I ICH'CIIN FIiRItl BIJREIIIJ ecember 15.1996 01. 73, No. 20 ~WlTHI SOY INK ~ uberculosis survey f white-tailed deer veals 24 positives in four-county region o other positive results have en found outside the region In any livestock. hrough the beginning of December, 24 of 2,900 analyzed deer carcasses from the 1996 h nting season tested positive for bovine tubercu- I is from a region in northeast Michigan. For the second consecutive year, the tests re taken from a 200-square-mile area of private d centered where the four counties of Alpena, . j ntmorency, Oscoda and A1cona join. Last year tal of 27 deer tested positive, prompting the ting'of all livestock herds in the area. No ani- s other than wild white-tailed deer have tested sitive. "Due to the increase in testing of deer car- es, it is to be expected that there are more sitive animals this year compared to last year," plains Michigan Farm Bureau livestock Special- Kevin Kirk. Ongoing surveys from Michigan's other 79 ,I unties have not identified any other bovine berculosis outside the initial 200 square miles. Chad Bischoff, of Marshall, received his Star Agribusiness award at the 69th national FFAconvention, held in mid-November. The first Agribusiness Star "The important aspect of what we've from Michigan, Bischoff joined three other finalists in Kansas City. He said he was overwhelmed and excited when he won. "It was probably one of the best rned is that the tuberculosis problem in white- weeks of my life," he said. "I owe thanks to Floyd Beneker, my advisor. He got me involved and ready for this." For his efforts, Bischoff received $2,000, 'Ied deer is localized to one specific area of plaques, and a trip to Costa Rica for a tour of agriculture in that country. The awards are sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales of USA and the Farm Services Agency of the USDA, formerly known as the Federal Crop Insurance Agency. The other finalists received $1,000 and the trip, courtesy of the same sponsors. ichigan and has shown no signs of spreading," I , Kirk. "The biggest challenge now is how to __ " trol and eradicate the prohlem in the white- i1ed herd." CFTCfiles three separate administrative Southern Thumb , I "We need to seriously consider the total complaints related to grain contracts, alleging Co-op contracts imination of deer feeding in the affected area ter Nov. 15," states Kirk, "so that Mother Nature violation$ of the Commodity Exchange Act with Michi~an Ag CommoditIes for n help destroy some of these weak animals that e infected with the disease." According to the Department of Natural esources (DNR), bovine tuberculosis most com- T he Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently announced the filing of three separate administrative complaints related to grain contracts that are alleged to have 4c(b) of the CEA,and CFTCregulations 32.2 and 33.10. In the complaint against Grain Land Coopera- tive, the CFTC alleges that the elevator offered and sold so-called "hedge-ta-arrive" contracts that con- marketing activities F acing serious financial difficulties and sub- sequently being hit with allegations by the only manifests itself in livestock, especially cat- violated the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). stituted illegal, off-exchange futures contracts in Commodity Futures Trading Commission e, as a chronic, wasting disease. Bovine tubercu- In the first complaint, Southern Thumb Co-op violation of Section 4(a) of the CEA.In the third (CFTC), new management at the Southern sis may be spread among livestock through the Inc., a cooperative grain elevator headquartered in complaint, Wright is charged under the CEAand Thumb Co-op has contracted with Michigan Ag ntln,*, on page 12 Lapeer, Mich., is charged with violating the prohibi- CFTC regulations with acting as an unregistered Commodities (MAC) to buy, sell and store grain tion against the offer of illegal, off-exchange agricul- commodity trading advisor and with fraud for his at Southern Thumb Co-op facilities. tural options, and with fraud in connection with its misrepresentations in promoting and marketing to "Our negative equities today are about S24 marketing of the illegal instruments. farmers the illegal, off-exchange futures and options million," states Southern Thumb Co-op's new The second complaint charges Grain Land C0- contracts offered by Buckeye Countrymark. Buck- General Manager Tom Ryan, answering ques- operative, of Blue Earth, Minn., with offering and en- eye Countrymark is also charged with violating tions about the finandal status of the Lapeer- tering into illegal, off-exchange futures contracts. Sections 4(a) and 4c(b) of the CEAand CFTC regu- based cooperative. Most of the negative equities The third complaint charges Roger Wright, of lation 32.2 for its offer and entry into illegal, off- are a direct result of hedge-to-arrive contracts Mechanicsburg, Ohio, with fraud in connection with exchange futures and options contracts. that members of the co-op participated in last his marketing and promotion of, and his entry into, The CFTC's complaints institute public admin- year, he adds. illegal, off-exchange futures and options contracts. istrative proceedings to determine if the allegations "Negative equity means that growers were Wright is also charged with registration violations. in the complaints are true and, if so, what sanctions allowed to partidpate in a trading account using This complaint also charges A.G. Edwards and Sons should be imposed. Possible sanctions include the co-op's money," explains Ryan. "When the Ine. of St. Louis, Mo., and its employee, Philip cease and desist orders, civil monetary penalties, market started going against them, they sold Luxenburger, with aiding and abetting Wright's registration restrictions where appropriate, and bushels short and when they finally brought unregistered activities and trading without proper where fraud is alleged, restitution to customers. those bushels in, the difference between the authorization. The third complaint also charges The complaints are based on information price they sold it at and the higher price they Buckeye Countrymark Inc., a cooperative grain presented by the CFTC's Division of Enforcement, bought it back in, or unpriced it at, caused a loss elevator located in Xenia, Ohio, with offering and which gives the CFTC reason to believe the respon- to each grower and those losses are referred to entering into illegal, off-exchange futures and dents have violated the CEAand CFTC regulations as negative equities." options contracts. as alleged. The filing of these complaints does not Since the end of October, MACbuys the In the first CFTC complaint, Southern Thumb represent a determination by the CFTC that there grain from the grower and sets the market, states Co-op is alleged to have marketed illegal "short call has been a violation of the CEA, nor that any sanc- Ryan. "If the grower brings grain on delayed option" and "long put option" programs to produc- tions or other remedies are warranted. Any such price, it is the liability or obligation of MAC." ers and to have recklessly misrepresented the risks determination will await the development of a Continued on page 4 associated with these options in violation of Section Continued on page 12 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MABA Winter Conference - Beware of carbon monoxide something for everyone 4 ::~ ~~~~?~t~au~ ~.~. ~.~~ 11 rise in shops and buildings 16 Tax-sheltered investments for self- Using yield monitoring da~a Conservation tillage tops empl~y~d and corporate owners ....... 7 in crop fertility management 13 100 million acres 17 1997 Price projections?- Statewide forage management Make use of advice from Nothing like 1996 8 series offered by MSU Extension ..... 