Itf'CH'CIiN 11= FIiRItI BIJREIIIJ May 30, 1996 Vol. 73, No. 10 Milk Act measure moves in Legislature F arm Bureau supports legislative efforts, un- derway this month in Lansing, to revise the state's Manufacturing Milk Act and help prevent a repeat of the losses that farmers suffered from the Pinconning Cheese plant default. MFB"President,Jack Laurie, said that reform of the act, particularly in regard to the financial security reporting provisions, is needed to help . ensure that processing plant defaults are less likely to occur in the future. (See President's Column on page 2 for more information.) Meanwhile, MFB Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson said Farm Bureau supports a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Frank Kelly and Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Gordon Guyer against the operators of the bank- rupt Pinconning Cheese plant: Dore's Pinconning Cheese Inc., of Pinconning; Dore & Associates Contracting Inc., of Bay City; Pinconning Cheese Inc., d/b/a Paul's Pinconning Cheese Inc., of Pinconning; and Real Pinconning Cheese, LL.C., of Pinconning. The lawsuit seeks over $2.4 million owed to over 200 milk producers. "We think this action is very important, and we appreciate the state attor- "Rainfall since the beginning of April is normally on the order of 4Y4 inches, ney general's action on behalf of these dairy farm- and we've had anywhere from 7 to 10 inches, with no extended dry period ers who were not paid for their milk," Nelson said. in sight:' Jeff Andresen, MSU Meteorologist The four counts in the complaint are breach of contract, fraud. negligent misrepresentation, and principal and surety. The first three counts allege that the defendants had contracted with and made representations to the milk producers that they would receive payment for the milk that DNR takes action on post- or many Michigan producers, the was delivered to the cheese plant The defendants failed to comply with the terms of the contract. The suit also cites the fact that worthless checks production cost controversy first of June will arrive much too soon this year. With only 23 percent of the were issued to the milk producers to induce fur- -One landowner obtained a state- state's corn acreage planted as of May 19, compared ther deliveries of milk. The fourth count alleges IIIeIIt for garbage collection costs, to the five-year average of 61 percent, heavy rains that one of the defendants, Dore & Associates Ins.-ance costs, telephone costs - on May 20 and 21 have added (Q the frustration and Contracting, had a surety agreement to cover the that-s not post-productlon costs. Cas anxiety levels of producers hoping to complete costs of milk received at the cheese plant. cOlllpanles, basically found the gold- spring planting or, in some cases, to just get started. Along with the civil case, the Criminal Divi- en cow, and the, were milking It!" "We've really got some problems," said MSU sion of the Michigan State Police, the Federal - Pete Vellenga, Charlevoix County Meteorologist Jeff Andresen, who called the mid- Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Farm Bureau member. May rains one of the most widespread heavy rains A office are conducting a criminal investigation. No comroversial1993 letter of agreement in lower Michigan in some time. "The heaviest rains criminal charges have yet been filed. between the Michigan Department of fell from a corridor bounded by Grand Rapids on the Aseparate civil lawsuit has been filed against Natural Resources (DNR) and the Michi- south up to Muskegon to the north and then north- the Pinconning Cheese plant operators by some gan Oil and Gas Association (MOGA) allowing the east toward the Saginaw Valley and northern Thumb of the farmers who suffered losses. Concerns have deduction of post production costs (PPC) from gas area. Some spots in that corridor received between been raised that the suits may interfere with, or leases on state-owned lands has finally been re- 3 and 4 inches over a 24-hour period." be inconsistent with the suit filed by the attorney scinded, putting a halt to further deductions on Unfortunately, a similar weather system ap- state-owned royalties from the Antrim gas forma- Above, DNR Director K.L. Cool and Natural pears to be developing for the end of May, with general's office and the MDA. However, David Resource Commission Chairman Larry VanderHaagen, general counsel for Michigan tion. The announcement also sets the stage for an tropical air moving northward and developing into a DeVuyst announce DNR's decision to rescind Farm Bureau, said he does not see any difficulty. audit of the S4 million in PPC deductions made a 1993 agreement allowing deduction frontal boundary again over Michigan, creating the "If, however, some of the same producers who from state royalty checks by gas and oil companies. of post-production costs during a recent potential for even more heavy downpours, cautions Over 400 upset landowners attending an April news conference. >.:.~ Andresen. have their own civil cases are also listed on the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting in er costs assQCiated \vith removing high levels of "The weather over the next couple of weeks is Continued on page 5 Grayling can take credit for the actions, according "C02 and other non-functional components." How- apt to be highly variable, and growers will need to to NRC Chairman, Larry DeVuyst. "That meeting ever, according to DNR Director KL. Cool, the let- use, to the fullest extent possible, any breaks that was kind of the culmination of statements that we ter's intent has been considerably expanded to Mother Nature affords them to get crops in the had received over the last year-and-a-half on the private landowner gas leases as well. ground," Andresen advised. "Unfortunately, I don't PPC issue by citizens who felt they had been taken "Even though this process was intended to think we will see any long-term breaks - one of advantage of by something they had no control only influence PPC charges in connection with state those seven to lo-day periods of dry conditions and over," DeVuyst explained. leases, it has resulted in widespread public con- sunny warm weather." Under terms of a 1993 letter from the DNR to cerns regarding the appropriateness and legality of TIme is quickly running out for sugar beet the MOGA on the subject of PPC, deductions could natural gas companies deducting certain expenses producers and processors, who were already facing be made by gas and oil companies on state-owned from mineral royalty payments on both private and reduced acreage prospects thanks to higher-priced leases on the Antrim gas development due to high- Continued on page 9 Continued on page 11 News in Brief 2 Market Outlook 6 Late planting and hybrid Capitol Corner 3 Milk prices vs. corn prices - selection of corn 11 Dairy policy impacts - Federal Should your strategy change? 7 Emergency haying and grazing Market Order reformulations Weather Outlook 8 of CRPlands 12 crucial for Michigan producers 4 Fans may help reduce dairy Weed control in winter wheat: Current Projections for U.S. agriculture animal stress 9 questions 13 based on FAIR 5 The 1996 Farm Bill: The EQIP Are you ready for GPS? 16 livestock conservation provisions .... 10 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 13 ~1[~~l~'I~"'l-J May 30, 1996 Nevus cates that the agricultural product is not safe for human consumption; and that, at the time of dis- Few opting for early buy-out CRPbattle brewing semination, the person disseminating knows the T he new farm'bill authorizes the Agriculture i,n B.ief information is inaccurate and is not based on rea- sonable and reliable scientific inquiry, facts or data. The legislation has been critidzed for violating O nly 300,000 acres have been freed during the early buy-out option of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land, according to the USDA. Under Department to continue sign-ups and make' mandatory payments for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) this year, but opponents of the pop- ular conservation program are again targeting it for freedom of speech. But, in fact, the First Amend- the 1996 farm bill, land previously enrolled in the ment, as evidenced by libel and slander law, does program could be freed for immediate production. reducti6h and scale-back. not protect false speech. This anti-disparagement The government hoped the additional land would A group of agribusinesses, called the Coalition legislation will not prevent anyone from stating an help ease tight grain supplies. for a Competitive Food and Agricultural System, is opinion. It will, however, make groups think t\vice USDA,trying to remain optimistic, says only asking the House Appropriations Committee to about the truthfulness of what they say. Perhaps this 1 million acres of land could be freed by the end of limit CRP enrollments in the coming year and sub- \vill deter the unwarranted attacks on our industry, the month. Producers had until May 31 to remove sequent years. The coalition wish-list would bar against which we have been, to this point, virtually CRP land for 1996 spring-crop production .• USDAfrom spending any money for new sign-ups defenseless. in 1997, unless the land is particularly important for From the Eleven other states have approved agriculture conservation. President anti-disparagement legislation. Farm Bureau urges Glickman to seek The coalition says limiting sign-ups would force between one and two million acres out of the lawmakers to make Michigan state number 12. Dole's seat? program in 1997 and more than 12 million acres out The second important legislative issue con- Legislative priorities progress in Lansing cerns amendments to the Manufacturing MilkAct. Your organization supports effons to revise, update A griculture Secretary Dan Glickman is report- edly considering running for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Bob Dole. According to the in 1998, without causing environmental damage. "We think that would encourage growers to and clarify the act so that the role of the Department get back into the business of planting desperately T wo issues of major importance to farmers are currenrly being considered in the state Legisla- ture. The first deals with efforts, which our organi- of Agriculture is clearly spelled out and the depart- ment is given additional authority and responsibility Washington Times, Glickman has been contacted by the Democratic Campaign Committee to consider needed acres, and for the government to get out of the supply management business," said Stu Hardy, a the possibility. coalition spokesman .• zation strongly supports, to pass agricultural anri- when a question of producer security is an issue. Glickman, a former House member from disparagemenr legislation. Milk is a very perishable commodity that must Kansas, has reportedly been making phone calls The Alar scare, almost seven years ago, caused quickly be processed and sent to the grocery store to gauge support for a Senate candidacy .• Michigan agricultural severe economic damage to the apple industry. shelf. That can create some potential payment prob- land values up More recenrly, livestock producers have had to lems, so it's important to assure producers that they he average value of farm real estate in Michigan battle the publicity fallout from the "mad cow" scare in Britain. Both of these incidenrs illustrate how the \vill in fact be paid for their product. Unlike a com. modity like corn, which can be stored for a long Delaney clause reform in the works T was $1,329 per acre on Jan. 1, 1995. This is $115 more per acre, or 9 percent above the value from a agricultural industry can be severely harmed in a period of time, milk goes to market every day and is very short time by unsubstanriated rumors and inaccurate assertions. That's why we vitally need an almost immediately consumed. Therefore, it is criti- cally important that producers can be confident that H OUse Majority Whip Thomas Delay (R-Texas) told attendees of the American Farm Bureau Federation's National Affairs Conference in Washing- year ago. This information is from a report from USDA'sEconomic Research Service, based on a sur- vey conducted by the Federal;State Michigan Agricul- agricultural anti-disparagement law. libel and slan- they will be paid for their product. ton, D.C., that a Delaney clause reform bill will be tural Statistics Service. Farmland continues to in- der laws help protect our personal reputations. A There may be opportunities in the next few considered by the House and Senate in the near crease in Michigan. The latest number represents a company with a name-brand product can rely on months for you to get involved and take personal future. 32 percent increase from 1990, when the average trade libel laws. But producers of generic products action to help move these bills. I urge every Farm The bill could be offered for House floor con- per-acre value of farm real estate in Michigan was like agricultural commodities have no specific pro- Bureau member to closely read upcoming issues of sideration during a legislative week concentrated on $1,005. The value of farmland in bordering states was tection against libel attacks and have difficulty re- your Michigan Farm News and listen to the daily the environment, he said. Delay did not describe also on the rise in 1995. Ohio led the way at $1,800 covering damages. Farm Bureau reports on your local Michigan Farm the vehicle for this potential reform, but in March, a per acre, Indiana was $1,654 per acre and Wisconsin The House Agriculture and Forestry Commit- Radio Net\vork station to get updates on these is- House Commerce Committee aide told the Bureau was $1,065 per acre. All three states' values were up tee recently approved two measures that would let sues as they progress through the Legislature. g~t~ of National Affairs that subcomittee review of such a 13, 10 and 10 percent, respectively. Since 1990, far~- farmers and commodity groups sue people who land values have increased 41 percent in Ohio, 32 bill could occur in May. Delay warned the Farm disparage agricultural products. The legislative lan- percent in Indiana and 33 percent in Wisconsin. Bureau leaders that if a Delaney reform bill is de- guage specifically says that "disparage" means to Cropland rented for cash in Michigan was feated, it could empower foes of environmental disseminate to the public in any manner informa- Jack Laurie, President regulatory reform .• estimated at $49.70 per acre. This represented more tion about an agricultural product that directly indi- Michigan Farm Bureau than a 3 percent increase from a year ago. The crop- land rented for cash in Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin Livestock Manure Composting Field Day USDA milk assessment was $67.10, $88.40 and $46.20 per acre, respective- offers sessions by farmers, researchers refunds in the millions ly. The average pasture rented for cash rent had Pproximately $82 million in refunds to U.S. insufficient data to publish for Michigan. A lternative livestock manure handling systems \vill be the focus of a field day to be held June A dairy farmers for excess milk-marketing as- sessments have been made this year, the Agriculture The U.S. farm real estate values averaged $832 per acre as ofJan. 1, 1995, more than 6 percent 6, 1996, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in northwest above a year earlier. Cash rents for cropland were Department announced. Muskegon County. The field day \vill be hosted by generally higher in 1995 than in 1994, while those The refunds were made available because last Bob and Kim Wackernagel, who own and operate a for pasture were generally lower. Cash rents per year's milk production did not exceed 1994 totals. l00-cow dairy farm near Montague. acre were highest for irrigated cropland in Califor- Assessments collected through April 30, 1996 also The Wackernagels have participated in a live. nia and Florida .• will be refundable, USDAsaid. stock Manure Composting Project sponsored by Mich- Almost 37,900 refund applications for 1995 igan Integrated Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) were filed, according to USDA, and applications for FDA to ban ruminant- for the past two years. They compost a large propor- refunds based on 1996 production levels can be tion of the manure their cows produce. Wackernagel filed starting Jan. 2, 1997.• to-ruminant feeding cites weed seed kill (95 percent for properly com post- Compost turners such as this will be on dis- ed piles) and volume reduction of manure (up to n) as t\vo main reasons composting is an atlractive live- play at the Livestock Manure Composting Field Day, June 6 in Muskegon County. British beef sales T he Food and Drug Administration will publish a proposed rule that bans the feeding of protein to cattle derived from rendered cattle stock manure handling method for his farm. and sheep. Wackernagel and fellow com poster Joe Slater, Education producer-initiated research program. rebounding FDAbelieves the feeding of animal-derived omestic sales of British beef have jumped a Newaygo County dairyman who uses compost in his greenhouse operation, will share perspectives on how composting works as a real-world manure Field day sponsors include MIFFS, Muskegon Soil Conservation District, NRCS, MSU Extension, TImberland Resource Conservation and Develop- D back to 94 percent of the level they were before March's Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy protein to cattle caused the spread of mad cow dis- ease in Britain, and said the rule was needed to less- en the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. The proposed management strategy. The field day will also feature ment Council, and the Michigan Agricultural Stew. disease scare, according to Britain's Meat and live- rule will be open for comment and it is expected a presentations on manure storage and water quality ardship Association. stock Commission. final rule will be published within one year. In the by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) livestock Manure Composting is one of 10 "British shoppers are making their own minds meantime, the livestock industry has voluntarily Agent Greg Mund, high quality composting and MIFFS projects exploring community-based, innova- up and they are choosing British beef in ever great- stopped feeding sheep and cattle offal to livestock.. equipment by compost turner manufacturer Edwin tive approaches to agricultural issues like environ. er numbers," the commission said. Commission Blosser, and windrow management and the com- mental stewardship, farm profitability, food distribu- numbers showed that beef sales in Britain dropped posting process by Michigan State University Agri- tion and quality of life in Michigan. MIFFS is a four- by 20 to 30 percent after the government an- Wheat traders face year project partially funded by the W.K. Kellogg nounced a possible link between mad cow disease cultural Engineer Ted Loudon. Foundation of Battle Creek. and a human equivalent. The British beef industry is fines by CBOT Field day participants can also visit an on-farm he Chicago Board of Trade's (CBOT) business demonstration site at the Wackernagel farm. Half a field was spread with compost and half with raw The Wackernagel farm is located 3.5 miles west of U.S. 3I on Fruitvale Road in Montague. still being hurt by a worldwide ban of imports from the country. British beef exports worth $750 million T conduct committee has charged a number of grain traders with trading violations resulting from manure to compare the effects on weed seed ger- For more information about the field day, per year have been cut, and it is not known when the unprecedented run-up in wheat prices in mination. This demonstration was funded through directions to the Wackernagel farm or to RSVPfor they might resume .• March. Prices shot up from $5.30 to $7.50 a bushel the USDA'sSustainable Agriculture Research and lunch, call Greg Mund at (616) 773.f1.X)8.• during the final three minutes of trading on March 20. The charges, which have not been released by The Michigan Farm News (ISSN:0743--9962) Is published twice per month except in the months of November. December June and July when only one issue is printed. as a service to regular members. by Michigan Farm Bureau. 7373 West • CBOT withdraws CBOT, follow on the heals of the board's decision to Saginaw Highway. lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subsaiptlon price of 51.50 is Induded In annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular me,!,bers. Additional subsaiptlon fees required for mailing Mlchig~n Farm News to price move proposal implement a series of measures aimed at ensuring no~members and outside the continental U.s.A. Periodical postage paid at lansing. Michigan. and additional mailing nreaction to complaints from floor brokers, the the wheat expiration price spike doesn't occur offICes. Letters to the edlt~ ~d statewide news artides should be sent to: Editor. Michigan F~rm News. Post Office Box 30960. Lansing. MIchigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau. Post Office I Chicago Board ofTrade has said it will probably shelve the idea to expand the allowable price move again. The board also hopes to better handle huge increases in agricultural futures volume that in the Box 30960. lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. for corn futures, according to the Chicago Tn'bzme. past have produced chaotic trading conditions. Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. Design and Production: Jeffrey Rutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers Exchange' directors had approved an increase in the ''I'm not saying anything was done wrong, but Officers: President. Jack Laurie. Cass Oty; Vice President. Tom Guthrie. Delton; Administrative Director. Chuck Burkett amount corn prices could fall or rise in one day to there is a sure basis for the charges," CBOT Chair- Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Tom Parker; Seaetary. David VanderHaagen. Directors: District 1. Jim Miller. Coloma; District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall; District 3. Michael Fusilier. Manchester; District 4. Tom Guthrie. Delton; 20 cents a bushel. The current 12-cent limit will man Patrick H. Arbor told the Chicago Tn'bune. The District 5. Alan Garner. Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood. Marlette; District 7. Rick Johnson. Leroy; District 8. Richard probably be kept. price squeeze at the March expiration remains un- Leach. Saginaw; District 9. Joshua Wunsch. Traverse Oty; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie. Cass Oty; Faye Adam. Snover; Jan Vosburg. Oimax: Judy Emmons. Sheridan. Brokers complained the new figure would der investigation by the exchange and the Com- Promotion and Education. Brigette Leach. Oimax: Young Farmers. Chris Donbrock. Coldwater. cause problems in managing customer orders .• modity Futures Trading Commission .