MICHIGAN FARM NEWS 1111 MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Sla:rs Due,r Michigan March 15, 1997 Vol. 74, No.5 sblu'e; at F.F. convention Road funding legislation supported by Michigan Farm Bureau M ost Michigan drivers would agree that money collected under the state's current IS-cent gas tax should be used for needed road and bridge repair. Unfortunately, more than $108 million is being diverted for uses mher than road and bridge repair, according ro Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Counsel Tim Goodrich. He says that amounts ro abom 2 cents per gallon of gas ta.xesdiverted ro uses other than road repair. "The good news is House Bill4147 would end diversions from the Transportation Fund," Goodrich explained. "Of the S 108 million that is diverted from the Transportation Fund, most of it is used by the Department of State ro pay for administrative costs dealing with vehicle registration and license fees. Farm Bureau contends that funding for the Depart- ment of State should come from the general fund. In addition, many of those functions performed could be privatized. Pm simply, gas tax dollars raised for roads should be going to roads." According to Goodrich, those funds desper- ately need to be spent as originally intended. He claims a Washington, D.C., report estimates between Amanda Moore and Mike Finkbeiner were named Michigan's FFAStar in Agribusiness and Star Farmer, respectively. Moore, an $400 and $500 million additional dollars are needed Alma FFA Chapter member, raises and trains horses and works at a Quality Farm & Fleet Store as a management trainee. to bring Michigan roads up to adequate condition. Finkbeiner, of the Saline FFA Chapter, raises dairy and beef cattle and is involved in tillage test plots. The two were selected from "Right now, roughly 60 percent or more of 274 state FFA degree recipients a.nd were honored at the 69th Michigan FFA Convention held March 3-5. our roads are rated as either poor or fair condi- tion, and when a road goes, it's a 1m more expen- sive JO fIx that road than it is ro maintain it while it's in good condition," Goodrich said. "So, we're Michigan producers clash with in desperate need of some dollars. Right now, Michigan ranks about 42nd in the amount of state USDA on migrant housing issue dollars that are spent on roads, and MFB feels that Fallout from efforts to help migrants What has caused the concern is that the regu- quire the loan agreements as long as the borrowers that's inappropriate and needs ro be increased." could hurt both migrants and farmers lations that are needed to be enforced via Enslen's were not charging rent. Once utilities were classi- Goodrich expects the bill robe passed by eginning in 1980, over 130 Michigan ruling include requiring a loan agreement from the fIed as rent last year, the agency has required the the House within the next two to three weeks, farmers borrowed money for migrant borrowers that dictates the amounts charged back borrowers to complete the appropriate loan agree- before being sent on ro the Senate for action. labor housing from the USDA'sRural to the migrant laborers. ment forms outlining what they were charging to "We'll have to wait and see if the Senate Development Agency (formerly Farmers Home "Many Michigan farmers who thought they document they were not making a profIt. takes this up," Goodrich said. "I'm optimistic that Administration) under section 514 and signed were following the rules are now facing monetary "While the USDAexpects borrowers to recap- they will. This is clearly an issue that, on principle, agreements that allowed them to charge utilities penalties for doing nothing wrong," explains MFB ture cost associated with providing such housing," most people can agree with. and other costs associated with maintaining the Legislative Counsel Howard Kelly. "There may have Hare explains, "it has not and should not be consid- Non-MDOT admlnlstratlvQ chargl)' to units. Now, years after the agreements were signed been a few who knowingly violated the law. But the ered a profIt producing venture. In most cases this state trannpot tatlotl fund!S, 1996..97 and a court decision on the case last year, Michi- results of this Legal Services case is to change the does not appear to be an issue; however, where we State - $86,255,600 gan's Rural Development Agency has reclassifted rules and penalize a much larger number of non- fInd that such practices have occurred, we must Collects motor vehicle registration;1icense utilities as rent, forcing a group of Michigan growers violators. " take remedial action." fees deposited to the Michigan Transportation to fIght that decision to avoid paying back the utility "Michigan has the reputation of having the That remedial action is what has concerned Fund (MTF). Estimate $626,716,000 per year in charges they levied on their migrant labor. best migrant housing in the country," Kellyadds. producers with migrant labor housing under 514. vehicle registration and licensing collections. "There's two parts to their 514 housing pro- "Both the federal government, through the USDA "They've told us that if we sign a loan agree- Treasury - 56,370,000 gram - and the loan closing one is the promissory low interest loan program, and the state of Michi- ment, we not only can charge utilities," explains Collects motor fuel taxes that are deposited note, which we all signed and the other is a loan gan, through the Construction Grant program, have Walsworth, "we can add in the administrative cost of to the MTF and provides investment services. Esti- agreement," stated Oceana County Farm Bureau assisted farmers in providing this constantly upgrad- our camp - we still can't run it at a profIt, but we mate $782,684,000 per year in fuel tax collections. member Dick Walsworth. ''The loan agreement ed, good migrant housing. For every dollar the can recover utilities, maintenance costs, debt ser- State Police - $6,417,700 carries the regulatory side of the program; we did farmer receives in a grant they have been more than vice, and pass those costs on to the migrants." Provides Motor Carrier Enforcement on not sign that. We signed a promissory note and they matching the state money by two to three times the "Housing has been and is increasing in impor- state highways, Highway Safety Planning, security said because we're not going to ask you to sign a amount required." tance as a draw for good workers to come to this Cantlnut'd on pogo 10 loan agreement, we want to add two lines to the In a letter to Michigan Farm Bureau, Donald state and work in seasonal agriculture," adds Kelly. promissory note. One line says you do have the Hare, state director of the Rural Development Agen- "The issue of who is going to pay for the result of right to charge utilities, and the second line says cy, states that "this low-interest loan program is this Legal Services suit is causing dissension among you can't operate this camp at a profIt. We didn't intended to assist farmers in their effort to provide entities that have for years been partners in provid- have any problem with that." safe and decent housing for their farm laborers, on ing this good housing for migrant laborers. It is Over a year ago, U.S. District Court Judge a non-profit basis." causing concern by the growers and may be causing Richard Enslen mandated the USDA'sRural Devel- According to Hare, utilities are c1assifted as them fInancial and legal problems necessitating opment Agency to enforce its regulations as to how rent and it can be charged back on a non-profIt legal counsel." borrowers charge rental fees associated with labor basis as long as the Rural Development Agency .has "The issue they brought in was that utilities housing and to enforce a rebate of unauthorized reviewed and approved the charges and the tenants ought to be considered rent and, therefore, these rental fees charged by the borrowers of Section 514 are made aware of the charges. Prior to the judge's Cu"tl"u.,~ ,," pllqn 11 labor housing program loans. ruling, the Rural Development Agency did not re- llL' ~~ 1JIT[fj ~. ~ ,.@~ News in Brief 2 Farmer urges others School lunches being Capitol Corner 3 to prevent manure spills 11 reinvented with soy 17 State Tax Commission orders CRPland Michigan Vegetable Council Study to measure financial health back to agricultural classification 4 cites three for top awards 12 of Michigan farmers 18 Market Outlook 6 Precision Agriculture 13 Discussion Topic 19 Business Strategies 7 Corn borer damage may ease up 14 Alfalfa fall dormancy Pastures really are 'green' 15 and disease resistance 20 Don't blame National Cheese Exchange for current dairy price woes 8 FFAAdvisor Karelse to retire 16 Weather Outlook 24 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 21 1~'ll~~I~'I::t'm March 15, 1997 Limited Liability Seed associations 20th Annual Sap and Company workshops looking for operations Slab Day to be held scheduled manager on Lapeer farm F our workshops designed to explain Limited Liability Companies (liC) to members have been scheduled throughout Michigan's Saginaw M ichigan Crop Improvement Association and Michigan Foundation Seed Association are looking to fill the position of Foundation Seed Op- T he Roben E. Nelson and Son Farm is proud to host the 20lh annual Sap and Slab Day Saturday March 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. The farm is located at FFAchapter to host Valley region. erations Manager. This person will be responsible 4375 W. Oregon Rd. in Lapeer. lamb sale Advanced Sales Consultant Richard Pomeroy, for the day to day operations fo the Foundation Admission is free for everyone to watch sap T he second annual Mid-Michigan Club Lamb Spectacular, sponsored by the Laingsburg FFA Chapter, will be held Saturday, April 12. The sale CLU, LUTCF,from Farm Bureau Insurance; Andrew Richards, an attorney with Smith, Bovill, FIsher, Seed program. All interested candidates should contact Randy Judd, MClA Manager for a complete collection and syrup making and a lumber mill in action with a pancake supper concluding the event Meyer and Borchard, PC; and David Mikolajczak, position announcement, application and job de. which wraps up National Ag Week. begins at 2 p.m. in the chapter's FFA Barn, located CPAwith Laine Appold and Co., PC, will assist par- scription. Applicants have until April 15, 1997 to For more information, contact Robert Nelson behind Laingsburg High School, 8000 Woodbury ticipants with the basics of liC structure, deciding apply. Contacljudd at MCIA, P.o. Box 21008, lan- at 810-664-6091.. Rd. Inspection and buyer registration begins at who should or should not consider an liC, federal sing, MI 48909 .• 12:30 p.m. A shon selection clinic will be offered taX treatment, managing an liC and transferring from 1 to 1:20 p.m. family farm assets to the next generation. Sale consignors include BillAshley; TNT Farms, Ted Ashley Family; Tracy Braun; Looking Glass Suf- The four workshops will be held: Kawkawlin -. Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 USDAcounty office Ogemaw FB to host folks, Carrie Alwin; Scovill's Sheep City, Karen and a.m., Chemical Bank, 100 E. Chippewa status clarified ag rescue seminar Charles Scovill; and Phillip Smith. Others may be added later. If interested in consigning lambs to this Bay City - Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m., Delta College Planetarium, 100 Center Ave. Bridgeport - Thursday, March 20, 10 a.m .• I na Feb. 21 letter to senators and representatives, Secretary of Agriculture Glickman emphasized that no final decisions about individual USDA O gemaw County's Emergency Medical Service, sheriff's department and Farm Bureau will host an Agricultural Accident Rescue Seminar Satur- sale, contact us by April 1. Approximately 45 good Candlelite Banquet Center, 6817 Dixie Hwy. club lambs will be offered up for auction. Chesaning - Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m., county office closings have been made. He day, April 19. Contact Charles Scovill, FFAadvisor, at (517) Heritage House, Colonade Room, 605 W. Broad explained that, due to budget constraints, the This free seminar will familiarize rescue per- 651-5091 or Phillip Smith, sale chair, at (517) 651- For reservations or more information, contact number of service centers will be reduced overall sonnel with farm equipment, pinpointing the flow 6636.n Pomeroy at (517) 792-9687." but no official plan has yet been finalized by USDA. of material and danger zones. It will also focus on In his letter, the secretary explained that all of protecting farmers and rescuers against agricultural USDA is undergoing a budget review process with chemicals and hazardous fumes. ORGAN'ZAnONAl8R~FS the goal of reducing expenditures. Programming changes due to the 1996 FAIRAct are cited by the secretary as the reason for allowing county-level To register, contact Irene Breadon, Ogemaw County Farm Bureau secretary by April 1, at (517) 345-1447 .• Scenes from Lansing Legislative Seminar reductions .• Farm Bureau scholarship winners announced Two Michigan State University students were recently named winners of the Michigan Farm Bureau scholarships. Eric Lefevre, left. received $3,000 supported by the Young Farmer Trust Fund. He is studying agribusiness management/finance. Scott Preston, a dairy management ag tech student, earned $1,500 supported by the Marge Karker Scholarship Fund. Chuck Burkett, Michigan Farm Bureau administrative director.. presented the awards. AGRO-CULTURE UIIII'. Puts the Go in Growl FERTILIZERS Call for your FREE CATALOG AND RESEARCH BOOKLET "96" 800.678.9029 MFB board member from the Upper Peninsula Bob Wahmhoff grabs the attention of Sen. George McManus (R-Traverse City) to discuss one of many positions Farm Bureau has taken on critical issues such as transportation, farmland preservation or taxation. In total, over 75 legislators attended this year's legislative seminar. Land Cost \ _0 t~ Machinery / The Michigan Farm News (ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twice per month except In the months of November. December. ,, Best Seed \ ,~ I / / Beat Return ACiRO CULTURE June and July when only one issue Is printed. as a service to regular members. by Michigan Fann Bureau. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subscription prke of S1.50 Is Included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subsulptJon fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to nonmembers and ouUide the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and additional mailing offices. Best Weed Control ,, \ \ I I / / / UI!!!~ Letters to tM editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor. Michigan Farm News. Post Office Box / / 30960. Lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau. Post Office / Box 30960. Lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. / Design and production: Sue Stuever Battel. Advertising Sales Representative: Joshw Merchant. Officers: President. Jack Laurie. (ass City; Vice President. Wayne Wood. Marlette; Third Member. }an Vosburg. Oimax; Administrative Director. Chuck Burkett; rr.asurer and ChIef FInancial OffIcer. Tom Parker; Secretary. David VanderHaagen. Agro-Culture Directors: District 1. Jim Miller. Coloma; District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marsh.al~ District 3. Michael Fusilier. Manchester; Liquid Fertilizers District 4. Tom Guthrie. Delton; District 5. Alan Gamer. Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood. Marlette; District 7. Rick Johnson. Leroy; District 8. Don Sutto. Saginaw; District 9. Joshua wu~sch. Traverse City; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; P.O. Box 150 District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. Baraga. At-Large: JKk Laune, Cass City; Faye Adam. Snover; Jan Vosburg. Oimax; Judy 51. Johns, MI48879 Emmons. Sheridan. Promotion and Education. MeriaM Keinath. Deckerville; Young Farmers. Jeff Homing. Manchester. I~'J'I[tiI: I ~1~'1 ~,~--- March 15, 1991 For more information on t~ legislative topics in the Particulate matter standards Michigan Farm News, call 800-292-2680. T he Environmental Protection Agency has pro- posed new standards for two air pollutanlS - ozone and particulate matter (PM). EPAis sched- • Dust controls for feed mills such as moisture control measures and cleaning. • Tighter controls on prescribed burning. uled to issue a final rule by July 19. In many cases, Many of these practices are already being used this will likely mean new or increased air quality on most farms. Farm Bureau believes the EPA Freedom to Farm contract payments regulations and control measures for agriculture. should not impose mandatory regulations on farm- M an.y farmers have ~i~ned contracts to re- celve market tranSItIon paymenlS authorized by the Freedom to Farm Act. The paymenlS are not tions paymenlS under contraclS authorized by the Freedom to Farm Act. Other anti-farm program congressmen are likely to cosponsor the bill or Agricultural practices identified as emitters of fine PM or ozone are dairies; feedlots; fuel combus- ers who are already voluntarily conducting effective soil conservation practices. tion sources; diesel emissions; agricultural burning; Farm Bureau policy opposes emission con- tied to production of specific crops and will be termi- introduce similar bills. and dust from soil preparaJion, harvesting, grain trols for agriculture equipment and practices, urges nated in 2002 unless Congress direclS otherwise. Farm Bureau policy opposes legislaticm to mills and grain elevators. EPAto re-evaluate the imposition of emission stan- The market transition paymenlS have drawn reduce or eliminate market transition paymenlS If the proposed new standards become final, dards for agriculture, and insists that government opposition among some congressmen who cite made to producers who sign contracts under the agriculture will be impacted directly through new clean air policies be based on sound science. federal budget exposure as their major concern. Freedom to Farm Act. emission regulations or indirectly through in- Congressman David McIntosh (R-lnd.), chair, H.R. 502 has been introduced by Congressman MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040.• creased COSlSof doing business. The proposed new Suocommittee on Regulatory Reform, has begun an Robert Andrews (D-N.].) to terminate market trans i- standards would increase farm equipment, energy, oversight investigation of the EPA'sprocess for pro- fuel and transportation COSlS.The profitability and posing the new standards that may result in public IZl:.li!IJi~'~'~ Federal estate tax reform profit margins of crops can be significantly reduced hearings and a congressional veto of the rule. Interstate dairy compact The Freedom to Farm Act enacted last year con- O n Feb. 25 the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on federal estate tax reform. Farm Bureau testified at the hearing calling for re- by increased production COSlS. A report published by state and local air pollu- tion control officials cites several programs that On the state level On Feb. 26, the Michigan House Conserva- tion, Environment and Recreation Committee held I tained language giving the Secretary of Agricul- peal of the estate tax and, until repeal is . could be used by agriculture to control PM emis- a public hearing on H.R. 13 and H.C.R. 11. The reso- ture authority to implement a Northeast Interstate accomplished, calling for a significant increase in sions. These include: lutions notify the EPAand Congress of Michigan's Dairy Compact. He approved the compact, which the $600,000 federal estate tax exemption . • Wind breaks and other residue management opposition to the proposed particulate matter stan- allows six states to set their own minimum milk price. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), chair of the Sen. systems to reduce wind erosion. dards. Both H.R. 13 and H.C.R. 11 were approved Sens. Rod Gram (R-Minn.), Russ Feingold (D- ate Agriculture Committee, has introduced a • Conservation tillage. by the committee and are pending on the House Wis.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) have introduced legis- package of bills to provide federal estate tax relief. • Crop management such as planting of legumes floor. Michigan Farm Bureau presented testimony in lation to repeal the compact. They argue it is en- S. 29 would repeal the federal estate tax upon en- or grasses to build soils. support of the resolutions. couraging overproduction of milk in the Northeast actment. S. 30 would raise the $600,000 federal • Conservation practices such as grassed water- On Feb. 27, the Michigan Senate Natural Re- Region, which drives down prices in the Midwest. estate tax exemption to $5 million, which would ways, tree planting to control wind erosion. sources and Environmental Affairs Committee held Farm Bureau opposed the Northeast Inter- cover 96 percent of all farm estates that currently • Cover crops such as planting alfalfa or winter a public hearing on S.R. 22, which also notifies EPA state Dairy Compact language in the Freedom to pay estate taxes. S. 31 would raise the $600,000 wheat to protect soil from wind erosion. and Congress of Michigan's opposition to the pro- Farm Act and urged the secretary of agriculture not federal estate tax exemption to $5 million over five • Dust controls for storage areas such as tarps. posed particulate matter standards. The committee to implement it. The legislation to repeal the com- years and repeal the estate tax in the sixth year. • Dust controls for grain elevators such as fabric approved S.R. 22 and it is awaiting consideration by pact is not expected to pass. Farm Bureau supporlS all the bills. filters or application of oils to grain. the full Senate. MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• • Dust controls for grain transportation such as Michigan Farm Bureau presented testimony in STATE covers on conveyer bellS and bucket elevators. support of the resolution. MFB contact: AIA1my,ext. 2040 .• Amendments to RA. 591, Land Division Act H ouse Bill4381, which is sponsored by Rep. Howard Wetters (D-Kawkawlin), waS referred to a special subcommittee on land use . • Deletes the transfer of exempt division from one landowner to another. • Provides for minimal off-site drainage impaclS STATE Property Tax Act . NATIONAL NaffonalCheeseExchange < Exempt divisions are defined as divisions of land under 40 acres intended for development pur- poses. Exempt divisions are not 40 acres or more or (review by drain commissioner). • Applies Right-to-Farm deed statement to platted subdivisions. S enate Bill 111, sponsored by Sen. Mat Dunaskiss (R-Lake Orion), was referred to the committee on finance. I the n Capitol Corner section of the Feb. 28 issue, we reponed on legislation introduced to address concerns about the influence the National Cheese contiguous transfers of land from one adjacent • Retroactive definition of parent parcel, i.e., if The bill would exempt wetlands from proper- Exchange may have on milk prices . parcel to another. Any development beyond exempt landowners have divided land between Jan. 22 ty tax for those wetlands that have been denied a The Senate has now passed a non-binding divisions is subject to platting requiremenlS. and April 1, that number of divisions will be sub- permit for use or development, or for a wetland resolution calling on the secretary of agriculture to H.B. 4381 amends PA. 591 in the folIowing areas: tracted from the number of initial exempt divi- that has been designated by the wetlands inventory use his authority to remove the National Cheese • Revises the initial exempt division formula (see sions under P.A.591. by the Department of Natural Resources. Exchange from the calculation of the milk basic chart) MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• MFB position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. formula price. It is not known what, if any, action • After all initial exempt divisions are used, up to Initilll exempt divisions MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043.