MICHIGAN FARM NEWS -= Mlehi'g,anproducers to benefit ItI'CH'GJlN FJlRItI BUREAU August 15, 1996 Vol. 73, No. 13 f!'om, IMC Kalium expansion Dan Wyant appointed director of Michigan Department of Agriculture A former hog farmer with a flair for politics is the new direclOr of the Michigan Department of Agriculrure (MDA). The Michigan Com- mission of Agriculture appointed Dan Wyant to replace Dr. Gordon Guyer, who has an- nounced his retirement effecrive Ocr. 4, 1996. Wyant's appoint- ment was praised by Mich- igan Farm Bureau Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson, who works closely with the MDA."We're confident he will continue the tradition of innovative leader- ship that has been a hallmark of the department," Nelson said. "The MDAhas a crucial role to play in assuring that Michigan consumers have a safe, high quality supply of food, and agricultural products. Complementing that role is the department's equally important mission of promoring the devel- opment of food and agricuIrurally based business- es and markets. We look forward lOenhancing the Using an innovative technology known as solution mining, IMC Kalium is expanding their potash production facilities at Hersey, Mich., partnership that exists between our farming indus- home to the world's purest known potash deposit. The $43 million expansion is expected to increase annual potash production from try and the Department of Agriculture, a partner- . 45,000 tons to over 160,000 tons. The processing facility is slated for tWQ additional expansions in the near future and IMC Kalium ship that has served Michigan consumers and farm- hopes to get a former railroad, converted to a trail, rebuilt into a railroad to meet future potash transportation needs. ers very well for the past 75 years," he said. Wyant, who is currently Associate Director, Office of Legislative Affairs for Gov. Engler, has a broad and varied background in agriculture and public affairs. He was a partner in Wyant Farms, a FEMA disaster COVER STORY Potash deposit and solution mining cash crop and purebred swine farm in Dowagiac, and served as MDA's Legislative Liaison from 1991 lO 1995. Prior lO joining state government, Wyant designation official technology provide secure fertilizer source for state's producers. ne of Michigan's biggest agricultural held posts with Lowe's International in Chicago, Designat;on will provide funds for b,adly funds may not be available until the 1997 fiscal year. resources has been kept somewhat of a Ill.; and Ralston Purina Company in Sr. Louis, Mo. needed road and culvert projectS 'in the Under terms of the FEMAdesignation, FEMA secret. The fact that it's located roughly Wyant holds an MBAin Finance from Ameri- Thumb. as well as qualify producers in 15 funds will be made available on a 75 percent federal, 8,000 feet below the surface of the Lower Peninsula _ can University, Kogood College of Business Ad- counties for USDAlow-interest loans. 25 percent local and state funding basis to restore from lakeshore to lakeshore probably hasn't helped ministration, WashinglOn, D.C. and a B.S. in Food Systems Economics and Management from Michi- gan State University (MSU). At MSU he was a W ith the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA)designation of six Michi- gan counties as major disaster areas following heavy structure~ to pre-disaster condition in Bay, Lapeer, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair and Tuscola counties. its notoriety either. However, IMC Kalium, a leading producer and distributor of potash, hopes to FEMAwill be establishing a local field office in change that with a $43 million expansion project member of the National Championship Winning June rains, long-awaited repair work lO roads, bridg- one of the six affected counties. Following applicant underway at its Hersey location. UvestockJudging Team. es and other publicly owned infrastructures can briefings; County Emergency Management Coordi- Northern Michigan is home to the world's Wyant was selected from a field of eight finally get started, according lO Dave Charney, nators will then meet with FEMAofficials to review purest potash deposit and is one of only three com- candidates at a special meeting of the Agriculture Emergency Management Coordinator for the maps of damaged structures. mercial potash delX)sits in the U.S., including New Commission. "We are pleased lO have a person Michigan'Department of AgricuIrure. FEMAwill then assign an engineer to make Mexico and Utah. Discovered during oil and gas of Dan's far-reaching agriculture experience to Along with the infrastructure cost-sharing, the site visits and to establish a work plan and budget exploration projects in the 1970s and early '80s, the lead the department into the future," said Shirley FEMAdesignation also triggered the USDA'semer- for each job, says Charney. "Once they (Co~nty Borgen Bed and the Ba~in Center Beds were classi- Skogman, Commission Chair. "His diverse back. gency low-interest loan program lO qualified pro- official and FEMAEngineer) come to an agreement, fied as commercial grade deposits, according to ground will serve the department, the industry ducers in a lOtal of 15 Michigan counties, according the project will be handed over to a local contractor, Ward Forquer, area sales manager for IMC Kalium. and Michigan citizens well. We had a number lO Bob Payne of the state Farm Service Agency of- so they can get started," he said. "That means these deposits had lo have the of excellent candidates for the position. Dan fice. Farmers in Bay, Lapeer, Saginaw, Sanilac, Sr. Damage Survey leams, made up of FEMA capability of producing a million tons per year for Wyant's experience in dealing with agricuIrure Clair, and Tuscola counties, as well as those in nine officials and local and state officials, will also be 30 years. Although we're not producing at those issues in both the private and public sector was contiguous counties of Arenac, Genesee, Gladwin, looking at proposed projects that could be funded levels, it does have the potential to produce at Continued on page 3 Gratiot, Huron, Macomb, Midland, Oakland and under another FEMAprogram known as the Hazard those capacities," Forquer explained. Shiawassee, may be eligible. Mitigation Program. According to Ed Buikema, In- The only trick was to figure out how to mine it. To qualify for the 3.75 percent interest loans, spector and A'isistant Division Commander of the The average depth of 8,000 feet made it impossible producers must have suffered losses of 30 percent Emergency Management Division of the State Po- to access the deposits using conventional mining on a major crop. Application deadline for the loan lice, work done under this program will focus on techniques. Using a technology known as solution program is March 27, with approvals based on avail- attempting to prevent similar damage in the future. mining that IMC Kalium perfected at their Canadian ability of funds. "Damage Survey Teams will make a determina- potash plant in Saskatchewan, the company initiated "Producers can qualify for up to 80 percent of tion of what it will cost to repair an individual pro- a "small-scale" mining and processing operation in the actual loss, with a maximum of $500,000," Payne ject, write up a Damage Survey Report, and then on 1989 at Hersey, producing 45,000 tons annually. said. He cautions, however, that federal funding of the basis of those reports approval is given to the "We had been solution mining in Saskatchewan the emergency loan program is limited and that some Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHICAN FARM NEWS News in Brief 2 Social Security disability Using vomitoxin-contaminated Capitol Corner 3 requirements 7 wheat in swine diets 11 Soybean cyst nematode testing Weather Outlook 8 Manure handling demonstration - program available 4 Yield monitoring: What are your separating sand from manure .........12 Dean Foods closing Hartford options? 9 Farmers: Be picky about choosing vegetable plant 5 Dealing with scabby grain. wheat seed this fall 13 Market Outlook 6 vomitoxin 10 Discussion Topic: Fuel and gas tax distribution 16 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News c/assifieds-Page 14 I~'ll[~L;:t;J,,;J.W I L' I~ August 15, 1996 Cranberry tour to Tart cherry industry Crop revenue coverage MCIA hands potato seed examine potential approves federal gets thumbs-up certification to MSPA growth sites P roducers interested in starting a cranberry opera tion but needing to learn more about T marketing order he U.S. Department of Agriculture announced T he Agriculture Department has approved the marketing of so-called crop revenue coverage (CRC) insurance in selected areas for the 1997 crop T he Michigan Seed Potato A'isociarion (MSPA) has officially taken over porato seed certifica- tion from the Michigan Crop Improvement Associa- that growers and processors of tan cherries what type of environment is needed for a productive grown in ~Iichigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ore- year. Under the plan, wheat growers in seven states tion (MClA). bog can find out during a Sept. 9 Cranberry Site 'Il>ur. gcm, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin voted in favor will be able to purchase crop insurance that pro- Randy Judd, MClA director, says that among The tour will get underway at 9 a.m. from of a federal marketing order in a June 12 to July 10 tects against both yield and major price fluctuations. the reasons for the change are improved service the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension referend um. CRC may cost more than current policies but and greater efficiency. Center on llillendale Road near Benton Harbor and Of the voting growers, 80.5 percent favored the will guarantee wheat farmers a certain revenue in "MSPAwill focus exclusively on member grow- concludes at 6 p.m. with a barbecue hack at the ordcr. They accountcd for 85.7 perccnt of cherries the event of falling prices or natural disasters. Cur- er services, and that arrangement alone will help ful- research station. produced by growers who voted. Also favoring the rently, government crop insurance policies only fillgrowers' expectations for the future," Judd says. The tour will focus on potential cranberry bog order were processors accounting for 79.3 percent of cover loss of yield due to drought, flood or other The MClAwill continue to provide seed certifi- sites, based on soil types, soil pH, water availability tart cherries packed between July 1995 and May 1996, peril. Lynn Rundle, executive vice president of the cation services for small grains, seed corn, soybeans, and drainage, and the potential to protect cranberry the sample period USDA'sreferendum rules set. Kansas Wheat Growers A'isociation, said this year's dry edible beans and other field crops, Judd adds. plants from harsh winters. One of the tour stops A.;,a result of the vote, the USDAwill imple- poor Kansas crop, coupled with high prices, is a The MSPAis under the direction of Jeff Axford , will include a partially developed cranberry bog. ment the order. It will authorize volume, grade, size good example of why the new approach is needed. who has more than seven years of potato seed certi- A S10 registration for the tour is required by and maturity regulations, including mandatory in- The USDA's Risk Management Agency board fication management. Axford was the MClApotato Sept. I. For more information on the tour, contact spection. The order will also authorize production, approved sale of the policies for the 1997 crop division supervisor. Ron Goldy, ~Ii(higan State University Extension processing, marketing research, promotion projects year for wheat growers in Kansas, Texas, Nebraska, The MSPAis based in Gaylord. Inquiries can agricultural agent at (616) 429-2425. To register, and paid advertising. South Dakota, Michigan, Washington and parts of be mailed to MSPA,Box 1865,Gaylord,MI 48735. make checks payable to Cranberry Tour, MSU An IS-member administrative board, consist- Montana .• The phone number is (517) 732-4433- Extcnsion, 5060 St. Joseph Avc., Stcvcnsville, MI ing of 17 growers and handlers and one public The Michigan Department of Agriculture, the 49127 .• member, will administer the order. The secretary of Michigan Potato Industry Commission and the agriculture will appoint administrative board mem- New grapes on the vine MClAwere involved in helping create the new asso- ciation, Judd notes .• Pork production expected down bers from a list of industry-related nominees. A.;,- sessments levied on tart cherry handlers will fi- nance the program. R esearchers at Cornell University have unveiled two new grape varieties designed for western New York's "microclimate." The new varieties- Landlord visits T he Agriculture Department said it expected U.S. pork production to be 4 percent below 1995 levels, keeping retail prices above last year's Cherry industry leadership, including the Red t1rt Cherry Growers Marketing Committee, will proceed to assist the USDAin the appointment of Traminette, a vinifera-type wine grape, and Marquis, a white table grape - have good potential for the recommended levels. USDAsaid the high cost of livestock feed is the main reason for the production drop. administrative board members. The order should be fully operational for the 1997 red tart cherry export market. Traminerre is a hybrid that produces spicy wines, and it is much more winter-hardy than its F armers who rent farmland might want to visit with their landlords about rent as soon as possi- ble, according to Purdue Agronomist Howard Doster. On the other hand, USDAsaid per capita con- crop year.. parent. Marquis produces large clusters of seedless, He said high grain prices expected for the 1997 crop sumption of pork also is expected to drop by 7 per- white table grapes. Cornell University has applied could drive up cash rents for farmland. He said he cent this year with little improvement seen for 1997. for a plant patent for Marquis, but will issue free, High corn prices knows of cases where rents have already gone up. The decline this year willlikelybe the worst since 1982. non-exclusive licenses to growers .