• U'll [~: I~ r;t;.; :~~'III~'1 ~ May 30, 1996 For more information on legislative topics in the Land Division Act Michigan Farm News, • Divisions creating parcels 40 acres or larger are call 800.292.2680. en. Leon Stille (R-Spring Lake), has introduced exempt (and can be built upon), Divisions of 40 S legislation calling for revisions to the current Subdivision Control Act, including changes to ad- acres or more do not count toward the number of eXempt parcels permitted. STATE ISSUE dress the 10.1 acre unlimited exempt divisions only • Divisions that transfer property from one parcel (sections 108 and 109). All proposed changes to to another contiguous parcel or lot are exempt Grain dealers/grain Animal Industry Act amend the platting process were dropped prior to and do not count toward the number of exempt truckers amendments the bill being reported out of the Committee. parcels permitted. B 4333, sponsored by Rep. Gary Randall R ep. Carl Gnodtke (R-Saywer) is sponsoring a bill to update the Animal Industry Act, qften Under the proposed Land Division Act: All exempt divisions shall be approved by H (R-Elwell), would provide different permit and financial standards for grain truckers. Currently referred to as PA466 of 1988. The purpose of the update is to reflect current management practices • All parcels or "parent tract" lawfully in existance on the effective date of legislation become a local unit of government within 30 days if the following conditions are met: anyone buying and selling grain is required to ob- and also to clarify the Department's authority and "Parent Parcels" • not be larger than 2.5 acres in size or 105 percent tain a grain dealer's license with adequate bonding role in testing of cervidae panly as a result of the Land Division Act - Section 108-109- of minimum parcel size required by a local wn- and financial security, plus annual audits . tuberculosis situation. Exempt Divisions: ing ordinance The bill would provide a lesser standard for a The bill further provides that the Department • For parent parcels 10 acres or smaller, 2 exempt • have a depth-to-width ratio 4:1 unless otherwise grain trucker who is primarily a farmer, but also has of Agriculture may directly indemnify the taking of divisions provided for by a local wning ordinance some grain hauling business, that is incidental to the animals in the case of infectious or contagious dis- • For parent parcels 80 acres or smaller in size, two • not have a width or area not less than required farming operation. The bill would clearly exclude ease by paying up to $10,000 for each inddent. In initial exempt divisions (for the first 10 acres) by a local wning ordinance farmer-to-farmer sales and farmers hauling their own the past, the Legislature was required to appropri- plus one additional exempt division for each • have adequate water supply grain, and would only trigger if a farmer was operat- ate any and all amounts; this gives the Department whole 10 acres above the initial 10 acres, up to • have adequate sewage disposal ing a truck in the business of buying and selling grain . of Agriculture the authority to pay and provide 80 acres • have appropriate easements for utility hookup MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. money to individuals whose animals have been • For parent parcels larger than 80 acres, nine ini- • have approved driveway access MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 .• condemned. tial exempt divisions (for the first 80 acres) plus • .shall not be sold unless the deed contains a state- ~-;t.:,.=- The bill also provides local authorities the option for additional testing requirements for shows and exhibitions for contagious and infectious one additional exempt division for each whole 40 acres above the initial 80 acres • For each parent parcel (regardless of size), ment as to whether further exempt divisions are conveyed to the new owner. MFB Position: Farm Bureau policy supports Anti-Disparagement disease. The bill prohibits the feeding of garbage to two additional exempt divisions if they each S.B.112 eps. Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelanau) and R Carl Gnodtke (R-Sawyer) are sponsoring legis- lation that provides for the award of damages for swines unless the garbage is rendered. MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. share a common driveway access eO-ACRE PARCEL - MFB Contact: Scott Everett, Ext. 2046 .• 2-ACRE MINIMUM LOT SIZE MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043.• harm caused by false or misleading statement of Current Law - 11 exempt divisions S.B. 112 - 11 exempt divisions fact relating to a food product. The bill specifically references "third party" and states that the third STATE ISSUE party is liable for all damages caused by the false or misleading statements of fact. Amendments to Gene- 60 Acres Another bill amends the revised Judicature Act ral Property Tax Act Remaining of 1961 and contains more detail with the same B 5747, sponsored by Rep. Gary Randall concept. The bill requires that a person's statement be based on scientific fact and any disparaging com- H (R-Elwell), seeks to clarify that breeding and grazing of captive cervidae is considered an agricul- ments that result in economic loss to producers can tural operation for the purposes of property tax. No land available for agriculture or future Remaining 60 acres can be used for: be rewarded by the court in the amount of up to This language would amend the classification of subdivision platting. • Agriculture three times the actual economic damage. In addi- assessable real property. • One additional 40-acre parcel tion, it provides that an association may represent MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. Current Law • Platted further in 30 additional 2-acre the producers that suffered the damages. MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043.• 4- 2-acre parcels $80,000 homesites Disparaging an agricultural product means to 7- lO-acre parcels $245000 $325,000 Exempt Divisions provide information knowing that the information 10 - 2 -acre parcels S200,OOO alleging that it is not safe for human'con'sumption is STATE ISSUE Assumptions: 1- 20-acre parcel $60,000 inadequate and the statements are not based on Amendments to the 2-acre lot = $20,000 = $1 O,OOO/acre 1- 40-acre parcel $80000 reasonable and reliable scientific facts. lO-acre lot = $35,000 = $3,500/acre $340,000 MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. Manufacturing Milk Act 40-acre lot = $80,000 = $2,OOO/acre or MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 .• and the Fluid Milk Act Exempt Divisions 11 - 2-acre parcels $220,000 egislation to provide additional security to milk STATE ISSUE L producers is currently awaiting Senate action. The bills would give additional authority and clarify remaining 58 acres platted 29 - 2 -acre parcels $580000 $800,000 Amendments to RA. 116 the responsibilities of the Department of Agricul- egislation sponsored by Rep. Michelle McManus L (R-Lake Leelanau) passed the Senate with amendments. The House did not concur with the ture for financial auditing, and details the action to be taken by the Department of Agriculture. The bills would require that producers be notified of the STATE ISSUE . Senate transportation Health insurance Senate amendments and the bill was sent to a Joint security arrangements at the time of licensing or HouselSenate Conference Committee. The bill reform package deduction any changes in security arrangements during the contains approximately 25 House and six Senate amendments. Major issues of difference between the House and Senate include: licensed year. Suspension or revocation of license for failure R ep. Philip Hoffman (R-Horton) has introduced the following pieces of legislation: • SJRV would amend the Michigan Constitution to T he House and Senate have passed different versions of H.R. 3103 known as the Health Cov- erage Availability and Affordability Act. Both bills in- to provide the appropriate security is also regulated • A S5,000-per-acre cap that limits the amount eliminate the State Transportation Commission. clude provisions to stop insurance companies from by the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).The bill of money that could be spent to purchase devel- This amendment would be on a statewide ballot denying coverage to people with pre-existing health attempts to give the department authority to move opment rights on farmland. The House supports question. In effect, it would eliminate a public conditions and to prevent insurance companies from in a very timely fashion in the event of substantial a cap. forum for discussion of state transportation is- dropping people when they get sick. Both bills con- erosion of the financial security of a milk handler . • The Senate amended the bill to provide a win- sues before MDOT. tain portability to help individuals maintain coverage MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bills. dow to allow for early termination of the agree- • SB 873 would repeal Public Act 51 of 1951. This when they change jobs. The bills include accelerated MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043.• ments. As passed by the Senate, the owner Act provides for the current distribution of the death benefits of life insurance for the terminally ill. would be required to only repay credits received $1.4 billion Michigan Transportation Fund. There The bills also increase the self-employed in the last seven years - without interest. STATE ISSUE is no proposal to replace this formula. health insurance deduction but by different Farm Bureau supports the bill. However, Farm • SB 874 and 875 would allow county boards of amounts. The House increases the deduction to 50 Bureau did oppose the section which provides a Maple syrup standards commissioners to dissolve county road commis- percent by 2003, the Senate to 80 percent by 2006. ep. Gary Randall (R-Elwell), is also sponsoring window to terminate the P.A.116 agreement. During the Senate floor debate on H.B. 4325, an amendment to remove a section of H.B. 4325 R a bill to provide for a state standard for maple syrup and provide authority for the Department of sions. These bills \vill eliminate an important local unit of government. They \vould also make Both bills would expand the deduction to include the cost of long-term care insurance, which Farm road commissioners subservient to the political Bureau supports. that was added to the bill during consideration in Agriculture to take action when the product does . whims of county boards of commissioners. The House bill contains Medical SaviI:lgs the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee not meet standards. Currently the product could be • SB 876 would allow countywide local gas taxes. Accounts (MSAs) and Voluntary Health lnsurance allowing for a window of opportunity for farmers to sold in the state which is claiming to be maple syr- This bill would create funding inequities among Associations (VHIAs) which are supported by terminate their contract early. Farm Bureau recom- up. A combination of sugar and water with some counties. Farm Bureau. The House bill also reforms medical mended a yea vote on the amendment which would maple syrup flavoring may currently be offered . • Senate Bill 1011 is tie-barred to this years' tranpor- malpractice. have removed this window of opportunity for farm- MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. tation budget. It would remove various transpor- The Senate bill permits withdrawals from lRAs ers to terminate their contracts early. Farm Bureau MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 .• tation distribution formulas in Public Act 51 and and 401(k)s for long term care insuranceQnd from policy opposes this form of early termination be- insert them in a two-year annual appropriations bill. IRAsfor catastrophic medical expenses. Farm Bu- cause it would weaken P.A.116. STATE ISSUE SJRV and Senate Bill 1011 have passed the reau supports these provisions. The Senate bill also Roll call on the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and are mandates mental health coverage be the same as -Window of Opportunity" amendment: Purchase of now pending in the Senate Appropriations Commit- coverage for physical ailments. Farm Bureau oppos- Yeas-14..Navs-21, Excused-2 Berryman, Y uast, ~ - Rogers,N development rights tee. Senate Bills 873-876 are in the Senate Appropri- es mandated benefits. Bennett,N Geake,N Schuette, Y en. Bill Schuette (R-Midland) has introduced Bouchard,N Byrum,N Carl,N Cherry, Y Gougeon, Y Hart, Ex Hoffman,N Koivisto, Y Schwarz,N Shugars,N Smith, A.. Y Smith, V., Y S legislation that would enable townships, coun- ties or municipalities to administer a purchase of ations Subcommittee on Transportation. MFB.Position: MFB is opposed to the entire reform package. President Clinton opposes the inclusion of Medical Savings Accounts, The controversy over MSAsdelayed appointment of a Conference Com- Cisley,N McManus,N Stallings, Y development rights program to protect farmland at MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, Ext. 2048, • mittee to work out differences between the House Conroy,N Miller, Y Steil,N • DeBeaussaert.Y North, N Stille,N the local level. The bills have been reported from and Senate versions. DeGrow, N O'Brien, Y VanRegenrnorter, N Dingell, Y Peters, Y Vaughn, Y committee to the Senate floor. FB Contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• Dunaskiss,N Posthumus,N Young,Ex MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports S.B. Emmons, N ,.", BUrHU ~, YEA votf. 573, 574 and 575. STATE ISSUES MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 .• MFB Contact: Scott Everett, Ext. 2046 .• Continue on page 4 1996 Dairy policy impacts - Federal Market Order Farm Bill reformulations crucial for Michigan producers Changes in the bUller price will directly im- order. The act also allows pact paychecks because of Michigan's current com- for the possible use of ponent pricing system. The act also establishes a multiple basing points ceiling on manufacturing-make allowances by any and the creation of a re- state. This provision has forced California to already placement to the current adjust the prices it requires processors (0 pay Cali- Basic Formula Price (BFP). fornia producers for milk going into butter/powder There is room for by Larry G. Hamm, and cheese. The effect has been to raise California considerable mischiefby Chairperson. Depart- producers' prices by SO.05 to SO.19 per cwt., de- FMMO opponents dur- ment of Agricultural pending on which market their milk is going. Ulti- ing this whole process. Economics, Michigan mately, California producers got an additional price Even the most vocal State University increase that Michigan producers did not get. critics of orders acknowl- Finally, when the dairy price support goes in edge that eliminating the T he FAIR Act will impact Michigan's dairy effect in the year 2000, it will be replaced with a FMMOs will result in the industry in a few direct and immediate ways. recourse loan program for dairy product manufac- loss of, at the very mini- However, the longer-term implications for turers. This case flow management tool for proces- mum, $500 million in Michigan and the U.S. dairy industry could be quite sors \vill not enhance producer incomes. dairy farm revenue. This profound. The impacts discussed here will be divid- A major policy goal of U.S. dairy producers would amount (0 about A major policy goal of U.S. dairy producers was to get public support ed into those that come from the dairy provisions and was (0 get public support for developing export $5,500 (0 $6,000 per for developing export markets for U.S. milk production. The FAIRAct those that come from other FAIRAct provisions. markets for U.S. milk production. The FAIRAct has dairy farm per year. has provisions to encourage longer term export market development. The act has one immediate impact on Michigan some provisions to encourage longer-term export Because Michigan dairy producers. On May 1,1996, the USDAstopped market development. The Dairy Export Incentive dairy operations are larger than the average farm 32 percent (seven out of 22) of representative farms collecting assessments from producers. Since Jan. 1, Program (DEIP) is mandated (0 be funded at GATT and Michigan has been able to hold over-order show severe financial stress from the FAIRAct. the CCC had been collecting $0.10 per cwt. on all maximums through 2002. pricing, the impact of FMMO loss in Michigan These farms included: three out of the four Texas milk marketed by Michigan producers. If the FAIRAct The USDA is required to assist in forming could approach $ 18,000 per farm. If FMMOs survive operations; a moderate central New York; the large had not eliminated the assessments, the assessment dairy export trading companies and is required to reform, the best Michigan producers could hope Vermont; the moderate Georgia; and the large would currently be SO.18 per cwt. For 1996 alone, study the impacts of increased GATT-mandated for is to maintain their current general level of price south Florida dairies. this action leaves about S6.7 million in Michigan's cheese imports. The National Dairy Board may use structure. In general, those dairy operations are not to dairy producers' income. This is roughly S1,5oo (0 funds for export market development. Past farm bills have protected the incomes of be considered in good financial condition after the $ 1,600 per Michigan dairy farm. For future years, the All of these export provisions have the poten- feed grain producers, and livestock producers have seven-year FAIRAct are both moderate and large act's elimination of assessments is likely (0 save Mich- rial (0 help export more milk and therefore help benefited through lower market prices. The FAIR size dairies located in the Northeast, Southeast and igan dairy producers over $8 million a year. raise U.S. milk prices, but many other factors must Act's dramatic changes in the feed grain, cotton, Southwest. The FAPRIbaseline model predicts that Much fanfare has been generated by the fact be right in Oider for milk prices (0 benefit from rice, etc., programs can affect the cost of milk pro- milk prices will decline 4.5 percent between 1996 that the act eliminates the Dairy Price Support Pro- increased market development. Currently, there duction dramatically. The recent analyses of the and 2000. It also predicts that after the year 2000 gram by gradually phasing it out over the next five appears (0 be few impacts beyond those already Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC) at Texas milk prices will increase gradually. years. Unlike other commodities, however, the Dairy accruing (0 the DEIP program in the next five years. A&M University and the Food and Agricultural Poli- Neither of these analyses assume any changes Price Support Program was being phased out over The single biggest impact of the FAIR Act on cy Research Institute (FAPRI) provide a glimpse at in the FMMO program. As discussed above, the the past 13 years. The CCC has not purchased dairy dairy will come from the inclusion of the Federal possible impacts on representative dairy farms in FMMO changes can overwhelm any of these pre- surplus for almost two years, and the price support Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) as part of the act. various parts of the country. dicted impacts from feedgrain program changes. It has not directly impacted milk checks since 1989. FMMOs used (0 be outside the farm bill until 1985. The AFPC study looks at what happens to real is critical that those intending to make their living in Therefore, phasing the price support program Since then, flames ofinterregional controversy fanned (adjusted for inflation) net worth or equity on rep- producing milk in the next five years become active out is not going to be noticed by producers. The act out of Minnesota and Wisconsin have scorched a path resentative farms. Their dairy results indicated that in the mandated FMMO reformulation process .• does. however, allow the CCC (0 change the "tilt" (0 mandated FMMO reform in the FAIRAct. between bUller and powder support prices twice a Through altered and expedited hearing proce- year in order to minimize the USDA's budget expo- dures, the FMMOs are (0 be consolidated into 10 (0 STATE ISSUE STATE ISSUE sure should milk product surpluses require CCC 14 individual orders by April 1999. If California pro- Land application of Repeal license for feed- purchases. ducers want, they can vote (0 be a separate federal potash/wood ash ing garbage to swine ep. David Anthony (D-Escanaba) has intro- en. Phil Hoffman (R-Horton) is sponsoring R duced legislation to clarify in the Natural Re- sources Act that wood ash, as a result of burning S legislation to simply repeal the license require- ment for feeding garbage to swine. Garbage was (fMiRi1 RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan farm families is our only business wood (not lumber, treated lumber or other byprod- ucts), is not solid waste. The law requires that solid waste be landfilled. This exemption from inclusion in the solid waste definition would allow for the land application of potash. commonly fed to swine and was required to be cooked to a certain temperature. The potential problem was disease, often trichinosis, which could transmit to humans eating undercooked pork. In the Animal Industry Act, garbage feeding to swines 5 ince its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. MFB Contact: Scott Everett, Ext. 2046 or Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043 .• is not allowed. Also, the definition of garbage is clarified such that certain items are not considered garbage and may be fed to swine. dedication to serve agriculture is shared by 26 local radio stations MFB Position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, Ext. 2043.. in Michigan. Through these stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Station City Frequency Morning Report Noon Report WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:05-12:00 pm WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:00-1:00 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 12:15 pm WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:45 am 11:10am __ .•• ~_:. III1 "_~_ WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:10-1:00 pm WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:00-1:00 pm ... is a member of the nation's farming communliy:.~~i:"':':'-:"l 12:15 pm Andlikeyou,we've workedhardandareproudof our longhistoryof progressandinnovation.Todayweleadthetimber WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am columnconstructionindustrywiththe bestbuildingsavailable. WGHNAM Grand Haven 1370 5:45 am 12:15 pm And.that'swhyeveryMorton Buildingcomeswithmorethana signatureweathervaneor "M" sign.It comeswiththe WGHN FM Grand Haven 92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm strongestwarrantiesin thebuildingindustry! WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:50 am WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm 50 YEAR PROTECTION AGAINSTSNOW-LOADDAMAGETOTHESTRUcrUREWITHNOWEIGHTLIMIT. WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm 50 YEAR PROTECTION AGAINSTDECAYOR INSEcr AlTACKONPRESERVATIVE TREATEDCOLUMNSAND WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm PRESERVATIVE TREATEDLUMBER. WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:00-6:00 am 12:00-1:00 pm 20 YEAR PROTICTIIn AGAINSTREDRUSTONPAINTEDSTEELPANELSINCLUDINGDAMAGECAUSEDBY WPLB FM lakeview 106.3 6:15 am 12:15 pm ATMOSPHERICPOLLUTANTS. WOAP Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm 10 YEAR PROTICTIIn AGAINSTWINDLOADDAMAGETOOUROPfIONALALUMASTEEL'SLIDINGDOORS WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm WITHNOWINDVELOCITYLIMIT. WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:05-1:05 pm 800-447-7436 WMLM WSGW St. Louis Saginaw 1520 790 6:05 am 5:55 am 12:20 pm 11:30-12:30 pm 5 YEAR PROlICTION AGAINSTWINDLOADDAMAGETOTHE STRUcrUREWITHNOWINDVELOCITYLIMIT. • '1"'1' MORTON WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm All WARBANTIES INClIDJE MATBUAlI AND lABOR AMI ARf MIl PRORATBJ... .. BUILDINGS ox 399, Morton, /L 6/550 ~ 1996 Mn""" Buildings. Inc. WKJC FM Tawas City 104.7 12:40 pm WLKM Three Rivers 1510 5:45 am 12:15 pm Adrian, MI (517) 263.0541 • Brown City, MI (810) 346.2702 I Kalkaska. MI (616) 258.2580 WTCM Traverse City 580 5:45 am 11:10am Rockford. MI (616) 874.6400' 51.Johns, MI (517) 224.6892 I Three Rivers, MI (616) 279.5271 Projections for u.s. agriculture based on FAIR the new farm program of 1996 T JOhn N. (Jake) Ferris he new "Federal Agricultural Improvement Figure 1 - Real gross margins over variabl. cash costs Flgu,. 