14 precision ag experts 18 No-till needs retooling, according Post-season combine maintenance Groundwater protection starts to coulter inventor 10 pays big dividends 15 with community action 20 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 21 ~ L;[;.!.;.ifiJ December 15, 1996 1111 Service in how the agency will treat deferred pay- ments. Recent rulings in Washington state and in Livestock and grain marketing session Iowa penalize farmers attempting to average their to be held Dec. 19 in Frankenmuth income and tax burdens from year to year through tains only as much risk as the farm business can the use of deferred payment contracts. The IRS has begun classifying deferred pay- C ash crop and livestock producers can learn how to improve their market returns during a commodity marketing workshop Dec. 19 at the handle. The program speakers \villbe Jim Hilker and ment contracts as a tax preference by allowing farm- Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. Gerald Schwab, MSUExtension agricultural econo- ers to delay income through deferred payment Sponsored by Michigan State University Exten- mists, and Fred Hinkley, MSU Extension livestock contracts for their regular tax calculation but not for sion, the six-hour session will acquaint farm manag- and marketing agent for Sanilac and Huron counties. their Alternative Minimum Tax calculation, which ers with how to develop a plan and use the market Workshop registration is $15. Make checks can result in additional tax liabilities for farmers. techniques that will be most advantageous to their payable to MSU Extension and mail to Farm Com- Several farmers in Washington state and Iowa farm businesses. modity Marketing Outlook Seminar, MSU Extension, are currently being examined by the IRS regarding The discussion will focus on how to use mar- 705 Adams Street, Saginaw, MI 48602-2192. The the use of forward contracting in the sale of their ket fundamentals and technical analysis for more registration deadline is Dec. 16. crops. At least 35 Washington farm families are cur- profitable marketing. how to set and achieve market More infonnation about the program can be From the rently in IRS appeals awaiting the opinion of the Tax goals, how to use market tools to minimize financial obtained from Steve Poindexter, MSUExtension President Court. Commodities included in the proposed ad- risk, and how to develop a market plan that con- agricultural agent, by calling 517-799-2233 .• justments include sweet corn. beans, hogs, pota- toes. onions and various seed crops. Recent tax policy Why is the IRSpursuing this issue? The answer Diehl elected President of 4-H Foundation issues profound for agriculture is pretty simple. Bydisallowing farmers to defer in- come into the next year via deferred payment, they I nghamCounty Farm Bureau member Polly Diehl was recently elected president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board 4-H leader, a Governor's Conference on Agriculture leader and a Mason Area United Way volunteer. She also serves as a director on the Ingham essentially throw two years ofincome into one year. A s the year draws to a close. many of us This in turn increases the amount of taxes due, signif- of Trustees. County Farm Bureau board of directors, the policy will be making crucial tax management icantly in some cases. There has been no change in Diehl will lead development committee and is the past county decisions as a normal course of business. the law, only a change in the IRSinterpretation. the non-profit public Farm Bureau membership chairperson. Making advance purchases of inputs for next year - Legislation was introduced last year to provide foundation which sup- The foundation, based in East Lansing. as delaying sales and/or deferred payment contracts that installment sales not be treated as preference ports statewide 4-H uses donations to support the work and training - allows producers to manage tax burdens in good . with respect to the Alternative Minimum Tax. This programming, for the of 29,733 volunteers who lead 188,588 Michigan and in bad years. language would have retroactively exempted farm- next two years. young people in youth development activities .• Tax code provisions, such as cash accounting ers who entered into deferred payment contracts Diehl is a past local and deferred payment contracts, provide important from being subject to Alternative Minimum Tax. financial and tax management tools for producers. Unfortunately, this legislation did not pass. Recognizing the impact of budget cuts for agricul- However, there is already a movement underway to Hardisty named State Conservationist tural programs, Congress included language in the pursue this issue again at the start of the next con- 1996 budget resolution that pledged to re-examine agricultural cuts unless, among other things, Con- gressional session. Several senators from Iowa, North Dakota, Montana and Washington will intro- J ane Hardisty. Assistant State Conservationist for NRCS in Indiana. has been selected as the new State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resourc- with NRCS for 22 years. The positions she has held with NRCS indude Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, RC&D gress acted to provide mechanisms to allow farmers duce legislation in January to clarify that deferred es Conservation Service in Michigan. She is filling Coordinator, Resource Conservationist, Area Con- to average tax loads over strong and weak income payment contracts are not a tax preference item the vacancy left by Carole Jett, who accepted a posi- servationist. and Assistant State Conservationist. For years. that subjects farmers to AMT. tion in Washington, D.C. as Acting Deputy Chief for the past three years Jane has served on the National Several pieces of Farm Bureau-supported Michigan Farm Bureau will be working to Soil Survey and Resource Assessment. Facilitation Cadre for Total Quality Management and legislation to allow income averaging were consid- secure the support of Sens. Carl Levin and Spencer Hardisty was born and raised on a livestock for the last two years has served on the National ered by the l04th Congress but were not enacted Abraham for this legislation. As you go through the and grain farm in southwest Indiana. She earned a Work Group with the National Association of Con- into law. Farm Bureau will be working to secure process of completing your farm books and begin bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Geography servation Districts and National Association of State their passage as the bills are reintroduced next year. tax preparation, I encourage you to take a moment and Biology from Ball State University and has been conservation Agendes .• Farm Bureau supports the option of cash to let your respective U.S. Representative and both accounting for farmers and the continuation and of our Senators know how vital these tax manage- expansion of tax code provisions that allow farmers ment tools are and what their loss will mean to your Major fall surveys to match income with expenses. Farm Bureau also operation. supports the reinstatement of income averaging for farm income and the creation of "farmer savings A s farmers finish harvesting corn and soybean crops. the Federal!State Michigan Agricultur- al Statistics Service will conduct three major sur- return it promptly. This \vill eliminate the need for telephone or personal follow-up, thus keeping sur- vey costs to a minimum. Individual reports from plans." which would allow farmers to put money veys. To get the final story on 19% crops. 