• Doster said he suspects some farms have Hog prices are expected to average in the mid- continue to impact changed hands for the next year without the cur- to high $50s per 100 pounds this summer before ethanol market rent tenant even knowing it's happened. He recom- Record clean water fine dropping into the low $50s this fall and winter. Again for 1997, little improvement is seen, with USDAex- pecting prices w range in the high $40s per cwt. C ontinued high corn prices trimmed in half the May production of ethanol to 46,000 barrels a day - down from 91,000 barrels a day from May D ean Foods Co. has been fined $4 million for mends that current tenants who want to keep their present farmland should do their budgeting home- nearly 2,000 Clean Water Act violations in work and visit their landlord as soon as possible. He Retail pork prices averaged $2.12 per pound 1995. For the first nine months of 1996, ethanol Pennsylvania - the largest fine ever under clean also suggests that all leases be put in writing .• in the April-June quarter, up 22 cents from a year production was down 19 percent from 1995 levels, water laws, acco(ding to the Justice Department. ago, tiding on a shortage of pork bellies combined the Agriculture Department reported. The fines stem from repeated dumping of with the booming popularity of bacon in fast food USDAexpects 395 million bushels of corn to milk solids into the water treatment plant at Union Canadian health care menus. USDA~aid retail pork prices will average be refined this year, 26 percent below last year. Gov- Township, Pa., which allowed the pollution to flow between $2.10 and $2.15 per pound for the next 18 floundering ernment projections said ethanol production will into the Kishacoquillas Creek, causing damage to months, meaning an increase of 8 percent to 10 percent above 1995. Prices for next year are expect- rebound slightly this crop year at 450 million bush- els, still way below the 1994-95 crop year peak of the waterway. The pollution influx forced the state to stop stocking a portion of the creek with trout. A ccording to a recent Wall Street journal column, Canada's single-payer health care system appears to be a pox on doctors and patients. ed to remain at this year's levels .• 533 million bushels refined for fuel.. Trout fishing is a "significant recreational activity Canada's system, often offered as a model for pro- and source of tourism" in the valley, the state Fish viding universal health care, has not succeeded in and Boat Commission said. holding down costs. State's first soybean processing Justice Department officials said the hefty fine was due to Dean officials consistently ignoring the Canada's health care bill now accounts for 10 percent of its gross national product. Only the Unit- plant officially opened problem and not taking adequate steps to pre-treat ed States spends a larger share. If Canada had com- its discharges to the water treatment facility.• parable social challenges "with drugs and the like," liS lJ. its per capita spending on health care would "surely County Farm Bureau be greater" than that of the United States. Mean- while, as costs skyrocket, Canada's health care ser- meetings to be held vice, availability and choice are increasingly limited, on RA. 116 update according to the column, co-written by Dr.Jerome D uring September, Michigan Farm Bureau's District VIII counties (Arenac, Bay, Clare, Isabella, Gladwin, Gratiot, Midland and Saginaw) Arnett, a practicing physician in West Virginia, and Dr. William E. Goodman, who practices medicine in Toronto .• will hold informational meetings about recent changes in the Open Space and Farmland Preserva- tion Act, P.A. 116. If you are unable to arrend your Is beef losing the local meeting, you may arrend any of the other marketing game? meetings. Richard Harlow, Unit Chief, Farmland Preser- y ou can couch it however you want, but the truth is, our value is flat out nor stacking up vation Unit, Department of Natural Resources, and to the competition." Randy Blach, marketing analy- Ron Nelson, Legislative Counsel for Michigan Farm sis director with Cattle Fax, a market information Bureau, will be on hand to explain the current law company, delivered those sobering words to 200 and answer questions. beef producers and industry officials at the Beef States Summit in Omaha, Neb. Sept. 3 Blach told the group that chicken and pork • 9:00 a.m., Midland County- 517-631-6222, producers are "outmarketing" beef. He peppered Approximately 500 people were in attendance for Zeeland Farm Soya's ribbon-cutting Homer lbwnship Hall, 522 Homer Road- Mid- his remarks with the statement that Americans have ceremony July 31 for the state's first soybean processing facility. The plant is expected to land turned to poultry and pork for the past 20 years at use 20,000 bushels of soybeans per day in producing 600 tons of 48 percent soybean meal • 1:30 p.m., Saginaw County - 517-792-9687, the expense of beef. and 180,000 pounds of soybean oil. The operation is expected to create 35 new jobs and add Tittabawassee l()\\'I1Ship Memorial Park Hall, 150 Dick Clark, an agricultural economist at the $10 million to the state's agricultural economy . S. Park, Freeland (behind Rocleitcher's Restaurdnt) University of Nebraska, said the beef industry needs • 7:00 p.m., Bay Count)' - 517-684-2772, Kawkaw- to work on marketing, especially through name The Michigan Farm News (ISSN:0743-9962) is published twice per month except in the months of November, December, lin lownship Hall. 1800 Parish Road, Kawkawlin recognition. He suggests getting rid of the "choice" June and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of $1.S0 is included in annual dues of and "select" labeling, and relying on name-br:llld Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to Sept. 10. 1996 recognition. nonmembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and additional mailing offices. • 7:30 p.m., Clare County - 517-386-4424, "The alternative is to leave it up to wholesalers Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm Newt, Post Office Box ~lid Michigan College - Michigan Room, to say this is a 'Monfort steak,' for example," Clark 30960. Lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER- Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post Office 13375 S. Clare Ave., Ilarrison said. "Then if it's bad, the consumer doesn't buy Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. Monfort again. You can bet Monfort would make Design and Production: Jeffrey Rutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers Sept. 19. 1996 sure their steaks were up to par, and the industry Officers: President. Jack Laurie. Cass Gty; Vice President. Tom Guthrie. Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; • 8:00 p.m., Gladwin and Ogcmaw Counties - would gain more consistency. People know Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom parker; Secretary, David VanderHaagen. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3. Michael Fusilier, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; 517-426-1929 or 517-345-1447, F.dwards Town- 'Hormel' hams and 'Butterball' turkeys. Beef needs District S, Alan Garner. Mason; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Rick Johnson, Leroy; District 8, Richard ship Hall, Wickes Road (~ mile west of Nt-30). to catch up.". Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse Gty; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack laurie, (ass Gty; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Oimax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Brigette leach, Oimax; Young Farmers. Chris Donbrock. Coldwater. Capitol For more information on legislative topics in the IMe Kalium Hersey expansion good news C... ne. Michigan Farm News, call 800-292-2680. for Michigan agriculture 1:\r;'1. r:.~i1~i~5JI~-1i]~"~_. Growing Market Means Expansion Referred to by many as the workhorse in plant Delaney amendment nutrition, annual potash use on Michigan farms is T he Food Quality Protection Act (H.R. 1627) has passed the House by a vote of 417-0 and passed the Senate by a voice vote under a unani- risk over a lifetime. Although Farm Bureau does not support this limitation, the bill preserves benefits consideration and extends it to processed food. roughly 300,000 tons per year, says Forquer. After the expansion at Hersey, targeted for a January 1997 completion date, annual potash production will mous consent agreement. The bill was signed by National Uniformity: The bill establishes jump from 45,000 tons to nearly 160,000 tons. The President Clinton on Aug. 3. national uniformity for food pesticide residues. expansion will also allow IMC Kalium to further Although the legislation contains provisions States could not adopt tolerances that are more refine and produce 300,000 tons of sodium chloride Farm Bureau did not support, it does address many stringent than those set by EPA,except with respect annually as well. issues of great importance to agriculture, such as: to tolerances established through benefits consider- The expansion project is the first of three Safety Standard: The bill replaces the anti- ation. In those circumstances, states would be re- planned expansion phases scheduled by the compa- quated, "zero tolerance" Delaney standard with a quired to petition EPAand establish that there was ny. While IMC Kalium's current market focus for the health-based "safe" standard for food pesticide resi- an imminent dietary risk to the public. Hersey location is registered fertilizer dealers within dues. "Safe" is defined as "reasonable certainty of Minor Use Pesticide: The bill includes new Michigan, expected worldwide and domestic de- no harm," which is interpreted as a one in a million incentives and streamlined procedures for so-called mand growth will likely mean new expansion op- additional lifetime risk. This key provision removes "minor crop" chemicals (Le., crop protection prod- portunities that will help to lower the cost per ton. the threat of unjustified cancellation of more than ucts whose relatively small market does not justify That's good news for Michigan producers 50 safe crop protection products that were jeopar- the high cost of registration). This provision is es- since a majority of the potash not produced within dized by the Delaney Clause. sential to fruit, vegetable and horticultural growers the state now comes from Saskatchewan - 1,400 Benefits Consideration: Tolerances could in virtually every state. miles away. "That's a tremendous freight cost and be exceeded to avoid a significant disruption in do- Passage of this legislation is a very significant represents about 40 percent of the end cost to the mestic production of an adequate, wholesome and victory for Farm Bureau members who produce a producer," Forquer claimed. economical food supply or if the pesticide protects wide variety of safe, abundant and affordable agricul- Rail to Trail Back to Rail? consumers from a greater health risk. Benefits con- tural commodities for consumers. Farm Bureau One of four new wells being installed at the Transportation figures to be a key ingredient in sideration is broadened from current law in that it is strongly supported the legislation and wishes to Herseylocation for solution mining potash. future expansion efforts, says Forquer. In an effort extended from raw agricultural products to include thank those within the Michigan Congressional Dele- that's caused many to do a double take, the company processed food. However, benefits consideration is gation who supported passage of the legislation. Continued from front page has entered into discussions to get a rail put back limited under the agreement to 10 times a negligible MFB Contact: AIAlmy, Ext. 2040.