2 - Prlce of f"rmland In the Com Belt and Reform Act" (FAIR)represents a major per acre for corn In and out of tit. goverlllfMnt program- In nom/flll/,,'nd 1982 ..... dollllrs new direction in agricultural legislation that 200 2000 dates back to 1933. The intent of the legislation is to provide a transition from governmental supports 175 - - - - .. and controls to a more market-oriented agriculture and to establish upper bounds to federal expendi- 2000 .." ,.-- '" tures over an extended period of time. 150 , , ....................................... , While new farm programs have been fash- DQ 1500 ,, -. .. , A: ioned every four or five years, the regime has not u < , been changed as dramatically as in FAIR.This com- plicates the task of generating scenarios of how 100 . ~ - .~ : '" :"\- .~ . ........ 1000 ........ ~.~~~ •.•• ~~.~;, .... -- - ................. "~~•• ,,•••••• ;, ~~~."••••• RBAL . ".. ' farmers will likely respond to the new freedom to ~ :\: "" plant implicit in the program. ~.: 't "", 500 '15 ..~..: . In addition, carryover levels of grains and oilseeds going into the 1996-97 crop year are at " ,60 ~ historically low levels in terms of ratios to utilization o 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 00 05 10 - here in the U.S. and in the rest of the world as well. How will farmers respond to corn and wheat YEARS YBARS prices that have been at record highs, and soybean prices near [heir past highs? Direct payments to at a gradual pace, keeping grain and oilseed markets 1980s, however, a major retrenchment and econom- margins will be mostly lower in the next 10-15 years participants in FAIRin 1996 will be on top of very fairly buoyant over the next two to three years. ic stress would emerge. relative to the past 10-15 years. Inflation in the Con- attractive returns from the market. Profits will be above average in this period and will Uvestodc ProfIt Scenario sumer Price Index on Food will accelerate in the Perhaps it is fortunate that this program will likely contribute to increasing farmland prices. Uvestock enterprises will benefit from the next year or two to 3.5-4.0 percent and then fall be in place in a year that the world needs expanded Crop ProfIt Scenario lower feed prices FAIRwill generate. This, too, has a back to around 3.0 percent. The average inflation production and a more comfortable carryover. In Response to increased profits from both the downside in that expanding livestock production is rate on food in 1986-95 was 3.5 percent. the short-run, FAIRmay contribute to market stabili- market and the contract commodity payments will accompanied by lower prices and eventually lower In summary, the agricultural outlook has im. ty. The longer-run is another question, however. increase grain and oilseed production, and by the profit margins on livestock enterprises. Recent low proved substantially for the next two or three years. Long-term Projections end of the 1996-2002 period, returns to participants cattle prices, however, will likely result in a major For the entire 7-year period of FAIR,real net cash Difficult as it is to look ahead much beyond the willlikeiy fall back to levels of recent years due to liquidation in beef herds in the balance of this de- farm income should average modestly above the coming year, we really have no choice, since many falling market prices. Some concern might be war- cade and substantially higher prices. 1986-95 period. This will be due to the contract decisions are being made with some underlying ranted by speculating what might happen after 2002 The combination of expanded production, payments, increased production and expanded presumptions about the next five to 10 years and when supplies may be ample to burdensome and increased exports, and strong prices on grains and exports since real market prices will average lower. even further into the future. Econometric models are the contract payments end. Assuming that the com- oilseeds will boost gross and net cash incomes to Major concerns remain in terms of market price often employed as a means to generate long-range modity program is terminated in 2002, Figure 1 U.S. farmers (Table 1). However, by the end of 2002, volatility and a possible over-reaction that could forecasts, combining quantitative measures of past presents a possible scenario for gross margins on net cash income will likely drop back to levels of coincide with the termination of FAIR. relationships with certain assumptions about the corn (in 1982-84 dollars). recent years. Real net cash income is projected to These projections are designed to provide a future and with a considerable amount of judgment. Figure 1 illustrates several points that relate to average about 5 percent higher in 1996-2002 than in perspective on the future of agriculture under the One such model. AGMOD, has been a tool for moni- the new farm program. For one, the advantage to 1986-95. existing legislation. Actual events, including abnor- toring changes in agriculture and generating year-by- participation is fairly obvious. We anticipate over 90 The projected nominal prices and margin mal weather and new farm programs, will undoubt- year projections for planning and policy analysis. percent of the corn and wheat base will be enrolled. levels may appear optimistic. However, considering edly alter the pattern .• For the period of 1996-2010, AGMOD's projec- The nature and timing of FAIRwill tend to be some- [he inflation rate in consumer prices, real prices and tions were based on the following assumptions: what de-stabilizing on prices and income. This may • Normal weather. not be apparent in Figure I, but the assumptions of Table 1- Projections of Selected U.S. Agricultural Varlilbles Under -FAIR- • Crop yields will increase linearly based on recent trend yields and normal weather smooths out the Year Item Unit 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 trends. projected gross margins relative to those in 1985-95. Farm Pricea • Real per capita incomes will increase 1.3 percent Superimpose variable crop yields on the projected Corn $/bu. 2.50 2.26 3.25 2.98 2.78 2.75 2.66 2.50 2.39 2.36 per year in the U.S. and 0.9 percent per year in margins and you would likely note increased volatil- Soybeans $/bu. 6.40 5.48 6.90 8.12 7.93 7.74 7.30 7.10 7.16 7.35 the rest of the world. ity relative to the past. Wheat $/bu. 3.26 3.45 4.50 5.21 4.44 3.65 3.12 2.99 3.20 3.65 • Land will gradually be taken out of the Conserva- In an analysis of FAIRversus a continuation of Milk $/cwt. 12.86 12.97 12.74 13.65 13.71 13.78 13.86 14.05 14.25 14.45 tion Reserve Program (CRP), reaching half the the 1990 farm program, prices and returns were Gross Margins Over Variable Cash Costsb peak level by 2010. more variable under FAIR.The implication is that Corn • Crude oil prices will reach $25 per barrel by 2002 more attention will need to be given to risk man- In Program $/A 125 212 220 245 238 238 226 202 181 175 and into the high $305 by 2010. Out of Program $/A 113 166 218 220 203 200 188 167 151 146 agement, such as forward pridng, diversification, Wheat • Inflation will proceed at 3-4 percent per year. crop rotations, erc. In Program $/A 93 91 114 148 129 100 79 72 76 92 The projections are highlighted in Table 1. Another conclusion that might be reached Out of Program $/A 71 75 105 128 110 79 59 53 60 76 Corn prices will likely remain near peak levels on from Figure 1 is that with or without a government Soybeans $/A 136 151 164 222 199 193 177 170 172 179 the 1996 crop and then decline as carryover levels program, profit levels tend to oscillate around some Farmland Pricesc $/A 1,216 1,302 1.414 1,527 1,547 1,631 1,724 1,853 1,926 1,974 increase. Soybean prices may average even higher equilibrium level. In this case, the real gross margin on the 1996 crop than in 1995, but will tend to de- over variable costs on corn appears to be fluctuat. Gross Margins Over Feed Costs b Cattle on Feedd $/cwt. 8.54 -4.09 -0.23 -0.06 10.91 15.98 13.20 11.55 11.37 7.26 cline later on with corn. Wheat prices are likely to ing around the $100-per-acre level. The perennial Hogs $/cwt.18.78 11.11 12.70 12.84 11.62 17.46 16.88 15.15 14.38 12.71 follow a pattern similar to soybeans. problem, of course, is that the system is subject to The CAP Factor? shocks that keep producers from gearing produc- Gross Cash Income bil. $ 200 197 200 220 228 240 247 253 259 261 These prices and the resulting gross margins tion to demands at equilibrium prices. Net Cash Income over variable cash costs will encourage farmers to The projected decline in gross margins on Nominal bil. $ 58 50 51 65 74 81 77 73 71 66 bring more land into production. Under FAIR,CRP major field crops into the early part of the next 1982-84 bil. $ 40 34 33 41 46 49 45 41 39 35 contracts that have been in effect for more than 5 decade will likely pull down on farmland prices Food Price Index % 11 2.2 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.9 3.5 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.8 years would be eligible for early release. (Figure 2). While nominal prices may exceed the -Seasonal average price received by U.S. farmers on crops; calendar year on milk. While CRP land will be a source for an expand- peak of the early 1980s, real prices are expected (0 bMargins are based on national average prices and enterprise costs of production derived from the USDA and other sources. ing land base, the rate at which CRP land and other remain well below that peak. If the run-up in land 'Farmland in the Corn Belt. d(jross margins over cost of feed and feeders. areas are brought into production is projected to be prices approaches that of the late 1970s and early Milk Act measure Schools hoping for more Commerce Dept. to rule Super fly to help Florida moves in Legislature nutrient flexibility on tomato dumping poultry producers Continued from front page claims register, which forms the basis of the attor- ney general's case, then at some point the defen- A 1994 law forced public schools to follow stringent guidelines to comply with nutrient requirements that reduce saturated fat and sodium A merican farmers are being harmed by a sharp rise in imported tomatoes from Mexico, according to a U.S. International Trade A small, shiny fly that feeds on house flies may help Florida's poultry producers save thou- sands of dollars and help keep complaints from dant would be entitled to have the duplication elim- in student lunches. The Senate has passed a bill that Commission (lTC) preliminary report. The commis- neighbors at a minimum. inated," he said. would give schools the ability to take "reasonable sion has agreed to forward the dispute to the Com. By using the black garbage fly to rid poultry VanderHaagen said that the court case against approaches" in complying with the strict nutrient merce Department. houses of (he common house fly, Florida's poultry the Pinconning Cheese plant defendants could take a guidelines. American producers have complained that industry could reduce the use of pesticides, said Hills. year to 18 months to resolve. "Ifit results in judg- Since USDAset up (he guidelines, school Mexican imports are being dumped on the U.S. borough County Cooperative Extension Agent Roger ments in favor of the attorney general on behalf of officials have complained that they are too rigid, market at less than fair-market value. Tomato and Jacobs, a poultry spedalist with the University of Flor- these unpaid producers, then obviously the issue will costly and time-consuming. The purchase of com- pepper growers in Florida were hit hard this winter ida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. be whether the defendants are collectable," he said. puter equipment and money to train staff would by such practices. The Commerce Department has The dump fly is slightly smaller than the Farm Bureau supports making low.interest drive up the cost of the meals. Under the new bill, the authority to set dumping duties that would raise house fly. It can be found in garbage dumps and loans available to farmers affected by the Pincon- schools now have the option of serving more vege- the u.S. price on products to a competitive level poultry manure like the house fly, but it prefers ning Cheese plant default, which would allow the 'tables, breads, grains and fruits, and baking foods with American producers. The department has until darker areas like the bouom floors and manure pits. farmers money to get through the period of time instead of frying. President Clinton is expected to Sept. 9 to make its ruling. ITC \vill have the final say It does not typically enter the upper floors or neigh- until the settlements are made .• sign the bill. on whether U.S. farmers have been harmed .• boring homes .• U'ill3..:I0'J.!i!] Gl:J; ~~'111 ~,1 =l'~ May 30, 1996 Market Seasonal Commodity Price Trends in other wheat -growing areas of the world and the CATTLE Outlook. , Corn ~~:::~~ .. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: : f ~ fact we will not have much wheat available for ex- port. However, if we export just a little more than projected, the situation next year could be tighter than this year. T heUSDA released the latest Catt/e-on-Feed Reporl May 17. It showed that cattle feeder's are cutting back sharply, meaning production cuts Hogs f and eventually higher prices. Or, perhaps we should Cattle f The latest USDACrop Production Reporl esti- say this will postpone production as more feeders Index: - = stable prices; f = higher prices; l = Iovver mated Michigan's yield would be 50 bus.hels per acre, are sent to grass versus put in the feedlots. Actual prices; TP = topping; BT = bottoming; 7 = unsure down 10 from last year. It also projects we will har- cattle on feed as of May 1 was down 6 percent com- vest at least 40,000 fewer acres than we planted. I sus- pared to a year ago. Placed in April was down 18 They use a trend yield of 126 million. If plant- pect most of that will be in the Thumb. In 1995, Mich- percent compared to a year ago. And April market- by Dr. Jim Hilker, ings have run much behind normal in the Eastern igan harvested only 10,000 fewer than it planted. ings were up 12 percent. This is a sharp increase in Department of Corn Belt, the potential yield will be lower. This Strategy: If you have not priced any of your slaughter even considering the two extra market Agricultural Econom- would give us a 9.3-billion-bushel crop. While that new crop wheat and your stand looks okay, consid- days this year. ics, Michigan State would more than cover expected use, projected er pricing a significant portion. If you already have Uve weights were down 10-20 pounds the first University ending stocks would remain relatively tight at 762 priced 20 percent or more, consider waiting for a two weeks of May. But total production was still up million bushels. Although we would expect feed use September futures rally over $6 and then price into over 5 percent due to the increases in slaughter of to recover some next year, as shown, if prices keep the market. over 6 percent compared to the sam~ period a going up this summer and the breeding stock is week ago. Overall beef production is up 6.5 percent decreased substantially, that may not happen. And SOYBEANS CORN while exports are expected to decrease some, they year-to-date. The cutbacks in placements and weights is T here are definite signs that corn use is being cut. But the questions are: has the market are not expected to fall dramatically. Strategy: Old crop corn prices are not expect- T he USDAestimates the soybean situation will be as tight for the 1996-97 crop year as it has starting to show up in futures stating late summer. Cow slaughter is running over 10 percent above a already accounted for it properly; how much will it ed to fall over the next month or so; supplies are been for the 1995-96 crop year (as shown in Table 3). Acres are projected to be about the same - the year ago. While this means more beef now, it means affect this year's use versus next year's; and what short and short -run demand will be high. If you have yield higher, but the carry-in lower. Exports are less down the road. will the size of the 1996 corn crop be? a lot of 1995 corn left, consider moving much of it by We are seeing lighter hogs and cattle, fewer the Fourth ofjuly. If you have only a little left, wait for expected to be down a little, but that is expected to hogs than expected, cattle placements down signifi- a rally. Consider having 15-30 percent of your new be offset by the slightly smaller supply. cantly, and ethanol plants cutting back. However, it crop priced; wait for a push toward $4 December Export shipments, to date, have been running appears to me that the USDASupply,IDemand num- bers shown below account for this. Exports contin- futures to prices more in the short-run, but have a backup plan if further rallies don't develop. a little slower than expected, but export sales sug- gest we will meet the USDAprojections for 1995-96. P ork production was running 10 percent and 5 percent below a year ago the first two weeks of May, due mostly to fewer hogs being slaughtered ue to roll right along. I still question whether or not While it appears we have enough soybeans to get through this year, we will not be bringing much and lighter carcass weights, which were down a we can have an ending stocks figure as low as the WHEAT pound. Is this a temporary blip due to the heat last 317 million bushels shown in the middle column of along to help out next year. summer or do we really have that many fewer hogs Table 1 - the pipeline is bigger than that. In their May 10 Supply/Demand Report, the E ven this late in the season the size of the win- ter wheat crop is very questionable. In Table 2, The market will continue to be volatile. We could get more soybean acres if it gets too late to coming for a while? The futures market seems to be saying it will continue, but there is talk that the USDAgave their first projections for the 1996-97 the USDA estimate for the 1996-97 wheat supply/de- plant corn in parts of the Eastern Corn Belt, which mand situation is shown. Their figures show things would increase production. Or, we could also run hogs were rebred during the next cycle. This would corn marketing year; they are shown below in col- will be almost as tight next year as this past year, and into soybean planting or yield problems. imply the year-to-year decreases may let up some. umn 3 of Table 1. They projected corn plantings I feel they are being conservative. While they have Strategy: I would consider pricing any re- In the meantime, there appear to be some forward would be 81 million, over a million acres higher lowered harvested acres substantially, the yield po- maining old crop over the next six weeks. Once you pridng opportunities despite the high corn prices. than the Planting Intentions Report. While some tential has probably dropped since their survey. have priced 20-30 percent of your new crop, wait to Sow slaughter continues to run way above a are projecting 82 million acres, I feel the 81 million USDAalso dropped its projected exports by price more on substantial rallies and on the devel- year ago despite the high hog future prices. Sow is on target, given the late planting in the Eastern a whopping 25 percent. They base this on recovery opment of your crop. slaughter has been running around 12-18 percent Corn Belt. higher than the same period a year ago since the beginning of April. This indicates that the smaller and medium sized units are looking at the future and are not convinced the high prices will continue over the ' COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS long-run. There is nothing like high prices to bring low prices down the road, but if these cuts are real ............................. Ii4O" and not just a turnover in breeding stock, prices will not drop to long-run costs anytime soon .• . . . . . . . . . .. 7fI1' 1?J1O raJO .. S2O" tW Georgia peach crop hit hard o ••••••••••••••••••••• ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 640- 600- ............................. 400- J6O- N ormally, the bulk of Georgia's peach crop is shipped to distant markets in the West and Northeast. This year, most of the fuzzy fruit will not Corn • July '96 : Soybeans. July '96: : : : : : : : : :: 560" : : Wheat • July '96 : : : : : : : : : : : :: 32l)O make it past the state's borders. J I, llq s., Dct IDol lie: .... ra n.r .. JIIu Hit hard by freezing temperatures this spring, the 1996 Georgia peach crop is expected to yield 67.00 ?Z.OO 7.5 million to 12 million pounds, far below the 150 68.00 million pounds produced under normal conditions. ~ Before the freeze, Georgia's peach crop was ~ valued at 131 million. It's too early to place an actu- 56.00 ~ at value on what's left of the damaged crop. Last ........... Z1O.00 SZ.OO ~ year's crop was worth $29.7 million .• ... 55.00 200.00 tlI.OO .c .01 53.00 1'JO.00 M.OO ~ Live Cattle • June '96 . 5U10 Soy Meal • July '96 : : 1lIl.00 : Live Hogs • June '96 : : : : : : : : :: to.OO ~ Quarterly profits up J I, llq Se, Dct lIou lee: J.. rell n.r • Ilq ~ 15 percent at Deere COMMODITY SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE SHEETS D eere &Company recently reported that net income for the February-April quarter rose by 15 percent over the previous year, (0 $272.7 million, thanks in large part to increased returns from Table 1- Corn Table 2 - Wheat Table 3 - Soybeans equipment operations, at $217.3 million, up 13.4 Projected Projected Hilker's Proj. Projected Proj«ted Hilker's Proi- Projtcted Projected tilker's Proj. (Million acres) 1994-1995 (Million acres) 1t94-1"5 (Million aaes) 1t94-1995 1t9S-1'" 1996-1997 percent. Six-month income company-wide totaled '''~'''' 1996-1"7 '''~'", 1~1"7 Acres set-aside/diverted 2.4 6.2 Acres set-aside & diverted 5.2 5.2 Acres planted 61.7 62.6 62.5 $438.9 million, up from $375.5 million a year earlier. Acres planted 79.2 71.2 81.0 Acres planted 70.3 69.2 73.1 Acres harvested 60.9 61.6 61.5 Net quarterly sales to dealers of all agricultur- Acres harvested 72.9 65.0 74.4 Acres harvested 61.8 61.0 58.2 BuAlarvested acre 41.4 34.9 37.0 al, industrial and Iawn-care equipment rose to $2.7 BuAlarvested acre 138.6 113.5 126.0 BuAlarvested acre 37.6 35.8 35.6 Stocks (million bushels) billion, from $2.45 billion a year ago. Export sales Stocks (mUllon bushels) Stocks (million bushels) Beginning stocks 209 335 190 from U.S. operations rose to $723 million for the Beginning stocks 850 1,558 317 Beginning stocks S68 507 305 Production 2,517 2,152 2,275 November-April period, from $645 million a year Production 10,103 7,374 9,375 Production 2,321 2, 185 2,074 Imports 5 5 5 Imports 10 15 10 Imports 92 65 85 earlier. Total supply 2,731 2,492 2,470 10,963 8,947 9,702 2,981 2,464 Export sales during the February-April quarter Total supply Total supply 2,757 Use: Use: Use: did not include the recently announced shipment Crushings 1,405 1,360 1,370 Feed and residual 5,535 4,700 5,150 Food of combines to Ukraine. Deere says the first phase 852 870 885 Exports 838 825 790 Food/seed & Ind. uses 1,693 1,630 1,690 Seed 89 107 100 Seed, feed & residuals 153 117 120 of that $187 million deal will be completed during Total domestic 7,228 6,330 6,840 Feed 345 175 175 Total use 2,396 2,302 2,280 the May-July quarter. Exports 2,1n 2,300 2,100 Total domestic 1,286 1,152 1,160 Ending stocks 335 190 190 Net quarterly income for the finandal services t Total use 9,405 8,630 8,940 Exports 1,188 1,300 975 EndiRg stocks, '" of use 14.0 8.3 8.3 ::!! subsidiary was $52.4 million, up from $42.4 million Regular loan rate S4.92 S4.92 S4.97 x last year. Ending stocks 1,558 317 762 Ending stocks, '" of use 16.6 3.7 8.5 Total use 2,474 2.452 2,135 U.s. season average ~E Ending stocks 507 305 29 -0 c Mter a 10 percent rise in the second quarter, Regular loan rate $1.89 $1.89 $1.89 Ending stocks, '" of use 20.5 12.4 5.4 Farm price, $Ibu. $5.48 $6.80 $6.88 III < worldwide sales to dealers are expected to rise U.s. season average Regular loan rate $2.58 $2.58 $2.58 0 Farm price, $lbu. $2.26 $3.20 $2.90 u.s. season average '" about 7 percent in the May-Julyquarter, says Deere. ::> ei:; Wall Street analysts welcome the results, saying Farm price, $/bu. $3.45 S4.50 $5.00 ~ Deere had aimed for 5 percent sales growth .