-- .. 'CII'CAN FIiRItJ BVREAIJ March 30, 1997 Vol. 74, No. 6 Farmland Trust report shows America's best farmland needlessly destroyed by urban development C harging the U.S. is squandering its best and most productive farmland, a national nonprofit farmland conservation group today called on federal, state and local policymakers to take action to stop the destruction of what it called a strategic and irreplace- able natural resource by suburban sprawl. In a repon released on National Agriculture Day, American Farmland Trust (AFT) said that be- tween 1982 and 1992, 4.3 million acres of prime and unique farmland were overrun, nearly 50 acres every hour of every day. It said every state in the nation lost high quality land during the period, most frequently to scattered and fragmented urban devel- opment near major metropolitan areas. It identified 20 areas as the most threatened agricultural regions in the country. According to Aff's repon, Farming on the Edge, 79 percent of the nation's fruits, 69 percent of its vegetables and 52 percent of its dairy goods are now produced on high-quality farmland threatened by sprawling growth. AFT said an analysis of the With the goal of increasing the overall profits of Michigan corn and pork producers, the Michigan Pork Producers Association and the Corn country's 181 geographic units or major land reo Marketing Program of Michigan teamed up to challenge members to garner mOre profit through a program called More Pigs, More Corn, source areas showed 70 percent had prime or More Profit. It outlined strategies for producers to get involved in pork production and better utilize the corn production excess in the state. unique farmland in the path of rapid urban develop- Michigan potato producers to lose ment. Texas lost more prime and unique farmland than any other state to suburban sprawl, nearly a half million acres from 1982 to 1992. 5,000 acres of contracts, seedstock COVER STORl More pigs, more corn, Other big losers were California, Florida, growers left with product in storage more profits for Michigan Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. Growers keeping .yes open which account for 225,000 hundredweight, but nOt American Farmland Trust warned that with for offIcla' word from processor contract any Russet Burbanks - 5,000 acres wonh. pork prOducers ichigan markets more com out of M the U.S. population expected to jump 50 percent ichigan potato farmers have been Of those lost acres, 700 are in the Upper Peninsula by the mid- 21st century and high quality farm- dealt a serious blow - at least as far as and nonhero Michigan and the other 4,300 acres state than its livestock and process- land projected to shrink 13 percent, the nation anyone can tell.].R. Simplot Company, affect southern Michigan. ing facilities can utilize within its - could become a net food importer instead of a a leading potato processor based in Boise, Idaho, "This is awful late. All the farmers are getting boundaries. With that in mind, the Corn Marketing net food exponer within 60 years. has caIled for reducing their Michigan contract acre- worried," Steinbrecher said. "We bought seed in Program of Michigan and Michigan Pork Producers AFT President Ralph Grossi called the findings age by 80 percent for 1997. December. One guy that was on the negotiating AsSOCiationteamed up in the middle of March to alarming and said America must better manage its The announcement revolves around the com. committee fumigated his land that was to go into deliver to producers a new approach toward coordi- land resources. Otherwise, he told a Washington pany's Grand Rapids processing plant. Fred Zerza, Russet Burbanks last fall. He's probably got nating their efforts into More Pigs, More Corn, press conference, the nation could constrain its vice president of public relations for].R. Simplot SlOO,OOO into the land." More profits. future ability to deal with a raft of social, economic, Company, commented on the status of the facility. Steinbrecher worries about what he'll do with no Utilizing the Michigan Pork Alliance as the food security arid environmental issues. "Our plan at the present time is to contract enough contract. "There's nothing for this year. There's nobody backbone of this effon, interested producers gath- "It's very simple," said Grossi, a third-genera- potatoes to run the plant through Oct. 20," he said. this late in the game going to come and get a contract." ered in one of five locations throughout the state to tion northern California rancher who has headed "The plant is in operation now and will run through Producers may be forced to cornpete for the learn about the hog industry and how they might AFT since 1985. 'The nation's best and most prcr mid-May on old potatoes and then we'll stan again limited chipping potato contracts stilI up for grabs. benefit from some of the principles of coordination. ductive farmland is being needlessly destroyed. The in early August." But Zerza says this may be a temporary mOve, "What we're suggesting is a method of coordi- destruction of our best farmland by sprawling devel. "We're evaluating the cost structure and the and production could be back in fullSWingnext year. nation - with contracting," explains Dr. Laura Mar- opment reduces our agricultural effidency, increas- competitiveness of the plant in light of market con- "The reason-for the announcement to the growers, tin from MSU's Agricultural Economics Depanment. es tensions between fanners and suburban neigh- ditions, which are pretty tight. We have not made a at this point, is to aIen them to the tenativeness of "It's linking up different segments of the industry, bors, leads to higher taX burdens and puts greater decision yet on the plant status after the October the operation and to let them adjust their planting like people who are producing sows, the people pressure on less productive, more environmentally run. If there is no decision at that point, it will hinge options as early as possible - because they were on that do the nursery pigs, all the way up to the pack- fragile lands here and around the world." on the market and inventories," Zerza said. the verge of planting their crop," he said er sometimes. But it's not all owned by one individ- "Our country needs to refocus its efforts and The still-developing Simplot announcement According to Michigan Farm Bureau Commodity ual. If it's owned by one individual like Premium energies on saving its best farmland for future gener. affects Michigan growers at both ends of potato Specialist Bob Boehm, the announcement COmesat a Standard Farms - that's integration. The first thing production. Seedstock growers, who signed con- late stage, leaving many would-be potato producers in to bear in mind is here in Michigan, most of our Continued on page 3 tracts last year, are in danger of not having their a difficult position regarding spring planting deciSions. expansion is not coming from big, outside mega- contracts honored. Producers of potatoes for pro- ''The loss of these 5,000 acres represents 10 farms. It's our own family farms that are expanding, cessing, who planned to plant for J.R. Simplot this percent of the state's total potato acreage," Boehm and they're linking up with other farmers, some spring, now have to seek other options. said. "Obviously there are only so many acres that that have been pork producers in the past and Carl Steinbrecher, an Iron Range County Farm can reasonably be planted to potatoes, meaning some that are new to pork production that have the Bureau member who grows processing potatoes, many producers have substantial investments in land base. So there is a place for everybody." attended a negotiating meeting in late March be- facilities and equipment for potato production that "Michigan's advantage is that we have access to grain that is exported outside our state for mill- tweenJ.R. Simplot Company and its growers. He left may sit idle this year. The cropping alternatives in wondering what the future may hold, and why Simplot many of these areas are limited." ing and for processing," states Sam Hines, executive wants so few acres contracted with such late notice. The announcement, or lack thereof, has left vice president of the Michigan Pork Producers Ass0- He learned the company plans to renew its Michigan agribusiness professionals up in arms. ciation (MPPA)."Grain is actually being sent to 1,400 acres of Shopody variety potato contracts, Continued on page 7 continued on PIlP 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHICAN FARM NEWS News in Brief 2 Precision Agriculture 9 Happy With your bean yields? They Capitol Corner 3 Michigan's bedding plant industry is could be better 17 pr03ram's strategies shed new light on ranked no. 3 in the nation 12 Pioneer researchers discover new Weather Outlook 13 opportunities with genome project . 18 wil life damage control 4 If you were a cow, would You want to NIOSH Warns: improper hitching to Market Outlook 6 eat grass or alfalfa? 15 tractors can be fatal 19 Business Strategies 7 New methods on the horizon for Growing conventional corn alongside Michigan's tart cherry industry 8 Bt corn may reduce resistanCe 16 Sell products and services in the Michigal'l Farm News classifieds-Page 21 Rll~:I~I~ March 30, 1997 State's office over a three-year period. Transportation reform measures could gener- U.R Agriculture in the Classroom Workshop set ate an additional '20 million in tort reform and anoth- er'5 million from privatiz2tion of the Michigan De- T he U.P.Agriculture in the Classroom Workshop . will be held Wednesday, April 16, at the HOjO • See for yourself the best ways to speak up on agriculture. These are proven, Michigan-tested partment of Transportation (MOOD, which includes Inn in Manistique. It is set to run from 9:30 a.m. to activities . capping local and state administrative expenses to 10 3 p.m. • See for yourself the variety of information and percent of total transportation dollars, eliminating 500 Who should attend? resources available to help you promote agricul- MOOT employees, and requiring performance audits Producers representing all commodities, agribusiness ture in your county . of MOOT and county road commissions. people, agricultural communicators, teachers or indi- • Experience for yourself the fun of learning agri- The proposal is also banking heavily on the viduals representing all phases of the food and fiber science through the interactive 3rd and 4th state getting a larger share of federal Gas Tax dollars industry should participate. You should attend if you grade lesson plans: Understanding Insects - returned to the state from the federal Highway think young people should know where their food Friends or Foes, and Food and Fiber - Friendly Trust Fund for highway improvements. Currently, comes from, you're curious about new proven ways to the Environment and You! the state receives only 93 cents ot every dollar sent to tell the story of agriculture, or if you want to enjoy What is the cost? to the Highway Trust Fund. Proponents of the mea- the friendship of fellow farmers. The cost for the workshop is $12 per person, which From the sure say that if Michigan were to receive dollar for What will the workshop cover? includes lunch, refreshments, speakers and materi- President dollar back from the fund, it could generate an • Discover how to find and involve people in your als. Overnight room reservations can be made, on additional $200 million for Michigan roads. county activities; finding people to make a differ- your own, by calling the HOjO Inn at (906) 341-6981. In fact, increased returns of federal Gas Tax ence! How do I sign up? Let's quit p'/aying dollars will be a priority issue of the 120 farmers • Innovative ways to tell the story of agriculture. Call the Promotion and Education Depanment at politics wIth our roads attending the MFB annual Washington Legislative (800) 292-2680, ext. 3202, to make a reservation .• F unding for road and bridge repair in Michi- gan has been the subject of considerable debate and controversy in recent months. Farm Bureau delegates to the 1996 annual meeting Seminar April 8 - 10. Amidst all of the legislative remedies being introduced, let's keep one thing in mind. The long- er we postpone the inevitable - a gas tax increase "Key to Profit" cattle sale planned for April 26 he Upper Peninsula Hereford Breeders Associ- with several breeds, we are able to offer cattlemen endorsed policy supporting a 7-cent fuel tax in- crease to be used exclusively for maintenance of the - the worse our roads will deteriorate, which will prove more costly in the long run. T ation (V.P. HBA) has scheduled its seventh "Key to Profit" sale for Apri126 at the U.P. Beef Expo top genetics without them having to travel great distances. " rural infrastructure that each of us depends on daily Let's also consider the costs beyond just the in Escanaba, Mich .. The sale was organized by the U.P. HBA with a for our families and for our farm operations. fuel pump. While we may forego the expense of a fuel 'l\long with the Hereford cattle (horned and commitment to providing profitable breeding st<;>ck Unfortunately, our interstate system is seven tax increase, we're spending more money to maintain polled), we have Simmental, limousin and Angus to the area's cattlemen. All bulls will undergo a years older than the national average. The state of our cars, our trucks and a transportation fleet that consigned," said sale chairman and U.P. HBA presi- breeding soundness exam so purchasers can buy Michigan spent $7.29 for every 1,000 miles traveled touches practically every item we depend on daily. dent Merlin Atkins, Sault Ste. Marie. "We have 20 with confidence. in 1994, compared to the national average of $13.58 What impact does a deteriorating infrastruc- bulls and 20 females, bred and open, cataloged for For more details about the sale, contact Merlin per 1,000 miles. As a result, research indicates that ture have in attracting new businesses to Michigan? the sale, which begins at 1 p.m. (EST) at the U.P. Atkins at 6330 Nicolet Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, MI as many as 60 percent of our roads are in desperate What incentive does it provide existing businesses State Fairgrounds. 49783, phone (906) 632-7046 or U.P. HBAsecretary need of repair. It's estimated our state will need an to expand their operations here in Michigan if they "Our Expo Sales have continued to fill the Glenn Hanson,jr., Rt. 1, Box 94A, Stephenson, MI additional $5.4 billion over the next 10 years to have options elsewhere? Bottom line - what impact demand for top-quality breeding stock. By going in 49887, phone (906) 753-4311.. bring our roads and bridges up to standards. does an inadequate infrastructure have on the suc- Meanwhile, our state's gasoline tax ranks 4200 cess or failure of our farms, our state's industry and, in the nation. Put simply, present transportation fund- consequently, the future of jobs in this state? MDA toxicologist to help Ukrainians set up ing levels are inadequate to meet maintenance needs. While legislators in Lansing are apparently pesticide registration program While Farm Bureau wholeheartedly supports improved operating efficiencies within our state fearful a fuel tax increase is politically unpopular with constituents, I would argue that failing to pro- D r. David R. Wade, toxicologist for the Michi- gan Department of Agriculture (MDA), will join a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tremely interested in practical information on pesti- ddes and pesticide registration. He said Wade is one of three experts going on the tour and was government, primarily within the Department of vide adequate funding to maintain our infrastruc- Transportation, as outlined by Gov. john Engler ture will ultimately prove considerably more politi- mission to the Ukraine in mid-May to help the invited because of his "excellent qualifications in the during his State of the State address, we continue to cally disastrous. former Soviet bloc nation establish a pesticide regis- field of toxicology." believe that a gas tax increase will be necessary. It's time to face facts. Let's honestly evaluate tration program aimed at improving the country's Wade has served as MONs toxicologist since Michigan Farm Bureau is supporting legisla- what can be achieved through improved operating environmental protection efforts. 1987. Prior to that he worked for the National Sani- tive efforts to increase funding for road repairs in effidendes, then determine what additional funds are Wade said the study tour will focus on the tation Foundation's Drinking Water Additives Pro- Michigan that could generate $243 million in addi- needed through a fuel tax increase. We cannot, and effects of toxins on human health and the impact of gram, the Michigan Department of Public Health's tional revenue for fISCal year 1997-98. That's equiva- should not, continue to jeopardize our state's future. pestiddes on groundwater, surface water and en- Center for Environmental Health Sciences and the lent to approximately 4.9 cents of a gas tax increase. dangered species. Medical Biological Laboratory (TNO) in Rijswijk, The legislation would, among other things, reduce transfers of gas tax revenue to the Secretary of State's office by $43 million and would, phase out all diversion of gas tax revenue to the Secretary of £::3n5{~ Michigan Farm Bureau According to John Grand, Director of Interna- tional Activities for the EPA,the Ukrainians are ex- Distinguished Service to Ag honorees announced The Netherlands .• Dear Editor: This is nothing more I have to differ with the statement made in than an extreme case of the Michigan Fann News, Jan. 15, edition, by Ed mismanagement on the Langanau, wildlife big game specialist for the pan of the DNR. They DNR, on the overpopulation of the deer. are just looking for excus- In the past, anterless deer permits were allot- es, as usual, to pass the blame ted like a lottery. Many would apply, but few onto someone else. Their job, as would receive one. Myfamily always applied- managers, is to be able to look ahead, to figure maybe three or four each year. We would be ex- what the situation is going to be a few years tremely lucky if one would receive one. This down the road. They didn't do their job. Now practice was extremely undermanaged by the they expect the property owners to pay for their DNR. Had they had a true outlook on the popula- mistakes. This is not a fair or just practice. It just tion of deer in the state of Michigan, they isn't acceptable. would've allotted more permits. They must create a means, now, to drastical- The theory of most hunters going only for ly reduce these deer herds. the bucks is not only false, but a highly ignorant This is not only our opinion, but the opinion statement for the DNR to make. Although many of the vast majority of people living around our hunters do go after trophy bucks, most of the area that we have spoken to. hunters go for the meat Taday's venison is I know you agree. The problem is how to leaner than beef, therefore, healthier. Venison get the DNR to agree and act. he state's top leaders in agriculture and natural alfalfa, soybeans, wheat and dry beans. today also hasn't that wild gamey taste it did in yore. The sausage made out of it is excellent. Just wanted you to be informed of not only our situation, but also that we agree with you T resources were recently cited at Michigan State University for their contributions to their professions The Reileys are long-time Farm Bureau mem- bers from Antrim County who have served on their Why does the DNR think there is so much and have let the DNR know it. poaching of deer? It isn't for the antlers, it's the and to MSU's teaching and research programs. county Farm Bureau board of directors for many years. Sincerely, meat people are after. Pamela A. Novak The presentations were made by Fred Poston They entered the Christmas tree business in the '50s (fourth from left), dean of the College of Agricul- and currently manage 175 acres of fir and spruce trees. Stockbridge, MI ture and Natural Resources. Over the last 40-plus years, they custom planted co- The awardees are O-r) Deanna Stamp, of Dale- nifers for reforestation and had Christmas tree pro- The MIchIgMJ Farm News (ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twke per month except In the months of November, December. Stamp Farms, Marlette, for her dairy industry lead. duction of over 15 million trees. They also manage June and July when only one Issue Is printed. as a service to regu~r members. by Michigan Fann Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway. lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subsafption price of S1.50 Is Induded in annual dues of ership and her advisory service to MSU; Florence 600 acres of forest land for timber production. Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subsafptIon fees required for mailing MIchIgMJ Fann News to and Herb Reiley, of Bellaire, for their lifelong natural LaFontaine is best known for his expertise in nonmembers and outside the continental U.s.A. Periocful postage paid at lansing. Michigan. and additional mailing offices. resources work and community contributions in the turf industry, where he has served as the Michi- Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor. Michigan FMm Nftn. Post Office Box Antrim County; and Gordon LaFontaine (far right) gan Thrfgrass Foundation president. While president, 30960. lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send IIddress changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau. Post Office for his leadership in Michigan's turfgrass industry lafontaine was instrumental in developing the Han- Box 30960. Lansing. Michigan 4I9ON46O. Editorial: DeMIs RucYt. editor and BusIness Manager: Thomas N~ AssocIate Editor. and for spearheading the development of the Han- cock Turfgrass Research Center. He is a member of Design and Production: Dan Stiles. Contributor: SUe Stuev.r Sattel. Advertising Sales 1lepreserNtive: Joshua Merthant. cock Thrfgrass Research Center at MSU. the Michigan FFA Foundation board and assisted in Officers: ~ Jack Laurie. Cass CIty. Va President. W~ Wood. Mar1etm: Third Member. Jan Vosburv. Oimax: Stamp is a Sanilac County Farm Bureau mem- soliciting funds for the MSU 2000 Capital Campaign. AdmInIstrative Director. Chuck ~ TrNsu..., and ChW FInancIal Officer. Tom Parter. s.a.tery. Oavtd VanderH ...... Directors: District 1. Jim Mille ... COIofM; District 1. 