MICHICAN FARM BUREAU ,,- Odober 30, 1996 Vol. 73, No. 18 Michigan farmland PDRprogram gets $1 million boost G etting several Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs beyond the con- cept stage in Michigan took one giant step toward implementation recently, with a $1 million farm- land protection grant from the USDA.The grant is I part of $14.5 million released by USDAunder the I' Farmland Protection Program, created under the I 1995 farm bill, that will be leveraged with state- level funds creating a total nest egg of $55 million for farmland protection nationwide. Michigan was one of 18 states receiving a grant under the program. According to Dave Skjaerlund, executive director of the Rural Devel- opment Council, the $1 million will be used with matching state and local funds to purchase PDRs from 15 parcels of farmland in the Traverse City area and another seven parcels in southeastern Michigan .. Approximately $300,000 of the $1 million grant will be matched with funds generated by a 1.25 mil property tax in 1994 in Peninsula Town- ship in Grand Traverse County. The remaining $700,000 will be matched with funds generated by the state's Farmland Open Space Act, or PA 116, Hastings High School teacher Ed Domke's agri-science classeswill be hit hard with the loss of added cost funding dollars to their program. lien fund to purchase additional PDRs in north- "I think it's pretty sad when agriculture is the number two industry in Michigan and the largest in the world and we've fallen to the bottom east and southeast Michigan. of the list - something's wrong, " Domke explained in disbelief. "Every week someone asks for a stude'!t to fill a job and I just don't have The existence of ongoing farmland protec- enough students to go around," Domke adds. "This program won't continue without added cost funding." tion efforts in Michigan gave the state an advan- tage over other states, says Skjaerlund. "To qualify under this program there had to be a pending COVER STORY offer, or at least something in process. In other Lawsuit brought words, you had to submit actual parcels in the "What we've got, essentially, is a fundamental problem that against ADM by funding request," he pointed out. developed because of the state's inability to predict need and Michigan Pork Skjaerlund coordinated the Governor's Michigan Farmland and Agriculture Development demand in agricultural labor which, consequently, gets trans- Producers in lysine task force in 1994. That study showed that be- lated into reduced support for agriculture programs in the state?' price fixing scheme tween 1982 and 1992, over 854,000 acres of Michi- Dr. Fred Poston, dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU ADM already agrees to penalty gan farmland - 10 acres every hour - was lost to T he stakes in the never-ending funding battle ing issue two years ago as president of the Michigan of $100 million to settle federal development. That acreage loss equates to a $100 for the state's 120 agri-science programs Association of Agri-science Educators. He says the charges of price fixing million loss in local farm revenue. The use of PDRs to preserve farmland has started to gain momentum both in Michigan and were raised for at least 25 programs that will lose a portion of their operating budget under the Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) added ranking, which is based on Michigan Employment Security Commission (MESC) statistics for ag labor demands and actual student placement as deter- I na complaint filed in Kent County Circuit Court, the Michigan Pork Producers Associa- tion (MPPA)contends that the four major lysine across the country, with an estimated 50,000 addi- cost funding program for career and technical edu- mined by surveys of graduating high school seniors, producing companies - ADM, two Japanese- tional acres in 18 states being protected as a result cation, according to Mark Forbush, agri-science is inadequate and simply inaccurate. based companies and one Korean-based compa- of this most recent $14.5 million grant program. instructor at Perry High School. "How can we be the number two industry in ny - violated anti-trust laws by working togeth- Skjaerlund says PDRs allow producers to capitalize Added cost funding dollars, used by many this state and be the 28th most important career er to set the price of lysine charged to feed on the development value of the farmland with- agri-science programs to cover added costs such as technical program in Michigan?" Forbush asks. companies and pork producers, according to out actually selling the farm. summer programs, leadership contests, greenhouse "How can one in eight jobs in our state depend on Sam Hines, MPP~s executive director. "Basically we're compensating the landown- operations and numerous other activities, were agriculture which contributes over $37 billion to Over the course of five years, the Archer er for the value of his development rights, which jeopardized with MDE's recent ranking of agri-sci- our state's economy, and be the 28th most impor- Daniels Midland Company (ADM) conspired is the difference between the development value ence programs, which plummeted from 15th on the tant program in our state? Something's wrong with with the three other foreign companies to set and the agricultural value," he explained. "In ex- list in 1995 to 28th for 1996. the system if it doesn't reflect a more urgent need the price of the commonly used feed additive at change the landowner agrees to not build houses MDE annually doles out between $27 and $30 for people than that." inflated levels alleges the MPPAand five other on the land or use it for other non-agricultural million for vocational program funding. Programs Forbush says an overhaul of the methodology individual pork producers who filed as co-plan- purposes. The farmer can still farm the land and ranked 15th place or higher are funded directly used to establish the ranking is long overdue and tiffs and serve on the MPPAboard of directors. Continued on page 4 from 60 percent of the total funds. Funding is based says this year's 28th place ranking should be a "Our interest was peaked as a result of the on a $151 per student hour reimbursement formu- wake-up call for changing the system. The use of fact that Michigan law is a little unique," ex- la, which means approximately $15,000 annually to MESCfor labor demand ranks high on Forbush's list plained Hines. "There are about six states (hat the Perry agri-science program. of problems with the current method of ranking have state law in place that will allow a second- The remaining 40 percent of the funds are programs, which currently shows a total agricultural ary user, such as an individual pork producer, to then distributed to Regional Educational Service workforce of only 110,900, including owner/opera- claim damages in a price fixing situation. Michi- Districts (RESD), formerly known as Intermediate tors. He argues that few farmers utilize MESCas a gan law states that if indeed you can prove it is a School Districts, for distribution, as they see fit, at source for finding new hired help. flagrant violation, it allows for triple damages." the local level, which mayor may not include local "If a farmer in my area needs hired help, he "We have been mulling this over for sever- agri-science programs within area high schools. generally calls me; I'm placing kids in farm al months," stated Hines. "Finally we felt we Forbush got involved in the added cost fund- Continued on page 11 Continued on page 8 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Organizational Briefs 2 Statewide promotion will Candidates respond to questions News in Brief 2 list growers with immature on key Farm Bureau issues ......... 10-11 grains or forages for sale 5 Japan gives Ciba and Capitol Corner 3 Market Outlook 6 Northrup King Bt corn approval ...... 12 New pesticide certification exam is released 4 Business Strategies: Tax Rural electrification management tips for farmers ......... 7-8 park gets facelift 13 Precision Agriculture: Connect Weather Outlook 16 with precision ag on the Internet 9 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News c/assifieds-Page 14 tation, natural resources and fine-tuning of tax policy. We need legislators who are willing to look at the Michigan producers part of agricultural perspective and make dedsions that will Ag Resource Management Study help ensure the continued viability of farming as a diverse and important segment of the Michigan economy. O ver 235 Michigan producers will be asked to participate in the Agricultural Resource Man- agement Study, a national survey of 18,000 produc- sponse is critical. Farmers selected to participate in the study will be making an important contribution to the On the national scene, we need congressional ers, to gather reliable and objective information overall welfare of the agricultural community. representatives who will continue the historic about numerous management practices according Producers selected to participate in the study progress made during the l04th Congress. But that to the Michigan Agricultural Statistic Service. will be notified by letter and interviewers will visit progress could be short-circuited if we don't elect a Information on crop protection, production with them personally to collect their reports (at the president who will permit Congress' free-market, practices, pest management, and selected produc- operator's convenience). USDAwill publish nation- regulatory reform proposals to be enacted. tion costs are some of the topics to be measured al information on agricultural chemical usage, as That is why your support for Bob Dole is im- during October, November, and December. Only well as analysis of commodity production costs and portant. In this presidential election, having a 18,000 of the nation's 2 million farm operators will returns, in a series of reports in 1997.• strong turnout in rural areas will make a big differ- be asked to panidpate in the study, so every re- From the ence. Recent polls have shown Dole gaining ground President on President Clinton. But for Dole to have a fighting Propane stock reduction chance, every single one of his supporters across the country must cast their ballot. shouldn't affect Michigan farmers Making your vote count A Dole presidency would mean support for P ropane stocks reached a 26-year low for the pane prices followed crude oil prices, but that is N OV. 5 is a crucial day for agriculture. Farm Bureau priority issues at the highest level. Bob start of the heating season, but the effects on normal activity. Crude oil has risen $4.68 since the The choices you make on election Dole believes: farmers should be compensated Michigan farmers should be negligible. National beginning of September. ~ropane has risen $9.60 Tuesday will have a significant impact when the value of their land is diminished by wet- . stocks were just 50.4 million barrels on Sept. 30, 7 since Sept. 1, but.only $3.20 since Oct. 1. on the future of your farming enterprise. land determinations or endangered species desig- million below last year's level. There should be no shortage for Michigan For perspective, look at the positive results of nations, that bureaucratic involvement in wetland However, Midwest supplies gained 500,000 farmers' grain dryers, said Peppel: He a~ded that it the ballots you cast in the 1994 election. Thanks in determinations should be reduced, that regulations barrels to put them at 23.5 million. Don Peppel, of is difficult to determine the effects until mid-No- large part to the "Friends of Agriculture" you helped should be subject to meaningful cost -benefit analy- Farmers Petroleum Corporation, said there has not vember, when new estimates for the winter supply elect that pivotal year, the agricultural industry has sis, in agriculture programs focused on growth- been any surge of prices. He noted that the pro- are made .• enjoyed a series of tremendous legislative and con- oriented policies, that rural economies should be gressional victories. In Lansing, we saw passage of revitalized, that government should leave more Sheridan chairman of the board important PA. 116 amendments, unemployment money in the pockets of taxpayers, and in improv- compensation reform and no-fault insurance tort reform. On the national level, congressional repre- ing the competitiveness of U.S. farm exports. No doubt about it. Voter participation is the W illiam Sheridan, of Mason, has been elected to chair the Michigan Beef Industry Com- mission. Gov. Engler appointed him to the board to The Commission administers the beef checkoff program which is designed to strengthen beef's position in the marketplace. The beef checkoff funds sentatives, elected with the help of Farm Bureau key to shaping the outcome of this year's election. members like you, passed a historic farm bill, a In 1992,55 percent of eligible voters made it to the represent the livestock markets in the state. Sheri- programs in the areas of promotion, consumer infor- presidential line item veto, Delaney reform and polls. The number declined to 37 percent in 1994. If dan co-owns and operates the Owosso Livestock mation, industry information, foreign marketing and health care reform. that trend continues this year, the traditionally high- Sales Company and manages Sheridan Livestock research on both the state and nationallevels. But what happens next? We can't afford to rest percentage farm and rural vote could be pivotal. Marketing Service. He is past chairman of the Michi- Other elected officers include: Karen on our laurels. Already, agriculture's opponents are Make your vote count. Refer to the "Friends of gan Beef Exposition, past president of the Livestock Stoneman, Breckenridge, vice chairperson; gearing up to roll back the progress we've made. If Agriculture" list in the Oct. 15 issue of Michigan Marketing Association and former diredor of the John VanderBoon, Ada, secretary; and Velmar we want to continue moving forward on imple- Farm News and visit the polls on Nov. 5. Michigan Auctioneers Association. Green, Elsie, treasurer .• menting our policy priorities, it is Critically impor- tant that we elect lawmakers who support Farm Bureau objectives. On the state level, that means supporting can- didates who will work with Gov. Engler to address g~t~Jack Laurie, President EQUIPfunding hits a snag T he government will soon be giving farmers and ranchers money to help implement conserva- tion measures. Already, a portion of the program is Friday by the Agriculture Department do not define clearly who qualifies for the $200 million in funding. They say that corporations could get some of the important issues like wildlife crop damage, transpor- Michigan Farm Bureau under criticism. At issue is who will qualify for waste money to build pollution controls that the Clean treatment funds: "small" farmers or "big" farmers. Water Act already requires they have in place. The voluntary Environmental Quality Incen- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman admits ORGANIZATIONAL BRIEFS tives Program, created by the 1996 farm bill, pays up to 75 percent of the cost of building manure con- that the rules do not preclude that, but he prom- ised that wealthy corporations would get nothing. "I tainment lagoons, the costs of switching to farming have no intention of awarding large-scale operations Wanted: Enthusiastic, knowledgable people willing to techniques that require fewer pesticides and other any of this assistance. Period," he said. tell kids about Michigan~ most important occupation conservation measures. Farm Bureau believes that the cost-share he Michigan Farm Bureau will be spreading the will learn Food and Fiber Products - Friendly to Advocates for small farmers and several law- funds for livestock operators should not be limited T message about farming to Traverse City area children Dec. 12. Volunteers are needed to go to the Environment and You! The third-grade lesson will focus on insect makers, including Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), have said that the rules proposed due to the size of the operation, but rather should be based on environmental benefits .