• ~~fi'l:trm May 30, 1996 Milk prices vs. corn prices - Should your strategy change? • 3.7 percent B.F.with 3.2 percent protein in milk, her down in the next lower group. Ifshe's not pro- over disproponionate drops in milk going to a lOw- on average. ducing at least 35 pounds per day, consider dropping er group, social interactions, etc., may alter your Given these parameters, the "Spartan" pro- her into a "0" corn group or drying her off. With de- decisions, too. gram suggests that: cent forage quality and quantity, she's not covering But for those of you buying corn, this will be a • In the 100-pound milk production target group, the corn cost at 35 pounds or less, in general. long sun1mer. Over-feeding purchased energy or cows needed to produce at least 93.2 pounds of Keep in mind this study only looks at return protein will be very costly this year. Relatively minor milk to return a net-positive return over feed to added concentrate/supplement costs. As manag- grouping adjustments, panicularly at the lower cost in that group; last year (with $12.80 milk, er, factors such as poor body condition, concerns production end, could save significant money .• $2.SOibu corn, and protein costs at about 78 Glenn Kale, District percent of costs this year), cows needed to pro- duce 92.5 pounds (at least) to return a net-Posi- Japanese market not great for u.s. apples Extension Farm Management Agent, tive return over feed. • In the 85-pound milk production target group, B ecause of high prices, taste preferences and skepticism about chemical contamination, the first month they were available. When the Ameri- can apples first arrived, they were sold at consider- Michigan State cows needed to produce at least 76.5 pounds to U.S.-grown apples aren't making a big hit on the ably lower prices than the domestic varieties that University Extension return a positive net return over feed costs; last recently opened Japanese market, according to the fetched up to $6 apiece in stores. The Japanese ap- year cows, at minimum, needed to produce 75.7 American Farm Bureau Federation. Japan has al- ples also reportedly have a much sweeter taste than M any dairy operators buying old-crop pounds. lowed the import of U.S. apples for two years now- American apples. Japanese growers adjusted, low- corn have been asking us what chang- • In the 7Q-pound milk production target group, imports of U.S. apples in the first year hit 8,497 ered their prices and have retaken the market. es in feeding to consider in this high- cows produdng at least 61.8 pounds return a tons-but last year's import of Washington-grown U.S. growers have been (rying to develop a corn-price environment. Given that feed corn prices net-positive return over feed costs; last year, the apples dropped drastically to just 803 tons of Red sweeter apple, but have not been successful. Ameri- are at historic highs with no apparent downward minimum net production figure was 60.4 pounds Delicious and Golden Delidous apples. can apple offidals said they will not give up on the movement in sight, it's time to address this issue. per day. U.S. representatives blamed the taste and price Japanese market and will continue to develop new In deciding how to approach this question, I • In the 55-pound milk production target group, difference for the lack of enthusiasm amongJapanese products and attempt to again become price-com- had to make some assumptions: cows should produce at least 47.5 pounds per consumers for the American apples. Initially, Ameri- petitive with the Japanese .• • Free-stall and group feeding, probably by TMR or day to recover added feed costs; last year, 45.3 can apples were a hit, with about 7,000 tons sold in some modification thereof; pounds at minimum. • On average, I,25Q-pound to I,300-pound Hol- • In the 4Q-pound group (still being fed 7 pounds Americans hog wild over bacon steins in second lactation. of dry shelled corn on average per day) cows • Forage fed, on average, is 67 percent haylage or hay-based (17 percent crude protein average), need to produce at least 34.7 pounds to return that concentrate cost. Last year they could pro- M cDonald's new sandwich, the Arch Deluxe, has hog farmers across America cheering, (NPPC).Just a few years ago, pork bellies, where bacon comes from, were considered by many to and the folks buying the product aren't complaining be one of the least marketable parts of the hog. 33 percent from corn silage without NPN (on a duce 32.8 pounds per day and cover the feed much, either. Bacon has become the hot commodi- Pork belly prices have doubled from a year ago. dry matter basis). cost for this group. ty at fast-food outlets in the United States, giving The NPPC believes McDonald's will have • I used: $4.75 per bushel corn costs; Protein sup- Interestingly, in high production groups (85- hog prices a boost. a large impact on the pork industry. "If they have plement (SBM-44, roasted soys, and whole cot- pound targets or more) there is relatively little dif- "Intreasingly, consumers are telling us that even a mild success with (Arch Deluxe), it's going tonseed primarily) is set at 125 percent of last ference over last year as a comparison to what pro- whatever the sandwich, it's better with bacon," to make a tremendous impact," said Ed Bass of year's prices. duction level to cut off that cow to the lower target said Bob Ruggles, a McCook, Neb. farmer who is the NPPC. • • $14 per cwt. gross milk price (net of $13 after level (less than a I-pound difference in this study). president of the National Pork Producers Coundl hauling and assessments). Clearly, if a high-producing cow is responding to • "Spanan 02" ration balancer was used. the feed inputs with milk production, you cannot • Vitamins, minerals and minimal bypass protein afford to cut her corn or supplement inputs - even House school lunch bill and energy were added as needed, but their relative cost in comparison to year-ago situations at around $5 corn levels. At lower production levels (55-pound target or T he House yesterday passed, by voice vote, a bill to give schools more flexibility in preparing fat intake and encourage more consumption of fruits, vegetables and grains, were too strict. Al- had very little effect. lunches that meet federal guidelines. Schools are cur- though the districts would be given more flexibility lower) there is about a 2-pound difference over last • Change in purchased feed cost is the only cost rently required to perform a complicated nutrient to meet the standards, they would still have to com- year. This information suggests that farm managers variable in this analysis. All concentrates and analysis to prove their lunches meet the guidelines. ply with Agriculture Depanment guidelines. need to pay panicularlyclose attention to produc- The bill attempts to answer criticism from The bill is backed by the Clinton administra- , ~upp;lem~rt~ aJF pr~u~~~ p,\Ir~h~d.; allJorag- tion in these groups. If she's not reasonably dose to school districts who complained (he rules to meet tion and has bipartisan suppon. The bill will now es are presum~ raised.(~rea~y there). target (at 55 or 40 pounds), you may wam to drop federal dietary guidelines, inducting rules that limit move on to the Senate .• 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 . ~ ~ I BlueCross Bl~ ~hield For more information, call your county Farm Bureau office, contact your nearest Farm Bureau Insurance • ,~ , of MichlQCY1 agent, or call 800-292-2680, ext. 3240 or 3239. 1111 xvz 123 456 789 BeBS H 59000 Blue Cross ~,_I~P- I-J'" l"?.rs_ Blue Shield VALUED MEMBER Blue Care Network of Michigan Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association IL'll [If: I @l!i.l] ~ May 30, 1996 Weather by Dr. Jeff Andresen, agricultural meteorologist, Department of Geography, Michigan State University ble crops that had advanced into more sensitive phenological stages. The freeze was the result of a continued northwesterly jet stream flow and the below-normal temperatures (ranging from 2-5~. below normal for the past 30 days) and slow devel- opment of crops and insects. Seasonal base 50~ Ga,tleek A late-season freeze occurred across south- series of cool, Canadian-origin air that it allowed growing degree day accumulations by mid-May western sections of the Lower Peninsula on into the Great Lakes region. ranged from one to two weeks behind normal p ~ .. ~ May 12-14, damaging a number of fruit and vegeta- This jet stream configuration has led to much across the state, with greatest deviations in north- ern sections and least in the south. The combination of the cool temperatures (both air and soil) and frequent rounds of precipita- tion have significantly delayed spring planting in many sections of the state, especially in northern, central and eastern crop areas. The new Climate Prediction Center outlook for June continues to be vague, calling for near equal probabilities of above-, near-, and below nor- mal temperatures and precipitation. Beyond that, however, the outlook indicates that normal to above-normal temperatures are favored into the mid-summer, with normal to below-normal temper- atures possible by early fall. Near equal odds of all three precipitation categories are forecast through early fall. Interest- ing~y'below.normal temperatures are forecast for central and southern sections of the U.S. Corn Belt and previous forecasts of below-normal precipita- Alalllo locations tion for the western Corn Belt/central Great Plains have been replaced by the near equal odds of be. are popping up everyvvhere. low, near, above normal scenario .• When traveling in the United States, Canada, or even Europe, Our airline partners includes Alaska, American, Delta, you won't have to look far to find Alamo Rent A Car. 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(inch) (inch) Houghton 39.3 -4.5 19 125 3.09 2.80 For reservations, call your Professional Travel Agent .Marquette 38.1 -5.6 21 125 3.66 2.80 Escanaba 39.9 -4.9 14 68 1.78 2.89 or call Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. Be sure to request Sault 5te. Marie 39.0 -5.4 16 68 3.15 2.89 I.D. Number 223212 and Rate Code BY. lake City 43.8 -4.9 60 150 3.13 2.75 Pellston 42.4 -4.1 49 150 3.36 2.75 Traverse City 45.4 -2.6 79 150 2.88 2.75 ~pena 42.2 -4.5 47 137 2.06 2.n ~htonlake 45.0 -4.6 64 137 2.10 2.77 Muskegon 47.7 -3.5 95 189 2.89 3.09 ~estaburg 47.0 -4.8 102 208 3.05 3.28 Bad Axe 46.1 -4.3 75 202 4.20 2.82 [ma It comes with the territory. Saginaw Grand Rapids South Bend Coldwater lansing 48.7 49.5 52.2 48.9 49.8 -2.9 -2.9 -2.2 -4.3 -2.6 1t 1 127 212 125 142 202 248 248 243 243 4.49 2.58 6.16 4.77 3.12 2.82 3.42 3.42 3.32 3.32 Alamo featurrs fine General Motors cars like this Pontiac Grand Am. 41286AS895 Detroit 51.3 -2.0 169 '1l7 3.76 3.19 Flint 49.3 -2.7 126 '1l7 2.63 3.19 -----------------------------------------------------,----------------------------------------------------- iJ'oIedo 52.2 -1.5 204 '1l7 5.59 3.19 UP TO $20 OFF $25 OFF AN UPGRADE Observed totals are accumulated from April 1. o Certificate is valid foc $15 OFF a rental on an economy through a compact car rental. o Certificate is valid for $25 OFF AN UPGRADE (not valid on time and mileage). Normals are based on district averages. OR Upgrade subject to availability at time of rental. as certain car types may not o Certificate is valid foc$20 OFF on a midsize through a fullsize car rental. be available. o Validon rentals of 5 to 14days. o Valid from an economy car and above on rentals of 1 to 14 days. o Only one certificate per rental, not to be used in conjullCtion with any other o Only one certificate per rental. not to be used in conjunction with any other certificates/offers, convention rates. oc an Alamo Express Plus'" rental. certificates/offers, convention rates, or an Alamo Express Plus'" rental. o A 24-hour advance reservation is required Reservations are subject to availabilityat time o A 24-hour advance reservation is required. Reservations are subject to availability of booking. At time of reservation. must mention Coupon Code 0608 for economy at time of booking. At time of reservation, must mention Coupon Code UB46. through compact car rentals or 0618 foc midsize through fullsize car rentals. o Offer valid August 20. 1995 through June 30. 1996 (blackout dates apply). o Offer valid August 20. 1995 through June 30, 1996 (blackout dates apply). o Coupon must be presented at the Alamo counter on arrival. o Coupon must be presented at the Alamo counter on arrival. o Valid in the U.S.A. only. Once redeemed. this certificate is void. o Validin the U.S.A. only. Once redeemed, this certificate is mid. o Certificate subject to Alamo's conditions at the time of rental. o Certificate subject to Alamos conditions at the time of rental. o Certificate does not include any taxes or other optional items. o Certificate m:'Y only be applied t<7N.Ird the basic rate which does not include taxes and o Certificate nuy not be mech.1nically reproduced and willllOt be replaced if expired other opcionalltems. No refund will be given on any unused portion of the certificate. or lost. Certificate is not redeemable for ClSh. o Offer not valid: 08/31/95-09/02/95. 10/05/95-10/07/95, 11/22/95- o Certificate may not be mechanically rq:roduced and will not be replaced if expired or lost. 11/25/95. 12/14/95- 12130/95,02/15/96-02/17/96, 04/04/96-04/06/96. and o Offer not valid: 08/3V95-09/02/95. IlY0S/95-10/07/95, 11/22/95-11/25/95. 12/14/95- OS/23/96-05/25/96. 12/30/95,02/15/96-02/17/96.04/04/96-04/06/96, and OS/23/96-05/25/96. For reserv.ttions, all your Professional Tr:lVelAgent For reservations, call )UIr Professional Tr:lVel Agent or call Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. Be sure to request or call Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. Be sure to request I.D. Number 223212 and Rate Code BY I.D. Number 223212 and Rate Code BY o I D60B I $15 OFF 0 I D61B I $20 OFF 41286AS895 Fields in Ionia County were also hard hit by heavy rains in May. •• • .. . ••••. ~. • • • • 0 •• D '4l 0 • 4D~ . . -. ... o • • " 6 & • From the first The First Tooth According to Judith Ann Tucker, N.P., dentists toothpaste can easily get too much fluoride if the teeth are brushed twice a day with fluoridated the mouth. For many, this occurs between 14 and 18 years of age. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may baby tooth to recommend that dental hygiene begin as soon as the first baby tooth erupts - with the goal to re- toothpaste. Older children should use a fluoridated toothpaste, and you should train them to brush not erupt until after age 20. The location of the wis- dom teeth should be between ages 16 and 19. If adulthood, prac- move any plaque on the teeth by gentle rubbing. This can be done with a piece of gauze wrapped twice daily - after breakfast and before bedtime. Make brushing a matter of fact routine, as much a removal is recommended, the procedure is best completed before age 20. Removal of wisdom teeth ticing excellent around a finger or a clean, damp face cloth. As your child develops more teeth, you should stan brush- pan of the morning and bedtime activities as put- ting on a seat-belt is pan of being in the car. is not always recommended; however, many teens need to have their wisdom teeth removed for a vari- dental hygiene ing the teeth with a soft toothbrush. Infants who sleep with a bottle containing any- Limit snacking to three or four times a day since vinually all foods, especially snacks, contain ety of reasons. Unerupted wisdom teeth can affect the sur- keeps the bite thing but water are in danger of developing baby bot- tle tooth decay, according to the American Academy sugars or cooked starches. Each time a child snacks, the decay-causing bacteria in the mouth become rounding bone, gums and neighboring teeth unless there is enough space for the wisdom teeth.Impact- in your teeth. of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).While a child sleeps, the salivary process slows, which allows liquids re- active for a minimum of 20 minutes. The final daily ritual that is a good habit to begin ed wisdom teeth are not able to move into their proper position. In these instances, the teeth may A baby's first tooth - a real joy of maining in the mouth to pool around the sleeping developing early is flossing, especially ifyour child's remain in the bone, come in sideways or only panial- parenting and a screaming reminder of child's teeth. Sugars in the liquid combine with bac- teeth are closely spaced. When you floss, you remove ly erupt. Complaints of jaw pain often arise from im- the agony of teething. Not only does the teria in the mouth to form acid that dissolves the im- plaque and food particles from between your teeth pacted wisdom teeth. Gum infections and the infec- first tooth begin the toddler's toil toward solid food, mature enamel, which is highly susceptible to decay. and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can- tion of the surrounding bone may result. In severe but begins the never-ending battle against tooth Brushing and Flossing not reach. Flossing can be tricky, so it is important to cases, the infection can damage surrounding teeth. decay. Children need help brushing and flossing help your preschooler and older children to floss Tooth Development During Pregnancy As a whole, America's oral health has never their teeth until they are coordinated enough to tie daily; but don't worry, it gets easier with practice. Can an expectant mother do anything to help been better. People are keeping more of their own their own shoelaces, according to Tucker. By that Dental Sealants assure a proper start for the development of her teeth through adulthood than ever before. In 1960, time, their motor skills will be developed enough to Dental sealants are plastic coatings applied to child's teeth? According to the AAPD, what you eat the average American over 65 had just seven of his or warrant only a helpful hand from time to time. A the chewing surfaces on the back molars. A dentist during pregnancy affects the development of your her own teeth. Today, that average has grown to 18, small, soft toothbrush with flat bristles is recom- uses the sealants to form a barrier that helps keep unborn baby's teeth. A well-balanced diet is highly with projections that the baby boomer generation mended -letting the child pick out his or her own food and bacteria out of tiny grooves in the tooth recommended. Vitamins A, C, D, protein, calcium will have at least 24 teeth beyond age 65. Following color toothbrush adds to the excitement of brush- enamel, places a toothbrush cannot reach. and phosphorus are crucial to the general health are some tips for all ages for practicing healthy dental ing twice a day. Wisdom Teeth: and dental development of your child. hygiene. As always, consult your dentist about specif- Avoid fluoride toothpaste until your child is To Remove or Not to Remove? During the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy, ic instructions for you or your child's teeth. able to spit out the toothpaste after brushing, The third permanent molars, commonly called the "buds" appear from which the primary teeth around the third birthday. A toddler who swallows wisdom teeth, are usually the last teeth to erupt into Continued on next page ---------_.--------- I H_EA_L:_:T_H_H_A_R_V_E_S_T _ . 119W(991) AGE. W;I ~ ; hree heartburn drugs, formerly sold only by prescription, have recently been approved for over-the-counter sale in lower-dose versions. They are Pepcid AC (meaning If you think you are going to get heartburn, H2-blockers may be worth a t~ but read on: • Whichever brand of H2-blocker you choose, acid control; the active ingredient is famotidine) expect it to take at least 30 minutes to begin ,ME. 1I~4GT.m:IJ;G,M and Tagamet HB (for heanburn; active ingre~lient, cimetidine), as well as the anti-ulcer drug Zantac (ranitidine), one of the world's largest-selling drugs. The gist of the aggressive new ad campaign is: working. Take it well before trouble starts - for example, before you eat a spicy meal or cut a big piece of chocolate cake late in the evening or do anything else that you know brings on heanburn. :I\RIJ~.G.$? Gorge yourself; eat all the sausage, fried foods and • Expect these drugs to keep working for about chocolate cake you can hold - just remember to three to five hours. This can vary from person pop our pill in advance. to person. Americans spend about $1 billion annually on • One thing you might like about H2-blockers is heanburn remedies, and competition for these dol- that they come in pill form. You need not chew a lars has been fierce. Amid claims and counterclaim's chalky tablet or swallow a liquid. - "Pepcid works all day," "Tagamet is preferred by' • Don't take one of these heanburn drugs regular- doctors" - SmithKline Beecham (Tagamet) filed suit ly for more than two weeks. You should see a against Johnson &Johnson-Merck (Pepcid), which '" doctor about persistent symptoms. If you have countersued. Recently, a federal judge ordered both an ulcer, it should be diagnosed, and then can companies to withdraw their exaggerated claims or probably be cured with antibiotics, as most provide evidence to suppon them. stomach ulcers, it is now known, are bacterial As the war rages on, you may be wondering if in origin. these new drugs are any better than plain antacids such as Tums, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, and a dozen How to use, and how to avoid, ) other tried and trues. Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac heartburn drugs are indeed different from conventional antacids. The drugs they contain, known as H,-blockers, sup- B e wary of heartburn that isn't heartburn. If you have chest pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, breath- lessness, fainting and/or sweating, you may be having a press the production of stomach acid, rather than . heart attack. just neutralizing it the way conventional antacids Pregnant women, children and people with ulcers or kidney problems should consult a doctor before do. Pepcid AC can, and does, claim to prevent hean- using any heartburn medication. burn as well as relieve it, if you can figure out when If you are taking any prescription medications, heanburn is about to strike and take the medication heed the fine print on the package of the heartburn half an hour in advance. Tagamet simply claims to medication about possible drug interactions. You "reduce the production of stomach acid." might also ask your doctor or pharmacist if the antacid or H2-blocker will interact with your other drugs. The squabble in the ads is over just how long Finally, it's better not to have heartburn in the first it takes each drug to stan doing the job, and how place. Avoid overeating, especially fatty foods. Don't eat long each remains effective. But this is really a non- just before lying down, since this may promote gastroe- argument. Individual reactions to H2 -blockers are sophageal reflux -the backup of stomach acids into Keep the the esophagus. Avoid tight-fitting clothes. Keep your quite variable. What works fast for one person may diet high in fiber to prevent constipation. You may need following not work for another. Remember, too, that these to cut back on chocolate, alcohol, acidic foods, highly advice in mind: OTC drugs contain only 50% of the minimum dos- spiced meals, and caffeine-containing beverages (al- If you already bave ages in the prescription versions. According to testi- though, oddly, too much decaf coffee or tea can bring beartburn, you will get mony submitted to the FDA, dosages at these levels on heartburn, too). Losing weight will help. Source: University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter, faster relief from a are only about as effective as conventional antacids. March 1996. conventional antacid. Til11eless One-mile walk test for aerobic capacity Biceps curls: upper-body' endurance Find a flat path or track where you can walk Tooth Tips one mile. It may be simplest to walk four times Lean your back against a wall, with your arms at your sides and a 5-pound weight in your domi- Continued from previous page around a quaner-mile track (found at most nant hand. (If you don't have a weight, you can use develop. Between the third and sixth month of schools), or you can measure out a one-mile stretch a I-gallon plastic jug filled with water just over half- pregnancy, the enamel on your baby's primary of road in advance by using your car's odometer. way.) With your palm facing up and elbow at your teeth begins to form. At binh, your baby has a full First warm up by walking briskly for a few minutes, side, raise the weight to your shoulder. Perform as set of completely formed primary tooth crowns then stretch your leg muscles. Carrying a watch many lifts as you can in 30 seconds. Compare the under the gums, as well as a set of permanent teeth (with a second hand) or stopwatch to record your number to the charts below. in varying stages of development. time, walk one mile as fast as possible. Stop if any The MPD states that it is crucial for new unusual symptoms occur, such as chest discomfon, Women (number of repetitions) mothers to pay strict attention to their own oral pain in the knees or ankles. Cool down afterwards. Age 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 Above avg. >27 >25 >22 >21 health. It is possible for a mother to pass cavity- Compare your time for your age and sex below. Average 21-27 20-25 19-22 18-21 causing bacteria from her mouth to her infant. (Note: < means "less than"; > means "more Belowavg. <21 <20 <19 <18 Older Adults and Their Needs than.") Your mouth changes as you age. As you grow Men (number of repetitions) older, you may find yourself taking more medica- Women (minutes:seconds) Age 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 tions, but many medications can cause xerosomia, Measuring Age Excellent 40-49 <14:12 50-59 <14:42 60-69 <15:06 70-79 <18:18 Above avg. Average >34 30-34 >33 29-33 >31 26-31 >28 24-28 or dry mouth. Having an abnormally dry mouth can fitness over 40 Good 14:12-15:06 14:42-15:36 15:06-16:18 18:18-20:00 Belowavg. <30 <29 <26 <24 y lead to cavities, since you need saliva to wash away Average 15:06-16:06 15:36-17:00 16:18-17:30 20:00-21:48 food panicles and neutralize the acids thar cause ou may think you're fit because you run Fair 16:06-17:30 17:00-18:06 17:30-19:12 21:48-24:06 Leg extensions: lower-body endurance roorh decay. Poor >17:30 >18:06 >19:12 >24:06 or walk several times a week. But are you Sit on a table (tall enough so your feet dangle) Your gums mighr recede over rhe years, leav- really? Fitness is an umbrella term that with your knees just over the edge; attach a 10- Men (mlnutes:seconds) ing the roots of your teerh exposed and vulnerable covers everything from muscle strength and aerobic Age 40-49 50-59 60-69 pound weight to the ankle on your dominant side. 70-79 to root decay, making your reerh more sensirive. capacity (the ability of the cardiorespiratory system Excellent <12:54 <13:24 <14:06 <15:06 (You can also use a Nautilus-type machine at a gym This can be prevented by using fluoride rinses and and muscles to process oxygen) to flexibility and Good 12:54-14:00 13:24-14:24 14:06-15:12 15:06-15:48 or health club.) Keeping the other leg immobile, avoiding sugary foods and drinks. balance. You may be aerobically fit, but fairly inflexi- Average 14:00-14:42 14:24-15:12 15:12-16:18 15:48-18:48 Fair 14:42-15:30 15:12-16:30 16:18-17:18 18:48-20:18 extend the weighted leg fully,without locking the What can be done to improve ble and below average when it comes to muscle Poor knee. Perform as many lifts as you can in 30 sec- >15:30 >16:30 >17:18 >20:18 the looks of my teeth? strength. Or you may have bulging biceps, but be un- onds. Compare the number to the charts. According to Colgate-Palmolive, three rrear- fit according to most standards. Finding out how fit Balance ments are readily available to improve your smile. you are, objectively, could encourage you to become Women (number of repetitions) Stand on your dominant leg for as long as Bleaching: A treatment that lightens teeth more fit, tell you where you need the most im- Age 40-49 SO-59 60-69 70-79 possible, up to 30 seconds; keep your eyes open. Aboveavg. >27 >27 >25 discolored by tobacco, food, drinks, root canal provement, and can help you chan your progress. >25 Compare your time to these charts. Average 24-27 23-27 22-25 23-25 treatment, etc. The painless procedure costs less There are a wide variety of fitness tests and Belowavg. <24 <23 <22 <23 than bonding or veneers and involves a bleaching standards, but typically they've been developed for Women (seconds) solution painted on the teeth and then activated young adults (18 to 25 years old). Recently, Dr.James Age 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 Men (number of repetitions) by heat or light. Rippe, a well-known cardiologist at Tufts University Above avg. >15.5 >8.7 >4.5 >2.6 Age 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 Bonding: An effective way to improve the Average 7.2-15.5 3.7-8.7 2.5-4.5 1.5-2.6 Above avg. >31 >30 >29 School of Medicine, devised 15 fitness standards for >30 Belowavg. <7.1 <3.6 <2.4 <1.4 Average 27-31 27-30 25-29 25-30 appearance of your teeth by covering stains, dis- those aged 40 to 79, based on clinical tests of350 Men (seconds) Belowavg. <27 <27 <25 <25 guising cracks or filling gaps. A composite resin men and women (the program was sponsored by Age 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 (plastic) is applied and hardened with light and Advil, a brand ofibuprofen). The results were ar- Above avg. >14.8 >6.7 >4.0 >3.3 Average 4.1-14.7 3.2-6.7 2.5-4.0 1.8-3.3 For a free brochure fully describing these repairs teeth for three to five years. ranged by the age and sex of the subjects. Belowavg. <4.0 <3.1 <2.4 <1.7 tests, along with advice on how to improve in Veneers: Thin shells are attached to the front Here are a few of the tests. Before starring: each area, write to Advil Fit Over 40 Standards, surface of a tooth to correct very uneven, badly Always warm up for a few minutes before any stren- 1500 Broadway, 25th floor, New York, NY 10036. chipped or severely stained teeth. A small amount uous exercise. And if you don't exercise regularly of enamel on your tooth is removed and a shell-like and/or have any medical conditions, consult your veneer, custom-made from a mold of your tooth, is doctor before doing these tests. applied. This procedure lasts up to 12 years. ---------".--------- HEALTH HARVEST Hag CT '< ~ ~A III Fever N"otes cr ~ person's peak bone density occurs in the early 30s. Between the ages of 11 and 30, you 2.0' should get as much calcium and weight-bearing E very adult should accumulate a total of 30 minutes (or more) of moderate-intensity exer- cise every day. Brisk walking (4 mph) is one way to ~ he symptoms of hay fever ("allergic ~. exercise as possible to help make sure your bones do this. Experts say that even shon bouts of exer- 1f rhinitis") include a stuffy, runny nose; watery, itchy eyes; headache; and sneez- ing. Biggest causes: dust, and spring and fall pollen. =r are as dense as possible at age 30. Using nonfavlow-fat dairy products (and pos- sibly calcium supplements), kids over age 10 and cise (e.g., taking the stairs instead of the elevator, riding an exercycle while watching lV, raking leaves) can confer imponant health benefits. Treatment involves avoiding the allergen to the young adults should get between 1,200 mg. and Exercise does not have to be vigorous or pro- extent possible, and using over-the-counter or pre- 1,500 mg. of calcium a day. longed to be of wonh. scription medicines. Adults between 25 and 50 should aim for at Surveys show 30 percent of American adults Antihistamines block the action of histamine least 1,000 mg. of calcium a day (1,200 mg. during are completely sedentary. - a substance that's released during allergic reac- pregnancy). One cup of nonfat milk contains 300 Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 273, No.5 tions. Antihistamines also have a drying effect and help relieve nasal congestion. V irtually all dentists (93%) heat-sterilize their instruments between patients, mg. of calcium. Other ways to help prevent osteoporosis: Common over-the-counter antihistamines include diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl), chIor- according to a survey by the American Dental Association (ADA).Although many people still don't smoke, restrict alcohol and caffeine, and get regular exercise. I na review of 22 scientific studies that fol- lowed the behavior of nearly 600 kids, research- ers say, "There's no evidence to suppon the idea that pheniramine maleate (e.g., ChlorTrimeton), tripe- worry about whether they are safe from vari- Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists sugar affectS the behavior or learning of children." lennamine (e.g., PBZ), and brompheniramine (e.g., ous infections in a dentist's office, a properly In other words, scientists do not believe that Dimetane). maintained dental office is one of the safest These four drugs are from three different class- es of antihistamine compounds. Because people places there is. How do you know if your dentist sterilizes his instruments between pa- Y OU cannot damage your eyes by doing a lot of close- up work, sitting too close to giving children a lot of sugar makes them "hyper. Teachers and parents often blame sugar for n children's excited behavior. But researchers say it's respond to these drugs differently, you'll have to use tients? Ask. Notice such details, as office clean- the lV, reading in dim light, probably the circumstances in which sugary foods trial-and-error to see which one works best for you. liness and whether both dentist and hygienist or reading without your glasses. are provided - parties, awards, treats, ete. - that The most common side effect of antihista- wear disposable gloves and a face mask. , These things can cause eyestrain cause the excitement. mines is drowsiness - which is why you should be For a free brochure with more infor- - nothing more. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, very careful using them prior to driving, bicycling mation, send a stamped, self-addressed busi- Vol. 274, No. 20 Eyestrain simply means that the and using machinery. ness envelope to ADA Cares, Suite 930, 332 muscles around your eyes have become tired. The prescription antihistamine terfenadine South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604. Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology ftoisoning-Overone-third (Seldane) causes less drowsiness, but it may be r of all potentially harmful or _..e fatal poisonings occur in the homes less effective. Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, ete.) are often added to antihistamine medication. These can N ew government regulations that go into effect this summer will standardize the labels on bottled water. R restless, creepy-crawly, achingdescribed estless Leg Syndrome - as a sensation in the legs that's relieved by movement - affects about 5 _ of children's grandparents. Source: u.s. Consumer Product ~ Safety Commission help with the congestion and may help combat the The label "spring water" will mean that the percent of Americans. It is the founh leading cause sleepiness caused by antihistamines. Source: Take Care of Yourself by Donald M. Vickery. MD and James F. Fries, MD water actually came from a spring. The label "miner- al water" will signify a certain content of minerals. of insomnia. Problems behind this syndrome include iron deficiency anemia, uremia, diabetes, pregnancy, I f you don't exercise regularly, sudden, strenuous exenion can be risky. If the bottled water comes from municipal Researchers have found that the relative risk supplies, the label will have to say so. If the water Parkinson's disease, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and for having a heart attack was increased !07-fold is "sterile," it must be processed to meet the Food rheumatoid arthritis - but the disorder remains in sedentary people who engaged in sudden, heavy and Drug Administration's requirements; otherwise, poorly understood. exenion. Use antihistamines routinely the label must indicate that the water is not sterile. If you think you have this problem, be sure to In contraSt, people who had been exercising Take them every day as a preventive measure Americans spend $3 billion annually on get checked for iron deficiency anemia and for five or more times a week had only a 2.4 times during the allergy season. Typically,people take bottled water. nerve problems in your legs. Several medications greater risk of heart artack after sudden heavy them only when they're really miserable. Source: u.s. Food and Drug Administration have been found to be helpful. exenion. Build up a tolerance Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Source: New England Journal of Medicine, Dec. 2, 7993 If one kind of over-the-counter antihistamine Vol. 274, No. 75 makes you really sleepy, buy one with a lower dose and take the lower-dose pill before bedtime for several days. Then, before bedtime, take a pill with a higher dose of antihistamine. Then start taking one higher- dose pill in the morning and one at night. This gradual dose increase can help you build up a tolerance so you won't get so sleepy . I~ ten onitis • Take your antihistamine 30 minutes before you go outside . inmy'~ • Limit outdoor activity, especially in the morning. • Pollen counts peak between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Steroid injections Although cimetidine is available over the Counts are lowest in the late afternoon. Limit nasal sprays relieve my pain, counter, it's not wise to take it as a home remedy. To treat warts, you have to take cimetidine for sever- If you use these for more than about three or four days, you can get resistant to them and your but my doctor says al weeks, longer than recommended without your doctor's supervision. congestion can get worse. Alternative: Inhale salt water (1 tsp. of salt to I shouldn't get In addition, cimetidine isn't proven to work on wartS. The drug is considered a last reson and is one pint of water, plus a pinch of baking soda). Place a few drops on a spoon and sniff it up each nostril. them frequently. reserved for multiple warts that haven't responded to other approaches .. • Use your air conditioner (cool or fan setting); clean filters at least once a month. Why not? Sometimes, warts disappear on their own or after about three months use of over-the-counter • Keep your home and car windows closed. /li ultiPle injections can have side effects. (OTC) add solutions. For persistent wartS, your Beware of "pollen cling" duce inflammation, a conicosteroid is doctor may recommend regular use of an OTC Wash your hair every evening to keep the ct the membrane lining surrounding the solution plus periodic freezing with liquid nitrogen. pollen off your pillow at night. Don't line-dry tendon. However, a painful, swollen tendon may Less common options include cutting and clothes. Don't let your animals inside. make finding the appropriate injection site difficult. scraping away the wart (curettage) or injecting Source: The Doctors' Book of Home Remedies II by Sid Kirchheimer; Steve Moore, MD If a conicosteroid is injected directly into the medications into the wan. tendon, it may weaken or tear the tendon. Feeling less pain may tempt you to overuse your finger and 5ma S~Ud;Js sug- cause funher injury. Conicosteroid injections can also lead to wast- ~;metfcJine, ing of tissue and changes in skin tone around the injection site. As with any injection, infection and bleeding are other possible side effects. an H2~taiimr that In addition, a major risk of treating pain alone is reduces stomach the possibility of not correcting the underlying pro- blem. Conicosteroid injections dOn't treat the cause acid, can cure of some tendonitis such as rheumatoid arthritis. When tendonitis occurs from overuse, addi- multiple warts. A tional therapy includes cutting back on the activity The theory is that H2-blockers boost your that led to inflammation, regularly stretching and i tern to fight papillomavirus, the virus flexing your fingers to maintain range of motion and ca wartS. Using immune-boosting drugs to adapting activities to prevent reinjury. treat troublesome wartS is an evolving approach. ~=======-=====::J.=C:::::=======-==-=--=--- UlS Georges Gilles de la Tourette (born Georges TOURETTE SYNDROME? Albert Edourd Brutus Gilles de la Tourette!) in 1857, made several valuable contributions to medicine and literature. His greatest T ourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal (phonic) sounds called tics. In a few cases, such tics can include inappropriate the point where the tic escapes. Tics worsen in stressful situations; however, they improve when the person is relaxed or absorbed in an activity. In most cases, tics decrease markedly during sleep. What causes TS? attribute the tics and other symptoms to psycholog- ical problems, thereby increasing the social isolation of those with the disorder. And because tics can wax andwane in severity and can also be suppressed, they are often absent during doctor visits, which achievements were in the study of hysteria and hyp- notism; a competent neuropsychiatrist, he was particularly interested in therapy. With a colleague, he wrote a highly percep- tive analysis of Sister Jeanne des Anges' account words and phrases. Although the basic cause of TS is unknown, further complicates making a diagnosis. of her "hysterical illness" which was caused by a The disorder is named for Dr. Georges Gilles current research suggests that there is an abnormal- In many cases, parents, relatives, friends or priest's unrequited love. de la Tourette, the pioneering French neurologist ity in the gene(s) affecting the brain's metabolism of even the patients themselves become aware of the Tourette was shot by a deluded woman who had been a patient at the famous who first described an 86-year-old French noble- neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and disorder based on information they have heard or Salpetriere hospital. woman with the condition in 1885. norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in read in the popular media. The symptoms ofTS generally appear before the brain that carry signals from one nerve cell to How is TS treated? the individual is 18 years old. TS can affect people another. Because symptoms do not impair most pa- of all ethnic groups; males are affected three to four What disorders are associated with TS? tients and development usually proceeds normally, involved can cause a variable range of symptoms in times more often than females. It is estimated that Not all people with TS have disorders other the majority of people with TS require no medica- different family members. A person with TS has 100,000 Americans have full-blown TS, and that than tics. However, many people experience addi- tion. However, medications are available to help about a 50-50 chance of passing on the gene(s) to perhaps as many as one in 200 show a panial ex- tional problems such as obsessive-compulsive disor- when symptoms interfere with functioning. one of his or her offspring. However, that genetic pression of the disorder, such as chronic multiple der, where the person feels that something must be Unfortunately, there is no single medication predisposition may not necessarily result in full- tics or transient childhood tics. done repeatedly, such as hand washing or checking that is helpful to all persons with TS, nor does blown TS; instead, it may express itself as a milder The natural course of TS varies from patient to that a door is locked; attention deficit disorder, any medication completely eliminate symptoms. tic disorder or as obsessive-compulsive behaviors or patient. Although TS symptoms range from very where the person has difficulty concentrating and is Instead, the available TS medications are only able possibly attention deficit disorder with few or no mild to quite severe, the majority of cases fall in the easily distracted; learning disabilities, which in- to help reduce specific symptoms. In addition, all tics at all. It is also possible that the gene-carrying mild category. clude reading, writing, arithmetic and perceptual medications have side effects. offspring will not develop any TS symptoms. A high- What are the symptoms? difficulties; problems with impulse control, which Some patients who require medication to er than normal incidence of milder tic disorders and The first symptoms ofTS are usually facial tics can result in overly aggressive behaviors or socially reduce the frequency and intensity of the tic symp- obsessive compulsive behaviors has been found in - commonly eye blinking. However, facial tics can inappropriate acts; or sleep disorders, which in- toms may be treated with neuroleptic drugs such as families of individuals with TS. also include nose twitching or grimaces. With time, clude frequent awakenings or talking in one's sleep. haloperidol and pimozide. These medications are Gender also plays an important role in TS other motor tics may appear, such as head jerking, The wide range of behavioral symptoms that usually given in very small doses that are increased gene expression. If the gene-carrying offspring of a neck stretching, foot stamping, or body twisting and can accompany tics may, in fact, be more disabling slowly until the best possible balance between TS patient is male, then the risk of developing bending. than the tics themselves. Patients, families and phy- symptoms and side effects is achieved. symptoms is three to four times higher. However, TS patients may utter strange and unaccept- sicians need to determine which set of symptoms is Recently, scientists have discovered that long- most people who inherit the gene(s) will not devel- able sounds, words or phrases. It is not uncommon most disabling so that appropriate medications and term use of neuroleptic drugs may cause an invol- op symptoms severe enough to warrant medical for a person with TS to continuously clear his or her therapies can be selected. untary movement disorder called tardive dyskine- attention. In some cases of TS, inheritance cannot throat, cough, sniff, grunt, yelp, bark or shout. How is TS diagnosed? sia. However, this condition usually disappears be determined. These cases are called sporadic and People with TS may involuntarily shout ob- Generally, TS is diagnosed by observing the when medication is discontinued. Short-term side their cause is unknown. scenities (coprolalia) or constantly repeat the words symptoms and evaluating family history. For a diag- effects of haloperidol and pimozide include muscu- What is the prognosis? of other people (echolalia). They may touch other There is no cure for TS; however, the condition people excessively or repeat actions obsessively and in many individuals improves as they mature. Indi- unnecessarily. A few patients with severe TS demon- viduals with TS can expect to live a normal life span. strate self-harming behaviors such as lip and cheek Although the disorder is generally lifelong and biting and head banging against hard objects. How- chronic, it is not a degenerative condition. TS does ever, these behaviors are extremely rare. not impair intelligence. Tics tend to decrease with Tics alternately increase and decrease in sever- age, enabling some patients to discontinue using ityand periodically change in number, frequency, medication. In a few cases, complete remission oc- type and location. Symptoms may subside for weeks curs after adolescence. Although tic symptoms