8IaiM vanSldde. Marshall; DIstrict 3. Michael Fusilier, Manchester: ber active in the Michigan Milk Producers Associa- MSU has recognized three outstanding individ- District 4. Tom Guthrie. Delton; DIstriCt 5. Alan Gwner. Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood. Marlette; District 7. Rick Johnson. tion, United Dairy Industries of Michigan and her uals or couples in agriculture or natural resources each lMoy; DlstrIc:t I. Don Sutto. SaginaW; DIstrIct 9• .IosIMY WUnsch, tnverse CIty. DfstrIc:t 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District 11. ~ Wlhmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: J«:k LMwie. Cas City; Faye Adam. Snover: Jan Vosburg. Olmu; Judy county Farm Bureau board of directors. Their dairy year since the mid-1950s. Ponraits of the awardees Emmons. Sheridan. P'romotion ..,.. Education. Met1ann keinath. DecbrvilJe: YCU'Ig Fanners. »ff Homing. Mancheste~ farm consists of 180 cows and 2,400 acres of corn, will be on permanent display in Agriculture Hall. _II Capitol' For more information on legislative topics in the Minimum wage - C••• er Michigan Farm News, wo minimum wage bills were signed by Gov. The definition of an employer is a person or call 800-292-2680. T Engler March 12. The two bills were SB-l spon- sored by Sen. Loren Bennett (R-Canton) and HB- corporation who employs two or more employees at anyone time within a calendar year. Allemployers 4177 sponsored by Rep. Bob Emerson (D-Flint). meeting this definition will be subject [0 the new mav'1i1'~1~_ Both bills were given immediate effect. Senate Bill 1 is now Public Act 1 of 1997. House BiII-4177 is now minimum wage. The definition of an employee is individual not less than 16 years of age working on Balanced budget Fast-track authority Public Act 2 of 1997. the premises of the employer or at a fIXedsite desig- amendment O n March 4 the U.S. Senate voted down, 66-34, the resolution to require a balanced budget S en. Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), chairman, Senate Agriculture Committee, has introduced S 253 to renew fast-track negotiating authority. Fast- The current state minimum wage is $3.35 per hour. Beginning on May 1 the state minimum in- creases to $4.75 per hour and then increases to nated by the employer it also includes a minor em- ployed under the Youth Employment Standards Act. Overtime and compensatory time are not amendment to the Constitution. The measure fell track is a procedure Congress uses to consider and $5.15 per hour on Sept. 1. applicable to agriculture. The law states these do one vote short of the 67 votes necessary for pas- approve or reject trade agreements negotiated by The current federal minimum wage is $4.75 not apply to the following: An employee employed sage. It would have amended the Constitution to the president. Under the procedure, Congress has which became effective on Oct. 1, 1996. It will go to in agriculture, including farming in all its branches, require a balanced federal budget by 2002 or two 60 days to vote following submission of a trade $5.15 on Sept. 1. This means that starting May 1, which among other things includes: the cultivation years after ratification by three-fourths of the states, agreement by the president. S. 253 would require both the state and federal minimum wage will be and tillage of the soil; dairying; the production, whichever was later. A three-fifths vote of the entire any legislation submitted under fast-track authority the same. cultivation, growing, and harvesting of agricultural House and Senate would have been required to to contain only provisions absolutely necessary to Exceptions: An employer may pay a new em- or horticultural commodities; the raising of live- approve deficit spending or an increase in the pub- implement the trade agreement. Congress could ployee who is less than 20 years old a training hour- stock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry; and a lic debt limit. A simple majority vote would have not add side. measures to the agreement such as ly wage of $4.25 for the first 90 days of employment. practice, including forestry or lumbering opera- been required to waive the balanced budget in labor or environmental provisions which would It is important to note that a employer may not tions, performed by a farmer or on a farm as an times of war or a military conflict that could cause a force further negotiations and concessions with the terminate another employee just to hire someone incident to or in conjunction with farming opera- national security threat. Sen. Spencer Abraham other nation(s). Farm Bureau supports S. 253. on the training wage scale. In addition, the Director tions, including preparation for market, delivery to voted for the amendment and Sen. Carl Levin voted MFB Contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• of the Department of Consumer and Industry Ser- storage, or delivery [0 market or [0 a carrier for against it. Farm Bureau supported the amendment. vices shall establish a suitable scale of rates, (which transportation to market or the processing or pre- MFB Contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040.• will be lower than the minimum wage), for appren- serving of perishable farm products. tices, learners, and persons with physical or mental Farm Bureau policy supports a state minimum disabilities who are clearly unable to meet normal wage and piecework rates that do not exceed the Capital gains tax production standards. federal minimum wage. MFB Contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044 .• T he Capital Gains Tax Reduction Act of 1997, H.R. 14, has been introduced by Congressmen David Drier (R-Calif.), Karen McCarthy (D-Miss.), corporations from 35 percent to 25 percent, tax only 25 percent of capital gains on small business stock held three years or more and provide capital loss STATE STATE Phil English (R-Penn.) and James Moran (D-Va.). A treatment for the sale of a residence. Drain Code Diversions from the total of 72 U.S. Representatives, including Michigan Farming is a capital-intensive business. A ma- he following Drain Code bills have been intro- Michigan Congressmen Vern Ehlers, Joe Knollenberg and Fred Upton, have cosponsored the bill. jor capital investment for most farmers is land, which is held for an average of 28.6 years. The sale T duced: S.B. 122 - Sen. Joel Gougeon (R-BayCity) Transportation Fund B. 4147, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Kelly (D), H.R. 14 would reduce the maximum capital gains tax rate for individuals from 28 percent to 14 of such long-term capital assets is discouraged be- cause of the high taxes on the inflationary gain in H.B. 4337 - Rep. Howard Wetters (D- Kawkawlin) H would end all diversions from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF). Currently, several state percent and reduce the rate for individuals in the 15 value of the assets. Capital gains taxes also affect the H.B. 4174 - Rep. Mike Green (R-Mayville) percent tax bracket to 7.5 percent; index capital departments charge the MTF over Sl08 million to profitability of producing certain commodities \vith Status: The bills have been introduced and all gains for inflation for assets held three years or cover administrative costs within their departments. extended production cycles such as timber, Christ- three bills are similar in nature in that they amend more; and reduce the maximum capital gains tax This is the equivalent of 2 cents per gallon of gas tax mas trees, breeding livestock and equine animals. P.A.40 of 1956, The Michigan Drain Code. rate for corporations from 35 percent to 28 percent. monies paid by motorists that are being diverted Farm Bureau supports H.R. 14 and S. 66. The Drain Code working group continues to In the U.S. Senate, the Capital Formation Act, S. from Michigan's roads and bridges to finance ad- Action Request: If your U.S. representative review changes as proposed by the Michigan Associ- 66, has been introduced by Senators Orrin Hatch (R- ministrative costs within other state departments in has not cosponsored H.R. 14, please write or call ation of County Drain Commissioners' Statute Re- Lansing. Utah) ,Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.), Charles Grass- and ask him or her to join as a cosponsor. Also, view Committee. Both the House and Senate Agri- Status: The bill has passed the Hou~e Trans- ley (R-Iowa) and John Breaux (D-La.). Michigan's write or call U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and ask him to culture Committees may take up the bills as early as portation Committee and is on the House floor. U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham has cosponsored the bill. cosponsor S. 66. the end of April. Amendments were added to restrict the $108 mil- S. 66 would exclude 50 percent of capital gains from MFB Contact: Al Almy, ext. 2040 .• It is anticipated work on the bill will first be lion [0 road repair only and any additional funds taxation, reduce the maximum capital gains rate for done within the committee, then hearings will take needed for snow removal. place this summer around the state by the Senate MFB Position: MFB is supporting HB 4147. and House Agriculture Committees. Passage of final MFB policy clearing supports all revenue raised for Fiscal year 1998 agriculture spending amendments would be expected by the end of 1997. roads should be dedicated [0 road repair and main- ouse Agriculture Committee Chairman MFB Position: Michigan Farm Bureau sup- H Robert Smith (R-Ore.) and Ranking Minority Member Charles Stenholm (D-Texas) have written ture accounts for less than one percent of total federal spending. If all other federal programs had taken the same level of spending cuts during the ports amendments to the Drain Code; no position is being taken on the specific bills at this time tenance. MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048 .• to House Budget Committee Chairman John Kasich last 12 years, the federal budget would now be MFB Contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• (R-Ohio) highlighting agriculture's past contribu- awash with surplus funds. tions to federal spending reductions and the need The letter and statement noted that with en- Farmland Trust report to fulfill commitments made in the 1996 Farm Bill. actment of the 1996 Farm Bill, most of the remain- Continued from page 1 es in virtually every state are affecting high quality Attached to the letter was a statement signed by ing federal farm outlays are devoted to conservation ations, or we will lose an irreplaceable natural re- farmland. Areas exceeding the statewide average of Farm Bureau and 100 other agricultural groups. programs and that adequate funds are necessary to source." prime and unique farmland and urban development The letter and statement point out that over operate important risk management, export, re- To counter the alarming loss of farmland, AFT were declared threatened. To identify high quality the last 12 years farm program spending has been search and food safety programs to keep agriculture called for improved federal, state and local policies farmland, AFT used the USDA's prime farmland defi- reduced to $5.5 billion, a 79 percent reduction, competitive in a world economy. and programs and better research and information. nition of the land most suitable for producing food, while total federal spending increased by more than MFB Contact: AlAlmy, ext. 2040 .• On the federal level, it advocated strengthen- fiber, feed and oilseed crops. AFT defined as unique 50 percent. All this occurred even though agricul- ing and enforcing the Farmland Protection Policy land the special soils and climates where vegetables, Act, expanding the Farmland Protection Program grapes, and horticultural crops, including fruits, nuts and enacting federal estate tax reforms. It also said and berries, are grown. Development was measured Transportation trust fund federal agencies should quantify the impact of farm- by the change in urban buildup with a given area need- R. 4, The Truth In Transportation Budgeting ~sed ~ an offset to reduce federal deficit calcula- land conversion on key environmental measures ing to have experienced a loss of at least 1,000 acres H Act, has been introduced by Congressman Bud Shuster (R-Penn.), House Transportation and trons In the overall budget. The bill would remove the Transportation such as water and air quality, wildlife habitat and rural economic health. The U.S. Department of to suburban sprawl from 1982 [0 1992. In order of greatest threat, agricultural regions Infrastructure Committee Chairman. The bill would Trust Fund, which is comprised of federal gas tax Agriculture, it recommended, should define farm- named to the top 20 are: make funds intended for highway needs available revenues, from the unified federal budget. If the land by its agricultural importance and vulnerability 1. Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley for highways. trust fund is taken off-budget it would no longer be to rapid urban development 2. Northern Piedmont Currently, there is more than a $27 billion used to calculate the federal budget and the gas tax American Farmland Trust called on local com- 3. Southern WISconsin and Northern Illinois cash surplus in the federal transportation trust fund revenue would in fact be used for highways. Farm munities to undertake a land inventory and analysis Drift Plain but spending from the fund has not kept pace with Bureau supports H.R. 4. of development trends and risks, agree on which 4. Texas B1ackland Prairie transportation needs. The fund balance is being MFB Contact: AlAlmy, ext. 2040 .• farmland to ..'lave,and adopt necessary policy re- 5. Willamette and Puget Sound Valleys forms such as purchase of development rights pro- 6. Florida Everglades and Associated Areas STATE grams and agricultural zoning. Every state with 7. Eastern Ohio Till Plain threatened agricultural regions should adopt mea- 8. Lower Rio Grande Plain Fireman's Rule sures to protect its best farmland, including a state- 9. Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain B. 4044 and S.B. 112 are sponsored by Rep. H Kirk Profit (D-Ypsilanti) and Sen. Michael Bouchard (R-Birmingham). could sue a driver of a vehicle involved in an acci- dent, if the officer were injured directing traffic during the clean up. wide inventory tracking system High quality farmland deserves to be treated 10. New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part as more than just a holding pattern for future devel. 11. Ontario Plain and Finger Lakes The Fireman's Rule is based on common law The net effen of this legislation will be an opment, said Grossi. The nation needs to take a 12. Nashville Basin that prohibits a firefighter or law enforcement offic- increase in law suits. In addition, homeowners and more strategic approach to farmland protection by 13. Central Snake River Plains er from filing a lawsuit for injuries incurred in the automobile insurance premiums would increase. giving communities, states and regions the ability to 14. Southwestern Michigan Fruit and normal course of performing their jobs. H.B. 4044 Status: Both bills are currently in the Senate identify the various agricultural, environmental and Truck Belt and S.B. 112 would repeal the Fireman's Rule to Judiciary Committee. economic benefits provided by farmland, encourag- 15. Central California Coastal Valleys allow firefighters or law enforcement officers to file MFB Position: MFB is opposing this legisla- ing them to develop a consensus on their most 16. Columbia Basin suits when injured in the course of duty. tion because it will result in increase lawsuits and important and vulnerable farmland and providing 17. Imperial Valley If this legislation were enacted, homeowners increased insurance premiums. ways to permanently protect the resource. 18. Long Island-Cape Cod Coastal Lowland could be sued if a firefighter were burned while MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048 .• Employing data from the National Resources 19. Connecticut Valley fighting fire. In addition, a law enforcement officer Inventory, AFT's study analyzed how land use chang- 20. Western Michigan Fruit and Truck Belt 1@~~I~'I:t~ March 30, 1997 Little-known program's strategies shed new Cost-sharing program offers funds for food light on wildlife damage control export promotion A re the bats in your belfry making an un- person who is suffering economic loss has to pay take Canada geese that are causing crop losses, and sightly mess? Perhaps you're a soybean grower discouraged by deer snacking on the cost of removing the animal. Relocating an animal or applying restricted use if that happens, it will be the first time," Parr said. With the Canada goose population estimated U S. food producers and processors may be able to cut costs and increase exports through the federally funded Branded Program. your livelihood. A federal program may provide pesticides is handled by trained ADCpersonnel, but at 300,000 to 400,000, Parr stresses that the goose The Branded Program is a cost-share funding insight to your wildlife woes. the producer can provide shelter for preyed live- hunter will not notice a difference in the number of program that supports the promotion of brand The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal stock or remove pest cover, such as roof overhangs. birds he has to hunt. name products in foreign markets. Under the and Plant Health Inspection Service has been the Trapping and hunting are also options, but the ~ To help keep deer out of cornfields, Parr rec- Branded Program, companies may receive partial government's wildlife control avenue since 1985. producer must understand local laws and obtain the ommends electric fencing. Place the first wire 10 reimbursement for their promotional expenses, The Animal Damage Control program, under the necessary permits. Upon recommendation from the inches above the ground. Two to three more including developing advertising and in-store pro- direction of APHIS, helps to "resolve conflicts be- ADC, permits are jOintly issued through the U.S. strands of wire should be placed 10 inches apart, up motions, as well as attending trade shows. tween people and wildlife," said Doug Parr, ADC Fisheries and Wildlife Service and the DNR. to approximately 30 inches. In order for deer to feel The program has also helped U.S. companies state director and wildlife biologist. Obtaining permits to hunt non-game species the charge through their thick hide, a strong volt- increase food exports. Midwestern companies par- The ADC works with the animal-human con- is much easier than for game species. First, a pro- age is necessary. According to Parr, approximately tidpating in the Branded Program during the 1995- flict at two levels, first providing technical assistance ducer must be able to prove economic loss or the 4,000 volts will do the trick. % fiscal year increased their combined export sales then applying direct control methods for people potential of a health hazard. Secondly, it's hard to Uvestock producers know first-hand that fenc- by $104 million. On average, each company experi- with wildlife conflicts. convince game regulators that an animal needs to ing is not cheap. Parr estimates the cost of fencing enced an 87 percent increase in export sales. A consultant identifies the wildlife species, be controlled beyond the set hunting season. at $5,000 per mile. "If you start talking about using Small companies (usually less than 500 employ- accesses the damage and offers management ad- The feces deposited by large flocks of Canada that for 10 years, then it starts becoming economi- ees) and agricultural producer cooperatives may vice. The advice ranges from purchasing a pesticide geese pollute waterways and create health hazards. cally feasible," Parr said. receive up to 50 percent reimbursement; all others that can be applied by the producer to installing The geese also strip corn fields of the crop. Accord- Along with helping producers deal with wild- are eligible for up to 33 percent. Women- and minori- electric fencing. ing to the USDA'sNational Agricultural Statistics life, the ADC deals with intercity wildlife problems ty-owned businesses are encouraged to participate. "I try to work with a person and have him do Service 1993 survey, the value of corn production and removes birds and deer from airports. The ADC U.S. Department of Agriculture funds for the as much as he can in order to hold the cost down," lost due to wildlife was $92 million, with birds and receives only a few hundred calls from producers Branded Program are available through the Mid- Parr said. The less expensive measures are tried deer accounting for more than 62 percent of the total each yeat, but hopes the services offered will be- America International Agri-Trade Council (MIATCO), first, since other methods, such as removing an loss. come well known. a Chicago-based association of 12 Midwestern state animal from the area, are more costly. No funding "With geese, we're hoping that this year will For more information about the ADC, call 517- agricultural promotion agencies. To apply for fund- exists at the state level to cover these costs, so the finally allow us to see some people get permits to 224-9517.• ing, contact Joanne Leis ofMIATCO by phone at (312) 944-3030 or bye-mail at jleis@miatco.org .