11.000 farmers are kept confidential and only summarized into a pre-tax account for use during emergendes. Michigan farmers will be contacted on the 1996 to set county, state, and national estimates of crop Farmers are also at risk of another tax: manage- Jack Laurie, President Farm Report. Nearly 1,200 farmers will be asked to production and livestock inventories. ment tool, thanks in large part to a recent change in Michigan Farm Bureau complete the December Agricultural Survey; 500 Published estimates from these surveys will tax policy interpretation by the Internal Revenue more will be contacted on the December Hog Re- keep everyone in the market equally informed. pori. Most selected farmers will receive a question- Users of these statistics include farmers and farm naire in the mail. Some will be contacted by tele- organizations, food processors, farm supply firms, phone or interviewed in person. These surveys will exporters. foreign and domestic customers, trans- ORGAN'ZAnONAl8R~FS provide the data necessary for establishing final 1996 crop acreage, yield and production estimates and 1997 winter wheat and rye seedings. They will portation firms, and government agencies that man- age farm programs and set farm policy. The Hogs and Pigs repori based on the December Hog Sur- Environmental specialist also provide current information on grain stocks, chicken inventory and hog inventory and farrowings. Producers receiving either the December vey will be released Dec. 27. The Crop Production Report based on the December Agricultural Survey will be released Jan. 10. 1997. County level esti- joins Michigan Farm Bureau Agricultural Survey, December Hog Repori or Farm Repori in the mail are encouraged to complete and mates based on dates from these surveys will be- come available in the spring of 1997.• J efferson G. Edgens joined Michigan Farm Bureau on Dee. 2. 1996, as manager of Michigan Farm Bureau's new Envi- and a Bachelor of Arts from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. His educational experiences focused on state and local environmental policy. govern- Milk price fixing charges ronmental Department. Edgens is currently completing his doctoral mental action, land use planning. private property rights. coastal zone management and wetlands. S ome Minnesota dairy farmers claim that the state's largest milk processors fix wholesale prices paid to producers. The allegations have conference at the state capitol with other farming representatives. Last week. a former Marigold Foods manager said in court documents that processors degree in Environmental Jeff has served as adjunct instructor at Lansing prompted the state's House Agriculture Committee fixed wholesale milk prices for at least six years. The Policy in the Department Community College, Western Michigan University Chairman Steve Wenzel (D) to call for hearings into Minnesota Food Association said consumer milk of Resource Develop- and Michigan State University. He has taught nu- the claims. prices have steadily risen over the past 15 years ment at Michigan State merous classes focusing on governmental. environ- "They're tired. They're mad. They feel the while income for dairy farmers has dropped. They University. He will be mental and natural resources policy. system has been rigged for a long period of time," said that shows consumers and farmers are "vioims finishing his degree in A native of Georgia,Jeffhas lived in Michigan said Jeff Kunstleben, president of the Minnesota of chronic flaws in the pricing system.". early 1997. Jeff received since 1992. He currently resides in East Lansing with Dairy Producers Board. Kunstleben held a press . a Master's of Public his wife, Karen, and young daughter. Savannah .• Administration from the University of West Florida Milk label changes N ew milk labeling rules issued by the Food and Drug Administration will change the way milk containers address the fat content of milk. The new rules will help clear up the situation. "People think that 2 percent milk is 98 percent less fat than regular milk." said Bruce Silverglade, new rules will not allow 2 percent milk to carry the director of legal affairs for the Center for Sdence in lbe M1chig.n F.rm NfIWS (ISSN:074J..9962) Is published twice per month except In the months of November. December, June and July when only one Issue Is printed. lIS a service to regular members. by Michigan fann Bu .... u. 7373 west "low fat" label and will instead give the coveted "fat- the Public Interest - the group that shined the spot- s.glnaw Highway. Lansing. Michigan 41917. Member subscription price of S1.50 Is Induded In aMu.I dues of free" title only to skim milk. light on the unhealthy effects of movie-theater pop- Michigan Farm Buruu regul. members. AdcStioruII !Ubscriptlon fees required for mailing Mlchig.n F.rm N#!WJ to nonmembers MId outside the continentAll U.s.A. PeriodIuI postage paid at Laming. MlchlgM. and additional mailing The changes are designed to bring dairy prod- corn, Chinese food, Mexican food and mushroom offices. ucts more in line with the labeling of other foods, cheeseburgers. "That means even more confusion Letten to the editor n statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor. MIchIg.n F.rm ~ Post Office Box 30960. Lansing. Michigan 419094460. POSTMASTBt - Send address changes to: Mich~ f.m Bureeu. Post Offke according to FDA. FDA rules allow "low fat" labels when consumers try to tell the difference between 2 Boll 30960. UnsIng. MIchigan 41909-8460. on products containing less than 3 grams of fat per percent and 1 percent milk, because they say. 'It has Editorial: 0eM1s Rudat. Edltat MCI Business Manager: lbomas Nugent. Associate Editor. serving. Two percent milk contains 5 grams of fat 1 percent less fat than 2 percent, so why bother?'" Design and Production: Jeffrey Ru1zky. S~ Contributor: Sue Stuever Battef per serving. The FDA says one-glass-a.w W'" ... ~ "'X>.,",_i .v!l ..... #' ..... ,.~ calendar years. If the defined benefit plan has prom- sation, but not more than two out of any five years. those who have worked fewer than 1,000 hours by Ralph E. Hepp, Extension economist, ised a set amount at retirement, the employer must An employer must notify employees of the lower during a year of service. Department of Agricultural Economics, actually pay enough into the plan to satisfy the min- match with a reasonable time before the 60-day The basic types of employee retirement S an 'Chi State University imum funding standard for each year. election period for the year in which the election is plans are pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, and elf-employed persons and their employees The maximum amount of contribution to a chosen. SIMPLEplans. Pension plans are long-term commit- have access to tax-sheltered retirement defined contribution plan, in general is the lesser of Instead of making matching contributions, an ments by the corporation to support the plan finan- plans on a basis similar to corporate em- $30,000 or 15 percent of earnings or compensation. employer can make a 2 percent of compensation cially in good times and bad as long as the plan ployee plans. Tax laws allow self-employed individu- In some cases, 25 percent of earnings or compensa- nonelective contribution on behalf of each eligible continues. The funding rules are designed to en- als to establish a retirement fund for themselves tion may be contributed to the plan. The maximum employee, but not more than $150,000 can be taken sure that a plan will have sufficient funds to pay a and their employees by setting aside part of their compensation that can be taken into account for into account for any employee. If this alternative is promised benefit. current income and deferring federal income taxes the limits is generally $150,000. Earnings are the net chosen, the employer has to notify employees of Another option is a profit-sharing plan, where- on the contribution. Under these plans, tax benefits earnings from the self-employment if personal ser- the change before the 6O-dayelection period for