tend or months at a time and later recur. to decrease with age, it is possible that neuropsychi- How are tics classified? nosis of TS to be made, both motor and phonic tics lar rigidity, drooling, tremor, lack of facial expres- atric disorders such as depression, panic attacks, There are two categories of tics: simple and must be present for at least one year. Neuroimaging sion, slow movement and restlessness. These side mood swings and antisocial behaviors may increase. complex. Simple tics are sudden, brief movements studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRl), effects can be reduced by drugs commonly used to What is the best educational setting that involve a limited number of muscle groups. They computerized tomography (CT), and electroen- treat Parkinson's disease. Other side effects, such as for children with TS? occur in a single or isolated fashion and are often cephalogram (EEG) scans, or certain blood tests fatigue, depression, anxiety, weight gain and diffi- Although students with TS often function well repetitive. SOP1eof the more common examples of may be used to rule out other conditions that might culties in thinking clearly, may be more troublesome. in the regular classroom, it is estimated that many simple tics include eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, be confused with TS. However, TS is a clinical diag- Clonidine, an antihypenensive drug, is also may have some kind of learning disability. When facial grimacing, head jerking, yelping and sniffing. nosis. There are no blood tests or other laboratory used in the treatment of tics. Studies show that it is attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive Complex tics are distinct, coordinated patterns of tests that definitively diagnose the disorder. more effective in reducing motor tics than reducing disorder and frequent tics greatly interfere with successive movements involving several muscle Studies show that correct diagnosis of TS is vocal tics. Fatigue, dry mouth, irritability, dizziness, academic performance or social adjustment, stu- groups. Complex tics might include jumping, smell- frequently delayed after the stan of symptoms be- headache and insomnia are common side effects dents should be placed in an educational setting ing objects, touching the nose, touching other peo- cause many physicians may not be familiar with the associated with clonidine use. Fluphenazine and that meets their individual needs. These students ple, coprolalia, echolalia or self-harming beha\~ors. disorder. The behavioral symptoms and tics are clonazepam may also be prescribed to help control may require tutoring, smaller or special classes, and Can people with TS control their tics? easily misinterpreted, often causing children with TS tic symptoms. in some cases special schools. People with TS can sometimes suppress their to be misunderstood at school, at home and even in Medications are also available to treat some of Allstudents with TS need a tolerant and com- tics for a shon time, but the effon is similar to that of the doctor's office. Parents, relatives and peers who the associated behavioral disorders. Stimulants such passionate setting that both encourages them to holding back a sneeze. Eventually tension mounts to are unfamiliar with the disorder may incorrectly as methylphenidate, pemoline and dextroamphet- work to their full potential and is flexible enough to amine, usually prescribed for attention deficit disor- accommodate their special needs. This setting may ders, although somewhat effective, have also been include a private study area, exams outside the regu- reported to increase tics; therefore, their use is lar classroom, or even oral exams when the child's Famous Faces with Tourette controversial. For obsessive compulsive behaviors that significantly disrupt daily functioning, fluoxet- ine, clomipramine, sertraline and paroxetine may be symptoms interfere with his or her ability to write. Untimed testing reduces stress for students with TS. Where can I go for more information? Major League's Phila- with the Phillies, outfielder Eisenreich is a de- prescribed. The Tourette Syndrome delphia Phillies Out- pendable and valuable player in the lineup. fielder Jim Eisenreich Eisenreich is a wonderful model for young chil- Other types of therapy may also be helpful. Association Inc. is a voluntary, has TS. but was only dren with TS. He receives them in the dugout Although psychological problems do not cause TS, nonprofit organization whose diagnosed as a young wherever he plays. He gives talks around the psychotherapy may help the person better cope with members include people with rookie in the majors country about having TS. has made a public ser- the disorder and deal with the secondary social and TS, their families and friends, and only after his vice announcement shown on the air. played in young career was in TSA charity golf and bowling tournaments, and emotional problems that sometimes occur. Psycho- and health care professionals. shambles because of a participated in a wonderful video for children therapy does not help suppress the patient's tics. The association funds research, flare-up of his symp- called ..Handling It Like a Winner." Relaxation techniques and biofeedback may provides services to patients and toms. Once doctors Eisenreich meets with hundreds of TS-af- be useful in alleviating stress, which can lead to an their families, and offers a variety of publications, recognized what he flicted kids and their families each month before increase in tic symptoms. including a newsletter, brochures and fact sheets. had and treated it, he home games and has started his own foundation began the long road for children with the disease. His efforts have Is TS inherited? For further infonnation, contact: Tourette back to the majors. earned him the 1996 Most Caring Athlete Evidence from genetic studies suggests that Syndrome Association Inc., 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Playing first for the Kansas City Royals and now Award given by USA Today. TS is inherited in a dominant mode and the gene(s) Bayside, NY 11361-2861; phone (800) 237-0717. --------- ••--------- 1~,~ r I It: I @'i'fi!] ~ :~~ May 30, 1996 DNR takes action on post-production cost Fans may help reduce Feds set aside controversy Continued from front page dairy animal stress 3.9 million public lease agreements," Cool said. "This letter was clearly unacceptable." As a result, Cool announced the following OUgh the odds of a repeat of last summer's prolonged torrid weather are not great, • Remove partitions, vegetation and other obsta- cles inside and outside the barn that may impede acres for bird actions: • Immediately rescind the Nov. 10, 1993, letter ~ dairy animals aren't comfortable when the temperature exceeds 75~ . \vind movement. • Position 36-inch fans every 30 feet and 48-inch I one n of the more sweeping moves to preserve wildlife habitat in the history of the Endangered from DNR to the MOGA, which has been alleged Dairy experts note that milk produaion be- fans every 40 feet apart, aiming them so they Species Act, the federal government has set aside to allow excessive latitude in identifying PPCs gins to decline when temperatures exceed 85~ for blow over the dairy animals. 3.9 million acres of forest in Oregon, Washington that were deduaed from payments made to the more than six hours . • For efficiency, consider a tensioner for belt-driv- and California to help in the recovery of the mar- state for drilling on state-owned lands. Using fans in the dairy barn to reduce heat en fans and a thermostat so that fans will not run bled murrelet. • Order that independent auditing firms be re- stress by providing supplemental air movement when inside temperatures decline . Officials, however, said the move would have tained by DNR to determine if oil and gas compa- may be beneficial and cost -effective when ambient Atkeson says that the most important places little effect on the logging of federal, state or private nies appropriately deducted PPC from royalty temperatures combine with the cow's own body to put fans are the holding pen, so that air flows lands. Mike Spear, of the FIsh and Wildlife Service, payments to the state. Audits are expected to be heat to reduce milk production, says George Atke- past the cows on their way to the milking parlor; said the action will not stop the harvest of about completed by Aug. I, 1996. If improper deduc- son, Michigan State University Extension area of inside the milking parlor; over the feed bunk area 10 to 15 percent of the coastal old-growth forests tions on the pan of any company are found to expertise dairy agent in Ionia County. and angled downward to help increase feed intake; known to be used by the elusive bird for nesting. have taken place, the state will seek reimburse- Atkeson says the most commonly used fans in and over the cow resting area. Much of the land is concentrated in the Siuslaw ment of monies owed to the Natural Resources dairy barns are either 3 or 4 feet in diameter. Producers should remember that fans provide National Forest in Oregon, which has been opened Trust Fund and the State Parks Endowment Fund. "Producers who are considering purchasing air movement, not ventilation, he notes . to logging thanks to a measure known as the sal- • Direct the DNR Real Estate Division to draft PPC fans should balance the cost of the total investment Installing sprinklers or high pressure foggers vage rider. Congress passed the law last summer at language for future leases that is explicit and against potential losses in milk production," Atke- for evaporative cooling probably cannot be economi- the request of the timber industry to speed logging present the draft language to the NRC for public son says. "In addition to the cost of the fans, the cally justified because of Michigan's environmental held up by environmental protection. review and input at their June 5-6 Manistique probable need for additional wiring and the cost for conditions. If such a system is used, the sprinklers Whether those nesting trees will fall depends public meeting. electridty should be taken into account." should completely wet the cows and the fans should on the outcome of a federal court battle over the • Hire a consultant as requested by the NRC to Among Atkeson's recommendations: blow over the animals continuously. The sprinklers issue of how biologists determine murrelets are analyze changes in the oil and gas industry over • Open the barn as much as possible - should operate a minute or less in every 15 minutes. nesting in a specific stand of trees. The FIShand the last decade, panicularlyas they relate to ppc. sidewalls, endwalls, gable ends - to take Using the sprinklers without fans may create health Wildlife Service designated the murrelet a threat- Formally present the repon to NRC at their July advantage of any wind movement. risks for the animals, Atkeson says.• ened species in 1992, primarily due to the loss of 10-11 public meeting in Alpena. nesting trees to logging .• • Consider information obtained from the Real Estate Division, along \vith reports and recom- mendations of consultants, auditors, MOGA and the public, to assist the DNR director in approv- ing new language for future leases . • Direct the DNR Real Estate Division to advertise and conduct a state oil and gas lease sale in July of 1996. Charlevoix County Farm Bureau Policy Devel- jU8TAFEW opment Chairman Pete Vellenga calls the DNR ac- tions the first step forward since companies can no longer rely on the letter as justification for taking PPC from private royalty payments. "We now at least have a level playing field in dealing with the gas and oil companies," Vellenga MORE SFASONS ... .* said. "It also raises the question of the state's re- AND HE'LL sponsibility in preventing exploitation. From my perspective, the taking of PPC is exploitation." Vellenga was instrumental in drafting local poli- cy, which eventually became Michigan Farm Bureau policy. He contends that MFB's involvement helped to spur the DNR's attention to the issue of ppc. "I think it's very important for all farmers to 'BE OFF TO COLUEGE... realize that from one local resolution we were able to make it a state policy, and that once we had state policy it had a definite impact with the NRC," Vel- lenga suggested. "This is an example of what hap- pens when we use the policy development process and move it forward to bring statewide change." He hopes that private landowners continue to BEITER CALL YOUR FARM stay involved in the PPC issue, particularly in the BUREAU INSURANCE AGENT drafting of the new lease language. "They cannot sit back idly and hope that this process will take care of RIGHT AFTER THE GAME. this issue," he advised. How about private landowners being reim- bursed for PPCS?Good luck, says Vellenga, who By starting now, you can give your believes the only way for private landowners to get family the kind of future you want them a refund will, unfortunately, rest in the form of a class-action lawsuit and/or a legislative solution. to have... a future that includes college, a Vellenga estimates that over $50 million in PPC paid-off mongage, and enough money to deductions were made from private royalty, meaning keep the family together. that landowners were seeing deductions as high as 40 to 50 percent in some cases, and as high as 87 Even if something happens to you, percent in others. "We also saw some validated PPCs a plan from Farm Bureau Life Insurance where gas companies were actually charging deficit PPC- in other words, they were actually sending a of Michigan can make sure your dreams bill to the landowner," he said. "One landowner ob- live on. tained a statement for garbage collection costs, insur- We are the only Michigan-based ance costs, telephone costs - that's not PPC.They (gas companies) basically found the golden cow and company named one of the top 50 they were milking it!" outstanding life insurers in America, While there's little the DNR can and will do on based on safety, security, and financial behalf of private landowners, DeVuyst is hoping that gas companies see the DNR's action as a wake-up call performance. Call your Farm Bureau to re-evaluate their PPC practices to private leases. Insurance agent today. /\II we can deal with at this level are state-owned leas- es," DeVuyst explained. "As to the private landowners - they have contracts. If they feel they have been vio- Making your future more predictable lated, then it'll be up to them to take civil action." Regardless of the eventual lease language and policy on PPC, DeVuyst says it's critical that a logical ~ ; ~ audit process be built into the process to accurately reflect true PPCS."The method of reporting is one of the things that's been in question not only by the state, but by private landowners as well," he said . .~~~ '" .... '10;; - ~~ :!. .... .",,-d. ~"'\.~ '''''f!J ... FARIff BlJREAU INSURANCE FAUI8llIWJ IlIITIlAl • fWl 8UI£AII un • rWlIUtUll GOlWl • fI AIlllUITf "Oftentimes deductions were made without any definition, and we feel that every deduaion ought to be clearly defined." • I ~'ll~ ~ :~~ ,~, I :{fill May 30, 1996 The 1996 Farm Bill: The EQIP livestock conservation provisions by Sandra S. Batie, Elton R. Smith, Professor businesses may be employed to implement eligible sharing and incentive payments are limited to definition of a large operation, USDAmay select one of Food and Agricultural Policy; and David practices. $10,000 per person annually or to SSO,oooover the of these definitions, establi~h its own national defi- B. Schweikhardt, Department of Agricultur- This legislation does not specify which live- life of the contract. nitions, or allow.state NRCS technical committees al Economics, Michigan State University stock conservation practices will be eligible for cost- EQIP also provides cost-sharing and technical to establish state-specific definitions. he conservation provisions of the Federal sharing funds, and the secretary of agriculture must assistance for crop conservation practices, including The 1996 farm bill requires USDAto establish T Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 include a new program - the Environ- mental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP. EQIP establish eligibility criteria for livestock-related con- servation practices later this year. This criteria will be developed through a rule-making process, and pest management, irrigation management and ero- sion control. The legislation also requires that prac- tices be carried out in a manner consistent with an regulati9,ns for implementing EQIP within 180 days of enactment of the bill, and final regulations are expected before Oct. 1, 1996. provides $130 million in fiscal year 1996 and S200 there will be an opportunity for public comment approved conservation plan. National hearings were held in nine cities million annually for the next six years to fund tech- after the publication of the proposed criteria. The farm bill does not allow EQIP cost-sharing during April 1996 to identify possible guidelines nical and cost -sharing assistance for conservation The legislation requires that the program funds to be used for large livestock operations, and eligibility criteria for EQIP, and the first public practices. focus on high priority areas and high priority re- though such operations will be eligible for technical comment period is offidally closed. However, Livestock-related conservation practices, in- source concerns. These priorities will be identified assistance. The definition of a "large" livestock oper- comments on EQIP may still be sent to Paul cluding animal waste confinement facilities, will by state and federal agendes in cooperation with ation must be determined by the secretary of agri- Johnson, Chief, USDA, Natural Resource Conserva- receive 50 percent of the EQIP program funding. state NRCS technical committees. culture. There are examples in other legislation that tion Service, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013 Eligible livestock enterprises include those with The program targets land that poses significant may serve as models for the EQIP definition of a (Fax 202-720-1838). dairy cattle, beef cattle, laying hens, broilers, turkey, problems for water, soil or related resources. It is large livestock operation. The Clean Water Act, for Important issues yet to be dedded include the swine and sheep. The secretary of agriculture may anticipated that there will be a competitive bidding example, regulates large animal feedlots and defines definition of high priority areas eligible for EQIP add to the list of eligible livestock enterprises. process similar to that of the Conservation Reserve large operations as those with more than 700 ma- funds, the identification of livestock and conserva- EQIP will replace 4 existing programs - the Program to assure that EQIP will buy the maximum ture dairy cattle, 1,000 slaughter steers, 10,000 tion practices eligible for EQIP funds, and determi- Agricultural Conservation Program, Water Quality amount of environmental benefits per dollar spent. sheep or 55,000 turkeys. The Coastal Zone Reautho- nation of the size of eligible livestock operations. Incentives Program, Great Plains Conservation Pro- Producers may obtain 5- to lo-year contracts rization Amendments of 1990 define large opera- Michigan producers with an interest in the EQIP gram and the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control for eligible practices. These contracts will provide tions as having more than 70 head of dairy cattle, program should use this opportunity to express Program. It will be administered by the Natural technical assistance and pay up to 75 percent of the 200 hogs, 300 beef cattle, 15,000 broilers or layers, their preferences on these important issues .• Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), but private cost of these conservation practices. However, cost 13,750 turkeys or 200 horses. In determining its Farm management/leasing implications of the FAIR Act of 1996 by Gerry Schwab, Department of Agricultur- person(s) who carries the risk assodated with the legal right to use of the land. Presumably, signature technique to estimate this financial impact. al Economics, Michigan State University production from the crop acreage. requirements on the lease would include both the The concept of Net Present Value (NPV) is an n opportunity to secure a 7-year annuity for tenant and landlord. The Cash Farm Lease, North attempt to capture in one number, measured in A zero financial expenditure is now being made available to farmers through provisions of the OwnerlOperators For landowners who operate their own acres, the situation is relatively clear. The signature for Central Regional (NCR) publication No. 76, can provide one blueprint for provisions of a written today's dollars, the value of a future stream of in- come. The PFC payments are an annual payment or 1996 farm bill. This is an opportunity to obtain a sign-up is the responsibility of the land owner and lease. This publication should be available in your annuity to be received over the next seven years. fixed annual payment (the annuity) for each of the the PFC payment is to be received by the owner- local MSU Extension office. Because of time, dollars received in the future next seven years. operator. For each farm unit, the PFC payment is Share Renter are worth less than the dollars you have today. The The right to these payments, known as Pro- determined by: The share renter who shares, with the land- dollars received in the future are discounted because duction Flexibility Contract (PFC) and/or Market • The contract acreage base for each program crop owner, the risks and financial responsibilities of of this time interval. The appropriate discount rate is Transition payments, can be secured by enrolling grown, e.g. corn, wheat, ete. and producing a crop, will also share the PFC payment chosen based on the expected return from a1terna- your farm at the local Farm Services Agency (FSA) • The program payment base yield for each in the same ratio as their share risk in the farm op- tive use of the dollars available and perceived risk office in the county where your farm is located. The program crop. eration. Signature requirements for both parties, or associated with thatfuturestreamofpotentialincome. time period window for signing up is May 20-July Multiplying the contract acres times the pro- a power of attorney from the absentee landlord to Columns 5 and 6 in Table 1 and 2 illustrate two 12, 1996. Please remember that this window is gram payment yield times 85 percent payment acres the tenant, will be required for enrollment of eligi- alternative discount rates of 4 percent and 8 percent, dosed to enrollment entry after this ending date. times the payment rate per bushel for the year will ble cropland for the PFC payments. _ respectively. Higher discount rates are often used to If unsure, you can enroll and later change provide a close estimate of the annual PFC payment Again; it is suggested that a written lease can represent more risky investments. The row labeled' your mind and exit the program. However, the to be received for that crop in that year. be used to clarify and verify the share agreement NPVSum represents the Net Present Value of the converse is not true - you cannot change your Tables 1 and 2 illustrate PFC payment data for between the landlord and tenant. The Crop Share stream ofincome from the PFC payments. If the mind to the affirmative for participation after the one acre of corn and wheat, respectively. The corn Farm Lease, NCR publication No. 77, can provide value of the PFC payments were capitalized into the deadline. If you want to be included, you must sign example has a program payment base yield of 100 one blueprint to assist reaching an agreement. land price, this is one estimate ofits impact. up by July 12, 1996. bushel per acre while the w~eat uses 40 bushel per Landlords The last two lines in Tables 1 and 2 are the Eligibility for PFC payments is restricted to acre. The payment per bushel and payment per For the landowner who rents out his;her crop- annual annuity that would be paid (or earned) by agricultural cropland that was enrolled in the previ- acre are presented in columns 3 and 4 for each of land, the farm lease can be for any time period mu- this NPVamount at an annual rate of 4 percent and ous acreage reduction programs (ARP) during at the next seven years through the year 2002. The tually agreed upon in discussion with the tenant. 