• MDA to focus on agricultural tourism Prices inch up slightly, according to Marketbasket Survey A gricultural tourism, an often-overlooked plus of area convention and visitor's bureaus and destination marketing organization planners, can '!ravel Michigan's plans are well along in the strategic planning stage, with implementation close behind. This is a unique opportunity to promote P rices at the nation's supermarkets inched up ever so slightly during the first quarter of 1997, or has decreased during the past several years." Wheat and pOultry products were large con- now be recognized for its potential to both our Michigan agriculture, by becoming involved in your according to the American Farm Bureau Federa- tributors to this quarter's slightly higher average. A visitors' enjoyment and increasing Michigan's farm- local convention and visitors bureau or destination tion's Marketbasket Survey. The latest informal na- five-pound bag of flour jumped 21 cents to $1.38. A gate value. marketing organization, or organizing your own tional survey shows a one-cent increase in selected 20-ounce loaf of bread increased 11 cents to $1.20. The Michigan Department of Agriculture area Ag Tour. grocery items from last year's fourth quarter. And a pound of whole fryers experienced a 13-cent (MDA), recognizing the potential that increased Welcome centers will become part of Travel Americans paid $32.28 for 16 selected items jump to $1.04. agricultural tourism can provide to Michigan's econ- Michigan's responsibilities. This willpresem a unique during the first quarter of the year, the second high- Of the 16 items on the survey, seven went up omy, has appointed Sandra Hill to that position in opportunity to promote Michigan agriculture. est average since the survey began in 1989. The in price. A 32-ounce bottle of mayonnaise increased the marketing division. The Michigan Department of Transportation is penny hike from last quarter's $32.27 figure follows 13 cents to $2.69. Other increases included ground 7ravel Michigan tourism industry is crucial to moving ahead with implementing the Tourist Ori- the 52-cent drop experienced during the fourth- chuck, $1.70 per pound package, up 4 cents; corn the economic well being of our state and since agri- ented Directional Signs program (TaOS) that was quarter of 1996. oil, $2.39 per 32-ounce jar, up 3 cents; and bacon, culture has been and still is the most stable compo- passed in 1996. More details will be available as AFBF,the nation's largest general farm organi- $2.36 per pound, up 2 cents. nent of Michigan's economy. This partnership willonly plans progress. Another date to remember is the zation with more than 4.7 million members, con. A pound of pork chops dropped 17 cents to enhance and highlight Michigan's diverse agriculture. January 1999 National Direct Farm Marketers Con- ducts its informal quarterly Marketbasket Survey to $3.10, the largest decline in the survey. And a five- ference in Grand Rapids .• help track retail food prices to ensure they are in pound bag of potatoes dipped 12 cents to $1.41. line with prices received by the nation's farmers and Other decreases included cheddar cheese, $3.11 ranchers. While grocery prices have increased dur- per pound, down 10 cents; whole milk, $2.5 1 per (fMiiiNJ ing the past year, the farmers' and ranchers' share gallon, down 7 cents; sirloin tip, $2.70 per pound, Serving Michigan remains fairly steady. The farm value of each food down 7 cents; eggs, $1.04 per dozen, down 6 cents; farm families is dollar spent in the United States is approximately 22 cents. Labor, at 36 cents, is the largest component cereal, $2.58 per 10-ounce box, down 4 cents; vege- table oil, $2.16 per 32-ounce jar, down 1 cent; and RADIO NETWORK our only business of the consumers' food dollar. apples, 91 cents per pound, down 1 cent. "Shoppers have the tendency to point the fin- Volunteer shoppers from 36 states participat- ger of blame toward farmers when they see prices ed in this latest survey in mid-February. The average S inceits beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agriculture is shared by 27 local radio stations rise at the supermarkets," said AFBFPresident Dean Kleckner. "While prices on certain items on super- total price of this quarter is only $2.78 higher than the $28.50 average price of the inaugural survey in market shelves have increased, farmers' and ranch- 1989.• in Michigan. Through these stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network ers' share of the food dollar has remained constant provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Station City Frequency Morning Report Noon Report Technology, Quality, and Value-That's Morton Buildings WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:05-12:00 pm 824,195 WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30 am WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:00-1:00 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:45 am 11:10am • 27' x 14'6" Double End Door __ I • I-White Walk-In Door (no glass) WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:10-1:00 pm WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:00-1:00 pm • Heavy Gauge Commercial • 5O-year Snow Load Warranty Basic Machine Storaoe 54' 113' 1 90' with i'o" Quality Steel (no weight limit) • G.90 Galvanizing • 5-year Wind Warranty WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm WGHN AM Grand Haven 1370 5:45 am 12:15pm • White Polyester Paint Finish • KYNAR 500'/HYLAR 5(0)" (no MPH limit) • Free MonOll Weathervane Truss & Column Spacing • Fully Erected WGHN FM Grand Haven 92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm Color Trim Tax Included • Gutters & Downspouts WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15am 11:50 am • 50-year Column Warranty WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm WHTC WION WKZO WPLB FM Holland Ionia Kalamazoo Lakeview 1450 1430 590 106.3 6:45 am 5:00-6:00 am 6:15 am 12:15 pm 12:30-1:00 pm 12:00-1:00 pm 12:15 pm 831,995 ~- Deluxe Machme Storage 54' 113' I90' with 7'0" Truss & Column Spacing- ~";"':~' • 1.24' x 14'6" AlumaSteel' Quality Steel • Revolutionary Fluoroflex AlumaStee'" Doors WOAP Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm Double End Door • Continuously Vented Ridge 2000nl Paint System 011 Roof 011 (no MPH limit) WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm • 1-22'6" x 13' AlumaSteel' • 2' Gable Overhangs • 20-year Red Rust/Fade • 5-year Wind Warranty on WMLM St. Louis 1520 6:05 am 12:20 pm 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 • 5O-year Column & snow • Free Monon Weathervane WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 11:30-12:30 pm • 1-4' x 3' 9-lite Sliding • Exterior Steel Wainscot Load Warranty • Fully Erected Tax Included WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm Window wI screen & shutters • Gutters & Downspouts (no weight limit) WKJC FM Tawas City 104.7 12:40 pm • S-Skylights • KYNAR 500'/HYLAR 5artnae ...., mdmwla of Monsanro Company. Hamcso. Hamaa Xrn. Hamaa Xm S.6L. BulIn. Micro-Tech and Partner ...., Rauiacd u.. PcsDcida. elm Monanoo Comp.ny 161-'11-14 noting some of the budget task forces established in January will begin meeting this week .• 1~'ll[~~I~:tfil'0 March 30, 1997 Thumb oilseed producer's cooperative seeking memb~rships S ince early January, meetings have been held in the Thumb Area for the purpose of exploring the possibilities of organizing a farmer -owned soybean timeliness in returning the applications is imponant so that the board can move forward with the project. A membership is required prior to buying any processing operation. The organization's intent is to shares in the cooperative. Therefore, those who explore the possibilities of establishing a processing commit during this early membership drive will have plant to supply soybean meal to local livestock and first opponuniry in purchasing stock. The board is dairy producers and to add value by marketing the seeking 100 members in this drive. The purchase of a oil expelled from the raw soybeans. The board is ex- membership is also an indication of the level of inter- ploring funher opponunities to refine the oil. est in the project and allows the board to proceed. Now, the Thumb Oilseed Producer's Coopera- The board is also asking interested soybean tive isseeking members. Membership agreements producers to complete a survey on several issues and copies of the bylaws are available at the MSU related to the cooperative. The information is nec- Extension-project office in Bad Axe. Memberships essary for the feasibiliry study and marketing plan. are being sought for 30 days, ending April 15. The If you have questions about the Thumb Oil- membership fee ($500 each) is needed to offset legal seed Producer's Cooperative or want information fees, well as costs for the feasibility study and the sent to you, please call Jim LeCureux at the MSU development of a good marketing plan. Therefore, Extension-project office at (517) 269-6099 .• Awareness Day Pavilion for Agriculture and A . g Awareness Day will take place Wednesday, April 9, at the Hillman Communiry Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program is abso- action and Bt corn. In addition, there will be 30 dis- plays and demonstrations set up by equipment deal- ers, seed distributors, chemical suppliers and various Livestock Education dedicated lutely free and each farm will receive the 1997 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops. Licensed pesticide agricultural service representatives and technicians. The Groundwater Stewardship Program, Farm Animal agriculture leaders gathered early in the afternoon on March 15 at the newly applicators will earn three recertification credits. _ Bureau, Conservation districts and MSU-Extension opened Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education for a formal dedication of the The morning session will focus on providing are working cooperatively to make the day informa- building during the 1997 Internation Stallion Exposition and Trade Show. agricultural producers up-to-date information need- tive and enjoyable. Registration is required. If you Gov. John Engler (left) presents the engraved plaque hung in the pavilion with MSU ed to make sound agri-chemical decisions. In the~ have any questions or would like to register, please Board of Trustees member Dee Cook and MFB President Jack Laurie. At the podium for the afternoon, knowledgeable industry representatives call Mary Dunckel at the Alpena Conservation Dis- presentation is Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Fred Poston. from Grower Service, Novartis and Mycogen will trict: (517)356-60~or at the Montmorency Conser- The pavilion contains a 76,000 square-foot exhibition area, an auditorium and an auction discuss newl labeled ticides, herbicide mode of vation District: 51 785-4083 .• facility with seating for 350. The arena seats 2,000 people and there are also four classrooms for teaching located in the confines of the new facility. The engraved plaque at the facility reads: On March IS, 1997, the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education was dedicated. The pavilion is the result of the strong support of the governor, the bipartisan efforts of the PRI-CAST ..COMCRETI -~ -;..: Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, Michigan agriculture and Michigan State University. The pavilion is dedicated to the advancement of Michigan's livestock industry through education, exhibition and livestock distribution. Its construction was made possible on April 14, 1993, when Governor John Engler, who provided foresight, drive and leadership for the pavilion, signed into law Act 19 of the Public Acts of 1993. Act 19 also provided fund- ing for the Animal Agriculture Initiative which enabled the university to undertake a cam- ( BUNKER SILOS - )- pus-wide modernization of research, teaching and demonstration facilities to better serve Michigan's livestock industry. 9 or 10 1 1 • IIt'{ $TYLE Glickman announces allocations for EQIP A griculture Secretary Dan Glickman an- nounced recently preliminary state funding allocations for USDA's new $200 million Environ- abandoned wells and wildlife habitat enhancement. USDAalso may provide incentive payments to en- courage producers to apply such land management 12' "A"STYLE mental Qualiry Incentives Program (EQIP) that will practices as nutrient, manure, irrigation water, wild- help farmers and ranchers with environmental life and integrated pest management. problems on their property. EQIP will be delivered primarily to state priori- Speaking at the Nonh Carolina Governor's ry areas. Under the program, state prioriry areas are Summit on Agriculture, Glickman said producers will watersheds, or geographic regions with speci~ be able to sign EQIP contracts when the final rules environmental sensitiviry or significant soil, water, and regulations are published in the Federal Register, or related natural resource concerns. ( MANURE STORAGE TANKS ) expected in April. In the meantime, farmers and Approximately $170 million was covered by ranchers may contact local USDAService Centers the announcement. The remaining S30 million will and the Natural Resources Conservation Service for be allocated later, when individual states' needs are information on possible eligibiliry. NRCS will also determined .• help producers develop their conservation plans. EQIP is a new USDA program under the 1996 G.... t Lak. Sufe EQIP alloattJons Solid or slat farm bill. Under EQIP, USDAwill provide cost-share Michigan Illinois $4,200,000 $4,850,000 top, 61 - 81 pr funding to family-sized farms and ranches for up to Indiana $2,550,000 10 deep 1 75 percent of the costs of cenain environmental Ohio $3,050,000 8C8 approved protection practices, such as grassed waterways, Wisconsin $4,200,000 filter strips, manure management fadlities, capping 8th Annual Beef Expo promises to be the biggest ever T he Purebred Council of the Michigan Cattle men's Association is proud to host the 8th Annual Michigan Beef Expo at the new MSU Pavilion will bring the annual All-Breeds Junior Heifer and Steer Show which is sponsored by the MSUBlock and Bridle Club. For more information on the Junior IIHIISTVLE FEED BUNKS for Agriculture and livestock Education on April 4, Show, contact Tammy Klink at (517) 394-6334. 5, and 6. This multi-breed event promises to be the Expo provides educational opponunities for largest Expo in history. more than just youth. This year, there will be a live There are over 270 head of cattle consigned to Animal Evaluation Clinic, for adults and youth, on FENCELINE 8' lengths the nine breed sales that are associated with the Friday at 1 p.m. This clinic will not only teach partic- FEED BUNKS Beef Cattle, event. Friday will allow each breed to show off their ipants how to evaluate the individual carcass value Dairy Cattle consignment cattle through shows, parades, and of market animals, but will also let them work Concrete with exhibitions and Saturday will follow with the breed through a class of four market steers at MSU's Beef wire mesh sales. Angus, Beefalo, Chi, Gelbvieh, Umousin, Cattle Research Center and practice their evaluation reinforcing Main-Anjou, Polled Hereford, Shonhorn, and Sim- skills. For more information on the clinic contact mental are each hosting sales at the event. In addi- Kevin Gould, MSU Extension at (616) 527-5357. tion to the nine consigned breeds three additional As with years past, Expo includes an extensive breeds that will be represented by having animals trade show. Due to Expo's new home at the Pavil- located in exhibit cattle alley. These will provide ion, the entire trade show ill be under the same attendees v.ith a chance to see some other breeds: Murray Grey, Piedmontese, and Saler. roof as the exhibit cattle. Many agri-businesses will be displaying their wares at this year's event. Drop ADL AG SALES, INC. Youth educational events for the weekend by and look around. Parking is free and there is no PORTLAND, MI include a poster contest and an all-breeds beef cattle entrance fee. judging contest that will be held on Saturday. Poster For more information about the 1997 Michi- (517) 647-7543 or 1-800-344-6941 contest rules can be obtained by calling the MCA gan Beef Expo or a complete schedule of the event, EVENINGS: office. For more information on the judging contest contact the MCAoffice at (517) 669-8589 or P.O. Box Terry Grant contract Barb Sweeney at (517) 332-5274. Sunday 387, DeWitt, MI 48820 .• (517) 647-4690 We understand the financial side of agriculture better than any- one. Which is why we've tailored our Credit Line operating loan to help you manage your farm more efficiently and profitably Get the credit you need whenever you need it to finance everything that goes into operating your business. You can choose from a variety of loan options tailored to fit your needs. Call us today And let us put our 80. years of experience to work for you. 1-800-444-FARM ~~oFarmCredit Services ~~~Atthe heart of a growing AmeriaL UID~ @J!i'!J ~ rl\ I~~ March 30, 1997 Michigan's bedding plant industry is ranked no. 3 in the nation Catch a glimpse of this bloomln' world brought with it a new hobby for some, a passion for by Kara Endsley others. "It's part of our culture, and it's part of our W here does the bedding plant industry get its roots? Michigan's bedding plant industry, which grossed $131 million in sales in 1995, got its recreation. I think a lot of people have stressful lives and gardening is a release for them," Stiles said .• Before you buy ... humble beginnings in the celery and tomato busi- 1. Wait! Far too many cabin-fever-struck garden- ness. ers plant their flowers too soon. Wait at least Bedding plant production started as a side until May 15 or after a frost free date has been business in the late 1940s and '50s for celery and broadcast on your locallV station. tomato growers in the muck lands of Kalamazoo, 2. Plant hardier varieties, such as pansies or Grand Rapids and Detroit. The growers were prima- snapdragons, first. They'll be able to withstand rily Dutch immigrants who used greenhouses to the cold nights of early spring. stan celery and tomato transplants. 3. After purchasing a flat of flowers, set them As the U.S. economy grew in the '50s, flowers outside on a cold, but not freezing, day, then and bedding plants grew in popularity and econom- bring them inside a garage or shed overnight. ic feasibility. People were making enough money to This gradual exposure to cold hardens the occasionally splurge on flowers. Now the bedding plants and prevents shock .. plant industry is generations old. Some businesses 4. If you've planted flowers and an unexpected are approaching the third and fourth generations of keting edge. producers grow potted plants, such as poinsettias frost is in the forecast, your back-breaking hours ownership. "I think it's the expertise that's here," Stiles and Easter lilies, to balance production in the off- of planting are not at a loss. Thoroughly water Bedding plants are classified as flowering an- said. "It is also much easier to heat a greenhouse season. your flowers. Frost won't freeze an excessive nuals - flowers that grow from seed, bloom and die than to cool one. We can grow our plants kind of Finding seasonal labor is often a battle for amount of water, thus your plants will be kept within one growing season. "Most bedding plant slow and cold, and that makes them very heany. It growers. "For everyone full-time person that some- warm. Also cover your plants with a blanket or growers also grow a small percentage of vegetables - makes them short; it makes them branch well; and one employs, they employ four seasonal people," plastic raised above the flowers by boards or anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of their mix," said it makes the colors bright," he said. Stiles said. ''A lot of housewives have found that it's blocks. This will create a pocket of warm air. Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers Co-op Manager Flower beds keep these real enjoyable work, because it's flexible conditions, 5. Buy healthy plants. Make sure your plants Tim Stiles. greenhouse bees busy it's not heavy work, it's a beautiful environment and don't have any visible signs of disease or insects. Impatiens are the popular bedding plant lead- Producers are literally up to their elbows in they can get good wages doing it." Brown or lost foliage are signs of an unhealthy ers, grossing $12.6 million in 1995. Petunias are the bedding plants. Production will peak in March, but In relation to agricultural industries that date plant. second choice, grossing $7.3 million, and gerani- the workload is at its greatest in April. back to ancient times, the bedding plant's roughly 6. If the flower color is clearly marked on the ums come in third with $3.7 million. "They're shipping; they're selling; they're 40-year existence makes it a young and changing flat, try to buy flowers that are not in bloom. What makes Michigan a leader in bed- planting; they're still sowing," Stiles said. "The abso- industry. Plants use a lot of energy creating flowers, so a ding plant production? lute peak workload is in April, because all opera- "I think you'll see the industry continue to bloomless plant will have more energy reserved Michigan is ranked third behind California and tions are going on at that time." grow, but it may have to keep on the change - be for root establishment. Florida in bedding plant production. This success Sales peak within the first two weeks of May, willing to change and meet the demand that the 7. Finally, develop a plan. Study flower varieties can be attributed to two factors: Dutch heritage and especially the week of Mother's Day. "That's when a consumer has," said Mel Klooster, a Kalamazoo and determine the best plants for your land- Michigan's lake effect climate, which allows spring lot of people are just chomping at the bit to get out bedding plant grower. scape ideas. Take into consideration sunlight to stay cool and fall to stay warm longer. These con- in their yard and do some gardening," Stiles said. The change in society that has brought flow- and water requirements and how taIl the variety ditions give Michigan-grown bedding plants a mar- In addition to growing bedding plants, many ers to dining room tables and into flower beds has will grow. ••• Insuron(e ISno 0((1 en Member Health Insurance from Michigan Farm Bureau For over 40 years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield /m@ ,-- ~ ~ - 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; I ;D;C:AL-;N;R:;N-:;~;C:';';;9~2;0;~3;;9 OR MAIL THIS COUPON TO: MFB HEALTH SERVICES,P.O. BOX 30960, LANSING, MI 48909 -;;40-:- ' I I IndividuaVfamily coverage - for people who don't have employment-based coverage. I I Small group coverage - for farm and small business owners. I Medicare supplemental coverage - for seniors over 65. I NAME I I I I ADDRESS I I CITY STATE ZIP SI ... MICHIGAN L I TELEPHONE COUNTY ~ iI ••• FAR" BlJREAIJ DEADLINES S harp-edged metal bands are tightening around your skull. A huge set of vice grips have a clench-hold on your temples. The space behind your eyes feels like it's fIlled with • Massage of temples and nape of the neck. • Hourly breaks from work to stretch your neck and back . • Regular aerobic exercise to raise endorphin levels . • Vegetables (pods of broad lima or navy beans, pea pods, nuts and peanuts). • Binh control pills. • Weather changes. facial swelling and even fever. If you have fever and facial swelling, contact your physician. If you don't, try hot facial compresses, hot drinks, over-the- counter decongestants and pain medications. You jagged shards of glass. Every beat of your heart is • Slow, deep breathing . • Hunger. might even give yourself a steam treatment by sit- magnified 100 times inside your poor pounding • Relaxation or biofeedback techniques to reduce • Flashing lights. ting in the bathroom by a hot