by, the employer contributes a share of net earnings accrue in two ways: (1) amounts contributed into a vices are actually rendered to the business. Capital the year. No contributions other than these two to the employee's retirement program. The employ- retirement fund is tax exempt in the year of contri- gain income is not part of earned income. types can be made to a SIMPLEaccount. er may deduct up to 15 percent of the employee's but ion, and (2) earnings on the contributions are The method of funding a Keogh plan, in most The rules for a SIMPLEplan are effective for compensation and contribute the funds to a retire- not subject to tax until withdrawn. cases, is through established master plans developed years beginning after December 31, 1996. The prior- ment plan. The employer can decide annually (by Payment of income taxes is not forgiven, but byan insurance company, a mutual fund, a savings law rules for salary reduction simplified employee the board of directors), whether a contribution is deferred until retirement years when the money is institution, ora trade or professional organization. A pensions (SEP plans) no longer apply for retirement made and the percent to be contributed. There is withdrawn from the fund. However, self-employed large business could establish its own plan, but most plans established after Dec. 31. SEP plans in effect not a fixed commitment that must be made each individuals and employees, maybe in a lower in- small businesses will adopt an established plan which prior to Jan. I, 1997 can continue. year to the retirement program, like a pension plan. come tax bracket during retirement due to lower has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service. Corporate Plans Another option for a corporate retirement earnings or entitled to retirement income credits. Individual Retirement Account (IRA) If the business is incorporated and pays its program is a stock bonus plan. Under this alterna- Growth of the retirement money is not restricted by An individual who receives compensation from own income tax, the corporation can establish a tax- tive, the corporation contributes stock or securities income taxes during the contribution years. wages, or earned income in the case of a self-em- sheltered retirement program for its employees. All in the company to the employee's retirement pro- Three alternatives are available for establish- ployed individual, that is includible in gross income full-time employees must be included in the plan if gram. The corporate stock must be exchangeable ing a tax-sheltered retirement program by self-em- for income tax purposes may establish and make the employee is 21 years of age or older and has at on a ready market, or a cash distribution system ployed persons - Keogh plan, Individual Retire- contributions to his or her own individual retirement least one year of service with the employer. Part-established for the value of the stock, if not readily ment Account (IRA),or Savings Incentive Match account (IRA).The plan allows an individual to annu- time workers may be excluded and are defined as Continued on page 15 Plan for Employees (SIMPLE).The rules under each allydeduct contributions of 100 percent of earned plan are briefly explained. The rules for corporate income up to a maximum of $2,000 ifthe taxpayer is plans (401k) are also covered. not covered by an employer's retirement plan. Ifa Keogh Plan taxpayer partidpates in an employer-sponsored Self-employed individuals can participate in retirement plan, the maximum $2,000 tax deduction Keogh retirement plans whether operating as a pro- can be taken if the adjusted gross income from all prietor or a partner in a partnership. The business income sources is less than $40,000 for a married entity establishes the Keogh plan for the owners and taxpayer filing a joint return ($25,000 singlereturn). employees, therefore, the proprietor or partners No deduction is allowed for incomes above $50,000 may not establish a plan for themselves. Owner- ($35,000 single) with a phase-out of the IRAdeduc- employees are defined as self-employed individuals tion between these amounts. who own a proprietorship, or in the case of a partner- A married couple, bot~ employed in the busi- ship, a partner who owns more than a 10 percent ness and with sufficient compensation, can contrib- interest in the partnership capital or profits. A part- ute $4,000 per year and receive a taxable income ner who does not own more than 10 percent 6f the reduction for this amount. Ifone spouse is not business is permitted to participate in a retirement employed, the tax deductible contribution for the plan set up by the partnership. Because they are not nonworking spouse can be up to $2,000. Prior to owner-employees, the special requirements applica- 1997, the maximum spousal contribution was $225. ble to plans covering owner-employees do no apply The IRArules do not require an employer to estab- to them. In order for a person to be considered self- lish a retirement plan for employees, or, under IRA employed, personal services must be performed for rules the employer can establish a retirement fund the business. Mere financial backing of a business for one employee without extending that privilege does not mean that one is self-employed. Generally, to all other employees. all self-employed individuals subject to the self-em- A trust fund or custodial account can be estab- ployment tax can establish Keogh plans. lished by transferring money to a trustee to invest Owner-e!TIployees'who wish to establish Keogh for the individual's benefit. In most cases, a bank, plans for themselves must provide benefits for full- trust company, investment firm, or other financial time employees who have worked for the business institution would be utilized, but other individuals more than one year and are 21.years of age or older. can be trustees if the money is held in accordance Part-time and seasonal employees may be excluded \vith IRS rules. Many alternative investments are from the plan and are defined as employees working possible, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and fewer than 1,000 hours in the business year. General- savings accounts. It is possible for the owner-em- Iy,if a self-employed person is required to provide ployee to control the investment policy, if that pow- retirement plan benefits for an employee, the per- er is retained. While the owner-employee may di- centage of the employee's earnings that must be rect the trustee or the retirement fund in detail as contributed is the same as the percentage that the to investment of the money, the individual is pro- self-employed individual contributes in their ac- hibited from dealing with the trust itself if more count. For example, ifan owner-employee contrib- than 50 percent of the business is owned individual- utes 15 percent of their net earnings to the plan, 15 Iy or in conjunction with other owner-employees. percent of employee pay must be contributed to a Savl Incentive MIItch Plan for retirement account for the employee. Employ (SIMPLE) The two main types of plans are defined con- To encourage employers to provide retire- tribution plans, a fixed percentage rate of earnings ment benefits for employees under a less complicat- or compensation, and defined benefit plans, a de- ed arrangement than a Keogh or corporate plan, fined benefit at retirement. the law provides for a savings incentive match plan Under a defined contribution plan, an individu- for employees. SIMPLEplans can be adopted by al account is established for each person in the plan. employers who employ 100 or fewer employees Benefits are based on the amount contributed to with at least $5,000 in compensation for the previ- each account, and any income, expenses, and gains ous year and who do not maintain