• the secretary will take in response . four additional divisions every 20 years. Amended Section 10aE MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• • A maximum 4:1 depth-to-width ratio, up to 40 All exempt divisions include /\oW bonus divisions under Sec. 108£ Parent Size • Parcels Parent Size • Parcels acres, unless otherwise provided for by a local 10 4 160 12 ordinance. 20 5 200 13 • A 2.5-acre maximum lot size, unless otherwise 30 6 240 14 Appointment of bipartisan committee provided for by a local ordinance (adjacent and contiguous land may be added onto the 2.5-acre parcel at any time and does not count toward the 40 60 80 7 8 9 280 320 400 15 16 18 H ouse Speaker Curtis Hertel (D-Detroit) and Republican Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Grand- ville) last week announced the appointment of a tees to continue through the process." "It is a great benefit to all of us as lawmakers to bring bills and ideas together before a single 100 10 520 21 number of exempt divisions allowed). 120 11 new bipartisan committee that will address land use legislative panel for study prior to the Local Govern- issues. Rep. Howard Wetters (D-Kawkawlin), who ment or Agriculture Committees' actions," Rep. will serve as chair, called for the creation of the Sikkema said. special committee in a resolution (H.R. 16) adopted Serving on the land use committee with Rep. Post-production costs by the House. Wetters, who chairs the Agriculture Committee, wiII H ouse Bill 4259, sponsored by Rep. Tom Alley (D-West Branch), was introduced Feb. 11 and referred to the House Conservation, Environment • If post production deductions are provided for and agreed to by both the lessee and lessor, the lease agreement shall contain the following provisions: Among the topics encompassed under land use issues are environmental contamination, suburban sprawl, farmland preservation, development projeclS, be Reps. Agnes Dobronski (D-Dearborn), chair of the Local Government Committee; Michael Green (R-Mayville), minority vice chair of the Agricullure and Recreation Committee. • The definition of post-production costs. transportation, recreation and commercial growth. Committee; Robert Brackenridge (R-St.Joseph), The bill is a rewrite from the last legislative • Specific areas of items eligible for deductions. "Land use bills can be very complicated," minority vice chair of the Local Government session and would amend the Natural Resources • A clear process enabling the lessee to monitor Speaker Hertel said. Because of their complex na- Committee; and Reps. Clark Harder (D-Owosso), and Environmental Protection Act requiring that a eligible deductions being charged. ture, they are often fragmented into a variety of Paul Baade (D-Muskegon), Bill Bobier (R-Hesperia), person shalI not enter into an oil or gas lease as a • Amaximum percentage of CoSlSto be deducted. different committees. This bipartisan panel will Thomas Middleton (R-Ortonville) and A.T.Frank (D- lessee with the owner of private property within • If the possibility exiSlS under the lease for the serve to review questions regarding land use bills in Saginaw). this state unless the following are provided in the lessor to be required to make a payment to the great detail and work out serious concerns before MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• lease agreement: lessee in any given month due to deductions for returning the measures back to standing commit- • Exact percentage of royalty interest entitled by the post-production COSlSor other items, the lease lessor as determined by the value of the oil, gas or must specifically state this possibility. related products extracted from the leased site . • All provisions listed concerning the above items • If any reductions in the royalties accruing to the must be in 12-point boldface type, which is at Diversions from transportation fund lessor are allowed under the lease agreement due to post production COSlS,a provision that the lessor shall receive a detailed and itemized least four poinlS larger than the body of the lease agreement. MFB position: Farm Bureau SUpporlS the bill. R ecently, the House Transportation Committee passed H.B. 4147, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Kelly (D-Wayne), which would end all diversions budget to cover the costs of collecting registration and licensing fees. Michigan Farm Bureau policy clearly states that revenue generated for road con- list of potential post-production costs. MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF). struction and maintenance must not be diverted W~R Currently, several state departmenlS charge the MTF more than S108 million to cover adminis- from the roads. The lost revenue to the Department of State could, and should, come from the stategen- Land application of biosolids trative CoSlS\vithin their departmenlS. This is the eral fund. In addition, many of the functions from the renate Bill 140, which is sponsored by Sen. Allcurrent local ordinances regulating the land equivalent of 2 cenlS per gallon of gas tax monies Department of State could be privatized. The roads, ~a1ter North (R-St. Ignace), was passed by the application ofbiosolids will be preempted by this bill. paid by motorislS that are being diverted from Mich- not bureaucralS in Lansing, should be our top priority. Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee and is For a local governmental unit to regulate or restrict igan's roads and bridges to finance administrative MFB contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048 .• headed to the Senate floor. biosolid applications beyond state law, there is a pro- COSlSwithin other departments in Lansing. H.B. The legislation will require the Department of cess outlined within the legislation to ensure it is de- 4147 would stop this shell game. Michigan Farm Environmental Quality, in consultation with the termined to be based on factual and unreasonable Bureau policy #83 supports H.B. 4147. Department of Agriculture, to develop rules to adverse affeclS on public health or the environment. It is important to note that several representa- properly manage the land application of sewage MFB position: Farm Bureau supports the bill. tives are opposing this bill because it would eliminate Visit us on the World Wide Web at: sludge (biosolids). MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• http://WWW.fb.comlmifb nearly $86 million from the Department of State's ~~ll'I::t"~ March 15, 1997 State Tax Commission orders CRPland back to agricultural classification Ruling safeguards all CRP land in have affected the over-350,OOOacres of land enrolled "The orher thing that helped a lor is that his farmland. During the summer he went before the Michigan to be classified at its actual use in CRP in Michigan - the local board of review USDAcrop allorments, or base, as you might call commission and argued his case, which culminated B y now, many of you have received your latest assessment from your township - but what would you do if the land you voluntarily enrolled into the Conservation Reserve agreed with the assessor and maintained that the 70- acre tract offarmland ought to be classed residential since it was silting idle and nor being actively farmed. That's when Odell called out for some sup- them, are restored and a participant can return the acreage lO crop production at the end of the CRP contract period," Craig added. '" reviewed and gave Roger legal cites our of in a ruling Feb. 6 by the STC ordering the assessor to designate the classification of his property back to "agricultural real property." "I really believe this positive decision will have Program (CRP) that has comprised part of your port from the Michigan Department of Agriculture the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act and significant statewide implications for protecting family's farm for over 150 years was reclassified by (MDA), Michigan Farm Bureau, Farm Service Agen- Michigan's Right-to-Farm Act to support his case," farmland and ensuring correct agricultural property the local assessor from agriculture to residential and cy (FSA) acting director Christine \Yhite, and the he adds. "We found in P.A.116, nor the law but the taxation," adds Craig. "When they reclassified that taxed according to the inflated value? West Michigan Environmental Action Commiltee as promulgated rules, where P.A. 116 allows land en- property and the resulting skyrocketing of the as- Thanks to Kent County Farm Bureau member he prepared to appeal his case to the State Tax rolled in USDAconservation programs to be classi- sessed value, nor only for his parcel, bur going to Roger Odell you will never have to find out - because Commission. fied as farmland. Since those are promulgated rules, the 100-plus percent for his brother, that was very that is exactly what happened to him last year, and "When I first called MDA's Bob Craig on this, I they have the effect of law. direct pressure on the Odells lO sell the farmland last month the State Tax Commission ordered was so frustrated that we'd been turned down," says "We used facts our of the Right-ta-Farm Act to for development! Odell's wrongly classified CRP land back to its appro- Odell. "He gor us off the ground by sending us cop- support his case," explains Craig. "The bollom line '/\II of those official rulings are known state- priate classification and subsequent taxable value. ies of all of these lellers and laws that would have is, reclassifying the CRP property from ag to resi- wide by all county equalization departments and When Odell received his reclassification norice been virtually impossible to dig our and really kind dential was definitely contrary to the intent and now by all assesso~s," adds Craig. "So anybody that last year and saw the 38 percent jump in assessed of gor our case going." purpose of both state and national agricultural poli- has a crazy idea of trying to assess property at that value, he quickly appealed the assessor's decision "Nor only did we help in gelling all the facts on cies. I believe Odell used that very effectively in his level, or at that classification code, now knows it's to the local board of review with the hope that they CRP,"explains Craig, director of ag policy and special appeal to the State Tax Commission." been tried once; think of something else." would immediately see the land was obviously agri- projects, "he is under a legally binding contract. And appeal he did. Within 30 days of the local "We all have a strong sense of pride in the culture property - since it had to be to qualify for What's interesting is that he is prohibited from con- board of review's ruling, Odell formally appealed to land and the pride of ownership," Odell adds. the USDA'sCRP program for highly erodible land. verting his CRPland to any kind of non-ag uses in- the State Tax Commission (STC) citing rules from "None of us want to see it developed and want to But the story took a unique twist that could cluding building a house. It's torally contrary. CRP,RighHo-Farm and P.A. 116 designed to protect keep it with intentions of leaving it to our kids." • Farm Service Agency releases Conservation Reserve Program average CRP rental rates sign-up period to begin W ith the Jatest sign-up for the Conservation Clinton S52 Kent S46 Oakland S40 M ichigan farmers have until March 28 to tion and other similar practices. Reserve Program going on now through Crawford S15 Keweenaw S20 Oceana S39 sign up new land or re-enroll existing Upon submission of an eligible bid, NRCS will 'I arc h ..')8,t h e M'ICh'Igan Farm ServlCe . Agency (FSA) Delta SlO lake S33 Ogemaw S21 jl Dickinson S15 lapeer S45 Ontonagon S5 land in the United States Department collect data for each of the EBI factors for the land has released average rental rates by county. The Eaton S55 lenawee S83 Osceola S33 of Agriculture's (USDA) Conservation Reserve Pro- offered. Offers are ranked in comparison to all oth- rates were determined based on an average of soil Emmet S15 leelanau $20 Oscoda S15 gram (CRP). The program allows producers to take er offers and selections are made from that ranking. types in the county. Gene~ S35 Livingston $45 Otsego S15 environmenrally sensitive farmland our of produc- Rankings are based on the potential environmenral "The farmer has a range of rates" explains Gladwi.n S47 luce. S14 Ottawa S50 , Gogeblc S12 Mackinac S 13 Presque Isle S29 tion for a 10- or IS-year period through a competi- benefits (EBI) derived from enrolling the acreage in FSA'sBob Payne. "The maximum dollar amount he Gr. Traverse S25 Macomb S45 Rose. S15 tive bidding process, which factors in an Environ- the CRP. EBI factors include: wildlife benefits, water or she will receive will depend on the specific soil Gratiot S75 Manistee S15 Saginaw S80 menral Benefits Index, or EBI. quality benefits, long-term benefits of practices, air type in the field he is offering to the program. Hillsdale S63 Marquette S10 St. Clair S35 According to Michigan Farm Bureau Commodi- quality benefits, and cos(. Contact your local FSAcounty office to obtain Houghton S20 Mason S25 St. Joseph S56 '" . Huron $65 Mecosta $30 ty Specialist Bob Boehm, new environmental criteria New contracts will be for 10 to 15 years. Rental Sanilac $55 detailed mformatlon on your county and to sign-up Ingham S50 MenomineeS12 Schoolcraft S10 contained in the EBIwill be used by USDAin deter- rates will be based on local dry land cash or cash for rhe program. CRP average rental rares by county: Ionia S55 Midland S70 Shiawassee S50 mining which farmland will be enrolled in the CRP. rent equivalent renral rates adjusted for site-specific A1cona $ 17 Baraga S 15 Calhoun S45 Iosco $18 Missaukee S31 Tuscola S65 "Existing conrracts will not be automatically soils-based productivity factors. Renral rates are Alger S10 Barry S50 Cass $55 Iron S10 Monroe S75 Van Buren S50 Allegan SSO Bay S80 Charlevoix S10 Isabella S45 Montcalm S35 extended," Boehm said. "They must be re-bid into posted at Farm Service Agency offices. New con- Washtenaw S54 Alpena S20 Benzie S 17 Cheboygan S13 Jackson $37 Montmo. S20 Wayne S58 the program under new program requirements and tracts will become effective Oct. 1. Antrim S15 Berrien S50 Chippewa S13 Kalamazoo S50 Muskegon S45 Wexford S25 criteria, just as will new acreage. The ultimate objec- Producers with existing CRP conrracts due to Arenac S65 Branch S55 Clare S45 Kalkaska S30 Newaygo S37 tive is to provide the best environmenral return expire Sept. 30 may begin (Q prepare the land for possible on the limited dollars available." planting as early as July 1 for fall seeded crops. The Eligible lands must meet one of the following rules and dates for spring seed crops vary by region. u. $4.50 $410 $3.40 ~ ~ percent from last year! • March 15, 1997 BasiJa-:ss A new era in financial analysis str;~&egles.~. w .. ' ",J" ., ment consultants, many Area of Expertise (AoE) agents and county Extension agents, most campus Extension farm management specialist'l, and all Why is I=INAN important? The FINAN analysis answers the big finandal ques- tions. The costs can then be shown per acre or bushel. Uvestock is often reported per head or per hun- dredweight. district Extension farm management agents have (1) Am I profitable? Summarization the FINPACK8.0 programs, including FINAN,resid- Did my business earn a profit after making all Probably the most important facet of the Fl- John D. Jones, ing on their computers and are trained in their use. year-ending accrual entries for inventory change, NANprogram is the ability to build individual farm Telfarm Director and Start locally for MSU Extension assistance, as that prepaid expenses, accrued interest and others? financial trend database and financial ratio report. District Extension will maintain the strongest and most responsive (2) Did my equity (net worth) change and This allows you to quickly and clearly see the direc- Farm Management relationship that you would have available. how muc:h? tion and magnitude of vital financial concerns. Agent, Department You can purchase an individual farmer FIN- The analysis will show how much your equity Tracking financial performance over time can bring of Agricultural PACKversion from the Center for Farm Financial increased or decreased on an accrual basis after important issues and trends to the surface that Economics, Management, University of Minnesota for $395, family living expenses and other draws. The analysis would otherwise go unnoticed for a number of Michigan State phone (800) 234-1111, and run the program your- also reports on the accuracy of the equity change years. With delays in detection and action, manage- University Extension self. You may also call the Telfarm Center for assis- when reconciled with the net income. able issues or problems can become unmanageable A business manager must direct and rance if needed, phone (517) 355-4700. (3) Am I viable? and a crisis situation. supervise business operations where the The following items will need to be available The FINANanalysis wiIIassess the cash flow The FINANprogram has the ability to create a act of management can be as much an art to run the FINANprogram: and indicate whether there is adequate liquidity and summarizable file that can be used for statewide as a technical skill. Results are affected by many, • Beginning and ending feed, crop, supplies and working capital to withstand shon-run disruptions farm performance averages. Some preliminary 1996 many factors where many are external and cannot livestock inventories to the cash flow. financial performance averages have already been be predicted. Even with this inherent unpredictabil- • Beginning and ending machinery, building and EnterpriM analysis calculated to assist in analyzing any currently run ity there are specific activities for managers to com- land valuations FINANallows for detailed enterprise or cost FINANanalysis reports. plete to maintain a positive impact on the business. • Beginning and ending balances in saving, invest- center analysis. This permits farm managers to cal- This database is very important to the dde- The following quote provides a good illustra- ment and liability accounts including accrued culate their farm costs or profit by enterprise. Eco- partment of agricultural economics. The depart- tion of the management process: accounts payable and receivable nomic changes over the last 20 years have been ment will be collecting as many of these summariz- "Managing a business is similar to charting a • Crop acreage and yield information and basic associated With increasing capital costs that directly able files as possible, but only from farm managers course for a ship. The manager does the livestock production information impact the profitability of many farming enterprises. who consent to the file's use in the MSU database charting. To be effective, he must have goals . • Financial cash flow reporting what was expended The goal of enterprise accounting is to show and after any personal identification has been He must continually gather and analyze facts. On the basis of his analysis, he must make or taken in under each individual account the income and expense associated with one piece stripped off. MSU Extension programs and publica- decisions and carry them out. The process is You are encouraged to check out this oppor- of your business. Production expenses would be tions, MSU research and teaching efforts will all never ending. New information and analyses tunity and update your farm analysis procedures. allocated to the crop, such as corn or apples or hay. benefit from the database .• require alterations just as a change of wind and weather req\Jires the captain of the ship to make frequent changes in guiding his vessel." . - L.H. Brown and lA. Speicher, "Business Analysis for"Dairy Farms, Extension Bulletin II E-685. Michigan State University, Michigan State University Extension has tracked enterprise returns and farm financial perfor- mance since the birth of the MSU Farm Records Program in 1928. In the early years, the farm busi- ness analysis results were compiled by hand calcula- tion through the use of comptometers and pencils. In the early 1960s, the use of mainframe computers allowed for faster and /)lore sophi~ticatedanalysis of t. , farm financrnlinformation. Today, with the'development and acceptance of personal computers, a comprehensive farm fi- nancial analysis can be run quickly and easily on the kitchen table. You need, of course, the right pro- gram, up-ta-date income and expenses, and liability, asset and inventory balances or values. FINPACKFINANsoftware allows efficient and comprehensive business analysis on MSU Extension . field staff computers ..The analysis includes an ac- crualized net income statement, beginning and ending balance sheets, a statement of accuracy and More available net worth reconciliation, Farm Financial Standards for more control. Council 16.financial measures, and comparative Choose rhe MaxAvaW....Advanrage of Harness~ herbicides financial statements and trend analysis. for maximum power and maximum availability. FINPACKFINANis a stand-alone analysis pro- gram from the University of Minnesota that can be run by any farmer, consultant or Extension agent that The encapsularion of Bulleri&l helps ir sray in rhe has purchased the software program. Besides the weed zone despire wer condirions ro give you historical financial analysis module called FINAN, consisrent conrrol, all season long.* FINPACKalso includes two other modules: FINLRB for long-run budgeting, and FINFLO for annual cash flow and financial statement projections . The FINANprogram, which allows for the electronic import of data, can be used in conjunc- tion with other programs including Telfarm's Micro- ................ Soybean an~ [orn Herbici~es . Tel program .. How do you get a FINANanalysis run? You can run the FINANanalysis through many different avenues. Some farmers and farm manage- (nt~_D\ ... ~ ~ HERBICI~~ Monsanto British cattle carcasses Parrnerlll is rimed-released for season- Encapsulared Micro- Techlll gives y~t to be destroyed long grass and small-seeded broadleaf you long-Iasring, consisrem comrol conrrol plus reduced crop stress.