running shower for head. stress. "Research has shown that one trigger alone 20 or 30 minutes to help ease congestion. You have one monster of a headache. Migraine headaches strike between 16 and rarely sets off a migraine. Because it is believed that TMJ (temporomandibular jOint) headaches What on earth could cause such pain? The 18 million Americans - mostly women between 25 a combination of triggers is usually responsible, we are the result of the misalignment of the temporo- National Headache Foundation reports that most and 55 - every year. About 70 percent of those recommend keeping a headache diary, noting the mandibular joint which can cause a radiating pain headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head, have a family history of migraines. Characterized by time of the month, foods eaten, where you were along the sides of the head, jaw pain, a distinct neck, jaw and shoulders, not by eye problems or mild to severe throbbing on one side of the head, and the number of hours you slept. This will help clicking when the jaw is opened or closed and limit- brain tumors. But the misery is widespread. It is nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise, you discover what triggers your migraines," Dr. ed jaw movement. This problem can be corrected estimated that between 40 and 50 million Americans migraines are often preceded by a 20 to 30 minute Koenig said. with an oral appliance or splint to realign the jaw. suffer headaches - usually mild - everyyear. visual aura of light flashes, dark spots or zigzag Mild migraines can be treated with over-the- Caffeine withdrawal headaches feel a lot Researchers have discovered that a biological patterns. counter pain medications taken at the onset of the like tension headaches. They occur when the usual disorder - a glitch in brain chemistry involving the "Migraines are vascular headaches that are headache. Rest in a dark room and apply an ice pack coffee or cola fix is missed causing blood vessels to chemical serotonin - causes most common head- caused by insufficient levels of neurotranSmitters, on the nape of the neck or side of the head. Severe dilate and set off a headache. To avoid this discom- aches. The trouble begins when activators such as such as serotonin, in the brain. This initially causes migraines can be treated with prescription painkill- fon, make sure you get your coffee or cola at the stress, hormonal fluctuations, or even certain foods constriction of the blood vessels surrounding the ers or migraine medications to stabilize the brain same time every day. To cure it, gradually cut back set off headaches in people with this disorder. Then brain which reduces blood flow. For some sufferers, chemistry. Migraines can sometimes be prevented on your intake of caffeinated beverages until you comes one, or a combination, of what experts call this is the cause of the visual aura. After constric- with antidepressants or certain beta blockers and eliminate it completely. "primary" headaches, including tension, migraine tion, the blood vessels dilate causing the headache calcium-channel blockers which have been known to Hangover headaches feature throbbing or and cluster headaches. itself," explained Ronald Koenig, M.D., a neurologist stabilize the migraine-generating parts of the brain. pounding all over your head often accompanied by Tension headaches are the most common with PROMINASouthern Regional Health System. Cluster headaches, like migraines, are vascu- nausea or queasiness. The cause? Too much alco- type, affecting as many as nine out of 10 people. Among the triggers for migraines are: lar in nature and are accompanied by changes in hol, which dilates blood vessels. Even consumed in They can be caused by poor posture or tired eyes, • Concentrated sugars (cakes, cookies, chocolate). cranial blood flow. Unlike migraines, they over- moderation, small amounts of darker liquors and but the number one trigger is stress, which leads to • Saccharin in diet foods and soft drinks. whelmingly aftlict men. Though they usually last wines that contain congeners (flavor and color ele- contraction of the head and neck muscles. Tension • Dairy products. less than an hour, they are the most painful of the ments) can result in morning-after misery. Get relief headaches can be effectively treated with over-the- • Fruits (bananas, plantains, avocados, figs, passion primary headaches. These headaches occur in pre- by drinking lots of water before you go to bed. In counter analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen or fruits, raisins, pineapples, most citrus fruits). dictable clusters, usually within three- to eight-week the morning, drink more water and fruit juice - acetaminophen. For severe pain, your physician • Fermented or pickled foods (herring, sour periods, during which they may strike several times NOT the hair of the dog! may prescribe medications with butalbital or non- cream, yogun, vinegar, marinated meats). a day. steroidal analgesic. Be careful not to overuse pain • Meats with nitrites (bologna, pepperoni, salami, Secondary headaches - sinus, TMj, caf- C.II the doctor when your heN«lte medications. This can interfere with your body's pastrami, hot dogs, bacon, sausages, smoked feine withdrawal and hangover - are those caused • Is unusually prolonged or severe. natural pain-management system which can cause fish, corned beef, canned ham). by other conditions. • Follows a recent accident or injury. rebound pain in the form of headaches that occur • Yeast products (yeast extract, fresh breads, raised Sinus headaches develop when sinuses are • Is accompanied by numbness in the arms and more often and with even more punch. To prevent coffee cakes, doughnuts). congested and infected, usually following a cold or legs, high fever or sinus pain. tension headaches, try: • Sulfites (salad bar foods, shrimp, soft drinks, the flu. The pain, behind and below the eyes and in • Doesn't get better with self-care measures .• cenain red wines). the forehead, can sometimes be accompanied by Source: Healthy Times ---------_.--------- ~ H_EA_~_:T_H_H_AR __ V_E_S_T I So how healthy are GU? H ere's a simple way for you to show how 5 Do you smoke? 8 How is your health awareness? much you care for yourself. FiIIout the Weight chart If you have not smoked for more than two years, If the answer to the following questions is "yes," Optimal weights in pounds for adults aged questionnaire below, and you can learn enter "10." you get the number of points listed. 25 and over (light clothing). Range depends how your choices for lifestyle, diet and exercise If you quit less than two years ago, enter "8." • Have you seen your doctor in the past year? on size of frame. combine with your nat~ral health profile to create a If you quit less than one year ago, enter "6." (4 points) "care value." Men If you smoke less than a pack each day, enter "4." • Had your blood pressure checked in the past Height (In Shoes) Weight Range If you smoke more than a pack each day, enter "2." year? (2 points) Sft 2in 112-141 Are you giving yourself enough exercise? • Do you know your cholesterol count? (2 points) S 3 115-144 How many times per week do you exercise • Women: Have you had a mammogram in the past 5 4 118-148 briskly for more than 15 minutes? S 5 121-152 6 How old are you? year? (2 points) 5 6 124-156 Double this number. 2x Your age is __ ' Subtract the first digit of your • Men: Have you had your pmstate checked in the 5 7 128-161 age from 10 and enter the result. For example, if past year? (2 points) 5 8 132-166 2 How is your weight? you are in your 30s, you would enter "7." 5 9 136-170 On a scale of 1 to 10 where "10" is your perfect 10 - = Add your points together. S 10 140-174 weight and "I" means you're extremely over- 5 11 144-179 weight, how do you rank you weight? Refer to 6 o 148-184 7 How is your family history? 9 How do you feel? 6 1 152-189 the weight chan. If you have parents, brothers or sisters who have Our bodies tell us about our health all the time, if 6 2 156-194 experienced a life-threatening condition, (exclud- we listen. What is your body telling you? 6 3 160-199 J How do you rank your eating patterns? 6 4 164-204 ing injuries due to trauma) such as hean disease, On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your feelings about On a scale of 1 to 10 where "10" includes lots of a stroke or cancer, it may be an imponant factor your health where "10" means you feel great with Women vegetables and whole grains and "I" is a meat. for your own health. Rate your concern about no concerns and "I" means you have serious Height (In Shoes) Weight Range based diet with French fries and other fatty your family's health history on a scale of 1 to 10 concerns caused by an existing health condition. 4ft 10in 92-119 foods, rate your usual daily eating pattern. 4 11 94.122 where "10" means you have no concerns and "I" 5 o 96-125 means you already are experiencing a condition 5 1 99-128 similar to other members of your family. • 0 Bonus points. 5 2 102.131 4 How often are you stressed? If you have completed this questionnaire, give 5 3 105-134 Choose a number in the range given yourself a "10" for showing that you care about 5 4 108-138 (O=not at all) for the traits that describe you: 5. 5 111-142 your health! 5 6 114.146 Highly competitive {()'2) 5 7 118-150 Usually pressed for time {().3) Total points. 5 8 122-154 Bossy (().2) 5 9 126-156 Easily angered {().3) a: w 91-100 Congratulations! You really value your health. 5 10 130-163 :) a: 81-90 Good job! And you probably know how you can increase your value. 5 6 11 o 134-168 138-173 Subtract your total from the value "10." 0)- ~ 71-80 Average. like most people, investing some effon will enhance your health. Chart from Primary Care Medicine, J.B. Upplncott 10 - y. 60 or less Get a professional opinion. A physical exam or consultation can help a lot in setting goals. Company. Philadelphia -. Source: Blodgett Today • «J % 1997 Michigan Soybean Research Report Rftl! Yfci/r checkoff dollars at work Y our soybean checkoff investment in programs designed to assist you in selecting varieties and cultural prac- tices for use on your farm is the goal of our Agronomic Research. Research to control relating to the effects of soy consumption on cancer. Research is promising in this relatively new area of health re- search. Your Committee has developed this report in an effort to publish information weeds, diseases and insects, and their rec- which could be utilized in a manner to ommendations are only meaningful if you make your agronomic decisions more prof- receive the results in a timely manner. Also itable for your farm. included with this Agronomic Research Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee report are the results of a research project Breeding and testing soybean Inhibition of colon cancer by soybeans, soy flour and genistein varieties in Michigan lodging resistance. Olympus also has some Dr. Maurice R. Bennink Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University This study's objective was to determine tolerance to white mold and is available in if full fat flakes (whole soybeans) and soy limited quantities as foundation seed. flour contain sufficient anticancer com- Apollo has the Rpslk phytophthora resis- pounds to inhibit colon cancer. tance gene with 30 bushels of breeder seed Colon cancer was initiated by injecting available. rats with a carcinogen. Breeding for Resistance to White Mold The rats were fed one of the following diets: Soybean lines with resistance to white mold have been developed through a rigor- 1) Soy Protein Concentrate ous breeding and selection program. The 2) Full fat soy flakes advanced lines from this program have the 3) Soy Flour potential for release next year. 4) Soy Protein concentrate with 150 ppm of Breeding for Resistance to Soybean added genistein Cyst Nematodes At the conclusion of this trial, the early In 1996, initial crosses were made us- stages of colon cancer were significantly ing varieties resistant to soybean cyst reduced by feeding the following diets as nematodes. compared to the Soy Protein Concentrate. In addition, work was conducted on 1) Full fat soy flakes - 27% Reduction developing genetic markers for use in se- 2) Soy Flour - 34% Reduction lecting SCN resistant lines. The markers 3) Soy Protein Concentrate with 150 ppm Dr. Brian W. Diers were identified and will be useful for se- of added genistein - 42% Reduction Department of Crop and Soil Sciences lecting more SCN resistant lines. These data also show that extracting fat Michigan State University from soybeans to produce soy flour did not Breeding for Specialty Markets remove anticarcinogenic compounds. Ex- The four objectives of this research Ingham Counties. In developing varieties for specialty tracting soy flour with ethanol to produce area are: The central test included 144 varieties markets, crosses were made between large soy protein concentrate did remove 1) Test soybean varieties in Michigan and tested in Saginaw, Allegan and Sanilac seeded lines and those lines high in protein. anticarcinogenic compounds. provide these results to Michigan's farm- Counties. ers. All locations were planted by May 29, Basic Research In addition, genistein at 150 ppm was 2) Breed new soybean varieties with resis- 1996. Project 1. The evaluation of genes more effective in reducing early colon can- tance to white mold and soybean cyst The results of the tests were published from a wild soybean species, Glycine soja, cer than 490 ppm of genistein in its gluco- nematode. by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Com- that increases the seed protein content. side forms present in full fat soy flakes and 3) Breed varieties with value added traits mittee and 23,000 copies were distributed This 1996 project backcrossed lines soy flour. for the tofu and soymilk specialty mar- in the Michigan Farm News. with and without G. soja genes were evalu- This study shows that soybeans and kets. In addition, 77 varieties were tested ated. One of the G. soja genes did increase soy flour contain compounds that inhibit 4) Conduct basic research on soybean germ for susceptibility to white mold. These re- protein content by 2.7% but decreased colon cancer and suggest that free genistein plasm and seed composition. sults were included in the variety test re- yield by 4 bu./ac. The project continues. is more bioactive as an anticarcinogen than port. Project 2. Mapping the location of genistein glucosides. variety Testing In conclusion, this research demon- genes that provide resistance to soybean Private and public varieties were General Breeding Program strates that eating soybeans and soy flour cyst nematodes from PI 88788. tested in the central and southern Michigan Two varieties are being released for reduces the early stages of colon cancer, It is believed that the location of these soybean test. the 1997 crop year. They are called with soy flour being more protective than genes is now known and marker assisted The southern test included 143 variet- Olympus and Apollo and are mid group II whole soybeans. selection can be used to identify lines that ies in St. Joseph, Hillsdale, Lenawee and soybeans with good yield potential and provide SCN resistance. Fungicide seed treatment for no-till soybeans Dr. Maurice L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Michigan State University Treatment Results The objectives of this research project are: Trial II. Seed Fungicide and Inoculation Plant Pop. Yield/Ac. Vfrlug/Ac, 1) To determine the effect of fungicide Trial (Ingham County) No Fungicide 208,353 22.9 $148.85 seed treatments on plant stand, soybean The purpose of Trial II was to evaluate Captan+Apron 240,838 23.9 $152.35 yields and profitability under no-till condi- the effects a fungicide seed treatment, tions. Nitragin Pro-Treat and several Rhizobuim The values per acre were calculated using $6.50 soybeans and $3.00/ac. for fungicide 2) To evaluate the effects of diverse inoculation seed treatments have on soy- treatment. soil and climatic conditions on fungicide's bean yields under no-till and conventional The fungicide resulted in a significantly higher plant population at harvest; however, ability to control soil borne diseases. tillage systems. there was no significant yield difference. Research Results Soybean yields were not significantly Trial IV. Fungicide Seed Treatment Trial (Ingham County) Trial I. Seed Fungicide Treatment Trial affected by the fungicide or inoculation The purpose of Trial IV was to compare the effects of Nitragin Pro-Treat containing (Gratiot County) treatments; however, the plant stand was Thiram on plant population stand and yield of soybeans grown in a no-till production sys- The purpose of this trial was to com- significantly lower in the fungicide treated tem. plants with the fungicide plots showing pare the effects of a fungicide seed treat- 96,993 plants per acre versus 104,641 in ment, SuperKote, on the yield of soybeans Treatment Results the non-fungicide check plot. The no-till in a no-till production system. Plant Pop, Yield/Ac, Value/Ac. yields averaged 42.8 bu./ac across all treat- The results are as follows: No Fungicide 276,848 49.6 $322.00 ments with a range in yields from 39.4 to Yield/ac. Value/ac. Fungicide 252,970 48.9 $315.00 45.2. The conventional system yields aver- SuperKote 45.7 $294.05 aged 55.4 bu./ac across all treatments with The soybean yields were not significantly affected by the use of a seed fungicide No Fungicide 45.8 $297.70 a range of 53.3 to 57.5. The values per acre were calculated treatment. Trial III. Fungicide Seed Treatment Trial using $6.50 soybeans and $3.00/ac. for In summary, the fungicide seed treatment trials in Ingham, Gratiot and St. Clair coun- (St. Clair County) fungicide treatment. ties demonstrated that none of the seed treatments had any significant impact on soybean Trial Ill's purpose was to compare the yields when compared to the non-fungicidal controls. Grain yields were not affected by the effects of a fungicide seed treatment of seed treatment. Cap(an + Apron on plant population and yield of soybeans in a no-till production system. Practical strategies for managing Genetic engineering white mold in soybeans of soybeans Dr. Patrick Hart Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Michigan State University for resistance The research objectives of this study include: but the effect was less pronounced than the herbicides and the 28% N. creased; however, no white mold occurred on any of the plots. to white mold Dr. Richard F. Allison 1) Study farm management practices to 2) Germination of Sclerotia in a Non- In the plots using Elgin 87 and Department of Botany & Plant Pathology determine how they affect white mold, susceptible Cover' Crop Conrad, the amount of white mold in- Michigan State University and develop recommendations to reduce The objective of this field trial was to creased as the row spacings became nar- The research objective is to genetically the potential for white mold when envi- determine if apothecia (the spore-generat- rower. engineer soybeans to express a protein that ronmental conditions are favorable. ing body for white mold) would develop in 4) Yield Compensation in Healthy Plants interferes with the pathogenicity of the 2) Investigate the interaction between crop rotations using wheat. Next to Diseased Plants white mold fungus, Sclerotinia variety susceptibility and management In rotations using wheat, large The fact that soybeans are known as practices. sclerotiorum. amounts of apothecia were observed in the "good compensators" is the basis for this wheat plots in mid-June. In plots that were research project. The primary objective is Project Background fallow, planted with drybeans or soybeans, to evaluate the compensation that occurs in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is the fungus Research Progress no apothecia were observed. healthy plants when located next to a white that produces oxalic acid during the white 1) Effect of Herbicides on the Germination The two factors thought to have ac- mold infected plant. mold infection process. The oxalic acid of the Spore Developine Body counted for the differences are: The yield was always higher in lowers the pH of the plant tissue allowing (Sclerotia ) 1. Surface moisture was retained for a healthy plants adjacent to diseased plants. the fungal cell wall degrading enzymes to The use of Blazer, Cobra, Pursuit, Re- longer period in the wheat cover crop. The lowest yield compensation occurred in work. The cell calcium crystallizes at the flex, Crop Oil Concentrate and 28% N 2. Reduced light favored apothecial NK 19-90 (10-13%) and was higher in lower pH and blocks vessels, thus increas- were evaluated for their effect on the ger- germination. Conrad (20-28%) and Elgin 87 (14.5-21 %). ing wilt symptoms. mination of the spore developing body 3) Effect of Row Spacing on Incidence of Previous research has shown that (Sclerotia). The concentrations of the above White Mold and Yield strains of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fun- herbicides were tested at levels of 2x, 1x, There were two series of plot data gen- Summary: gus that are deficient in oxalic acid are'un- 1I2x, 1I10x, with x being the standard ap- erated in evaluating this management The sensitivity of Sclerotia to herbi- able to infect plant tissue. plication rates. strategy. cides and additives suggest a possible role Soybeans do not naturally produce The Sclerotia were preconditioned to 1. In Bad Axe, Michigan, Elgin 87, for a reduction in long-term white mold proteins that inactivate oxalic acid; how- germinate when incubated in water and NK 19-90 and Conrad were evaluated in survival. ever, barley produces a protein called ox- then exposed to the above herbicides either row widths of 7", 14" and 28". The yields Sclerotia will germinate in a wheat alic oxidase (OAO) that converts oxalic continuously or for a 24-hour period. across the three varieties was highest at the crop canopy, so there may be some justifi- acid to hydrogen peroxide and carbon diox- In the continuous exposure portion of 7" row spacing. White mold was not dis- cation for treating the Sclerotia in the rota- ide. this study, all of the herbicides and 28% N tributed uniformly across the plot but did tional crop to reduce the number of Sclero- The strategy is to isolate the oxalic at each concentration inhibited the germi- occur in all row spacings with a Disease tia that are producing the apothecia. acid oxidase gene from barley and move it nation of the Sclerotia. Estimate of 25%. This was a non-replicated The work will continue on developing into the soybean. In the 24-hour exposure, the increas- plot. and evaluating appropriate management Project Progress ing concentrations of the herbicides and the 2. The trial conducted at MSU campus strategies for managing white mold. A process called transformation has 28% N reduced the germination. The crop- plots was replicated and using NK 19-90, been developed whereby foreign genes are oil concentrate did reduce the germination the yield increased as row spacing de- introduced into soybeans. Progress has been made in the follow- ing three areas: Soybean variety performance comparing 1) Two more transformation units have been constructed to improve and fine tune the transformation process. no-till and conventional tillage systems 2) Improving the detection of gene markers was accomplished by using a dif- ferent marker gene that produces an easily Dr. Maurice L. Vitosh detectable blue color during a leaf tissue Department of Crop and Soil Sciences assay. Michigan State University 3) The process of isolating and cloning a copy of the OAO gene from barley for The purpose of this trial was to introduction into the soybean is proceed- evaluate soybean variety performance ing. in no-till .and conventional systems. The progress of this project will con- This study was planted on May 28, tinue and shows promise of leading to the 1996 using a preemergence herbicide commercialization of a white mold resis- program of 1 lb. Lorox + 1 qt. Dual II tant soybean. per acre. The harvest populations ranged from 139,392 to 278,784 plants per acre. Harvest dates were October Increasing the 17th for the conventional plot and Oc- producUonofsoybean tober 21st for the no-till plot. oil using genetic engineering D~ Dr. John Ohlrogge Department of Botany & Plant Pathology Michigan State University This research is based upon the as- sumption that increasing the oil content in soybeans without losing protein will in- Varieties No-till Conventional crease the value of soybeans. % Protein % Oil % Yield % Protein % Oil %Yield % Protein The major objective of this research is Asgrow A2242 33.4 17.4 60 32.8 18.0 60 to increase the oil content of soybeans by Asgrow A2506 35.0 17.0 54 33.5 17.8 54 increasing the expression of acetyl-Co A Burlison 37.9 15.8 51 35.9 16.6 47 carboxylase, an enzyme, in a genetically Dekalb CX232 35.3 17.9 62 34.0 18.7 62 modified, transgenic plant. Great Lakes 2415 35.5 18.1 61 33.7 18.8 61 In 1996, the acetyl-Co A carboxylase Gutwien 7242 34.7 18.2 64 33.6 18.7 64 gene was prepared for overexpression in Hardin 91 34.4 18.2 57 33.9 18.4 58 soybeans. In cooperation with scientists NK 519-90 34.0 17.7 61 32.6 18.2 61 from DuPont, numerous transgenic soy- NK s24-92 34.9 17.8 62 33.6 18.9 63 Dr. Maurice L. Vitosh bean plants were generated. The seeds Parker 34.3 18.4 55 33.7 18.8 56 from these genetically modified plants are Pioneer 9242 34.7 17.3 . 