• the schools and present the third- and fourth-grade identification and integrated pest management. lesson plans in teams of 2-3 people. There will be a Fourth-grade students will learn how agricultural Worries persist in spite of Delaney reform training session Dec. 11. The event is in conjunction products are a part of their everyday lives and how degree of industry involvement." \vith the MFB state annual meeting. "Last year's venture into the classroom was a farm products are used for industri31 purposes. The lesson materials will be provided, and kids will learn T he reform of the Delaney Clause was welcome news for America's food producers, but the implementation of the "negligible risk" standard in One major concern centers on the belief that if the produce industry loses key crop-protection great success," said Julie Chamberlain, manager of through hands-on adivities. Plan to make a differ- determining whether pesticides can be used hasn't compounds, the volume and quality of produce will Promotion and Education at MFB. Over 2,000 ence in the education of these youth. wiped out the worry among farmers. decline, prices will rise and consumption will fall. fourth- and fifth-grade students learned about Mich- Farm Bureau members who enjoy children According to The Packer newspaper, a great Some concerns revolve around the fate of igan's most important industry, she said. This year, and want to tell the story of agriculture are invited deal of anxiety exists among producers because it is pesticides that might not meet the "negligible risk" third- and fourth-grade lessons will be presented. to assist. Ifyou have any questions or are interest- uncertain how the Environmental Protedion Agen- standard. WallyEwan of the Northwest Horticulture The third-grade activity is titled, Understanding ed in volunteering, call Cindy Kelly or Karen cy will translate the new Food Quality Protection Council said Delaney reform created some positives Insects as Friends or Foes, while the fourth grade Stoneman at (517) 323-7000, ext. 3202 .• Ad into policies and regulations. for agriculture, but he worries that the negatives "There's a lot of anxiety associated with the could cancel them out. He said EPAmust review all Merchant accepts advertising sales rep. position new law," said John Aguirre of the United Fresh the current pesticides in light of the new standard, Fruit and Vegetable Association. "We'll need a high and this might lead to the loss of key chemicals for J oshua Merchant has accepted the position of advertising operation in Gratiot County, Merchant graduated from Albion College with a degree in communica- tions, with a marketing concentration. He was most produce .• sales representative for recently employed with UNUMAmerican, Inc. as a BST SALES GROWING EXTENSION NOT ASSOCIATED the Michigan Farm Bu- sales/account representative servicing 500 client The Sept. 15 issue of Michigan Farm News WITH CLUB CALF SALE reau member publica- accounts on long-term health care insurance prod- referenced a Wall Street Journal article describing Michigan State University is not directly tions, the Michigan ucts, and has had previous sales experience with the disappointing sales of Monsanto's Posilac affiliated with the West Michigan Club Calf Sale Farm News and Rural United Way,Starr Commonwealth, Johnson and bovine somatotropin. Actually, in just the past two as an article in the Oct. 15 Michigan Farm News living magazine. Origi- Higgins, and the Gratiot County Chamber of Com- years, Posilac has become the largest selling dairy may have implied. MSU Extension agents from nally from an Ithaca-area merce. If interested in learning more about advertis- animal health prodUd in the United States. Sales Newaygo and Muskegon counties have served 1,I00-acre cash crop ing in the Michigan Farm News or Rural living, increased significantly in 1995 over 1994 - in the in an advisory role but assume no responsibility contact Merchant at 800-292-2680, ext. 6543.• range of 15 to 20 percent. or finandalliability for the consignments or func- For the first three quarters of 1996, sales tion of the Nov. 2 sale. volumes are up 40 percent from the comparable Joel Cowley, EANR Livestock Agent, The MJchlg.n F.rm News (ISSN:074J-9962) Is published twice per month except In the months of November. December, June and July when only one Issue Is printed. as a service to regular members, by Michigan fMm Bureau, 7373 West period in 1995. Acceptance of Posilac continues to Nortbwest Michigan s.glnaw Hlghw~. lansing. Michigan 41917. Member subsalption price of $1.50 Is Included In annual dues of grow with 15 to 20 new dairy producers joining Michigan Farm BurllllU regular members. Additional subsafption Ms required for mlllling Mlchlg.n F.rm N.ws to nonmembers and outside the continen~ U.s.A. Periodical postage paid at 1M1sIng. Michigan. .wi IIdditionIll mailing the Posilac program each business day. Send your comments to: offices. Michigan producers were among the quick- lArtterI to the editor and ItatrNide news ~ should be sent to: Ecltor, MIchIgMt F.rm Nftws. Post Offke lox J096O. Unsing. Mlchipn 4Itot-I46O. POSTMASTER - Send ~n1Ss cNnves to: Michipn F.m IurHu, Post Office est in the country to adopt the Posilac technology Michigan Farm News lox 30960. l.-sing. MkNgan 4I9Ot-I46O. in 1994, and herds representing 30 percent of the P.O. Box 30960 EdItorial: o.nnls Ruda1. Edltor and Business ~ Thorn. Nugent. Associate Edttot. state's cows continue to use Posilac today. We lansing. MI48909 Fax: (517) 323-6541 Design and Production: Jeffrey Itutzky. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers Offkers: President. Jd l.aUrIe. c.s CIty: VIce PresIdent. Tom Gu1hrie. Delton; AdrNt.,~. Diredor. o.udt lurtett; 'hasur8r and ChIef FiMnd. OffIcer, Tom hrker: s.a.t.y, Devid VanderHugen. DirectDrs: Distrkt 1, Jim ..... antidpate continued growth as more producers recognize the value that Posilac can bring to their CoIorM: Diftrkt 2. ... v.nSkkJe. MarIhIIII; DIs1rkt 3. Mkh..e FusIlIer. MIIndMster, D6strkt" Tom GudvIe. Delton; Dis1rkt 5. Alan Gamer. Mason; District" w.yne Wood. Mallette: DIstrkt 7, Itkk Jotwon. L.eroy; DIs1rict I.Itkhard dairy business. LMch. SagInaw: District 1,.Josh&y Wunsch. 1\'.".,. CIty; DistrIct 10, MIIrpret "-tIIS. West.Mch; Dis1rkt 11, Rot.t Roger Swartzendruber, Area Market Manager WIhmhoff ..... At-Largr. Jadl ....... c.s City: '''' AdMI. Sncw.; J.n VoIbwg, (]'--; JudJ Emmont. SheridIn.. Promotion Md Education, IrIgette l.Mch. CJImu; Young F........ Chris Donbrodl. CDIdw.... Protlva, a unit of Monsanto Company Land application of biosolids H B. 6071, sponsored by Rep. Carl Gnodtke (R- Sawyer), would require the Department of Environmental Quality, in consultation with the restrict biosolid applications beyond state law, there is a process outlined within the legislation to ensure it is determined to be based on factual and unrea- NATIONAL ISSUE. Department of Agriculture, to develop rules to sonable adverse affects on public health and/or the properly manage the land application of sewage environment. Hazardousmaterials transport sludge (biosolids). MFB position: Michigan Farm Bureau sup- All current local ordinances regulating the ports the bill. T he Research and Special Program Administra- tion (RSPA) in the Department of Transporta- farm to comply with the proposed rule change. The University estimated that it would cost the average land application of biosolids will be preempted by MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• - tion has published a proposed regulation for the farm $2,070. this bill. For a local governmental unit to regulate or intrastate transportation of hazardous material When it became apparent the Department of within each state. If given final approval, the federal Transportation was not interested in addressing government would in effect be telling the State problems the proposed regulation would cause of Michigan specifically what it must do to regulate farmers, legislation was introduced to provide relief. Special assessments - SEVor TV the transportation of hazardous material within its The legislation would have given each state authori- borders. Currently, each state establishes its own regu- ty to grant exemptions to farmers and retailers from requirements of the proposed regulation. 5 B. 1112-S.B. 1119, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bouchard (R-Birmingham), would require that special assessments be levied on the taxable value. value at which the property is taxed and capped. The bills are a series of technical bills that amend the General Property Tax Act dealing with lations concerning the transportation of hazardous During consideration of the legislation by the They can best be characterized as technical correc- sidewalks, pavements, lighting, public improvement materials. The proposed regulation by the RSPA U.S. House of Representatives, the bill was amended tion bills following the passage of Proposal A. projects, drains, police and fire protection, water, would force farmers who move fertilizer, pesticides to only delay implementation of the proposed regu- Special assessments are levied on the property sewer, and township parks. and fuel from farm to field and from field to farm to lation for 18 months. the House of Representatives for a specific purpose such as lighting, sewers or By levying the special assessment on the SEV, comply with the same requirements as commercial then passed the bill with the IS-month delay language. water that spedfically benefits the property subject the amount of revenue would be greater than if over-the-road haulers moving from state to state. When the House-passed bill arrived in the to the special assessment. Generally this is levied levied on the taxable value. In all cases, the bills The requirements include such things as placard- Senate, a "hold" was placed on it by Sen. Frank separate from the general property tax. With the would clarify that special assessments are levied on ing, obtaining shipping papers and maintaining a Lautenberg (D-N]) which prevented consideration passage of Proposal A in lCJ)4, assessments on prop- the taxable value after 1996. 24-hour emergency response telephone line. by the Senate. Senator Lautenberg's efforts appar- erty for tax purposes are limited to 5 percent or the MFB position: Farm Bureau policy is silent Farm Bureau strongly opposed the proposed ently occurred in response to environmental con- rate of inflation. Both the taxable value (1V) and on this issue. regulation because of the adverse impact it would cerns. The bill died when the Senate adjourned for the state equalized value (SEV) are calculated each MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext 2043 .• have on many farmers. Further, the quantity of fer- the year. Efforts will be made again to address this year for the property. The taxable value reflects the tilizers, pesticides and fuel transported from farm to issue when the new 105th Congress convenes in field and back by many farmers is not large enough early lCJ)7. The Department of Transportation is to pose a significant risk to public health. The Uni- expected to issue its final rule by the end of lCJ)6. versity of Illinois conducted a study to determine MFB contact: AIA1my,ext. 2040 .• what the financial impact would be for an average 5 en. Joe Conroy (D-Flint) sponsored S.B. 631 and 632 to repeal the doctrine of adverse pos- session which is founded in English common law and trine of adverse possession. Property lines, or pos- session of land that is in dispute would then be settled by a court based on surveys that exist or are Pesticide data program has evolved as a mechanism to solve land disputes. requested. The doctrine is the basis for determining ownership If property is in dispute and a property line had T he Pesticide Data Program (POP) is a USDA program that collects pesticide residue data for food. USDA contracts \vith state agencies to do the the POP during FY lCJ)7. The legislation directs EPA, rather than USDA to conduct the testing. During when two parties disagree on the ownership. Adverse possession is established by a clear been assumed to exist contrary to the survey and the adjoining property owners (Le. farmers) had farmed debate on the legislation it was recognized that EPA proof of possession that is actual, visual, open, no- to the visible line, that line apparently would be re- actual testing and the results are used by EPAto has no program to test for. pesticide residues in torious, exclusive, and continues uninterrupted for established by the existing or new survey. determine pesticide registrations. Without the data, food. Members of Congress engaged in debate on a period of time covered by statute, generally con- MFB position: There is no Farm Bureau EPAassumes maximum residue levels exist, thereby the issue, which provides congressional intent that sidered to be a minimum of 15 years. policy on this issue. jeopardizing the availability of pesticides. The POP EPAcan continue to contract with state agencies for The bills as introduced would repeal the doc- MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext 2043 .• is important to the administration of the recently the testing. Farm Bureau supported the POP appro- enacted Delaney Clause reforms. priation and the congressional intent language. Congress has passed and President Clinton MFB contact: AIA1my,ext. 2040 .• has signed legislation containing $10.2 million for Drain Code H B. 6150, sponsored by Rep. Carl Gnodtke (R- Sawyer), to amend Michigan's Drain Code, • Require agreements between the drain commis- sioner and developer to provide the necessary Animal Drug Availability Act PA. 40 of 1956, has been introduc~d. For nearly two drainage for proposed developmental projects. years, the Michigan Association of County Drain Additional construction may also be required by C ongress passed and President Clinton is ex- pected to sign the Animal Drug Availability agree on the types of data the agency will need for reviewing an application; and streamlines the ap- Commissioners' Statute Review Committee has been formulating proposed changes. Their work is the commissioner or drainage board down- stream in order to maintain proper drainage of Act. The Act makes changes in Food and Drug Ad- proval requirements when companies seek to mar- now complete and introduced in the form of H.B. the district. ministration procedures to provide the agency with ket two previously approved drugs in combination. 