another employ- and losses from the investments are allocated to the er-sponsored retirement plan. A SIMPLEplan can be account. Defined contribution plans may take many either an individual retirement account (IRA)for forms including profit-sharing plans, a percentage of each employee or part of a qualified cash or de- the profits; a money purchase plan, which provides ferred arrangement (401k plans). for fixed employer contributions with the participant ASIMPLEplan is open to self-employed individ- to receive whatever benefit his or her accumulations uals of a proprietorship and partnership, as well as will buy~and target benefit plans, which aims at pro- employees of a corporation. The business entity viding a certain benefit, but does not actually prom- establishes the plan, not the self-employed individual. ise a target benefit. The main principle of all these The employer is required to satisfy one of two plans is a constant percentage rate of contribution. contribution formulas: the matching contribution Defined benefit plans have a set benefit at formula or the 2 percent contribution option. Un- retirement and the contributions vary during the der the matching contribution formula, the employ- working years so the fund has enough money to er must match employee elective contributions on a pay the established benefits. The benefit is limited 90~ar~for-dollar basis up to 3 percent of the employ- to the lessor of $120,000 in 1995, annually adjusted ee's compensation. Instead of the 3 percent match, for inflation, or 100 percent of the participants aver- the employer can elect a matching contribution of age compensation for the highest three consecutive not less than 1 percent of each employee's compen- I\'JI~~ December 15, 1996 1997 price projections? - Nothing like 1996 I fyou're holding out for $5 corn to sell your will fall in the $6.30 range. tinue throughout 1997 says Hilker, with prices ex- 1996 crop, you could be holding onto your "I'd vote for finishing off myoId crop soybeans pected to stay in the mid $50s throughout most of crop for quite some time, according to Michi- as well as looking at pricing new crop soybeans. the year before trailing off imo the high $40s by the gan State University Ag Economist Jim Hilker. Speak- There's some good pricing potemial right now for end of 1997 due to expansion. He predicts that the ing during a recem farm credit conference in Lan- new crop," he advises. "Don't be scared to price next 5 to 12 percent growth in slaughter capacity will sing, Hilker says that with a 15 percem stock carry- year's crop. When you have an abnormal year, like we prevent a return to the $28 market producers expe- over, storing your 1996 corn would be ill.advised. did last year, you don't wam be making your pricing rienced just a few years ago. "We're now in the $2.50 to $2.60 range, which decisions for the next five years based on it." "Those $20 hogs with 3 or 4 percent more is where fundamemals would put us now that we Hilker expects wheat prices to remain at their slaughter capacity would never have gone $34 have more information," Hilker suggests. "While 1 currem levels, too. Although the current market of which is still low but certainly not as bad as the $24 think the market may work up a little over the next $3.25 to $3.50 fails in comparison to last year, Hilker to $28 we did see," he says. "Production is down, year, [he markets are telling us not to pay storage, says the potential for huge acreage increases world. demand is strong, and exports are raging." especially commerical storage, and perhaps even ,vide, combined with bigger world stocks, could Long-term Projections meat prices as well as corn and soybean meal. on.farm storage." mean even lower prices. "We definitely wam to be Credit conference participants also got a 10- "Growing export demand for beef and pork Hilker recommends that producers waming to looking for some pricing opportunities if we have year outlook from MSU Ag Economist Dr.Jake Fer- should provide a basis for some optimism in these stay in the market should sell cash and go to a basis any kind of a price rally," he says. ris. Using an ''Ag-Mod'' program, Ferris says he is two industries," Ferris predicts. "On the crop side, 1 comract to minimize risk and still take advamage of While prices for finished cattle will remain capable of "doing some pretty sophisticated stuff," think we have some pretty encouraging statistics any positive price moves. He added that last year's stagnam for 1997 in the mid-$60 range, Hilker says in measuring supply and demand from a producer, relative to soybeans, along with some improved historically high prices, due to high worldwide de- the softening of the corn market combined with consumer, and international market standpoint. varieties. The fact that we have a new soybean pro- mand and a short crop, aren't likely to be repeated cheap feeder cattle currently should improve mar- "I have about 400 variables in the model which cessing plant in the state is going to give emphasis again this year. gins. Feeder cattle producers may finally begin to also includes population growth, income growth, to our soybean industry. 1think that corn will be His advice for soybeans is pretty much the see some improvemems over the next year, says inflation rates, interest rates and so forth," Ferris very competitive as well." same as corn, although he feels there may be more Hilker, thanks to cheaper corn prices and a reduced explaines. "I can solve for about a IS-year period, Ferris is less optimistic about the future of the up-side potemial since carryover stocks will still be invemory of beef cows. year by year, in less than a minute, and if we want to state's dairy prices, saying that while there may be lower than normal and weather may impact the "I expect the beef cow herd to be down 1 to 3 we can simulate the impact of variable crop yields." some recovery in the dairy markets, he doesn't South American Crop. Even so Hilker doesn't rec. percem, which means fewer calves come next Ferris says that an anticipated rapid growth expect the recent $15 highs to be repeated anytime ommend storing soybeans, since the 1996 crop was spring," he says. "I'd amici pate that we'll see feeder rate in the world economy, in excess of 10 percent too soon. "I would be surprised if've see $15 milk the second highest ever despite the weather prob- prices jump back on top, where yearling will be a in countries, including economic sleeping giant in the next 10 years as an average," Ferris cautions. lems. He cautions against holding out for last year's little higher and calves will be even higher." China will mean a rapid expansion in demand for "We might see it pop up there one or two years, but market highs, predicting that 1997 average prices Good times in the hog business should con. animal protein that will be reflected in increased as an average trend 1don't see it happening .... ~ For Golden Harvest r=l dealership opportunities or product information call toll free: (800) 451-5855 or call the District Manager close'st to your area: AI Garritano District Sales Manager (616) 782-9618 Southwest Michigan 1996 Chart Busters Craig McManus H-2349 H-2382 H-2495 District Sales Manager Bernard Keevan Kevin Miller Gary Cumberworth (517) 663-2470 Saginaw County Branch County Gratiot County 184.6 Bu/A 167.0 Bu/A 160.2 BuJA Southeast Michigan McManus Bros. Jonathon Willett Mike Kissenger Eaton County Lenawee County Calhoun County 165.0 BuJA 151.6 Bu/A 166.7 BuJA Richard Easlic]~ District Sales Manager (517) 862-5280 Northern Michigan Golden Harvest ~ Call your Golden Harvest Dealer today! or call Golden Harvest Toll Free: (800) 451-5855 Each day we light the way fo~ you and otlier farmers across the state - providing the power that keeps you in business. But our commitment to you doesn't stop there .. ;; We have a 24-hour, toll-free number to answer your energy service questions. Plus, we've established a dedicated, toll-free number so . ",,,wecan respond to your questions about stray ...... " ~e.r;vi.ceCenters state-wide, we're ready ~~.Y agricultural organizations like Michigan Extension and the Michigan FFAon issues that impact and profitability. We're 'proud to serve 20,000farms - more farms than any other utility in the state - and we're committed to helping you succeed every step of the'way. For stray voltage questions call1-800-252-VOLT For other service questions call 1-800-477-5050 @consumers ~ power I'IIWEIllllIi IIIIC1111iA11'S ,."