57 33.9 17.4 58 The soybean yields, protein and oil currently developing on these plants and Resink 35.5 17.1 53 34.2 17.7 53 content were not significantly affected by will be available for analysis in the spring Sturdy 35.9 17.3 57 35.1 18.0 58 the tillage systems. of 1997. TerraTS253 34.8 17.7 58 33.7 18.4 59 In conclusion, high yielding varieties Research on the development of these under conventional tillage will also be high high oil soybeans will continue in 1997 AVERAGES 35.0 17.6 S8 33.9 18.2 58 yielding varieties in no-till systems. based upon the results of this seed. Computer program to Nitrogen retention in fish fed analyze precision soybean-based diets or how agriculture investment to feed more soybean-based decisions meal to farm-raised fish Dr. Scott Swinton Dr. Donald L Garling Dr. Stephen Harsh Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Department of Agricultural Economics Michigan State University Michigan State University The primary objective of this research project is to determine the effect of feeding soy- bean meal to farm-raised fish. In this case, the fish species used is the tilapia. The primary research goal of this technology used by most Michigan farm- The project has three phases: project is to develop a computer program to ers who use a site-specific technology. 1) Evaluating the effect of soybean meal, specifically phytic acid, a component of soybean assist farmers in making investment deci- 2) Benefits from site-specific farming are meal, on growth, feed conversion and protein utilization. sions on site-specific farming equipment hard to measure, but owners of yield 2) Isolate and identify intestinal compounds containing phytic acid joined to protein com- and services. monitors are optimistic about them. ponents. The three objectives for the 1996 year 3) Many unexpected costs of site-specific 3) Evaluate the role of phytic acid in decreasing the ability to break down proteins for utili- were: farming have arisen. zation. 1) Assess the needs of Michigan soybean As a result of the above information, a All three of the phases deal with determining how to increase the use of soybean meal farmers and agribusinesses for this kind prototype computer program was written as a feed source for the fish industry. of program. that identifies the break-even return per Since large numbers of tilapia fish are needed for the feeding trial, the fish population 2) Design and field test a prototype com- acre that a farmer needs to cover the added for the study was increased 20 times during 1996. puter program. costs of site-specific farming. The second part of the project preparation was to determine the best feed rate and 3) Develop a better computer program to After testing with farmers and schedule to use in the feeding trial. analyze investment decisions in preci- agribusiness representatives, a work sheet In order to determine this, the fish were fed 1, 2,3 or 5 times per day with the follow- sion agriculture. was designed to help users prepare the in- ing results: During 1996, seven focus group meet- puts needed to run the program. • Total consumption and average daily intake increased with 3 feedings per day. ings were held to assess the need for a de- The prototype program is being con- • .Slightly better weight gain and growth rates were achieved with 3 feedings per day. cision support program on site-specific verted to a Windows operating system. • Protein efficiency, protein utilization and feed consumed per pound of gain were not sig- farming. The results of these meetings were The program will be field tested and nificantly different comparing 2, 3 or 5 feedings per day. as follows: distributed by the summer of 1997. • Energy retention was significantly higher in 2 or 3 feedings per day. 1) Yield monitors are the only site-specific In conclusion, the optimal amount for efficient growth is 2.9% of body weight per day using 3 feedings per day. Phase one of this project is now underway. On-farm testing of Screen for soybean cyst WeedSIM/GWM weed nematode tolerance in management program Michigan-grown soybean Dr. Scott Swinton Department of Agricultural Economics Dr. Karen Renner Dr. Jim Kells cultivars Michigan State University Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Dr. Haddish Melakeberhan Michigan State University Department of Entomology Michigan State University The research goal of this two-year The research objective for this project is to screen and evaluate Michigan-grown culti- 1996 Research Results study is to evaluate, on a farm production vars for soybean cyst nematode tolerance. The basis for this research is the assumption that The eight research trials were placed level, two computer models designed to aid varieties that show positive yield differences in soybean cyst nematode situations may be on farms in southern Michigan with four on weed management decisions as compared exhibiting some level of field tolerance toward SCN. soybean fields to rotate to corn and four on to normal farmer weed management. Eleven cultivars, nine private and two public, were identified based upon previous com fields to rotate back to soybeans. Six The 1996 objectives were as follows: greenhouse studies and planted in the field trials. additional sites, funded by the Michigan 1) Conduct eight on-farm research trials to Department of Agriculture, were added in Extremely wet conditions caused a delay in planting. This along with a long dry period compare weed management based on the Livingston and Ingham counties. after planting affected plant populations in 40% of the treatment areas. computer models WEEDSIM/GWM and The three treatments used were: The data that resulted from the poor stands is not relevant because of the extreme envi- SOYHERB (for Soybeans) or ronmental conditions. 1) Farmer's choice of weed control CORNHERB (for Corn) with normal This project will be implemented in 1997. 2) WEEDSIM/GWM recommendation farmer practices in a soybean - com rota- 3) SOYHERB or CORNHERB recommen- tion. dation 2) Evaluate research results based on weed control, impressions of farmers, scouts WEEDSIM/GWM was designed to recommend the most profitable weed treat- Phytophthora root rot of and technicians, profitability and market potential. ment, while SOYHERB or CORNHERB recommends the most effective weed con- soybeans: Factors trol. Yield, Cost and Profitability Results from 11 On-Farm Weed Manage- controlling infection ment Trials In Michigan, 1996. Dr. Gene R. Safir Dr. Brian W. Diers Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Crop & No. of Ave. Ave. Weed Ave. Gross Michigan State University Michigan State University Treatment Trials Yield Control Cost Margin bu./aere Sfaere $Iaere The research objectives of this multi-year project are: SOYBEANS 1) To determine the presence and distribution of the races of R sojae, the cause of FARMER 6 33.2 $29.13 $212.50 Phytophthora root rot in Michigan soybeans. SOYHERB 6 35.6 $33.42 $225.45 2) To attempt to determine a chemical indicator of soybean field tolerance to R sojae. WEEDSIM/GWM 6 34.6 $26.76 $224.67 CORN Research Progress FARMER 5 135.0 $20.26 $332.13 In 1996, plant samples from several Michigan counties were evaluated for the presence CORNHERB 5 134.5 $21.18 $329.94 of R sojae . There were 160 samples evaluated with 10 expressing R sojae races. These WEEDSIM/GWM 5 133.3 $26.21 $321.71 determinations suggest the presence of additional highly aggressive 'P. sojae races. This assumes cash prices of $7.21/bu. for soybeans and $2.61/bu. for corn In attempting to determine a chemical indicator of soybean field tolerance to R sojae , it has been determined that genistein, which is released by soybean roots, can reduce the Summary of Year One. (1996) amount of disease caused by R sojae. SOYHER~ treatments were the most costly and the highest yielding. In a test for field tolerance to P. sojae, a series of soybean varieties were evaluated. It WEEDSIM/GWM treatments were the least costly but yielded in the middle. was found that varieties with higher field tolerance released more genistein from their roots. SOYHERB and WEEDSIM/GWM recommended the same treatment on two occasions. Therefore, it would be logical to assume that soybeans that release more genistein from SOYHERB and the FARMER chose the same treatment twice. their roots would be more field tolerant to Phytophthora root rot. Additional research is A second year of testing is needed before conclusions can be drawn from the research. needed in this area. Cultural tactics for management of the Genetic analysis and soybean cyst nematode in Michigan mapping of Dr. F.W. Warner Dr. J.F. Davenport Dr. G.W. Bird Department of Entomology genes Michigan State University providing The primary objective of this research project is to evaluate the use of various ag- ronomic tactics for the management of soy- poor and no yields were significantly dif- ferent among the varieties. This trial was planted on July 10 and harvested on November 4. All treatments resistance to The highest SCN counts at harvest were applied at planting, using 3.0# a.i./ac. bean cyst nematode (SCN) in Michigan. were found in plots where Kenwood 94 were grown. of Temik 15G in a T band and 5.0 fl. oz./ 1000 row ft. in 23 gallons of water of white mold in Variety Trials Soybean variety trials were conducted Crop Rotation Studies Furadan 4F. The varieties used in this study were soybeans in Saginaw and Monroe counties using Great Lakes 1872 (SCN-susceptible) and Dr. Brian W. Diers Field trials were conducted in Saginaw SCN-resistant varieties along with one sus- Great Lakes 1833N (PI 88788 resistance) Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and Monroe counties following a 1995 The SCN numbers were much lower Michigan State University ceptible variety. Soil samples for SCN greenhouse study. evaluation were taken at planting and har- 1) Saginaw County Plot (St. in Temik-treated plots at harvest than those vest from the 30-inch row plots. Charles) treated with Furadan 4F. No differences in The plot in Saginaw County has been This trial, consisting of six treatments yields were observed between GL 1872 planted to soybeans at least four years in a with five replications, was planted on July and GL 1833N, but SCN numbers were row, while the Monroe County plot raised 9, the delay caused by very wet weather lower at harvest in the GL 1833N. soybeans in both 1995 and 1996. conditions at the site. The yield was 4 bu./ ac. rendering the data of no value. Microplots/Soil Texture Study Saginaw County Plot (St. Charles) 2) Monroe County Plot (Maybee) Initiated in 1994, using sand, sandy Eleven varieties with maturities from The rotational trial was planted on loam and sandy clay loam soil types, 1.5 to 3.1 were planted with four replica- May 23 and consisted of seven treatments microplots were created for a study of the tions on June 25, 1996. The weed control and five replications. effect of soil types on SCN. program consisted of 2 ~ pts./ac. of The study included the following treat- In 1996, the microplots were divided Broadstrike + Dual preemerge and a post ments: into five groups based on the numbers of treatment of Basagran and Blazer at 2 pts. Soybeans - Kenwood 94 eggs and second stage juveniles. Soybeans varieties tested for partial re- and 1 pt./ac. respectively, plus 1 qt./ac. of Soybeans - Jack In summary, SCN population densities sistance to white mold in greenhouse. Corn were higher at harvest than at planting for crop-oil concentrate. The plot was har- The research objective is to study the vested on October 31, 1996. Alfalfa all the varieties grown in all three soil inheritance of the partial resistance to Yields were extremely poor; however, Alfalfa + lOlbslac. of Zinc sulfate types. white mold in the cultivar NK sI9-90. the highest yielding varieties were Jack, Alfalfa + 25lbslac. of Zinc sulfate The yields of resistant varieties are The inheritance of partial resistance to Pioneer 9234 and Northrup King s18-11. Black Lentils reduced at high preplant SCN population white mold is being studied in a population Jack and Northrup King sI8-11 carry the The SCN population densities ex- densities; however, yields were not reduced derived from a cross between NK s19-90 SCN resistance PI 88788 while Pioneer ceeded the damage threshold for suscep- nearly as much in sandy clay loam plots and Williams 82. 9234's resistance is Peking. tible soybean varieties prior to planting. when the varieties were Jack and Newton. In 1996, 152 F3:5 lines of this cross The SCN counts at harvest were high- The yield of Kenwood 94 (SCN suscep- along with the parental lines were grown in in e~i ~Iots ~H~re GH~atLakes 1559, Great tible) was 9 bu./ac. lower than that of Jack (pI 88788 resistance). Kenwood 94 yielded SCN Surveys and Distribution two replicated plots at Michigan State Uni- Lakes 1855N and Kenwood 94, a suscep- In 1996, the Michigan Soybean Pro- versity and Bay County. tible variety, were grown. The lowest SCN 6.8 bu./acl while Jack yielded 15.6 bushels. motion Committee sponsored an SCN Each plot was rated for canopy cover- population densities at harvest were in The SCN population densities were higher identification program that resulted in the age during flowering, date when 50% of plots where Pioneer 9234 was grown. at harvest than at planting regardless of the submission of 73 samples from 12 Michi- the plants had at least one flower, plant cross grown or treatments applied. The al- gan counties. lodging, plant height, date of maturity, dis- falfa and lentils did not survive the growing Monroe County Plot (Maybee) From these samples, 31 were posi- ease severity and seed yields. season. Soybeans were planted on May 23, tively diagnosed with SCN, 20 of those The ratings of plants were then used to 1996, with 12 varieties in five replications. from Monroe County. calculate a disease severity index (DSI) Nematicide/Management Study At the end of 1996, 17 Michigan coun- where 0 = no plants infected and 100 = all The weed control program consisted of 2 ~ pts./ac. of Brbadstrike + Dual applied The primary objective of this field stu- ties had at least one sample identified as rated plants given a score of 3. preemerge. The plot was harvested on Oc- dy was to examine the efficacies of Temik positively diagnosed with soybean cyst A high level of disease was obtained tober 29. The yields at this site were very 15G and Furadan 4F for SCN control. nematodes. at the MSU location with a DSI of 28.4 for the NK s19-90 and 49.4 for Williams 82. The average DSI of the lines was 51.1 with Indu.ced resistance in soybean to white mold a range of 3.5 to 82.1. The level of disease at the Bay County Dr. Ray HammerSChmidt Dr. Brian Diers site was lower than the MSU site with the . Dr. Elizabeth Dann Department of Crop and Soil Sciences DSI of 1.9 for NK s19-90 and a DSI of 6.1 Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Michigan State University for Williams 82. The average DSI for the lines was 7.6 and the range was 0 to 29.7. Effect of various treatments on white mold disease and seed yields The difference between the two sites is The objective of this study is to deter- explained by the dry weather occurring at In field soybeans In 1996 mine the effect of benzothiadiazole (BTH) the Bay County site and the use of irriga- and post-emergence herbicides on white tion at the MSU site. mold disease severity in soybeans. TREATMENT APPUCATION RATE YIELD BUlAt. " E. Lansing ZUwaukee Correlations Between DSI and Various 1\vo field trials were conducted in East Traits. Lansing and in Zilwaukee using the follow- BTH 2 applications .5 # a.i./ac. 43.56 54.26 BTH 4 applications each application 47.64 53.09 DSI vs. Yield => -.63 ing cultivars: Williams 82, Elgin 87, This negative correlation indicates that Corsoy 79 and NK s19-90. These cultivars Cobra 6oz. + 1 pI. Crop oiVac. 44.41 47.11 BTH & Cobra as previously 45.65 47.36 the higher the Disease Severity Index of the range in disease reaction to white mold soybean, the lower the yield. from highly susceptible (WilIiams 82) to Blazer 1.5 pt. + .25% NIS/ac. 43.52 51.17 Pursuit 1.4 oz + .25% NIS + 1 37.02 48.04 DSI vs. Flowering Date => +.28 highly tolerant (NK sI9-90). DSI vs. Maturity => +.45 All of the spray treatments were ap- 28% N/ac. Reflex 1 pI. + .25% NIS/ac. 42.21 51.45 These positive correlations indicate plied at the 2nd - 3rd trifoliate leaf stage or that the later the flowering or maturity, the 8 - 19 days before flowering, depending 28% N (as VAN) .25% v/v 39.67 53.00 BTH & 28% N as previously 42.97 53.18 greater the disease levels. upon the cultivar. Three repeat applications DSI vs. Lodging => +.44 of BTH were made at 10-day intervals Basagran . 