• at a rate of over 2 million tons per year since 1964," down on a trail created from a former railroad being risk for one year or more than two times a negligible Forquer said. "We determined that the Hersey loca- torn up in the popular rails to trail conversion several tion is the best-suited for us to access this deposit. years ago. The former railroad was located just three The only way to access it was through the technolo- miles from the processing plant. STATE ISSUE STATE ISSUE gy of the solution mining process." "In order for this facility to reach its potential, Grain dealers/grain Michigan Department The Process at some point in time we're going to have to have Solution mining, in a simplified explanation, rail access," Forquer explained. "As expansion op- truckers amendments of Agriculture involves pumping heated water 8,000 feet down portunities and the world market for potash grows, egislation sponsored by Rep. Gary Randall L (R-Elwell) was signed by the Governor as PA. 311. The bill provides different permit and financial T he Governor has signed H.B. 5584 into law, providing funding for fiscal year 96-97 of ap- proximately $36.5 million general fund, general into the ground and dissolving the potash deposit, then pumping it back up to the surface in a liquid it would just be a real drawback if we can't get this product out of Michigan by rail. It's our hope that solution which consists of water, potash and salt. we will have rail access sometime in the next five to standards for grain truckers. Currently, anyone buy- purpose money for MDA.The funding for the De- The extracted solution is then put through a seven years.". ing and selling grain is required to obtain a grain partment is very close to last year; however, with series of three crystalizers to cool the solution to dealer's license with adequate bonding and finan- major revisions in the horse racing money, there are approximately 55~. The potash is then extracted cial security, plus annual audits .. additional dollars for the Department. One example from the solution in the form of crystals through a The bill would provide a lesser standard for a includes funding for Kettunen Center of $485,000 process where the water is spun off the crystals. grain trucker who is primarily a farmer, but also has for construction. The remaining brine and water solution is then some grain hauling business that is incidental to the Funding of MEMS,Michigan Equine Monitor- reused for mining purposes. farming operation. The bill would clearly exclude ing System was removed from the MDAbudget. The The potash crystals are then put through farmer-to-farmer sales and farmers hauling their Governor did not recommend funding the $87,600 a natural gas-fired dryer, before being sent to a own grain and would only trigger if a farmer was and this amount was not restored by the Legislature. compactor, which is two steel rolls exerting over operating a truck in the business of buying and Additional funding of $1.2 million was provid- I-million pounds per square inch to make a flake. selling grain. ed to the Department for upgrade of technology From there, a series of crushers and screens reduce MFB Position: MFB supports the bill. including computers and other technical services the final product to a size consistent with other The finished product! Potash is produced MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043.• for the purpose of licensing and regulation. fertilizer materials .. at the rate of 4 tons per hour. MFB Position: MFB supports the bill. STATE ISSUE MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043 .• FEMA disaster Dan Wyant appointed Land application of designation official director of Michigan potash/wood ash STATE ISSUE Continued from front page Department of egislation sponsored by Rep. David Anthony local unit of government to go ahead and make the L (D-Escanaba) would clarify in the Natural Re- sources Act that wood ash, as a result of burning Repeal license for feeding garbage to repairs," Buikema explained. "That's really good news for local government because it allows them Agriculture Continued from front page wood (not lumber, treated lumber or other byprod- swine - 5.8. 823 to effect repairs of their damaged infrastructure." a key factor in the Commission's decision to select While there are no limits on FEMAfunding, the him," she said. ucts) is not solid waste. The law requires that solid egislation sponsored by Sen. Phil Hoffman waste be landfilled. This exemption from inclusion in the solid waste definition would allow for the L (R-Horton), would simply repeal the license requirement for feeding garbage to swine. Garbage 25 percent cost-share may be a limiting factor in total damage assessments. According to Buikema, the orig- Wyant's appointment was also praised by Gov. Engler. "There are few people who have Dan's land application of potash. inal damage assessment was pegged at $10.3 million. breadth of knowledge and understanding of agricul- was commonly fed to swine and was required to be While there had not been a state budget bill ture issues," the governor said. "I know he will be MFB Position: MFB supports the bill. cooked to a certain temperature. The potential MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043.• passed as of presstime, Charney was optimistic that an outstanding Director of Agriculture and I look problem was disease, often trichinosis, which could state-level funding would be available. "Allwe know forward to working with him in a new capacity as a transmit to humans with undercooked pork. is that the governor has promised that we \vill pro- member of my cabinet." f'Ceding garbage to swine is not currently STATE ISSUE allowed in the Animal Industry Act. The definition vide that 25 percent match somehow." Wyant commended Gordon Guyer for the The USDAdisaster request designatio,"! sub- leadership he has given MDAand the ag industry Bed and breakfast of garbage is also clarified such that certain items mined by Gov. Engler inJuly for additional counties during his tenure as director. "Gordon has been an definition expanded are not considered garbage and may be fed to swine. is still in process. USDASecretary Dan Glickman is extl.1ordinary leader, developing strong partner- MFB Position: MFB supports the bill. nder terms of recently approved legislation, scheduled to receive updated crop damage reports ships with MSU, the ag community and the many U the State Construction Code and the Michi- gan Public Health Code were amended to allow MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043. • by Aug. 10, with a decision expected within another five weeks, says Payne. Under that program, individ- organizations that serve this vital industry," \'<'yant said. "It is my goal to continue the department's single family homes with 10 or fewer sleeping rooms, ual producers would be eligible for low-interest mission of protecting food safety, strengthening the including the room occupied by the innkeeper, to loans, as well as additional cost-share measures for family farm, enhancing opportunities for the food be used as bed and breakfasts with an exemption STATE ISSUE erosion control practices .• and agriculture industry and continuing to build from regulation as a "food service establishment." Maple syrup standards partnerships across the state." In addition, the bills would allow these estab- ep. Gary Randall (R-Elwell) sponsored legis- STATE ISSUE lishments to serve meals other than breakfast. Cur- rently, a single family residential structure classified R lation signed by the Governor as P.A.280. The bill creates a state standard for maple syrup and Amendments to Gene- Guyer commended the Commission's action. "I strongly support the decision of the Commission in selecting Dan Wyant. He will be a tremendous as a bed and breakfast can only serve a breakfast meal. provides authority for the Department of Agricul- ral Property TaxAct asset to the department. Dan and I will have time to The "breakfast only" requirement would still ture to take action when the product does not meet ep. Gary Randall (R-Elwell) has introduced work with the MDAstaff and the industry to assure a apply to homes that had between 11 and 15 rooms. The bills have passed the Senate and House and standard. Currently, a product is being sold in the state R legislation (H.B. 5747) to clarify that breeding and grazing of captive cervidae are considered an smooth transition," he said .• were signed into law by the Governor (PA. 291 & that is purported to be maple syrup. It is, however, agricultural operation for the purposes of property PA. 292 of 1996). Farm Bureau supported these in some cases a combination of sugar and water tax. This language would amend the classification of bills as a way to promote and enhance agricultural with some maple syrup flavoring. assessable real property. tourism and educational opportunities. MFB Position: MFB supports the bill. MFB Position: MFBsupports the bill. MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048.• MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043 .• MFB Contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043 .• J~'JI~ltil~ August 15, .1996 Soybean Cyst Nematode testing program available Branch. Eaton and Calhoun County pro- "One of the things that concerns me is that ducers targeted for free testing program. producers are waiting until they see symptoms I you f raise soybeans, you've no doubt heard develop before they're taking action," Warner cau- something about Soybean Cyst Nematode or tioned. "The one thing we know about SCN is that if SCN, known for its yield-robbing potential. you see symptoms, you're already experiencing But if you're nOl sure whether you need to be yield loss - so early detection is very important, concerned, a free soil and root testing program because it makes management of this pathogen sponsored by the Michigan Soybean Promotion much easier." Commillee (MSPC) can help you determine if Stunted plants and yellowing foliage are the you've got SCN on your farm. most common above-ground symptoms, generally According to MSPC Executive Director Keith in lighter soils. Warner expects that the dry weather Reinholt, the testing program is similar to past of July combined with SCN infestation should make MSPC-sponsoredtesting programs, except that the the symptoms very obvious. "One thing to remem- focus is strictly on SCN. "We're asking that only ber with SCN is that the symptoms are nOl uniform; samples for SCN be submilled this year," Reinholt they're usually patchy and the infected areas are explained. "Those samples need to be sent to usually circular or elliptical in shape;' he pointed out. MSU's nematology lab." Generally, one I-pint sample per field is rec- Reinholt hopes the testing program will ac- ommended. When pulling samples, Warner recom- complish two objectives - to determine the pres- mends producers dig up plants on the edge of dis- ence of SCN and then, if present, the concentration eased areas and look for the presence of a female of infestation. "Ultimately, we want to assist the nematode on the root tissue. "They will be small, producer so that they can begin making manage- white or yellow objects usually about the size of a ment decisions about next year's crop rotation, if head of a straight pin," Warner said. MSU Nematode Diagnostician Fred Warner encourages producers to take Soybean Cyst need be," he said. Soil and root samples should be submitted in Nematode as a serious threat and to utilize the free testing program being sponsored That's a notable objective, says Fred Warner, the same plastic bag or container, advises Warner, to by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. nematode diagnostician at MSU. He says that yield keep the soil and roOl tissues moist. "Unlike a soil losses of 5 to 80 percent have been documented, sample submitted for fertility analysis, you want to there are distinct soil types within the field or if the fee waived, samples must be submitted through with at least one field in Michigan declared a total keep a soil sample for SCN analysis moist," Warner grower has planted two different varieties. In cases your local MSU Extension office along with a gold- loss last year due to SCN. At least 16 of the state's explained. where producers aren't sure of the presence of enrod testing form to alert the MSU that the testing top 20 soybean-producing counties have been in- That means producers should nOl use a paper SCN, Warner says producers may want to submit a fee is covered by the MSPC. A separate form is re- fected with SCN. Warner says that Branch, Eaton bag to submit samples. Warner also cautions against sample from an area that appears infected, and a quired for each sample submitted. For more infor- and Calhoun counties are of primary interest for leaving the samples in the truck or car since tem- sample from a healthier area of the field. mation, contact your local Extension office, or this year's SCN testing program, since SCN has not peratures over lOO°Fwill kill the nematodes. Typical turnaround time on an SCN sample is Fred Warner at (517) 432-1333 .• previously been found in those counties. Producers may want to send two samples if one to two weeks. To get the normal $12 testing Hay shortages Michigan corn crop at risk for gray leaf spot reaching critical stages L ast year, cornfields across the Midwest were infected with gray leaf spot. Conditions this year could once again favor a widespread disease cused in Pennsylvania, Ohio and southern Indiana. However, an increase in no-till farming has helped the inoculum that causes the disease to proliferate In severe outbreaks, the disease can cause extensive damage to corn, affecting yield and plant stability. When scouting for the disease, Mattingly P roducers in Texas are fighting to keep their heads above water and their cattle fed now that hay shortages are becoming critical, according outbreak, warns Mark Mattingly, Northrup King Co. and spread throughout the corn belt. says growers should look for pale brown or gray to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The Agronomist. Mallingly says the inoculum ovef\vinters on lesiona that are 10ng,J1arrow and rectangular. The testing of available hay for nitrate poisoning isn't He cautions that inclement weather, planting corn residue left on the soil surface and release disease is usually found in low-lying fields, particu- helping the situation. delays and hea"",' European corn borer infestations spores during periods of warm, humid weather. larly river bottoms. Recent scattered showers across the state have already placed many cornfields under signifi- These spores infect the lower plant leaves first, The severity of yield loss is determined by the brought some improvement in the quality and cant stress, making them particularly vulnerable to causing extensive leaf tissue death. Planting corn- growth stage of the plant at the time of infection quantity of hay fields, but the relief may not be gray leaf spot. on-corn also exposes crops to higher levels of inoc- and the number of leaves infected. While several of enough in some areas of the state. Traditionally, incidents of gray leaf spot fo- ulum carried over from the previous year. the most \videly planted hybrids in the industry are "With spotty showers, there will be a little among the most susceptible, Mattingly says there more hay made for some," said Dr. Don Dorsett of are a number of resistant varieties available to the College Station, Texas, Extension office. "How- choose from. ever, Hill Country and South Texas just haven't got- [= 150 you've decided to purchase a yield monitor, you will L' •.