat - 4 months; protection and peace of mind. And when oats, sweet corn - 18 months; potatoes - 26 y,ou carry a Gold MasterCard, you'll enjoy months; sugarbeets - 40 months. f.ne added advantages of a higher credit Prestige is a formulation of Poast Plus mar- ~ne, executive travel privileges, emergency keted by Cyanamid. Application rates are the same {~ad assistance, purchase protection surance and a warranty extension program - as for Poast Plus. Do not tank-mix Prestige with valuable "extras" you and your family can Pursuit, because there will be no grass activity from ",pend on. the Prestige; the grass control that will occur is only from Pursuit. Convinced? Status is a formulation of Blazer marketed by Simply remove this page from the magazine Cyanamid. Application rates are the same as for and fill out the application on the reverse Blazer. Two-inch common ragweed will be con- side. Letterfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage trolled by 1 pint/Acre of Status. Therefore, if com- necessary! mon ragweed has emerged in a field with a planned Pursuit POST application, Status can be added at 1 pint/Acre to control small common ragweed. Command 3ME is a new formulation of Command available in a limited supply in 1996. This Name NO POSTAGE is a microencapsulated formulation of Command that will allow Command to be applied preemer- NECESSARY gence. Setbacks from sensitive areas are still re- P.O. Box or Street Address Apt. Number IF MAILED IN THE UNITED quired. These include: 1,200 feet from towns, hous- City State Zip Code STATES ing developments, commerdal fruit and vegetable production, and commercial greenhouses and nurs- eries; and 300 feet from desirable plants. Roundup Ultra is a new formulation of Roundup. Roundup Ultra contains surfactants. No additional surfactants, additives containing surfac- BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 90 WYANDOTTE, MI tants, pH adjusting agents or buffering agents should be added. Nitrogen additives are allowed POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE such as ammonium sulfate. The rain-free require- ment is 1-2 hours. The application rates for Round- RETAIL CREDIT SERVICES up Ultra are the same as Roundup. FIRST OF AMERICA BANK P.O. Box 1055 Southgate, M148195-9941 1~1[3:1@;!i!J~ May 15, 1996 Mexico to in1port n10re dry beans; prices begin to jUn1p Tractors C orn and soybeans have held the market "NAFTAhas gotten us the regime to have the seen a sizable increase at the elevator during the spotlight setting near-record prices recently. However, announced sales of dry beans to Mexico and the threat of continuing in- import license auction," explains Boehm. "That makes it easy to reduce their tariffs voluntarily. NAFTAopened the door and created the mecha- past month, Kuenzli explains. "Michigan black bean prices were extremely among the stable for the last several months," said Boehm. clement weather this spring has brought dry beans into the bidding war for corn and soybean acres. nism to where they could very easily just enlarge it from the original 53,600-metric-ton auction to these "Recently, we've seen a rise of $2 to $4 to $5 per hundredweight, which is starting to get some inter- great safety In recent weeks, SECOFI, the Mexican govern- ment's Ministry of Commerce, has announced the latest 100,000 amounts." "For dry beans, NAFTAhas still been a very est on the part of growers. I think there's also some realization that, with the high corn and soybean risks on the auction of import license permits for two 100,000- metric-ton, the first 100,000 metric tons from a good deal," stated Dale Kuenzli, executive director of Michigan Bean Commission. prices, there's going to be a need to bid up prices to get enough acreage in," he adds. farm direct sale between the U.S. and Mexico on May 23 and the second 100,000 from an open auction be- tween all of Mexico's trading partners in early June. On top of Mexican demands, the latest crop report indicates Michigan farmers will plant 40,000 "I think most producers have already made their decision that they're going to plant the grain," I nspite of the safety features built into tractors, they are among the riskier pieces of equipment used on the farm. fewer acres of dry beans this spring compared to last Kuenzli explains. "Whatever they do in beans, I "Mexico has come to the realization that they year, further raising bean marketing prices and add- anticipate that it will bode better for them than "Tractors are highly related to death and injury really don't have the volume of high-quality dry ing to the speculation about the dry bean market. what it looked like a month ago." on farms, contributing to about 43 percent of all beans to meet domestic needs there," stated MFB's According to Kuenzli, farmers' intentions to Over the course of the last two planting fatal accidents," says Howard Doss, Michigan State Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm. "They are suffer- plant has shown a decrease from 390,000 acres last seasons, price fluctuations have pushed bean prices University Extension agricultural safety specialist. ing some drought conditions in their major dry year to 350,000 acres. as high as $30 in 1994 to the $15 range last year, Though death by tract~r can occur at any time bean production areas, forcing them go to interna- "I believe with volatile grain prices and ever- according to Kuenzli. An average yield in '94 of of the year, most acddents occur in June, July and tional markets looking to secure some supplies. increasing values of corn, wheat and soybeans, that approximately 1,350 pounds per acre, compared August, mostly because people are using tractors "There's some concern with the way their we probably have lost another 25,000 acres since to 1,800 last year, he adds, contributed to. the price more often during those months. economy is right now that there may need to be the report came out," Kuenzli explains. movement. Doss says that rushing to get things done, some credits offered through the GSM102 credit Increasing bean prices may also confuse bean "Spring planting weather will have a major fatigue and preoccupation with other matters are program, which is the food security portion of the growers, states Kuenzli. He attributes that more to influence on ultimate planted acreage," states among the causes of tractor-related deaths. farm bill," states Boehm. "Dry beans are considered problems in Mexico and Latin American countries Boehm. "But certainly the price run up here in the Many deaths occur, however, because tractor to be a stable food item in Mexico, along with milk than to planting pressures in the United States. For last few weeks in dry beans, whether they're navies operators did not