6 percent, respectively. The higher the rate, the least one of the years from 1991 to 1995. Eligible financial analysis data presented in columns 5 and 6 Although the FAIRAct provisions are for a period of more that can be paid for rights to the annuity, e.g., cropland acres for Michigan growers include the will be discussed later in this article. 7 years, the lease can be for a shorter time period. cash rent could represent this amount if the entire base acres (now known as contract acres) for the Cash Renter These decisions are not contingent one upon PFC payment was capitalized into land value. program crops of barley, corn, grain sorghum, oats The cash renter who, in exchange for a cash the other. Remember that the PFC payments are SUmIllalY and wheat. payment to the landowner, controls the use of the linked to the crop land and its history of participa- Owners and operators of farms with eligible The responsibility for PFC payment sign-up land and accepts all the risk and financial responsi- tion in the ARPprogram and are to be received by contract acreage have an opportunity to signup for and legal right for payment acceptance can be dif- bility for the crop grown, appears to be the rightful the person(s) who bears the risk and responsibility a financial annuity represented by Production Flexi- ferent depending on whether you are an owner- recipient of the PFC payment and has responsibility associated with crop production. bility Contract (PFC) payments. The financial cost operator, a cash-rent operator, a share-rent opera- for signing up the farm in the program. Some financial repercussions on cash rental for this annuity appears to be zero. You can choose tor, or the land owner entering into either a cash- It can be expected that some written docu- rates and farmland values might be expected be- to farm with this PFC payment or farm without the rent or share-rent arrangement. The PFC payment mentation,tg., a cash farm lease, will be needed by cause of the guaranteed PFC payments associated PFC payment. From the individual farm point of is linked to the cropland acres and attributed to the the local FSAoffice to verify that the renter has a \vith the Fair Act of 1996. Tables 1 and 2 illustrate for view, we have yet to discover any financial reasons corn and wheat, respectively, a financial analytical to do without the PFC payment .• Table 1 - Corn Production Flexibility Contract Payment Value Table 2 - Wheat Production Flexibility Contract Payment Value toT 100-Bushel-Per-Acre Program Yields for 4O-Bushel-Per-Aae Program Yield Year Year of Contract S Payment/Bushel S Payment/Acre NPV04 percent NPV08 percent Year Year of Contract S Payment/Bushel S Payment/Acre NPV04 percent NPV08 percent 1996 1 0.24 20.40 19.62 18.89 1996 1 0.87 29.58 28.44 27.39 1997 2 0.46 39.10 36.15 33.52 1997 2 0.61 20.74 19.18 17.78 1998 3 0.36 30.60 27.20 24.29 1998 3 0.65 22.10 19.65 17.54 1999 4 0.35 29.75 25.43 21.87 1999 4 0.63 21.42 18.31 15.74 2000 5 0.32 27.20 22.36 18.51 2000 5 0.57 19.38 15.93 13.19 2001 6 0.26 22.10 17.47 13.93 2001 6 0.46 15.64 12.36 9.86 2002 7 0.25 21.25 16.15 12.40 2002 7 0.45 15.30 11.62 8.93 NPV Sum 164.37 143.41 NPV Sum 125.49 110.43 Annual Annuity Value @4 percent 27.39 23.89 Annual Annuity Value @4 percent 20.91 18.40 Annual Annuity Value @6 percent 29.43 25.68 Annual Annuity Value @ 6 percent 22.48 19.78 Beef outlook improving continue through much of the spring as large quan- Ice cream makers sue Illinoisover BSt label issue T heAgriculture Department said finandal pros- pects for beef producers should improve in the near future with the recent bottoming out and re- tities of beef have been purchased to be (discount- ed) through Memorial Day and early summer." The report said retail prices for choice beef T heice cream maker Ben &Jerry's joined with two other dairy product makers to file suit against the state of Illinois, challenging the state's issued voluntary labeling guidelines later. Illinois justifies its ban on the "rBGH free" label by saying it is impossible to substantiate such escalation of prices, a higher acreage planted in averaged S2.85 per pound through much of the last ban on labeling dairy products as "rBGH free," claims, and the state said affidavits from individual corn and an improvement in pasture growth be- half of 1995, dropped to $2.79 last quarter and are which they claim is prohibitive to their businesses. dairy farmers who say they do not treat their cows cause of recent rains. The report also noted the likely to average S2.75 this spring. Higher prices are Ben &Jerry's claims that labeling is needed to with BST are not acceptable. scaling back of cattle herd numbers as a positive for expected in the fall, and they should average ensure consumers that the products they consume "I think this is a marketing ploy for Ben & the industry. around $2.84 in 1997, according to USDA. The are "safe," despite numerous government and pri- Jerry's. It has nothing to do with safety or quality. It "Fed cattle prices declined from tqe mid-$60s department forecasts 1996 beef production to be vate findings that milk from BGH-treated cows is really is a non-issue," said Gary Barton, director of (per hundredweight) last fall to the mid-SSOsin late only about 1 percent above last year, and in 1997, safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ap- biotechnology communications for Monsanto, the April-early May before rising to the 10w-$60s in mid- production will likely be about 2 percent above this proved the use ofthe product BSt in 1993, and maker of BST.• May," USDAsaid. "The lag in retail prices is likely to year's levels .• ~ (~~ rill:{Yill 1111 May 30, 1996 Late planting and hybrid selection of corn G by Steve Poindexter, Saginaw County rowers this year are faced wilh lhe need to select hybrids for a delayed planting, expect 2,260 GOD or greater. Only in 10 percent of the seasons would we expect to achieve 2,435 GOD or greater prior to the firstkillingfrost. Table 2 - Seasonal accumulations of base 500F growing degree days (calculated with the 86.50 cutoff method) based on a planting date of June 1 for the period 1961.1990 to manage the risk of a shortened grow- Remember, the tables are long-term averages ing season and to ensure that a hybrid planted later and likely not to correspond precisely to any indi- Percent of seasons that GDD totals exceeded the number in the table Station 95 90 70 50 30 10 5 than normal will mature physiologically (kernel vidual year. For more detailed information, request Allegan 2,085. 2,116 2,196 2,260 2,330 2,435 2,487 black layer) before the first occurrence of a killing bulletin E-2471 Using Climatological Information Alma 1,953 2,021 2,162 2,255 2,~43 2,460 2,511 fall frost. for Corn Hybrid Selection in Michigan (cost 75 Alpena 1,515 1,545 1,623 1,685 1,752 1,854 1,904 Determination of when to switch from a full, cents) from your local Extension office .• Bad Axe 1,869 1,919 2,037 2,127 2,218 2,350 2,413 mid- or short season hybrid can be made based on Caro 1,981 2,011 2,084 2,139 2,195 2,278 2,317 historical thermal units, better known as growing Chatham 1,422 1,464 1,560 1,628 1,696 1,791 1,836 Cheboygan 1,567 1,618 1,742 1,836 1,932 2,071 2,138 degree day units (GDD) for your area. Most seed Table 1 - Estimates of the 2,297 2,377 2,415 Coldwater 2,068 2,106 2,186 2,241 corn companies will have a specific GOD require- relationship between relative Eau Claire 2,335 2,374 2,471 2,546 2,624 2,738 2,793 ment for each variety. An approximation of relative maturities of corn hybrids and Grand Rapids 2,076 2,127 2,233 2,303 2,368 2,456 2,494 maturity in days to GOD requirements can be refer- growing degree days. Hesperia 1,781 1,817 1,901 1,964 2,028 2,120 2,164 Iron Mountain 1,522 1,567 1,660 1,725 1,790 1,883 1,928 enced in Table 1. Relative maturity GOD requirements Lake City 1,526 1,573 1,672 1,740 1,808 1,906 1,954 Once GOD requirements are determined for a Lansing 2,018 2,056 2,142 2,201 2,259 2,338 2,375 (days) (planting to physiological maturity) spedfic variety, Table 2 can be referenced to deter- 70-80 1,800-2,000 Lapeer 1,965 2,017 2,126 2,202 2,277 2,386 2,438 mine the percent of the seasons the requirements 80-90 2,000-2,300 Monroe 2,353 2,418 2,541 2,616 2,682 2,766 2,801 exceeded the GOD number in the table, based on a 90-100 2,300-2,500 Saginaw 1,924 1,988 2,123 2,214 2,301 2,417 2,469 100-110 2,500-2,700 Sandusky 1,908 1,960 2,078 2,164 2,250 2,371 2,428 June 1 planting date. Stephenson 1,568 1,607 1,692 1,752 1,810 1,891 1,927 110-120 2,700-2,800 An example would be in Allegan - for a "nor- Traverse City 1,746 1,800 1,912 1,990 2,068 2,180 2,234 mal" season (50 percent of the time) we would Delayed herbicide application in corn Rotary hoeing for weed control in by Dr. Jim Kells, Crop and Soil Sciences, ever, liquid fertilizer such as 28% nitrogen should not the herbidde application, but must be done when Michigan State University be used as the herbicide carrier when treating the weeds are very small.1f the delayed application corn and soybeans W et weather, winds, mechanical breakdowns and other problems may prevent timely application of preemergence herbicides. Table 1 emerged corn, as these treatments will cause severe crop injury. Bladex + Dual and Bladex + Lasso combinations should not be applied to emerged includes Banvel, Marksman or Prowl, then corn safe- ty will be greater if the rotary hoeing is done before herbidde application. Risk of corn injury will be by Dr. Karen Renner and Dr. Jim Kells, Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University lists the herbicides and herbidde combinations that corn since these treatments will injure corn. reduced by planting at least 1.5 inches deep. can be applied both preemergence and early poste- mergence. The table lists the maximum corn size Preemergence herbiddes should be applied as soon after planting as possible. Delayed application In addition to the herbiddes listed in Table 1, several other postemergence herbicides are avail. T imely rotary hoeing can make a difference in crop emergence and weed control. Rotary hoeing breaks up the soil crust, allows crops to and weed size along with specific restrictions for increases the risk of poor herbicide performance, able. Growers with corn fields emerged that have emerge and controls small emerged and germinat- each treatment. Note: The additions to this list for especially for grass control. When herbidde applica- not received a herbidde could consider a total ed weed seedlings. The optimum timing for rotary 1996 are Dual II, Bicep II and Bicep lite II. tion is delayed until after crop emergence, rotary postemergence strategy rather than delayed appli- hoeing is usually five to 10 days after planting, de- Each of these herbicides and herbicide combi- hoeing is recommended. cation of herbiddes typically applied before crop pending on the weather. Soil-applied herbiddes nations can be applied after corn emergence. How- The rotary hoeing may be done before or after emergence .• require rainfall for adequate performance, so if it hasn't rained in the five days since a pre-plant incor- Table 1- Delayed preemergence - early postemergence herbicide options for corn porated or preemergence herbidde was applied, the field should be rotary hoed. Herbldde(s) Maximum Com Stage Maximum Weed Stage Restrictions Atrazine 12 " 1.5. Add crop oil concentrate if weeds have Alternatively, if a driving rain has crusted the emerged. field prior to crop emergence, a rotary hoe will Lasso, Micro-Tech, Partner 5. Will not control emerged weeds. break up this crust. The effectiveness of rotary hoe- Frontier 8. Will not control emerged weeds. ing is improved if the soil surface is dry and the Lasso + Atrazine, Dual + Atrazine, 5. 2-leaf stage Will not control emerged fall panicum, weather hot and breezy. Weed seedlings brought to Oualll + Atrazine, Bicep, Bicep Lite, witchgrass or crabgrass. the soil surface will dry and not reroot. Lariat, Bullet, Bicep II, Bicep Lite II Frontier + Atrazine 8. 1.5 • Will not control emerged fall Guardsman pani- The major limitation of rotary hoeing is timeli- cum, witchgrass or crabgrass. ness. Ideally, the crop should not be emerged or be Bladex 90 OF, 90 OF + Atrazine, Extrazine II 90 OF 4-leaf stage <1.5" Refer to label for use of additives. Do not apply very small to minimize crop damage. Weeds should Bladex 4L to emerged corn. Do not apply Lasso be less than ~ inch tall. Large seeded weeds such as or Oual Plus to emerged corn as injury may occur. cocklebur and velvetleaf may not be controlled, and BanveVClarity 5-leaf stage Apply to small, actively growing broadleaf weeds. perennial weeds will not be controlled by rotary Banvel will not control emerged grasses. 1• hoeing. Prowl + Atrazine, Prowl + Blade 90 OF 4-leaf stage Prowl + Bladex applied to emerged corn may Prowl + Atrazine + Bladex 90 OF cause injury under cool, cloudy conditions. Most preemergence herbidde labels call for Prowl + Extrazine II OF 00 not apply Bladex 4L to emerged corn. rotary hoeing if no rainfall is received within seven Prowl + Marksman + Banvel 2-leaf stage 1" Before corn emergence, do not apply Prowl days of herbicide application. Rotary hoeing fields on coarse-textured soils or soils with less than where Prowl was applied preemergence in com may 2.0% a.M. increase the risk of corn injury, but this risk is out- Do not use 28% liquid nitrogen fertilizer as the carrier for any herbicide applied to emerged corn. weighed by the potential damage resulting from 00 not use additives with any of the herbicides in this table except Atrazine, Bladex, Atrazine + Bladex, and Extrazine II. Refer to the specific herbicide label for details. Additives are not recommended with Bladex or Bladex + Atrazine applied to emerged corn, except under very dry conditions. poor weed control if timely rainfall does not occur .• Weather worries growing for Michigan producers Continued from front page they're' available, since a 9ses,the haying or grazing plan may include plan to FSA,or, the panicipant may elect to use The FY 1997 CRP-l annual rental payment, purJX>sehaying and grazing plans (0 be practices to achieve one or more of the following the general haying and grazing plan prepared by scheduled to be made after Oct. 1, 19%, shall be re- handed out by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at the pufJX>ses: NRCSand provided by FSAat time of sign-up. duced by{he number of acres actually grazed, regard- time of sign-up. NRCS may, when requested, devel- - to improve or reduce the health and vigor of • FSAis responsible for compliance checking the less of the stocking rate, times the CRP per-acre an- op plans on a site planning visit consistent with selected plants CRP contracts. Failure to comply with a ~aying nual rental payment times 5 percent for each month available resources. - maintain or improve animal health and and grazing plan that is developed under the or part of a month that grazing occurs. The 5 percent General Provisions of the Special 1996 productivity Emergency Authority is handled the same as any reduction shall not be adjusted when grazing occurs EmergencyHaying and Grazing Authority: - provide habitat and cover for wildlife. other violation. for part of a month. The total payment reduction for - CRP panicipants may file requests with the FSA As a minimum, each state will develop a guide Haying and Grazing Plan all months grazed shall not exceed 25 percent. for haying and grazing in all counties in all states. for livestock producers that describes the minimum A forage inventory is needed to determine a The payment reduction shall not exceed a total - Producers may either hay or graze CRP acreage, stubble height that will be maintained for each key safe stocking rate that will meet the producer's of 25 percent for all months grazed in 1996, including but may not both hay and graze on the same forage species or combination of species occurring objectives. However, CRP acres were not planned those grazed from January through March. acreage. in the field. The minimum stubble height for each for the pUfJX>Seof grazing or haying. ...,. ... PapI8nt Reductions - Emergency grazing authorization is effective species will be based on the amount of live, above- Therefore, in the absence of a Forage Invento- The FY 1997 CRP-l annual rental payment, immediately and extends through Sept. 3D, 1996. ground plant material that must be maintained to ry and Annual Grazing Plan, a minimum stubble scheduled to be made after Oct. 1,1996, shall be - Emergency haying authorization is effective im- assure that a healthy plant community capable of pro- height shall be maintained, consistent with the reduced by the number of ac~ hayed times the mediately and extends through Sept. 30, 1996. viding the desired level of erosion control remains. recommendations of the state Agronomist or Graz- per-acre annual rental payment times 25 percent. - Haying and grazing privileges may be: Grazing will not be permitted in the field until ing Specialist. Unlike the grazing payment reduction, the haying _ used to feed livestock owned or leased by the the minimum stubble height is sufficient to meet • When grazing CRPacreage, leave at least 25 per- payment reduction is for the privilege of haying CRP participant, or the needs of the key species. livestock grazing will cent of each field or contiguous fields ungrazed from July 1 through Sept. 30. _ rented or leased to a livestock producer. be deferred when needed to maintain the minimum for wildlife, or graze no more than 75 percent of Required $potchecks Acreage ineligible for emergency haying and stubble height. the stocking rate specified by NRCSField Office To address the concern about the potential grazing includes acreage devoted (0: Stubble height is based on the average height Technical Guide (FOTG). damage to the CRP cover under these new payment o useful life easements; of both grazed and ungrazed key forage species in - When haying CRPacreage, leave at least 2S per- reduction provisions, additional precautions will be o wetlands enrolled in sign-up periods 8 and 9 the field. The key forage species for the pUfJX>sesof cent of each field or contiguous fields unhayed taken to ensure that the acreage will not be over- o land within 100 feet of a stream or other this use are those species that the livestock prefer for wildlife. grazed and that wildlife will be protected. permanent waterbody. and therefore become the selectively grazed forage . • Allgrazing and haying plans will be in accordance Spot checks of at least 25 percent of the con- Note: It is the resJX>nsibilityof FSAto deter- Procedures with standards in the NRCS FOTG for that area. tracts approved for emergency haying and grazing mine eligible acreage. • FSAwill accept requests from CRP participants to A haying and grazing plan for emergency graz- will be conducted to ensure that participants are CRP panicipants may: panicipate in the Emergency Haying and Grazing ing of CRPland when prepared on site should include: complying with the haying and grazing plans. - request approval to hay or graze eligible acreage Authority. Participants will identify to FSAthe - Field number or description of area to be grazed Reporting Grazing ActIvity - use the CRPacreage for their own livestock or specific acreage to be hayed or grazed. The par- • Dates of planned grazing (start/end) Participants who remove livestock before the lease the acreage to other livestock producers. ticipant and an FSArepresentative sign Form - Stocking rate authorized emergency grazing period ends shall Fences may be erected at the producer's ex- FSA-578.The panicipant indicates the area (0 be • Quantitative or qualitative description (use pre- notify the county office that grazing has ended with- pense, if necessary, to ensure that the required area hayed or grazed on an aerial photo. pared job sheets if available). in 10 days after removing the livestock. County is ungrazed. - The panicipant may bring to NRCS a copy of Other information as needed, to determine offices shall assume grazing is continuing until noti. HayIng and Grazing Guidance an aerial photo with the area to be grazed or compliance with intent of the plan. fied by the panidpant that it has ended. The final Purpose:The haying and grazing plans shall hayed marked on the photo, in which case Area-wide haying and grazing plans may be date for reporting the number of acres grazed is include sufficient measures to maintain soil erosion NRCS prepares the haying or grazing plan for used in lieu of an on-site planning visit. Additional Oct. 10, 1996. at the ACS level or below, to protect against ephem- the panicipant. The plan becomes a pan of the instructions will be provided at a later date. Reporting Haying ActIvity eral gully erosion and to maintain water quality. CRP contract. NRCS provides a copy of the plan Panidpants are required to report the number of acres hayed by Oct. 10,1996.- USDA proposes increased inspection fees for fresh fruits and vegetables T he U.S. Depanment of Agriculture is proJX>sing to raise fees charged for fresh fruit and vegeta- vices is voluntary on the pan of the industry and is provided to large-scale buyers on a fee basis. In the • Condition inspections for more than a half-carlot equivalent of each product would increase from The proposed fees for small lots (50 packages or less of the same product) that are unloaded from ble grading and cenification services performed at Agricultural Appropriations Billfor Fiscal Year 1994, $62 to $65; and the same trailer or railcar would increase from $37 terminal markets. USDAwas directed to establish a user fee program to - Condition inspections for a half-carlot equivalent to $39 for the same product, and from $12 to $13 Lon Hatamiya, administrator of the Agricultural recover the cost of developing and maintaining U.S. or less of each product would increase from $57 for each additional lot of any product. Marketing Service, said the increase is needed to grade standards for agricultural commodities. to $60. Fees for dock-side inspections of individual rebuild the program's operating reserve and recover The proposed fee increases for inspections of Proposed fees for inspections of five or more products unloaded from the same ship would re- the pro-rated cost of developing U.S.grade standards one to four fruit or vegetable products from the products unloaded directly from the same trailer or main unchanged: that are applicable to users at terminal markets. same trailer or railcar are as follows: railcar would increase from $264 to $277 for the _ Packages weighing less than 15 pounds - 1 cent; While cost -cutting actions implemented in fiscal year _ Quality and condition inspections for more than first five products, and from $37 to $39 for each _ Packages weighing 15 to 29 pounds - 2 cents; and 1995 saved approximately $350,000, funher action is a half-carlot equivalent of each product would additional product. - Packages weighing 30 or more pounds - 3 cents. needed to recover expenses, Hatamiya said. increase from $74 to $78; The proposed fee to list an additional lot of a The proposed minimum fee for each individu- AMS,an agency in USDA'smarketing and regu- _ Quality and condition inspections for a half- product unloaded from the same trailer or railcar al product inspected at dock-side would increase . latory mission area, provides official inspection, carlot or equivalent or less of each product on an inspection cenificate would increase from from $74 to $78, and from $12 to $13 for each addi- grading and certification offresh fruits, vegetables would increase from $62 to $65; $12 to $13. tionallot of any product. and other food and fiber products. Use of these ser- Contin ued on page 13 38th annual frankenmuth 8auarian f estiual Friday, June 7 thru Saturday, June 15, 1996 Mon. - Fri.: 5:00 P.M. to Midnight Sat. & Sun.: 2:00 P.M. to Midnight • FREE Grounds Admission! • FREE Parking! • FREE Arts & Crafts Area! • FREE Children's Area! Rugged Enough To BAVARIAN FESTIVAL PARADE Sunday, June 9, 1:00 p.m. Work On Your Farm. Lester knows every farmer wants designed or standard, is pre-engineered Featuring .. buildings that took good, provide long term from top quality materials and backed by reliability, and are affordable. Uni-Framee the industry's leading warranty. agricultural buildings from Lester meet the For handsome, functional agricultural highest standards for appearance, durability buildings, visit your local independent and value. Every structure, custom lester Builder or call 1-800-826-4439. Appearing Daily June 9 -15 CLESTER> LESTER BUILDING SYSTEMS f\ German Show Tent A 0lvIsI0n of Butler ManufactIMtng Cornplwly •• & Dance Tent Daily! Almont Alto Coldwater Holt T & W Construction Steadfasl Construction Cole Construction Construction Services 810-798-8331 616-868-6032 517-278-6867 517-694-5255 FREE Grounds Admission $5.00 per person Tent Admission North Branch Roscommon West Branch (15 & under FREE with adult) Includes BOlli German Show Tent & Dance Tent! Agri-Building Dev. The Building Center Miller Con. & Equip. 