...'ff r\.jl~~'~11~'!!f) December 15, 1996 No-till needs retooling, according to coulter inventor by Steve Tomac rows. These "expansion joints" can vary in depth; The difference between the slot machine and ay Rawson has been conservation tilling R they are set according to the depth of the compac- a subsoiler is subtle, but important. A sub-soiler has for 35 years. He was one of the first in the tion zone. The machine busts through any plowpan a "lift and fracture" action. It pulverizes the soil, world to try such practices. As a result, or compaction zone that may exist. The slots allow breaking it into small pieces. Rawson believes that countries from all over the world seek his advice. To water and roots to penetrate the hard layer of soil this leads to recompaction. His tool slices the some people, he is the pioneer in tillage methods. and tap into the soil below it. "With the capability of ground so that roots can penetrate the soil. The soil He had his own line of tillage tools until he was running roots right where we put the slots, we'll get structure is left undisturbed. recently bought out by Unverferth. a more even flow of air and water year after year. Rawson prefers to run the tool in the fall. Rawson farms 6,000 acres in central Michigan Next year, we'll move over [15 inches] and put the This allows the winter precipitation to penetrate the and has modified his operation many times to the slots between the first set. We won't have to do it soil, building up water reserves for the spring and point where he uses what he refers to as "organized again, as long as we keep roots in these slots." The summer. tillage." decomposing roots, Rawson notes, will open chan- Tillage Pradices For Rawson, no-till did a poor job of getting nels for air and \vater to penetrate the soil. "The There are three main systems of tillage; con- the plant off to a good start. "The whole [farming] subsoil will hold a tremendous amount of water if ventional, conservation tillage, and no-till. Conven- system is geared around four things; soil air, water, we can get it in the soiL" tional tillage is the time-honored tradition of plow- residue, and fertility. Once we have those things in The slot tool performs a double duty. Besides ing the field, going across it several times with a order, we can make a lot of things happen. The breaking up the soil for roots to penetrate, the slots disk and cultivator, and maybe once again before baby plant can't tolerate being slowed down when force water to drop into the subsoil. "If the rain falls planting. This method can be quite expensive and small. At five weeks, that plant already determines on us, the farthest it can move is 30 inches. It's may do more damage to the soil structure than it how many rows of corn are going to be on that cob. been an extremely successful system that will give improves the land for planting. So right up front, we've got to get that plant off to a us even moisture up and down these hills." No-till is the complete opposite. It means that good start. That's what no-till wasn't doing. There Rawson notes that the key to the slot machine the planter is the only piece of equipment that dis- were too many factors involved that slowed it down:' is knowing how deep the compaction zone is and turbs the soil. This method may be ineffective be- Rawson notes that the key to planting a crop how thick it is. "We have to dig holes out here or use cause it may not provide the seed with enough air, Ray Rawson feels that farmers are catego- is to have the right conditions. Warm soil, proper the penetrometer to go down and find out where water, or warmth. rized unfairly. "We're either conventional aeration, and adequate water supply are all needed. our pan is," he said. Periodic sampling allows the Conservation tillage is a hybrid of the two tillers or we're no-tillers, " he says. Rawson To do this, Rawson has developed several pieces of farmer to decide if the tool needs to be run again. previous practices. It means that only minimal till- believes that farmers belong in the middle. equipment. Many years may pass, or just a few, depending on the age is done, and is usually focused in the row where "What we need to do is let no-till fall off The latest is a device similar to a sub-soiler compaction characteristics of the soil. High traffic the seed will be planted. It provides the necessary the end of things and then let's be some- that puts one-inch "slots" in the soil on 3D-inch areas like headlands are slotted most often. Continued on page 15 where in between all of that. " Asgrow Agent Listing-Michigan Asgrow Seed Company Edward Kolbe Jr.' Hesperia Ralph Beerens McBain Jim Cary darence Eberhart Mount Pleasant SeedlHerbicide Headquarters. Clare (616) 854--1635 (616) 826-3337 (517) 773-9222 (517) 386-2933 Ken MiszewsId Joe Slater Jr. Ronald A. Slater Swanson Custer Holton Holton Pickle Company (616) 462-3103 (616) 821-2843 (616) 821-0111 Ravenna (616) 853-2289 ~ Synchrony STS Lome Rademacher' Munger Mike Ritter Kinde Jerald Skuta Pinconning John Wegner Turner herbicide (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 Campbell 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 Larry Leach PlainweD Elevator RandaU Scott PoD Zeeland Sulfonylurea Herbicides such as Synchron~ STS@ [AG300I) [AG3301 ) Climax (616) 7464648 Plainwell (616) 685-1223 Hamilton (616) 751-5687 Farm Service Zeeland (616) 772-9042 • A3404 Is a New Variety that • These Four Asgrow Roundup Larry A. Bishop' Eugene Buck Citizens Elevator John Eldridge Ready'" Varieties 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 Flessner Steve Hengesbach Sparks Dalenuey Very High Yield Potential and to Roundup@ Herbicide Woodland Portland Centennial Farms Marshall (616) 367-4505 (517) 647-2135 Saranac (616) 781-8093 Good Field Tolerance to (616) 642-9938 Phythophthora Rot Cremer Farm Center Carl L DeGeus Diehl Fields Mason Elevator [RX601~ Williamston (517) 655-1566 Saint Charles (517) 845-6083 Dansville (517) 623-6161 Mason (517) 676-1016 DavidM. TerwiUegarFarms Matthew Thomas Wilbur Thurston • High Yield for Maturity Rademacher Midland Wheeler Saint Johns Saint Johns (517) 835-5653 (517) 875-4307 (517) 224--7600 • Good Leaf Disease Package, (517) 224-4756 Especially Against Gray Leaf Spot Robert H. Kyle Burgess Earl F1scher GodoFarms DeMeuienaere' Croswell Marlette Almont Washington (810) 633-9327 (517) 635-2480 (810) 798-8334 (810) 752-4106 [RX701~ Dale Klaus Deckerville Ken Klaus Palms Richard L Townsend Jeddo Edward Kolbe Jr. (810) 376-4163 (517) 864-3830 (810) 327-6139 Hesperia, MI • A Solid Record of (616) 854-1635 Yield Stability Randy Burger' Richard Accoe Carl Burger HFS Tractor Sales Niles Dowagiac Niles Baroda • Excellent Emergence for (616) 684-0385 (616) 782-7703 (616) 684-0385 (616) 422-2320 Early Spring Planting MikeSmego Totzke Farms Vassar Farms Cassopolis Baroda Hartford (616) 445-3473 (616) 429-7085 (616) 621-2160 LanyBIshop I OPEN AREA I MuIiken, MI Contact (517) &49-8619 David M. Girton' Matt Kauffman LarryLOmo Nell Zimmer Sturgis Mendon Coldwater Mich. Market Mgr. (616) 651-8941 (616) 496-3975 (517) 238-4322 Richland, MI (616) 629-5240 Duane Goetz' Metamora Elevator Richard Storehalder Blissfield Morena Waldron (517) 486-2604 (517) 286-6811 (517) 286-6450 DmdGlrton Duane Goetz Robert KleindJenst' Heath Farms Gary Albert Heath Keller & KeUer Ine. Sturgis, MI Blissfield, MI Dundee Milan Milan Blissfield (616) 651-8941 (517) 486-2604 (313) 279-1125 (313) 439-7675 (313) 439-7612 (517) 486-3433 0 0 Robert A. Lange Ir. GregUevens Donald Meyer PrielJpp Farms 0 Maybee Petersburg & Sons Britton STS nl ~ .. nlgisI8rod ndBnwlcs d tie ~ CaI1*'rt. 0 (313) 587-2344 (313) 856-6065 Carleton (517) 451.