understand the hazards of tractor and corn, so it's going to be a very high priority to example, pinto beans, one of Michigan's smaller dry or black beans, is going to make planting dry beans operation and became involved in acddents that, to make sure that there are dry bean stock available bean crops, have increased in price by almost 50 a more palatable option.". them, were unexpected. on the shelves in Mexico. percent in the last few weeks. Black beans have also One reason that most row-crop tractors are risky to use is their high center of gravity. That makes them prone to tip over even on flat ground if CARD PREFERENCE (choose one design only) OPTIONAL GROUP CREDIT INSURANCE DISCLOSURES the operator attempts a turn at too high a speed or To enroll in Chargegard, you must be under age 70 in all states except under age 71 in AZ., FL, MI, MO, turns the steering wheel too quickly. D Scenic VISA DGOLD MASTERCARD OK. In HI, IN, and VT, maximum enrollment age is 64 (age 65 in IA) and coverage converts to Using tractors for the job for which they are Accidental Death at age 65 (age 66 in IA). In CA, NJ, RI, WA, WI, and WY maximum enrollment age is Cll VR 6400 0900 PL 1 200904 CTL GM 1000 0900 PL 1 200904 age 64 (age 65 in CT,ID, MA, ME, MN, NY, OR, and TX) and coverage ends at age 65 (age 66 in 10, intended can reduce the potential for death and MA, ME, MN, NY, OR, and TX). You, the primary cardholder, are eligible for this coverage if you are • • employed full-time in a non-seasonal occupation. Self-employment excluded for disability in MN; for injury. Using them properly includes avoiding sud- 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 claims are den, sharp turns, driving too close to ditch banks being paid. Seasonal restriction does not apply to: unemployment in NC; disability in AZ., CA, MA, MD, NJ, OR, RI, TX, and VA; both coverages in ME, MI, NM, NY and WI. and road edges or up or along steep slopes, and UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: if you become involuntarily unemployed, Chargegard will make your hitching to loads too heavy for the size of the trac- scheduled minimum monthly payment, subject to the master policy limit. Retirement 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 tor used, Doss says. disability benefits begin after 30 consecutive days of unemployment or disability, aM are retroactive to I APPLICANT (please print) the first day ot loss. Disability and unemployment exdusions vary by state. Please read your Certificate Also avoid starting off in low gear with a high for detail. All benefits are based on the outstanding balance as of the date of loss and will continue until your balance is paid off, you retum to work, or you reach the limits of the master, $10,000, whichever engine speed, engaging the engine too quickly or NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD occurs first. If you become disabled, Chargegard will make your scheduled minimum monthly payments as long as accelerating quickly, especially when traveling uphill I I I I I I I I I you are under a doctor's care and unable to work, up to the master policy limit. or pulling a heavy load. Rrst Name Middle Initial Last Name LIFE COVERAGE: If you or your co-cardholder (spouse, if no co-cardholder, only spouse or business partner in NM & TX) die, Chargegard will pay the outstanding account balance as of the day of death, up Avoid hooking a tractor to an object that isn't Social Security # Date of Birth to the master policy maximum of $10,000 (Suicide excluded except in MA, MD, ME and MO.) (Single Life coverage only in MA and ME). meant to be pulled, such as a tree stump or a fence- Home Phone ( CHARGEGARD COSTS: The monthly premium for Chargegard is 661: per $100 of your outstanding post. Essentially, if the load isn't hitched to the balance on your account in all states except as follows: 28.91: in MA; 29.31: in MN; 38.31: in NY; 46.91: in NH; 48.11: in CT; 55.Be in ME; 56.71: in VT; 63.Be in GA; 641: in NM; 64.61: in NC; 64.81: in NO; 59.31: in three-point linkage or the object to be pulled Years VA; 65.81: in AZ.; 57.61: in SC; 42.71: in TX; 57.51: in HI; 5ge in WI; 601: in CA,IA, 10, IN, MO, NJ, OR, RI, Address There Mos. WA, and WY. The monthly premium will be charged to your credit card account. doesn't have wheels, it isn't meant to be pulled by Coverage is underwritten by Bankers Life Assurance Company of Florida and American Bankers the typical farm tractor, Doss says. Insurance Company of Rorida. 11222 Quail Roost Drive, Miami, Florida 33157-6595. In NY, Life and City, State Zip Code Disability coverage is provided by Bankers American Life Assurance Company. TX Certificate numbers "If a tractor is put into a drcumstance where o Mortgage 0 Rent Monthly AD9139CD-0791, AC3181CB-0592 (3.53 A.A.) and B2754EO-l089. NO COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS IN PA. Certificate provisions vary by state. it is apt to tip over sideways or flip backward, o Own (Free and Clear) 0 Other (Describe) Payment $ Read your certificate for details. chances are it will go over so quickly - in about Previous Address o Yes,. I want Rrst of America's Chargegard Insurance. I have read and u~erstand the important eli9,bllity and cost disclosure InformatIOn prOVIded. Consumer credit Insurance IS not required to obtain 1.5 seconds - that the operator won't have time (if less than 2 years at present address) credit and will not be provided unless you sign and agree to pay the additional cost. Whether credit Employer Years insurance is obtained is not a factor in the approval of this application for credit. to react," Doss says. or DBA There Mos. Doss says that all operators, including those Applicant's Signature (Your signature constitutes acceptance of this coverage.) Birth Date Business who will be working on the farm for the summer, Position Phone ( should familiarize themselves with the basic re- Previous Years I CO-APPLICANT (please print) quirements of tractor operation before the field Employer There NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD (if less than 2 years at present employer) work schedule becomes hectic. Among the basics are: Total Annual First Name Middle Initial Last Name Income • Lock brake pedals together before driving at (Income from Alimony. child support. or separate mBlnlenance payments need nol be revealed If you do not Social Security # Date of Birth transport speeds, such as when hauling hay or WIsh 10 have n as a basis tor repayVlg this obhgaoon.) Years grain. Do You Have: Employer There Mos. • Restrict tractor speed according to operating o Checking ( Bank) Business o Savings Name Position Phone ( conditions. Always watch ahead for bumps, Nearest Relative Phone rocks, holes, ruts or