6150. Farm Bureau will take part in several consen- • Inclusion of an administrative fee for the opera- the flexibility to approve more products that are In addition, the legislation enhances the veteri- sus meetings prior to the bill being placed on the tion and maintenance of the Drain Commission- safe and effective for various types of animals. nary oversight of many non-prescription drugs by agenda of the House Agriculture Committee. er's office in the amount of 3 percent of the total The bill clarifies and expands the types of tests establishing a yeterinary feed directive classification The following is a summary of the proposed annual assessment against the county at large. FDAcan accept as evidence of an animal drug's effec- for some drugs; creates a single facility licensing changes important to agriculture as recommended • Require all developed or non-developed public tiveness; removes the requirement that field investi- process for feed mills; and allows FDAto set import by the Statute Review Committee: lands pay their assessment based on benefits gations of drug's efficacy be required in every in- tolerances for animal drugs not approved in the U.S. • Reduction of the number of signatures required derived (currently public land is exempt from stance, while preserving FDA's right to require such MFB position: Farm Bureau supported en- for a drainage project to 5, or 25 percent of the drainage assessments). tests when necessary; creates a binding presubmis- actment of the Act. land area of the drainage district liable for assess- • Under Chapter 22, development of a comprehen- sion conference at which FDA and drug sponsors will MFB contact: AIA1my,ext. 2040. ment . sive watershed management planning process. • Ability for the Drain Commissioner to "recess" the Related statutes STATE ISSUE Board of Determination meeting to gather more • Amendments to the Subdivision Control Act, Site information and/or perform an estimate of cost. Condominium Act and Mobile Home Commis- Natural rivers • Clarification to explicitly permit the drain com- sion Act requiring a mandatory site plan review missioner to direct the investigation of natural by the drain commissioner. Require that under 5 B. 1194, sponsored by Sen. George McManus (R-Traverse City), amends P.A.451 of 1m, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection • Eliminates the the DNR's ability to require local units of government to adopt the Department's wning recommendations within 1 year. resources impact and consider them in a project alternative. these Acts, the commissioner has the ability to charge fees for the review and require the proper • Drain Commissioners allowed to establish general construction of appropriate outlets and down- Act, pertaining to designations of Natural Rivers. • Allows for the DNR to designate natural rivers performance standards for storm water fadlities stream facilities. The objective of a natural river classification is and develop wning recommendations for local to regulate the volume and quality of discharges. • Exclusive authority for the county drain commis- to identify natural or outstanding existing values units to consider. • Require a review and written approval of the sioner to be the county enforcing agent (CEA) which shall be permanently managed for the preser- • Requires that the Department shall notify, in county drain commissioner or intercounty drain- under Part 91 of PA. 451 of 1994 the Soil Erosion vation or enhancement of the river. writing, all owners of property along the river age board before construction begins on any and Sedimentation Control Act. Under current law, the DNR has the ability to whose properties are within the proposed natu- street or highway that crosses a county drain or • Ability for the CEA to establish a minimum width designate natural rivers and develop long-range ral river designation. requires the relocation of a county drain. for permanent vegetative filter strips along drains plans through a certain public process. Once a river MFB position: Farm Bureau supports S.B. • Drain commissioners and drainage boards be based on soil type, topography and other perti- receives the classification, the DNR may determine 1194. The policy specifically calls for a review of aU required to inspect all newly constructed drains nent data. that uses of land along the river shall be controlled regulations and enforcement policies that encroach and ones that are comprehensively restored on • Ability for the CEA to establish minimum criteria by wning contributing to accomplishment of the on the rights of property owners. at least a triennial basis in order to provide prop- for the restoration of logging and mining sites purposes of the plan. Action needed: If your property is within a er and timely maintenance. along drains. If the local unit of government does not, with- proposed natural river area, contact your legislator MFB position: Farm Bureau policy supports • Increase the current $2,500 per mile limit on in 1 year after notice from the Department, have in in support of S.B. 1194. Rivers proposed for Natural maintenance projects to $5,000 per mile. several of the above mentioned proposed changes. effect the recommended wning ordinance, the Rivers designation are: Big Huron, Black, Cass, • Develop guidelines for generally accepted con. Farm Bureau has no offidal position on the entire Department may promulgate a zoning rule for Dowagiac, Escanaba, Fence, Fish Creek, Grand, struction standards and maintenance procedures bill at this time. them. A zoning rule promulgated by the Depart- Indian, Kalamazoo, Uttle Manistee, Muskegon, On- for use by all county drain commissioners. Action needed: Continue to monitor this ment may control certain land uses up to 400 feet tonagon, Paint, Paw Paw, Presque Isle, Shiawassee, • Require all county drain commissioners be section of the Michigan Farm News as progress from the river!s edge. St. Joseph, Sturgeon, Tahquamenon, Thornapple, elected. takes place on this issue. . S.B. 1194 includes the following: Thunder Bay and Whitefish. MFB Contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046. New pesticide certification exam is released AFTER 10 MONTHS. EXAM TO \vas not pleased with that result. "We can't be put- Purdue University to eliminate any other hang-ups. part in a pilot test session. He said that the revised BE UNLEASHED IN NEW FORM ting farmers out of business by not letting them After analyzing the questions and wording, exam seemed very easy. Steve Poindexter, Extension by Steve Tomac purchase pesticides," he said. improvements were made that included "uncou- agent for Saginaw County, also took the exam. He T he "monster" that many farmers have been Dan Keane, MDA regional supervisor for the pling" questions. This meant that questions depen- felt that it was straightforward, worded nicely, and dreading is here. But the Michigan Depart- Saginaw Valley and Thumb area, felt that much of dent on answers from a previous question were was a fair test. ment of Agriculture (MDA) wants you to the problems were the result of poor preparation. eliminated, she added. Davis said she is confident that the changes know that the private He said that the study manual, also a recent revi- Portions of the exam will be organized, so that made to the test are good. She also said that . ~ pesticide applicator sion, had a new format that may have tripped up similar questions are together. This will ease test- support materials will be sent to county offices :::==------ -.---- exam has been tamed. some people. The manual, divided into two sec. taking, because the exam will not bounce from to coincide with the re-release of the pesticide --- The exam, in place by tions, was meant to be studied in whole by private section to section. It will also allow MDAto provide applicator exam. -.-- e ... _ the first week of Octo- ber, is the revamped version of the test that applicators. Many examinees failed to realize this, and as a result were unprepared. Gina Davis, Pesticide Certification Manager for feedback to exam takers, such as where they have difficulty, and what to study to improve. Once the improvements to the exam were Nearly 14,000 private applicators are certified in the state of Michigan. Certification lasts for three years; however, due to the cyclical nature of the ~ was originally used at the the MDA,said that it was decided to stop using the made, over 80 people in four counties took the test. process, nearly 5,000 private pesticide applicators beginning of the year. test by the third week of january. They began study- This pilot exam session sought to gain the perspec- have certification up for renewal this year. ~ For more information, contact your county --- ... --------- Many people had difficulties with that ing results to find out what went wrong. One of the first things done to the exam was tive of the people taking the test. The volunteers were encouraged to write comments directly on the Extension agent. They can also assist you to prepare original exam. Al Krizek, Extension agent for Eaton to check for typographical errors, wording errors, test. These suggestions were then used to finalize for the exam. Manuals c~n be purchased through County, said he thought that 50 to 80 percent of the and poor answer choices, according to Davis. MDA any changes. your county Extension office or call the MSU bulle- people from his area were failing the exam. Krizek then collaborated with a wording specialist from john McManus, an Eaton Rapids farmer, took tin office at (517) 355-0240 .• ADM already agrees to penalty of $100 million to settle federal charges of price fixing Continued from front page amounts that could be returned to Michigan's pork tured synthetically quite a number of years ago and loss," he adds. "The wholesaler just jacks up the really needed to do something because it looks like producers could be substantial. these companies have a corner on the market." price for whatever it is that the four manufacturers the amount of dollars that are involved are fairly "There is $0.10 to $0.60 per hog that could be ADM accepts plea bargain have conspired to set it at and passes that along to significant and we felt like we would be remiss if we potentially be available to a producer over a 3~ year On Oct. 14, ADMagreed to pay the largest crim- the farmer." didn't try to recoup that on behalf of the state's period," AcMoody stated. "The feeling is that there inal anti-trust fine in history of $100 million to the "The middle people, the people like Master pork producers." is probably much greater probability of getting far U.S.Treasury by pleading guilty to federal anti-trust Mix, Akey and Super Sweet, that have bought lysine "We're seeking to have the court declare this a more than $0.10 than there isn't. When we com- charges of fIXingthe price of lysine and citric add. from these companies, they're getting an adjust- class action," explainedjoel Boyden, an attorney pound that, if it is $0.30, or $0.40, or $0.50 over a According to Boyden, ADM's admission of ment," stated AcMoody. \vith the Grand Rapids-based firm Boyden, Waddell, 3~ year period, that's certainly substantial dollars in guilt in the four-year federal investigation will fur- How long will the legal process take? Timmons and Dilley, representing MPPAand the producers' pockets." ther expedite MPPA'ssuit. "I doubt there is going to "There is no hearing date set so far," stated five producers named as co-plantiffs. "Whoever are According to Boyden, the fact that five individ- be any real debate over whether a class (action Boyden. "Court processes are generally slow. We're the named plaintiffs are in essence bringing it for a ual producers have become co-plantiffs in the lawsuit lawsuit) should be established," he explains. "Then doing everything we can to accelerate. The first much larger class of people who have been harmed adds to the viability of it in court. 'J\ctually, MPPA after that, it's a matter of proof of damages." thing we have to do is to secure either effective by the price fixing conspiracy engaged in by the would not have standing to go ahead and process "One hope I have at the back of my mind is service or effective acknowledgment of service on four manufacturers of lysine. In order to obtain that this lawsuit by itself," adds Boyden. "It has been be- that since at least two of the defendants have been the various defendants." standing, it \vill require a hearing before the court hind it as an organization simply as a service to pork so forthright in admitting their guilt, is that the four "Since a lot of these companies are foreign and a demonstration that we meet all of the criteria producers to try to get the thing on a fast track and defendants will simply look at this and say, 'we did companies, this thing could go on for quite some that are necessary to become a class action. I am obtain the best representation they could find." something wrong, we owe some money to the time," Hines adds. confident in this case that will prove to be so." What exactly is lysine used for? Michigan pork producers as a whole and let's sit "It's our intention to push this case aggres- "If we're successful in following through on this "Lysine is an amino acid," states Hines. "It is down and figure out what that figure is and be fair sively and get the best possible results for pork and there is a judgment handed down and a plea bar- generally the most limited amino acid in a swine ra- about it' and not go through umpteen months of producers across Michigan - not just MPPAwho's gaining arrangement," Hines said, "those dollars will tion. Corn is rather low in lysine, so the main reason legal gymnastics," Boyden said. taken and seized the lead, but pork producers be metered out to the individual pork producers in you add soybean meal is to add the lysine. That brings "It's the farmer who really can't make up the across the state," explained Boyden .• the state. That was our intent as to why we filed it." the proper amount of protein or lump the amount of According to MPPAPresident Phil AcMoody, lysine. It is essentially the most limiting amino acid in one of the five co-plantiffs in the lawsuit, the dollar swine and poultry rations. It began to be manufac- Michigan farmland Do you want that PDRprogram gets in an oak, cherry $1 million boost or wheat? Continued from front page retains all other rights with the land." T he development of new binding materials and a growing demand for "green" products is (f MFRNJ RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan farm families is our only business Depending on which program is used, either the state or the local entity of government takes own- ership of the development rights. Skjaerlund is hop- ing the PDRs taking place in northwestern and south- eastern Michigan will serve as models for future PDR making the use of wheat-straw in building materials an attractive alternative. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, WheatBoard is growing in demand for furniture products in nursing homes, hospitals programs elsewhere in the state. For more informa- and schools. WheatBoard is a particle board S ince its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agriculture is shared by 27 local radio stations tion, contact Skjaerlund at (517) 373-4550 or Rich Harlow with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at (517) 373-3328 .• composed of wheat-straw and a formaldehyde-free resin binder used for kitchen cabinets and other furniture .• in Michigan. Through these stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau member~ daily on the following stations: Station City Frequency Morning Report Noon Report Join our 300,000 plus satisfied customers ... WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11 :05-12:00 pm WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11 :30 am WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:00-1 :00 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm and enjoy the "Distinct Advantage" of owning a Morton Building! WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 12:15 pm WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:45 am 11:10 am FoumIu 10 1903 CDIIIIDY-Dwned aDd Operated 12:10-1:00 pm Our top.quality people, products and services are Unique to our industry, all of our sales consultants, WKYO Carc 1360 6:15 am backed by experience and the strongest written office personnel, plant workers, engineers, WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:00-1 :00 pm warranties in the building industry. estimators, architects and construction crews are WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm employed directly by Morton Buildings, Inc.This WGHN AM Grand Haven 1370 5:45 am 12:15 pm CIIllllIetI Distill /CIIIIPBtInD Services protects the customer from the uncertainties of Weoffer full design and construction services, working with a dealership network - you have the WGHN FM Grand Haven 92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm providing you with buildings that operate distinct advantage of working directly with the WPI_B WBCH WCSR WHTC Greenville Hastings Hillsdale Holland 1380 1220 1340 1450 6:15 6:15 6:45 6:45 am am am am 11:50 am 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 12:15 pm 12:30-1 :00 pm n.iII.,. efficiently with minimum maintenance for low cost, year after year. Morton Buildings bas a 5Al rating from Dun & Bradstreet. It is their highest r.lting gh'to for both company. fIVe ~ PIIIII Our company-owned plants enable us to maintain high quality control and a large inventory for our customers' benefit, assuring prompt and efficient WION Ionia 1430 credit appraisal and financial strength. delivery of materials. . WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:00-6:00 am 12:00-1 :00 pm 800-447-7436 WPLB FM Lakeview 106.3 6:15 am 12:15 pm WOAP Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm ~MORTON ~BUILDINGS WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:05-1 :05 pm WMLM St. Louis 1520 6:05 am 12:20 pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 11 :30-12:30 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WKJC FM Tawas City 104.7 12:40 pm WLKM Three Rivers 1510 5:45 am 12:15 pm WTCM Traverse City 580 5:45 am 11:10 am Golden Harvest to offer Monsanto~ YieldGard gene olden Harvest Seeds Inc. and Monsanto G have announced a licensing agreement that will allow the seed company the use of the Yield- Once an insect eats any part ofYieldGard corn, the protective protein is activated by enzymes present only in the gut of the corn borer. The Gard technology in three different varieties. Yield- chemical reaction turns the protein into an insecti- Gard uses a naturally occurring protein to protect cide that destroys the lining of the borer's digestive corn plants against the European corn borer. tract. Death results in 24 to 72 hours. Pending regulatory approval, Golden Harvest Monsanto claims their Bt technology is superi- plans to have limited seed supply available for the or to other Bt corn currently on the market, which 1997 growing season, according to Jim Shearl, exec- only expresses the Bt protective protein through utive vice president of Golden Harvest. "Adding the the pollen and green tissue of the corn plant and insect protection technology ofYieldGard is an then declines later in the growing season. Yield- important benefit for our customers," Shearl Gard produces effective levels of Bt protein claimed. "This Bt trait will be incorporated into throughout the plant and lasts until harvest - Golden Harvest's front line hybrids immediately." effectively killing first, second and even third gener- According to Monsanto estimates, corn borer ation borers. infects 75 percent of U.S. cornfields, nearly 60 mil- lion acres in total. Yield losses can reach 30 percent "In one simple management step - hybrid selection - growers will be able to avoid the ex- Statewide promotion will list growers in some cases, due to reduced nutrient uptake, stand ability problems, increased ear drop and jeop- pense and time demands of scouting and insecti- with immature grains or forages for sale cide application for the corn borer, and still harvest G ardize ear retention. Some industry analysts esti- top yields from familiar, commercial hybrids," said euing growers who have immature crops should call (517) 432-1555 at.MSU and ask for the mate that U.S. producers lose Sl to $2 billion in John Nienas, marketing manager at Monsanto. in touch with producers who will be MIGFIE list person, or call (800) 968-3129 at Michi- farm income annually. Golden Harvest plans to offer three Bt hybrids short on dairy or livestock feeds and gan Farm Bureau. Growers can also call their MSU The protection in YieldGard is provided by a for 1997 including: H-239O, a 102- Farm price, $/bu. $2.26 $3.25 $3.00 U.s. season average ~ least $20,000 for the compensation fund. The state Farm price, SIbu. $3.45 $4.50 $4.40 ~ contributed S 10,000 to launch the fund .• ~ Tax management tips for farmers a. An increase from S250 to S2,OOOfor the annu- when used). Note: these expenses cannot if you wish to reduce net income. al unemployed spousal IRAcontribution. exceed 50 percent of your total Schedule F e. Where capital purchases have been made, or b. Penalty-free IRAdistributions may be taken to expenses for the year for which economic can be made, study the depreciation alterna- pay for medical expenses and/or health insur- performance has occurred. In most cases, it tives carefully. The direct expense deduction of by M.P. Kelsey, Department of Agricultural ance premiums to the degree expenses ex- will be hard to reach that level of expenditure. up to S17,500 on personal property can be Economics Michigan State University ceed 7.s percent of adjusted gross income. b. Pay in 1996 or delay payment to 1997 on real taken on current year capital purchases. Its use, 1996 - End-of-Year Tax Planning c. The section 179 (direct expense) deduction estate taxes and other annual bills. (Insurance however, cannot reduce your taxable income 1. The basic management guideline is to avoid wide for capital purchases increases from S17,500 premiums, real estate rental for 1997 and from farming (plus other earned income) be- fluctuations in taxable income because a relatively in 1996 to S18,OOOin 1997, with a gradual interest cannot be paid in advance to obtain low zero. Taxable income includes net farm uniform income from year-to-year results in the annual phase-in to S25,OOOin 2003- an earlier tax deduction, but 1996 expenses of profit plus gains on the sale of business asset'i lowest income tax and largest homestead and farm- d. Several special items such as a new work op- insurance rentals and interest can be deferred such as breeding livestock. Where pre-produc- land preservation credits over time. However, even portunity credit; a deduction for long-term to 1997 if income is low this year.) tive expenses are not a consideration, there are in a low income yea~, plan to utilize persOnal ex- health care, including insurance, but only for c. Watch the timing of sales of livestock and four choices for depreciation: Modified Accel- emptions and the standard deduction. itemizers to the degree medical expenses crops ready for market near year-end. Possibly erated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)which is 2. Congress passed three tax bills late this past sum- exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, they can be held for sale next year at little cost 7-year 150 percent declining balance on ma- mer, along with a bill in late spring to retroactive- Sub-chapter S changes to bring the business or sold earlier to even out taxable income. chinery; MACRSstraight line; the Alternative ly update some items that expired at the end of form closer to a partnership, and an adoption d. Some expenses are deductible as current year Depreciation System (ADS), which is 10-year 1995. A key item for self-employed persons was credit and exclusion. business expenses even though not made straight line on machinery; and 1SOpercent the deduction of health insurance at 30 percent 4. Depending on your tax situation, you may wish every year. These include minor repairs on declining balance using the ADSguideline. For for 1994, 1995, and 1996, and an increase of the to reduce or increase net income for 1996. Fol- improvements and machinery; painting of the first year, the mid year convention is used, percentage to 40 percent in 1997, with a gradual lowing are some of the best income eveners: buildings; purchase of small tools and sup- (112 year's depreciation) unless 40 percent or annual increase to 80 percent in 2006. a. Buy or delay purchase of supplies such as plies; and, within limitations, cost of approved more of your capital purchases are made dur- 3. Significant tax changes, all of which are applica- fertilizer, seed, farm supplies, small tools and soil and water conservation expenses. Get ing the last 3 months of the year. In that case, ble starting with the 1997 tax year, include: repairs (tax shelters can only deduct items these jobs done and paid for before year-end Continued on page 8 Cyanamid submits registration for LIGHTNING herbicide A 70 DG merican Cyanamid Company NO "IELD DRAG has submitted to the Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) an ap- plication for registration of UGHTNING 70 DG herbicide. UGHTNING is an imidazolinone that will provide grow- ers with a one-pass, early postemer- ICI/Garst IT hybrids give you: gence, residual weed control program for use with IMI-Cornseed hybrids only. UGHTNING herbicide will allow ~ Better Weed Control growers to maximize corn yields by controlling a broad spectrum of grass ~ Proven Performance and broadleaf weed species early [g No Yield Drag with season-long residual control. UGHTNING will be used at one low rate for all soil types and in any tillage F:or more facts on the widest range of system, including no-till. high.performance IT IMI.Corn hybrids IMI-COrnseed hybrids possess in the indust~ call toll-free ... an altered AHAS enzyme which inhibits UGHTNING herbicide binding. Therefore, IMI-Cornhybrids have excellent tolerance to applications of the herbicide. When applied early 1.888.GO.GARST postemergence, UGHTNING is readily absorbed by weed foliage and roots. Mter application, UGHTNING is translo- cated throughout the plant. Suscepti- ble weeds stop growing and compet- ing with the corn plant shortly after application. The EPA may grant registration of UGHTNING herbicide by next spring. For more information about UGHTNING and IMI-Cornseed hybrids, growers should contact their local Cyanamid sales representatives or Cyanamid AgriCenter dealers. American Cyanamid is a subsid- iary of American Home Products, which is one of the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical and Garst health-care companies and is a lead- ing developer, manufacturer and mar- keter of prescription drugs and over- the-counter medications. It is also a leader in women's health-care prod- ucts, vaccines, generic pharmaceuti- cals, biotechnology, agricultural prod- ucts, animal health care products, medical devices, and food products. LIGHTNING and 1M/-Corn are trademarks of American Cyanamid Company, C 1996. ~1~'I~tm October 30, 1996 Taxmanagement surance tax continues on income over $62,700. and increasing the size of a breeding livestock Intensive alfalfa tips for farmers For 1997 the wage base will be $65,100. herd, for example, fit this situation. "Crops" that fit production seminar in Continued from page 7 Long-Range Tax Planning this category are timber and Christmas trees as Grand Rapids Nov. 12-14' the mid-quarterconvention is used (87.5 per- 1. Maintain a good set of records to ensure that all well as the build-up in year-end inventories. cent of a year's depreciation for purchases made during the first 3 months, 62.5 percent expenses are taken. Small cash purchases are easily forgotten. A good recordkeeping system is 7. Use installment sales of capital items to spread income over a number of years. However, with E verything growers need to know about alfalfa from seed to feed will be covered Nov. 12-14 in the Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar at the Crowne for purchases in the second quarter, 37.5 per- essential for end-of-year tax planning, as well as fewer and wider tax brackets and depreciation Plaza Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids .. cent for the third quarter, and 12.5 percent in working with credit agencies. recapture considerations, an installment sale may The seminar is sponsored by the Certified the final quarter). 2. Where income is high enough, plan the purchas- not be advantageous. Alfalfa Seed Coundl with arrangements made by f. Pay your children wages for work actually es of machinery to fully utilize the direct expense 8. If approaching 55 years of age and retirement, Michigan State University Extension. The cost is performed for the farm. If the child is under deduction. keep in mind the $125,000 exclusion of gain from $500, which includes instructional materials and 19 or regularly enrolled in school, they can 3. Plan your personal deductions. Many medical tax for that portion of a farm sale attributed to three meals. earn any amount and the parent can still daim expenses and contributions formerly spreaa over your residence. Also, plan for more of your in- This will be the first time the seminar has an exemption for them if the parents pay over 2 years can be paid in 1 year and itemized as de- come from rent, dividends, interest, and pen- taken place in Michigan, says Richard Leep, MSU half the child's support. The parents must use ductions. In the next year, the standard deduction sions rather than ordinary income so that in- Extension agronomist. the dependent exemption. The child must file may be taken. Changes in itemized deductions come will not be taxed as self-employment in- "The quality of the instruction and depth of . a tax return only if they earn over the standard include medical expenses in excess of7.s percent come for Social Security or reduce Social Security deduction. A return, usually a 1040A, must be benefits. Earned income levels that will decrease the content will measure up to the expense," Leep of AGI, no personal interest is deductible, moving filed by a child under 14 if investment income expenses are now an itemized deduction and Social Security benefits for 1996 are $8,280 per says. "Enrollment is usually limited to around 30 is greater than $500. Children under 14 will most miscellaneous deductions are deductible year for those under age 65 and Sl2,500 for per- people so that as much individual attention is given have unearned income (over $1,(00) taxed at only to the degree they exceed 2 percent of AGI. sons age 65 to 69. The decreases are $I for every as possible. Anyone. involved with the production, the parents' rate. Form 8615 is used to calcu- 4. If your medical insurance and medical expenses $2 of excess earnings for those under 65 and $1 distribution or use of alfalfa will substantially benefit late the tax. are not currently deductible, explore the medical for every $3 excess earnings age 65 through 69. from the seminar." g. For Michigan income tax an individual who is benefit alternatives for the self-employed and For age 70 and over there is no reduction. The seminar will focus on the history and eligible to be claimed as a dependent on choose an alternative that best fits your situation. 