** of srubborn weeds--even pigweed B ritish Labour Party deputy leader John Presscou commented on the state of the car- cases of cattle killed in a forced cull of all British and nighrshade. cattle over the age of 30 months to prevent further spread of mad cow disease. "The remains of one million cattle slaughtered in last year's cull are waiting to be destroyed," he said. As of January, fewer than four percent of the cattle slaughtered last year had been disposed of by incineration, the required disposal method. The Roundup Ulrra'" wirh TransSorb'" Technology. government has used 41 cold storage facilities, 11 It's rhe only herbicide of irs kind. warehouses and other locations to store the carcases and rendered meat and bonemeal from culled animals . •Encapsulated herbicide VI. onlinary h' held at the Holiday Inn after the program. The Great Lakes Young Cooperators Dairy Leadership Conference is designed to address issues and concerns facing today's young dairy farmers. affect the family farm, why we are caught up in it and how the family business can effectively com- pete. He will share strategies and stories of how his clients are industrializing their businesses without • 1.24' x 14'6" A1umaStee" Quality Steel • Revolutionary F1uoronex on AlumaSteere Doors Double End Door • COIItinuously Vented Ridge 2000Dl Paint System on Roof (no MPH limit) The day-long conference will feature topics ranging having to become huge operations. • 1-22'6" x 13' AlumaStee" • 2' Gable Overhangs • 2O-year Red RusllFade • 5-year Wmd Warranty 011 from dairy farm management to cooperative leader- Farm management strategies - A panel Double Side Door • I' Vented Eave Overhangs Warranty (including acid rain) entire structure (no MPH limit) • 1-3' x 6'S" 9-lite Walk Door • Interior Protective Liner ship and involvement, and dairy industry insights. of dairy farmers will address their specific areas of • 50-year Column & Snow • Free MonOll Weathervanc • 1-4' x 3' 9-lite Sliding • Exterior Steel Wainscot Load Warranty • Fully Erected Tax Included The day will wrap up with a dairy panel discussion on expertise. Members and their topics are: Tim Window wI screen & shuners • Gutters & Doownspouts (no weight limit) management strategies. Ver Hage, quality milk production; Larry Nobis, • 8-SkylighlS • KYNAR SOO-/HYLAR 5lXX1' • IO-year Wmd Warranty 800-447-7436 • Heavy Gauge Commercial Paint System 011 Sidewalls Conference highlights manure managementjJerry Good, contract services ~~MORTON Presidents' remarks - Comments from for the dairy farmj and Jerry Peterson, stabilizing All WIlTIIIbes include IIlllmaIs and blu and lit ~ pronlCd. The spcciaI pricing 011 ~ buildings in !his III includes wO.IIWcrWs.IaOOr. and delimy within 40 miles of I MCl10II Buildings' COlISIJ1X1ion center. Customer must provide alml buiklil1l silt with 00 underground obsIrurlions. IObich Il'OUId crwe the need (or exlrl equipment. and pu1icipaIe m the 11= llql .i. BUILDINGS P. O. Box 399, Monon,/L 6/550 Elwood Kirkpatrick, MMPA,and ICMPA'spresident- elect on how your cooperative is working for you. feed costs using commodities, To register, contact the Member Relations pI}1IICIII pbn. Prices may VlIt'f due 10 local buildill8 codes. OIrrr expim 4/30,''17. Version C o 1997 MorlOn Buildinp. Inc. A message from the managers - Charles Department, MMPA,P.o. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376, Courtade, ICMPA,and Walt Wosje, MMPA,will be (BOO) 572-5824 or ICMPAat (800) 968-4930, • As if our powerful Magnum@ .'.':':' .~~::: . engines weren't enough ::.:t~~r'/~;m:: incentive for Farm Bureau members, now there's an extra $300 to $500 in the deal. $500 cash back on '96 and '97 Ram Vans and As a member, you qualify for $300 back on Ram Wagons. That's on top of any other all new 1996 and 1997 5.9L V-8 Magnum Ram national Dodge cash back offer.t All you need 1500 pickups. to do is get a certificate from your state's Farm $500 back on '96 Bureau validating that you've been a member and '97 Ram for at least thirty days. Then stop by your 2500 and 3500 Dodge dealer. Where you'll discover it pays to pickups with a be in the Farm Bureau. 5.9L V-8, tThis cash back offer is valid for members of participating Farm Bureaus, is scheduled to expire 9/?JJ/97, and is subject to change. It may not be used in combination with any Cummins Diesel other Chrysler Corporation certificate program or certain other special programs. Ask for restrictions and details. Farm BureauGDis a registered service mark of the American or V-10.Even Farm Bureau Federation. ....................... .. Americas Truck Stop • The New Dodge " I~'JI(If: I ~ ~ I~'I ::t'ill March 15, 1997 1111 Michigan farmer assists Farm Bureau applauds plan private farmers in Ukraine to repeal estate taxes P on Austin farmer Leonard Knoblock recent- ly returned from a volunteer trip to Ukraine where he assisted the develop- ment of private farmers organizations and Rep. James Barcia and Sen. Spencer Abraham to pro- vide briefings on his assignment. The owner and operator of Knoblock Farms, Knoblock also directs the Farmers Cooperative L egislmion introduced to repeal death taxes WIllhelp preserve famIly farms, accordmg to the American Farm Bureau Federation. "Without estate tax law changes, agriculture's business a~\elS, the profit-making ability of the unit can be destroyed and the business dies with the farmer." Maslyn noted there is a misconception that contribution to our economy is threatened," said these taxes only affect big businesses, which can counseled their members. Knoblock worked with Grain Company in Pan Austin, and is a member of Mark Maslyn, deputy director of the AFBF Washing- private farmers and agribusiness workers in the handle them. Huron County ISO Technology Committee. He is ton, D.C., office, speaking at a Capitol Hill news nonhwestern region of Ukraine called Volyn. "Some people say that estate taxes don't im- also chair of the North Huron Schools Math, Sci- conference. "Farmers and ranchers need a break Using his experience in farming and farm pact small businesses if estate planning is effectively ence and Technology Committee. from exorbitant and punitive estate taxes so that management, Knoblock volunteered through The used," said Maslyn. "Planning might work to reduce Since 1993, more than 300 CNFAvolunteers farms and ranches can be passed from one genera- Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA) Agri- estate taxes, but it is costly and drains funds that have participated in project assignments across tion to the next." business Volunteer Program to provide lectures and Russia and Ukraine - ranging from farmers' associa- could better be used to operate a,gricultural busi- Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.) and Sen. Jon nesses." practical input to enable farmers to try their hand in tion-building to cheese processing. CNFAvolun- Kyl(R-Ariz.)unveiled their Family Heritage Preser- marketing, business planning and agribusiness man- Maslyn said the federal estate tax is punitive. teers bring years of hands-on experience to their vation Act, which would repeal the federal estate agement. "Farmers and ranchers work long, hard hours over a counterpans in Russia and other former Soviet and gift tax. The House version has 115 co-spon- Knoblock described basic record keeping, lifetime to build their businesses," he said. 'i\Iong the countries, easing the transition to a market econo- sors. Maslyn, in endorsing the measure, said death expense tracking, budget development, and sales way they paid income taxes.on their earnings and it is my and resulting in creative and effective U.S. for- taxes, otherwise known as estate taxes, can put an and marketing techniques. Knoblock also outlined wrong to tax those earnings again at death." eign assistance. CNFA'sVolunteer Program operates end to family farms. income and expense projections as a tool to deter- Maslyn said Farm Bureau "commends Senator with the support of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program "Farming and ranching is an industry dominat- mine which crops to grow, as well as the day to day Kyland Representative Cox for introducing the of the U.S. Agency for International Development. ed by family businesses," Maslyn said. "Often sons operations of a farm or agribusiness. In addition, Family Heritage Preservation Act to repeal estate . CNFAis a nonprofit organization dedicated to and daughters must sell part of their operations to Knoblock anticipated the use of recordkeeping in stimulating international economic growth and taxes. We urge every representative and senator to pay estate taxes. When they have to sell too many join the effort to end the death tax.". regard to crop selection and financial decisions, as development. CNFAworks with companies, entre- well as decreased expenses and higher profits. preneurs, farm groups, business alliances and other On his way back to Pan Austin, Knoblock groups to create lasting and effective opportunities Board of Trade expands Researchers may have stopped in Washington, D.C., to visit the offices of found cure to hog odors in international markets .• T he Chicago Board of Trade began trading finan- cial contracts in its new 60,000 square-foot hall Road funding Continued from page 1 legislation supported by Michigan Farm Bureau Recovers legal expenses, supplies and staff that, combined with it old 35,000 square-foot facility for agricultural futures trading, can hold a Boeing R esearchers at Purdue University may have solved a tremendous problem for hog opera- tions and their neighbors: controlling the odor. at several MOOT field facilities and management of costs for 20.5 attorney positions and .5 clerical posi- 747 with room to spare. The space addition makes Purdue animal scientist Allan Sutton has been the Criminal Justice Data Center. tions providing exclusive legal services to transpor- the Board of Trade the largest in terms of space, as feeding hogs a special diet low in crude proteins and Department of Management and Budget - tation programs such as tort case litigation. well as the largest in terms of trading volume. high in amino acids. He has noticed a less-offensive 51,087,700 Auditor General- $631,100 Exchange Chairman Patrick Arbor said the manure with 20 to 25 percent less nitrogen and am- Provides central administrative services for Assesses salary, fringe, supplies, material, and additional space sets the Board of Trade up for the monia, the main culprits in hog excrement. accounting, payroll, central audit, fIXedasset ac- travel costs for conducting financial audits of trans- lead role it is sure to take in the next millennium. The research is still in its infancy, but Sutton counting, space leasing services, mail and freight, portation funds and programs as required by statute. The Board of Trade last year took in a record and his colleagues hope the new diet can reduce purchasing, employment services, budgeting and DNR/DEQ - $775,700 $222.4 million in futures and options contracts and the smell of hog manure and help control water computer costs. The Land and Water Management Division posted a record in volume, in large part because of pollution at both mega-farms and small operations. Civil Service - $ 4,193,700 provides environmental reviews of road projects volatile agricultural markets responding to tight "Odor is size-neutral," Sutton said. "It won't Assesses a 1 percent charge of aggregate pay- and consultation on road and stream crossings by supplies. The board's closest competitor, the Chica- matter if you're a factory farm or a family operation roll for civil service administration expenses contract. DNR maintains M-185 in Mackinac Island go Mercantile Exchange, brought in $177 million in if you can't keep the smell away from your charged to each state department. State Park for $25,700 per year. revenue last year.. neighbors. n • Attorney General - $ 2,482,300 Total - $108,213,800 • Membe ealth-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; ;D;;A~N;R:;N~':;S;C:' -;';;;;:-2;0:-;;- I OR MAIL THIS COUPON TO: MFB HEALTH SERVICES. P.O. BOX 10960. I , I ~ tmiividuallfamfly coverage - for people who don't have employment group coverage - for farm and smafl business owners. I Medicare supplemental coverage - for seniors over 65. I I I I STATE ZIP ~ I Where Belonaina Makes a DiBeren(e. ;... r•• ~ ItIICIIIGAN EAIJ 1LTEL __ ~_~ E COUNTY iI ~ I~'~I[3: I C?Llli!] ~ I~'I~~ March 15, 1997 Michigan producers clash with USDA on Farmer urges others to prevent manure spills •••••• Find the location of the discharge and take action ants down the drain and contaminate the surface migrant housing issue . to stop the flow. Taking action may be as simple water:-TheSedrains are easy and inexpensive to Continued from page 1 Dear Editor: as closing a valve, or as complicated as building a plug with a bag of quick crete, stuffing the drain as guys borrow this money knowing that they couldn't InJuly of 1994 we had a manure spill from the temporary earthen dam to stop the flow. full as possible . charge rent," Walsworth adds. "That's the way that Siurrystore on our farm. As you can tell from • Notify the Michigan Department of Agriculture's I hope that, by writing this article, I can help we operated them - we didn't charge rent; just the article we have written, it had quite an im- Agricultural Pollution Emergency Department you benefit and avoid a similar problem. Any pre- charge utilities. But the Migrant Legal Aid said 'let's pact upon the environment as well as on us. (APE).The hotline number for APEis (800) 405- ventative measures you can take by inspecting your get that utilities classed as rent and then they'll be Our purpose in writing the article is to help 0101. Michigan Farm Bureau has printed up a total system, especially valves, may save you from liable for that. Because they were in violation of other people avoid the same misfortune that bright orange poster that has the phone number the unpleasant experience I had. Remember, we all their contract. '" happened to us. We want everyone who can to of APE and suggestions of action to take on it. live downstream from someone .• "That's ifwe sign a loan agreement," Walsworth learn from our experience, and to encourage The sign is plastic, so it can be hung in the barn, says on behalf of the organization Citizens Alliance environmental responsibility in the agri~ulture shop or any place convenient next to the nearest for Regulatory Reform (CARR)which has taken issue community. phone you would use. This is available from your Sheep alliance formed with Rural Development. "I don't know that I've got a Phil Gordon Farm Bureau regional representative, or Kevin to enhance problem with that, ifwe can get some assurance of Kirk at Michigan Farm Bureau. opportunities the things we're going to have to comply with . They're going to ask us to pay back "unauthorized rent." And that is a very touchy phrase, because we O vernight I went from being a leader in the dairy community to being public enemy number one. A manure spill on my farm destroyed • Contain the flow of released manure as soon as possible in an area that poses the least hazard to the environment. M ichigan Department of Agriculture Director Dan Wyant announced the formation of the Michigan Sheep Alliance, a working group of pro- don't have any unauthorized rent in terms of utilities. all aquatic life for seven miles down stream and • Contact the company manufacturing the facility ducers, processors, and representatives from the Now if there were people charging rent, that's anoth- threatened a community's drinking water supply to inspect, repair and certify the facility and Michigan livestock Exchange, Michigan Farm Bu- er issue. And that's not an issue with us." with pollutants, all due to a leaky valve on the ma. valves to be in adequate operating condition. reau, Michigan State University, Michigan Sheep "We were operating within the parameters of nure storage system. Two hundred thousand gal- • Call your local Narural Resources Conservation Breeders Association, the American Sheep Industry the loan agreement," he adds. "We have a 1992 letter lons of slurry were released from the system. The Service for help in reassessing the manure han- Association, Inc., and MDA. where one of the borrower's wrote and said we want manure flowed from the above ground storage dling protocol in your operation. "Michigan sheep producers recognize the it in writing that we have the ability to charge rent." through the underground reception pit, across my • Apply the discharged manure at agronomic rates importance of using all available resources to im- 'i\bout 50 percent of the 131 farms with 514 corn field, through a culvert under the road and necessary for growing the next crop. prove marketing opportunities for lamb and wool, loans have completed the paperwork and those across my neighbor's soybean field. The slurry trav- • If applicable, incorporate the manure to control and to make strides in the implementation of new farmers remaining believe that something will hap- eled over a quarter of a mile in mid-July weather runoff. technology, disease control and eradication, and pen to them if they do," Hare states. "Now we need through standing crops, under cover of night, be. • Seed the affected area with a cover crop. Rye is producer education, to assure an economically to handle each case now on a one-on one basis to fore finding its way to the stream. Then if flowed shown to take up large amounts of nitrogen and viable future," said Wyant. "With the formation of resolve this issue amicably." seven miles downstream, killing all aquatic life. quickly covers the ground to control erosion. this alliance, each segment of the industry will bring "Farm Bureau will continue to work with all Allof this happened because the valves on my However, manure spills are not the only envi- expertise to the table, and together, they will ensure entities desiring an equitable solution to this prob- manure storage system had not been properly ronmental disasters waiting to happen on our farms a place for Michigan's sheep industry in our state's lem," Kelly adds. maintained. Because of wear from use and rust which affect our neighbors. How many of us have agricultural future." A joint letter from U.S. Representative Pete from corrosive materials, valves must be inspected abandoned wells on our propeny? An abandoned The idea of an industry-driven alliance was Hoekstra and U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham was annually for damage and promptly repaired. The well is a direct line for any pollutant to gain en- cultivated after Michigan Sheep Breeders sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman ease with which valves work is also important for trance to the underground water supply. The Association members voiced concerns at aJune on February 19,1997 "urging the USDAto consider proper use. If they work hard, people hesitate to Farm*A*Syst program has money available for plug- 1996 meeting about the wide range of prices allowing the affected individuals' an opportunity to use them, or may not be sure they are completely ging these old wells. We plugged two this year. producers were receiving for market lambs. negotiate an alternative resolution that would be closed. All of which can lead to a disaster. Drains from shops and garages that drain into The creation of the Michigan Sheep Alliance fair to both the migrant workers and farmers in- If you should ever be unfortunate enough to streams and rivers need to be plugged so that con- was formally endorsed Jan. 12. The.Alliance's volved with this case. This may, in fact, provide the have a spill on your farm, there are several steps to taminates like oil and antifreeze do not get into the mission is to "enhance the economic opportunities best possible outcome. We urge the USDA to at- take: surface water. If you should have a fire on the loca- for the Michigan sheep industry.". tempt to seek out a solution which is agreeable to tion, water to fight the fire would flush those pollut- both parties." • is(ount ru s e ivere to your oor. Mail Order Pharmacy Discount Program Helps You Save Money P rescription drugs often playa crucial role in our everyday lives, even though health care costs continue to escalate and pharmacies are not always located conveniently nearby. Michigan Farm Bureau's pharmacy discount program is only a phone. call away. Heartland Prescription Service, located in Omaha, Nebraska, can service all your pharmacy needs. They carry ~ver 5,000 prescripti~n, non-prescription, diabetic, ostomy and incontinent supplies, and durable medical eqUipment. Heartland not only helps you to lower your pharmacy costs, but also provides the convenience of having the order delivered to your door. The next time you need a prescription filled, take advantage of this member benefit by calling Heartland Prescription Servi~e for a free price q~ote. Also~make sure you ask for their free catalog that contams coupons for additIOnal savmgs. fSJ------------------------~ Oip the coupon below and send it in with your payment to the address shown for additional savings on your next prescription. '?\./f. ~~t~\ Call 800-228-3353, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday throu~h Friday. It's. a simple telephone MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU MEMBER DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION COUPON SJ I B · ~/ ~.'L'-' -r~w call that Will save you time and money! I ~~~ I . ........~" I I ""'\. I~ ~ HEARTLAND Prattiptloo Service \.J - m Q;I I .) ~ I 11018 "Q" Street I I Omaha, ME 68137 800-228-3353 I ~----~ Where Belonging Mikes IDifferen(e. 1111 ~IJ t!