depressions that could cause (not living with you) Previous Years the tractor to tip sideways. Employer There • Don't let the tractor bounce. This causes loss of Total Annual steering control, and loss of steering control can Address Income $ l/we hereby certify that each of the answers on this application is true and correct, and is (Income from Alimony, child suppon. or separale maintenance payments need nol be revealed ~ you do not mean a tip-over. made for the purpose of oIbtaining a loan or credil from the First of America Bank, Michigan, N.A. lIwe hereby authorize the Bank to investigate my/our credit record to the exlent it deems wish 10 have ~ as a basis for repaying this obligation.) • Drive slowly where' traction is questionable, such necessary and to verify my/our credit, employment and income references. lIwe further authorize Complete the following information if different from applicant as on loose gravel, rain-slicked blacktop or mud. and instruct any person or consumer reporting agency to furnish the Bank any information that it may have or obtain in response to such credil inquiries. lIwe further agree that this application Home Phone ( ) If in doubt, slow down anyway. shall become property of the Bank, whether or not it is approved . Years • Match the tractor to the weight of the load to be 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 governed by the terms and condilions of the Bank's VISAlMasterCard pulled. Ifyou drive into a barn wall or through a Agreement and Disclosure provided before or with delivery of the card(s). l/we assume, if more City, Zip fence when trying to stop, you have proof the than one jointly and severally, liability for all charges incurred in any use of the card(s). State Code load is too heavy for the tractor. Travel at safe X o Mortgage o Rent Monthly speeds. If the load begins to fishtail, it's probably Applicant's Signature Date o Own (Free and Clear) o Other (Describe) Payment $ Do You Have: being pulled too fast or the hitch is not correct X o Ch~king( Bank ) for the load. Co-Applicant's Signature Date o Savings Name • Slow down, using both brakes, before making turns, and turn as wide as possible to reduce -Annual Variable Rate Balauce Calculation centrifugal force, which can tip a tractor over. Perl~l~ntagl' Rah~ Information ~letllOcl Annual Fee Grace Periocl 9.B% Introductory APR on cash advances and Your annual percentage rate may vary monthly. The rate is None For repayment of the balance for • Use engine braking when going downhill. If in 1-Cycle Average Daily Balance balance transfers for the first six months, 15.65% determined by adding 6.9 percentage points for the Gold (including new purchases) new purchases. 25 Days, starting doubt, shift to the lowest gear possible before variable APR on Gold MasterCard and 17.15% MasterCard and 8.4 percentage points for the Scenic VISA to the with the billing dale on the variable APR on Scenic VISA there after. highest Prime Rate published in the .Wall Street Journal. on the statement. starting downhill and idl~ the engine speed back first day of your monthly billing cycle. to slow. Do not disengage the engine while going ATM/Cash Advance Fee- 2% of the advance amount; $2 minimum; $20 maximum. Late Payment Fee-$O -$12 (varies by state) . downhill. Over limit Fee - $0 - $12 (varies by Slate). Dishonored Check Fee - $15. • Under no drcumstances allow a rider on the 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%. tractor, It is against federal and state law to allow Finance charges are assessed on cash advances, balance transfers and convenience checks from the date of the transaction. anyone under 16-years old to ride on a 20 PTO The information about the cards descnbed in this application is current as of 12/95. This information may have changed after that date. To find out what may have changed, call us at 1-800-423-3883, 24-hours a day, 7days a week. horsepower tractor. Notlc. to Califomia R.lld.nla: If you are married. you may apply tor a separate account Notlc. to N.w York Ruld.ntl. Consumer credit reports may be obtained in connection With thiS appltcallon for credit Upon your request. the Bank Statistics show that people between 2y and will ,nform you whether such reports were obtained and If so, 01 the names and addresses of the consumer reporting agencIes. Notlc. to Ohio Ruld.nla: The Ohio laws against discnminattOll require that all creditors make credit equally available to all creditworthy customers. and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate histories on each IndiVIdual upon request. The Ohio eMI Rights Convnission administers compltance With thiS law Notlc. to Wllconlln R.lldenla: No prOVision 64-years old have 57 percent of the tractor accidents ot amantal property agreement. a unilateral statement under Wis Stat Ann Section 9 766 59 or a court decree under Wis Stat Ann. Section 9 766.70 adversely affects the interest of the creditor unless the creditor, poor to the time credit is granted, is furnished a copy 01 the agreement. statement or decree or has actual knowledge of the adverse obltgatlon when the obltgatlon to the creditor IS incurred and that people between 5 and 24 account for 35 percent.. Please letterfold and staple this form with the mailing address on the outside (reverse side) -- Michigan potato growers control late blight A decade can make a great difference. In the mid-1980s, potato acres in Michi- Late blight a gan had fallen to an estimated 40,000 serious problem when processing plant closings forced growers to by Eric Fischer plant different crops. Today, the picture appears very different. New processing plants have sparked a sharp increase in potato acreage. Almost 80,000 A lthough it is different from the organism that caused the Irish potato famine nearly 150 years ago, late blight is a tremendous problem in acres were planted to potatoes in 1995. Unfortu- the U.S. potato industry. nately, there has been another increase that makes The main culprit is the US 8, or A2 strain that growers less enthusiastic -late blight. has been traced to Central Mexico, and it is thought "Late blight incidence reached a peak in 1994," to have spread through the trade of seed potatoes says Don Smucker, Extension agent for Montcalm between countries. It has inundated nearly every County. "Nearly every grower in the county was af- state in the past three years and caused severe out- fected. Yields were down as growers had to kill many breaks of late blight. The strain has become so pow- fields in late August to control the disease." erful that the prindpal pesticide used for control of "Late blight blindsided us in 1994," confirms late blight in the past - Metalaxl- is no longer effec- Dr. Mel Lacy, (recently retired) plant