9. Be sure to deduct as large a portion of business- importance of alfalfa, alfalfa genetics and seed pro- someone else's return and has an adjusted 5. Investigate a Self-employed Retirement Plan. personal expenses as is justified in your situation. duction, soils suitable to alfalfa growth ~nd nutrient gross income of $1,500 or.less is entitled to a There are three potential tax deferred retirement Frequently, considerably more than 50 percent of needs, alfalfa growth and development from spring refund of all Michigan tax withheld. If they plans available. A defined contribution Keogh the electricity and phone costs can be consid- into winter, and establishing and maintaining an have an adjusted gross income of more than and Simplified Employee Plan (SEP) require that ered business. Also choose the method for auto alfalfa crop. $1,500, they are entitled to only a Sl,OOOex- certain employees also be covered. Tax deferred deductions that is best for you. The standard Other topics will be alfalfa pests and pest man- emption allowance. contribution limits "to a profit-sharing plan" are mileage rate for 1996 is 31 cents per mile for all agement, forage quality and marketing, and the end h. Frequently unrecorded and forgotten expens- an effective 13.0435 percent (15 percent of net business mileage. Mileage for charitable purpos- use of the product with livestock - dairy, beef, es include: income less the contribution). The third alterna- es can be itemized at 12 cents per mile; for medi- swine, sheep and horses. 1. Educational expenses that maintain or tive is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). cal purposes, 9 cents per mile. The speakers will include agronomists from improve your skills, such as magazine Employees do not have to be covered if a self- 10.Be aware of the Alternative Minimum Tax in tax the University of Nebraska, Iowa State University, subscriptions, books, fees at Extension or employed person utilizes an IRA; however, the planning. Alternative Minimum Taxable Income MSU, the University of Kentucky, the University of other agricultural organization meetings. maximum contribution is $2,000 per year, with (AMTI) includes tax preference items such as the Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin. 2. Travel expenses connected with your an additional $250 in an unemployed spousal difference between MACRSand ADS depreda- To register for the seminar, write to Jerrold business, particularly if it includes meals IRA.An IRAdeduction cannot be utilized if either tion, and tax-free interest as well as regular in- Johnson, Certified Alfalfa Seed Council, 23 Toyon Dr., and lodging. spouse is eligible to participate in another retire- come. There is a single $45,000 exemption for Woodland, CA95695, or call him at 916-662-6565. 3. Entertainment expenses when hosting oth- ment plan where the AGI exceeds $50,000 for a those filing joint returns ($33,750 single) and a Arrangements for lodging at the Crowne pfaza ers where the "predominant purpose" is the married taxpayer, or S35,000 for a single taxpayer tax rate of 26 percent on the first $175,000 of Grand Rapids can be made by calling 616-957-1770. furthering of your farm business operation. with reduced contribution limits for AGI down to alternative minimum taxable income and 28 More information about the seminar 5. Social Security and hospital insurance rates for the $40,000 and $25,000, respectively. percent on AMTI in excess of $175,000. It is paid content can be obtained from Leep by calling self-employed are 12.4 percent and 2.9 percent for 6. Your farm business is a built-in deferred compen- to the degree the tax exceeds your regular tax, 616-671-2323 .• a total of 15.3 percent on 0.9235 of net farm profit sation and tax loss program. Investments and which for farmers is likely to occur only when up to $62,700 for 1996. One-half of the Social current expenses are made that substantially im- investment tax credit carryover reduces the regu- Security tax will be deducted as an adjustment to prove the value of the business property and can lar tax, or when MACRSdepredation deductions income. In addition, the 2.9 percent hospital in- be sold at a later date. Establishing a fruit orchard are very large and taxable income is low.• ••• Insuron(e ISno 0((1 en • Member Health Insurance from Michigan Farm Bureau For over 40 years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau membership. No matter what your needs ... small business, sole proprietor, Medicare supplemental or individual coverage for you or your family - we have the right plan at the right price. rT;;-R;E; ;~=A~N;R;;;N-:-;~;C:' -;OC:;';1;;O~-:-3;9 I OR MAILTHIS COUPONTO: MFB HEALTHSERVICES.P.O. BOX 30960. lANSI"~ '1 I Individual/family coverage - for people who don't have employment- I I Small group coverage - for farm and small business ownen. I I Medicare supplemental coverage - for senion over 65. I IU~ I I~~ I I CITY STATE ZIP la I ~ _ ItIIC111GAN L I TELEPHONE COUNTY ~ II • _. FAR. BlJREAIJ Prec;isi~G. Connect with is measured in bits per second (bps). Accessing precision ag on the Internet Agri:cull,ure, ing key words like "agriculture" or "precision agri- information on the"Internet is faster with a modem that has a speed of at least 28,800 bps (usuallyex- culture" into Yahoo! results in a list of possible sites. At the Terra Industries Web site ~~Terra. "~ pressed as 28.8 Kbps). (www.terraindustries.com). major topics in- www.terralndustries.com C omputer technology is one of the key Special software programs called Web brows- clude agricultural produCts and services, company elements that makes precision agriculture ers simplify the process of locating information on neWs, nitrogen manufacturing information, compa- possible. A computer can take huge vol- the World Wide Web. The Web is the best-known ny and investor information, professional products umes of detailed, site-specific data about a farmer's part of the Internet and is the most user friendly. and services, and precision agriculture. A farmer land and crops and pull it together into a coherent Web sites are different from the text-only sites interested in precision agriculture will find: picture that helps the farmer make effective deci- found on much of the Internet and may include • explanations of precision agriculture's sions about his crop production system. images, sound, animation and video. The Web also components; But the information power of a computer isn't allows users to jump from one site to another by • a bibliography of recent precision agriculture limited just to the data that gets entered into it. A clicking on highlighted text that appears in most articles; and personal computer, equipped with the right hard- ware and software, can tap into the Internet - a sites. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are two popular, easy-to-use Web browsers. • information on grid soil sampling, global positioning systems, variable rate technology, e ---.... worldwide computer network with a seemingly Both are available free on the Internet. geographic information systems, field mapping $ =..,-- endless supply of information on almost any sub- Internet service providers (lSPs) offer the link and pest control. ject, including precision agriculture. between someone's personal computer and the Terra encourages Web site visitors to use elec- Information on precision agriculture isjust A surprising amount of information on the Internet for a monthly fee that ranges from $15 to tronic mail (e-mail) to provide the company with a mouse click away on Terra'sInternet Web Internet is relevant to farmers. More and more ag $30. The fee usually includes a specified number of feedback about material on its site. This ability to site. The Internet is another information retailers, equipment manufacturers, universities, hours of Internet access each month. If the user send messages from computer to computer is anoth- source for farmers who want to learn about trade associations and publications have Internet exceeds this base time, the ISP may have additional er Internet feature. In fact, it's the most popular use technological advances in agriculture. sites that include a wide variety of agriculture-relat- per-minute or per-hour charges. for the Internet. Groups with common interests use ed topics. Best of aU,this information is available Some areas may not have a local ISP.In that case, e-mail to hold electronic discussions on the Internet. free to anyone with Internet access. a commercial on-line service such as CompuServe or Agriculture-related discussion groups exchange +TelTG To join the growing ranks of Internet users, America Online may provide Internet access. ideas and solutions with others who may have similar PRECISION IN AGRICULlURE- someone who already has a personal computer What agriculture information can farmers find problems and concerns. Farmers should consider the Perry M. Petersen, c.P. Ag.-CCA, needs a modem, special software and a service on the Internet? Search services make it simple for Internet another information tool that can help them Corporate Manager, Precision Agriculture provider. The modem links a computer to the rest Internet users to locate Web sites with information stay informed about technological advances in agri- Terra Industries Inc. of the world through telephone lines. A modem's on specific subjects. Yahoo! is one of the most pop- culture and help them make better decisions about Phone: (800) 831-1002 & (712) 277-1340 speed - how fast it transmits and receives signals - Fax: (712) 277-7383 ular search services available on the Internet. Enter- their crop production systems .• Asgrow Agent Listing-Michigan Asgrow Seed Company Edward Kolbe Jr.• Ralph Beerens Jim Cary darence Eberhart Hesperia McBain Mount Pleasant Clare SeedlHerbicide Headquarters. (616) 854-1635 Ken Miszewski (616) 826-3337 Joe Slater Jr. (517) 773-9222 Ronald A. Slater (517) 386-2933 Swanson Custer Holton Holton Pickle Company (616) 462-3103 (616) 821-2843 (616) 821-0111 Ravenna (616) 853-2289 ~ Synchrony'srs- Lome Rademacher* Munger Mike Ritter Kinde Jerald Skuta John Wegner herbicide Pinconning Turner (517) 659-3310 (517) 874--5024 (517) 879-3592 (517) 867-4743 [A2704) [A3404 ) FOR OVER THE TOP APPLICATION C&MDrobny Farms Ine. Kalamazoo Jim CampbeU Richland (616) 665-9125 Cornerstone Ag Enterprises South Haven Steve J.Gazdag Kalamazoo (616) 342-6485 (616) 372-4607 (616) 637-2899 • A2704 Offers Very High Yield Potential, Excellent Emergence [AG2701 ] [AG2901 ] Thomas K. Guthrie Delton (616) 623-2261 Enlow Hargus East Leroy (616) 979-9559 Dan Klein plainwell (616) 342-1168 Konos Ine. Martin (616) 672-7266 and Enhanced Tolerance to Lany Leach P1ainweUElevator RandaU Scott PoU Zeeland Sulfonylurea Herbicides such as Synchron~ STS@ [ AG300I] [AG3301 ] Climax (616) 746-4648 Plainwell (616) 685-1223 Hamilton (616) 751-5687 Farm Service Zeeland (616) 772-9042 • A3404 Is a New Variety that • These Four Asgrow Roundup Lany A. Bishop. Eugene Buck Citizens Elevator John Eldridge ReadyTWVarieties Combine High Mulliken Carson City Vermontville Lake Odessa Offers Enhanced Tolerance (517) 649-8679 (517) 584--6445 (517) 726-0514 (616) 374-7709 to Sulfonylurea Herbicides, Yield Potential With Tolerance Robert F1essner Steve Hengesbach Sparlks. I always have been a proponent of fair, current flawed regulatory system. cluding health care providers and hospitals to at- free trade and I know that it takes an ongoing com- Last year, I introduced the Omnibus Private Property Rights Act to restore common sense protec- tract new businesses and create new jobs. mitment to open new markets and expand existing tion to individuals. Citizens shouldn't have to waste 5. FARM PROGRAMS ones. Foreign governments - both customers an millions of dollars fighting arbitrary government The Dole administration will not propose any 7 • TAX POLICY competitors - must understand that the United property seizures. ADole administration, along with changes to the seven-year contracts that guarantee Myeconomic vision for America is one oflower States \vill not sacrifice its agriculture interests in a Republican Congress, will make important strides payments to producers. When President Clinton taxes, less intrusive government and more economic the negotiation and enforcement of trade agree- in restoring the private property protection our fore- signed the farm bill into law, he stated that he freedom - all of which will produce a stronger econ- ments. In addition, under a Dole administration fathers so clearly established in the Constitution. would seek changes in 1997. This is highly irrespon- omy. Astronger economy will increase job and in- there will be no selective embargoes that single out sible, as it undercuts efforts by producers to plan vestment opportunities for all. Astronger economy agriculture. for the future. It shows that the Clinton administra- \vill raise both the standard of living and income I will use all available trade tools, credit and 2. ENDANGERED SPECIES The Endangered Species Act is clearly in need tion does not fully understand the agriculture in- levels for the hard-working wage earner. market development programs to maintain and of reform. The bitterness and controversy surround- dustry. In fact, the Clinton administration \vas virtu- My economic growth agenda, endorsed by enhance demand for U.S. farm products. However, ing ESAworks against the responsible environmental ally AWOLduring the farm bill debate and opposed four Nobel Laureate economists and more than a the ability to "compete" does not only mean access stewardship that we depend on our agriculture com- the bill until the very end. hundred prominent economists across the nation, to a market or a president willing to fight to ensure munity to provide. I believe that individuals are re- Farmers and ranchers across America shared will do just that. It is based on common sense eco- that our trade agreements are upheld. It also re- sponsible stewards of our environment. I believe we with me their frustrations with outdated farm poli- nomics: leaving more money in the pockets of tax- quires tax, regulatory and legal reforms here at can achieve a balance that reforms the ESA,while cies that stifled farm prices and incomes. Based on payers, and allowing them, not the federal govern- home that will enable our farmers and ranchers to ensuring the protection of endangered species and these accounts, I am convinced we desperately ment, to decide how their money should be spent. compete economically with our competitors around preservation of private property rights. need to simplify agriculture programs and focus on They are the ones who \vill put money back into the the globe. Backed by a pro-growth business climate growth-oriented policies. economy and into the productive uses that drive at home, American agriculture can compete with our economy forward, create jobs, build new busi- any country in today's global marketplace .