__ ~~~~~~~~~~T~~~~~~~~ __ ~~ G~ ~ W-=r...ff3 March 15, 1997 Michigan Vegetable Council Growers should carefully weigh cites three for top awards risk of not having crop insurance A family that manages 5,200 acres of pota- toes, a Michigan State University Exten- sion agent and an editor-publisher were tion he provides in insect management and disease prevention through integrated pest management T he 1996 growing season was pretty tough for a lot of Michigan farmers. Some of them learned produced on the farm based on the past four years of continuous records. This is really an opportunity programs and for the current information he pro- the hard way that crop price safety nets and money to get away from guesswork and provide protection recently honored by the Michigan Vegetable vides on plant production technology. for crop disasters, even if the county is declared a based on proven performance." Council, Inc. (MYCI). He was praised for his communication skills disaster area, really are gone. Livestock producers can also purchase insur- The awards were presented during the Great through the popular press, in workshops for growers Outside of the Promotion Flexibility Contract ance against crop loss based on how much of their Lakes Vegetable Growers Convention and Farm and on a one-to-one basis with growers in the field. (PFC) - essentially severance payments from the home-grown grain was fed to farm animals. Market Show Jan. 21-23 in Grand Rapids. He was also cited for his educational advisory U.S. Department of Agriculture's former crop subsi- "They will have to document the livestock The MYCl's Master Farmer in Vegetable Crops services to grower organizations such as the . dies - the grower has no protection from poor or numbers that were on farm and then work back- Award was presented to the lO-member family of Michigan Carrot Committee and Celery Research, disastrous crop growing conditions. wards in terms of livestock consumption rates to Leonard and Regina Walther, who began growing Inc., the Michigan Onion Committee, and the In six years, when the PFC expires, the gov- show the volume of grain disappearance, but it potatoes as a sideline about 50 years ago. Today the Michigan Vegetable Council; and for his ability and ernment will have absolved itself of financial risks in means that in the event of crop loss, the producer is Walthers have farms at Clio, Cass City, Hemlock, willingness to assist greenhouse and floriculture crop production and placed the risk squarely on the not left out in the cold with no protection," Schwab Sandusky, Newberry and Three Rivers, and in Georgia. producers in his district. growers'shoulders. says. Among the things the family was cited for are The MYCIalso recognized Barry A. Brand, A way to help deal with that risk is crop insur- He says that growers should base their insur- the environmental stewardship practices used on editor-publisher of the Great Lakes Vegetable Grow- ance. Growers who are going to insure need to ance purchases on their net worth and liability their farms and their leadership in Michigan and at ers News for more than 30 years of service to the make their intentions to buy insurance this spring statements, making sure they have sufficient insur- the national level in potato research, promotion MYCIat the annual vegetable convention as a media known to the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) by ance to cope with their liabilities in the event of a and marketing. promoter and an MYCIboard member. March 15, says Jerry Schwab, Michigan State Univer- crop loss. The Master Farmer Associate in Vegetable He has also been a member of the MYCIexec- sity Extension agricultural economist. As with any other kind of insurance policy, Crops Award was presented to Tom Dudek, Michi- utive committee and assistant secretary. Crop insurance is available in a range of poli- crop insurance costs will vary from farm to farm and gan State University Extension district horticulture He originated the Great Lakes Fruit Growers cies from quite cheap to quite expensive. from county to county, underscoring again, Schwab and marketing agent, who has worked in west cen- News in 1964 and the Great Lakes Vegetable Grow- The least expensive is the FS~s catastrophic says, the importance for records. tral Michigan since 1982. ers News in 1966, both of which are well known by crop policy, which costs $50 per crop and provides "The reason for the variation between farms is Dudek was cited for the high level of educa- growers throughout the region .• coverage for about 30 percent of the potential value the APH," Schwab says. "The variation between of the crop. counties is based on the number of weather inci- Future of crop insurance threatened with budget ax "It's like buying auto insurance with a very dents that have occurred in the past. B eginning with the 1998 crop year, the sales commissions of crop insurance agents will no longer be funded from the mandatory Federal Crop for delivery, then either the Senate or House agricul- ture committees would have to pass legislation to provide the funds from mandatory accounts, or high deductible - in the event of a disaster, the buyer assumes the majority of the cost of a crop "For instance, we usually perceive Gratiot. County as a premier growing area in yield potential, loss," Schwab says. productivity and farmer capacity to produce," he Insurance Fund. Instead, such funding must come policies would start being canceled Oct. 1. Near the top of the line for crop protection is says. "The trade-off is that over time Gratiot County from a decreasing pool of discretionary funds. The Farm Bureau has sent a jOint letter with many Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC),which was made avail- has had some real crop wrecks because of climate. Appropriations Committees will either have to re- other agriculture groups, lenders and representa- able on wheat last fall and is now available for corn From an actuarial standpoint, therefore, Gratiot ceive more budget authority in fiscal year '98 or cut tives of the insurance industry that urges all sena- and soybean crop protection. A CRC policy can pro- County is a risky place to grow crops, so insurance other discretionary accounts to provide this "new" tors to sign onto a letter that will be sent to Sen. vide coverage for 100 percent of the value of the crop. premiums will tend to be higher there than in a money for crop insurance. Domenici (R-N.M.), chair, and Sen. Lautenberg (O- Records are critical to buying crop insurance county having fairly stable weather over time." The crop insurance regulations say, "Notwith- N.).), ranking minority member, of the Senate Bud- because crop insurance policies are based on the Schwab says that crop insurance is going to be standing the cancellation date stated in the policy, if get Committee. actual production history (APH) of the farm, which a significant farm expense, but if you compare it there are insufficient funds appropriated by the Con- The letter that senators are being asked to provides proof of the grower's ability to produce. with a $150 per acre investment for corn planting gress to deliver the crop insurance program, the sign urges Sens. Domenici and Lautenberg to pro- "One of the premises in this whole area of risk and you plant 100 acres, it's worth the $15 or so for policy will automatically terminate without liability." vide additional money in the appropriations pro- management is records, records, records," Schwab an insurance premium to protect that 100-acre in- If the appropriators fail to provide the delivery funds cess for the crop insurance program .• says. 'This means documenting what is actually vestment. • en 0 (OS son" oye 0 s(ore 00. r Member Dental Insurance from Michigan Farm Bureau ( Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family receive the dental care services you require - even when sudden and costly needs arise. Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! Single: $18.90 per month • Two-person: $33.60 • Family: $43.05 ~~~;;~~~~~;~~;~~~~~~~~~--, I OR MAil THIS COUPON TO: MFB MEMBER SERVICES,P.O. BOX 30960, LANSING, MI 48909 I I I I NAME I I I I ADDRESS I : CITY STATE ZIP ~: ... MICHIGAN ILTELEPHONE COUNTY ~ ; I '9_ FARM BlJREAlJ G~I~ ~=r...VfJ March 15, 1997 Precisian The yield monitoring process begins now chart at right). Trials should be planned out by vary- Allieullare ing inputs or management systems in strips of at least a quarter mile in length. No more than three treat- ments should be examined in a single trial, and the Although corn yields are lowest in the by Neil R. Miller treatments should be replicated a minimum of four lower pH soils of this P roducers who hope to maximize their returns on a yield monitor investment need to begin planning the process now. In past columns, I have stressed the importance of using to six times down the field. On-farm experiments should be designed so that they do not significantly slow down field operations. If you have questions, talking to a consultant or other ag professional ahead field, these soils are also low in organic matter content and water-holding capac- yield monitors as tools for improving management of time can helpyou avoid many pitfalls. ity. Without con- systems. For this to happen, the crop management Many yield monitor systems have marking trolled trials, it is plan you are developing for the coming spring must o 50 100 150 200 250 3QO difficult to deter- functions, and can be moved from the combine to a be designed so as to maximize the usefulness of the truck or four-wheeler during the growing season to Cern ~ (WIacre) mine which factors yield monitor data you collect next fall. Observational data vs. experimental data mark treatment locations. These geo-referenced Green Text = Soil pH are actually limiting yields. treatment maps can be overlaid on yield maps after Yield maps can document wide variations harvest. Initial yield and moisture maps are relative- across a field, bm are often hopelessly inadequate ly simple to produce, and many farmers are doing in identifying which of the many interrelated natu- this themselves. Multiple year data, geo-statistical Yield Monitoring Cycle ral and man-made factors are causing the variability. analyses and prescription writing require more For example, a client once asked me to determine sophisticated software and, in most cases, the help whether low soil pH was limiting crop yields on of a professional. some of his rented ground. We did observe lower Will it pay? Adjll~t MIII1:ll1.cmenf yields on the soils with the lowest pH (see map at Mountains of good data won't pay for them- )'r:lclicu right). However, these soils were also lower in or- selves unless they lead to improved management ganic matter and tended to be situated on hilltops systems. The final step in the yield monitoring pro- The yield monitoring where they were more prone to water stress. Mere cess is to adjust cropping practices according to the process should be observational data could not determine which fac- management solmions and opportunities identified. seen as an annual tor was most influential, or whether liming would Those producers who approach yield monitoring cycle of identifying improve yields on these soils. with an open mind and a flexible management style and testing Controlling these factors experimentally, rath- willundoubtedly benefit the most from the process .• management ideas. er than merely observing their natural variation, provides us with far more beneficial management information. If, for example, we had spread lime in alternating strips across the above field, the yield monitor would have told us far more abom how quickly an investment in lime might payoff. The yield monitoring cycle An effective yield monitoring process involves far more than logging combine data and printing pretty maps. It is pan of an annual cycle, which be- gins in the winter when a farmer reviews past pro- duction and identifies what management factors he or she should examine in the coming season (see i\~~\~ \i~~\\\~~~ '- Q\\~~\\~\\\~~\\\~. Specialists in Crop Production and Protection Neil R. Miller Phone: 517-624-6019 E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com Michigan sheep inventory increases, nationally decreases A ll sheep and lamb inventory in Michigan on Jan. 1 was established at 98,000 head, up 5 percent from a year ago, according to the Federal! State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. The breeding sheep inventory, at 65,000 head, was up 5 percent from last year. Market sheep and lambs totaled 33,000 head, up 2,000 from a year earlier. Market lambs totaled 32,500 with 6,000 under 65 pounds, 8,000 from 65 to 84 pounds, 11,000 from 85 to 105 pounds and 7,500 over 105 pounds. The 1996 Michigan lamb crop (lambs born Oct. 1, 1995 - Sept. 30, 1996) was 72,000 head, up 7 percent from the previous year. The number of sheep operations in Michigan in 1996 was estimated at 2,000, un- changed from 1995. The V.S.Jan. 1, 1997 sheep and lamb invento- ry totaled 7.94 million head, down 6 percent from a year ago and 11 percent below 2 years ago. Inventa- ry has slowly declined since 1942 when all sheep and lambs reached its peak of56.21 million head. Breeding sheep inventory reached 5.85 million head, down 6 percent from last year's 6.23 million head. Market sheep and lambs totaled 2.09 million head, down 7 percent from the previous year. Mar- ketlambs comprised 96 percent of the total. Of these, 23 percent were under 65 pounds, 18 per- cent were 65 to 84 pounds, 31 percent 85 to 105 pounds, and 24 percent were over 105 pounds. The 1996 lamb crop was a record low of 5.28 million head down 6 percent from last year. This WESTERN AS WELL? compares with the previous record low of 5.61 mil- lion head set a year ago. The national lambing rate was 103 per 100 ewes one year old and older on hand Jan. 1,1996 compared with 106 in 1995. The number of operations with sheep during 1996 ta- _ http://www.cya taled n,OlO, down 5 percent from 1995 and 12 - - COUHTER~ me system IS a Reslnd80 percent from 1994.• (iJ~~ll'I::t'ill March 15, 1997 1111 Michigan GSPcan help Corn borer damage may ease up this year with costs for closing he odds are that corn borers, which ravaged abandoned farm wells T thousands of acres of corn last year, will not be as pervasive a threat in Michigan this year. "Corn borer populations were considered M ore than a million open, abandoned farm wells, which are potential conduits for groundwater contamination, are believed to exist in among the worst on record, not just in Michigan but Michigan. across the entire Corn Belt," says Chris DiFonzo, "When you consider that most of Michigan's Michigan State University Extension pesticide educa- original farms consisted of 80 acres, that each farm tion coordinator and field crop entomologist. had at least one well and that those 80-acre tracts Because insect populations run in cycles, she are now absorbed into much larger farm operations, suspects that the corn borer population in Michigan the probability for unsealed, unused wells is quite . in the coming growing season will be reduced. high," says Allen Krizek, Michigan State University "They tend to run in a five- to lO-year cycle, Extension liaison to the Michigan Groundwater with a couple of years being really bad before the Stewardship Program (GSP). population declines to a point that it is not really a The GSP is a statewide program that is intend- problem for five or six years," DiFonzo says. ed to help increase farmstead surface and ground- In 1996, with multiple generations of the corn water stewardship practices through education and borer, plus all the other insects and diseases, growers cost-share programs. may be wondering if planting Bt corn is warranted. Krizek says it costs from $50 to $500 to close DiFonzo says growers need to consider a an abandoned farm well. Farmers may qualify for number of things before making a decision. GSP technical assistance and cost-sharing assistance The>first is location. Southern Michigan usually has - from 75 to 90 percent. The level is determined by two corn borer generations in a growing season. a local GSP stewardship team. The northern counties have a single generation, The effects of the European corn borer can be devastating to Michigan's corn crop as seen Abandoned wells posing the most risk to and the middle part of the state has somewhat of a on the right. Although the corn borer damage may ease some this year; seed companies groundwater resources are those that are open at mix - there may be one generation or two, she says. manufacture St resistant corn, left, which produces a toxin killing the corn borer. Photo the surface or have a deteryorated seal or casing Therefore, growers should determine how source: C/SA. below the surface, and abandoned wells near live- severe the year-ta-year corn borer populations tend sarily bred for Michigan's soils and growing condi- "Know your Location, know your European stock feedlots and pesticide and fertilizer storage to be in their area. tions. We're so diverse here, with many different corn borer population, know the Agronomic charac- and handling areas. "If a grower sees significant borer damage year areas growing many different corn varieties. So the' teristics that are important in your area and know Property owners who opt to close abandoned after year, buying Bt corn may be warranted. But if fact that the corn produces the Bt toxin that kills all your Previous pesticide use frequency," she explains. wells reduce risk for human and livestock accidents last year was the first year in the past 10 years that the corn borers doesn't mean that it has the other DiFonzo adds that growers might want to field at the well opening and may avoid potential legal significant damage was seen, then you're looking at agronomic characteristics that go toward yield." evaluate several Bt hybrids and conventional action under Michigan's polluter pay law. In addi- one year out of 10 that buying Bt corn would be of Bt corn is also target -specific - the toxin it con- varieties before making a decision on how much Bt tion, many financial institutions require that aban- benefit," DiFonzo says. tains kills only the European corn borer, not the corn to use. doned wells be closed before land transactions Yield potential is another factor. DiFonzo says armyworm, corn rootworm, stalk borer or earworm, And finally, consider where Bt corn may be occur. research has shown that some of the better cbnven- which still have to be scouted to prevent yield loss. shipped. More information on cost-sharing for aban- tional corn hybrids out-yielded the Bt corn planted Another consideration is cost. Bt corn hybrid "Many European markets are hesitant to ac- doned well closing can be obtained by writing to in the same soil, even when corn borer infestation seed will run between $7 and SIO per acre more cept transgenic [genetically engineered] crops and the GSP, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Box was heavy. than conventional com seed. This mayor may not want them separated so they can make a choice on 30017, Lansing, MI 48909, or by calling Krizek at "Alot of the Bt hybrids were bred or designed turn out to be insurance against pesticide applica- how they will be used. We do not have domestic (517) 373-9813. to be used in places like Iowa or Nebraska and oth- tion costs. regulations on labeling Bt com, but if a grower is Information on state regulations affecting er places in the Corn Belt where there is a lot more Difonzo says growers should "LEAP"before going to sell overseas, it's a factor that should be abandoned wells can be obtained by contacting the corn acreage," DiFonzo says. "They were not neces- they look. given some thought," DiFonzo says .• well construction unit of the Michigan Department of Public Health at (517) 335-9138. • J "+ {l ""',f. ~ ,..,4 't, l' .", • • Member Vision Care Plan from Michigan Farm Bureau The Importance of Eyecare uVision was founded on the principle that great eyewear starts with professional eyecare. That's why you'll find an independent licensed Doctor of Optometry in every NuVision office. Comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings are easily arranged. Simply call ahead for an appointment. Once your eyes have been examined by a Doctor of Optometry at NuVision, your vision records will be maintained on file for your convenience. We invite you to compare our service. You'll find that what others call special care, NuVision provides as standard procedure. Family Plan Benefits: • 20%to 50%off frames • 20% off lenses and lens treatments • I0% off contact lenses • 15%off non-prescription items • FREE UV protection on plastic lenses Don~t forget to use Don~ forget Member your Farm Bureau Dental or Blue Cross VISA at NuVlslon Blue Shield for more Optlcal centers health care savings. nationwide. I ~'J I [It: I @]Jj!] ~ I~'I ::t~ March 15, 1997 Market transition payments targeted Pastures really are Igreenl for budget cuts M ichigan farmers who signed a seven- year comract, known as Production Flexibility Contracts, with USDAlast year, may see their contracts terminated much said. "Producers made these decisions and have based orher long-term marketing and farm manage- ment decisions on that contractual understanding. P astures are green in more than color. When properly managed, grazed pastures are an environmentally friendly form of agriculture. Uoyd Owens, research scientist for the Agricul- soning is potentially fatal to infants younger than six months and elderly people. Farmers who apply nitrogen to pastures to increase plant growth and allow more animals to Legislators also need to remember that the new tural Research Service and Ohio State University graze should keep nitrogen applications below 100 sooner. Legislation has been introduced to termi- farm bill was a drastic fundamental shift in farm adjunct associate professor of natural resources, pounds per acre each year, Owens said. nate farm program paymems received under those policy that makes these transition payments crucial studies the impact of agricultural practices on soil Less nitrogen fertilizer is needed if legumes comracts, according to Michigan Farm Bureau Com- to allow farmers to shift their management deci- erosion and surface- and groundwater quality at the such as alfalfa and clover varieties are seeded with modity Specialist Bob Boehm. sions and strategies accordingly." North Appalachian Experimental Watershed near grasses. Legumes make their own nitrogen and can Production Flexibility Contracts were created On anorher budget-related matter, a report Coshocton. His more than 20 years of research on red'uce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed in a under the 1996 farm bill, which was dubbed the just released by a task force of state Farm Service pasture systems proves their environmental benefits. pasture system by about half, said Henry Bartho- Freedom to Farm Act, because it phases out govern- Agency (FSA) executive directors is recommending In one study, a pasture sat idle for two years, lomew, southern Ohio grazing coordinator for Ohio ment involvement in farm programs by reducing the closing of an additional 500 county USDAFSA then for the next three years 17 beef cows and their State Extension. the amount of annual farm program payments to offices. Michigan Farm Bureau Public Affairs Direc- calves grazed the 64 acres. Surface water runoff Legumes produce less forage than grasses zero at the end of the seven-year period. In return, tor AIAlmy says the recommendations are nor the from the area before cattle contained only 0.6 parts fertilized with high rates of nitrogen, so fewer ani- the new farm bill allowed producers to make crop- official policy of USDA.He adds that the closing per million nitrate, During the three years with mals could graze on these pastures. But the cost ping decisions based on market demands instead of process will be initiated only after congressional cattle, nitrate levels rose only slightly, to 0.7 ppm. savings and environmental benefits from reduced government program mandates. approval of the 1998 budget. The Environmental Protection Agency stan- nitrogen applications minimize this problem, While ami-farm program legislators are spon- "Congress is now in the beginning processes dard for safe water is less than 10 ppm nitrate, so Owens said. soring legislation to terminate the transition of writing a budget for the next fiscal year, which water nitrate levels from this pasture were very low, Well-managed pastures result in less soil ero- payments provided for under the Production Flexi- begins Oct. 1, 1997. That budget would nor be final- Owens said. Manure and urine have the potential to sion than unmanaged areas and fields planted with bility Contracts, all in the name of budget balancing, ized until probably late summer at the earliest. raise nitrate levels in a pasture. crops. Managed pastures have dense plant cover and Boehm says legislators need to remember the con- There may be some indications as Congress drafts "In essence, nitrate levels in this pasture little bare ground, keeping soil in place, Owens said. tractual commitment between producers and USDA. the budget this spring and early summer as to what situation were unchanged by the addition of cattle Asoil loss study showed that a grazed pasture lost "Those were contracts signed by individual its plans are. But norhing final will probably be at a low stocking rate of 3.7 acres per cow-calf pair," less than 0.5 tons of soil per acre during the winter producers with USDAand, therefore, felt to be im- known until late summer when the new fiscal 1998 he said. and 0.1 Ions per acre during the growing season. Soil mune from any kind of budget cutbacks," Boehm budget is enacted." • Nitrate levels from the pasture were only half loss from a plowed contour strip cornfield with simi- as much as 1.2 ppm nitrate runoff from a nearby lar soil type and ground slope was 2.9 tons. wooded area with no livestock. The pasture also The tolerance level for soil erosion set by the USDA signs research pact to test new absorbed more water than the forest, resulting in Natural Resources Conservation Service varies with less total runoff. Only 17.3 percent of rainfall on the irradiator against foodborne pathogens pasture ran off during storms, while 23.6 percent soil type from about 4 to 5 tons per acre. Both the cropland and the pasture may be below this, but T he Agriculture Department has signed a salmonellae on meat or poultry or in or on other left the wooded area. the pasture losses were much less, Owens said. Cooperative Research and Development foods, and its ability to maintain suitable environ- "We're always trying to get everything from "Many graziers are surprised to learn just how Agreement (CRADA)with Gray*Star, Inc., a mental conditions during irradiation. agricultural systems to pristine levels, but there good pastures are from an environmental stand- private company based in Mt. Arlington, NJ., to The irradiator is transportable and can be aren't very many pristine situations in nature," point," Bartholomew said. "When reasonably man- evaluate their irradiator for killing foodborne patho- delivered to the packing house or production site Owens said. "Even an undisturbed wooded area has aged, grazed pastures are among the best agricul- gens like E. coli 0157.H7 on meat, poultry and oth- where food is being processed for shipment. Foods levels of nitrate in water runoff." tural systems for preserving water quality and pre- er agricultural products. 