pathologist at tive, and new methods of control must be explored. Michigan State University (MSU). "The potential for To explore these new methods, the Michigan disease had us concerned heading into 1995, but Potato Commission called upon Michigan State we were much better prepared. Our off-season University to bring an assistant visiting professor to educational efforts paid dividends. Although the focus specifically on late blight. conditions were very conducive for disease, grow- Typical late blight stem lesion. Typical late blight leaf lesion. Dr. William Kirk, a potato specialist from Scot- ers in all four potato-growing regions where late land, was hired to research potato late blight man- blight occurred (Montcalm, Presque Isle, Bay and to five days when the disease conditions were most challenge to the industry, but with proper attention agement procedures. By using money generated by St.joseph counties) kept it in check." severe as indicated by blight forecasting programs. it can be controlled. Last year, we continually took the Michigan Potato Commission and various chem- Lacy adds that the newer A2/US 8 late blight We also encouraged growers to do everything possi- samples but found no disease inddence. Our com- ical companies, he has researched several tech- genotype brings new challenges to Michigan grow- ble to ensure complete spray coverage. This strate- mitment to prevention was the key." niques by using fungidde and variety trials. ers. However, as the disease changes, so must grow- gf worked. Of the 14,000 acres in Montcalm County, Ciba Crop Protection's Plant Pathologist Dr. According to Kirk, effective chemical control ers. They have to adjust their programs accordingly. we had only 10 late blight findings - usually on the Bobby Bassi says, with the new Phytophthora doesn't simply rest on the amount that's applied. Growers must still pay attention to cultural edges of fields or near irrigation pivots where spray strains, growers can't wait until they see late blight "The answer to effective control lies in the timing practices - seed selection, rotation and destruction coverage was inadequate." develop and expect to eliminate it. "Studies show and method of application of existing chemistries," of cull piles. Lacy says growers really have to pay Bob Walther grows 4,000 acres of potatoes for that preventive use of RidomillPrepacks plus pro- he said. "Generally, late blight infections begin in attention to some other practices because late blight chipping and french fries near Clio, Mich. His late tectant fungiddes is very effective," he says. "When areas of the crop that are underprotected, due to can begin anywhere from weeds in the field edges to blight philosophy is simple - prevent the disease alternated with protectant fungiddes, metalaxyl poor chemical application." culls swept up in rock piles. He also reminds growers from getting a hold. His plan, however, takes com- (the active ingredient in Ridomil) works to stop late Kirk expects that genetics may someday playa that buying certified seed does not necessarilyen- mitment. He grows his own seed to make sure he is blight. But applications have to begin before infec- role in resistance to late blight, but success hasn't sure that it is completely free of late blight. planting clean seed, maintains his rotation and tion - when foliage uniformly meets within the row been seen as of yet. "Major gene and horiwntal "Certified seed guidelines allow a I-percent makes sure all the culls are destroyed. across the field." resistance breeding techniques are under question infection of late blight, which is enough to start Walther has beefed up his spray program, too. Dr. Marty Wiglesworth, Ciba research special- at the moment as neither method has successfully trouble," Lacy warns. "Growers should make sure He applies protectant fungiddes (Bravo* EBDCs, ist, conducted two RidomillPrepack trials in Michi- produced marketable varieties with durable resis- they have a solid relationship with their seed pro- coppers) on a five- to seven-day interval. He also gan in 1994 in the presence of the A-2 late blight tance against late blight," he explained. ducers to ensure that the seed they buy is dean." makes two applications of Ridomil~MZ72 to control strains. Those trials show 9O-percent control, with a Ben Kudwa, Executive Director of the Michi- However, the biggest adaptations must be storage rots (pythium leak, pink rot) and to help 20-percent increase in yield vs. protectants alone. gan Potato Commission, feels that many producers made to fungicide programs. "Growers have with late blight control. Bassi says that additional tests in WISconsin, will be forced to exercise stricter management tech- learned that they must spray fungicides early and "You can't cut corners with your fungidde Minnesota, New York and Florida, in areas where niques. "We are going to see growers using better often," says Smucker. "We shortened spray intervals program," Walther cautions. "Late blight is a major the A-2strain was present, confirm that the preven- management techniques, such as taking care of cull tive, additive effect ofhoth fungiddes (metalaxyl piles and volunteer plants in the field that would and protectants) also leads to yield increases, delays normally just be allowed to grow," he said. "Simply disease onset and reduces disease severity. FroI11 the put, old management techniques are being resur- Growers should not expect late blight to go rected and re-looked at in order to control the away anytime soon. But heading into next season, source of the inoculum." there seems to be reason for optimism. Smucker Kirk feels that in order for operations to sur- groundup says that seed-produdng areas have not experi- vive, producers must be open to change. "Efficien- enced as much late blight in 1995, so incoming seed cy, mechanization, increased labor costs, and socio- should be cleaner. Plus, with continued good con- logical and other economic pressures have led trol programs, there should be less inoculum left- the best lNay over from 1995. "We learned a lot the past few seasons," says many potato production units to be rigid and resis- tant to change," he said. "In the longer term, a reas- sessment of current crop protection techniques to deliver farm pOlNer. Smucker. "Last year we learned that late blight can be managed. There are many practices and prod- ucts that growers can implement to curb the late may lead to an industry more able to resist the rav- ages of nature." If you would like more information blight outbreak. That should give growers the confi- concerning late blight, contact Dr. William Kirk dence they need for next season." • at (517) 353-4481. • ROO~ REROO~ PATCH e Iti easy to do it yourself with proven @@ ~ __ II ~ !