• 11.1 311!537 .'.3 1034 c: ~ •• " .• 38537 .1.3 'OS 3 'iij 145 need to make several decisions: L1 401 "" 22004 _.5 ... ~ ............,. ,, .• HI.7 101071 11.' 1011 Should You Buy a GPSReceiver7 L1 13.27 182 Il18O 11M." ... o 11/'. L2 1141 110 '08131 '.' 85.' o 11/'. Virtually all the major manufacturers sell yield ............,. 5411 118 SO'l8l1 52101 .2 140 L1 10.11 112 203Jl1 3rW1. 1120 o ,1I11fi115 monitor systems with or without a satellite (GPS) ~ ~ ~: ~::~ ,,.. 114 ~-~ 191700 136524 ::: 1<11. o o 11#4.95 1115195 receiver. A grain flow sensor, moisture sensor, F31: WALTER3 L1 2'S 71 11. 183752 2828 4 105. 135 ground speed sensor and display alone can cost as 12 3124 ........,. '''82 '" '.11' 11.7 Zil!Ie31 4431' 2,m.7 122.. 111.7 o """" l1AS.'ie t't'I t't'I ,... t't'I N lJ'\ t't'I N C7> ID lJ'\ N ::.:: 0 ID 5.17 "2 "'.\3721 5n.3 1015 o '117/11$ ..... t't'I lJ'\ t't'I ..... t't'I ..... t't'I lJ'\ t't'I lJ'\ t't'I ~ IX) little as $2,000. These systems produce yield read- L2 27.4' "_1 111824 2V25. '017 o ''"115 ;.:. N t't'I a; ....--., 28314 ".5 1721300 2'/lINI4 Ita ~ 3 ...J ~ ~ ~ lJ'\ t't'I ...J ings every second or less as you move across the m ...J field. They also calculate summary yields as often as Corn Hybrid you request them. This works well for field-by-field record keeping or for measuring the results of strip Figure 1 - Yield monitors without GPScan measure and record field-by field summaries Figure 2. Yield monitors with GPScan trials (Figure 1). (left) and results of strip trials (right). be used to produce yield maps and For another $1,000 you can add a memory analyze the impact of problem areas, storage device to record summary information. If distribution and suppon network and will eventual. Case IH ($3,345 or 8,995 with GPS including you want to record yields from problem spots, how- ly be compatible with other precision farming mapping software) combines Ag Leader technology Other manufacturers sell sensors (e.g. Harvest ever, you will have to be disciplined enough to jot equipment from Deere and Co. Disadvantages: with Case IH distribution and suppon network. Master's potato yield monitor) or receivers and data the figures down on paper. These devices only limited field experience, $500 annual subSCription Disadvantage: $150 annual subSCription for differ- storage devices (e.g. Rockwell and Ashtech) that record summary statistics, not the on-the-go yields for differential correction. ential correction. can be combined to create a complete system .• you see as you move across the field. A GPS receiver will cost at least another $3,000. Although this essentially doubles your in- vestment over that of the sensors and memory Customized trip routing device, it vastly increases the data you have to im- It's free and it's designed especially for prove crop management. Yields are recorded every Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA and Gold 1 to 3 seconds along with their location in the field. MasterCard holders on the move. Simply These data can then be used to prepare yield maps tell us where you're going, whether you want and to analyze the impact of factors such as drain- to take the scenic route or get there fast... and we't! do the rest! Within seven days age, weeds and fenility within each field (Figure 2). you'll receive detailed maps to your What Else Will You Need7 destination - custom fit to your specifications If you are using a system with GPS, you may and travel plans. It's a convenience you can also incur a yearly fee ($150-$600) for differential use again and again as you enjoy the many correction. Mapping will require a 486 or better other benefits and advantages you receive computer ($2,000-$3,000) plus a color printer with a Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA or ($300-$500) and mapping software (free with some Gold MasterCard. systems or $500-$900 if purchased). More sophisti- Better interest rates cated problem analysis, multi-year statistics and Both the Gola MasterCard and the prescriptions will require GIS software programs MemberLine VISA offer a 9.8% introductory ($3,000-$6,000). APR for the first six months. There after, An alternative to purchasing this hardware the Gold MasterCard has a low 15.65% APR and software is to contract with an independent one of the lowest interest rates available! crop consultant or an elevator to do the mapping The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA is 17.15% APR. In addition, you pay no and analysis for you. Charges typically run under interest on new credit card purchases on $1 per acre per year. Other farmers may want to next month's statement when your full prepare simple yield maps themselves, but contract balance on your current monthly statement the more sophisticated analyses to a professional is paid by the due date. with agronomic and computer expertise. Whose equipment should you purchase7 Ar; an independent consultant, I do not endorse any company's products. However, I have worked with enough different systems to gain a sense of the relative advantages of the major players. Contact me if you have funher questions: Ag leader ($3,390 with storage device) units are reliable and relatively simple to use. They also offer a GPS receiver and an optional Field Marker ($300) to "tag" problem areas in fields'. Disadvan- tages: no mapping software and a relatively limited distribution network in Michigan. Convinced? Micro- Trac ($2,420 plus $770 for data storage Simply remove this page from the magazine device) has also been a major player historically. and fill out the application on the reverse They recently became distributors for Trimble GPS side. Letterfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage receivers. Disadvantages: same as Ag Leader, plus necessary! display is a bit more cumbersome. John Deere's Greenstar ($7,360 with GPS including mapping software) has a more extensive Name NO POSTAGE NECESSARY P.O. Box or Street Address Apt. Number IF MAILED IN THE UNITED City State Zip Code STATES Specialists in Crop Production and Protection Neil R. Miller Phone: 517-624-6019 BUSINESS REPLY MAIL E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 90 WYANDOTTE, MI POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE RETAIL CREDIT SERVICES FIRST OF AMERICA BANK P.O. Box 1055 Southgate, M148195-9941 1~'JI(~~r~ August 15, 1996 Dealing with scabby grain, Vomitoxin Marcia McMullen, Plant Pathologist; occurrence of scab does not automatically mean ture contents of 14 to 15 percent or lower for accu- How can I minimize scab problems Ken Hellevang, Agricultural Engineer; that vomitoxin is present. Vomitoxin can affect fla- rate readings. next year'? Wayne Boland, Veterinarian vors in foods and baking quality. Humans and ani- The scab fungus overwinters on wheat, barley, mals potentially can get sick from vomitoxin, Does drying or storage affect infection What is scab'? levels'? oat and corn residue, but the disease generally is depending on toxin levels consumed. more severe ifwheat or barley is planted into corn S cab is caused by a fungus, Fusarium Drying won't reduce scab or vomitoxin levels gra/llilleanml, that invades developing What are safe levels of vomitoxin'? but it doesn't increase infection either. When stor- ground. The fungus that causes head scab in small small grain heads from flowering through The Food and Drug Administration has estab- ing scabby grain, try not to commingle it with grain grains also causes corn stalk rot.Corn stalks are an kernel development. Scab infection is optimal if lished vomitoxin advisory levels as follows: from previous years. If possible, store this year's excellent reservoir of the fungus, which can survive there are heavy dews for 48 hours or more and • One part per million for finished grain products in the stalks for several years. grain from scabby fields separately from grain with temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees occur at, or past, for human consumption. no signs of scab. Crop rotations are always one of the best ways flowering. However, infection does occur at cooler • No standard for raw grain going into milling pro- There is no known evidence of vomitoxin from to reduce diseases. Crop rotations won't eliminate temperatures when moisture or dews persist for 72 cess. scab continuing development in storage, ifgrain is diseases, but planting into ground where the previ- hours or longer. • Cattle, over 4 months old: 10 ppm (providing stored at appropriate moistures. The fungus requires ous crops grown were not susceptible to diseases grain at that level doesn't exceed 50 percent of does reduce infection risks. Are any varieties resistant to scab'? 22 to 25 percent moisture content to grow. At that diet). moisture level in storage, it is likely that other bacte- Studies in Ontario, Canada showed that the No wheat varieties are totally resistant to scab, number of wheat heads infected \vithscab when • Poultry: 10 ppm (providing grain at that level rial and fungi will out-compete the Fusarium fungus. but some varieties have shown more tolerance. corn was the previous crop was five to 10 times doesn't exceed 50 percent of diet). The only exception is crib-stored ear corn. Planting at least two or three tolerant wheat variet- higher than when wheat was the previous crop. The • Swine: 5 ppm (not to exceed 20 percent of ra- ies with differing maturity dates will help minimize How does vomitoxin affect livestock'? number of wheat heads infected with scab when tion). the risk of scab infection. However, in a wet year, Vomitoxin causes feed refusal and poor weight wheat was the previous crop was about 1.5 times • All other animals: 5 ppm (providing grains don't large quantities of the fungus that causes scab are gain in livestock. Hogs are most sensitive to vomi- higher than ifthe previous crop was soybeans. exceed 40 percent of diet). produced, subjecting virtually any wheat field to toxin, even at one part per million contamination of some degree of scab infection. Check variety trail Should I tillInfected fields'? What about moisture content of hog feed. The toxin can also cause problems in results from this year's plots to see which varieties infected grain'? horses, breeding and lactating animals, but at high- Consider tillingfieldsinfected with scab this performed the best in the presence of scab. Moisture content of scabby grain going into er concentrations. Cattle, sheep and poultry with fall.Tillage buries disease-carrying debris, allowing storage should be about 12 percent. Ught, thin normal quality grain may be a logical method of for microbial degradation of the disease organism What is vomitoxin'? and lowering the chance of dispersal of the disease kernels caused by scab tend to accumulate in the feeding wheat safely to livestock. Vomitoxin, also called deoxynivalenol or DON, organism. However, consult with your local Soil is a toxin that may be produced from scab. The center of a storage bin and higher moisture levels Straw from scab-affected fields should be suit- cause hot spots. Test grain for vomitoxin at mois- able for livestock bedding (except hogs). Conservation Service office about tillingscab-infect- ed fieldsdesignated as highly erodible. I CARD PREFERENCE (choose one design only) II OPTIONAL GROUP CREDIT INSURANCE DISCLOSURES I The Ontario scab study showed that the inci- To enroll in Chargegard, you must be under age 70 in all states except under age 71 in Al, FL, MI, MO, dence of scab in subsequent wheat crops was re- D Scenic VISA DGOLD MASTERCARD OK. In HI, IN, and VT, maximum enrollment age is 64 (age 65 in IA) and coverage converts to Accidental Death at age 65 (age 66 in IA). In CA, NJ, RI, WA, WI, and WY maximum enrollment age is duced by two to 10 times with fallplowing of corn- CTL VR 6400 0900 PL 1 200904 CTL GM 1000 0900 PL 1 200904 age 64 (age 65 in CT, ID, MA. ME, MN, NY, OR, and TX) and coverage ends at age 65 (age 66 in ID, MA. ME. MN, NY. OR, and TX). You, the primary cardholder, are eligible for this coverage if you are fields.Bear in mind that in a wet year, scab may • employed full-time in a non-seasonal occupation. Self-employment excluded for disability in MN; for occur in fieldseven when planted on plowed unemployment coverage in CT, MA, MS and TX. Only life benefits are available to the co-cardholder (spouse, if no co-cardholder). Benefits are not payable on purchases or advances made while claims are ground, because of very abundant scab production being paid. Seasonal restriction does not apply to: unemployment in NC; disability in Al. CA, MA, MD, NJ, OR, RI, TX, and VA; both coverages in ME, MI, NM, NY and WI. and movement to nearby fields. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: if you become involuntarily unemployed, Chargegard will make your scheduled minimum monthly payment, subject to the master policy limit. Retirement is not covered. If I do not qualify for the Gold MasterCard, consider my application for the Scenic VISA. (Coverage not available in MN; labor disputes/strikes excluded in AR, IL and KY.) Unemployment and Will a seed treatment prevent scab'? disability benefrts begin after 30 consecutive days of unemployment or disability, ahd are retroactive to No. A seed treatment before planting will I APPLICANT (please print) I . the first day of loss. Disability and unemployment exclusions vary by state. Please read your Certificate for detail. All benefits are based on the outstanding balance as of the date of loss and will continue until improve seed germination and seed vigor, but itwill NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD your balance is paid off, you retum to work, or you reach the limits of the master, $10,000, whichever occurs first. not prevent subsequent head scab infection. If you become disabled, Chargegard will make your scheduled minimum monthly payments as long as I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I you are under a doctor's care and unable to work, up to the master policy limit. Wet weather was the primary factor behind First Name Middle Initial Last Name LIFE COVERAGE: If you or your co-cardholder (spouse, if no co-cardholder, only spouse or business scab problems this year. Ifnext year's growing sea- partner in NM & TX) die, Chargegard will pay the outstanding account balance as of the day of death, up Social Security # Date of Birth I I to the master policy maximum of $10,000 (Suicide excluded except in MA, MD, ME and MO.) (Single son should prove dry, diseases may not be a prob- Ufe coverage only in MA and ME). CHARGEGARD COSTS: The monthly premium for Chargegard is 66e per $100 of your outstanding lem, regardless of rotation or tillagepractices used. Home Phone ( balance on your account in all states except as follows: 28.ge in MA; 29.3e in MN; 38.3e in NY; 46.9c in Years NH; 48.1e in CT; 55.Be in ME; 56.?e in VT; 53.Be in GA; 64c in NM; 64.6<: in NC; 64.8e in ND; 59.31: in Does vomitoxin increase In storage? VA; 65.8e in Al; 57.6e in SC; 42.7e in TX; 57.5e in HI; 5ge in WI; 60e in CA, lA, ID, IN, MO, NJ, OR, RI, Address There Mos. WA, and WY. The monthly premium will be charged to your credit card account. No. Vomitoxin is formed in the fieldsas a re- Coverage is underwritten by Bankers Ufe Assurance Company of Rorida and American Bankers City, State Insurance Company of Florida. 11222 Ouail Roost Drive, Miami, Florida 33157-6595. In NY, Ufe and sult of fungal growth in the kernel and in the Zip Code Disability coverage is provided by Bankers American Ufe Assurance Company. TX Certificate numbers o Mortgage 0 Rent AD9139CO-D791, AC3181CB-0592 (3.53 A.A.) and B2754EQ-1089. glumes under conditions of very high humidities. Monthly o Own (Free and Clear) 0 Other (Describe) Payment $ NO COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE Read your certificate for details. TO RESIDENTS IN PA. Certificate provisions vary by state. Once grain dries below moisture levels of about 22 Previous Address o Yes, I want First of America's Chargegard Insurance. I have read and understand the important to 25 percent, yomitoxin production isstopped. (if less than 2 years at present address) eligibility and cost disclosure information provided. Consumer credit insurance is not required to obtain credit and will not be provided unless you sign and agree to pay the additional cost. Whether credit Grain stored at appropriate storage moisture con- Employer Years insurance is obtained is not a factor in the approval of this application for credit. tents will not have further vomitoxin development. or DBA There Mos. I I Business Applicant's Signature (Your signature constitutes acceptance of this coverage.) Birth Date Does grain drying increase the vomitox- Position Phone ( ) in level'? Previous Years I CO-APPLICANT (please print) I No. Drying grain to appropriate moisture Employer There NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON CARD (if less than 2 years at present employer) levels for storage does not increase vomitoxin lev- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I els.However, ifa vomitoxin test istaken on wet Total Annual Rrst Name Middle Initial Last Name Income grain, the test may indicate a lower level in ppm (Income from Alimony. chlld support. or separate maintenance payments need not be revealed it you do not Social Security # Date of Birth / I than ifthe test isconducted on the same sample at WISh to have rt 8S 8 basis lor repaying this obligation.) Years lower moisture contents due to a dilution effect at 00 You Have: Employer There Mos. the highest moisture content. o Checking ( Bank) o Savings Name Position Business Does high temperature grain drying Phone ( ) Nearest Relative Phone decrease vomitoxin levels'? (not lIVing with you) ( ) Previous Years Employer There No. Normal grain drying will not decrease TotalAnnual vomitoxin levels.Grain can be'detoxified only at Address temperatures of about 450~, a temperature so Income $ lIwe hereby certifythat each of the answers on thisapplication istrue and correct, and is made for the purpose of obtaining a loan or credit from the Firstof America Bank, Michigan, N.A. (Income lrom Alimony. mild support. or separate maintenance payments need not be revealed it you do not hot that the grain istoasted. WISh to have rt as a basis for repaying thisobligation.) lIwe hereby authorize the Bank to investigate my/our credit record to the extent itdeems necessary and to verify my/our credit,employment and income references. lIwe further aurthorize Complete the following information ifdifferent from applicant Does the vomitoxin or scab pose a risk to and instruct any person or consumer reporting agency to fumish the Bank any information that it may have or obtain in response to such credit inquiries.lIwe further agree that this application Home Phone ( ) grain handlers at harvest or In storage'? shall become property of the Bank, whether or not itis approved. No. Vomitoxin ispresent in the kernel, so to Years Il\yeagree that ifthis application isaccepted and a card or cards are issued that any use of Address There pose a risk itwould have to be ingested in very high the card(s) willbe govemed by the terms and conditions of the Bank's VISAlMasterCard Agreement and Disclosure provided before or with delivery of the card(s). lIwe assume, ifmore City, Zip amounts. than one jointlyand severally, liabilityfor allcharges incurred in any use of the card(s). State Code x o Mortgage o Rent Monthly Can the scabby grain be removed with Applicant's Signature Date o Own (Free and Clear) o Other (Describe) Payment $ a grain deaner'? 00 You Have: Yes. The scab affectsthe kernel in a variety of X o Che~king( Bank) ways that permit itto be removed. The kernels may Co-Applicant's Signature Date o Savings Name be deformed enough that they can be removed by screening. The kernels willhave a lighter testweight Annual Variahle Hate Balance Calculation Percentage Halt: Information Methml so the very lightkernels can be removed by airflow. Annual Fee Grace PeriOlI 9.8% introductory APR on cash advances and Your annual percentage rate may vary monthly. The rate is 1-Cycle Average Daily Balance None For repayment of the balance for Ifscreening and aspiration are not adequate, balance transfers for the firstsix months, 15.65% determined by adding 6.9 percentage points for the Gold (including new purchases) new purchases. 25 Days, starting variable APR on Gold MasterCard and 17.15% MasterCard and 8.4 percentage points for the Scenic VISA to the with the billingdate on the the wheat can be sorted by density with a gravity variable APR on Scenic VISA there after. highest Prime Rate published in the 'Wall Street Journal' on the statement. table.The cost of cleaning \villtypically be about 25 firstday of your monthly billing cycle. to 30 cents per bushel. The amount of scabby grain ATMlCash Advance Fee- 2% of the advance amount; $2 minimum; $20 maximum. Late Payment Fee-$O -$12 (varies by state). and the amount of wheat lost during cleaning will Over Limit Fee - $0 - $12 (varies by state). Dishonored Check Fee - $15. Minimum household income required for a credit line of $5,000 is $35,000, subject to verification. If your income is less, we will consider you for a Scenic VISA with a lower line of credit and an APR of 17.15%. need to be evaluated in making the decision to Finance chafges are assessed on cash advances, balance transfers and convenience checks from the date of the transaction. clean the grain .• The information about the cards described in this application is current as of 12/95. This information may have changed after that date. To find out what may have changed, Source: North Dakota State University call us at 1-800-423-3883, 24-hours a day, 7days a week. Extension Service. Notlc. to California R.sldents: If you are married, you may apply fOfa separate account Notice to New Yort R.sldents: Consumer creditreportsmay be obtained inconnection with thisapplication forcredit.Upon your request, the Bank willinfOfm you whether such reports were obtained and If so. of the names and addresses of the consumer reportingagencies. Notice to Ohio Residents: The Ohio laws against discriminationrequire thatallcreditorsmake creditequally available to allcreditworthycustomers, and thatcreditreportingagencies maintain separate historieson each individualupon request. The Ohio CivilRights Convnission administers compliance with thislaw. Notice to Wisconsin R.sldents: No provision of a mantal property agreement. a unilateralstatement under Wis. Stat.Ann. Section 9 76659 Of a court decree under Wis. Stat.Ann. Section 9 766.70 adversely affectsthe interestof the creditOfunless the creditor,prior10 the time creditisgranted, is furnished a copy of Ihe agreement. slatement or decree Of has actual knowledge of !he adverse obligationwhen the obligationto the credilorisincurred Please letterfoldand staple this form with the mailing address on the outside (reverse side) fi1l.[tf:I~~ 1~'I::t'~ August 15, 1996 by D. W Rozeboom, MSU Animal Science between 5 and 10 ppm will lead to reduced feed sity kept average daily gains within 94 percent of T he discovery of vomitoxin in wheat comes intake and average daily gains, possibly to a point controls in an experiment where grow.finish pigs at a time when many livestock producers where weight loss is apparent. Pigs will vomit were fed a diet containing 5.8 ppm vomitoxin .. are looking for cheaper feedstuffs to replace when levels exceed 10 ppm. The rule of thumb is to increase the dietary nu- corn in rations. Vomitoxin-contaminated wheat can • Caution is warranted when feeding cereal straws trient concentrations by the percent that vomi- be fed to swine, but with precautions. The following that may contain mycotoxin to livestock. Myc- toxin reduces feed intake. are several guidelines: otoxin levels may be elevated if bales are stored • Keep feed fresh. Fungi that are responsible for • Before feeding contaminated wheat to pigs, outside and are rain-soaked. However, bedding producing the vomitoxin also destroy vitamins obtain a lab analysis to determine the quantity with these straws should not be a problem when in the feed. Vitamin supplementation at recom- of vomitoxin present. Care should be taken to using other feedstuffs. mended levels is critical when feeds contain collect a representative, random grain sample. • Blending or diluting contaminated grain with vomitoxin . • Any feed contaminated with vomitoxin should be clean grain can produce a mixture having accept- • Wheat is, on average, equal to corn in energy fed to growing-finishing pigs, since the conse- able vomitoxin concentrations. In determining content (1,460 kcalt1b.), however wheat quality quences of a potential depression in feed intake the final vomitoxin concentration in the diet should be considered. Low test weight wheat has are less severe than those incurred with animals be sure to consider the dilution effect of other more fiber and less energy than high test weight in other phases of production. feedstuffs (soybean meal, vitamin and mineral wheat (about 20 kcal;1b. less per pound of test • Cleaning grain before feeding can reduce the sources). weight below 60 lb.;bushel). In a 1982 study with vomitoxin level by up to 20 percent. Vomitoxin • Absorbing clays or binding agents such as sodi- growing pigs, feed conversion was 6 to 8 percent are frequently isolated to small, lightweight um bentonite or hydrated sodium calcium alumi- poorer for pigs fed wheat weighing 50 pounds kernels . nosilicate have not been beneficial in alleviating per bushel versus 60 pounds per bushel of wheat. • The recommended maximum vomitoxin concen- the effects of vomitoxin . • Wheat contains more crude protein (8.5 percent tration