'can be pre-packaged and a standard pallet of prod- High levels of nitrate in water can pose a venting soil erosion.". Donald W. Thayer, a research chemist with uct can be processed at once, handling up to 10,000 health concern, because although rare, nitrate poi- USD~s Agricultural Research Service at Wyndmoor, pounds of produce an hour per unit. Pa., will conduct the studies to evaluate the irradia- Thayer noted that ionizing radiation from Beef promo hits supermarkets statewide tor. Thayer has earned an international reputation cobalt, cesium or X-rays does not cause food to be for his research on the safety and efficacy of using irradiation to control food pathogens in poultry and radioactive but is quite effective in killing harmful organisms. The irradiator can be used to control I t'strue: beef can be a part of a heart-healthy diet. That's good news for taday's families that love the taste of beef, and one of the reasons Michigan's Anutrient-dense food, beef is also a good source of essential nutrients like protein, B-vitamins, zinc and iron, according to Hawkins. In fact, your body absorbs red meat without significant change to the nutri- quarantine pests as well as food pathogens. beef producers have helped fund a new recipe col- more iron from beef than from vegetables. tional quality. The Food and Drug Administration has ap- lection that meets American Heart Association "Consumers can really take heart when it In previous studies at the ARSEastern Region- proved irradiation to control microorganisms in guidelines. comes to eating beef," says Hawkins. "AsLean 'N al Research Center at Wyndmoor, Thayer has deter- poultry and trichinosis in pork, and is currently Lean 'N Easy with Beef recipes are being Easy with Beef demonstrates, beef meals have mined the effects of irradiation on food borne reviewing a petition to irradiate beef. FDAhas also showcased at the meat case in more than 15,000 changed with the times and can be considered pan pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Listeria approved irradiation use on fruits and vegetables .. supermarkets. The recipes feature a collection of of a heart-healthy diet." monocytogenes, Salmonella and Staphylococcus Food irradiation is endorsed by the American four lean and easy beef dishes that have less than 10 Consumers will see the recognizable AHA logo au reus on meat and poultry. "Pasteurizing food by Medical Association, World Health Organization, grams of fat per serving. Also included are easy-to- on the Lean 'N Easy with Beef recipe sheets. The irradiation significantly reduces the numbers of Institute of Food Technologists, American Council follow nutrition tips and suggestions for buying beef beef industry worked with the AHAguidelines in these harmful microorganisms," Thayer said. on Science and Health, Council on Agricultural and keeping beef lean when cooking. preparing their heart-healthy meals through the In tests to evaluate the irradiator, Thayer will Science and Technology, and the American Veteri- "Aheart-healthy l11ealcomes down to selec- meal idea centers. cooperate with the company in determining the nary Medical Association. tion, preparation and quantity of whatever food you The Lean 'N Easy nutrition communications uniformity - and factors affecting the uniforruiJy",.,.......,,_,' _ .Dynamic'Industries, ~nc.,of Cincinnati, Ohio, choose," says Kathleen Hawkins, executive director program is one example of the beef industry's on- of the gamma radiation dose deHverediOa;n~ulttir:' will manufacture the irradiation units for Gray*Star, of the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. "Beef is going initiative to eSlablish partnerships with health al products under co.9trOlled temperature Inc.,-using cesium" 137 radioaqive isotopes from no exception. USDAnutrition data shows that there organizations to communicate beef's role in a conditions by the irradiator. Babcock & Wucox of Lynchburg, Va. Several units are seven cuts of lean beef that fall between the healthy diet to consumers. For more information on Thayer.~nd other ARSscier1ti,stS~i11conduct . alre~dy haye Ix:en orgerea.by private companies, skinless chicken breast and skinless chicken thigh in this or other checkoff-funded efforts, contact the research - to determine ,t the effectiveness of the •. irra-, primarily '..•... for quarantine disinfestation ~ ':.. offruits and " terms of total fat content." Michigan Beef Industry Commission at (517) 347- diator for [he cont.r:Prof such foodborne patnogens. as E. colj1fi57!f1Z, Listeria monocytogenes an~ ", - vegetaoles .•. ' -' .. ,- 11. .,~ f \ '- . LETTER TO THE EDITOR I would like to take a moment and recognize Michigan farmers for the out- St. ~a~' BI,nk repOrts 1996 net income of $21 million standing tradition they are continuing in our state. As many of you know, I've T he St. Paul Bank for-Cooperatives (St. Paul.' Bank) rep~~t~d l,let in~ome.of $21.1 million on average gross loan volume'of $3.881..billion for the" bank's level of net assets and improve its permanem eapitall!ltio through the sale ofloan participations. Total capital at year-end was $273.3 million and been involved in agriculture all my life. Growing up in a rural corner of west Mich- igan, my life was centered around farming and agriculture. I love it because I know just how important it is for the people of this country. Farmers, although year ended Dec. 31, 1996. Net income was about th~ bank's permanent. capital ratio was 9.29 percent small in number, playa large role in society. Farmersfeed the world. Right here in half of the $41.8 million earned in 1995 on average at Dec. 31,1996, compared to $252.5 million and Michigan it's our second largest industry. We produce more than 150 different gross loan volume of $3.037 billion. 7.93 percent at Dec. 31, 1995. Regulations specify a commodities for people acrossthe globe. Dennis Johnson, president and chief executive minimum permanent capital ratio of7 percent. One of the best things about agriculture is that it's family-centered. It's a long officer, said the bank's 1996 net income was reduced ~t. Paul Bank is a cooperative, owned and standing tradition; fathers and sons, mothers and daughters: working the land because of a $32 million provision for loan losses. Of comrolled by its customers. Each customer borrow- together, tending the livestock together, reaping the fruits of their labor together. this amount, $Fl.l million was recprded as net ing from the bank on a patronage basis shares in its Agriculture is a trade passeddown from generation to generation. As farmers, charge-offs and $14.9 miliion was added to the allow- net income through payment of patronage refunds. we're doing the work of our ancestors.The Posthumus family is no exception. I'm ance for loan losses. These provisions resulted main- The bank's 1996 patronage refund rate was 11.66 a third generation farmer. Pam and I are blessedto have four children who have Iybecause a few borrowers could not pay their loans percent of interest paid. Of this amount, 65 percent an interest in agriculture as well. They're carrying on the tradition in our family by on schedule due to nonperformance by some of will be issued as qualified and 35 percent as non- being involved in 4-H and FFAand they plan an integral role on our farm. their members on hedge-to-arrive grain contracts. qualified patronage and 30 percent of the qualified Yes,agriculture has a long and proud tradition in Michigan, but it's a tradition Largely due to this...situation, the bank's total portion will be paid in cash. Total cash returned to that faces many challenges. While I want to recognize and thank those who are non performing (nonaccrual and restructured) loans members in 1996 was $17 million. involved in this tradition, I also want to offer a challenge. Today, on Michigan rose to 0.55 percent of gross loans outstanding at The St. Paul Bank is a federally chartered, cus- Farmer Appreciation Day, I want to challenge each of us to work together for the Dec. 31, 1996, compared to 0.05 percent and 0.10 tomer-owned cooperative bank serving rural Ameri- good of agriculture. We must ensure that farming percent at Dec. 31, 1995, and 1994, respectively. ca. It provides loans and closely related financial remains a major Michigan industry for the sake of our The percentage of adverse loans rose to 11 percent services to agricultural cooperatives and rural utility children and our children's children. at Dec. 31,1996, from 2 percent at Dec. 31, 1995. systems, including rural electric, water and telecom. Gross loan volume at Dec. 31,1996 was $4.116 munications systems. Its primary source ofloan Sincerely, billion compared to $3.685 billion at De; 31,1995. funds is through the sale of securities marketed by Net loan volume, which excludes participations sold the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation. to other banks and allowance for loan losses, was In 1996, the bank served customers in 26 $2.260 billion and $2.283 billion at Deq. 31, 1996, and states through its main office in St. Paul, Minn., and Dick Posthumus 1995, respectively. The near-plateau in net loan levels cooperative credit offices at Mankato, Minn.; Fargo, Majority Leader is due to management's strategy to manage the N.D.; and Stoughton, Wis.• Michigan State Senate ~~I~ll:\'~ March 15, 1997 Michigan FFAAdvisor Karelse to retire Beef industry Career spans more than 40 years of agriculture education to hold show by Kara Endsley atAgExpo R ichard Karelse, who retires May 30, over. saw 25 of the 69 state FFAconventions during his position as state FFAadvisor. He has worked for the Michigan Department of Educa- T he Michigan State University Animal Science Department and the Michigan Cattlemen's Association Purebred Council are organizing a new tion as a consultant for program development since Michigan Beef Cattle Summer Event. The show, 1966 and as state advisor since 1972. which features both exhibitions and competitive Throughout his 25 years as state FFAadvisor, shows of Michigan's major beef cattle breeds, will Karelse watched state officers develop from FFA be held at the new MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and members to state and national leaders. He served as a Livestock Education onJune 25-27, 1997, during Ag resource for the officers, giving more than 300 state Expo. Education seminars on ultrasound technolo- officers advice and direction. gy and selection of breeding cattle using perfor- Prior to his career in the Michigan Department mance data will be featured. of Education, he taught vocational agriculture in "We are very excited about the way the plans Caro, Mich., for seven years. Agriculture education in for this show have evolved," said Phil Hutchison, Michigan has evolved since Karelse's days as FFA chairman of the Michigan Cattlemen's Association advisor, and many of those changes were led by him. Purebred Council. "Michigan State University's "When I taught school, we had four leader- willingness to partner with the beef industry on this ship contests. Now we have nine. We had maybe show is very encouraging. "Several of the MCXs eight proficiencies, now we have 40," Karelse said. Purebred Council bceed affiliates have 'already Karelse was also the driving force behind Richard Karelse, left, will retire from his post as State FFAAdvisor in May. Here, he accepts a committed to participate in this event, including changing agriculture education to agriscience edu- plaque from Vic Verchereau, a past state FFA officer, at the 69th Michigan FFA Convention. Angus, Chi, Limousin, Polled Hereford, Salers and cation. He, along with other advisors, noticed implementing agriscience programs and monitoring person can be hired. Not until it is known how many Simmental." change in Michigan agriculture and the FFA.As the the disbursement of Perkins Loans. He helped with people retire from the state of Michigan will the fate "MSU will contribute the staff necessary to number of FFAmembers from production agricul- the design and construction of vocational centers of the state FFAadvisor position be determined. coordinate this multi.breed show yet allow the re- ture decreased, Michigan leaders realized the need and served as a liaison between agriscience education Although he is leaving his post as state FFA spective breed associations to customize their to make agriculture education accommodate its and school administrators and boards of education. advisor, Karelse plans to continue giving to the FFA. breed classes and exhibits according to the needs of increasingly urban audience. Karelse became involved in agriculture and He will serve the Michigan FFAAlumni as a board each breed. We will partner with MSU's Ag Expo to But the modest Karelse won't take any credit. FFAas a member of the Caledonia FFAchapter. He member at-large and plans to build financial sup- benefit both events and include MSU Extension "It's not what I did; it's what I listened to," Karelse attended Michigan State University, obtaining both port for the Michigan FFAFoundation through busi- beef agents in educational activities during the said. He listened to the changes in the agriculture his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural ness and industry visits. event," said Dr. David Hawkins, Professor, Animal industry and the FFAin order to foresee changes and Extension education. Karelse continues to advise the FFAorganiza- Science Department who will be co-chairing the that needed to be made. When Karelse came to the Michigan Depart- tion with his ideas for the future. "If we will look at, event on behalf of MSU with Ken Geuns, Youth "I knew that teachers out there believed in ment of Education, he entered a department de- and stay in tune with, the needs of those who work Livestock Specialist, MSU Extension. what they're doing for kids, so I would do battle signed for agriculture education. Now he's the only in the industries of agriculture, then we can fine- For more information on the beef cattle event .here in the Michigan Department of Education to one left. He is retiring under the State of Michigan's tune our programs and keep on making adapta- to be held during AG Expo or other MCAactivities get ag its fair share if I could," Karelse said. early-retirement program, which carries the stipula- tions," he said .• contact the MCAoffice at (517)669-8589 or by writ- Karelse's job involved translating information, tion that for every four people who retire, only one ing PO Box 387, DeWitt, MI 48820 .• Spring options for CRPground Are you thinking of seeding yet? started in the early 1980s. Research and farmer M any experts agree that a burndown herbi cide should be applied in the fall if you're planning to row-crop CRP acres the following "Gramoxone Extra is less sensitive to weather conditions, so you can use the same rate in the fall as in the spring," says Murdock. "In our test plots, F roSt seeding, sometimes referred to as snow seeding or overseeding, can be used to estab- lish legumes in existing grass pastures, and to im- experience have shown that frost seeding is a low- cost, satisfactory method of pasture improvement spring. But where does that leave growers who 1.5 to 2 pints per acre did the job." prove forage palatability and yield. This time of year when competition of grass in the seeding year is could not spray in the fall? David Quarles, Missouri Extension specialist, is an ideal time to consider this management prac- reduced by either mowing or rotational grazing. Plowing is not the answer, says Marshal also has seen good results from a spring-time split tice of pasture improvement. The freezing and Seeding rates recommended by Michigan State McGlamery, agronomist with the University of Illi- of Gramoxone Extra, starting with 2.5 pints per acre thawing of the soil, combined with the early spring University are: Red Clover broadcasted alone should nois. "It will be very difficult to prepare a seedbed and following with 2 pints per acre. rains, help the germination of broadcast legume be seeded at 121bs per acre, while birdsfoot trefoil after a spring plowing because there just won't be 'The Gramoxone treatments worked as well seeds. The key to success with this method is to should be seeded at 81bs per acre. Ifseeded together enough time to allow the material to break down," as split treatments of Roundup at one quart per seed at the proper time and follow up with either rates should be 81bs and 4 Ibs respectively. he explains. acre," says Quarles. In both cases, the split treat- rotational grazing, mowing, or use of a grass herbi- Management steps for successful frost seeding Dan Childs, Extension weed specialist with ments provided equal control to a single treatment cide to reduce grass competition. are covered in Extension Bulletin E-2185 which can Purdue, says you can stop the growth of the peren. of Roundup at two quarts per acre. Results from research conducted at Michigan be obtained from any MSU Extension office. The nial cover crop with a spring burndown program, Before applying the spring burndown treat- State University has shown that grass suppression is key management steps for consideration are: 1. Site but it's going to take a higher rate of herbicide if ment' farmers should mow CRP acreage in early vital for the seedling establishment and yields when Selection; 2. Soil Fertility; 3. Seeding Time; 4. Graz- you're using Roundup or Touchdown. spring or burn the cover with fire. legumes are frost seeded into a grass sod. Red clo- ing Management for Establishment; 5. Management "In the fall, you can control a grass sod like "You want to mow off just enough to get rid of ver and birdsfoot trefoil are the two legumes used after Establishment; and 6. Reseeding. fescue with one to two quarts of Roundup or two the dead winter growth and get better coverage of for frost seeding in Michigan. In most situations, Frost seeding can be a management practice pints of Touchdown," says Childs. "If you wait until the new growth," says Childs. "Let the new growth Red Clover will have to be seeded every other year that producers can do for a total cost of $20 to $25 spring, you'll need to use one-and-a-half to two get about 8 to 10 inches tall, then spray your burn- since it is a short-lived perennial legume, whereas per acre. When properly done, a yield increase can times the fall rate." down in mid- to late May.The new growth will re- trefoil needs a longer time to become established, be obtained at 1.5 to 2.0 tons per acre dry hay Another alternative is to tank-mix Gramoxone spond to the herbicide better than spraying the old but will last longer and reaches maximum yield equivalent. This process continues to be one that Extra with atrazine. "This treatment looks very good growth." potential after the third year. In Michigan this man. Michigan livestock producers consider in February in the spring ifyou're going to corn," says Childs. "It It will also be easier to navigate your sprayer agement practice has given good results since it first and early spring .