~_ Ill1o\ SELF-STICK ~~~"g'~'NG ROW CROP CHALLENGERS BIG TILLAGE CHALLENGERS 175 PTO HP Model 35 300 Engine HP Model 650 200 PTO HP Model 45 325 Engine HP Model 75C 225 PTO HP Model 55 355 Engine HP Model 85C • Choose from any row crop spacing Low ground pressure, as low as 4.3 psi, from 15" to 40". means less compaction, more yields! Roof or reroof most low slope roofs, and patch asphalt or metal Cultivate with a Challenger to With less than 5% slip and 85% tractive roofs and metal gutters. Effective for hundreds of other farm eliminate pinch row yield reductions. efficiency, Challenger tractors deliver applications. Just peel off releasepaper and stick down to most Unmatched row crop turning ability. the power to the ground with great clean, dry surfaces.A utility knife and a small hand roller are fuel efficiency. the only tools needed. Tough, multilayer membrane won't At least 53% more footprint than any crack or dry out. Sealsaround punctures and resistsUV radia- mechanical front-wheel drive tractor. • Nine years of proven performance. tion for long life. Aluminum top surface dramatically reduces Timeliness is the name of the game in today's modem fanning operations. roof temperatures. Peel & Seal has been proven on thousands of commercial and residential roofs. Available in narrow rolls for Challenger tractors will give you the edge in timeliness! patching and 36. x 33.5' rolls for complete roof-overs. Complete instructions included with every carton. CALL OR (8101349-4800 LANSING (5171699-4800 I CIIIiChig_111 NOVI WRrTE FOR FREE SAMPLE & ORDER FORM direct from factory. GRAND RAPIDS (616\532-3635 NOVI ENGINE (8101349-7050 KALKASKA (616\258-8265 GRAND RAPIDS ENGINE (616\538-8070 SAGINAW (5111752-7300 DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS (810\348-7810 cmfm) MFM 8uJ1ding Products Corp. SHELBYTWP. (810\997-5300 FINANCIAL SERVICES (810\347-6237 Ag Products KALAMAZOO (616\349-8600 PO Box 340 • Coshocton, OH 438'2 • 800-882-7663, ext. 33 1~'JI~~I~'I:tW May 15, 1996 Timing spring alfalfa harvest be negative and the number should not be included by Mike Allen, Department of Animal in the sum. Science, Michigan State University The growing degree days calculated in the V ariation in weather makes it difficult to time alfalfa harvest for optimum quality. Finding a window of dry weather for cut- ting, wilting and chopping or baling forages is not weekly MSU Extension Crop Advisory Team Alert cannot be used at this time. Even though one uses a base temperature of 42", it is calculated using a different method, and there is no way to convert easy, particularly in the spring. If alfalfa is harvested growing degree days calculated by one method to too early, the fiber content will be too low and the another. protein content will be too high. If alfalfa is harvest- For increased accuracy, it is best to measure ed too late, energy and protein contents will be low, the minimum and maximum temperatures as close increasing the cost of supplements; and low fiber to the alfalfa field as possible. You can use an inex- digestibility may decrease energy intake. pensive minimum/maximum thermometer and Beginning harvest at 40 percent neutral deter- read it every day, or you can purchase a datalogger gent fiber (NDF) will give about a seven-day window that records temperature automatically. to complete harvesting. Filling horizontal silos with When the weekly GOD accumulation reaches layers of increasing maturity will allow harvest to around 550, begin measuring it on the farm daily begin a little earlier at about 38 percent NOF be- until the correct growing degree days is reached. If cause the layers of alfalfa are blended as the alfalfa is you choose to use this method, remember that it removed from the silo. isn't perfect, but it is probably better than what you Although growing degree days (GOD) is not have used in the past. perfectly related to NOF content of alfalfa, it can be Predicting alfalfa NDF using this simple meth- used to help predict when to start cutting. od should be avoided when there is inadequate soil Using GOD, we can predict NOF content within moisture during the growing season because grow- 3 percentage units 68 percent of the time. Thus, if horizontal silo or are feeding it in a diet with a high day (24-hour period) beginning March 1,subtract ing degree days accumulate with little or no re- you are using GOD (base 41~ to begin cutting alfal- NOF, low protein forage, start cutting at 680 GOD, the base temperature (41~ and sum the growing sponse in plant growth. Because of this, growing fa at 40 percent NOF,in nearly seven out of 10 years base 41", which corresponds (Q38 percent NOF. degrees for all days that have positive numbers. degree days is highly related to quality only for the alfalfawill be between 37 and 43 percent NOF. Growing degree days is calculated many ways. For example, if the maximum and minimum spring harvest alfalfa with adequate rainfall and not For an initial NOF content of 40 percent, start 1£ is important to make sure GOD is calculated us- temperatures for one day are 75" and 39", respec- for subsequent cuttings .• cutting at 750 GOD, base 41". It will take about 220 ing the same formula that was used to establish the tively, the average is 57 (75+3912) and the growing additional GOD (Qreach 45 percent NOF at 970 relationship for these recommendations. Average degrees for this day are 16 (57-41). If the average is GOD, base 41". If you are storing the alfalfa in a the maximum and minimum temperature for each less than the base temperature, the difference will L ike thieves in the night, cutworms feed on corn plants mostly after dark. Failure to spot the early signs of damage can mean severe losses Plan for good safety routines for farm kids later. Clean fields are less likely to experience cut- ting than fields that were weedy when tilled or B efore the planting season becomes too hectic for some serious prevention planning, talk with farm youngsters and take steps to minimize to avoid acddents. He recommends the following: _ Do not allow children to ride on trac(Qrs, imple. ments or other equipment. Extra riders can easily tool a parent has. _ Train children during low- or non-production activities. Don't try to train a youth on a new job planted. Watch for moth flights, and note the num- ber of growing degree days (GOD). About 300 (base their potential for injury. tumble from equipment and fall into the path of when there is pressure to complete a task on 50) GOD after a flight, scout fields for damage. Be. "Adults can substantially reduce the child's risk tires. Don't allow play on farm equipment. Pull key, time. Wait until the work schedule allows time gin looking for extremely