-5595 Aolnq) Is a registInd~ nl ~ A8lIltf isa 0 (313) 654--2614 ndlmrk d tie Mlniri:l Cal1*1Y . 0 0 • IMUIts ItrrilDry SIIptrViscr -- New Kellogg Farm dry cow barn goes into use I~'ll~~~~ December 15, 1996 Government weighing K ellogg Farm recently experienced several additions, well beyond the arrival of a few calves. Research Associate Sue Pandolfi jOined the staff June 10, just in time to begin work Calan gates make it possible to follow each cow's feed intake. A transminer worn around a cow's neck will allow her to open only the gate specific to her transmitter. A small computer inside feeder is situated ... . Current research mvolves taking blood and unne samples from each cow, one when she enters the barn and another after calving. Urine pH and juice pasteurization requirement T he government is considering requiring all ap- ple juices, and possibly other fruit juices, to be in the newly completed pre-calving research barn. the Calan gate reads a computer chip inside the blood mineral levels h~lp researchers .unde~tand Pandolfi, originally from Staten Island, N.Y., cow's transmitter, and presto! the gate opens. With the ideal balance of mmerals and nutnen~ In ra- pasteurized to kill E coli bacteria in the wake of an spent the last seven years at Virginia Tech. She has a each cow feeding at the same feeder every time, tions that will best prepare a cow for c~Vlng. The outbreak of the deadly bacteria in apple juice manu- bachelor's degree in animal science, with research researchers can easily follow an individual cow's proper balance can help prevent such Illnesses as factured by the Odwalla juice company of California. experience in dairy and equine nutrition. She re- nutrition prior to calving. This project studies how milk fever after calving .• The juice is suspected of causing the death of cently completed her master's degree in dairy re- the pre-calving diet affects milking cow perf or- a Denver infant. Odwalla last week said the compa- production. mance and health. ny would cover medical costs for those who suspect Pandolfi will work on the Dry Cow Nutrition Currently, cows are assigned to one of three A deal is a deal they were sickened by its juice. Research Project with Dr. David Beede, meadows chair for dairy nutrition and management; and different rations. It is possible, however, to feed each cow a different ration. That's 44 different com- A s a Florida man paged through a 1935 issue of Fortune magazine, he came across a cou- pon offering a shipment of sausage and pancake Food and Drug Administration officials called a meeting hours after Odwalla announced a recall of its juice. AI. the meeting, FDAwarned apple juice Kellogg Dairy Manager Rob Ashley. binations. The cows and heifers will be fed these The pre-calving barn was established to serve rations from the time they enter the pre-calving flour for S 1.Jones Dairy Farm of Fort Atkinson, Wis. makers to "ratchet up their quality control," while the growing need from farmers for more information barn until they calve, approximately three weeks. placed the ad 61 years ago. the government decides the next step. on pre-calving nutrition. Farmers want to know what A cow's first experience in t~e barn involves Since the coupon had no expiration date, Fred FDA said parents of young children and those to feed their cows prior to calving that would im- one to two weeks of training her to find her own Simpson decided to send in the coupon. Four days with weak immune systems should drink only pas- prove health and increase milk production. door. Each day, the cows are led by hand to their later, a shipment containing a pound of sausage, a teurized juice and should only purchase unpasteur- The pre-calving barn was constructed this feeders. It takes only a few days to retrain the cows box of buckwheat pancake flour and a jar of maple ized juice that has remained chilled throughout its spring, and the first inhabitants arrived June 14. The the following year. Just as a homeowner adapts in a syrup showed up at his front door. storage .• barn houses up to 48 cows in freestalls, with 44 suburb where the houses are all the same, it does Jones Dairy Farm, saying that a coupon is a Calan gates for individual feeding. not take too long for a cow to remember where her coupon, proved that honesty still remains in taday's business world .• New "Gene-Stack" corn hybrids represent giant technology leap F or the first time in plant breeding history, corn hybrids are nearing commercialization that "stack" genes by biotechnology, giving hy- brids the ability to possess multiple benefidal traits including resistance to different types of , herbicides, diseases, insects and even poor soil conditions. "The genes that have been carefully select- ed and implanted in these hybrids are like de- fense shields. They protect the plant under assault from insects and disease or when incom- patible herbicides are used. The breakthrough here is that several genes can now be put into Proven Performance one high-yielding hybrid," says Michael Martin, research director for ICVGarst, based in Slater, Iowa. Combinations of different stacked traits in hybrids are being field-tested by ICVGarst. Pending final yield results and approvals from all companies involved, ICVGarst expects to re- lease a hybrid that resist the imidzolinone-based (lMI) herbicides from American Cyanamid and the glufosinate-ammonium based herbicide, Ube~, from AgrEvo. "Hybrids with more than one herbidde resistance conferred by biotech- nology represent the next evolution of herbi- cide-resistant plants and a positive break- through in crop management tools for farmers," says Stephen 0. Duke, weed scientist at the Agricultural Research Service in Stoneville, Mis- sissippi, and editor of the recently published book, Herbicide Resistant Crops. "ICVGarst is developing these gene- stacked hybrids to give farmelS more manage- ment options and control flexibility. Our main objective is to maintain yield integrity and keep the seed affordable," says Col Seccombe, presi- Garst hybrids provide a complete package of dent of ICVGarst. Pricing of the new stacked important agronomic traits, such as standability, hybrids has not been finalized, but Seccombe says the economic benefits to the grower will be ear retention, dry down and test weight. maintained. With the new technology, a hybrid may be A proven performance package! loaded with several traits; for example, having That is what Garst delivers. both the ability to resist certain herbiddes as well as certain diseases like gray leaf spot or If you saw corn like this on your tolerate soil conditions such as high pH. "We're farm during harvest, you probably tailoring products for specific market niches and needs," Seccombe says. planted Garst elite hybrids. Another potential combination is inserting Join those who get more corn the herbidde resistant gene in a high-yielding hybrid that also resists European corn borers by and a lot more to smile about. incorporating Bacillus rhuringiensis (Bt) genes. ICVGarst plans to test its own novel strain ofBt in a hybrid that is also resistant to Uberty herbidde. The company is referring to this combination as "BLT."The company is calling the process of incorporating more than one genetic trait into a hybrid, "G*STAC,"which stands for "Garst State- of-the-Art-Crops." Growers are likely to see this on company seed bags in the future. ICVGarst will make the transition to Garst Seed company in 1997. Liberty is a registered trademark of AgrEvo. G.STAC is a trademark of tCi/Garst. BLT is a trademark of ICI/Garst (Garst ~ Company). 