in the complete swine diet is 1 part per • Increasing the dietary concentrations of energy, versus 13 percent) and lysine (0.24 percent ver- million (ppm). At concentration above 1 ppm, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals has proven sus 0.40 percent) than corn. The crude protein feed intake and rate of gain are reduced. Levels beneficial. A 20 percent increase in nutrient den- and amino acids in wheat are highly digestible, FDA Guidelines for Using Wheat Spedes Infected with Vomitoxin Maximum ppm in Diet Dry Matter Using vomitoxin wheat in dairy cattle diets Beef Cattle >4 months of age 5* by Herb Bucholtz, MSU Animal Science Example vomitoxin level below 2 ppm. Beef Cattle <4 months of age 2 Chickens Dairy Cattle Swine 5 2 1 V omitoxin-contaminated wheat can be associat- ed with reduced feed intake and lower milk production with dairy cattle. The following are If the wheat being considered for feeding contains 5 ppm vomitoxin, what will be the ppm • Feed less wheat until the vomitoxin level is below 2 ppm of total ration OM intake. vomitoxin in the total ration? Vomitoxin is rapidly degraded in the cow's *In some situations, higher levels have been fed to feedlot cattle. guidelines to consider: • That wheat is fed at 12.5 OM/cow/day and the rumen and doesn't accumulate in milk or meat. Feeding Wheat to Dairy Cattle co\vs total OM intake is 45 pounds. Binding Agents • limit wheat to 25 percent of the total ration dry • The dilution rate would be 3.6 (45 + 12.5 = There are numerous "binding agents" market- matter (OM) intake, or 50 percent of a grain ra- 3.6). The 5 ppm vomitoxin level in the wheat ed that are reported to bind vomitoxin and de. The price one can afford to pay for tion. For a cow consuming 50 pounds of dry mat- would be diluted by 3.6 to .72 ppm (5 ppm + crease the feed intake and milk production depres- wheat with different corn and supple- mental protein prices is shown in the ter that equals 12.5 pounds OM wheat in a TMR. 3.6 = 0.072 ppm) vomitoxin in the total ration. sion associated \vith vomitoxin. However, there is table below. The values in the table are • Roll before feeding. Fine grinding reduces Determining the Amount of Vomitoxin- no published research to confirm the effectiveness based on an 80 percent grain diet and palatability. Contaminated Wheat that can be Fed of binding agents. that 3 percentage points of supplemen- Feeding Wheat Contaminated with • Determine the ppm vomitoxin in the wheat be- tal crude protein can be replaced by The only way to safely feed vomitoxin-contam- Vomitoxin ing considered for feeding. inated wheat is by diluting the feeding level of the switching to all wheat. • Test wheat for vomitoxin level before feeding. Test • Calculate the dilution rate necessary to bring the wheat. • Corn Price S/bu each load or bin, since vomitoxin levels ~an vary. S3 54 S5 feeding level of wheat to result in the total ration Wheat Price S/bu* • 2.0 ppm vomitoxin is the recommended maxi- Soybean Meal mum concentration for dairy cows in the total $2501ton 3.70 4.81 5.92 daily ration fed. $3001ton 3.86 4.96 6.07 Urea • Because wheat will only make up a portion of the $2501ton 3.39 4.50 5.61 total feed fed to dairy cattle, wheat grain contain- FroI11 the $3501ton 3.41 4.52 5.63 ing greater than 2 ppm can be fed. The vomitox- $4501ton 3.43 4.54 5.65 in will be diluted by the other feed 'ingredients . •Assumes corn and wheat have 9.5 and 12.5 percent crude protein, respectively Using vomitoxin-contamina- ted wheat in beef cattle diets glUundup by S.R. Rust, D.O. Buskirk and the best lNay Harlan Ritchie, MSU Animal Science has a slowly degraded starch, such as milo, cracked/rolled corn or whole shelled corn. It is to deliver farm pOlNer. B eef cattle can tolerate relatively high levels of vomitoxin in their diets without adverse reac- tions. FDAguidelines suggest that cattle over 4 months possible to feed more than 60 percent wheat, but the risk of bloat, acidosis and erratic intake in- creases and slightly higher levels of roughage of age can tolerate up to 5 ppm, and those under 4 may be needed (i.e., from 8-10 percent to 12-15 months, up to 2 ppm in the diet dry matter (OM) . percent roughage). Wheat can be an excellent feedgrain when • As a rule of thumb, it is economically feasible utilized properly. The decision to feed wheat is to consider using wheat as a feedgrain when it generally an economic one. Several factors influ- is priced within 110 to 115 percent of the value ence feeding strategies and the cost of gain when of corn. wheat is utilized. The following list of issues should • Make sure the diet contains an ionophore to be considered. minimize bloat and acidosis . • Wheat has 2-4 percentage units more protein • Wheat can replace 50 percent of the grain in (12-13 vs 9.5 percent) and .13 percentage unit creep feeds and growing rations. more phosphorus (0.43 vs. 0.32) than corn. Con- • Because of the greater likelihood of bloat, it is sequently, some supplemental protein can be not recommended for use in receiving diets for removed from the diet. new feeder cattle. • Wheat is equal to corn in net energy value . • Wheat must be coarsely rolled or cracked before ROW CROP CHALLENGERS BIG TILLAGE CHALLENGERS • Wheat tends to have less foreign matter or trash feeding. Feeding wheat whole results in very 175 PTO HP Model 35 300 Engine HP Model 650 in it. poor digestibility. 200 PTO HP Model 45 • Wheat has 2-4 percentage points less moisture 325 Engine HP Model 75C • It is recommended that sufficient wheat be pur- 225 PTO HP Model 55 than corn. chased for at least a 6O-day period to minimize 355 Engine HP Model S5C * Choose from any row crop spacing Low ground pressure, as low as 4.3 psi, • It's recommended that wheat compromise no negative effects of ration switches . from 15. to 40•. means less compaction, more yields! more than 40 to 60 percent of the diet OM. Addi. • If daily dry matter intake is reduced by 10 to 20 • Cultivate with a Challenger to With less than 5% slip and 85% tractive tionally, maximum benefit from feeding wheat is percent, less wheat should be fed .• eliminate pinch row yield reductions. achieved when the remainder of the grain source efficiency, Challenger tractors deliver • Unmatched row crop turning ability. the power to the ground with great * At least 53% more footprint than an" fuel efficiency. Food for thought? mechanical front-wheel drive tractor. Nine years of proven performance. he United Nations estimates, by the year 2050, T the world's population will swell to 9.8 billion people from the current 5.7 billion. The U.N. says increase food production by 69 percent and Latin American and Caribbean countries will have to in- crease production by 80 percent, while North Amer. Timeliness is the name of the game in todays modem fanning operations. Challenger tractors will give you the edge in timeliness! the world will have to come up with 75 percent ica will have to increase food production by 30 per- NOVI (810) 349-4800 LANSING (5111699-4800 I [)Iiebiu_11I more food to feed the masses .. cent to meet the needs of growing populations. GRAND RAPIDS (616) 532-3635 NOVI ENGINE (810) 349-7050 Overall, world food supplies have doubled in KALKASKA (616) 258-8265 GRAND RAPIDS ENGINE (616) 538-8070 Contrasting with those figures are European SAGINAW (5171752-7300 DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS (810) 348-7810 the last 40 years and that trend will have to contin- production estimates, which show Europe will not SHELBY TWP. (810) 997-5300 FINANCIAL SERVICES (810) 347-6237 Ag Products ue. The report said Asian countries will have to need to produce as much food as it now does .• KALAMAZOO (616) 349-8600 ~~:~~'lIhq:tW August 15, 1996 Manure handling demonstration - separating sand from manure T he benefits of bedding freestalls with sand are pretty well documented - cleaner, healthier cows and improved comfort. The problems of handling the resulting mix of sand and -l out of the manure so that it (manure) can be han- dled in a conventional manner - with irrigation, for example," he said. 'i\dditionally, we'll be able to recover the sand and re-use it in the freestalls for manure is equally understood. An upcoming dem- bedding again." onstration will provide Michigan dairy producers The process is pretty straightforward, says their first look at some new technology that will Bickert. The machine, designed from equipment eliminate the problem, according to MSU Agricul- commonly used in the sand and gravel business, tural Engineer Bill Bickert. first breaks up any manure clumps before water is Officially dubbed Sand-Laden Dairy Manure: added to dilute the mix. "Once that happens we DemollStration of a Sand-Manure Separator and depend on differential settling," he said. "Obviously Related Topics, the program will run from 11 a.m. to the sand settles at a much faster rate than the or- 3 p.m. on Sept. 5, at the Webster Ridge Dairy Farm ganic solids or the manure." in Clinton County. The demonstration will feature a Participants will also see displays on manure prototype separator developed at MSU that can application equipment, storage and handling alter- separate approximately one ton of manure an hour. natives, as well as freestall management and pro- Bickert says the prototype will soon be manu- posed manure systems. factured by McLanahan Co., and be commercially To get to the Webster operation, travel five available to dairy producers to integrate into their miles north of St. Johns on U.S. 27 to Hyde Road. existing manure-handling systems. Travel east on Hyde Road four miles and cross "This system would fit right in at the end point Chandler Road (Hyde Road becomes Ridge Road). of the scraping operation," Bickert explained. "Ev- The Webster operation is located on the south side ery time you scrape a barn, the manure would feed of Ridge Road, approximately Y2mile from the into this separator before you do anything else with Producers attending manure handling demonstration on separating sand from manure will Chandler Road intersection. the manure." get a firsthand look at this prototype designed and built by MSU agricultural engineers. No advance registration is required and The benefits, claims Bickert, are two-fold. lunch will be provided between 11:30 a.m. and "We'll have a situation where we can get the sand 2 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 800-366-7055 .• Crop revenue coverage Oceana Hosts Farm Safety Day Camp available on wheat O ver 90 Oceana County area youth received some valuable lessons during a Farm Safety vention, animal and farm machinery safety, AlV safety, and lawn mower safety. Students also by Mark Schwandt, Special Agent, would receive $27 per acre ($120-$93 [31 x $3]) Day Camp at the county fairgrounds. The event, received a safety kit, which included pesticide infor- Rain and Hail, L.L.C under the regular MPCI coverage the insured would sponsored by the county Farm Bureau's Promotion mation, hazardous equipment stickers, a first aid T he FCIC announced that Crop Revenue Cover- age (CRe) will be available for Michigan Wheat Producers starting for the 1997 crop. You're asking not receive anything as he harvested 62 percent of his APH and had a 60 percent level. If the price goes up, his revenue guarantee and Education committee and the MSU Cooperative Extension Service, provided students with lessons kit, a personal protection kit, a T-shirt and activity books .• on agricultural chemicals, electrical safety, fire pre- yourself - What is CRC and why would I want it? goes up with the harvest price at no additional cost. CRC is coverage that now gives you the option There is a $2 CUP/CAPlimiting price. But such mar- to have a stated amount of revenue instead of a ket fluctuations are rare. The major advantage to stated amount of production as the standard multi- CRC is that in down market years, the insured is ple peril policy did. Its basic premise is still the guaranteed a bottom line revenue, and in upswing same as each producer will have an APH (Actual years the market covers the guarantee. With a good Production History), but the difference is in the marketing plan, the farmer assures himself a profit. price of the wheat. CRC was available in Iowa and Nebraska on Previously, the FCIC set a single price and if corn and soybeans in 1996 as a pilot program, and your production fell below the guarantee (APH x early numbers indicate that over 50 percent of farm- Level), the shortage was multiplied by that price ers previously insured under regular MPCI coverage and by each producer's share of the crop. With went with the program knowing the cost was 30-60 CRC, the APH is multiplied by the base price (95 percent higher in premium. The reason for this was percent of the August wheat futures for July of the simple ... guaranteed revenue! next year) or the harvest price (95 percent of the CRC is available in all counties in Michigan on June wheat futures for July of that year), whichever wheat. The only growers not eligible for CRCare is higher. That amount is then multiplied by share those farming nonstandard classification ground. to obtain a final revenue guarantee. CRC is only available from insurance agents as it is As an example, let's say the base price is $4 considered a buy-up policy and meets linkage re- and the farmer has a 50 bushel APH and is at the 60 quirements. If you have high-risk ground, an exclu- percent level. He would start with a revenue guar- sion can still be signed and that ground covered antee of $120 (50 x 60 x $4). If the markets were to with a cat policy. happen to go down to $3 when the harvest price is If this sounds like what you've been looking set, his revenue guarantee would stay the same as for, stop into any Fann Bureau Agent showing the the insured always gets the higher of the two prices. blue rain and hail sign or call (800) 776-4045 and Assuming the insured harvests 31 bushels, he ask the operator for an agent near you .