small holes in leaves. If of serious injury or death if they educate their chil- set the parking brake and lock equipment to en. for a thorough training period so emphasis can you don't have moth flight information, start check- dren about the hazards that are often associated sure that children cannot acddentally start engines. be placed on a positive learning experience. ing plants as soon as they emerge. As the larvae with farming," says Howard Doss, Michigan State _ Know where children are at all times. Do not Taking time for proper training allows the grow, they will cut the plant close to the soil surface University Extension agricultural safety specialist. allow children near any operating equipment. parent time (Qtell the child how to do the job, and- and cause wilting and death. A rescue treatment Nationally, about 300 children are killed and Establish "safety zones" from which children can demonstrate the skills needed, and gives the parent may be needed, especially to control younger, ac- 24,000 are injured, about 5,000 of whom are still watch but are out of the way of tractors, an opportunity to provide positive feedback on the tively feeding larvae. Young larvae can feed on maimed for life by farm accidents. implements and other equipment. youth's performance. Pointers on improving perfor- plants for several days and cause extensive damage Statistics show that 42 percent of the acci- Fencing in play areas may be useful in keeping mance and effidency can also be offered. before they pupate and become adult moths. dents are caused by kids getting caught in grain kids out of dangerous areas. _ Supervision of youth in farm work activities is augers, 25 percent by tractor acddents, 11 percent by power takeoff shaft entanglement and 6 percent by getting caught in conveyor belts. _ Give children age-appropriate chores. Children are not small adults and they may make dedsions that put them at risk. Only a parent knows when critical. Part of the parent's responsibility is to train a child with the correct work methods and to follow up with visual checks and supervision P urple corn syndrome often occurs during a cold, wet spring, but can be caused by several interacting factors. Some hybrids are genetically Kids are most apt to be involved in a farm a child is mature enough (Qlearn and safely han- aimed at encouraging the child (Qadopt good prone to produce more of the purple pigment an- accident when they are 4 or 14. dIe a new task. Make sure a child is competent to safe work habits. Remember that work breaks are thocyanin. Different hybrids under equal stress may The former age group, according to Doss, is at do the job safely. important for youth as well as adults. therefore show varying amounts of purple discolor- risk because it is the time of their lifewhen they are _ Make sure children receive safety training before _ Inspect the farm for safety hazards. Get down on ation. Other factors that contribute to purpling are apt (Qbe the most mobile and inquisitive and do not the onset of each new farm-related activity. Teach your child's level and look at the farm from their defident phosphorus levels in the plant; slow early fullycomprehend the hazards that surround them. children that the safe way is the only way and perspective. For example, a trac(Qr tire leaning root growth; poor root development due to soil The high acddent rate among 14-year-aIds is reinforce safety each time a child does the task. against the barn wall can fallon an unsuspecting compaction and cool, wet soil conditions; root inju- attributed to their beginning (Qdo more adult chores Children learn their ABCsby hearing them spa- child. Openings between gate posts and fences ry from starter fertilizer or herbiddes; and insect on the farm and lack of experience in risk reduction. ken repeatedly. Take this same "over and over" may be too small for livestock to escape but just feeding. A careful examination of the roots' shape Doss says parents should take time now to approach to teaching farm safety and remember the right size for a child to enter.. and condition is the key to diagnosing possible develop child safety plans and teach their kids how that setting a good example is the best teaching causes and remedies. Revolutionary We put a lot of energy into farming Each day we light the way for you and other farmers across TRIMMER ON WHEELS! SO MUCH EASIER to use than hand-held trimmers OR the state - providing the power that keeps you in business. small-wheels mowers! TRIMS plus MOWS everything from whole lawns (even wet, without clogging!) to tough, waist- We're proud to serve 20,000 farms - more farms than any high grass and weeds with incredible ease! Rocks, roots, other utility in Michigan - and we're committed to helping you stumps, etc., do it no harm because it has no steel blade to succeed every step of the way. bend, break, or dull. 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Please rush complete FREE Namc DETAILS of the Revolutionary DR- FB ~ TRIMMERIMOWER including Addrcss prices and specifications of Manual- Statc __ Zip City and Electric-Starting Models and To: COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS •. Depl. 1577 L "Off-Season" Savings now in effect. Ferry Road, P.O. Box 89. Charlotte. VT ---- 05445 ~I ~ May 15, 1996 Your need to get involved in the election process or sheriff. "So, for 1996, Farm Bureau members Term limits are not the only change affecting tion irregularities," said Almy. "We think there's June 1996 ought to take a very hard look at who is running for the state's political process this year. Community more accountability and visibility in our present A monthly resource these township or county offices and be very active Action Group members have probably heard about system, where people have to go to a polling place, for the Community in supporting who they think would be the best the federally mandated "motor voter law," which identify themselves and vote." Action Groups candidates. Two years from now, in 1998, these will undoubtedly result in more Michigan dtizens InJune, Farm Bureau will conduct its annual of Michigan Farm candidates may be leading contenders for state registered to vote. But that's only half the formula. Young People's Citizenship Seminar at Alma Col- Bureau legislative seats. I urge Community Action Group People still have to go to polls and vote. "Automatic lege. Over 250 of the state's top high school juniors members to take a hard look at candidates, get voter registration is a bigger opportunity and chal- and seniors, selected and sponsored by your county F arm Bureau has strong policy encouraging members to get actively involved in the elec- tion process on the local, state and national level. For