810-688-4128 517-821-6850 517-345-2499 For lVIore Illforillatioll CaIII-SOO-FUN FEST Weed control in winter wheat: Current questions before wheat exceedsFeekesstage6. boot or flowering stage is avoided, measurableyield margtnal stands where no herbidde is used. Question: Can Harmony Extra plus 2,4-0 be loss from 2,4-0 injury is unlikely. If wheat is at or Question: Can herbicides be applied more applied with 28% N as the carrier? beyond stage6 and a herbicide application is need- than one time to winter wheat? Answer: When Harmony Extra and 2,4-0 are ed, there are three options (in order of pn~ference): Answer: Although very uncommon, more tank-mixed the surfactant rate should be reduced to • Apply Buctril or Harmony Extra.These two her- than one herbicide appliCation can be made to the Ys%(1 pt in 100 gal) and the 2,4-0 rate should be bicides can safelybe applied to larger wheat than same crop. However, only one application of a Dr. Jim Kells, reduced to Yz pt/A (assuming a 4lb/gal formula- 2,4-0. Both herbicides control severalweed spe- growth regulator (2,4-0, Banvel or Stinger) should Department of tion). Either ester or amine can be tank mixed. The cies, but the spectrum is different. Referto the be made. For example, if 2,4-0 is applied and a Crop and Soil reduced surfactant rate may reduce velvetleaf con- Weed ResponseTable on page 135of the 1996 second application is needed, Buctril or Harmony Sciences, Michigan trol. Applying these tank mixes in a carrier contain- MSU Weed Control Guide (Bulletin E-434).Ex- Extra would be the safestchoices. Be careful to not State University ing 28% N should not be a problem if the nitrogen pressand Stinger can also be applied to wheat exceed the maximum wheat growth stage. Also application rate does not exceed 20 lbs/A. past stage6 but are usually used specifically to remember that a wheat crop that requires two her- he current condition of the winter wheat control Canadathistle and perennial sowthisue. bidde applications for annual weed control will T Question: The wheat is extremely variable in crop (poor) in many parts of Michigan has size and annual broad leaved weeds are in the • Treatwith 2,4-0 assoon as possible. Some 2,4-0 likely have a low yield potential. Many of these situ- led to an unusually high number of ques- cotyledon stage. Should I treat the field now? product labelsallow application past Feekes ations will require tough decisions.• tions, and unique problems related to weed control. Answer: It is very likely that more weeds will stage6, while some do not. Be sure to check the Without doubt, weed control in many wheat fields emerge after treatment if the herbicide is applied label before making a late application. If wheat will be a major challenge. The following is a discus- now. With marginal wheat stands, these annual has reached stage6 but is not at or near boot sion of some of the most common questions that weeds are likely to be very competitive with the stage,the risk of 2,4-0 injury is probably not USDAproposes havebeen asked. Keep in mind that some of the wheat. In general, it would be best to delay applica- significantly greater than before stage6 provided increased inspection unique problems resulting from the winter damage tion until the largest weeds are 2-3 inches tall. How- high ratesof ester formulations are avoided. To have not occurred before, and in many casesthere ever,expectations for weed control in these margin- minimize injury risk, use an amine formulation fees for fresh fruits are no clear,proven answers. al fields should be low. You will likely haveweed or a reduced rate of an ester (Yz pt/A of a 4 lb/gal and vegetables Question: Can herbicide be safely applied problems in these fields regardlessof what you do. formulation). In most cases,where weed pres- Continued from page 12 with liquid nitrogen fertilizer (28% N) as the Question: I had planned to apply 2,4-0 at sure warrants treatment, the increased risk of The proposed fee for other types of inspec- carrier to "marginal" wheat fields. Feekes stage 5-6, but the wheat is now past 2,4-0 injury will be outweighed by the risk of tions would increase from S37to S39an hour dur- Answer: High rates of 28%N can cause ex- Feekes stage 6. Can I still safely use 2,4-0 on yield loss from weed competition if herbidde is ing the grader's regular hours, and from S55.50to cessiveleaf burn and potentially reduce yield, espe- the field? not applied. Expect similar weed control from S58.50an hour during premium or holiday hours. cially to plants already under stress.To avoid severe Answer: The safesttiming for 2,4-0 is from Y2 pt/A of an ester versus 1 pt/A of an amine. The proposed fee changes will be published wheat injury, it is generally recommended that the Feekesstage 3 to 6. Beyond stage6, risk of 2,4-0 Remember,the greatest risk of injury is at stage in the May 14 Federal Register: Comments on the 28%N rate should not exceed 40 lbs/A if no surfac- injury increaseswith more advancedgrowth stages. 9-10.Do not apply Banvel to wheat that has proposed rule, received no later than July 12, tant is used and 20 lbs/A if a herbicide requiring a The greatest risk of injury occurs at boot and flow- reached Feekesstage 6. should be sent to the Fresh Products Branch, Fruit surfactant (Le., Harmony Extra) is used. It is espe- ering stage (stage9-10). At these stages,2,4-0 can • Leavethe field untreated. In fields with marginal and Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, Rm. 2049-S, cially important not to exceed these limits on causethe embryos to be aborted resulting in sterile wheat st~ds, this is not a \vise option. A good P.O.Box 96456, Washington, O.c. 20090-6456. stressed plants this year.Also, the later the applica- seedheads. stand of wheat can usually out-compete annual For copies of the proposal or other informa- tion is made the greater the risk of yield loss from The change in sensitivity to 2,4-0 is gradual weeds that emerge in the spring. However, annu- tion, contact RobertJ. Huuenlocker at the same the leaf burn. Therefore, 28% N should be applied and conventional wisdom is that if treatment at al weeds are likely to be serious problems in address. Telephone: (202) 720-0297 .• MASSEY FERGUSON 1135, diesel, with duals, and quick hitch, excellent condition, FARMALL 504, 1958? Brakes, tires, hydraulics fair to good. $1200. Delivery .ttillil!{'111tJ .... CASE 1740 Uni-Loader skid steer. Diesel. New tires, new paint. Runs great! Has bucket .. ... USED FARM MACHINERY for sale. Call for complete list. See at 351 F-41, Lincoln INTERNATIONAL 9A 9' disk. Good condition! 16.9x28 duals. good condi- Set of 1038 STACK LINER WAG- ON: Like new condition! Priced to sell. Call 1-517-843- could be arranged. and push blade. $4750 or Lake, MI: 1-517-736-8342. tion. Call 1-810-765-4489. 6932 evenings. $8500. Call evenings after 6pm.1-616-455-724O. A. B. Cook, 1-517-589-9590. best offer. FORD, NEW HOLLAND trac- 1-800-754-7107. S". .. ~u! ~.~..m....~ =All If • e.rf.!lest~ '96=• 12 ROW ORTHMAN flat fold tors and equipment from Sy- 1-616-754-0572. cultivator. Tunnel shields, mon's in Gaines. For 43 beet disc, large guide coulter, years your best deal for the down pressure springs, high clearance, Danier tine with long run! Symon's ",;! : ~.' long tree. Uke new! 1-517-271-8445, Gaines 1-517-879-2903. 1974 JOHN DEERE 4400 combine. Rebuilt diesel en- HAY EQUIPMENT: Case 555 Haybine, $700 NH 461 Haybine, $700 dUN.EaS gine, 13' table chopper. Good NI 47 Baler, $500 shape. Call evenings, 1-517- 283-2842. MF 12 Baler, $500 Mayrath 40' Elev., $200 held at Hay Wagons, Flat, $350 310 NEW HOLLAND BALER, like new, 1-616-751-5426. ATTENTION FARMERSI Goodrich, 1-810-636-7452, evenings. Lease financing Michigan White 2-105 tractors, 2200 hours, very good. Forage wagons, gravity wagons, HESTON 500, 12' cut, self propelled hay wind rower with auger header. In good condi- tion! $2500, few extra parts. for equipment State. bunker wa~ons, IHC chopper, blower, 40 elevators, newer patch gutter cleaner. Com- 1-517-651-5820. vehicles & U ' -" '!$fnNers~,. IIu plete line from tractors to IHC #56 PLANTER with all boxes. Includes 50 corn buildings forks and shovels (everything plates. Absolutely field ready. except a combine) sells, pri- Just finished planting. $1500. • 100% tax deductible vate sale, retiring owner may Chisel plow. $1200. Elevator, This year's e~ent includes SOMETHING for EVERYONE: help finance. 1-616-761- $400. 1-517-834-2576. • fixed payments • Stat.'. larg•• t • Camlval game. and Tickets just $5 _ 3655, Ionia. BACKHOE: 3-point hitch. $1800 or best offer. Interna- MULTIVATOR WITH fertilizer side dresser, model FL, 12- • min advance payment UP'£I'~::~~:eWith =.z,:,FORTH~~~t an the fix In'. and • Ride" :.:m"-P:~ p.m. AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE ONLY tional 406 baler with thrower 45hp, 540 rpms, three point DESSERT, from 4-7 p.m. and kicker wagon. $1000 for hitch, set for two rows, 32" ~e both or best offer. 1-616-765-3113. apart, 8" wide. 5hp grain dry- er fan. Gas hot water heater, TEIMARKINc. paRKINO at the Summerfest site, weather permitting In tiie eyent onncl .... nt w •• t ..... , atop br the MFB All Expo tent for parking InatrucUona. 400,000 btus. 1-616-891-1176. 800-451-3322 BRUSH HOGS: Glenco soil finisher, off set discs, culti- Call1-616-n2-6266. NEW OAK HAY WAGON -------------------------------------------- Summerfest '96 mulchers, haybines, balers, rakes,. Large selection tillage BEDS. Any size (8x16 with 6' back, $299). Oak truck equip- IRRIGATION PIPE, 3", 4", 6", Ticket Order Form ...... and haying equipment. Call after 1pm., 1-517-773-5374. Dan Reid. ment or semi decking. Instal- lation available! Mobile Custom Saw Milling 1-313-587-8431 8", lots of it. Four trickle irriga- tion filters. Case 1494. John Deere 2640 four row me- WIN PRIZES All order fonns ....... CASE IH MAXIMUM with chanical transplanter, like front wheel assist. 14.9x46 new. Shockwave cherry postnulrkecl before ORCHARD BRUSH RAKE shaker, two rollouts. Brillion 8' rear. 13.6x28 front. Three hy- for sale, $250. Gillison tree JUNE 7 are ellgibl. draulic valves, deluxe interior, mower and Woods 8' mower. planter, $1400. John Deere 1-616-889-3522. for a grand prize 925 hours. Excellent! drag, 12'. drawing of a WEEKEND 1-517-879-2903. Call 1-616-889-4062. JOHN BEAN SPRAYER: 200 gallon tank, 6 1/2hp, OETAWAY'.-at Grand- DEUTZ 40-06 TRACTOR: THREE BUTLER GRAIN BINS, Kohler engine. Pump capaci- Tnlve .... -.tesortl 37hp, live hydraulic PTO. On- with blowers, 5,250 bushels ty 10 GRM, pump pressure ly 1250 hours! $3600. Call each. Asking $1500 each or 500 PSI, 100' hose. Uke new! ..... checka pay ..... to 1CHlQAJIj:~.-uIIUU to: evenings or leave message. will consider cattle in trade. 1-517-543-1272. IIFB Summerfest '96 • Post Otlce Box 30960 • Lansing, III 48909 1-616-546-3554, Gaylord. Call Eric 1-906-789-3692. ~~IL'I~~i May 30, 1996 MANURE SPREADERS: New and used. Balzer, Better- Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also, grain dryers and handling ,;,i' < •. \ Caught You Lookin'! ( I) FISH FOR STOCKING: Giant Hybrid Bluegills, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Small mouth Channel Catfish, Perch, Fat- Bass, -- STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- build and balance. Some ex- changes. We stock chopper parts. ENGINE REBUILDING our specialty. Auto- Truck- equipment. Tractor -Antique-Continental- head Minnows. Laggls' Fish Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- Hamilton Dlstributl~ Co. Farm, Inc., 08988 35th 1-800-248-8070 HERITAGE Street, Gobles, Michigan. gine dealer. Stay tuned for more... BUILDING SYSTEMS 800-643-5555 1-616-628-2056. Evenings, 1-616-624-6215. 69 years of service! HARrS AUTO PARTS Summer Sale Cecil, OH 1-419-399-4777 Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee 30 I oW I 10 54.927 FLY CONTROL: Safe, effec- TV ANTENNAS dirt cheap! . oW I 60 I 12 57,976 tive. no chemicals. Prevent Save a bundle on Channel 50 I 75 I 12 511,180 flios from hatching. Informa- ... Master and Winegard anten- 60 I 100 I 10 S15.957 tion prices, call or write: Use- nas and accessories. For a 80 I 150 I 14 529.655 ' ful Farm Items, 3540 76th, free catalog, call 1-800-528- 120' CLAY BELT LINE feed- r.llfl\flll'f(lal Slrrl buildings lralUring ra5l' hob up Caledonia, MI 49316. er. Purchased new, used one assrmbly from Amt'm'5 targfSl diSlribulOl. Il'r ha\r 9984. o\rr 10.000 S1andard slzrs 01 shop. !ann. industrial. 1-800-635-5262. Denny's Antenna Sales season. Will sell complete for rommrrtial and mln~I<,llrhousr buildings .. \11 arr half price. Call 1-517-869- romplrrr I<64(2 len) 5Ox1oo (lien) I Buy Line/Daily News FAX: I UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! 20 YEAR WARRANTY I P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 488P8 1-517-831-5063 I American Steel Arch Inc. FACTORY DIRECT I I ,1-800-942-1234 I I WANTED: WW II GERMAN Classified A d Codes and US war souvenirs, med- als, uniforms, knives, helmets and etc. Bernal Tolan 1. Farm Machinery 10. Work Wanted 20. Wantcd To Duy Call 1-517-287-5183. 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 21. Special Events ,I( )H:\.~Oi\. SYSTEM INC. 3. Farm Commodities 12. Duslnoss Services 22. Recrcatlon "Designing for Growth" 4. Seeds 13. Duslnoss Opportunities 23. Financing 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors Wanted. 6. Poultry 15. Real Estato Wanted 25. Dulldlng s 7. Dogs and Puppies 16. Estato Sales 26. lawn And Garden Complete Fann System 8. Ponies/Horses 17. AucUons 27. Announcemonts • Grain Bins • GSI Top Dry 28. To Give Away • • Airstream Auto Dryers Feed Processing & Delivery Equipment 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles I - • Bucket Elevators Milwright Services 19. General 29. VehIcles I • Dryer Repair & Services I Johnson System, Inc. Marshall, MI Name Phone ( ) I 616-781-9000 I .... PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LAND CONTRACT? Late payments? Back taxes? Property dam- Address City Classified Ad Cooe Requested Stale Number of Issues Zip I I I I I age? 9 of 10 qualify for pur- chase. We can help. 1st NATIONAL I Desired Insertion Date(s): I 1-800-879-2324 I Method of Payment I 1:= FARM BUREAU mAllEI.. Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) OF MICHIGAN Providing Michigan Farm Bureau members .Visa Card Number Exp. Date with the specialized service you deserve. Master Card Number Exp. Date • Airline Tickets • Tour Packages • Cruises Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each additional word • Hotel Reservations • Car Rentals 'Write your ad here, including phone num~er and area code • Amtrak Monday-Friday, 1 2 3 4 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 800-292-2693 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 -- 17 18 19 20 I I HUDSON CONSTRUCTION I 21 22 23 24 I SERVICES All types of agricultural, com- I 25 27 20 I 26 mercial, residential construc- tion. Steel, bricks or sticks. U- I I censed and insured with cer- tified engineers. I 29 30 31 32 I Call 1-616-785-9704. I I I 33 34 35 .36 I I I 1973 FORD STAKE TRUCK:18' bed, runs, good condition. IL Circulation over 46.000In State of Michigan. ~I Good farm truck! $1800. Call 1-313-654-6326. h'II[~:I[~hll~'lli May 30, 1996 Pledsi•• Are you ready for GPS? surfaces of grain leaves. The offspring (larvae) will feed between leaf veins and chew away the upper A~1"Jc.U~.:.lII1e J ..... -I II · ~t~~:JO:~i~f~~~~;desbasedonSOil _ Do you scout fields regularly for weeds and pests? Profitability Map surface of the leaf. Feeding damage to the plant before it reaches the boot stage reduces plant vigor. If the insect feeds on the flag leaf, seed set and test weight will by Neil R. Miller _ Do you record crop yields accurately and in an be reduced, Haas says. T wenty years from now we will look back at accessible form? Ifyou find the insect in the field, count the 1996 as the year that global positioning _ Do you have a written marketing plan? number of eggs and larvae on 20 stems taken from systems (GPS) took hold in Michigan agri- _ Do you use an enterprise accounting system? five separate areas of the'field. Pest control will be culture. Of approximately 150 farm operations we Why are these factors critical to the warranted if you find three or more eggs and/or work with, we anticipate 8 to 10 will have GPS in profitable use of GPS? larvae per plant or one or more larvae per flag leaf. their combines this fall. GPS-based soil sampling is By combining yield monitor data with input Haas says that using tQis threshold to deter- being performed by independent consultants and and marketing records, I can produce profitability mine whether and when to apply chemical controls by fertilizer dealers in various locations in the state. maps (at right) to help farmers manage scarce re- SOOfl helps minimize damage to the cereal leaf beetle's Several custom applicators will also offer variable sources in a business with slim margins. But these I~ ~ Q JP 6p ~ 1~1 natural enemies and ensures optimum effective- ness. If pestiddes are applied too early, the field will rate (00) fertilizer application, using GPS technol- maps are only as accurate as the recordkeeping and Net Income ($Iacre) ogy, for the first time this year. accounting systems used to track costs and returns. be reinfested, he explains, and waiting too long will Will It pay? Furthermore, when I map a field with un prof- allow extensive damage to occur. The economic impacts of GPS technologies itable areas, I have no way of knowing whether the Profitability maps, such as this one based on Carbaryl (Sevin), endosulfan, malathion, UlV are still poorly understood. At present, no one can cause was chemical damage weed outbreaks, com- yield monitor data from a 1995 corn field, are malathion, Lannate or Furadan may be applied (see predict how they will affect the profitability of the paction, poor drainage, or fertility unless the pro- only possible when good recordkeeping and MSU Extension Wheat Facts bulletin E-2549). For farmers, consultants and suppliers who will be us- ducer has a good system of monitoring fields accounting systems are already in place. best results, apply peSticides when beetle lame are ing them. I am convinced that the farmers who will throughout the growing season. small, Haas advises. benefit the mOst from GPS are the ones who have Without such information, a yield monitor The appeat:ance cifWSSMV has been spurred been doing a good job of managing conventional can't pay for itself through more profitable crop by cool spring temperatures. WSSMVcannot be operations all along. management. No farm operation will score high on controlled with fungiddes. Without a foundation of good conventional everyone of the above points. However, if you re- Check wheat "WSSMVsurvives by infecting the fungus management, the benefits of GPS-based technolo- gies will be-limited. view the list and feel you've got most of the bases covered, you may well be ready for the jump to fields for cereal Polymyxa graminis, which inhabits the soil and the roots of many grasses," says Patrick Hart, MSU How should farmers decide If they're GPS. If, on the other hand, you still find it hard to leaf beetle and Extension plant pathologist. "The fungus invades the roots of wheat plants and transmits the virus." ready for the Jump to GPS? Many individuals I encounter assume that a keep good records, calibrate your equipment, and slow down long enough to adjust input rates from forWSSMV WSSMVappears as yellow or bright green yield monitor is an inevitable feature of their next combine. If you are considering investing in a yield field to field, you may be wiser to address these management issues first. Remember, the foundation W heat growers should begin checking their fields for potential damage from the cereal leafbeeile and for development of wheat spindle dashes and streaks in mildly affected plants and as bright yellow/green mottling in more severelyaf- monitor, or paying for grid sampling and 00 fertil- for any high-tech form of agriculture is an excellent fected plants. The dashes and streaks are parallel to izer application, take the time to answer the follow- system of conventional management .• streak mosaic virus (WSSMV). the leaf veins and taper at both ends to form spin- ing questions first: The cereal leaf beetle has a black body, head dles, Hart says. _ Do you keep complete records of crop inputs in and antennae; red neck; and shiny metallic blue If cool field conditions persist into late May an accessible form? wing covers. It is approximately Y4inch long, says or early June, the chlorotic areas (yellowing or _ Do you calibrate planter equipment before each Mike Haas, Michigan State University Extension blanching) may appear on all plant leaves, including season? entomologist. the flag. _ Do you calibrate sprayer equipment before each The beetles overwinter as adults and will feed Septoria lesions, however, have dark specks season? in grassy borders before moving into wheat or other in the centers - chlorotic areas caused by WSSMV Specialists in Crop Production small grains, where they will chew elongated holes do not. _ Do you test your soils at least every three years? and Protection _ Do you vary fertilizer rates or analyses from field Neil R. Miller entirely through the leaves between the leaf veins. WSSMVcan persist in the soil for at least five to field? Phone: 810-220-1571 The beetle lays yellow, oblong eggs (which years and probably longer. No chemical control _ Do you vary planting rates by soil type and variety? E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com soon darken) singly or in chains glued to the upper methods are available .• Pump up the value of vacation dollars and have more fun with -== Farm Bureau's theme park r~- discount program. How does Walt DisneyWorld, SeaWorld or Cedar Point sound? Or the Detroit Zoo, Pleasure Island or the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village? With your Farm Bureau membership, you can receive discounts on admission for these parks and many more. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau or call 800-292-2680, ext. 3237. I -- Don't forget to use Don't forget to your Farm Bureau VISA " 0.:.> ...... book your trips with wherever you have fun. Farm Bureau Travel. ... MICHIGAN , •• FARM BUREAU iIl:~