• Tim Tubbs, of Tubbs Orchards, explains the dangers of being around a cherry shaker. TRIMMER on , ~ , .., WHEELS! 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I __ ~~i~:.~o!~'!.:.~ ...s..?:~~'y~~:~n~~~.!~~~~_J Farmers: Be picky about choosing wheat seed this fall F armers are warned not to use bin run wheat well as limits the grain's use as livestock feed. • Plant varieties known to be less susceptible to and/or Thiabendazole (TBZ). Consult a dealer to seed for fall planting due to the high levels lJpps said despite the potential for high-quali- wheat head diseases. find out which treatments are available for broad- of disease on this year's hanrested crop . ty seed to be at a premium because of severe winter • Plant various varieties that differ in maturity. This spectrum seed-borne disease control. Head scab and other diseases reducing the crop's injury and high disease levels, it is important for will spread out the flowering date and reduce the • Avoid planting wheat into corn residue using no- yield and causing low test weights will also reduce farmers to plant disease-free seed this fall. chances of disease affecting all fields on a farm. till. Head scab is produced by the same fungus seed viability and cause stand establishment prob- "The fungi causing head scab contaminate the • Obtain high-quality Certified or Proprietary seed. that causes ear rot and stalk rot of corn. Planting lems if present in seeds used for planting, said Ohio seed and may cause seedling blight and seed rot if This will ensure that the seed was properly wheat into corn residue puts the crop in close State University plant pathologist Pat lJpps . planted without proper cleaning and treatment. cleaned and conditioned. Bags of the seed will proximity to the source of fungal spores. A combination of wet weather and high tem- Severely infected seed usually will not germinate at have the results of the germination test on a tag • Plant fields 5-10 days after the Hessian FlySafe Date peratures this season have provided favorable con- all or will produce less vigorous stands," lJpps said. attached to the bag. for your county - the date after which Hessian flies ditions for the spread of the diseases, both of which "Seedlings that survive may lack vigor to make it • Buyonly seed that has been treated with seed treat- \vill no longer lay eggs on emerging seedlings. The attack the wheat heads and kill the florets, ultimate- through the winter. Those that survive the winter ment fungicide to control such diseases as seed- soils should be cooler at this time, providing less ly resulting in small, shriveled seeds. may be prone to root rot the following spring." borne scab, gIume blotch, common bunt and loose favorable conditions for seedling infections. The lJpps said the abundance of shriveled seed Farmers can begin taking steps now to help smut. Fungicides that control bunt and loose smut particular dates for each county can be obtained produces low test weights, while vomitoxin contam- control wheat disease and reduce loss of next year's include Vitavax, Raxil, Baytan and Dividend. Seed- from any county extension office. ination in the grain from head scab poses a signifi- crop. lJpps said the following methods should be borne Septoria and scab can be controlled by us- • Apply 15-20 pounds per acre of nitrogen at plant- cant problem for the milling and baking industry, as taken into consideration. ing combinations of these materials with Thiram ing to stimulate early seedling growth .• Crop losses mount from growing deer herd by Mary J. Gawenda gone, they'd do something about it," McCarthy said. H igh reproductivity, below average snowfall and minimal doe harvesting have made feed. ing Michigan's estimated 1.8 million white-tailed Wildlife damage is covered under most insur- ance policies, but there must be 50 peKent crop damage on the entire farm, said James Dague, an deer a challenge. Isabella County farmer and crop insurance adjuster. It's a burden that has left many farmers and "It's very rare to find a farmer with 50 percent orchard growers holding the feed bag, especially wildlife damage, but the damage he does sustain those in Menominee County and areas across the takes away from crop profits or a family vacation," southern half of lower Michigan. Dague said. With the summer months rolling in, many Dague said considering many farmers are farmers are beginning to anticipate their yields, but working with a 5 percent profit margin, he asks if some are finding their crops eaten up before they DNR officials or lawmakers would give up 5 percent can be harvested. of their income and not receive any benefits. For most farmers, the culprits are deer feeding Farmers such as Dague and McCarthy say be- on alfalfa, soybeans, corn and other crops. But cause summer permits are limited and when they are some farmers say the deer are destroying more issued neighbors complain about farmers killing deer, crops than past summers and that the Department some farmers are calling for more drastic measures of Natural Resources (DNR) needs to have a better to protect their farms and reduce the deer herds. deer management strategy, said Scott Everett, Some farmers say if the state isn't \villing to MFB associate legislative counsel. pay for crop damage, it should fund fencing to keep "The DNR is committed to reducing (deer) deer out of farmers' fields. Others suggest extend- numbers, but it needs to be done quickly, because ing the hunting season or reducing kill regulations we can't tell farmers they should expect 30 percent on farmers whose fields are overrun with deer. crop damage for the next five years," Everett said. "It's not the responsibility of the non-farming segment of society to provide a subsidy for Fencing in farmers' land would be costly and Michigan deer have a 40 percent increase in a business practice that's suffering some loss," says Dale Rabe, supervisor of the research isn't a widely supported approach to curtailing deer population yearly, with an average of 2.1 fawns per section of the DNR's wildlife division in response to producer concerns over crop losses. problems, Rabe said. The DNR recognizes the value female adult deer, said Tom Nederveld, DNR private of deer to other citizens and that farmers must real- land management specialist. Because the deer re- tolerate," Anderson said. or young deer makes it even harder for farmers to ize nature dictates that deer will create crop dam- produce so fast, DNR officials encourage hunters Block permits can help reduce herds, but a receive summer shooting permits from the DNR, age, he said. and farmers to minimize the female populations in common dilemma among farmers is that deer stay Everett said. Deer management works when all the tools their area, he said. in the woods during the hunting season, feeding off Dale Rabe, supervisor of the research section are used together, and hunting is the best solution . "We have to hanrest antlerless deer at a higher shrubs and trees, Everett said. Come summer, the of the DNR's \vildlife division, says the DNR is trying for agriculture damage, said Ed Langenau, DNR big rate because their recruitment (birth) rate is so deer are eating fresh alfalfa and corn from farmers' to work with farmers to control crop damage and game specialist. high," Nedenreld said. Only one in five deer have fields. Because farmers can't hanrest the numbers ease tensions within farming communities. The DNR divides the state into 350-square antlers, so hunters usually want to kill a buck, leaving needed during the season, the block permits pro- "We try to meet the goals of society in the best mile-units where field biologists consider crop dam- too many doe to reproduce the next year, he said. vide limited assistance, they say. way we can with our management techniques. It's age, habitat, deer/Car accident rates and other fac- To thwart the problem of deer overgrazing, Another solution the DNRoffers to reduce deer not the responsibility of the non-farming segment tors to determine how many deer should be in the DNR officials offer farmers block permits during numbers is summer shooting permits. Two years of of society to provide a subsidy for a business prac- area, Langenau said. hunting season. Farmers can buy the additional crop damage must be documented by a DNR field tice that's suffering some loss," Rabe said. "Where we have problems with deer is with permits for $3.50 each to hunt antlerless deer in officer before summer permits are issued. But DNR But Roger McCarthy says he, like many farm- people's unwillingness to shoot antlerless deer," their area, said Ralph Anderson, Jackson district officers don't like to issue many summer permits be- ers in southern and central Michigan, has seen too Langenau said. "People don't want to shoot wildlife biologist for DNR. cause deer meat is of lower quality and fawns will be many deer eating off his 495-acre farm of wheat and antlerless deer, but they want us to solve their "The block permits are intended for the orphaned from summer killings, Nederveld said. beans in Isabella County. crop damage.". farmer to trim the deer population in his locality Also, pressure from neighbors who like to see "IfDNR officers or legislators laid their billfold that is causing him some losses he doesn't want to deer grazing and don't want farmers to kill mothers on the dresser at night and half (of their money) was 1996 county annual meetings c..ty Iron Range .... Oct. 30 n.. ..... _ 6:30 p.m. (CSTl, Fekh Community Building c...ty Northwest .... Sept. 25 II-. _ ....... 6:30 p.m. dimer with meeting to foBow, The 69 county Farm Bureau annual meetings Business to be conducted will include: Isabella Sept. 8 I p.m., Finnerty Pork, Beol City Twin Lokes Hi Camp kick off Michigan Farm Bureau's annual grass • Report of Program Activities Jackson Sept. 18 6 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, Bullinger's 'Oakland Oct. 23 6:30 p.m., American Legion Post 163, roots policy development process. Members will • Consideration of Policy Resolutions Restaurant, Jackson 8047 Ortonvile Rd (or M-15), Clarkston have an opportunity to propose, discuss and vote • Election of Directors Kalamazoo Oct. I 6 p.m. social.6:45 p.m. dinner, The Birches, 'Oceana Oct 21 6:30 p.m. retmbly from .\mtnca's Ia~ dislribulor. "'I' !la'r 616-453-7690. super solid, good rubber. 0\ rr 10.000 !il3ndanl silts 01 shop. fann. In1wrlal. the opportunity to gl:OW with an industry leader. New copper radiator. Strong rOlllllM'nlal iIlId mln~W3rrhoust buildings. AU lIIl' For consideration, please send your resume and runner! Jeddo, Michigan. BAYSIDE ALFALFA SEED: romplrlr .. iIll rnglnm S1amptd prrmll dr.t.. lngs iIIll salary history in confidence to Warren Berens, Dairybrand and Crystal. a 20 )'tar mol and .... U lIS "1ImllIy. CiU us 1OrIa)' HELP WANTED: Mechani- $3000. Call 1-810-364-8489 cally inclined person to do Manager, Recruiting & Assessment. B & M SEED lor a lrrt InIormarIon parbgr and a quorr 011 0UI1Op after 4pm. Some parts includ- fieldwork, feed cattle and 'lJilc!JWm: Foods qualiry buildings or bulldlng l'OlllJlOlIl'II pans. ed! 1-517-463-2846 some relief milking for 200 JOHN BEAN MODEL 1266 ~Iini Warl'llollsl' Sail' cow dairy in Central Potato harvester (muck only), MICHIGAN CERTIFIED WHEAT Sn,Hnn Michigan. $20,000 to $25,000 A Division of Sara Lee chains. Like new. Ready to SEED: Harus, Lowell, -'" \ I..''' .... Ii ". """ .... ". II'" to .. " .. I' .",1 uti ... per year. Other benefits. No go! Power take off driven. 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Venture Tool and 1-616-763-3563. $18,000. 1-517-649-8988. Metalizing WANTED TO BUY: Standing Sebewaing, Ml timber of all kinds. Call 1-517-833-9121 Mineral Owners Gas/Oil: ln- PRECAST R. H. Rehkopf Big Rapids, Michigan Financing SELF-STICK ALUMINUM ROLL ROOFING vestor interested in purchas- 1-800-725-7861 ing, producing royalty income WANTED, STANDING TIM- Roof or reroof most low slope roofs, patch roll roofing, asphalt for immediate cash. Prefer or metal roofs, gutters. Just peel off release paper and stick BER: Buyers of timber of all PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LAND Antrim gas. Other formations types. Cash in advance! CONTRACT? Late payments? down. Reflective surface cuts under roof temperature. considered. Call Jay, 1-800- OVERSTOCK PRICE REDUCTION Back taxes? Property dam- 1 -517-875-4565, ask for Tim. CALL OR WRITE FOR FREE SAMPLE 968-7645. MODEL J FEED BUNK PRICE Maple Rapids age? 9 of 10 qualify for pur- REDUCED TO & ORDERING INFORMATION. PROFESSIONAL CATTLE Lumber Mill, Inc. chase. We can help. $ 139.00 Each 1st NATIONAL M F M Building Products Corp. hoof trimming: Statewide! St. Johns, Ml Over 14 years experience. WANTED: 2"-8" used alumi- 1-800-879-2324. P.O. Box 340 • Coshocton, OH 43812 • 800-882-ROOF Prices start at $8. Call num irrigation tubing. Buy, Norman Beale Sell or Trade! Call 1-616-775-0488 Rain Control SAVE 75% ON WORK 1-800-339-9350 Vehicles Business Real Estate CLOTHES! Good, clean, re- WANTED: Large piles fieldstone cycled in very best quality. boulders. Will pay top dollar. Services Wanted Money back guarantee. Free 1966 FORD F-700 flatbed Flint Stone and Supply. brochure 1-810-235-6633. truck. 