1.5 pt + 1 qt. 28% N/ac. 41.30 52.09 Classic + Pinnacle .25 oz each + NISlac 37.64 51.49 DSI vs. Plant Height => +.26 thereafter. These positive correlations indicate Plants treated with Cobra displayed paring sites. that a greater disease level occurs with leaf browning, defoliation and deformation This study demonstrates that BTH and greater lodging and taller plants. within three days but plants had recovered Cobra are capable of inducing resistance In laboratory evaluations, the popula- from this damage within three weeks. The responses in soybeans. Further investiga- tion is being tested for genetic markers to other post-emergence herbicides had simi- tion will provide additional information map the location of genes that provide re- lar but less severe symptoms. concerning the nature of the response and sistance to white mold. The East Lansing site had five times as possible recommendations. Finally, it should be noted that 32% of I11uchWhite Mold as the Zilwaukee site, the variation in DSI among the lines tested thus the difference in yield totals if com- can be accounted for by these traits. This supplement funded by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee . For additional information', write to: MSPC, P.O. Box 287, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 ... ••• . Pnnted as a supplement to Michigan Farm News. I H_EA_L:_~_H_HAR __ VE_S_T I Time for an eye exam _~!!!!!!!!!I1~1 "" E III Children should have their eyes examined by their pediatrician when they're infants, and again FP TO. at age three. SchooVcom- munity vision checks are needed every year or two. &. P RD. After an initial com- Theanswer to Boron supports bone FE L D z-O TV&FRLPPN prehensive eye exam by rheumatoid arthritis? growth an opthamologist, young After participating in an Chicken drumsticks adults need eye exams exercise program for three are giving boron a leg to only if they have eye or months, people with rheuma- stand on as an element vision problems, an eye injury or a family history of toid arthritis (RA) improved that may be important for eye disease. At age 40, you should have a "baseline" the strength of their major optimum bone growth in comprehensive medical eye exam. muscle groups an average of people. Studies of grow- Between ages 40 and 60, healthy adults should 57 percent. ing chicks show that b0- have an eye exam every two to four years. And they walked faster, ron - found mostly in More folic acid in diet Healthy seniors should have an exam every had better balance and report- fruits, vegetables, legumes year or two. ed feeling less pain and fatigue. and nuts - can partially compensate for a low vita- cuts risk to heart The exercise program involved twice-per-week min 0 intake in bone formation. Eating more fruits and vegetables or Folate spares workouts on chest press, leg press, leg extension, Like human children, chicks raised on a diet breakfast cereal that's back extenstion and abdominal curl machines set at deficient in vitamin 0 develop rickets, a bone defor- colon and heart 80 percent of the maximum weight each person mity in which the actively growing ends, or growth been fortified with folic Evidence that the vitamin folate - known as could handle. plates, are weak from lack of minerals. Adding b0- acid can cut your risk of folic acid on supplement labels - may reduce the ron to the vitamin O-deficient diet significantly heart disease and stroke, risk of colorectal cancer got another boost in a re- improved the accumulation of minerals in the scientists with USDXs cent study of rats. As the amount of folate in their Body shape linked to chicks' growth plates, according to researchers with Agricultural Research diet increased, the number of rats that developed stroke risk USOXs Agricultural Research Service. Service say. tumors of the colon and rectum from high doses of Where you carry excess weight seems to be They added several levels of boron to the Fruits, vegetables and fortified cereal provide a known carcinogen decreased proportionately. So more important in determining your risk of stroke chicks' diets to approximate the range people might the greatest amounts of dietary folate, according to did the number of tumors per rat. In the human than being overweight in general. get through typical diets. After four weeks, they in- the researchers. Folic acid is a form of folate. The diet, green vegetables, organ meats and citrus are A Harvard study of nearly 30,000 male health spected the growth plates under a microscope. body uses folate to transform a substance in the rich sources of folate. blood called homocySteine into a nontoxic amino professionals in the American Journal of Epidemi- Those closest to normal came from chicks The second leading cause of cancer deaths in getting the highest level of boron - 4.2 milligrams acid and prevent blood vessel damage. High blood ology finds that men whose waist-ta-hip ratios are the United States, colorectal cancer claims 60,000 levels of homocysteine have been linked to risk of close to or greater than one have more than twice per kilogram of feed. This is equivalent to the boron lives annually. Each year, 150,000 new cases are heart disease or stroke. the risk of stroke as men whose waist-ta-hip ratios levels in a human diet containing plenty of fruits diagnosed, and up to 90 percent are thought to be are .89 or smaller. and vegetables. Even in the chicks raised on diets In a study of 855 elderly men and women, the related to diet. Epidemiological studies by others . That means that those whose waistlines are containing adequate vitamin 0, the growth plates highest blood folate levels - and low homocysteine repeatedly have found more precancerous levels - were seen in those who ate five to six serv- bigger than their hips (sometimes referred to as tended to mineralize better when the animals got growths-or adenomatous polyps-in the colons of ample boron. ings of fruits and vegetables or about one serving of "apples') may need to watch for signs of stroke people with low folate intakes or blood levels. They breakfast cereal every day. more vigilantly than those with the reverse propor- also found the converse: Fewer polyps in the colons People who took dietary supplements of of people with high folate intakes or blood levels. tions ("pears'). Washthose hands folate had the lowest homocysteine levels, but not Parents are always telling their kids to wash much lower than those who frequently ate fruits, their hands. Now, there's strong evidence the prac- vegetables or fortified cereal. Study participants Leading causes of tice pays off. who ate less than three servings of fruits and vege- Stocking a death in the u.s. Researchers recruited 305 elementary school tables daily and seldom ate cereal had the highest Common belief is often incorrect when it comes children and taught them how to wash their hands homocysteine levels. properly. Half the kids were made to wash their 1:II~s.rAll) to what's killing us Americans. This list shows num- ber of deaths per year for the leading causes. Cause Heart disease Deaths 739,000 hands at least four times daily and the others were left to their own devices. More than seven weeks later, the supervised Good natural sources of folate include orange juice and dark green leafy vegetables, such as broc- coli and spinach. The findings reinforce other studies that show kit for your home Cancer Stroke 538,000 158,000 washers had missed fewer school days, while their less hygiene-conscious classmates had more people of all ages can reduce health risks just by changing their diet-especially important for the Lung disorders 105,000 coughs, colds and gastrointestinal problems. These elderly, who often have low folate levels. Accidents 90,000 results were reported at a recent American Acade- Pneumonia and flu 84,000 my of Family Physicians meeting. Milk and kidney stones? Diabetes 59,000 It's an old myth that drinking milk will cause AIDS 43,000 kidney stones in men. Suicide 31,000 In reality - a low calcium intake has been Liver disease 25,000 associated with the development of kidney stones. Studies have shown that a high calcium diet reduces urinary excretion of oxalic acid - and this is believed to lower the risk of developing kidney stones. I love t1tee~ T o be prepared for an emergency, make sure your home first aid kit includes: esper:ia/~y a ce s For cuts - Bandages of various sizes, gauze, adhesive tape, an antiseptic solution to clean sandwich .. wounds and an antiseptic cream to prevent infec- tion. fl. For burns - Cold packs, gauze, burn spray 10 and antiseptic cream. For aches, pain and fever - Aspirin (for varieti A: adults only), or another nonsteroidal anti-inflamma- 0ttage cheese is quite low in fat have about 110 calories and 7.5 grams offat. cheese has 9 grams of fat, including 6 grams saturat- tory drug (NSAID) and acetaminophen. with 1 percent milkfat has less than a IOU can find the fat and calorie content of ed fat. If that's how you want to "spend" your allot- For eye injuries - An eye wash, an eye-wash o m of fat per ounce - but it's not likely any processed cheeses on the Nutrition Facts ted fat and calories, watch your portion size, but go cup and eye patches. you'd put that on your sandwich. Mozzarella cheese label. But remember, pay close attention to ahead! And take some additional comfort in know- For sprains, strains, and fractures - Cold made from part-skim milk is a more likely choice. It "serving size." If your usual serving is two or ing that you're also getting about 200 milligrams of packs, elastic wraps for wrapping injuries and a has about 4.5 grams of fat and 72 calories per three times what is listed on the label, then the calcium while you're indulging yourself.. triangular bandage for making an arm sling. ounce. Compare that to Swiss cheese at 8 grams of fat and calories you consume will be two to For insect bites and stings - Tweezers to fat and 106.5 calories per ounce. three times what's listed, too. remove stingers and hydrocortisone cream to re- An even better option would be choosing a Even though nutritionists often recommend lieve itching. If a family member is allergic to insect lower-fat variety of some of the highest-fat types of choosing cheeses with no more than 3-5 grams of stings, also include a kit containing a syringe and cheese. Low-fat cheddar or Colby cheeses often fat per serving for a low-fat diet, they also know that epinephrine (adrenaline). have less than 2 grams of fat and about 50 calories most people won't completely deprive themselves For ingestion of poisons - Syrup of ipecac per ounce. That's significantly lower than their usu- of their favorite foods for long. And if high-fat to induce vomiting. Use it only after contacting a al9 grams of fat and 112-114 calories per ounce. cheese is something you crave, you should be able poison control center or medical professional (keep Generally, on a per-ounce basis: Neufchatel to work it in to a healthy diet. the number of your local poison control center on a and feta cheeses have about 75 calories and 6-6.5 For example, a 2,OOO-calorie-a-daydiet has sticker on your telephone). grams of fat; provolone, blue, Gouda and Edam have enough room for 65 grams of fat to still keep you For general care - A thermometer, sharp about 100 calories and 7.5-8 grams offat; Muenster, under the recommended 30 percent of calories scissors, cotton swabs, tissues and a first aid brick, Monterey and Swiss have about 105 calories from fat per day. Less than 20 grams of that total manual. • and 8-8.5 grams of fat; and Romano and Parmesan should be saturated fat. An ounce of cheddar __ tLA .... "- .. _. 11I_-.-.. .... WeaJtJler Sault Ste. Marie ~ Michigan Lake City 17.6 23.6 -1.0 1.3 1.71 3.09 1.66 1.60 Saginaw 28.6 29.6 1.8 1.1 6.44 4.93 1.81 2.02 Weather Pellston 20.2 0.4 2.62 1.60 Grand Rapids South Bend 35.0 3.5 3.85 2.02 Summary Traverse City Alpena 26.1 20.3 1.9 .2.3 4.12 3.58 1.60 Coldwater Lansing 32.6 2.7 6.20 1.91 Gull•• k Temperature 1.67 29.3 1.5 4.51 1.91 Obs. Dev. from ~ Houghton Lake 22.0 -1.5 2.10 1.67 Detroit 33.0 2.9 5.23 1.99 2/16-3115/97 mean normal [mch) [mch) Muskegon 29.1 0.6 3.28 1.96 Flint 29.5 1.5 3.56 1.99 M ~ '~w."rp ... ~ _..... Houghton 17.6 -0.7 1.21 1.63 Vestaburg 27.4 0.7 144 1.87 Toledo 36.0 5.9 5.09 1.99 Marquette 17.4 0.0 100 1.63 Bad Axe 27.5 1.0 4.98 1.81 by Dr. Jeff Andresen, Agricultural Meteorologist, Dept. of Geography, Michigan State University A Michigan through mid-March, dropping very active heavy storm track precipitation continued (30-day across totals from 200-300 percent of normal) and keeping soil mois- ture levels at or above field capacity. Heavy rains falling into a cold air layer at the earth's surface led to ice storm conditions across most of the southern Lower Peninsula on the 13th and 14th. The resulting icing conditions, the worst since in most areas since the New Year's Eve ice storm of 1984, leftup to 1.5 inches of glaze ice and caused widespread disruption of electrical power and transportation. To the nOM of the ice storm, heavy snow fell, induding a lake~nhanced storm totalof over 30 inches in the Marquette area (as of the middle of March, the seasonal snow totalat Marquette was only seven inches shy of the all-time record for seasonal snowfall, 251 inches, which ironica1lywas set lastwinter). New NOAA long lead outlooks for April and for the April. June 9O-day period both call for near equal odds ofbelow-, near-, and above-normal tern. peratures and precipitation. For the early summer, however, the May-July temperature outlook has Michigan in between areas of increased risk of be. low normal temperatures to our west and induding much of the western and central Upper Peninsula, and for elevated odds of above normal tempera- tures to the south and east of Michigan, induding some southernmost counties of Lower Michigan. The cooler-than-normal temperature forecast for sections of the upper Great Lakes and northern Great Plains regions is a result of the extremely heavy snowpack currently in place in that area, . which will likely lead to problems with flooding and wet soils during the next one to two months, which in turn frequently results in an increase in doudi. ness and a decrease in air temperature .• Lugar sponsors fast-track bill S enate Agriculture Lugar (R-Ind.) Committee a billto has introduced Chairman renew Dick fast- track trade negotiating authority. Lugar has named his bill(S. 253) the Trade Agreement Implementation Reform Act. The Lugar bill,which issupported by Farm Bureau, requires legislation submitted under fast-track authOrity to contain only provisions absolutely nec- essary to implement an agreement. Farm Bureau op- poses the inclusion of side agreementstSuch as labor and environmental language in trade agreements. Under fast-track, Congress has 60 days following sub- mission of a trade agreement to approve the pact with. out amendments. In other words, Congress must vote an agreement up or down .• Cooperative's producers participate in MMPA returns $1.9 million of cash elections and 75th annual meeting patronage refunds to members T he 75th Annual Meeting of Michigan livestock Exchange (MLE), was held March 8 at the Holi- day Inn South Convention Center in Lansing, and MLE was also presented awards from the Michigan Cattlemen's Association by Dave Morris F or the second consecutive year, the Michigan Milk Producers Association paid $1.9 million in Cash patronage refunds and equity allocations are based on the amount of milk each individual and the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association by cash patronage refunds to its dairy farmer mem- member marketed and on the supplies purchased focused on the 75th anniversary of the cooperative. president Tom Rorabaugh for 75 years of service to bers. This cash allocation represents 30 percent of through the cooperative during the year in which A record number of delegates from Michigan, the livestock industry. the $6.3 million earnings generated by the coopera- the earnings were achieved. Under current board Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky joined together at the The afternoon program consisted of a panel tive in fiscal year 1995-1996. The cash patronage policy the allocated cenificate of equity for the meeting to elect members to the Board of Directors of speakers who represented the beef cattle indus- returned includes 100 percent of the farm supply 1995-1996 earnings will be revolved back to the and discuss business pertaining to their coopera- try from consumers to producers. Jack Allen and earnings and 25 percent of the milk marketing earn- members in approximately 10 years. tive. The changing and expanding livestock industry Tom Pierson from Michigan State University (MSU) ings. All members who marketed milk through "Cash refunds and equity retirements are one requires a cooperative that is innovative and pro- spoke about changing consumer trends and how MMPAduring the past fiscal year will be receiving a of the greatest advantages of marketing your milk gressive in its decisions. The leadership provided by they relate to the livestock industry. Bob DeYoung, ponion ofthe $1.9 million. through a successful cooperative," Kirkpatrick adds. the cooperative's Board of Directors is a vital factor senior sales and merchandising representative for These payments cap a record year of cash "They are proof that the profits MMPAearns are in the accomplishments of the cooperative, as well the meat division of Spartan Stores, Inc., brought returned to members. Last November MMPApaid returned to the members. We strongly believe that as the success that is envisioned for years to come. insight to the afternoon panel on the retail store members $750,000 as a "13th" check from fiscal income to dairy farmers will be the greatest when A close election was held during the business perspective and Cal Siegfried, marketing manager year 1996. Last August over $6 million were re- all farmers market cooperatively." meeting for three positions to MLE's Board of Di- for Premium Feeders, Inc., shared his views pertain- turned to members through revolvement of 1983 Since 1987, MMPAhas operated without an rectors. Reelected to a three-year term to the Board ing to the feedlot sector of the food chain. The and 1984 equities. These cash payments to mem- equity capital retain, relying on the Association's of Directors were Rex Hannewald from Stockbridge, panel concluded with Harvey Mitchel, who spoke bers in the last six months total over $8.7 million. plant operations, milk marketing and member dues and Ron Stuckey from Archbold, Ohio. Hannewald about the seedstock and backgrounder perspective 'The return of premiums, net savings and to fund the cooperative. is very active within the sheep industry and is a and where he sees the future of the livestock indus- capital to members is the essence of a successful Michigan Milk Producers Association is owned director for the Southeast Michigan Sheep Produc- try. Mitchel is the farm manager of Anderson Circle cooperative," says MMPAPresident Elwood Kirk- and controlled by over 3,200 dairy farmers located ers Association and the National livestock Produc- Farm in Harrodsburg, Ky., and was the 1996 presi- patrick. "MMPAhas consistently generated premi- in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. ers Association. Stuckey operates a beef, sheep and dent of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association. ums and net savings that have been paid or allocat- For more information contact John Dilland, grain operation with his father and has taught high The evening dinner program was enjoyed by ed to members." MMPADirector of Finance, P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI school agriculture for 21 years. close to 800 members, employees and associates of 48376-8002 or call (810) 474-6672 .• Newly elected board member Dave Stoneman MLE.Tom Reed, president and CEO of MLE, of Breckenridge will also serve a three-year term. thanked everyone for an excellent 75 years of work. Excess stock a windfall for FLCA members Stoneman operates a 4,500 acre beef cattle opera- ing together for their cooperative. After dinner, the tion with his father and three brothers. Past board member Glen Noonan of Maple City MLE75th anniversary book entitled "Pride in the Past, Fair in the Future" was presented by author F arm Credit Services of Michigan's Heartland has announced that more than 1,100 of its FLCAstockholders will receive their share of nearly President and CEO of Farm Credit Services of Michigan's Heanland, James Bremer, shares leh- man's enthusiasm, adding, '~other advantage to was defeated by a very close vote. Noonan has been a Carl Kramer of Kentuckiana Historical Center. The S600,OOO in excess stock from the credit coopera- our financial strength if that we now are able to member of the MLEBoard of Directors for the past first book in print was then auctioned off by auc- tive in February. This excess, a result of declining offer lower stock requirements on new FLCAloans." nine years and runs a beef cattle operation with his tioneer and entertainer, Leroy Van Dyke. The book loan balances and the cooperative's strong surplus Bremer went on to explain that the lower require- two sons. Noonan has been a powerful member of was purchased by Mercy Ag Vet for $5,000 by Senior position, will be applied to eligible FLCAmembers' ments carry a slightly higher interest rate. the Board of Directors over the past years. Sales Representative Glenn Elliott of Kentwood. accounts or distributed as cash refunds. Farm Credit Services of Michigan's Heartland During the lunch break, MLE delegates, em- Elliot donated the book back to MLEto display at Chairman of the FLCAboard, Gerald Lehman, provides real eState, operating, equipment and term ployees and guests heard a speech from Gov. John the main office in East Lansing. Proceeds of the is pleased to announce the excess. "Farm Credit loans for agricultural producers and country living Engler. Engler spoke about the general livestock book will go toward the MLEscholarship fund. FLUs strong financial condition enables us to re- loans for rural residents in 40 counties in the north- industry within Michigan and presented MLE with a The evening speaker, Baxter Black, is known turn this money to our members," he said, adding ern, central lower peninsula. Products such as crop, cenificate of special tribute in honor of the 75th as the best -selling cowboy poet in the world and that the excess will come as a welcome windfall to life and disability insurance, and financial manage- anniversary. spoke about the ups and downs of everyday people many FLCAmembers. ment services also are available through Farm Cred- who care for livestock and work the land .• it. For more information, call1-800-444-FARM .• ,.- 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 ~~~;;~;n~;~;~~~~~~~~~m~~~-- 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 I I crn STATE ZIP iII L I TELEPHONE COUNn iI ~ If you were a co~ would you want to eat grass or alfalfa? by Paul Dyk, MSU Extension, and keeps the rumen healthy and functioning properly imal digestion of grass NDF (adapted from Allen & Dave Beede and Herb Bucholtz, MSU (no acidosis). If you fed mostly forage, you would aba, 1996 Minnesota Nutrition Conf.) Animal Science Department have really high NDF (fiber) levels, but this means What is ideal to the low producing cow? D id you ever wonder why you can't eat you would feed little grain. If you fed little grain you Although a high rate of digestion is very im- grass? Why cows can eat grass? If you would not be able to meet the cow's energy needs portant to the high producing cow, it is not as im- were a cow, would you want to eat grass? and milk production and body condition wQuld portant to the low producing cow. The low produc- Or would you want to eat alfalfa?To answer these decrease. In addition, intake would be lower be- ing cow will not eat as much as the high producing questions, we need to understand the cow and how cause high NDF limits intake because of fill. cow and the rate of digestion will probably not limit she works. The 28 percent NDF recommendation is a intake. In fact, in the low producing cow grass may Cows are amazing creatures that are able to guideline, a starting point. Whether or not you be as good as alfalfa. If grass NDF stays in the ru- digest the fiber part of plants that we cannot. Fiber balance for higher or lower than 28 percent de- men long enough it will usually digest more com- is basically complex carbohydrates and lignin, corn pends on other factors including panicle length, pletely than the alfalfa NDF. Because forage moves starch is also carbohydrate but in a much simpler degradability of starch, maturity at harvest, rate of more slowly through the rumen in lower producing form. The complex carbohydrates in fiber include fiber digestion, fat levels etc. I can't explain every- cows, the grass NDF is allowed to more completely cellulose, hemicellulose and pectins. thing in one article so let's just stick to the ques- digest than alfalfa NDF. So what? "Complex carbohydrates" and "lig- tion: If you were a cow would you want to eat grass For example, Bessy and Flora (now low pro- nin" are not on a feed analysis report. How do we or alfalfa?The answer depends on what kind of cow ducing cows) eat 20 lb. ofTMR balanced for the measure them? We use neutral detergent fiber (NDF you are. Let's split cows into high producing and same NDF at high noon. Again, Bessy's diet has percent) and acid detergent fiber (ADF percent) to low producing cows. grass as the forage base and Flora's diet has alfalfa measure the amount of fiber in a plant. In the dia- What is ideal to the high producing cow? If we as the forage base. At 9 p.m. (not 6 p.m. as the high gram below, we can see that ADF measures lignin had alfalfa and~th the same NDF, we might producing cow), both cows eat 20 more pounds of and cellulose whereas NDF measures lignin, cellu- think that cows would produce about the same. But TMR.This time intake is similar because intake is lose and hemicellulose. NDF will never be a lower it's not quite that simple. The NDF from grass di- not limited by rate of digestion. At lower levels of value than ADF in forages because NDF includes gests slower than the NDF in alfalfa; this lower di- milk production, Bessy (with the grass forage) may the hemicellulose portion too. So which one do you gestion limits how much a cow can eat. be as well off as Flora. The grass NDF will remain in use when you're balancing rations? NDF should be For example, identical high producing cows, the rumen longer and more of it will be digested tOO used in ration balancing because NDF is a beuer Bessy and Flora, eat 30 lb. ofTMR balanced for the than the alfalfa NDF.Therefore, in later lactation estimate of fiber requirements of a dairy cow than same NDF at high noon. Bessy's diet has grass as the Bessy will likely receive as much energy from the 80 ADF. In other words, when your feed test comes forage base and Flora has alfalfa as the forage base. grass forage as Flora does from the alfalfa forage. ;t. back, payauention to your NDF, not ADF. At 6 p.m., Bessy and Flora eat more TMR. This time, How does this apply to your farm? Few farms ~ 60 When we balance diets, ideally we balance for however, Bessy only eats 20 more pounds whereas actually have all grass or all alfalfa forages. Many li .