a variety of reasons, the election of 1996 involved and support those best qualified to serve not only on the local level, but perhaps the state level in the future," Almy said. There's another important reason to pay close lenge than people might think," said Almy. "The real test is, do these newly registered people get to the polls and vote?" That's where farmers have an edge. "Ahigh Farm Bureaus, will partidpate in a week of inten- sive, motivational activities designed to encourage their partidpation in the political process. Farmers serve as role models for these young could be pivotal for the agricultural community. attention to not only local races in 1996, but legisla- percentage of farmers are not only registered, they people. Your partidpation in political campaigns, First of all, many issues of crucial importance tive contests as well, according to Almy. There are also reliably vote. We estimate that 75 percent or your visibility in supporting "Friends of Agriculture," to farmers - such as farmland preservation and about a dozen state representatives who are not more Farm Bureau members vote each election and your presence at your local polling place for the transportation funding - may not be acted upon seeking re-election this year -leaders like Paul year. That steadfast participation in the election Aug. 6 primary and the Nov. 5 general election are until the next Legislature is elected. Second, al- Hillegonds, Gary Randall and Carl Gnadtke. "Assum- process is one of the reasons the agricultural com- crudal to your industry and community .• though term limits have not yet kicked in here in ing the candidates elected in 1996 to fill these va- munity has been so politically effective. It's not just Michigan (some 20 other states have also imposed candes will seek re-election in 1998, and having voter registration - it's how you make your partid- Discussioa QuestIoa£ term limits over the past six years), their impact is served one two-year term already, they will have an pation in the election cycle count. It's how many 1) How does involvement in election- beginning to be felt. edge in terms of seniority and knowledge of the people vote," Almy said. year politiCS make a difference? "The impact of term limits will be felt this year legislative process and important issues," Almy said. What about voting by mail? Oregon recently 2) In what ways do term limits bring on the local and county level," said MFB Public Affairs "It's not at all unlikely that these so-called veterans received nationwide puqlidty for their successful about more responsibility in state Director AlAlmy. "Local offidals understand that term will be in line for committee chairmanships, maybe use of mail ballots during a special election to fill the government? limits for state legislators will take effect in 1998, even House leadership positions. The people you U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Robert Packwood. 3) In what specific ways has your opening up 80 or more seats in the state House." elect this year may be House leaders in 1998. There- Is such a system a viable possibility for Michigan? Community Action Group been These local offidals understand the implica- fore, in those races for open state House seats this Farm Bureau policy opposes vote-by-mail active in past elections? tions. Taday's state legislator probably began his or year, Farm Bureau members should go through the except for those who qualify for absentee ballots. 4) In what ways will your group be her political career as a local elected official, per- same evaluation and thought process as they will do "We oppose vote-by-mail because it opens up the active in the 1996 elections? haps a township supervisor, county commissioner with local races," he said. opportunity for some misrepresentation and elec- 5) In what ways has your group been active in providing input to your county candidate evaluation process? -- .;.:.:-: :.;.;.;.;.;.;.;.;.;.;.::.;.;.;.;.:-: :.:.:-:-:.;.:.:.:.:.: !i:i!'~I;~.:.:;;.::.::.::.::::s~ll:I:.jll .......... :.:.:.:.: .~.:.:.;.'.:.'.'.:.:.:.:-:.:-:.;.;:; .:-:.:.: 1038 STACK LINER WAG- FORD, NEW HOLLAND trac- INTERNATIONAL 9A 9' disk. NEW IDEA snowblower, NEW OAK HAY WAGON ON: Like new condition! tors and equipment from Sy- Good condition! Set of Model 517. $1500. JD 116 120' CLAY BELT UNE feed- BEDS. Any size (8x16 with 6' er. Purchased new, used one Priced to sell. Call 1-517-843- mon's in Gaines. For 43 16.9x28 duals. good condi- lawn tractor, 46" deck, $1000. back, $299). Oak truck equip- 6932 evenings. years your best deal for the tion. Call 1-810-765-4489. Blade for Farmall Cub, $300. season. Will sell complete for ment or semi decking. Instal- half price. Call 1-517-869- long run! 1-810-727-2452. lation available! ATTENTION FARMERSI Symon's JD 3430 self propelled mow- 2685 or 1-517-869-2440. Ask White 2-105 tractors, 2200 er conditioner equipped with Mobile Custom Saw Milling for Tom. 1-517-271-8445, Gaines TWO 20' SILO Unloaders. 1-313-587-8431 hours, very good. Forage cab, air, and radio with 12' 75' Butler feeder with Ran- wagons, gravity wagons, GEHL BLOWER for sale. #300 twin knife head. Only Fills two silos. Three 18' dolph bunk and roof over. bunker wagons, IHC chopper, 847 hours! Excellent. Call 1-517-584-3329. ORCHARD BRUSH RAKE MIX MILL GRAVITY fed side blower, 40' elevators, newer chopper wagons. 10 ton wag- $21,800. Also TSS Meyers on gear, 1 year, feed convey- for sale, $250. Gillison tree discharQe with bins, $1250, patch gutter cleaner, surge 18' forage wagon with 15 planter, $1400. John Deere OBO. BIg Dutchman chicken ors. Nearly new! 1-616-.869- ton heavy duty LTD gear and THREE BUTLER GRAIN BINS, pipe line, 600 gallon bulk drag, 12'. feeders, wide chain. Best of- tank. Complete line from trac- 5231. 14 ply tires bought new in 6 Call 1-616-889-4062. fer. 1-517-674-2763. tors to forks and shovels (ev- GLENCO soil furnisher, Glen- of 95. $8900. 1-616-826- erything except a combine) co soil saver, auger. Interna- 3715. sells, private sale, retiring tional vibra shanks, chisel owner may help finance. 1- plows, wind disks, offset JD 7000 CORN PLANTER, 616-761-3655, Ionia. disks and cultimulchers, drills, wide row, like new, with moni- spreaders, balers, haybines, tor. NH 352 grinder mixer Summerlest 196 CASE 1740 Uni-Loader skid steer. Diesel. New tires, new rakes. Large selection of till- with corn sheller and exten- paint. Runs great! Has bucket age and haying equipment. sion auger. Cardinal 36' and push glade. $4750 or Call 1-517-773-5374 after transport auger, 6". GT 54' best offer. 1pm. Dan Reid. transport auger, 8". Deutz DX 1-800-754-7107. 