• willgive you burndown control and residual activity." across CRP fields after they are mowed, adds For CRP ground going to soybeans, you can Quarles. "When you've got vegetation that's three apply Gramoxone Extra four weeks prior to plant- to four feet tall, it's hard to keep track of your foam Many tire problems can easily be prevented ing, then make a second application right before markers and maneuver around potential ditches in ust about everyone who has driven a tractor, car bility of a flat tire. Most tire services can re-vulca- planting, says Uoyd Murdock, agronomist with the University of Kentucky. the field." • J or truck has had a flat tire. Many people don't nize a tire for a nominal fee. • If you need a fluid ballast, be sure to never pour Carcasses composted realize there are steps that can be taken to avoid flat tires in tractors. Most of these steps take a short water into the calcium chloride, as a toxic gas SARE grants $200,000 in the Dakotas time, but can save you quite a bit of money in tire and/or explosion may occur. Always add calcium I ndividualfarmers who would like to do on-farm research might receive $5,000 or a group of farmers interested in creative marketing might reo W ith hundreds of thousands of dead cattle piling up in the Dakotas due to blizzards, ranchers are being enwuraged to try a new way of repairs. If you don't have the necessary equipment or chloride to water slowly, stirring in a small amount at a time. If you're at all unsure about aren't sure about performing tire maintenance, performing this service, have your dealer do it ceive $10,000 from the Sustainable Agriculture Re- getting rid of the carcasses: composting. consult your farm equipment dealer. Your dealer for-you. search and Education (SARE)program. John Hoehne and Charles Fulhage, agricultur- has the proper tools and experience to make re- • Invest in a tire sealant. Available at many tire and The grants are awarded on a competitive ba- al engineers at the University of Missouri, said pairs and perform maintenance. supply stores, a tire sealant uses air pressure to sis. This year the SAREprogram will distribute South Dakota officials have shown interest in their • Never exceed the recommended inflation levels plug punctures from the inside. When a punc- $200,000 in grants. method of using sawdust compost heaps to break found in your tractor operator's manual and on ture occurs, the escaping air forces the sealant Farmers receiving the grants get help in get- down carcasses. the tire sidewall. Not only can inflating tires over into the leak, to temporarily plug the hole until ting started and they in turn help other interested The process consists of covering dead animals the recommended levels cause the bead to break the tire can be removed and repaired properly. producers. The purpose of the grants is to allow with about 12 inches of sawdust and then waiting for or the tire to explode, it also leaves the tire with • Be sure your working area is free of debris that farmers the opportunity to take risks or make temperatures in the compost heap to reach 140 to less "give," making sharp objects more prone to could puncture a tire. Take a few minutes to changes they might not otherwise undertake. 160or. After about six months in the compost heap puncture the tire. inspect the area you'll be working in for tire. The grant application deadline is May 1. The there will be nothing left of a 400-pound cattle ex- • Keep foreign substances, like oil, grease, fertiliz- threatening objects. funds will be available by mid-fall. cept a few of the larger bones, and those will be soft. ers and chemicals, off your tractor's tires as While there's no guarantee that you won't To obtain a grant application and other infor- There has been some objection to the com- much as possible. These materials are corrosive suffer tire damage by taking these steps, they can mation, contact the NCR SAREProgram, 13AActivi- posting technique. Charles Seagren, assistant state and could cause tires to deteriorate prematurely. significantly raise the chances that your tires will live ties Building, University of Nebraska-Uricoln, lin- veterinarian in South Dakota, said the large number • Treat splits or nicks in the sidewall or tread im- a long and productive life. See your operator's man- coln, NE 68583-0840, or call 402-274-7081. • of carcasses could post environmental and aesthetic mediately. Even with the most durable tractor ual or ask your dealer about your specific tires' problems when the spring thaw arrives .• tires, splits and cuts can occur, raising the possi- limitations .• ~~IL'I=l't:0 March 15, 1997 School lunches being reinvented with soy D oeS your local school district utilize soy The health benefits they're finding for soy now, that more when some of the schools took their ground bean products to meet strict dietary wasn't the big push. It was because it could be a beef and they added isolate and saw what it guidelines for your children? If not, the substitute for meat and reduce costs." stretched to and what the costs were. More savings Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC) For example, the use of soy helps meat prod- were seen there." wants to meet with them and explain the nutritional ucts respond to lower fat requirements without Kits available to schools benefits of soy-enhanced products. sacrificing quality. Meat entrees which are low in fat The MSPC has compiled a complete kit for To heighten the awareness among school food- can be served more frequently. And according to school food service personnel called "Reinventing service personnel, the MSPC has contracted the the United Soybean board, consumers also need to the Meal with Soy" complete with menus and reci- services Saginaw-based Dietetics Management Ser- know that research has proven that soybean's pes and directions about how they can work with vice and registered dietitian Bev Gaertner to call on healthy qualities include lowering fat while main- the soy products. It also provides the manufacturers schools across the state to demonstrate the latest in about 90 percent protein, and worked with manu- taining protein quality, reducing cancer risk and of the soy-based products so schools can buy fin- soybean-enhanced foods geared that kids will enjoy. facturers and came up with products that look just preventing heart disease. ished products or the soy isolate and concentrate to There are more than 5 billion meals served like what kids were used to eating," Gaertner ex- "What I've found in the short time I've been make their own products from scratch. each year in the nation's schools, amounting to 30 plains. "I mean breaded chicken nuggets, hamburg- doing it in talking to the schools is overcoming their What can farmers do to help get soy-based million meals each day. New health guidelines and er, riblet and chicken patties.They made a peppero- experiences from before," Gaertner states. "Letting products into their schools? cost are big challenges for the school lunch pro- ni that was reduced in fat that the schools could them see things that are different now." "Call the soybean board," Gaertner responds . gram, and Gaertner feels that soy-based products add to and make their own pepperoni." "There's a lot more uses, more applications, "The bottom line to this is if we educate them can meet both needs for food service directors. "Manufacturers usually use is a combination of and the flavor profile is so much different working (school food service personn.el) about what's out "From the food service supervisor's stand- the protein isolate and also protein concentrate," she with the isolates. And just let them know that there there and how to use it and what the reasons are point, they found they could use soy and it reduced adds. "One helps with moisture and one helps with are products out there that aren't made with the for using it and its growing acceptability." their cost," Gaertner states. "The other benefit was flavor. So it's those two in combination with the vegetable protein and how they look and taste and "Asa farmer, they all have children - is your that schools are trying to respond to U.S. dietary ground beef. They also had finished hotdogs, too. If feel is a lot different." school program using soy in any way or do they guidelines that have recommended reducing the you look at a school lunch, you could use soy prod- "I have a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old and I even know it's out there -let them know," she overall fat in the school lunch program to 30 percent ucts throughout the whole school lunch program." made the chicken nuggets at home and didn't tell adds. "Call the office in Frankenmuth, and we can or less of the total calories. And soy fits very perfectly Gaertner explains that the biggest challenge them anything," Gaertner points out. "To this day follow up either by trying to get a group together to into that. The schools are trying to say, 'how am I talking to school food service directors has been they still don't know they were any different. The meet with them and talk." going to reduce fat?', and 'how am I going to look at overcoming stereotypical images of products from products are oven-ready, so there's no extra frying. For more information about how to get the my costs too?', and then when they surveyed the before. "Early on in the '70s, when using vegetable The cost savings may come more if facilities are "Reinventing the Meal with Soy" kit for your school students, they found that there was overwhelming protein started kicking in it was because of cost doing more scratch cooking and they start incorpo- call the MSPC office at (517) 652-3294 or write to positive response to the students accepting the factors. Nutrition wasn't promoted as the reason. rating isolate with their ground beef. It was found them at P.o. Box 287, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 .• products, saying they would try other products." Gloria Bourdon, coordinator of health and nutrition services for the Genessee Intermediate School District agrees, "My major task is getting our schools to cut fat in our overall meal analysis and understanding the changing perception of what soy is all about now, not what it was 20 years ago," The latest soy-based product schools have utilized to increase the healthfulness of their lunch- es without sacrificing taste is a protein packed soy isolate that can be added to current products that kids already enjoy. "We used the isolate, which is Driscoll receives media service award from soybean group atrick Driscoll, executive director/manager of P editorial services and farm broadcaster for Michigan Farm Radio Network (MFRN) received the Meritorious Service Award for Broadcast Media at the American Soybean Association Awards Banquet in Tampa, Fla. The award is given by the United Did you know soybeans Soybean Board at Commodity Classic, a joint na- tional convention of corn and soybean growers. Driscoll was nominated for this award by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee located in Frankenmuth, which represents Michigan's 8,500 soybean producers. Driscoll was nominated for this award because of his dedication to "getting the soybean messages out" to Michigan's soybean grow- ers. Whether he is communicating information on agronomic soybean research results, soy and health are going to Sch~~\I? issues, or new uses for soybeans, Driscoll has time and time again shown his commitment to all of Michigan's soybean farmers through his timely me- dia releases and announcements. Driscoll was born and raised on a cash crop, dairy and swine operation (including annual soy- ~ On the lunch tray, that is! ll bean rotation). He has been involved with Michigan Farm Soybeans help schools meet the IIno more than 30% fat Radio Network (MFRN) for 15 years, the past seven as executive director. There he oversees interaction requirement in their weekly menu plan. with 32 affiliate stations on an editorial basis. In 1989, he also served as a consultant to Tennessee Radio Network in developing an effective farm de- partment. In addition to his MFRN responsibilities, Pat has served as farm director for WSJ Radio since mid-I995. For WSJ Radio, Pat puts together a one- Encourage your school district to contact us for a FREE copy of hour noon farm show, Monday through Friday, which serves six Michigan counties. Pat established editorial priorities at MFRN, including special emphasis on soybean activities. He "Reinventing the Meal with Soy" is responsible for the development of the MFRN (a complete guide to incorporating soy into the school lunch program) affiliate training seminar, hosting a one-day seminar in April designed to teach news directors what mod- Compliments of the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. ern agriculture is all about and how to effectively report on it locally. Michigan's soybean industry will be used extensively with this segment of the general news media to exemplify the benefits to producers and consumers of self-investment (i.e., checkoffs), Making Your Checkoff Pay Off. research advancements and modern production practices. Materials will include a directory of local agricultural contacts for MFRN affiliates to utilize Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, P.O. Box 287, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 when working on an agricultural story, of which soybean farmers will ~ large pan .• • lULJ~~~!0 • March 15, 1997 Study to measure financial Researchersdiscover brain protein at work in plants health of Michigan farmers T he same kinds of natural proteins that regulate human hormone secretion and blood vessel constriction also have a hand in determining how The importance of the discovery of 14.3.3. proteins' role reaches beyond nitrogen efficiency in plants. M ichigan farmers are encouraged to partici- pate in the Agricultural Resource Manage- ment Study. A sample of 430 of Michigan's 53,000 • Accurately make a financial assessment of the 1996 production season. • Evaluate what can be done to improve profitabili- much nitrogen fertilizer crops can use, U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture scientists have discovered. "Understanding this process in plants may "Scientists have long dreamed of increasing crop yields in nutrient-poor soils or enhancing the carbohydrate content of harvested grain. Huber's farmers has been selected for this study. ty for Michigan commodities. allow us to increase a plant's ability to take up nitro- findings on 14.3.3 proteins and other metabolites How did farmers fare financially in 1996?Are • Quantify the effect adverse 1996 weather condi- gen," said plant physiologist Steve Huber with US- are giving researchers a blueprint to make these economic conditions improving or becoming more tions had on net income and cash flow. DA'sAgricultural Research Service. 'This could mean things possible," said Rich Wilson, who oversees the severe? Which facets of agriculture were most ad- Information from this study provides the base- less man-made fertilizer would wind up in groundwa- ARSSoybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit versely affected by the 1996 abnormal/disastrous line for evaluating Michigan producers' financial ter. These proteins, called 14.3.3 proteins, represent where Huber works. weather conditions? What effects have farm pro- performance in 1996, said Dan Wyant, director of an important on-off switch in plants." For example, Huber and colleagues were able gram changes had? What does it cost to produce the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "I encour- Plants contain an enzyme called nitrate reduc- to show protein phosphorylation regulated another commodities like corn? These and other related age Michigan's farm operators to support this im- tase. This enzyme can turn nitrate from the soil into key enzyme, sucrose phosphate synthase or SPS, questions will be answered during the survey to portant effort." nitrite. During daylight hours, the plant uses the which determines how fast sugar is made and dis- assess the financial health of Michigan Agriculture. Participants in the study will also be making an sun's energy to convert the nitrite into amino acids tributed in the plant. These sugars contribute to a This study began in mid-February. According important contribution to the overall welfare of U.S. the plant needs for survival. But at night, without crop's carbohydrate content. to Dave K1eweno, state statistician for the Federal/ agriculture. State data will be merged with other the energy source, the nitrite could continue to Huber and his colleagues hope to use the State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service, "It is states to provide a national look at the United States accumulate in the plant and kill it. ._ findings on SPS and 14.3.3 proteins to study meta- critical that each operator selected to participate agricultural community. Nature protects the plant by using a process bolic processes in plants and perhaps alter them to takes the time to report. Otherwise, Michigan's true Michigan farm operators selected in this year's known as protein phosphorylation to bind a phos- boost crops' nutritional value. agricultural economic situation will not be properly study have been notified by letter. Results from the phate to the nitrate reductase. The phosphate The discoveries on the role of 14.3.3. proteins reflected in the final report." study \vill be made available by USDAin a series of makes it possible for 14.3.3 proteins to also bind to aren't the first time Huber's research team has bro- Michigan's agriculture industry will use this reports during 1997.• the nitrate reductase and shut down its nitrate-to- ken new ground. information to: nitrite conversion activities at night. When the sun "We were able to show conclusively that nitro- comes up, photosynthesis triggers the removal of gen reductase was regulated by protein phosphory- the phosphate and 14.3.3 protein so the nitrate lation in 1992, but it became clear that the phos- reductase can go back to work. phate alone didn't inactivate the enzyme," said Hu- Cherry producers approve "What's interesting is a 14.3.3 protein shuts the conversion process down very quickly at night, ber. "Scientists have wondered what 14.3.3 proteins were doing in plants. It has been thought that they continuation referendum but when the nitrate reductase starts back to work, it does so very slowly," said Huber. 'This eQuId be playa role in gene expression, but we now know at least one additional function-the control of nitrate M ichigan cherry producers have approved a referendum for the continuation of the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Pro- ers voted "yes" (73 percent) representing 68,168 tons of cherries (69 percent) and 92 producers voted "no" (27 percent) representing 29,987 tons of further evidence that the plant is protecting itself from concentrations of potentially toxic chemicals." reductase activity." • gram, according to Dan Wyant, director of the Mich- cherries (31 percent). Fourteen ballots were re- igan Department of Agriculture (MDA). turned undeliverable as addressed. Soybean hulls can be used in water treatment Michigan cherry producers approved the referendum to continue the Michigan Cherry Pro- motion and Development Program for another five The current assessment rate is $10 per ton for both tart and sweet cherries and $5 per ton for cherries sold for juice. A gricultural byproducts like soybean hulls have often been an underutilized waste ma- terial by milling and crushing plants. by not spending as' much on resins and investing in soybean hulls. "This is another example of adding value to years beginning]uly 1 and ending]une 30, 2002. A The law requires that more than 50 percent of Through a national soybean checkoff-funded the hull and the soybean," explains Marshall. total of 368 ballots were cast in the referendum the voting producers, representing over 50 percent project, researchers are using soybean hulls in treat- Non-carbonized hulls can only be used two or which was conducted by MDAfrom Feb. 3, through of the volume of cherries sold by those voting, must ing wastewater and drinking water during filtration. three times, but their use in the filtration process Feb. 15. Twenty-one ballots were disqualified for the approve the referendum for passage. They have developed a process to transform soy- does not end with metal absorption. After their following reasons: 13 were incomplete, six were no Additional information about the referendum bean hulls to non-carbonized metal absorbers and useful life as metal absorbers has expired, soybean longer growers, one was unverifiable, and one was a may be obtained brcontacting MDA'sMarket Davel- ~ .to convert hulls.m activated.metal carbons. The hulls can£b&ome camonized by mixing the hulls duplicate. Of the remaining 347 ballots; 255 produc- opment Division at (517) 373-1058.•• , "project, wh{ctiii o~e of5rboJ\e~ic Marketihg with a~sUif.lblebinde}.~rttl compreSsing them into projects funded by the United Soybean Board briquettes. These high-density, carbonized bri- (USB), is being overseen by researchers from the queues are superior to non-carbonized hulls for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). absorption of organic compounds, and are similar "We discovered metal absorption could be to non-carbonized hulls in metals uptake. achieved by treating soybean hulls with oxidants, "The briquettes are more costly than non- DARE such as sodium hypochlorite (household bleach)," carbonized hulls, but they can be used more often e. says Wayne Marshall, a project researcher from the USDASouthern Regional Research Center in.New Orleans, La. Soybean hulls that come from oil mills are than non-carbonized hulls," says Marshall. "The non-carbonized hulls are not'as durable in batch applications." Marshall says some companies, particularly COMPARE. If you're considering the big performance of a 3-Section unmodified, or non-carbonized. Because of the unique composition of soybean hulls, they are very effective at absorbing metals. Their affinity for met- a1salso makes hulls effective at softening water and removing magnesium and calcium. Using non-carbonized hulls also is a cost-effi- seed crushers, have expressed interest in this soy; bean hull technology, especially activated carbons. However, transferring this technology to companies like seed crushers would not come cheap. Accord- ing to Marshall, it would cost $5-6 million to con- struct and equip a new facility to manufacture actio Drill, compare our features. cient method for water treatment. The use of the vated carbons, but it would only cost $800,000 for a hulls is inexpensive in comparison to current treat- non-carbonized manufacturing facility. • Hydraulically controlled • Lift openers without lifting ment processes. Currently, ion-exchange resins are "We expect to be able to conduct product down pressure with drill. most commonly used to absorb metals and filter demonstrations within a year and a half to two years independent adjustment • Standard row unit 1/3 heavier water. Resins are expensive, says Marshall, and by for interested companies. We want to transfer the of wings and center than competitive models. using the hulls, treatment facilities can reduce costs technology to the companies and let them make section. the profit from it," explains Marshall. • • Industry's largest seedbox capa.ci1¥ New STEElM Herbicide KEEPS WEEDS FROM GEnING THROUGH Introducing STEEL" herbicide for soybeans. It keeps weeds from getting through. Just soil- apply it for maximum early-season control of more than 50 weeds, including yield robbers like cocklebur, nightshade, ragweed, and foxtail. And with its solid residual control, STEEL" frustrates weeds all season long. "We lead because we listen." For more information call 800-942-0500. Hofferbert Sales East Michigan Equipment Schettenhelm's Inc. 200 N. Fourth St. 1877 S. Sandusky Road 12000 Stony Creek Rd. Bannister, MI 48807 Sandusky, MI48471 Milan, MI48160 517-862-5300 810-648-4780 313-439-1829 exception use. He believes the generally accepted in the way offarmers' abilities to do their jobs. present it to the board," he says. In the meantime, Apltl t997 management practices outlined in the Michigan Master zoning plans he hopes to pour the first concrete for his swine A monthly resource Right-to-Farm Act provide ample protection against As development booms in rural areas, several facility this month. for the Community unwise farming practices. Michigan jurisdictions have begun to revamp their His advice for other farmers? "Stay involved in Action Groups Richardson's operation is a centennial farm, master zoning plans. Creating a master plan gives a local government affairs. Not all townships have of Michigan Farm and his family has been in the area since the 186Os. township zoning board the opportunity to look at these intensive livestock ordinances," he says. Bureau "We've got a 1,000-acre farm now and try to keep it what role they want to take in fostering planned "When you see these things coming down the pipe- as neat as a pin," he says. "I do things right.': He growth in their community. It allows for land use line, get involved. Local ordinances can be the even plans to take extra measures to be kind to his policy by design, rather than by accident. He hopes other farmers don't have £0 go farmer-s friend - and foe non-farm neighbors, such as spending $40,000 If scores of new homes are part of the town- through what he did. "It destroys the community R ob Richardson knows full well how local more for a covered concrete structure instead of an ship's future, the board may include measures fot aspect of a neighborhood," he says. "You've really zoning restrictions can affect production open lagoon. That's why he believes the ordinances utilities and other services. They may also consider got to be proactive about this." • agriculture - and he's not happy about it. treat responsible farmers unfairly. which areas of the township should be preserved Richardson, a Vicksburg farmer and president While Richardson's story may sound like a for farmland, and re-zone accordingly. Discussion Questions of the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau, recently nightmare, he's not the only Michigan farmer facing Many farmers have gotten involved at this 1. Are zoning laws in your area went up against what he says are some of the state's reasonable? Why or why not? problems with zoning. level in their lOwnships as a proactive measure to toughest township zoning laws. Zoning and development prevent future development problems. 