• Added cost funding issue hits home for state~ agri-scienceprograms Continued from front page time, farm laborers as a group are not induded in a work group to re-evaluate their method of em- jobs all of the time," Forbush said. "They (MDE) that employment demand, which I think is an area ployment ranking for agriculture as well as their Michigan Department of Education needs to figure out how these kids are finding jobs that we need to look at much more carefully," ad- definition of agricultural employment - similar to 1996-91 Funding Policy and where they're working. If they continue to use mits Bob Pangman, supervisor of program develop- an automotive industry study completed last year. State Rank L'sf Rank Program Name MESC, I think they'll forever miss a segment of the ment for the MDE. "Agriculture could very well benefit from something 1 Manufacturing Technology agricultural industry." Also excluded from the employment statistics like this," he suggested. 2 Business Services & Technology MSU's Dr. Fred Poston, dean of the College of are graduating seniors who opt for advanced train- Laurie calls the proposed study a step in the 3 Allied Health Technology Agriculture and Natural Resources, finds the em- ing either in a two-year or four-year program. "If right direction, but emphasizes the urgency in get- 4 Machine Tool Operator/Machine Shop ployment statistics unrealistic as well, noting that 5 Marketing Education you go to college you're not in the equation," says ting the added cost funding issue resolved. "Agricul- 6 Electro-Mechanical Technician job placement out of the college's two-year and Forbush. "I chose additional training in the field of ture is the second largest industry in this state. The 7 Building & Home Maintenance & Services four-year programs ranks among the highest at the agriculture, and teach agri-science, but that's not Department of Education's ranking totally ignores 8 MediumlHeavy Truck Technician university at 85 percent. Besides the loss of funding, somebody that's in the field of agriculture accord- several facets of the agricultural industry's work- 9 Construction/Building Maintenance Poston contends that the bigger message being sent ing to the office of Career and Technical Education. force," Laurie said. "Farm Bureau believes the MDE 10 Drafting 11 Automobile Technician out.by the MDE worsens an uphill battle for the Now if I had said I was working on my dad's farm, needs to take a very close look at related careers, 12 Hospitality & Food Service future of some agri-science programs. "It (the rank- then 1would have been counted." and we're going to do that with them." 13 Industrial Equipment MaintenancelRepair ing) says that this program isn't as important as Pangman acknowledges the ongoing debate Laurie contends that the MESC should expand 14 Transportation Services & Technology another set of programs, which just creates another as to what qualifies as agriculture and what doesn't. the utilization of the Standard Industrialized Code 15 Construction Trade set of problems to overcome," he said. 16 Diesel Mechanic "If I'm selling an agricultural product, does that or SIC categories developed and used by the U.S. 17 Woodworking & Furniture Making Poston also noted the ironyofthe MDE's rank- automatically mean it's an agricultural/occupation?" Department of Commerce, to get a more accurate 18 Cosmetology ing when the state's $70 million investment in the he asks. measure of all jobs directly and indirectly related to 19 Electrical & Electronics Repair livestock initiative is just now taking shape at MSU Redefining agriculture is an absolute must, says agriculture, including manufacturing, wholesale and 20 Mechanics Cluster and the state's agricultural industry, as a whole, is in Forbush. "I've always told my freshmen that 'if all I'm retail trade, finance, insurance, and real estate. 21 Plastics 22 Clothing & Textile Production & Service an expansion mode. "When you listen to the people producing is farmers, I will meet with those two kids "Under the SIC manufacturing code, we've 23 Law Enforcement at the Department of Education who are doing these on Friday after school- the other 114 kids can just got food products, dairy products, preserved fruits 24 Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration estimates, they portray agriculture in this state as a go to sdence class.' However, if they're interested in and vegetables, grain mills products, bakery prod- 25 Collision Repair & Refinishing dying entity," he said. "However, expansion is under- agriculture, but don't plan on being a farmer, there's ucts and the entire sugar industry, for example, 26 Commercial Paint/lnterior Treatment way and producers are going like gangbusters. One room for every one of those kids in my class. But Services that all need to be considered," Laurie said. "The 27 Auto Mechanics of the great variables that can just sink this whole Career and Technical Educati.on has to start recogniz- SIC clearly needs to be looked at when you're 28 Agri-science and Natural Resources expansion is not having an adequate labor pool." ing people other than just production agriculture." determining agricultural employment demand Even more ironic, however, is the exclusion of After an early October meeting with MFB Pres- here in Michigan.". *An additional 21 programs are ranked below Agri-sdence and Natural Resources 30,300 farm laborers from the MESC's labor de- ident Jack Laurie, Poston and several agri-science mand for the agricultural industry. ''Atthe present instructors, Pangman said the MDE agreed to form Japan gives Ciba and Northrup King Sf corn approval he final hurdle has been cleared, by soon to will be required for additional companies wishing to prodtlced from Maximizer hybrids, Ciba's Bt corn virtually unchanged from last year, Braun expects T be merged Ciba Seeds and Northrup King Co, that allows the companies to export corn produced from Bt corn here in the U.S. into export their corn into the Japanese market. Northrup King is also waiting for an ad~itional clearance from the Japanese Ministry of Environ- varieties. "The fallacy behind this is that the Bt pro- tein doesn't express itself in the ear, so there's no way of detecting Bt in the grain," he explained. "It's product availability to be short for the 1997 growing' season, based on a growing demand for the relative- ly new technology. "Even in a perfect production Japan. That's particularly good news for domestic ment that would allow the company to export and more of a political issue than anything else." year, I don't think either Ciba or Northrup King corn producers, since Japan imported nearly 635 sell Bt seed in Japan. The 1996 growing season was an ideal one for would have been able to supply enough corn to million bushels of corn last year, making it this Calling it a vote of confidence in the safeness of demonstrating the effectiveness of the Bt corn, says meet demand and this year has been less than per- country's largest customer for corn. the Bt product, Mike Braun, Ciba field sales agrono- Braun. First generation infestation in the state was fect from a production standpoint." The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry mist for Michigan, says that Ciba was pleased at the severe, and damage was evident in field trials com- Ciba will be offering 12 different Bt varieties and Fisheries announced that the Bt corn complies pace of the approval process byJapanese officials. paring the Maximizer hybrids and conventional ranging from 82-day to 112-day maturity. Orders will with Japan's guidelines for the safety assessment of "They have recognized the benefit of this product corn hybrids. "Preliminary yield checks show a be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Braun animal feed. The Ministry of Health and Welfare had and they've given us their approval," he said. 10- to 15-bushel-per-acre yield difference over simi- says the company has been taking orders for the previously approved the Bt corn for use in human Protests over product safety and calls for label- lar genetics in the same maturity group," he said. Maximizer hybrids since July, and expects to be sold food and food additives. According to Ciba Seeds ing are unfounded according to Braun, adding that Nationwide, over 500,000 acres were planted to the out of the Bt corn by the end of harvest. "The guys Rich Lotstein, the clearances are specific for Ciba, even some Michigan-based elevators were express- Maximizer hybrid in 1996. who wait until after harvest too see results are go- Northrup King and Mycogen. Separate clearances ing reservations earlier on about accepting corn Although pricing for the Bt corn will remain ing to be in tough straits," he claimed .• Rare entrapment deaths of youths are preventable hough rare, entrapment and suffocation during should not be playing around flowing grain." unnecessary risk for them. fully engulfed in grain. T stored grain handling is claiming lives, includ- ing children's. In a study involving 23 states and one Canadi- an province, which ran from 1964 to 1994, statistics "Amodern combine can discharge a 210-bush- el grain tank in less than two minutes," Doss says. ''A This year's late planting season maYJield some crops that will go into storage in poor condi- The tragedy is that grain entrapment is pre- show that more than 40 percent of the fatalities in child at the bottom of an empty grain wagon can be tion that could lead to crusting. Farmers need to ventable. flowing grain were children under the age of 16. In covered in a matter of seconds." recognize the risks of entrapment in grain and in- "Fatal entrapment and suffocation is extremely grain transport vehicles such as gravity flow grain In storage bins, wet or frost-damaged corn corporate added safety precautions. rare, accounting for less than 2 percent of all report- wagons, almost 90 percent of the fatalities were may have a tendency to bridge and form a crusty "It is up to every farmer to be his or her own ed farm-related deaths," says Michigan State Univer- children younger than 15 years old. surface layer with :lir pockets underneath. If the safety director," Doss says, "and to identify and sity Extension safety specialist Howard Doss. "But Small children seem to have a tendency to crust collapses under the weight of a person on top avoid the potential hazards of flowing grain and many of these accidents involve children, who play in and around grain wagons, and this is an of the grain, it takes only a few seconds to become entrapment." • See Your Local Northrup King Bite Protection™ Agrl Sales Inc. Seed Dealer Today! Grand Ledge, 517-627-4017 Unionville, 517-674-2150 Unionville, 517-674-8721 Mulliken, 517-649-8341 Munger, 517-894-2821 Freeland, 517-695-5440 SI. Johns, 517-593-2099 North Branch, 810-588-2110 Cass City, 517-872-3732 Deckerville, 810-376-3975 Arends Farm Service Conklin, 616-899-2136 Melvin. 810-387-3345 B~tf! Nothing works better Arthur Schmlege IUner Bean & Grain Inc. Auburn, 517-662-4461 Chesaning, 517-845-6557 James Borgert throughout the entire season. B & W Co-op, Inc. Breckenridge, 517-842-3104 Bidwell's Triple Creek Farms Burr Oak, 616-432-3865 James Graham Bronson, 517-369-9194 Rosebush,517-433-2907 Nothing works better Bill Schlanderer Webbervi lie, 517-468-3921 Jerry Gallagher Belding, 616-761-3243 John Biddinger throughout the entire plant Calvin Smith Monroe, 313-269-2710 Coopersville Hardware Ithaca. 517-875-4486 John Schaefer Midland,517-832-3666 & Farm Service Now, European com borer protection can last all the way to harvest. Coopersville, 616-837-8051 Keith Edick Gladwin, 517-426-7954 Get the season-long com borer protection of YieldGard along with superior Tlol Countrymark, Inc. Traverse City, 616-946-5836 Keith Parker genetics in the most popular, high-perfonnance NK@brand hybrids like these: o & L Wilkin Farms Cedar, 616-947-6090 Britton, 517-451-8268 Maple Lane Farms Kawkawlin, 517-684-1581 David Labar N4242Bt Union City, 517-741-3204 McClintic Farms It's time to get excited about Bt corn. High, very consistent and stable yields follow N4242Bt in Alma, 517-463-1140 Dorr Farm Products a wide variety of tillage and crop rotations in our area. This 99-103 RM (MN: l00-day) performer Dorr, 616-681-9570 Michigan Agrl Commodities Middleton, 517-236-7263 is perfectly adapted to all areas where N4242 grows - and should become just as popular. Very high Dull's Farm Service Inc. Clare, 517-386-2192 Reister's Grower Service Inc. yield potential, excellent drought tolerance, stalk strength and fast drydown can be expected from Conklin, 616-227-9689 N4242Bt It has excellent control of all generations of European corn borer, along with some E. Brady Salisbury Shepherd,517-828-5102 Richard Heffelfinger protection from fall armyworm and corn earworm. Stop by to get your N4242Bt Reading, 517-283-2444 Eastern Michigan Grain Emmett, 810-384-6519 Richard Keeler N4640Bt Eaton Farm Bureau Coop. Chesaning, 517-845-7689 Charlotte, 517-543-1160 Richard Strzelecki This Bt corn hybrid is sure to turn heads and stop traffic around here. N4640Bt combines very high, Posen, 517-766-8266 stable yields with a most effective control of all generations of European corn borer pressure. It also Ferkowicz Farms Silverwood,517-761-7217 Ron Lundberg offers some protection from fall armyworm and corn earworm. N4640Bt will become known for stalk Pentwater, 616-869-5307 Gary Cozat strength, drydown and excellent yield stability, just like the very popular N4640. Verygood plant health. Bt Coleman, 517-465-1779 Ron Porter When looking for a Bt hybrid in the 102-106 RM (MN: 105-day), go no further. N4640Bt is the one. Grower Service Corp. Rockford,616-874-8196 Get your N4640Bt on order. Croswell,810-679-3565 Ron-Mar Farms Deckerville, 810-376-2415 Lake Odessa, 616-374-8538 Henderson, 517-725-7933 N6800Bt Owendale, 517-678-4355 Schnlerle Custom Harvest Ann Arbor. 