1WI[~:I@JJi!]~I~'I~ December 15, 1996 ProbQbility of Above HlghlPr ProbQbiUty of Abov~ ProbQbilily of ik>low Hlcher Probability of e.low ProbQbllily of Normal Hi:her ProbQbllity 0{ Normal Equal ChQn~ ~ Michigan U Pper air troughing over the Great Lakes region continues to be the dominant jet stream feature over eastern North Ameri- ca, with colder and cloudier than normal weather Pacific, puuing an end to the current weak La Nina event (abnormally cool ocean temperatures in this area). This warming has not yet occurred, however, leading to some changes in long lead outlooks and • 1111/96-11130196 Weather T~~~-:~ays Obs. Dev. from mean Actual Nonna/ Au.. Au.. ~p. Actual Normal [Inch) (inch) resulting in Michigan. Mean temperatures across to an overall decrease in confidence in the outlook nonn;J the state during November ranged from 3-7'7' be- Houghton 27.9 -3.2 0 9 216 2.54 through next Spring. Most recent National Weather Marquette 27.4 -3.0 0 9 1.81 2.54 low normal, which should put November of 1996 in Service long lead outlooks call for near equal odds Escanaba 30.1 4.9 0 5 0.67 2.65 the record books as one of the coldest on record. ofbelow-, near., and above-normal temperatures Sault Ste. Marie 30.5 -2.5 0 5 2.63 2.65 lake City 33.5 -1.4 6 20 2.04 2.69 With the exception of a major lake-effect snow and precipitation for both the 3O-day December and Pellston 31.9 -2.9 4 20 1.30 2.69 event that left some spots in southwestern Lower 9O-dayDecember-February periods. I think that the Traverse City 34.7 -3.1 8 20 2.45 2.69 by Dr. Jeff Andresen, and the northern Upper Peninsula with more than 2 current troughing panern across the region is likely Alpena 31.7 -3.7 3 15 0.60 2.57 Agricultural Houghton lake 30.9 4.7 3 15 0.70 2.57 feet of snow, precipitation totals generally remained to continue for the next couple of weeks, however, Muskegon 34.2 -5.2 6 21 1.45 2.88 Meteorologist, below seasonal normals. which should result in a continuation of below nor- Vestaburg 31.5 -6.4 6 22 1.24 2.49 Department of During much of the Fall season, coupled oce- mal temperatures and precipitation across most of Bad AXe 33.5 -5.2 13 25 1.79 2.23 Saginaw 34.2 -4.1 12 25 1.83 2.23 Geography, Michigan anic/atmospheric computer models, a major tool in the state, with the exception of lake-effect areas, Grand Rapids 33.6 4.9 7 38 1.52 2.79 State University long lead forecast projections, had been calling for a where snowfall will be above normal. Look for a South Bend 34.9 -5.7 12 38 2.73 2.79 Coldwater 33.0 -6.5 9 37 2.56 2.32 slow increase in with wide swings in temperature change in this pauern and some moderation in lansing 32.9 -5.7 7 37 1.48 2.32 across central and eastern sections of the equatorial temperatures by late December or early January .• Detroit 34.7 -5.2 14 36 1.85 2.44 Flint 33.1 -5.8 16 36 1.62 2.44 Toledo 35.1 41 17 36 2.84 2.44 ~ totaIsacctJlOOlated from ~ ,. Normals art ~ al 6& (2 Iefl) Sheridan, Fremont, Michigan, UP TO 40% OFF!!! 49412. Collectibles Avenger enclosed cargo units available at low prices. Pre- hicles. 1965 and older. Call JD at 1-517-676-0583. 20 YEAR WAJUIAJITY 1-616-924-3760. DRAG SAW: Ottawa 5hp season specials on Snowmo- Lease financing a-Icn FIlCI0RY Steel Arcllilc. OIRECT bile, ATV models. 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Flult ANI Eltlte Adrian, 1-517-263-8666 8351 Big Lake Road, Clark- ston. 1-810-625-2665. Visa/Master Card LuU:==r.1~ St. Johns, MI 2, Livestock Equipment 3. FOJnnCommodities 10. WOlk Wanled 17. Auctions 18. Antiques/Collectibles 24. Investors Wanted. 25. BuUdlng 4. Sceds 11. Agrlcullural Services 28. Lawn And Garden 12. Business Services 151.Gener.lJ 27~Announcements 5. LIvestock 6. Poultry 13. Business Opportunities 20. Wanted To Buy 28. To GIve Away 7. Dogs and Puppies' 14. Real Estate 21. Special Events 29.VehJcles Name Phone ( ) _ Address City State Zip Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues Desired Insertion Date(s): Method of Payment Check $ (payable to MIchigan Farm News Classified) Wick Columns Are Visa Card Number Exp. Date _ Guaranteed For 50 Years. Master Card Number Exp. Date Wick pressure-treated columns integrity. And these colored panels Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each a.dditlonal word are backed for 50 years against are tough, full-hard base steel. Write your ad here, including phone numt)er and area code decay and insect damage. That That's why we sell Wick buildings. gives you an idea of how Wick To learn more about strong 2 3 4 buildings are made. Wick buildings, contact us today. They're constructed with roof 5 6 7 8 and wall steel screw-fastened for added strength and structural @!~~~ 9 13 10 14 11 15 12 1~' 17 18 19 20 ._----------------------------~ 21 22 23 24 . MORE OF WHAT YOU GROW CORNFOR. Pionee~brand hybrids offer consistent, dependable performance because they have been developed arid tested in our extensive research program before they reach your farm. For hybrids that deliver value year .after year, see your local Pioneer sales representative . . . INCOME! INCOME! COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE ANDY BRINK PIONEER 3525 149.1 24.0 $347.40 RON CYBULSKI DEKALB DK493 116.8 36.7 $242.48 PIONEER 3394 143.5 27.0 $325.75 PIONEER 3751 127.3 32.8 $274.20 ZEELAND,MI DEKALB DK592SR 119.9 32.0 $260.18 CARO,MI COUNTY: ALLEGAN PLANTED: 05/06/96 HARVESTED: 10/28/96 COUNTY: TUSCOLA PLANTED: 05/14/96 HARVESTED: 1~2M96 INCOME! INCOME! COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE JEFF SANDBORN PIONEER 3752 140.5 26.2 $321.18 MICHAEL CRANSON PIONEER 3525 185.0 22.5 $436.60 CIBASEEDS 4214 129.4 24.2 $300.98 ICI 8700 139.9 25.5 $321.n PORTLAND, MI CIBASEEDS MAX747 129.0 24.6 $299.02 BRONSON,MI COUNTY: IONIA PLANTED: 05/31/96 HARVESTED: 11/02/96 COUNTY: BRANCH PLANTED: 04/29/96 HARVESTED: 1~21/96 INCOME! INCOME! COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE NORMAN WALTON & SONS CIBASEEDS 4273 124.4 26.3 $284.13 CHARLES NANASY PIONEER 3751 135.9 20.6 $325.89 PIONEER 3573 1432 30.3 $315.61 FLD. CHOICE 8190 114.5 23.0 $269.08 IMLAY CITY, MI PERRY,MI FLD. CHOICE 95+ 115.7 25.8 $265.42 COUNTY: LAPEER PLANTED: 05/17/96 HARVESTED: 10/28/96 COUNTY: SHIAWASSEE PIONEER 3733 127.4 23.4 $298.37 PLANTED: 05/16/96 HARVESTED: 11/04/96 INCOME! COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE INCOME! COOPERATOR BRAND HYBRID YIELD MST. ACRE DAVID FRY PIONEER 3335 199.8 29.0 $445.55 DEKALB DK604 156.2 27.0 $354.57 HAROLD MAC ALPINE GR.LAKES GL450 124.6 30.6 $273.87 FULTON,MI DEKALB DK566 166.3 28.0 $374.18 PIONEER 3861 136.2 29.4 $302.64 COUNTY: KALAMAZOO PIONEER 3496 153.8 27.5 $347.59 SNOVER,MI PLANTED: 05/05/96 PIONEER 3394 171.4 27.2 $388.39 COUNTY: SANILAC PLANTED: 05/17/96 HARVESTED: 1~2W96 HARVESTED: 11/05/96 PIONEER 3489 173.7 29.5 $385.61 Technolon Thai Yieldsm 1996 YIELD PERFORMANCE RESULTS PIONEER- YIELD INCOME BRAND NO. OF ADVANTAGE MOISTURE ADVANTAGE HYBRID YIELD TESTS PER UNIT ADVANTAGE PER UNIT 3769 132.3 46 6.3 -0.4 $50.63 3751 142.9 57 7.9 -0.2 $67.66 3752 138.9 66 7.1 0.1 $64.16 3573 140.7 66 16.1 -0.3 $43.87 3525 132.9 39 7.9 0.6 $73.31 Adjusted Gross Income calculated with the price of com at $3.00 per bushel and drying costs of $.02 per point of moisture. Yield is represented in bushels/acre at 15.5% moisture. Pioneer- brand products are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale which are part of the labeling and sale documents. -Registered trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A.