2. What zoning restrictions could "I planned to put in a 3,s00-swine nursery prevent the loss of farmland to Zoning for development in rural areas touches According to Richardson, the Brady Township facility in Brady Township, which has the strictest development? production agriculture in two important ways: farm- intensive livestock ordinances he had £0 deal with intensive livestock ordinances in the State of Michi- 3. How may townships be structured so land preservation and the possibility that new, non- have become a base for other lOwnships in the state gan," he says. that agricultural, residential and farm neighbors won't understand or appreciate to build from - simply because most don't have Richardson says unreasonable restrictions, commercial lands can coexist? agricultural practices going on next door. such ordinances at all. He says some zoning boards such as one that required the buildings to be set 4. Do you see any future zoning Most Michigan citizens may agree that zoning that aren't familiar with agriculture adopt the ordi- ordinances in your area that Farm back one-half mile, greatly hindered his ability to laws are necessary to allow for the preservation of nances without first considering their full effects. Bureau get involved in? expand his farm. farmland. Uncontrolled residential or commercial But Richardson isn't one to give up. "I'm go- "I chose the Brady Township location from a 5. At what level should zoning take development could eat up valuable farmland. Homes ing to personally work on rewriting this ordinance, place? Are townships of a large management standpoint because it was close to my haphazardly scattered throughout an area could get along with the ag engineer that helped me, then enough scope to handle it? home farm, but also for security and access to utili- ties," he says. When he found out his plan for expansion wouldn't work with the township restrictions, he took the next logical step. "I thought I'd be a good guy and go to the township and try to get a variance." But Richardson, a well-respected, life-long resident of the township, had no luck obtaining the variance. He even tried the same process in a near- by township where he also owns land, but with the "Bottom line, today same outcome. Mter being turned down for the variances, he went back to Brady Township to request a special exception use to build the swine facility - this time we are much better off in our with legal representation. That, too, was denied .. With no other options left, Richardson has decided to construct the facility while complying fully with the zoning laws. "I'm trying to get in line grass and weed control with Prowl on our com." with the ordinance," he says. "I have to build way back from the home farm where there's no road and no utilities. Obviously, it's cost me a lot more than I ever envisioned." Richardson, chair of the Brady Township plan- ning board, understands the need for zoning, but Todd says the ordinances were put in place as a result of an unfortunate incident with an intensive livestock Hull facility nearly a decade ago. "It left a bad taste in peo- ple's mouths," he says. "In that time, I'm the first Webberville, farmer that had to go up against the ordinances." Michigan According to Richardson, intensive livestock operations should be a permitted use, not a special Search for alternative fungicides picks up ynthetic fungicides can combat a throng of S fungal diseases thriving in damp soil to rot crop roots and spoil their seed. But some fungi seem to be immune. That gap, combined with grower concern over possible loss of existing fungicides and public pres- sure for less chemical use is fueling decades of searching for biological alternatives. One in particular- a bacterium first isolated from English soil and prepared like foot powder in a base of talc - may prove to be a potent natural fungicide. In three years of University of Idaho field trials in potatoes, the bacterium has reduced seed piece decay and Rhisoctonia root rot in treated plants. It has performed almost as well, if not as well, as syn- thetic fungicides, according to Mike Thornton, crop management specialist at the university's Parma Research and Extension center. - • - ~- Applied to soil or dusted on crop seeds before planting, the bacterium spreads along growing plant roots as a protective net, all the while producing antibiotics £0 kill fungi and enzymes that otherwise break down root cell walls. The bacterium also shows potential for controlling potato diseases in storage. University of Idaho microbiologist Don Craw- ford collected the biocontrol agent, StreplOmyces lydicus, in 1991 on the roots of a linseed plant. J.R. Simplot Co. is applying to .the Environ- mental Protection Agency to register the bacterium as a fungicide, and plans field trials leading to a marketable product as early as 1999.• 1~'ll~~IL'I~ March 15, 1997 Alfalfa fall dormancy and disease resistance Consider type of stand, disease F.II donnMtcy 3 -lI1Jodentfiy WlntwIYrdy (ttwe.- to Surpass Andrews Seed HR R MR R HR ICI630 ** ICI Seeds HR R MR MR ~ resistance and other factors when flw-~ sf MId$. IIIrlttt four cuttings II« ~ In south- Thrive Great Lakes Hybrids HR HR HR R HR ICI631 ICI Seeds HR HR R R HR em Iowet' IMdtJfIMI). Thunder Agripro R R MR HR Jade NC + Hybrids HR HR R R HR choosing alfalfa varieties TMF Multi-plier II Mycogen HR HR Disease Resistance HR HR HR Key Great Plains Research HR HR HR HR HR L isted below are the names and marketers Variety Marketer BW PRR AN VW FW Trident II Cargill Hybrid HR HR R R R laser J-V Seeds HR HR R R HR for several alfalfa varieties that are available 120 U DeKalb HR R lR R Total +Z America's Alfalfa HR HR HR R HR legend Cenexll.and O'lakes HR R HR R HR to Michigan producers. Varieties are 5246 ** Pioneer Hi-Bred HR HR R HR HR Ultimate Terra HR R HR R legacy Genesis HR HR R R HR 5312 Pioneer Hi-Bred HR HR HR HR HR Ultra SeedTec HR R HR R HR Magnum III ** Dairyland R R MR MR R grouped by fall dormancy rating. A rating of 1 is the 2980 LL Olds HR HR R R R Ultraleaf 87 La Crosse Seed HR HR HR R HR Magnum N ** Dairyland HR HR R R HR most dormant and 5 is the least dormant. Fall dor- 3324 Seed Mart HR HR HR R HR Venture Agripro HR HR R R HR Medallion Seedway HR R R R mancy ratings of 1 or 2 are generally dormant 2833 Ciba Seeds HR HR HR R HR VIP Research Seeds HR R R R R MultiQueen Fred Gutwein & Sons HR HR HR R HR enough for long-term stands. All varieties reported 9323 Research Seed~hisslerHR HR R R HR , Webfoot" Great lakes Hybrids R R LR MR Ovation Callahan HR HR HR HR HR here, according to our procedures, are winterhardy 9326 LG. Seeds HR HR R' R HR Webfoot MPR Great lakes Hybrids HR HR HR R HR Patriot Mycogen R R R R R Accolade Chemgro R R R HR R Wintergreen Renk Seeds HR HR R R HR Precedent WyffelslOoeble HR HR R R HR enough for short-term stands (three to five years). Achieva U Allied Seed R HR HR R HR 'Nl-317 W-l Research HR HR R R HR Prism Beachley-Hardy HR HR HR R R Disease resistance ratings are included for Agriboss Agribasics HR HR HR MR HR 'Nl-324 W-l Research HR HR HR R HR Pro-Cut LG. seeds HR HR R R HR Bacterial wilt (BW), Phytophthora root rot (PRR), Allegiance United Agriseeds R R HR R R WI. 325 HQ W-l Research HR HR HR R HR Pro-Cut 2 l.G. Seeds HR HR R R R Anthracnose (AN), Verticillium wilt (VW), and Arrow** America's Alfalfa HR HR MR R HR Zenith Supercrost HR HR HR R Promise ICI Seeds HR HR HR R HR Attainer Hoffmanllem~e HR HR HR HR HR Quest Renk Seed HR HR R R HR Fusarium wilt (FW). Low resistance (LR) means 6 to Benchmark ReseardVAg Venture HR HR HR R HR F.,' donnMcy .. - .,.,..r.1y Winnrlvtnly (th,... to Ram Rod Bio-P1ant R R MR R R 14 percent of the planlS of the variety are resistant Blazer Xl Cenexll.and O'lakes R HR HR R HR Recovery PGIIMBS R R R R R flw-yul' stMtds with up to four aIttI"fIS IMr Yfl'T In to the disease; moderate resistance (MR) means 15 Bolt Ml Research Seeds/Jung R HR HR HR R soutIt«n 10..,. MIdtIgMJ). Resistar Countrymark R HR R HR HR to 30 percent of the planlS are resistant. Varieties Bronco Jung HR HR MR R HR Disease Resistance Rushmore Northrup King HR HR HR R HR with 31 to 50 percent resistance are resistant (R) Break Thru Custom Farm HR HR MR R HR Variety Marketer BW PRR AN VW FW Sabre Kinder Seed/Allied SeedHR R HR HR Callahan 5m Callahan R R R R R 5364** Pioneer Hi-Bred R MR MR MR R Salute lynks Seed HR R MR MR R and those with more than 51 percent are consid- Centurion ** Agway/Allied Seed HR R R R R 5373 Pioneer Hi-Bred HR MR HR R HR Saranac ** Public R ered highly resistant (HR). C1BA 2888 Cioo Seeds HR HR HR R HR 5432 Pioneer Hi-Bred HR MR R HR Stine 9227 Stine HR HR HR R HR Both fall dormancy and disease resistance Class Union R MR MR HR 5454** Pioneer Hi-Bred R HR HR MR HR SuperCuts Seedmart HR HR HR HR HR ratings are listed here as presented by seed compa- C~umbo PG~BS R R R HR 5472 Pioneer Hi-Bred HR MR MR MR HR Target II Rupp Seeds HR HR MR MR R Crown II Cargill HR HR HR R HR Action ** Research Seeds R R HR MR R Terminator Plant Genetics HR R R MR - nies; none of these characteristics have been evalu- Cut 'N' Graze Agripro HR R MR lR HR AF 21 Asgrow/O's Gold HR R HR R R TMF Generation Mycogen Seeds HR HR HR HR HR ated in Michigan State University trials. Dart Agripro HR HR R R HR Aggressor America's Alfalfa HR HR HR R HR Trident Cargill Hybrid R HR MR HR Dawn ** Agripro R R R R HR Allegro Keltgen Seed HR HR HR R HR Ultimate Terra Int. HR R HR R R F.II donnMtcy , - \fwy W/nnrlvtnly Demand Agripro HR HR HR R HR ALPHA 2001 Great lakes Hybrid HR HR HR HR HR Vector L Peterson It R R R MR HR Disease Resistance DK 125 ** DeKalb HR R HR R R Apollo Supreme America's Alfalfa HR R HR R HR Vernema Public MR lR lR MR Variety Marketer BW. PRR AN VW FW OK 127 DeKalb HR HR HR R HR Applause l.G. Seeds HR R HR R HR Voyager II temke Seeds HR HR RR . HR 5151 Pioneer Hi-Bred R R Elevation Mycogen R MR MR MR HR Allied Seed Asset HR HR R R R WAMPR Countrymark R R R R ~ Spredor 3 Northrup King HR MR R MR MR Encore ResearchlSpangler HR HR HR R HR Award Asgrow HR HR HR HR HR Wl-320 ** W-l Research R R MR MR HR ~I domNIncy 2 - WlntwlNudy ~s .HJ long- Envy Peterson R MR BH 330 Beachley-Hardy HR HR HR R HR WI.-322 HQ W-L Research R R MR R twm sfMtds of flw pM'S 01" moN mostly with tIuw. Forecast 1000 Dairyland HR HR R R HR Big Horn Cargill Hybrid HR HR HR R HR Wl-323 W-L Research HR HR HR R HR aIttI"fIS). G-2841 ** Ciba Seeds HR R HR R HR Chief Mycogen Seeds HR HR R R R Wl-326 GZ W-l Research HR HR HRRHR Disease Resistance Genesis pfister Hybrids HR HR HR R HR Cimarron Great Plains Research HR MR R lR HR Variety Marketer BW PRR AN VW FW GH 777 Golden Harvest HR HR R R HR Cimarron VR Great Plains Research HR MR HR R HR F.II donrMncy S - INrdy fmough for 3- to 50,...,. 5262 Pioneer Hi-Bred HR R lR MR GH 787 Golden Harvest HR HR HR R R Choice Countrymark HR HR R R HR sUnds In southern lower Mlchlpn. 620 ICI Seeds HR HR HR R R G-een Field Peterson HR HR HR R HR Crystal PGVMBS HR HR R R HR Disease Resistance 636 ICI Seeds HR R MR R R Haymark Countrymark R R HR HR Depend +EY Agripro HR HR HR HR HR Variety Marketer BW PRR AN VW FW . A295 PGIIMBS HR HR R R HR Husky Plant Genetics R MR MR R OK 133 ** Oekalb HR HR HR R HR Belmont Great Plains Research HR HR HR HR ~.HR A1fagraze America's Alfalfa MR lR MR R Hyland OaSIS HR HR R R HR Dominator Agripro HR HR HR R HR Avalanche +Z America's Alfalfa HR HR HR HR HR 1C1645 ICI Seeds HR HR HR R = = = R Dynasty Oairyland HR R MR R R *BW Bacterial Wilt. PRR Phytophthora Root Rot. AN Clipper Payco HR R R R HR = = Impact Peterson HR R MR R HR k~ ~~~n R R MR R R Anthracnose. VW Verticillium Wilt. FW Fusarium Wilt. Columbia 2000 Allied Seed R MR MR MR R * *Varieties in fall dormancy groups 3 or 4 which have been Imperial America's Alfalfa HR HR HR R HR Emerald Hoffman/Plains R R MR MR R evaluated at Lake City or Chatham and are hardy enough for Defiant Agripro HR HR HR HR HR Innovator +Z America's Alfalfa HR HR HR R HR EMPRESS Blaney Seeds HR HR R R HR long-term stands. Dividend Agway/Allied Seed HR HR HR R HR MagnaGraze Dairyland HR HR R R HR Enhancer ** Rosen's,lnc. HR HR R R HR OK '22 DeKaib HR HR HR R R MalJ1t.rn IIVvU** Dairyland Evolution Mycogen HR HR HR R HR Majestic Agway/Allied Seed R HR R R MR MR R HR HR Enterprise Excalibur ** Mershmen Allied Seed- HR HR R R lR MR R R HR HR Senator wants to cut flagshIp 75 Forerunner Peterson Seed ResearchlBrown Seed HR HR HR HR R HR R HR HR HR Max 329 SeedMart HR HR HR HR HR Excalibur II Alfied Seed HR HR HR R HR mining, grazing, some Milkmaker Plant Genetics R MR MR HR Iroquois Public HR Multi-Gem Clark Seeds HR R R R R Flint Variety Plant Genetics Marketer R R HR LR BW PRR ANVWFW HR farming subsidies legenDairy Cenexll.and O'lakes HR HR HR HR HR Mohawk Mariner Public Allied Seed HR R HR HR MR MR HR HR R MR MultiKing 1 Multi-p1ier ** Multistar Northrup King Mycogen Countrymark HR HR HR HR HR HR HR HR HR R R R HR Forecast 3000 Fortress ** Gem Oairyland Northrup King Countrymark HR R R HR HR HR HR R R R R R HR R HR U S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) said in mid- February that he would propose cuts in feder- al subsidies for sugar and tobacco farmers, as well Nordic ICI Seeds HR R R Oneida VR ** N.Y.5.1.P. R MR MR HR HR G-2852 ** Ciba Seeds HR R HR R R Oneida Public HR HR R Paramount Wyffels Hybrids HR HR HR R HR R HR MR R as low- or no-fee use of public lands by private com- GH 737 Rob-See-Co R Pacesetter ResearchlBrown Seed HR HR HR R R Proof Keltgen Seed HR HR HR R HR GH 755 Golden Harvest HR HR HR R panies. Gregg is also proposing to cut subsidies for HR Profit Ciba Seeds HR R MR R HR Rainier Northrup King HR HR HR R HR GH 794 Golden Harvest HR HR HRRHR cattle grazing on public land. Quantum Renk Seed HR HR HR HR HR RFV 2000 Custom Farm Seed HR HR HR R HR Gourmet Hay Fred Gutwein & Sons HR R HR R HR Also high on Gregg's list is the Rural Utilities Sterling Cargill HR HR HR R HR Royalty Cargill Hybrid HR HR HR R HR Haygrazer Great Plains Research HR R R R HR Vernal Public R MR Shield ** Great lakes HR R Service, a Department of Agriculture agency created HR R R Homestead Terra HR HR HR R R Viking I Northrup King R R R HR HR Stampede Allied Seed HR HR R R HR HYGain Hyperformer HR HR R R HR in 1935 to help bring electricity and telephone ser- 'Nl225 W-L Research HR HR MR R HR Sure Cenexlland Olakes HR R vice to rural pans of the country. HR R HR 'Nl252 HQ W-l Research HR HR HR R HR Wrangler Public R Gregg said his combination of proposals would HR lR lR R save taxpayers $14 billion over the next five years .• Computer model aids Michigan cattle Grazing animals prefer afternoon hay grain managers numbers down nsecticideapplications on stored wheat can be I f f~rmers wan~ their liv~stock to eat more and. gam more weIght, they d better make hay whtle tends to peak in the afternoon. This led researchers to explore whether cutting hay later in the day I reduced or eliminated by timely cooling of the grain with automated fans. M ichigan's farmers reported lower cattle numbers on Jan. I, 1997, continuing a trend that has been underway since 1994, according to the the afternoon sun shines. ScientislS with USDKs Agricultural Research could boost consumption. ScientislS let the animals try afternoon~cut hay This cost-saving and environmentally friendly Federal!State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Service say a new study shows that sheep, goalS and and morning-cut hay before offering both in a side- management advice comes from entomologists Some highlighlS from the report are as follows: canle all prefer grass hays harvested in the after- by-side comparison. Sheep, goalS and canle all with USDA'sAgricultural Research Service. They Michigan's all cattle and caJves inventory was noon compared with those cut in the morning. consumed an average of 50 percent more of the developed a computer model called "Stored Grain at 1.13 million head down from 1.17 million the One possible explanation: PlanlS' carbohy- preferred hays. Their preference held true even Advisor" (SGA) to help with decisions on grain previous year. drate production is at its peak at midday. The ani- though the hay offered was from harvests on three handling. They say unaerated grain is a prime The state's beef cow numbers increased to mals may remember afternoon-harvested hay is different days. breeding ground for rusty grain beetles, particularly 125,000 from 122,000 in 1996. While beef replace- easier to digest and gives them more energy. Other The scientislS also noted the livestock's top unaerated wheat in bins of 3,000 bushels or more. ment heifers increased to 33,000 from 30,000 head. studies have shown animals can be conditioned to picks among the afternoon hays to make sure cut- Computer simulation studies showed that an The number of milk cows in the state declined choose higher-energy feeds. ting time was the key factor in the animals' choices. automatic aeration controller could keep insect pop- to 310,000 from 328,000 previously, and heifers for It's long been known that livestock grazing Each hay underwent 15 comparisons .• ulations below economically damaging levels with- milk cow replacement declines 10,000 to 145,000 out insecticides as far south as Oklahoma. When set head. Honey prices up sharply to turn on fans whenever air temperature is 18~ lower than grain temperature, the automated system The 1996 calf crop was 400,000 head, 20,000 less than 1995. H oney production in Michigan during 1996 totaled 8.6 million pounds, 3 percent less than a year ago, according to the Federal!State Nationally, honey production in 1996 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 198 helps suppress insect development and reproduc- The number of operations with livestock in million pounds, down 6 percent from 1995. There tion by keeping grain cool and saves energy and grain the state remains the same at 19,000. Michigan's Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. This esti- were 2.57 million colonies producing honey in weight loss by cooling only when necessary. milk cow operations dropped to 4,400, down 300 mate only included honey from producers with five 1996, compared with 2.65 million in 1995. Yield per Users of SGA can click on an insect identifica- from 1996. or more colonies. There were 90,000 colonies in colony averaged 77.2 pounds, down 2.3 pounds tion icon to see pictures of 16 of the most damaging Nationally, all cattle and caJves, totaled 101.2 production during 1996,7,000 less than 1995. The from the 79.5 pounds in 1995. Colonies that pro- inseclS in stored wheat along with descriptions of million head, 2 percent below the 103.5 million on average yield per colony was 96 pounds, up 4 duced in more than one state were counted in each the peSlS and the damage they inflict. This informa- Jan. I, 1996 and 2 percent below the 102.8 million pounds from the previous year. This was the high- state and yields per colony may be understated. tion can also be accessed through the SGA home two years ago. est yield since honey production estimates were Producer honey stocks were 47.0 million pounds on page on the world wide web at: hnp:// Milk cows, on U.S. farms at 9.28 million, were resumed in 1986. Dee. 15, 1996, up 11 percent from a year earlier. bru.usgrmrl.ksu.edu!f]innJindex.html down 1 percent from Jan. 1, 1996 and 2 percent Michigan honey prices averaged a record Prices for the 1996 crop averaged a record SGAgraphicaJly prediclS how different manage- below two years ago. $1.10 per pound, 32 cenlS above last year's average high 89.4 cenlS per pound, up 31 percent from the ment choices such as time of fumigation affect spe- The number of U.S. operations with cattle of 78 cenlS. This excludes all government support previous record price of 68.5 cenlS in 1995. Prices cific inseclS' population growth. Farm~rs and grain totaled 1,194,390 during 1996, down 1 percent from price paymenlSand CCC loans. Value of production are based on retail sales by producers and sales to elevator operators can get the software through Ex- 1995 and 2 percent below 1994. Milk cow opera- totaled $9,504,000, up 37 percent from 1995. Honey private processors and co-ops. Prices were higher tension at Kansas State University, Oklahoma State tions were 7 percent below last year and 15 percent stocks on hand for sale, as of Dec. 15, totaled 4.32 for all color classes in 1996.• below two years ago .• million pounds, up 21 percent from 1995. University and Montana State University .• ~~~~I:t'ill March 15, 1997 Michigan Farm News Classified You Can Slill MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Place your Oats For Sale: Save Big Bucks advertising with us and see the Oats Cleaned & Bagged $3.50 per bu. 1997 MASSEY FER- GUSON tractor. 180 diesel. Heavy duty onOualil1 results! 800-292-2680, Raymond Oates Freeman loader with 2 buck- ets. Very good con- 4000 Allalla Seed! ext. 6543 517-286-6871 dition! Call 1-616- 754-7378. You can pav more for an alfalfa seed but vou 4000 BALES OF will nol gel a beDer aUaUa. ~- /' DEER Seeking hunting land for lease: ~(/' CROP DAMAGE? 