313-665-3939 SI. Charles, 517-770-4130 Here's a Bt corn hybrid that's gaining plenty of attention in our area. High stable yield performance, Merri II, 517-643-7293 SchuUe Farms along with remarkably superior ear retention and late season intactness. N6800Bt demonstrates Birch Run, 517-624-9321 Alto, 616-868-6004 exceptional season-long control of European corn borer from emergence to black layer. It also Freeland, 517-695-2521 Seamon Farms Saginaw, 517-752-8760 Saginaw, 517-777-7708 provides control of Southwestern corn borer and supplies some protection from fall armyworm Vestaburg, 517-268-5100 and corn yearworm. Moderate resistance to gray leaf spot, too. N6800Bt is well suited for early T & W Hopkins Elevator Harvey MIlling Co. Inc. Hopkins. 616-793-7262 planting and reduced tillage. 110-114 RM. Order your N6800Bt corn seed for next year's planting. Carson City, 517-584-3466 Trl-County Agrl-Servlces IMC Agribusiness Homer, 517-642-3196 Dundee,313-529-5214 NOW TIlERE'S Morenci,517-458-2208 Riga, 517-486-2107 Muir, 517-855-3353 Greenville, 616-754-4609 Trlnkleln Farms Saginaw, 517-781-2786 Wagner Farms Grawn, 616-276-9757 SEASON-LONG PROTECTION. Holland, 616-399-2367 Mendon, 616-496-2415 Zeeland Farm Services Zeeland, 616-772-9042 YieldGard is a trademark of Monsanto Company. Low-cost/no-cost Rural electrification park gets faceliff energy management by Steve Tomac 'f actices on farms ew farmers would argue about the value of electricity on American farms. During the past 50 years, electricity's role in mechanizing on-farm O n M-36 near Meridian Rd. in Ingham County lies a small park. Few know its historical imponance, but in February, many more will know. The park commemorates the Mason-Dansville electric line, which is 70 years old production has increased to the point where, in the in February. ElectrifIed in 1927, it was the fIrst rural 1990s, over 33 billion kilowatt-hours were used on electric service in the state of Michigan. U.S. farms (exclusive of home use). As a whole, On Sept. 14, volunteers from Mason FFA, electricity aq:ounts for only 10 percent of all energy Dansville FFA,and Consumers Power Company used on the average farm. But on some highly joined forces. Their mission: clean up the park. It mechanized dairy, hog and poultry farms, or irrigat- had gone into disarray following years of neglect. ed crop farms, electricity may often provide half of After hauling out nine truckloads of brush and re- all farm energy needs. No-cost energy management practices moving dead trees, they had accomplished the For heating applications mission. But the job was not over. The FFAchapters have begun long-term improvement projects to • Set water heater thermostat as low as permissible beautify the park. (while meeting sanitation requirements) to re- Ron Behrenwald, chapter advisor for the Mason duce tank and pipe losses, but not below 120~. FFA,said that his chapter was happy to assist. "One of • Purge water heater tanks every six months. This FFA's primary aims is to encourage citizenship and Mason and Dansville FFA students and Consumers Power Company employees at clean-up event. is especially imponant in "hard water" areas cooperation. We felt that this would be a good oppor- where softeners are not used. tunity, working with Dansville FFA and Consumers grand total of 13 miles of rural line that year. Ten "The FFAmembers were wonderful to work • Turn electricity to water heater elements off dur- Power, to fulfillthose goals," he said. Behrenwald also years later, that number was up to 10,000 miles and with," said Dan Bishop, public information director ing long periods when hot water is not needed. said that the park has historical signifIcance for the was stilI growing. 1949 marked the year that 100,000 for Consumers Power and coordinator of the clean- • Check the water temperature in heated livestock rural population of Mason, and the chapter didn't want farms had service, counesy of Consumers Power. It up. "Work needed to be done for both safety rea- and poultry waterers monthly. Adjust the ther- to pass up the chance to assist. was the fIrst company to reach that many farms, and sons and attractiveness." mostat to a point just below freezing. A higher In 1927, there were few farmers with electricity has remained the only one to reach that mark. The site serves as a historic monument setting heats water unnecessarily. at all, let alone farms with electricity adjacent to each To signify the landmark event, the park was to rural organizations, Consumers Power and • Disconnect electric service from heated livestock other. The Mason-Dansville line changed that. In developed in 1938. It was built on the donated Michigan State University. MSU was instrumental waters during non-winter months. February of 1927, seven miles of line connected 12 propeny of Ellis Haynes, one of the 12 farmers to in studies and sponsorship of rural electrification in • Check and adjust the height of heat lamps and farms, ending in Dansville. Consumers Power had a connect to the Mason-Dansville line. Michigan .• other suspended electric brooders for maximum efficiency and safety. Weekly adjustment during the brooding period may be desirable . • Turn off livestock/poultry brooders when not needed . • Keep elements of electric heaters clean at all times. For lighting applications • Establish disciplined routines for switching off all lights when they are not needed . • Light only work areas rather than the entire building, especially if buildings are large . • Keep lamps, tubes, reflectors and lenses clean at all times . • When repladng incandescent lamps, consider us- ing more effident, long-life_fluorescent lighting. HOW For motor applications • Select the right size motor for the job. Avoid over-sizing or under-sizing motor. Locate motors in the coolest, cleanest and driest environment CAN YOU possible . • Inspect all motors on a regular basis. Clean whenever needed, which may be monthly in TAKE A some livestock environments. Use oil sparingly. Follow manufacturer's instructions . • Maintain proper belt tension and pulley alignment. BITE OUT • When rooms or buildings require both ventila- tion and heat, check thermostats frequently to ensure most efficient operation. Keep controls OF YOUR free of dust and din . • Avoid overloading (and overheating) by cleaning refrigerating condenser coils and ventilation fan TRAVEL blades and shutters on a monthly basis. In grain drying applications • Inspect drying floors and related facilities regu- larly to ensure free air flow. EXPENSES? • Keep grain as free of din and chaff as possible. Low-cost energy management practices For heating applications • On dairy farms, add heat reclaimers to utilize JUST ASK ALAMOSM heat from milk (being cooled) to warm water for sanitation or to provide heating in parlors or As a menlber, you can enjoy great rates, quality cars, and friendly service. milk rooms. Look to Alanlo to nleet your travel needs. For reservations, call your Professional • Repair or add insulation to heated livestock wa- Travel Agent or access us at http://www.goalanlo.conl or call AlaIno Rent A Car. terers as needed. Be sure to request I.D. Number 223212 and Rate Code BY. • Seal all openings around waterer base to reduce cold air infiltration . • Install covers on and windbreaks around water- 1-800-354-2322 ers when possible. o /995. ,1"""" R,,,,.A.Cm, I", 41840AS • Weatherstrip doors and windows of buildings -------------------------------------------------T------------------------------------------------- requiring heat. 50% TOWARDS AN UPGRADE $15 OFF WEEKLY RENTAL Certificate is valid for $15 Off Alamo's low basic rate. Just rent a compact • Change to lower wattage heat lamps during sum- Certificate is valid for 50% towards upgrade charges to a higher car through fullsize car for 5 or more days in the U.S.A. or Canada .• Only one category. Just reserve a compact car or above for up to 14 days in the U.S.A. mermomhs. or Canada .• Only one certificate per rental; not to be used in conjunction certificate per rental; not to be used in conjunction with any other discounted, with any other discounted, promotional or convention rates, or an Alamo promotional or convention rates, or an Alamo Express Plus"" rental. • Please • Look for high efficiency equipmem when purchas- Express Plus'-M rent.11. • Please make your reservation at least 24 hours before nuke your reservation at least 24 hours before arrival and be sure to request ing new or replacing old electrical equipment. arrival and be sure to request Coupon Code UU76 .• Travel Agents: Please Coupon Code DU813. • Travel Agents: Please include /SI-C-DU8U in the car include /SI-C-UU76 in the car sell. • Due to hi!?h demand, this upgrade offer sell. • Due to high demand, this offer is subject to availability at time of For lighting applications is subject to availability at time of rental, as certam car categoril."S may be sold reservation and may not be available during peak periods and holidays .• You • Use efficient fluorescent lamps and fIxtures when out. Offer may not be available during peak periods and holidays .• You must must present this certificate at the Alamo counter on arrival and it is void once present this certificate at the Alamo counter on arrival and it is void once redeemed .• Certificate may only be applied to\vard the basic rate, which does installing new or replacing old lighting systems. redeemed .• Certificate has no cash value and does not include ta.xes, not include taxes, governmental surcharges or airport access fees. if any, fuel, or • Install mercury vapor or sodium vapor lamps for government.11 surcharges or airport access fees, if any, fuel, or any optional any optional items .• Certificate has no cash value and is valid in local items .• Any unused portion is non-refundable and reproductions will not be currency only .• Any unused portion is non-refundable and reproductions will large exterior or high-bay interior areas. accepted. Expired or lost certificates cannot be replaced .• Subject to Alamo's not be accepted. Expired or lost certificates cannot be replaced .• Subject to standard rental conditions at the time of rental. • Offer valid through Alamo's standard rental conditions at the time of rental .• Offer valid through • Plan new buildings to take advantage of sunlight December IS, 1996. December IS, 1996. (with translucent panels) while accounting for For n:servations, call your Profcssional Travel Agent or acccss us at For reservations, call your Professional Travel Agent or acccss us at summer shading for interior comfon. http://www.goalamo.com or call Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. http://wWW.goal:Ullo.com or call Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-354-2322. • Consider increasing light levels in animal build- Be sure to request I.D. Number ~ 2 J2 1 ") and Rate Code BY. Be sure to request I.D. Number 22 321 2 and Rate Code BY. ings. This can stimulate feed consumption and growth, improve reproductive rates and add to overall profIts. ilia] [rllmJ o /995. A""- Rmt.A.Cor, I",. 41840AS o /995. A'-o Rmt.A.Cor,/rtC. Continued on page 16 41840AS October 30, 1996 Agricultural Agricultural Mi~Gbil1anAouua Bpeederr PcrlQPmanQQ 8alllJ- VQI~II Services Services Sunday, November 10, 1996, 1:00 p.m. . AGUME SPREADING: Dolomite or Hica!. Lime this SAVE MONEY Recycle your diesel and in- Michigan Livestock Exchange, BaUle Creek, Michigan fall and beat the Spring Rush. dustrial air intake filters using Serving Kent, Montcalm, Ot- th-eSonic Dry Clean System. selling tawa, Miskegon ana Ionia No liquids or detergents Counties: . used. 50% savings over new 75 Selected Angus • Serviceable Age Bulls • Cows and Calves • Bred Heifers HOMRICHAGUNE filters. 1-616-784-4441 Recycle Now, Inc. 1996 Heifer Calf Show Prospects • 1996 Steer Calf Prospects Holland, MI 1-616-396- n24 Featuring cattle from these leading herds: 616-396-8102,Fax • Bordner Angus Farm, Sturgis, MI • Randall Miller, Hemlock, MI • Shagbark Farm, Caledonia, MI • Bill Hinrichsen, Silverwood, MI • Jack Relnholt, Clayton, MI • Ann Strode, Alto, MI • David lutchka & Family, Grass lake, MI • Reltberg Farms, Hudsonville, MI • DeVlr Taylor, Decatur, MI Business • Merriman Farms, Lowell, MI • Round Barn Farms, Ithaca, MI • Tobias Angus, Nashville, MI HERITAGE Services • Mlchlana Livestock Ent., Warren, IN • Seldom Rest, Niles, MI Sale co-sponsored by the Michigan Angus Association • Zellnko Brothers, St. Charles, MI 8 ~Ubt~1r2~~Sl~Ml5 Summer Sale . METAL ROOF COATINGS: JO 140 1 10 _ _ $4.927 Heavy fibered or white roof The cattle selling in this sale represent the best from leading Angus herds across Michigan. 40 160 1 12 57.976 coatings. H.J. Butcin. Call 50 1 75 1 12 $11,180 They have been inspected and selected for this event! 60 I 100 1 10 515.957 anytime, early or late. 1-517-777-9815. 80 1 150 1 14 529.655 Special Highlights: Featuring daughters of QAS Traveler 23-4, Pine Drive Big Sky, C.ommtrflal Sf",1 buildi~ fraruring tasy boll up DHD Traveler 6807, Leachman Prompter, TC Dividend and VDAR New Trend 315 asstmbly from Amtrica's IiIrgts dislrllulor. Wt lint om 10.000 SlalIdard silts of shop. farm. induslrial. For a free reference catalog, contact anyone in the offices of the Sale Managers Tom Burke/Dick Beck/Kurt Schaff. American rommrrtial and lIIin~warrhousr buildings. All art (~ willi rnglnm ~ prnnil d1awlngs and Angus Hall of Fame, World Angus Headquarters, Box 660. Smithville, MO 64089-0660. Phone (816) 532-0811. Fax (816) 532-0851. a 20 yrar roof and waU rust wananry. ean lIS loday Auctioneer Jerry L. Lehmann • Bill Hinrichsen. Sale Chairman • 3117 Clifford Rd., Silverwood, MI48760 • Phone (517) 761-7470 for a frrr inlOllllillIon parliIgt and a quoit 011 ow lop (jUillity buildings or building rompontJ1l pans. ~lil1i W.lrl"lHHlsl' Sail' SH.H~)H Farm FIFTH ANNUAL ... I I ~ I '" Farm Machinery http:"metalbldg.cel net Commodities BEE F A .L 0 A U C T ION Saturday, Nov. 2, 1996 EXPERIENCED Michigan ago 4-210 WHITE with duals, 6 ribusiness attorneys with farm ton grain bin with auger. HAY FOR SALE: Call 1-517- 1:00 pm, at Lake Odessa Livestock Auction backgrounds. Knowledge and windmill. tandem axle hay 644-3905. Weidman. west of experience in all farm areas; wagon for round bales, single Mount Pleasant. 3675 Tupper Lake Rd. • Lake Odessa, MI restructure, stray voltage, chain elevator for grass or si- bankruptcy, estate planning. lage. 1952 Ford pickup, re- Sale will include all registered feeder and breeding stock EAST SIDE: Thomas J. Bud- stored. 51,000 miles. Buggy Animals available for inspection at 10:00 am auction day. zynski, 43777 Grosebeck sleigh and antiques. Highway, Mt. Clemens, Michi- 1-810-346-2340. Catalog and information avai lable at 810-387-4543 gan. 48036. 1-800-463-5253, DUMP CART, 150 bushel. ~vestock Sponsored by WEST SIDE: Robert A. Stani- ha, 40 West Sheridan, Fre- $2000. Also 18.4-38 snap-on Michigan Beefalo Association mont, Michigan, 49412. 1-616- duals. $300.1-517-839-2151. 120 ACRE FARM: Newago 924-3760. FORD, NEW HOLLAND trac- County. 4-bedroom home tors and equipment from Sy- with pool. Excellent soil, 95% ANGUS & GELBVlEH: tillable. Buildings in A-1 con- mon's in Gaines. For 43 Breeding stock. years your best deal for the dition! $169,900. Call Mark Free delivery! Wentland, long run! Border Collie Stock Dogs. ~vestock Ponies/Horses Symon's BIG RAPIDS REALTY Call today. 1-616-796-7856 1-517-271-8445,GaInes Bordner Farms G.T. 380 TOX-O-WIX BATCH Sturgis. MI1-616-651-8353 LLAMAS: North American CLYDESDALES: Five year grain dryer, PTO or electric, Sitting Bull and Essex blood- old, bred mare, due 4/97. LP,$3300. ANGUS BEEF: Bulls, heifers Call days, 1-810-384-1352, and cows with calves. Per- lines. Pet males and weanling Nine year old bred mare due Real Estate forrmance tested, semen females. Reasonably priced! 