22,000 GVW, newer Suntex Recycling starter, brake cylinders, and Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 1-800-TOO-BUSH WANTED: Old motorcycles, engine electrics. $3700. Con- METAL ROOF COATINGS: HUNTING LEASE WANTED: 24 hours-7 days. (1-800-366-2874) snowmobile and off road ve- sider trade for Allis Chalmers Heavy fibered or white roof Ethical and responsible bow CONCRETE PRODUCTS. INC. hicles. 1965 and older. Call D-17orD-19. coatings. H.J. Butcin. Call hunter wishes to lease hunt- MUSKEGON. MICHIGAN 4S444 JD at 1-517-676-0583. 1-517-291-3044. anytime, early or late. ing rights to southern Michi- STOCK-UP: Sheepskin mit- 1-517-777-9815. gan farm on your terms, ref- tens, hats, gloves, slippers, erences available. Call John, woolen garments, yarn. Cata- 1-313-791-0259. log available! WANTED: Farms and land Bellair's Hillside Farms throughout Michigan, agricul- and tural and recreational. Large The Sheep Shed parcels preferred. We have 8351 Big Lake Road, Clark- buyers! Call ston. 1-810-625-2665. Visa/Master Card Deadline for next issue is August 21,1996 Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- build and balance. Some ex- changes. We stock chopper parts. ENGINE REBUILDING VISArj Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your ^ ® our specialty. Auto-Truck- Tractor-Antique-Continental- Classified Ad Today! Auctions Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- or use the coupon below and mail or fax your gine dealer. Lease financing 70 years of service! HARTS AUTO PARTS classified ad to Michigan Farm News Buy Line/Daily News FAX: for equipment ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MAR- KET: Sunday, August 25. Cecil, OH 1-419-399-4777 P.O. Box 6, Stanton, Ml 48888 1-517-831-5063 vehicles & Rain or Shine! 300 exhibitors, over half under cover. Picnic Larger classified ads must be pre-paid by check or VISA/MasterCard buildings areas, food services. Show located at the fairgrounds Classified A d Codes right in Allegan, Michigan. • 100% tax deductible Free parking! $3 admission. FACTORY CLEARANCE 1. Farm Machinery 10. Work Wanted 20. Wanted To Buy 7:30am-4:30pm. 1WENTORY MUST BE SOLD1 • fixed payments 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 21. Special Events STEEL BUILDINGS • min advance payment 3. Farm Commodities 12. Business Services 22. Recreation 4. Seeds 13. Business Opportunities 23. Financing 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors Wanted. General TELMARKINC SUfrgft HEAVY STEEL 25x30 (2 left) 40x50 (1 led) 50x100 (1 left) 6. Poultry 7. Dogs and Puppies 15. Real Estate Wanted 16. Estate Sales 25. Buildings 26. Lawn And Garden http://www.telmark.com DUMP TRAILERS: 30x40 (3 left) 42x64 (2 left) U P T O 4 0 % OFF!!! 8. Ponies/Horses 17. Auctions 27. Announcements 800-451-3322 24' Lead, 22' Pup. Good con- dition! Can haul 1600 20 YEAH WARRANTY 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles 28. To Give Away bushels, 24 wheels. $15,000. American Steel Arch Inc. 19. General 29. Vehicles 1-313-971-1804. FACTORY DIRECT FIBERGLASS 12' FISHING BOAT: 1-800-942-1234 Name .Phone ( ). 9.9 Mercury outboard, 1995 Real Estate heavy duty trailer. $2200. Address. Call 1-517-546-5280. City State .Zip. HARDY OUTSIDE WOOD FURNACE 38 ACRES, 4-bedroom World's #1 seller. Stainless TV ANTENNAS dirt cheap! Classified Ad Code Requested. Number of Issues home, 3 large barns. Good steel construction. Heats Save a bundle on Channel pasture and hunting! 40 home, hot water tank, pools. Master and Winegard anten- Desired Insertion Date(s): acres, small house, woods. Eliminates fire danger. 10 nas and accessories. For a Excellent deer hunting! Sand year warranty! Dealerships free catalog, call 1-800-528- Method of Payment ridge. 1-517-643-7754. available. 1-800-743-5883. 9984. Jamboree Acres Denny's Antenna Sales Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) BLUEBERRY FARM. Mus- kegon County, 53 acres, (42 producing), two irrigation sys- Visa Card Number Exp. Date tems, 2400 square foot proc- essing, packing plant. 1142 rtfc>k[!j«j|iu.^i.t.jijiJTl^ Master Card Number Exp. Date square foot three bedroom Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words • 30 cents each additional word house. Box 0183 Fruitport, Ml 49415. Place your ad for 6 Write your ad here, including phone number and area code CUTE 3 BEDROOM year months, get phone 1 2 3 4 round cottage on Martiny Lake in Barryton, Michigan. number or name in red. All aluminum vinyl exterior 5 6 7 8 with 2 car garage. Water ac- Place your ad for 1 year, cess to 5 other lakes. Excel- 9 10 11 12 lent fishing! $69,900 with get phone number or terms. 1-517-546-5280. 13 14 15 16 name in red and also GREENHOUSES, BULK 17 18 SEEDS and U-Pick Produce. save $1.00 per ad. 19 20 14 acres with 3 bedroom 21 22 24 ranch. 25 years established retail wholesale business Call 25 26 23 27 28 near Metro Airport. Call 1-313-941-1939. TWO 40'S with a home in ^.1-800-968-3129 29 30 31 32 SLmamamamtesm ^ ^ for details Menominee County. Good 33 34 35 36 deer country! All high land. 1-906-639-2449. 1-906-639-2977. Circulation over 46,000 in State of Michigan. Discu.ssien Fuel and gas tax distribution I.~-; ... •.r.p" .1-:,"'1 ... J "" W'. jOWY ~...,im~! to support state roads. The rest went to the counties (32 percent), cities and villages (18 percent), non- highway funds such as mass transit (12.9 percent), and to state administrative costs (6.7 percent). In 1992, a study by Michigan Road Builders As- Others have maintained that any revenue increase must be distributed through the current PA 51 formula which, while not perfect, has provided a stable and dependable distribution of transporta- tion dollars to rural Michigan. They believe any Discussion Questions 1. Is the current distribution formula as de- termined by PA 51 equitable? Should the system be changed? September 1996 sociation concluded that 36.5 percent of state-main- change in the current system will only benefit 2. If the distribution formula should be changed, what would it look like? What are A monthly resource tained roadways were in poor condition, 26.1 percent metro Detroit, while substantially short-changing the political realities of passing such a plan? for the Community were rated in fair condition, and 37.4 percent were in out-state Michigan. In addition, they cite negative 3. Should all new transportation revenue Action Groups good condition. In addition, MDOT indicates that of economic impacts from the lack of adequate fund- from a fuel and gas tax increase be dis- of Michigan Farm Michigan's 10,611 bridges, 37.6 percent were deficient, ing of local roads. tributed through PA 51 ? Should some of Bureau 14.1 percent were structurally deficient and 23.5 per- Current Farm Bureau policy states: the new revenue go to state highways cent were functionally obsolete. • An increase in the state gasoline tax of no more and/or to critical roads and bridges? T he need to increase Michigan's fuel tax will be hotly debated this fall. Tied to that de- bate is the question of how to distribute the extra money raised from a fuel tax increase. To help address this problem, Governor En- gler created Build Michigan, a bonding program of nearly $200 million. In 1992, however, MDOT esti- mated it would need $190 million per year to im- than six cents per gallon. The increase should be established based on actual roadway mainte- nance/improvement needs. These funds must be earmarked for repairs and rebuilding of our 4. Would members of your group support a township millage to upgrade local roads and bridges (leaving fuel tax funds for general maintenance)? If your group does not sup- port a township millage, what other fund- Since 1951, Public Act 51 (PA51) has determined prove the state's roads and bridges. Others have transportation infrastructure and must be distrib- ing alternative do they suggest? how state revenue for transportation is raised and calculated that figure at nearly $650 million when uted through the PA51 Transportation Distribu- Resource People to Contact: spent in Michigan. Previous fuel and gas tax increases local roads and bridges are included . tion Fund formula. • Your County Road Commission have. been distributed through PA51, which has pro- While the need for additional funding seems • The use of private contractors and a bidding • Ronald K. DeCook, Deputy Director, vided rural Michigan with a dependable source of obvious to many, there has been strong disagree- process for road and bridge development and County Road Association of Michigan, funding for local roads. However, some people be- ment over the distribution of any new revenue. maintenance. 571/482-1253 lieve that the transportation needs established in 1951 Some have argued that at least half or more of all • Examination of the Transportation Distribution • Tim Goodrich, Associate Legislative Counsel, Michigan Farm Bureau, have changed and, therefore, the distribution formu- new revenue should go to the state for state high- Fund formula to determine if the current meth- 517/323-6560 la needs to be restructured to reflect modern trans- way funding. They cite studies indicating a heavier od of funding county and local roads is equitable. portation needs. PA51 is due to sunset in 1998. use of truck and auto traffic on state highways than • Diversion of Michigan's mass transit funds to In fiscal year 1995, the Michigan Department of on county and local roads. In addition, some new roadway improvement. Ten percent of Michigan's Transportation (MDOT) indicated that only 25.6 per- money will need to go to specific projects such as transportation funds are dedicated to mass tran- cent of the total Michigan Transportation Fund went the expansion of U.S. 23. sit systems .• JUSTAFEW Barn Again winner- MORE using and preserving history SFASONS C alling himself conservative in everything he does, Allegan County Farm Bureau member Dan Dykstra also likes the sight of old barns. Those two traits, combined with a can-do attitude, drove AND HE'LL him to renovate a 36 x 56 foot hip roof barn, built somewhere around the turn of the century, into a swine facility. BE OFF TO It also earned him some national recognition as one of four 1996 Recognition Award winners in the Barn Again contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Successful COLLEGE... Farming magazine. Purchased by Dan and his wife Ellen in 1984, the barn includes a gestation barn on the lower level, and three rooms of farrowing crates on the BEITER CALL YOUR FARM second level. Additions at each end of the barn provide additional gestation stalls and a nursery. BURFAU INSURANCE AGENT "Everything's all hooked together so I can produce the feeder pigs right here before moving RIGHT AFfER 1HE GAME. them to another facility to finish them out," Dykstra explained. "It was really cost-feasible. I'm sure I did it for less than half of what a new facility would be." By starting now, you can give your Originally used to house steers, Dykstra decid- ed to convert the facility in 1990 to a farrow-to-feed- family the kind of future you want them er pig facility. A new roof, a concrete floor on the to have ... a future that includes college, a second level, and additions at each end of the barn were all built for less than $50,000, he estimates. paid-off mortgage, and enough money to The farrow to finish operation now annually keep the family together. produces 1,600 to 1,800 pigs per year, in addition to Even if something happens to you, raising 60,000 to 70,000 turkey a year under con- tract with Sara Lee and growing 120 acres of corn a plan from Farm Bureau Life Insurance and soybeans. of Michigan can make sure your dreams Aside from a little ventilation advice and equipment from Hamilton Distributing, the facility live on. design and work was all done by Dykstra himself, We are the only Michigan-based including building and welding the gestation stalls together. He figures the barn is doing more than company named one of the top 50 just providing some scenic beauty - it's helping to outstanding life insurers in America, pay the bills. based on safety, security, and financial "The way I look at it, you've bought the barn, why not use it?"Dykstra asked. "Otherwise it just sets performance.!Call your Farm Bureau. there and becomes an eyesore. lfit isn't going to be Insurance agent today. of any value, then you might as well get rid of it." Since its creation in 1988, the Barn Again pro- gram has honored 122 farmers from 27 states who Making )'Our future more predictable have demonstrated that history and progress can co-exist, says Mary Humstone, Barn Again director for the National Trust. "Our 1996 winners are using their barns for dairy __ FAR. IItJR£A1J cows, beef, hogs, sheep and grain storage, demon- ,- __ ~ INSURANCE strating the great versatility of older barns," Humstone tAU JUaEAIJ IIUT1lAl • rWlIIJIDU Uff • JlQi J\JIlAU OOIWL • FI AInlurrf said. "We are proud to honor these families for their outstanding historic preservation efforts." For additional information about Barn Again, write: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 910 16th St. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 30202; or -, phone (303) 623-1504 .•