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Grinder/Mixer Gehll35 house, three barns, ALFALFA HAY: 60- Sturgis, MI Stud Service availa- old, solid black and Symon's 21" mill, good con- EXPERIENCED all machinery equip- 70 pound square 1-616-651-8353 ble. a yearling, black 1-517-271-8445 dition. $4000. New Michigan agribusi- ment, and market- bales. High mois- 612 North Madison, and white. ing systems. Great Gaines ' Holland super 717 ness attorneys with ture corn barley. Lapeer, M148446. Also, several bred location for thirty chopper, 2 heads, 1-517 -733-2782. heifers. farm backgrounds. FROM MFl135 TRAC- ANGUS BEEF: 1-810-667 -0169 years. 1.35 million corn heads like new, Diamond 6 Ranch Knowledge and ex- TOR, 18.4x38 direct Bulls, heifers and any time. dollars, terms avail- $3500. Gehl 910 HAY AND STRAW 1-616-642-9042 perience in all farm axle duals, includ- cows with calves . able to qualified chopper wagon, tan- WANTED: Contact REGISTEREDPOLLED areas; restructure, ing all hardware, Performance test- buyers. dem, 12 ton gear, Keegan Hay Com- Hereford Herd Dis- stray voltage, bank- $300. Quick tach ed, semen tested. TOP QUALITY HOL- Heartland good condition, pany, Emmett, MI persal Sale: In- ruptcy, estate plan- coupler with top Free delivery! Call STEIN breeding age Management $2800. 1-810-384-6620. cludes some Rocky ning. EAST SIDE: link, $300. FRT anytime. bulls, from high pro- Services. 1-616-894-6839 or Banner and Opti- Thomas J. Budzyn- MTD. suitcase THUST LIQUID SHAGBARK ducing cow family. ski, 43777 Grose- 1-616-637-2625 1-616-894-5050. mum breeding. To- weights, $250. 9' FERTILIZER, $2.60 FARMS Top AI sires, $800- beck Highway, Mt. tal 34 animals. FRT. MTD. snow- JOHN DEERE 4250, a gallon, 8-20-4, Alto, Michigan $900. Rye Hereford Clemens, Michigan. plow, $500. Whole C.H.A. Dyno-140hp, ask about Somerset 1-616-868-6040 Pasch Farms 48036. Farm package, $1000. 4100 hours, very folier feed for 1-517-644-3519 1-810-463-5253. Rogers City Clipper fanning mill good, $27,750. alfalfa, potatoes, 1-517-734-3005 WESTSIDE: package, set-up to 1-616-979-2171. small grains, vege- LLAMAS: Robert A. Staniha, clean soys at this tables and lawns. North American Sit- REGISTERED SCOT. 40 West Sheridan, BUYING FARM LAND time, $750. Two UQUID MANURE Call Paul, 8am- ting Bull and Essex TISH HIGHLAND CAT- Fremont, Michigan, and recreational gravity wagons, SPREADERS: lpm. bloodlines. Pet TLE, breeding stock 49412. property throughout used primarily for New and used. 1-517 -479-9356. males and weanling and semen for sale. 1-616-924-3760. northwest Michigan. seed on Lgt., but Balzer, Better-Bilt females. Reasona- Visitors welcome! Call Ron McGregor good gears. One parts. UPS daily. bly priced! Call evenings or METAL ROOF COAT- at 1-616-943-7709 i approximately 90 Also, grain dryers Call for more infor- weekends. GORGEOUS MALE INGS: Heavy fibered for details. bushel, $500. The and handling equip- 1-517 -543-7979. seedS mation and visit. BORDER COLLIE: or white roof coat- other approximately ment. 1-517-645-2719. Charlotte, Michigan One year, needs ings. H.J. Butzin. FARMS AND LAND 120 bushel, $750. Hamilton Distributing Miller's lIamaland herding or obedi- Call anytime, early throughout Michi- Buy both, $1000. Company REGISTERED TEXAS BAYSIDE SEED Potterville, MI ence work. Pedi- or late. gan, agricultural Two gravity boxes, 1-800-248-8070 LONGHORNS: Top corn. All maturities! gree from quality 1-517-777-9815: and recreational. no gears. Both solid quality and selec- breeder, strong nat- Large parcels pre- NEW HOLLAND 273 Dairybrand alfalfa. tion! Breeding age and hold approxi- ural instincts, pro- ferred. We have Bayside 169 soy HORTON BAY LLA- bulls, guaranteed mately 250 bushel. with thrower, rebuilt tective and loving. buyers! beans. MAS is reducing 100% calving ease. McCurdy, $500. Kil- knotters and new $400 or best. Call Dan VanVal- pickup teeth, field B& M SEED herd size. Four bred Cows, heifers and bros, $750. Buy 1-517-684-4314. kenburg, Rural 1-517-463-2846 females available. calves available. Al- both, $1000. White ready. 1-616-754- Property Specialist. 6969. Due this spring and so, lean beef and 20' field cultivator Faust Real Estate with Midwest level- fall. We also have skulls. Adrian er, Hydraulic. wings, new shovels, fold ONE ROW, 3 PT. hitch tree planter, For Sale: weanling Photos sent on re- males. 1-616-945-2153., 120 ACRE FARM: 1-517-263-8666 $300; lime spread- quest. NewaygoCounty. 4- WANTED: 80-120 $2000. 1-517 -834-2576. er, $75; four row Ear Corn Jaek & Barbara Danly LLAMAS ARE bedroom home with acre farm, Ionia corn planter, $200. 06300 Boyne City GREAT, and now pool. Excellent soil, area. Young couple HARVESTORE FLUR- 1-517 -676-2185. Road they're affordable! 95% tillable. Build- relocating due to off RY 400,000 gallons. Charlevoix, MI These docile, intelli- ings in A-l condi- farm employment Patz gutter cleaner, SEEDLING TREE gent animals make FREE HOME DELlV- 49720 tion! $169,900. Call and urban sprawl left hand drive, 100' PLANTER: Kasco, 2- 1-616-582.7473 wonderful pets for ERY!Simply the best! Complete Mark Wentland, pressure at present of chain. Concrete seat, 3 point hitch. Fax 1-616-582-6540 hiking, packing, pic- BIG RAPIDSREALTY Horse Feed. ELITE location. Contact to cover 20x38 foot Excellent condition! nicking, pulling 1-616-796-7856 +, 10% or 12%. Steve, 1-517-675- slats. Make a offer. Used less than 40 carts, or to just plain 5472. 10x30 silo to give acres. $1000. firm. enjoy. Their wool is Dealer inquiries away. A.B. Cook, 1-517- Piedmontese Cattle: valuable and they welcome! For infor- 1-616-794-1118. 589-9590. Raymond 9ates Lean, tender, dou- also make out- mation or delivery, ble muscled, good standing guard ani- Mathie Energy Supply Conveniently located JOHN DEERE 12' START SOD FARM: 5' 517-286-6871 calving ease. Quali- mals. Call for a visit CO.,lne. to all attractions: off set disk, 16' clay Brillion seeder, 5' ty registered breed- today! 1-800-467-7340 Pigeon Forge &: Gatlinburg silo unloader. 222' gang Blitzerd mow- ing stock. Also avail- 1-616-677 -3309 . • Kitchens. Fireplaces raised paddles ers, Brouwer sod FOR SALE: AuSa- able, embryos and Ron & Nancy Laferriere. • Hot Tubs. Large Pool VanDale gutter harvester on a 3600 ble seed oats, test semen. Laferriere Llamas chain. Used three Ford diesel. weight, purity and Redbird Farms LOG CABINS Open Year Round Marne, Michigan months. Retiring. germination tested. lapeer, Michigan (Just northwest of Call Toll Free 1-616-734-2532. 1-810-949-3111. Call Duane Basel IN THE 1-810-667-7389 Grand Rapids) 1-888-200-0625 at SMOKIES for 8 FREE color brochulT 1-517 -734-3694. /& ~gCO.t5 0\\)"\\' ~I~ Uvestock • Alfalfa, Grasses and INDIVIDUALS for ~~A~ ~OSEEd Clover Seeds. custom harvesting operation. Texas Voyeager II Alfalfa $3.00/ lb. eRf).S[[D CUTTER FOR CURRENT LIST of available Angus through Montana, ~ ~... Cattle, write: Secre- Idaho Gold $2.85 / lb. 1997 season. Must Vernal $1.80/ lb. be clean, honest, DDf'\.5IrrlJ(ii) A Competitively ~I\V LLj IllC. Qual Alfalfa Priced, tary, West Michigan Angus Breeders, Call for prices on our other seeds hard working with farm background. 585 36th Street SW, Grand Rapids, Raymond Oates 1-401-364-2468. M149509. 517-286-6871 ~ (JOJIIll] I ~\I~~ March 15, 1997 Michigan Farm News Classified "liJI'''~S' Position ROOF, REROOF, PATCH FARM AUCTION FARM AUCTION Having sold our farm, we will sell the following at public Having retired from farming and selling our farm. the fol- . .-1- .. - l .J \ Announcement It's easy to do it yourself with proven auction on the farm located 2 mi. S. of Winn, MI on Winn lowing items will be sold at Public Auction on the farm 5 , . Rd., then 1Y2mi. W. to 4633 W. Fremont Rd. (Isabella Co.) miles W of Standish, MI to 561 M-61. (Bay Co.) • Michigan Crop Improve- Saturday, March 29, 1997 Saturday, April 5, 1997 MICHIGAN CIWP DCPllOVDCE.'t SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. Bill & Florence Suszko, Owners • Millwright Service • Crane Service combines, heads ~Jim & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers, Clare, Michigan pers, woolen gar- and round balers. 561 M-61, Standish, MI 48658 • Airstream Auto Dryers • GSI Top Dry \.I 517/385-2252 or 9694 - Fax 517/386-2246 ments, yarn. Cata- log available! 1-517-439-2440 For info, call 517-846-4733 · L~:g:erslca::hnSO~ ::::::. Inc. evenings. Belfair's Hillside (C::) SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. Farms INCUBATOR and ~ Jim & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers, Clare, Michigan and ~ 517/386-2252 or 9694 - Fax 517/385-2246 , Marshall, MI 49068 The Sheep Shed related for hatching equipment and R.eaching o ~ _ 1-800-962-1495 8351 Road, Clarkston. Big Lake raising EMU's. 616- 331-6041. over I • 1-810-625-2665. Visa/Master Card 47,000 INVENTORY MUST BE SOLD! STANDING TIMBER AND VENEER: farmers STEEL BUILDINGS Black River Hard- SUPER HEAVY STEEL ~General TRAILERS: ~UctiOn5 Complete line of woods,lnc. When contacting 25 x 30 (2 LEFT) 40 X 50 11 LEFT) 50 X 10011 LEFTI I-~ 10-657 -9151.days. Avenger enclosed Call 1-517-845-3345 advertisers, 30 X 40 (3 LEFT) 42 X 6412 LEFTI cargo units availa- evenings. UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! ble at low prices. tell them you 20 Year Warranty SYKORA ARTHRms: Preseason specials WANTED saw their ad in United Steel Span, Inc. «iG Call 1-888-556- on snowmobile and STANDING TIMBER: AUCTION SERVICE 2017 toll free. Ask ATVmodeis. Buyers of timber of Michigan 800-951-5669 for a free copy of TAG-A-LONG all types. Ca~h in Farm News! Ask for Regional Manager the "Arthritis Formu- TRAILERS advance! ~ la". Learn how to 1-517 -875-4565, 1-800-515-6846 Call: ~ treat the condition, 517-659-3478 ask for Tim. Jim & Scott Sykora not just the pain. Munger, Michigan Maple Rapids Raymond Lumber Mill, Inc. Oates Auctioneers St. Johns, MI 6028 E. Colon ville HYDRAULIC CYLIN- 517-286-6871 Having retired from farming, we will sell the following at public auction on the farm DER and hydraulic STRAW CHOPPERS: located 4 mi. W. of Sl. Johns, MI, on M-21 then 1 mi. N. to 1947 Lowell Rd. (Clinton Co.) Clare, Michigan 48617 pump repair. Seal WANTED TO BUY: We rebuild and bal- Standing timber. 517/386.2252 or kits and chrome ance. Some ex- Wednesday, March 26,1997 1-313-429-4322. 386.9694 work. all makes. changes. We stock WANTED: 10:00 a.m. Strawchoppers bal- WANTED: Old gas Used irrigation Tractors and Combine: White 2-105 Osl. Tractor, cab, 18.4x38 tires and duals, 2 chopper parts. Fax 517/386.2246 anced and rebuilt. ENGINE REBUILDING station items. Gas equipment. alumi- outlets, 1570 hrs., SN 2m8m-406; Oliver 1750 Dsl. Tractor, 2 outlets, 18.4x34 tires; Venture Tool & pump, globes, old num tubing, PTO White 7300 Os!. Combine, straw chopper, white 13' floating grain platform, White 704 our specialty. Metallzing signs, oil bottles pumps, hard hose 4-row wide com head. Trucks: 1975 Ford Live Tandem Truck w/20' metal box and Auto- Truck- Tractor- Sebewaing, ~I Antique-Continental- and cans. old air and soft hose trav- hoist, v-a gas; 196? IH 1800 Single Axle Truck w/16' wood box, V-8 gas. 1-517-883-9121 pumps. Call 1-616- elers. Buy, Sell or Machinery: Tye 15 hoe no-till grain dill, good cond.; Hardi 500 gal. tandem axle field Kohler-Onan-Wis- 984-5183. Trade! Call sprayer w/40' self-leveling boom, PTO pump; Oliver 5x14" AEMI mtd. plows; Oliver 16' consin engine deal- Rain Control field cultivator, 3 pI.; IH 16' spring fold wheel disc; 9-tooth chisel plow w/gauge wheels, Minerai Owners er. WANTED: 70 years of service! 1.800-339-9350 3 pt.; Brillion 12' cultipacker; M&W 200 bu. gravity box on 10 ton gear; Kilbros 300 box Gas/Oil: Investor Old motorcycles, HART'S AUTO Whirl mare Fertilizer on a ton gear; Kilbros 160 bu. box on 6 ton gear; 8'x16' wood box grain wagon; 16' interested in pur- snowmobile and off PARTS spreader, New Hoi- Iransport drag; 30' hay or grain elevator; 3 pI. 7' sickle mower; hay conditioner; pull FISH FOR STOCKING: chasing, producing road vehicles. 1965 Cecil, OHIO land 455 and 456 type rotary hoe; Arrow 16' field drag. Giant Hybrid Blue- royalty income for and older. Call JD 1-419-399-4777 hay mower, 402 Lots of items from around the farm gills, Walleye, Rain- immediate cash. at 1-517-676-0583. Terms: Cash or good check day of sale. Prefer Antrim gas. hay crippers, silo bow Trout. Large- fillers, ground driv- Frank and Patricia Prochazka, Owners mouth, Smallmouth Bass, Catfish. head Perch. Minnows., Laggis' Fish Farm Fat- Other considered. 7645. SAVE formations Call Jay, 1-800-968- 75% ON r-----------, I FARMERS Livestock & commodity prices too low? I en manure ers. 1-810-628-4147. spread- ~ ~ \,oJ"'"' For information call 517-224-2005 SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. Jim & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers, Clare, Michigan 517/386-2252 or 9694 - Fax 517/386-2246 09888 35th Street WORK CLOTHES! I ·Cash flow too slow? I Gobles, MI 49055 Good, clean, recy- • Mortgage payments and bills overwhelming? Days, 1-616-628-2056 cled in very best I · Want someone who understands lenders? I Evenings, 1-616-624- quality. Money back · Want someone to talk to your lender? I 6215. guarantee. Free I • Do you understand your options with P.A. 116? brochure Suntex Recycling I· Do you need to restructure your farming business? I HUNTING LEASE • Do you need to consider changing your vacation? WANTED: Courte- Toll Free I Wecan, we have and we do all of the above. I ous. mature hunters 1-800-909-9025 24 hours-7 days. I Let us help turn your life around. I with experience in leasing Michigan Southern farm land L _ £a!! 1-!0.2.-i5.2.-!1l~.J seek property for 1997-1998 hunting Call For season. Will pay you to help control Classifieds nuisance deer. Ref- erences available. 1-517 -676-0486. 1-800-968-3129 -1' HERITAGE BUILDING SYSTEMS Wick Columns Are 800-643-5555 Guaranteed For 50 Years. BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE FARMER BANKRUPTe 30 x 40 x 10 $4.189 50 x 15 x 12 S9.919 Wick pressure-treated are backed for 50 years against columns integrity. And these colored panels are tough. full-hard base steel. IMMIGRATION laW 40 x 60 x 12 60 x 60 x 12 S1.481 S9.380 60 x 90 x 12 120 x 200 x 14-m2 SI3.191\ S41.913 decay and insect damage. That gives you an idea of how Wick That"s why we sell Wick buildings. To learn more about strong Throughout Commercial steel buildings featuring easy bolt up assemhly from buildings are made. America's largest distributor. We have IIvcr 10.000 standard Wick buildings. contact us today. Michigan and Ohio Sil.cs of shop. farm. industrial. commercial and mini-warehouse They"re constructed with roof huildings. All are complete with engineer stamped pcnnit @~~~~ and wall steel screw-fastened lor Lawrence drawings. 20 year roof and wall rust warr.mty. Call us for a fn:c information package and a 4uotc on our component parts. added strength and structural G. Reinhold, Attorney at Law Mini Warehouse Sale $9,999 810-350-2250 211":\ t 211'"ith 2~ units complete" ith partilions ht Ip :/lnll'lalhldj.:.cl'i.nct I~'J I [~: 10'l!i!] ~ hll ~','~i March 15, 1997 ** Michigan Farm Bureau presents ** We Buy WANTED: gutter Patz cleaner. Damaged Grain Complete or for parts. Call 1-517- 471-2614 * 1997 Young People's 8uverand * Citizenship Seminar seller 01: * • Cash grains • Feed ingredients • Milling quality * grains Loans For June 16.20 High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend this five-day seminar designed to teach you about our American political system, The seminar emphasizes the need to be informed and involved in the decisions that affect Americans in their communities, state and nation. licensed and bonded Homeowners Calvin College The program will include: with over 20 vears Grand Rapids,Michigan 01experience Regardless of *' Keynote Speakers credit history, Don't miss out on '* Workshops 800-818-8900 call for same- this great *' Political rallies, campaigns, caucuses and Michigan elections with students as -political Agricultural day approval. opportunltxl party" delegates, -candidates- and Commodities, -registered- voters Inc, Reservation Deadline ... Rural and urban students from all over 445 North Canal Ce.CASH is May 23, 1997 Michigan Lansing, MI 48917 Open 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ~ FAST! Contact your county Farm Bureau Students should be proud to represent their Mon.-Fri. office, or call the Michigan Farm school and the Farm Bureau organization, and Bureau Member Communications KLMI¥ CommonPoint be willing Department at 800-292-2680, to discuss their experiences with groups Mortgage extension 6585. following the seminar. For Display Advertising 1-800-968-2221 PROBLEMS WITH r----------------------------------~ : Deadline for next issue is Noon, : YOUR LAND CON. Information TRACT? : March 21, 1997 : Call: Late payments? Back taxes? Prop- erty damage? 9 of 10 qualify for pur- I t~/SA] Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your _ I Josh Merchant chase. help. We can : Classified Ad Today! : 800-292-2680 1st NATIONAL I or use the coupon below and mail or fax your I Ext:55'iff-" '. ~1.8QH79-23a4. I . classified ad to-Michigan Farm News I I Buy LinelDaily News FAX: I I P.O. Box 6. Stanton. MI 48888 1-517-831.e083 I I Classified Ad Codes I I 1. Farm Machinery 10.Work Wanted 20. Wanted To Buy I I 2. Livestock Equip'ment 11.Agricultural Services 21. ~ial Events I I 3. Farm Commodities 12. Business Services 22. Recreation I 4. Seeds 13. BusinessOpportunities 23. FinancinCl__ I Place your ad for 6 I 5. Livestock 14. Real Estate 24. Investors-Wanted months, get phone !, I I ~: ~:Xnd Puppies 8. PoniesIHorses 1~: =:~f:SWanted 17.Auctions ~: =~nd 27.Announcements Garden I I number or name in red. f I 9. Help Wanted 18.Antiques 28. To Give Away I Place your ad for 1 year, { I 19. General 29. Vehicles I get phone number or I I Name Phone( ) I name in red and also I ~~ I I City state Zip I save $1.00 per ad" I Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues I Call : Desired Insertion Date(s): I 1-800-968-3129 I Me~ood~y~nt I I Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) I for details I Visa Card Number Exp. Date I I Master Card Number Exp. Date I I Classified Rat... sa for up to 24 words .30 cents each additIonII word I I Write your ad here, including phone number and .... code. I I I I I MICHIGAN FARM NEWS I 5 6 7 8 I I I Michigan Farm News I 9 10 11 12 I has joined USAgnet, your one-stop Internet I I address showcasing ag c1assifieds! I 13 14 15 16 I I I I 17 18 19 20 I Your classified line ads in I I Michigan Farm News I 21 22 23 24 I can now appear on the I I I 25 26 27 28 I Internet! I I Ask our classified personnel I 29 30 31 32 I for more information I I or visit our site at http://www.usagnet.com I 33 34 35 36 I I I t .9l.r.2~I!~~n _~V.!!:.~~!.C!!Jju ~!t!. 2f_,!1£~S'ln ~ MICHIGAN F A R M NEWS March 15, 1997 \ Probability of Above [Probability of Above |High*r probability of Above If Higher Probability of Above NWS on D., S Probability of Below Probability of Below i*r • < ipitatiori for Higher Probability of Below Higher Probability of Below M a r - M a y / \\»' ft f Probability of Normal £ Probability of Normal Higher Probability of Normal Higher Probability of Normal HH I Equal Chanoss | j Equal Chances j Michigan Escanaba 18.8 0.7 Bad Axe /' SaultSte. Marie 16.7 2.0 Saginaw Weather Lake City 22.3 3.5 Grand Rapids Pellston 19.0 3.3 South Bend Summary Precipitation Traverse City 24.4 3.8 Coldwater Temperature Obs. Dev. from Actual Normal Alpena 19.3 0.3 Lansing 2/1-2/28/97 mean normal finch) finch) Houghton Lake 20.1 1.0 Detroit Houghton 1.40 Muskegon 27.0 2.6 Flint Marquette 1.40 Vestaburg 25.6 3.2 Toledo by Dr. Jeff Andresen, OF Agricultural Meteorologist, Dept. of Geography, Michigan State University sensations A n active storm track through the Lower Peninsula led to much-above-normal precipitation amounts and above-normal temperatures during February. Monthly precipitation totals at some southern twitt and central lower Michigan locations were more than 300 percent of normal, approaching or exceeding record levels. The combination of heavy rain and VOL melting snow late in the month led to standing water and flooding across some southern growing areas. With so much precipitation during the clima- tologically driest time of year, it is very likely that soil profile moisture will be at above-normal levels no further than as the growing season approaches. The NOAA long- lead outlook for March to May indicates an elevated risk of below-normal temperatures and for near- equal probabilities of below-, near-, and above-nor- mal precipitation. )btam Looking further ahead, NOAA long-lead out- looks call for equal probabilities of all three scenari- os for both temperature and precipitation for the early summer, and for cooler and possibly wetter- than-normal conditions over Michigan for the late summer and early fall. The outlooks are influenced by combined oceanic-atmospheric computer mod- els and statistical methods that suggest the develop- ment of an El Nino event in the equatorial Pacific region during the next several months. B European restrictions may lead to U.S. subsidies A griculture Secretary Dan Glickman repeated earlier statements that he is prepared to restart the U.S. agricultural subsidy program if nec- You don't have to go to Yellowstone to witness sensational, essary to fight European sales practices. "In our '98 budget, I've asked for full funding reliable activity. Just make EPTAM the foundation of your weed of our Export Enhancement Program ... That's my control program. big stick, and I'm prepared to use it if that's neces- sary to protect our producers from unfair competi- EPTAM® herbicide consistently protects dry beans and potatoes tion," Glickman said. He has asked for $500 million from over 44 broadleaf weeds and grasses, including nightshade, wild for EEP, up from $100 million in 1997. oats and quackgrass. Used at full-rate, EPTAM prevents weeds from get- Glickman said the American relationship with the European Union is tenuous. He said that so far ting a toehold in your fields, so dry beans and potatoes are free to thrive. the United States has held itsfirein responding to the resumption in EU subsidies, but that may change. Yet EPTAM treats your young dry bean and potato seedlings gently, Glickman also said things were looking good just as carefully as it treats your herbicide budget. EPTAM is cost-effective, for U.S. ag. He said farm exports will total about $56.5 tankmix compatible and can be applied in a variety of ways. What more billion this fiscal year, the second highest ever. Last could you want from your herbicide? year's total of just under $60 billion set the record. The secretary also noted that cash receipts for farmers are at an all-time high and that farmland values have gone up 6 to 7 percent. Consumers will Eptem share in the good news, USDA said, as food prices Great control. Every time. will increase by a third less than last year's 33 per- ZENECA ©1997. Zeneca Inc. Zeneca Ag Products is a business unit of Zeneca Inc. EPTAM* is a trademark of a cent, which was the sharpest increase in six years, m A« * . • » « » Zeneca Group Company. Farm Safely. Always read and follow label directions. 02-2612-014R1