3/97. Yearling filly and year- evenings 1-810-38~-6952. tested. Free delivery! Call Call for more information and ling Gelding. Call evenings. Wanted INTERNATIONAL 843 4 ROW anytime. visit. 1-517-645-2719. 1-517-386-7660. corn head for sale. $2000 SHAGBARK FARMS Miller's Uamaland UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! FREE HOME DELIVERY! 20 YEAR WARRANTY 120 OR MORE ACRES of firm. 1-517-738-7518. Alto, Michigan Potterville, MI pasture, grassy hay, or land 1-616-868-6040 Simply the best! American Steel Arch Inc. JOHN DEERE 850 or 950 PIEDMONTESE CATTLE Complete Horse Feed. FACTORY DIRECT coming out of CRP, with front mounted snow blower CLUB CALVES AND SHOW Lean, tender, double mus- house. For purchase or long ELITE +,10% or 12%. 1-800-942-1234 term lease. We are conserva- drive unit for 666 blower. Also heifers, sired by top simmen- cled, good calving ease. For information or delivery, New-weather break cab. tal and Angus sires, also two Quality registered breeding tion-minded, and will take Mathie Energy Supply Co., Inc. good care of your place. Call 1-616-536-2779. purebred, red, simmental stock. Also available embryos 1-800-467-7340 bulls. Call Doug Ritchie, and semen. Call 1-51 7-694-0798 eve- UQUID MANURE SPREADERS: Dealer Inquiries Welcome! nings and weekends. 1-517-426-4423. RedbIrd Farms New and used. Balzer, Better- Lapeer, Michigan RACE BRED quarter horses. Bilt parts. UPS daily. Also, CLUB CALVES: Half Belgian 1-810-667-7389 Barrel prospects. Three year grain dryers and handling Blue, half Angus Simmental. olds and 2 year olds, yearling ~uctions equipment. Also, 3/4 Belgian Blue Bull REGISTERED POLLED and weanling. Priced to sell! Hamilton DistributIng Co. Calves. Hereford Herd Dispersal Call 1-906-632-9001. 1-800-248-8070 Call 1-517-967-8407. Sale: Includes some Rocky Banner and Optimum breed- RETIRED PACER: Good for FARM AUCTION MASSEY FERGUSON 1135: EASY CALVING: Texas ing. Total 34 animals. riding or buggy. Gelding, Cab, air, heat, 4900 hours. Longhorn cattle for sale. Featuring tractors, trucks, potato equipment Rye Hereford Farm $900. Call 1-616-788-3417. Having discontinued farming, the following will be sold at public $8500. Also International hy- Cow, calf pairs, yearling. Rogers CIty dro 100; 3900 hours. $9500. Also, bulls, steers and heifers auction on the premises located 4-1fl ml. north of Stanton, Mich., 1-517-734-3005 on M-66 then 1 ml. west on Coral Rd. and 3/4 ml. south on Holland Both excellent condition! at weaning. Call 1-616-546-3856. Diamond 6 Ranch REGISTERED SCOTTISH Rd. (Montcalm Co.) 1-616-642-9042 HIGHLAND CATTLE, breed- Friday, November 8, 1996, 10:00 a.m. MASSEY FERGUSON 265: ing stock and semen for sale. Tractors: 1973 JD 75204x4 DSL Tractor, JD 4430 DSL Tractor. JD 2940 2000 hours. Excellent condi- FOR CURRENT LIST of Visitors welcome! Call 1-517- MFWD DSL Tractor, JD 4020 MFWD DSL Tractor. IH 826 DSL Tractor, Farmall tion! $7500. available Angus Cattle, write: 543-7979 evenings or weeK- M Tractor. Call 1-616-897-9421. Secretary, West Michigan An- ends. Charlotte, Michigan. Agricultural Trucks: 1976 Chevy C-65 Single Axle Truck, 366 V-B, 34,000 mi., w/16' gus Breeders, 585 36th Services potato box; 1976 Chevy C-65 Twin Screw Truck w(2.0' potat~ box; 19741H NEW IDEA 2 row narrow Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI TIMOTHY CLOVER Trefoil Loadstar Twin Screw Truck w(2.0' potato box; GMC 7500 Twm Screw Truck w/ corn picker, 8 row husking 49509. mixed hay. Square and round 20' potato box; IH Loads tar 1800 Twin Screw Truck w(2.0' potato box; 1975 . bed and 329 sheller unit. 570 bales. Trucking available. Loadstar 1800 Twin Screw Truck, no box; 1973 GMC Astro 95 Long Frame Twm Innes bean windrower with a PUREBRED BOER GOATS. Call after 6pm. Flat Acre MlchFlock. 612 North Madi- Screw DSL Truck no box; GMC 70 Truck Tractor, 4 parts; 1966 Dodge 500 lot of new parts. Brillion culti- Farms, Rudyard, Michigan. Single Axle Truck, no box; 1978 Ford F-350 1 Ton Truck; Tandem Axle 16' Flat packer, 10'. 4 row John son, Lapeer, MI 48446. Call SYSTEM 1-906-478-6433. INC. Bed Trailer. Deere mid mount bean puller. 1-810-667-0169 any time. TOP QUALITY HOLSTEIN Machinery: Bidwell bean combine wIred seal engine, dbl. cyl.; Heath 12 row 616-754-9404. "Designing for Growth" hyd. fold planter, 30' rows, 3 pI.; JD 230 27-1(2.' hyd. wing f~ld disc; Hard! 500 breeding age bulls, from high USED DEUTZ 5506 for sale. FOUR PAIRS OF EMU'S, producing cow family. Top AI gal. tandem sprayer w/45' leveling boom; JD 3200 6x18' trailer plows, spring Excellent condition! seven months old. Make sires, $800-$900. reset; Willrich 32' hyd. fold field cultivator; JD 20' rotary hoe ~/lransport Call 1-517-626-6642. offer! Pasch Farms wheels; Westgo 30' field cultivator w/S-tines; Brillion 15' culhpacker; Gandy 24 Pete Durban, 4210 Sylvania, 1-517-644-3519 hoe air drill (4 parts). Petersburg, Michigan, 49270. Potato and Pickle Equipment: Lockwood Mark IV potat~ harvestor, 2 row; 1-313-279-1441. Detroit dsl. 453 power unit; Hesston 225L, 2 row potato wmdr~wer; Lockwood 4 row potato planter; 4 row Hiller; 2-Wilde 2 row tractor mtq. pickle harvestors LLAMAS ARE GREAT, and w/elevators & dump trailers; Lockwood 40' bin piler w/gradmg ~ab!e;.1500 gal. Livestock now they're affordablel wash tank on tandem trailer; 1500 gal. wash tank; Lockwood 30 pl~kmg table Equipment These docile, intelligent ani- Dogs and w/feed elevator; Kerian speed sizer 5' expa~di~g sizer, up to 6'; Perkins dsl. mals make wonderful pets for Puppies Complete Fann System engine (needs attn.); Advance 30' potato bm pller; 20 alum. belt elevator w/ hiking, packing, picnicking, • Grain Bins motor; Shop Built pickle picking table .. pulling carts, or to just plain • 651 Top Dry Irrigation: Perkins dsl. unit w/6x6 pu"!p, ~urphy sWltch~; approx ..1PO pes. enjoy. Their wool is valuable • Airstream Auto Oryers 8'x30' H+L alum. pipe' approx. 60 pes. 6 x30 H+L alum. pipe; mIsc. flttmgs & 1978 CHEVY t-65 22' LIVESTOCK and they also make outstand- • Feed Processing & DelIVery Equipment • Bucket Elevators elbows; Hale 1000 GPM PTO pump; 1/4 mi. wheel irrigation traveler, 5' alum. truck. 427, 5 & 2, radial tires, ing guard animals. Call for a AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS: pipe (this traveler is located near Coral, Mich. Will be sold by photo at auction • Milwright Services running condition, $3500 or visit todayl 1-616-677-3309. Eight weeks old. ASCA regis- • Dryer Repair & Services site); irrig. pipe wagon .. best offer. Also 28' aluminum Ron and Nancy Laferriere. tered. Blue merles and Misc. items from around the farm. There will be no small Items. Plan to be double deck livestock bed, laferriere LLamas blacks. Three males, 5 fe- JDhllSDn System, Inc. on time! Terms: CASH or good check w/proJ>E:r10. good condition, $6,000 or Marne, MIchigan males, $150 to $250. Marshall, MI Dean and Theresa Larson. Props. For mfo, call 616-354-6677 best offer. 1-616-467-7384 (Just northwest of Grand Call 1-517-543-7821. Sykora Auction Service, Inc. Jim & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers after 5pm. Rapids) 616-781-9000 Clare, Michigan 517-386-9694 or 2252, Fax 517-386-2246 Real Estate Wanted Wanted To Buy FOR DISPLAY AD INFORMATION FARMS AND LAND through- WANTED TO BUY:. Used po- out Michigan, agricultural and recreational. Large parcels preferred.We have buyers! tato digger, 30-34 inc~es wide. Good'shape. - Call 1-616-468-3771anytime. CALL'1-8'OO-292-3129 EXT. ,6543 Call Dan VanValkenburg, Rural Property Specialist. WANTED TO BUY: WWII Faust Real Estate German and US War relics, Adrian.1-517-263-8666 uniforms, flags, helmets, kni- ves, ml?tals, equipment, etc. Bernal Tolan, 1-517-287- 5183. j:enerall HARDY OUTSIDE We Buy Damaged Grain ,Buyer and seller of: r------------------~--------------, 'Deadline for next issue is November 6, 1996 I I • Cash grains WOOD FURNACE Words #1 seller. Stainless • Feed ingredients steel construction. Heats • Milling quality grains home, hot water tank, pools. Eliminates fire danger. 10 year warranty! Dealerships available. 1-800-743-5883. Licensed and bonded with over 20 years Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your CO Jamboree Acres of experience . Classified Ad Today! HYDRAULIC CYLINDERand hy- or use the coupon below and mail or fax your draulic pump repair. Seal kits and chrome work, all makes. 800-878-8900 Strawchoppers balanced and Michigan Agricultural classified ad to Michigan Farm News rebuilt. Commodities, Inc. Venture Tool & Metallzlng 445 North Canal. Lansing, MI 48917 Corrected Sebewaing, MI number, 1-517-883-9121 Open 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m .• Mon. -Fri. Buy Line/Daily News FAX: P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 48888 1-517-831-5063 LEASINGWAREHOUSE OFFICE: 2880 square foot, heated, AC. Also, 1520 square foot storage, 14' doors. Set-up for WANTED, STANDING TIM- seed research station or light BER: Buyers of timber of all industry. Fowlerville. $1150 types. Cash in advance! Classified Ad Codes per month. 1-517-223-8214. 1-517-875-4565, ask for limo Minerai Owners GaS/Oil: In- Maple Rapids I vestor interested in purchas- Lumber Mill, Inc. 1. Farm Machinery 10. Work Wanted 20. Wanted To Buy ing, producing royalty income St. Johns, MI for immediate cash. Prefer WANTED: 2"-8" used alumi- 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 21. Special Events Antrim gas. Other formations num irrigation tubing. Buy, considered. Call Jay, 1-800- Sell or Trade! Call 3. Farm Commodities 12. Business Services 22. Recreation 968-7645. Rain Control 1-800-339-9350 4. Seeds 13. Business Opportunities 23. Financing SAVE 75% ON WORK . CLOTHESI Good, clean, re- WANTED: Old motorcycles, 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors Wanted. cycled in very best quality. snowmobile and off road ve- Money back guarantee. Free hicles. 1965 and older. Call 6. Poultry 15. Real Estate Wanted 25. Building $ brochure JD at 1-517-676-0583. Suntex Recycling 7. Dogs and Puppies 16. Estate Sales 26. Lawn And Garden Toll Free, 1-800-909-9025 24 hours-7 days. 8. Ponies/Horses 17. Auctions 27. Announcements SNOW BLOWER: Yanmar, front mount, 48". Fits 18-22 ~anCing 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles 28. To Give Away HP tractor. Call 1-616-873-4642. 19. General 29. Vehicles PROBLEMSWITHYOURLAND STOCK-UP: Sheepskin mit- CONTRACT?Late payments? tens, hats, gloves, slippers, woolen garments, yarn. Cata- Back taxes? Property dam- age? 9 of 10 qualify for pur- Name Phone ( log available! . chase. We can help. Bellair's Hillside Farms 1st NATIONAL Address and 1-800-879-2324. The Sheep Shed 8351 Big Lake Road, Clark- City State ston. 1-810-625-2665. VisalMaster Card ~i1dings ClassifiedAd Code Requested STRAW CHOPPERS: We re- build and balance. Some ex- BARCOL INSULATED over- changes. We stock chopper head door with tracks and Desired InsertionDate(s): parts. ENGINE REBUILDING hardware. Size 12x12. Very our specialty. Auto- Truck- good condition! $200. Tractor -Antiq ue-Continental- Call at noon or 5pm. Method of Payment Kohler-Onan-Wisconsin en- 1-517-659-3235. gine dealer. 70 years of service! Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) HART'S AUTO PARTS Cecil, OH 1-419-399-4777 ~ehiCles Visa Card Number Exp. Dale TRAILERS: Complete line of Avenger enclosed cargo units Master Card Number Exp. Date available at low prices. Pre- season specials on Snowmo- Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each additional word bile, ATV models. TAG-A-LONG TRAILERS Write your ad here, including phone numtier and area code 1-800-515-6846 517-659-3478 Munger, Michigan 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Wanted To Buy 9 10 11 12 Lease financing CASH, NOT OPINION for for equipment 13 14 15 16 quality tractors, combines, heads and round balers. Call vehicles & 17 18 19 20 1-517-439-2440evenings. STANDING TIMBER AND buildings 21 22 23 24 VENEER: Black River Hard- wood., Inc. • 100% tax deductible Call 1-810-657-9151aays. • fixed payments 25 26 27 28 Evenings, 1--517-845-3345. ~. WANTTO BUY: JOHN DEERE • min advance payment 29 30 31 32 two row potato digger with side loader. 1-616-873-4391. WANTED TO BUY: Standing 33 34 35 36 timber of all kinds. Call R. H. Rehkopf TELMARKINc. Big Rapids, Michigan 1~725-7861 800-451-3322 L Circulation over 46,000 In State of Michigan. ~ cally across central and southern Lower Michigan, the first killing freeze ranged from near to 1-2 weeks Low-cosffno~ostenergy Michigan earlier than normal (especially in the southwestern management practices on farms and southeastern Lower Peninsula). Average tem- Weather Continued from page 13 'peratures during the past 30 days fell back to below Summary For motor applications normal levels across much of the state, with depar- Temp. Growing Degree Days Predp. Obs. .DeY. from ActUiI NOrmal Actual Normal • Select energy-efficient motors when purchasing tures generally ranging from 1-3 degrees F below 9/16J96..10115/96 mein normal A«. Au.. fmdt) (inch) new motors . normal. More importantly, a drier than normal pat- Houghton Marquette 49.1 -1.4 48.1 -0.5 1615 1699 1910 1910 0.61 1.12 2.94 2.94 • Add rodent guards to open motorS and keep tern set up across the Midwest in early October, motors clean for efficient use and longer life. Escanaba SO.1 -2.3 1616 1668 0.14 3.07 favoring grain drydown and harvest activities. Sault Ste. Marie 49.2 -1.1 1514 1668 5.10 3.07 Use automatic controls to maximize effidency. Long lead outlooks for the upcoming month Lake City 52.7 0.0 1985 2190 3.40 3.38 • Use special controls for large motors (Le., for still call favor cooler and possibly wetter.than nor- Pellston 51.3 0.3 1967 2190 3.80 3.38 Traverse City 54.2 -1.5 2330 2190 3.05 3.38 irrigation) to avoid use during power supplier mal conditions. Most recent medium-range forecast 'Alpena 51.2 -1.3 1944 2111 1.80 3.12 peak periods. This can significantly reduce cost by Dr. Jeff Andresen, guidance suggests an upper air troughing feature HoughtonLake.'51.2 -2.0 1990 2111 1.41 3.12 (check with power supplier for incentive rates). Agricultural will develop over the western states into the Great Muskegon 53.6 -2.7 2279 2429 2.02 3.21 • Modify farmstead operations so electrical equip- Meteorolog ist, , Vestaburg 51.7 -4.5 2284 2506 3.60 3.11 Plains region during the upcoming 1-2 weeks. This Bad Axe 52.6 -3.8 2186 2557 4.78 2.n ment functions during off-peak periods. (Le., use Department of pattern would lead to an active storm track across Saginaw 54.8 -1.8 2598 2557 2.56 2.n automatic feed processing systems with small Geography, Michigan the Great Lakes region, with above normal precipi- • Grand Rapids ' 55.0 -0.9 2622 2843 2.18 3.44 motors operating over long periods of time to .~ South Bend . 56.8 .15 2758 2843' 2.15 3.44 State University tation and temperatures ranging from much above replace larger, batch-type operations) . . Coldwater 54.7 -3.7 2565 2764 2.26 2.95 to much below normal. Interestingly, it is a similar Lansing 53.9 -2.2 2484 2764 1.98 2.95 • Use low