= NDF. In a TMR for a high producing cow we gener- Flora eats 30 more pounds. Flora eats more because farms have a mixture of the two. Older stands of ~co 40 ally balance for about 28 percent NDF. Balancing .she has more room in her rumen . "alfalfa"often have a high percentage of grass. If a -Cft"&S1 NDF . --GrcwDM for about 28 percent NDF assures us that we have The alfalfa NDF (Flora) breaks down faster possible, the haylage with a higher percentage of 20 --AlaJf& __ ",,-op ,\1faIf. OM adequate fiber in the diet. Adequate fiber in the diet and passes out of the rumen faster than the grass alfalfa should be fed to high producing cows. This 0 NDF (Bessy). This allows Flora to eat more because will take advantage of rapid digestion of alfalfa in 0 12 24 36 48 60 72 the NDF is no longer taking up room in her rumen. .high producing cows. Haylage with more grass Because Flora can eat more, she will likely produce should be fed to lower producing cows. This may Rumen Retention Time (hrs) more milk (or gain weight). mean opening a second tower silo, mixing two batch: Digestion curves for dry mauer (OM) and es ofTMR, or splitting your bunker silo in the future. NOF NDF of a typical grass and legume. In this example, These are simplified explanations, but they do were a low producing cow I may prefer alfalfa but maximal digestion of alfalfa NDF occurs by about 40 answer the question we originally asked. If I were a could probably eat grass without affecting perfor- h whereas a 60 h retention time is required for max- high producing cow I would want to eat alfalfa: if I mance .• February milk production steady Michigan FarMedic training set for May 3-4 D airy herds in Michigan produced 425 million pounds of milk during February, according to Milk production in the 20 major states during February totaled lOA billion pounds, 2 percent T ell your local fire chief and rural rescue squad they should consider sending a representative to this specialized training for those who serve rural The two-day training includes a text book, related printed handouts, a FarmMedic patch, lunch each day, plus refreshments and transportation on the FederallState Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. While this was down 3 percent from a year ago, there was an extra day in February 1996. On a below production in these same states in February 1996. This decrease was due to February 1996 hav- ing an extra day. Production per cow was 1,337 areas and wish to update their skills concerning Sunday between the farm training sites - all for daily basis, there was virtually no change. The dairy pounds for February, 10 pounds below February agricultural accident rescue techniques. $159. Overnight lodging and other meals are on the herd was estimated at 310,000 head, down 12,000 1996. On a daily basis, production per cow for feb- Allcontacts for this training should be direct- trainee. Nine EMSCEU credits are issued to those head from February 1996, and 1,000 below last ruary was up 1.25 pounds from a year ago. The ed to: Greg Hammond, Michigan FarMedic Training, who complete the training. month. Production per cow reached 48.9 pounds number of cows in the 20 major states was 7.75 EMS Continuing Education Coordinator, Lansing This training is a joint effort between Michigan per day, up from 47.1 pounds a year earlier. million head, 81,000 head leSs than in February Community College, P.o. Box 40010, Lansing, MI FarMedic and the Agricultural Safety Program at The preliminary value of milk so!d was S13.20 1996 and 10,000 fewer than last month. 48901-7210, phone: (517) 483-9793 or FAX(517) Michigan State University Extension. per hundredweight in February, down 60 cents from Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan pro- 483-1508. Training will take place south of the main January and 80 cents from February 1996. The mid- duced 2.3 million pounds of butter in January, 7 campus utilizing the various University Farms .• month February slaughter cow price was S32.00 per percent more than a year ago .• cwt., compared with S32.9Oin February 1996. First ever Michigan Grains - Your hest source Dairy Expo to be held to market corn & heans T he Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University and the Michigan Purebred Dairy Cattle Association are proud to sponsor the Contests, Dairy Quiz Bowl, Dairy Days Youth Awards Banquet and a number of youth workshops. During the workshops, youth can learn about • • Merchandising Services Contracting - forward, minimum and maximum price contracts first Michigan Dairy Expo. Dairy Expo activities will fiuing and showing of dairy cattle, dairy cattle judg- • Transportation - truckdumps. grain pickup and delivery take place July 22-26 at the newly constructed Pavil- ing and herd health. The dairy management work- • Available Storage ion for Agriculture and livestock Education on shops and seminars for adults will include promi- • Grain Bank Farm Lane at Michigan State University. nent guest speakers from around the United States. • Seasonal Deferred Pricing Programs The Michigan Dairy Expo is directed toward A $16,000 grant from the Michigan Depart- youth and adults in the dairy industry and those who have an interest in the dairy industry. ment of Agriculture was awarded to the Michigan Dairy Expo. A large portion of this grant will be Economical Supplier of Proteins The mission of the Michigan Dairy Expo is to awarded in prem"iums to youth participating in the • Soy Processing Plant encourage and promote youth involvement in dairy 4-H Dairy Days events. 44% Soymeal activities, to showcase the Michigan dairy industry, Commercial exhibitors are invited to display 48% Soymeal and to provide continuing education to the dairy their products in the Michigan Dairy Expo. Registra- Soyhulls and mill/eed industry in Michigan and nearby states. Participants tion packets for 4-H Dairy Days will be available at • Gluten Pellets. Distillers. Cottonseed, Gluten 60%. Bakery Meal. etc. in the expo will have the opportunity to interact your local county extension office by April 1. Indi- with commercial and organizational exhibitors (July viduals who are interested in exhibiting animals in • Purina Feed manufacturing 24-26), attend seminars and workshops for adults the open breed shows need to contact your state • Mixing & Grinding and youth (July 24-26), compete in state dairy breed organization for entry information. Organiza- • Delivery -large or small amounts, auger trucks. dumps. walking floors breed shows (July 25-26), and explore the 4-H tions and companies interested in having an exhibi- Dairy Days program (July 22-25). The state dairy tors booth should contact Dr. Richard Pursley at breed shows will culminate with an award for "Su- (517) 335-8319, Mr. Larry Bush at (810) 6354197, or Call Cliff or Arlen Meeuwsen preme Champion" on the afternoon of July 26. Carla Mclachlan at (517)3534893. Other questions at 800-748-0595 for delivery, 4-H Dairy Day events that will be held in con- can be directed to: Dr. Richard Pursley, Department junction with the Michigan Dairy Expo include the of Animal Science, Anthony Hall, Michigan State prices, and information on all All-Michigan Dairy Youth Show and Showmanship University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225, (517) 335- of our products and services. Contest, the State 4-H,and FFADairy Cattle Judging 4893, e-mail: pursleyr@pilot.msu.edu • Growing conventional corn MAES pledges funds to help alongside St corn may reverse wheat problems reduce resistance I 1n953, Michigan's farmers planted more than 1.5 million acres to winter wheat. By last fall, the think the sooner that we engage them through some support, the closer we'll be to a solution," he adds. ogists suggest at least 20 percent be planted to acreage planted to wheat had declined by more T o prevent the European corn borer from be- coming immune to resistant to Bt corn, conven- tional corn needs to be planted beside the Bt corn. conventional corn. Conventional corn planted to prolong Bt resis- than 50 percent. Among the reasons for the decline are erratic In the interim, information on i.mproved wheat planting and handling practices will be pro- vided to growers via MSU Extension and publica- The purpose of the companion planting is to tance buildup is called a refuge. growing seasons, fluctuating yields and generally tions such as the Wheat Alert, Gray says. allow corn borers emerging from conventional corn "If between 5 and 10 percent of the farm's depressed market prices the past two decades, all of "We realize that this is certainly not a solution, to mate with corn borers that may not have been corn acreage is planted to conventional corn, it which have essentially made Michigan's wheat in- but finding the genetic material that has the proper killed by the Bt corn and thereby prolong develop- should never be treated with an insecticide to con- dustry fearful of its future. agronomic traits for Michigan will be a painstaking ment of resistance to the Bt corn by the European trol the corn borer," DiFonzo says. "On the other Following a two-day, inqustry wide discussion effort," Gray says. corn borer. This is called resistance management. hand, if a larger refuge is planted, it could be about the wheat problem Jan. 3 in Lansing, the He adds that research agronomists in Canada Chris Difonzo, Michigan State University pesti- sprayed with a non-Bt product to control the corn Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) may have a scab-resistant variety in four years and cide education coordinator and field crop entomolo- borer because the insectidde treatments are gener- has pledged $60,000 a year for the next two years that similar work is being done at Purdue University. gist, says that whenever most insect-killing agents are ally only 70 to 80 percent effective." for research to address the problem. "We also need to interact closely with research used intensively, the target insect population begins Difonzo recommends that the Bt corn be MAESdirector Ian Gray says a major portion agronomists in North Dakota, Minnesota and Ontar- to develop resistance to the killing agent. separated from the refuge in blocks. The blocks of the problem will be solved when a wheat variety io to put together strategies and shar~ information "Research shows that when the European need to be close enough to one another to assure is developed that will resist scab, but that process on breeding and variety development so that we corn borer was fed high doses of the Bt in the labo- the mating between the corn borers from the ref- will take up to a decade. can maximize the development of a scab-resistant ratory, the insect developed moderate resistance in uge and those from the Bt corn. Ideally, this means That quest, led by MAESwheat breeder Rick wheat variety," Gray says. just eight generations," DiFonzo says. "Of course, planting the blocks next to each other, separated Ward and plant pathologist Pat Hart, will start soon MSU Extension seed specialist Larry Copeland resistance buildup is not going to happen nearly as perhaps by a tree line, ditch or a road with grassy at Michigan State University. Companion efforts will says that wheat remains one of Michigan's most quickly in the field-it may take many years for it to edges where the corn borers will go to mate (they address problems related to the disease. important crops, in spite of the current problems. occur - but it underscores the fact that transgenic do not mate in the corn). The efforts ofMAES researchers, MSU Exten- "Historically, wheat has generated an average crops should not be considered the cure-all for pest Difonzo says that this resistance management sion specialists and agents, and Michigan agribusi- of $1.5 billion in value.added revenue for the state control." should be taken seriously by all corn growers. nesses will include ferreting out chemicals that assist economy," he says. "Wheat is also very valuable in She says that, depending on the grower's "Bt corn is an exciting new tool for producers, in disease control and improving sprayer technology, the crop rotation to help break disease and insect source of information (university or industry repre- but its long-term effectiveness depends on every. grain sampling and grain processing procedures. cycles and improve soil quality, and wheat spreads sentatives), between 5 and 40 percent of the farm's one's cooperation in reducing the potential for "The Experiment Station is committed to help out the use of farm labor and equipment and pro- corn acreage should be planted to conventional resistance problems in the future," Difonzo says.• the industry, and the industry has offered its total vides a summer cash crop." corn if Bt corn is planted. Most university entomol- support to the Experiment Station and to Extension He says that the Wheat 2000 program, begun to put together a cooperative program to get our at MSU two years ago, has attracted more than Scientists create an electronic atlas activity going in the right direction," Gray says. 1,000 member growers who are working with MSU S cientists have created an electr?nic atlas t~at needs only sec~nds to show ral~fall and ch- small as one square mile. That could be useful for planning irr.gation projects or deciding how large a 'l\nother very refreshing thing to come out of the conference was the willingness of other patholo- gists at MSUto get involved in this problem, and I Extension specialists, agents and MAESresearchers in a coordinated program aimed at restoring profit- mat~ data for any neIghborhood, region, country or reservoir should be, according to Donald Jensen of ability to Michigan wheat production .• contment. the Utah Climate Center. The atlas, called the World Water and Climate Data from 56,000 weather stations worldwide 18th annual family farm report: Atlas for Agriculture, was developed by the Interna- was used in compiling the atlas, which is based on tional Irrigation Management Institute and the Utah weather from 1961-90. The atlas includes 10-day, Characteristics of u.S. farms vary widely The 2.1 million farms in the contiguous 48 produced 25 percent of total U.S. output. Climate. Cente~ at Utah State University. The pro- monthly and annual summaries of average, maxi- • states operated an average of 436 acres and Overall, only about 12 percent of farm opera- gram will pro~de easy acc~ss to a ~t array of data mum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, useful for agnculture. It wlll be avaIlable on CD- precipitation probabilities and evapotranspiration, produced an average of $73,700 in agricultural tor household income came from farming. House- products in 1993. But the characteristics of the holds operating noncommercial farms averaged ROM or on the Internet. the amount of water evaporated from bodies of The first CD, dealing with Asia, was recently water and growing crops. farms varied widely, according to Structural and $35,000 in total income, virtually all from off-farm released. CDs covering the rest of the world will be It also has two indices, one showing if there is Financial Characteristics of U.S. Farms, 1993; 18th sources. Households running commercial farms Annual Family Farm Report to Congress, a new averaged higher income ($53,100), half of which available by year's end: The entire atlas will be avail- enough moisture in a region for crops and the oth- able over the Internet mJuly (http:/atlas.usu.edu). er showing areas that would need irrigation to sup- report from USD~s Economic Research Service. came from off-farm sources. Only 8 percent of all Information can be summoned for areas as plement rainfall. • The report uses statistics from USD~s 1993 farm operator households received income from Farm Costs and Returns Survey. It presents informa- farming that was near or above the average income tion on structural characteristics of farm operations, for all U.S. households. Australian researchers plan large-scale cattle farmland ownership and use, farm finances, charac- Most farm operations were full owners of their cloning teristics of farm operators, farm operator house- land. The 6 percent of farms that rented both land A ustralian researchers who have achieved the first large-scale cloning of cattle embryos said they hope to launch commercial cloning within The researchers produced the embryos using standard test-tube technology and leuing them grow into a ball of cells known as a blastocyst. They holds' dependence on farming and linkages be. tween farm operators and their communities. Nearly three-fourths of U.S. farms were non- and other assets produced about 23 percent of gross sales. About 3 percent of U.S. farms were corporations in 1993, and that 3 percent produced three or four years. Researchers at Melbourne's then separated cells out and fuse them with eggs commercial (gross farm sales less that $50,(00). 18 percent of total gross farm sales. Family corpora. Monash University developed the process solely for that have had their nucleus removed to create new However, noncommercial farms accounted for only tions accounted for a larger share of total gross farm use in agriculture. embryos, which are grown and separated again and 10 percent of total gross farm sales. Commercial sales (15 percent) than nonfamily corporations (3 Bernie Harford, chief executive of the Genet- again. None of the embryos has yet been implanted farms (gross sales of $50,000 or more) made up 27 percent). ics Australia cooperative, said the researchers are into a cow. percent of all farms but accounted for 90 percent of About 17 percent of all farm operators said they focusing on producing genetically identical embry- Harford said he considered the Melbourne gross sales. Just 4 percent of all farms accounted for were retired. Although still classified as farm opera. os in large numbers at low cost. Last week it was cloning to be less spectacular than the work in Scot- half of gross sales, while less than 1 percent of farms tors, this group accounted for little production .• announced that the team, led by Alan Trouson, had land which produced a clone from the cell of an managed to create more than 400 identical embryos adult sheep .• from a single cattle embryo. Are you using old fashioned Search for alternative fungicides picks up ynthetic fungicides can combat a throng of management special~st at the University's Parma marking S fungal diseases thriving in damp soil which rot crop roots and spoil the seed. But some fungi are Research and ExtenSion Center. Applied to soil or dusted on crop seeds before systems? immune to fungicides. planting, the bacterium spreads along growing plant That gap, combined with grower concern over roots as a protective net, all the while producing possible loss of existing fungicides and public pres- antibiotics to kill fungi and enzymes that otherwise Try tram lines sure for less chemical use is fueling searches for break down root cell walls. The bacterium also shows and drilled biological alternatives. potential for controlling potato diseases in storage. One alternative is a bacterium first isolated University of Idaho microbiologist Don Craw- crops. from English soil that may prove to be a potent ford collected the biocontrol agent, Streptomyces natural fungicide. Iydicus, in 1991 on the roots of a linseed plant. New method of marking your fields for later applications of chemicals. In three years of University of Idaho field trials J.R. Simplot Co. is applying to the Environ- 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 mental Protection Agency to register the bacterium as a fungicide, and plans field trials leading to a marketable product as early as 1999.• Tram Lines Tram Lines donlt cost, they save! No Lapping, No Skipping Jyson lobbyist goes on trial for lying in Espy probe Night-Time Spraying ~e Washington lobbyist for Tyson Foods went The charges stem from the two-year-plus in- • on for allegedly lying to federal investigators. vestigation of Espy, who has been accused of ac- Very Little Crop Damage Legal experts said the outcome of the case will be cepting illegal gratuities from companies during his Precision Accuracy and Reduced Input Costs key in the government's investigation of former time as Secretary. Expanding the Window of Application Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy. Whether Espy and Tyson will be indicted may Reduced Risk of Crop Disease ~AM-RITE Jack Williams, chief lobbyist for the Arkansas- based company, is accused of making false state. be determined by the outcome of the Wdliams trial. Another key target in the case is Don 1}'son, IRAM LINES Contact: ments to FBI investigators and other federal agents former head of Tyson Foods and a longtime close Greenline Service Corp PO Box 7208 540-373-7578 about his role in providing gif~ to Espy on behalf of friend of President Bill Clinton .