160 front wheel assist tractor. HESTON 500, 12' cut, self 1-616-754-0572.. FOR SALE: FARMALL M, in propelled hay wind rower with auger header. In good condi- tion! $2500, few extra parts. White 18' transport disk. White 10 shank chisel plow. All of the above equipment in excellent like new condition. JUNE 26 good condition, runs great. Call evenings, 517-426-0406. FOR SALE: N.!. 1500 gallon JOHN DEERE TRACTOR, 2950, cab, air, 1600 hours, 4wd, 38" tires, 85hp, sharp, Kinkeld Royal 240 speed sprayer. JD roller packer 12' transport. JD 4-row cultivator. held at liquid spreader with rebuilt pump, $1800. Also, Fifth wheel livestock trailer for like new, one owner, with lots of tender loving care. 1-616-772-6266. Older gravity wagons. Or- chard ladders, straight and step. 1-616-674-8445. MiChigan sale, 61/2'x17', $2000. Days, 1-616-649-4851. Evenings, 1-616-649-3074. MANURE SPREADERS: New and used. Balzer, Better- Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also, JOHN DEERE 425 off set disk. International 400 4-row corn planter. 222' Van Dale Slate INTERNATIONAL 2+2, 3788. Actual hours, 1850. Radial tires, western interior. grain dryers and handling equipment. Hamilton Distributing Co. gutter chain. 270' Patz gutter chain. Large silage cart. Clay 16' silo unloader. Test drive new Dodge tnlcks at the Truck Drive and Ride! Universltv Call 1-517-465-1343. 1-800-248-8070 1-616-734-2532. This year's event includes SOMETHING for EVERYONE: ** • Stat BARBECUE • ~ MUSIC by "'Last ** Michigan Farm Bureau presents r..turtng , 8nd pork RIde" until 7:30 p.m. ~ along with all the f1xttn and DESSERT. from 4-7 p.m. Tickets just $5 - .** "'1996 ,Young People's • c.mIvaI gamea and PRIZES FOR THE KIDS AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE ONLY * * m Citizenship SelDinar PARKING at the Summerfest In the event of Inclement site, weather permitting weather, "op by the IIFB Asa Expo tent 'or partdng instructions. Alma College • Alma, Mich. Hlghscttool juniors and seniors are invited to attend this flVe-;;day seminar designed to teach you about our American political system. The seminar emphasizes the need to l:)e -------------------------------------------- Summerfest '96 . informed and involved in the decisions that affect Americans Ticket Order Form Don't miss out In their communities, state and nation. The program will on this great ind!Jde: WIN PRIZES opportuniJY! * Keynote Speakers *. Workshops All order fonM pcmrn.kecl before "UNE 7 are eligible Reservation Deadline * Political rallies, campaigns, caucusesand elections for a grand prize drawing of a WEEKEND GETAWAY at is May 24, 1996 with students as -political party" delegates, -candidates- QI'8nd 'InnrerM Reaort, and -registered- voters Call the Michigan * Rural and urban students from all over Michigan aponsONCI by IIFB Travel and Grand 1'rave .... Reaort, DInner choice: 0 .... 0 Portl Mwnber 01 tlckeb at S5 .~h Farm Bureau YOWIg Students should be proud to representtfieir school and the plus other prize. from IIF8 Farmer Department at Farm Bureau .organization, and be Willing to discusstheir ......... ServIce. and HI- ..... check. papbIe to MICHIGAN FARM BURDU to: 800-292-2680, ext. 3234. experiences with groups following the seminar. Grade Nut and Bolt Company. IIFB Summ ....... '96 • P.O. Box 30960 • Lanslns. II. 48909 f QUALITY ALFALFA and mixed hay.Almont, Michigan. .'trll •• FOR CURRENT LIST of available Angus Cattle, write: Secretary, West Michigan An- TEXAS LONGHORNS: The easy to raise cattle! Bulls, steers, heifers, and bred iall EXPERIENCED Michigan ag- ribusiness attorneys with farm backgrounds. Knowledge and HUNTING LEASE WANTED: Ethical and responsible bow hunter wishes to lease hunt- HARDY OUTSIDE ~OOD FURNACE Ferguson Farms World 8#1 seller. Stainless 1-810-395-7512 gus Breeders, 585 36th cows for sale. Stock for pen- experience in all farm areas; ing rights to southern Michi- steel construction. Heats Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI ning and for purebred breed- restructure, stray voltage, gan farm on your terms, ref- bankruptcy, estate planning. home, hot water tank, pools. 49509. ing. erences available. Call John, Eliminates fire danger. 10 Diamond 6 Ranch EAST SIDE: Thomas J. Bud- 1-313-791-0259. LLAMAS ARE GREAT, and zynski, 43777 Grosebeck year warranty! Dealerships 1-616-642-9042 available. 1-800-743-5883. now they're affordable! Highway, Mt. Clemens, Michi- WANTED: Farms and land These docile, intelligent ani- TRADE (like for like), or sell, gan. 48036. 1-800-463-5253, throughout Michigan, agricul- Jamboree Acres mals make wonderful pets for registered Simmental Bull. WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stani- tural and recreational. Large Mineral Owners Gas/Oil: In- hiking, packing, picnicking, Seven to choose from! Cows ha, 40 West Sheridan, Fre- parcels preferred. We have vestor interested in purchas- pulling carts, or to just plain and heifers for sale. mont, Michigan,49412. 1-616- buyers! Call ing, producing royalty income enjoy. Their wool is valuable Call 1-517-689-4696. 924-3760. Faust Real Estate for immediate cash. Prefer and they also make outstand- Adrian, 1-517-263-866 Antrim gas. Other formations ing guard animals. Call for a SAVE MONEY considered. Call Jay, 1-800- visit today! 1-616-677-3309. Recycle your diesel and in- 968-7645. Ron and Nancy Laferriere. dustrial air intake filters using laferriere Llamas the Sonic Dry Clean System. MSU SPORTS FANS! Marne, Michigan No liquids or detergents Subscribe to Spartan Maga- Lease financing (Just northwest of Grand used. 50% savings over new zine, your source for Michi- for equipment Rapids) filters. Recycle Now, Inc. HERITAGE gan State Sports! 18 issues for only $32.95. Call LLAMAS: North American Holland, MI BUILDING SYSTEMS 1-800-732-6532. vehicles & Sitting Bull and Essex blood- lines. Pet males and weaning SUPER HEAVY STEEL 1-616-396-7724 800.643.5555 BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE The Spartan 25.30 (21e1l) 40><50 (11e1l) 5Oxl00 (11e1l) 616-396-8102,Fax buildings females. Reasonable priced! 30.40 (3 lell) .2x&C (2 lell) 24 x 40 x 10 54.075 Call for more information and PROFESSIONAL CATTLE UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! 36 x 40 x 10 55.263 hoof trimming: Statewide! visit. 1-517-645-2719. 20 YEAR WARRANTY 40 x 60 x 12 58.007 • 100% tax deductible Miller's Uamaland Over 14 years experience. AmericanSteelArchInc. 50 x 75 x 12 511,189 Potterville, MI Prices start at $6. Call 60 x 100 x 12 516.515 • fixed payments FACTORY DIRECT Norman Beale LLAMAS: Your visit to our 150x 200 x 14 (m.l) 577.018 • min advance payment Llama Farm is most 1-800-942-1234 CO)1lIl1ercial ~eel buildinl!S fraturl'~east. 1-616-775-0488 welcome! Learn about these I KOUTZ BARN PAINT & RE- bolt UP asse Iv from Aiflenca's est ulS fi:iliulor We a~'eoverJ 0.000 stan r