• Tyson Foods. Fredricksburg, VA 22404-7208 fax: 540-371-4113 Happy with your bean yields? They could be better M any of our most effective and most promising products and systems are successful because they work in con- junction with the natural mechanisms already says Varner. "We have seen the inoculants give growers a yield increase, and it's not really costing much to use them. Situational awareness present in each field. Biological insect and disease Many growers, especially those producing dry control products, genetically-altered seed, integrat- beans, are finding the need for inoculation isn't ed pest management programs - their effectiveness related strictly to environmental or field conditions. is due, at least in part, (0 the fact that they allow the "Basically, the dry bean plant doesn't make an environment's natural control devices to function (0 optimal host for native Rhizobia," says George Bolt- their fullest abilities. on, Helena Chemical, Marshall, Minn. "It's just not At best, however, these inputs can only save as easy to build large populations of the bacteria in the yield potential carried in each seed; none can dry bean fields." actually contribute (0 a yield increase. But dry bean To encounter this effect, Bolton says many producers anxious (0 squeeze every possible bushel bean producers have adopted an annual hopper from their acres are rediscovering one of the oldest box application of HiStick inoculant. ideas in legume production: nitrogen-fIXing Rhizo- "By adding HiStick in the hopper box," he bia inoculants. says, "we're able to grow a more efficient plant that History lesson can convert much more nitrogen than a non-inocu- First isolated by researchers in the late 19th cen- lated plant. In our area, we're seeing yield increases tury, the Rhizobia bacteria interacts with the legume of up to 200 pounds per acre." plant, producing nodules on the root system. The Bolton says in addition to the yield increases, bacteria within these nodules convert atmospheric growers. also can realize savings on supplemental nitrogen, normally unavailable (0 the plant, first into MicroBio, Ltd., for example, takes purity a step fur- creased through inoculation, the need for high rates nitrogen applications. ammonium, then into necessary amino acids and pro- ther by using a sterilized peat medium, resulting in of supplemental nitrogen applications is decreased, "Many times, the grower finds he can elimi- teins. By helping ensure the plant is never starved for a Rhizobia population of up (0 50 times that of non- reducing fertilizer runoff into nearby Lake Huron. nate the additional nitrogen. At rates from 30 to 40 nitrogen, inoculant use can produce healthier plants sterile inoculants. Contamination from unfriendly "In this area," he says, "anything we can do (0 pounds, that's S7.50 to SlO per acre saved." and, as a result, higher yields. bacteria is virtually eliminated, while storage life is avoid losing our nitrogen to runoff helps. Byallow- Varner says growers shouldn't rule out inocu- The earliest methods of inoculation often increased over non-sterile and unstable inoculants. ing the plants to convert atmospheric nitrogen, Iants just because they're satisfied with their current consisted of simply creating a slurry from the soil A patented sticker formulation helps keep the bac- inoculants decrease our dependence on high rates level of production; in any situation, there's room surrounding the root system of healthy legume teria on the seed and protects the Rhizobia from of soil-applied nitrogen fertilizers." for improvement. plants. The paste was then used as a seed treat- injury due to other crop protection products. Through the effects on yields will, of course, "This is one of the oldest dry bean production ment, supposedly coating the seed with a layer of I One product. multiple benefits vary among farms, Varner says data obtained from areas in the country," he says, "and we've got a high Rhizobia-rich soil. But competition from foreign Though originally developed as a yield-en- long-term inoculant trials should convince growers natural population of Rhizobia in our soils. But our bacteria, along with low Rhizobia concentrations, hancement tool, many growers are discovering a to take a closer look. research has proved that even with soils that have made these first inoculants only minimally effective. multifaceted benefit to inoculation. Greg Varner, "We're not quite ready (0 make an across-the- been in production for years, growers can benefit Taday's peat-based inoculants can deliver Michigan Dry Edible Bean Production and Research board recommendation for inoculant use, but we're from inoculation." • much higher populations of Rhizobia. HiStick from . Advisory Board, says while potential yields are in- certainly encouraging our growers to experiment," USDAmoving toward "Iocally led" conservation Senators call for quick change in milk pricing efforts, Glickman says -rtte Agriculture Department should move quick- Glickman repeated previous comments that • ocal people at the local level" should deter- The new federal Farmland Protection Program, • Iy to change its method of calculating prices for the department is considering whether to replace &.mine the usefulness and applicability of agricul- which AFT strongly promoted, offers the first-ever the milk that farmers sell to dairies and cheese man- cheese-exchange prices with those on the Coffee, tural conservation programs U.S. Agriculture Secre- federal funding to state and local farmland protec- ufacturers, according to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). Sugar and Cocoa exchange in New York or the Chica- tary Dan Glickman (Old American Farmland, the tion programs. Glickman said that integrating the Specter suggested Thursday during a hearing go Mercantile Exchange. USDA told the Senate com- quarterly magazine of national farmland conserva- FPP with the 1996 Farm Bill's other incentive-based by the Senate Appropriations Commiuee's agricul- miuee that it is experimenting with a mailed ques- tion group American Farmland Trust. federal conservation and rural economic programs ture subcommiuee that the USDA has not respond- tionnaire that asks price information from cheese The interview, in which Glickman reviews his would multiply the beneficial effects of each and go a ed fast enough to complaints by dairy farmers. Sen. factories. Specter said the process could be hurried conservation goals for the next four years, appears long way (Oward ensuring long-term protection and Russell D. Feingold (D-WIS.) said that in his 14 years by surveying the plants by telephone. When Glick- in the magazine's next issue. 'J\t USDA, we are mov- balanced use of resources" for farming communities. as a state and U.S. senator, he has never seen a man and other department officials appeared to balk, ing (Oward what we call "locally led conservation," "But why should you stop there?" he asked. "Why not greater sense of urgency in the dairy industry. Specter demanded a list of telephone numbers and Glickman stated. "I strongly believe that the needs, include other federal, state or local programs to offer Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said in said he and his staff would make the calls themselves. the willingness and the motivation must come from an even more complete package?" January the department would consider dropping Glickman questioned whether voluntary sur- local individuals and the local community." Glickman noted that with the farm bill's enact- the National Cheese Exchange in Green Bay, WIS., veys can provide the. information needed. He sug- Addressing the rapid loss of U.S. farmland to ment last year the USDAis making the transition from as a source of information for seuingnational base- gested legislation making responses mandatory development, Glickman said this, too, is an issue "an agency based on commodity programs to one market milk prices. He reported Thursday that he might be required. Specter urged consideration of a warranting local support. "I have traveled allover based on conservation programs." In a major shift in has not chosen an alternative. base of Sl3.50 per 100 pounds of milk as a short- the country and seen some of our most threatened U.S. ag policy, the bill phases out commodity-based Prices have dropped more than 25 percent term solution. Glickman replied a price floor would farmland," he said. "No briefing paper or meeting income support payments, which for decades encour- since September. Farmers say part of the problem is be contrary (0 Congress' intent in the 1996 farm bill can demonstrate the extent of the problem beuer aged farmers to produce on environmentally sensi- price fluctuations on the Green Bay exchange. to phase out price supports for milk by 2000 .• than seeing firsthand what is at stake and talking to tive lands and discouraged crop diversification .• the people fighting (0 preserve their way of life." The Michigan GSPis intended to help growers reduce groundwater pollution ~e Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Pro • gram (GSP), begun in 1993, is intended to provide farmers with information and, in some pesticide container recycling, disposal of unused or unwanted pesticides, and technical assistance in dealing with pesticide, fertilizer and manure spills. Soybean instances, cost-sharing that will help them protect farmstead water resources. Among the first steps in farmstead groundwa- Funding for the GSP cost-sharing and educa- tion programs comes from farm and homeowner pesticide and fertilizer registration fees - upwards Seed ter protection is the Farm*A*Syst assessment, of S3 million each year. which allows producers (0 identify potential water Krizek says that more than 85 percent of the contamination risks on their farms. More than 5,000 revenues generated by the fees are returned to Farm*A*Syst assessments have been conducted on Michigan farms since the GSP was started. "The procedure is an assessment of the risk pesticide and fertilizer users through education, technical assistance, applied research and cost- share programs. #1 #2 posed to groundwater resources, such as recogniz- The GSP is jointly administered by MSU Exten- Yield Average Yield Average ing risk posed by abandoned wells or identifying sion, the Natural Resource Conservation Service 1996 MSU Southern Trials 1996 MSU Central Trials improper pesticides and nitrogen fertilizer storage and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. practices," says Allen Krizek, Michigan State Univer- The program is directed by advisory councils sity Extension liaison to the GSP. consisting of farmers, agribusiness representatives In most instances, inexpensive solutions are and others who help establish policies and activities Call for a Dealer Near You! found to protect water resources. In others, the for the program. farm owner is able to make cost-share arrange- Other collaborators in the GSP are the Michi- ments with the GSP to install groundwater protec- tion devices, such as portable pesticide mixing and gan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Agribusiness Associ- ation and the Michigan Association of Conservation $15.25 loading pads or secondary containment structures Districts. Suggested Retail for on-farm fertilizer storage. Another common Additional information about the program and activity is closing abandoned farm wells. the assistance it may provide can be obtained by ~ The GSP offers a variety of other programs and writing to the GSP, Michigan Department of Agricul- activities that can improve farmstead stewardship practices, such as pesticide sprayer calibration, water ture, Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909, or by calling 800-233-3379 800-292-4525 Krizek at (517) 373-9813 .• well nitrate testing, manure spreader calibration, ~~I~'~ March 30, 1997 Pioneer researchers discover new opportunities with genome project R esearchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred Internation- as Bt. Although we are also involved in this area of are composed of sections of DNAin which the chem- are being combined with a number of proprietary al, Inc. (NYSE: PHB), are discovering new research, we are looking into the future for broader ical bases are arranged in a specific order or se- biological and analytical systems designed for prod- opportunities. It all started last year when technology and project opportunities." quence. DNA provides the instructions for a leaf to uct development." the company began research to understand the Pioneer is investing in and developing a num- be a leaf or a plant to resist a particular disease. Pioneer researchers may select for a gene's genome of com - how and what genes determine ber of technologies that will enable researchers to InJanuary 1996, Pioneer entered into an presence directly, or modify genes to change ex- important traits. build knowledge about how the corn plant works. agreement with Human Genome Sciences Inc. pression. (For example, to increase pest resistance.) "We are exploring a new frontier in crop ge- Some researchers are mapping genes. Some are (Nasdaq-NNM: HGSI), to begin sequencing tags for Once these steps are completed, experimental netics research," says Rick McConnell, senior vice developing a number of technologies for modifying many of the genes in com. The extensive corn gene products are tested by Pioneer Hi-Bred's intensive president of Research at Pioneer. "Our researchers DNA molecules or determining gene function. Oth- sequencing and discovery project is providing in- field evaluations. are seeking more information about how our pro- ers are involved in developing technologies that sight into genes which control complex traits in Pioneer Hi-Bred Imernational, Inc., is the prietary germ plasm base can be mined to benefit measure expression. Still others are developing corn, with possible application to other crops. world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and our customers." powerful computer programs that are helping re- Currently, Pioneer researchers are working is a leading integrator of agricultural technology. New tools are making it possible to identify searchers draw a picture of the com genome. All of with about 80,000 sequence tags. Access to these Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer devel- and understand genes that control agronomic traits these technologies are necessary to realize the full sequences, when used in conjunction with other ops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, such as pest resistance, drought resistance and root potential of existing genes in com. technologies, will help Pioneer researchers identify microbial products, and services to farmers, grain strength, as well as grain traits such as carbohy- "The Genome Project was born from our quest and determine the function of certain genes. Deter- processors, and other customers worldwide. drate, protein and oil content. for knowledge about com genetics," says McConnell. mining function is a critical step in identifying how Human Genome Sciences Inc. (HGS) is locat- "We are making strides in crop genetic re- "It is a natural extension of our longtime efforts to a gene controls a specific trait or characteristic. ed in Rockville, Md. Well known in human gene search that will payoff for customers in the long improve crop genetics for our customers." We're looking for genes that positively affect research, they are world leaders in sequencing and run," says Tony Cavalieri, vice president of Trait and The steps economically important traits," says Cavalieri. "We discovering genes. HGS conducts discovery re- Technology Development Research. "Currently, the Corn contains about 100,000 genes. DNAis the have discovered a number of possibilities in the search to create new means to predict, prevent and industry is actively exploring single-gene traits, such chemical blueprint for all life forms. Individual genes disease resistance and grain traits areas. The results cure human diseases .• MSU Lambing School to be held April 19 MSU Extension~ IILeap11has evolved into IISFE11 to Improve Logger Skills Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MI- A lot of people who want to, or are just getting into the sheep few years ago, more than a few professional A foresters, environmentalists and others be- gan wondering about the capability of Michigan OSHA) regulations as they pertain to logging and other topics that will increase the loggers' knowl- business, have little or no experience in flock man- edge of the forest ecosystem. agemem, especially at loggers to safeguard woodland environments as Supported by a grant from the Michigan For- lambing time. they went about their businesses. est Resource Alliance, the SFE program consists of Birthing lambs may Loggers, for the most part, have done a pretty 18 hours of instruction, including six hours of field send the inexperienced good job in the woodlands, but to assure that they application. Each participant finishing the training handler into a panic, were aware of the role they could play in good receives a certificate of completion. which might be avoided by woodland management, the Michigan State Univer- About 195 logging contractors have already attending the Baby Lamb sity Department of Forestry began the Logger Edu- completed the SFE, which started a few months Management for Novice cation to Advance Professionalism (LEAP) program ago, reports Tom Barnes, MSU Extension district Sheep Producers Hands- in 1994. forestry agent, who manages the program for the On training Session, April Several hundred loggers were trained under northern Lower Peninsula. 19 at Michigan State Uni- the lEAP. The results sufficiently impressed timber "The long-term goals of the SFE program are versity. processors that they requested timber contractors from whom they bought timber to enroll their log- to provide continuing educational opportunities for Lambing is the most critical and labor-inten- lambs, they will spend several hours in the barn gers in the program. loggers and to improve communication between sive period of the year for sheep producers and weighing, tagging, giving injections and other things loggers, foresters and landowners and subsequently therefore, the reason for the annual lambing school that are critical to the health of a newborn lamb. Partly because of the broad interest in the enhance the sustainability of Michigan's forestland," for would-be and novice sheep producers, says They will also learn about lamb and ewe nutri- LEAPprogram, MSU forestry faculty members ex- Barnes says. Margaret Benson, MSU Extension sheep specialist. tion, flock management and health maimenance panded the content and changed the program's Barnes is offering the SFE program about The school will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 and be shown a video that details lamb birthing. name to Sustainable Forestry Education (SFE). every other month to loggers and private landown- p.m., April 19 at the MSU sheep research and teach- Enrollees should bring suitable outdoor work "The LEAPprimarily focused on teaching log- ers. There is no charge for the training. ing barns on Hagadorn Road, about a half mile clothing. School enrollment is limited to 20 people gers about forest ecology concepts and silviculture, More information about the program in the south of Mt. Hope Road. (first come, first served) and costs $30. the development and care of forests," says Doug northern Lower Peninsula can be obtained from "Most of the participants really appreciate learn- Paymem must accompany registration, which Lantagne, MSU Extension forest regeneration spe- Barnes at the MSU Extension office in Grayling by ing how to help get newborns off to a good start", should be sent to Margaret Benson, Department of cialist. "The SFE program has been broadened to calling (517) 348-2841. Call Dave Anderson at (906) Benson says. However, on occasion, some people Animal Science, 113 Anthony Hall, MSU, East lan- include forestry best management practices, such as how to maintain water quality during logging, and 774-0363 about the SFE program in the Upper Pen- who are thinking about starting a small flock may de- sing, MI 48824-1225. Make checks payable to MSU insula. Additional information about the program cide not to; it's just more than they expected". Lambing School. how the state permit process works for putting in culverts and bridges." can be obtained from Lantagne at MSU by calling Benson says that in those instances, the deci- A proper start for newcomers to the industry (517) 353-4616 .• sion to quit at that point is impoilant for the mutual increases the likelihood that they will remain with it The SFE program also includes review of welfare of the sheep and the human. and possibly help strengthen Michigan's sheep in- While school participants will not deliver dustry, according to Benson .• Hydraulic maintenance raises efficiency and saves money I t'shard to notice because it's so gradual, but the build-up of dirt can progressively damage the hydraulics in your tractor or combine, causing lost ciently. If you have any questions or want more advice, talk to your dealer. New STEEL:" Herbicide 011analysis detects engine problems money in repairs, pans and down time during busy Used engine oil often warns of problems that periods. Accumulation of dirt can also severely de- can shorten engine life and lower resale value. The KEEPS WEEDS crease hydraulic efficiency. With some periodic maintenance, you'll keep next time you change the oil, have the used oil analyzed. FROM GETTING power- and dollar-robbing contaminants out of the system. Here's what you can do: Massey Ferguson offers a test kit through the AGCO Parts division. For a few dollars, you'll get a THROUGH • Change hydraulic oil periodically. Changing hy- sample bottle, a data sheet to complete and a mail- draulic oil annually or every 1,000 hours is rec- ing tube to send the samples in. Introducing STEEL" herbicide for soybeans. ommended. It keeps weeds from getting through. Just soil- Researchers use a spectrometer, which passes apply it for maximum early-season control of • Replace filters regularly. Consult the owner's a beam of intense light through the oil, to measure more than 50 weeds. including yield robbers manual to find out how often filters should be the kinds and amounts of metal fragments present like cocklebur, nightshade, ragweed, and replaced. to determine if any engine parts are wearing exces- foxtail. And with its solid residual control, • Keep unused filters clean. Store filters in dry, STEEL" frustrates weeds all season long . sively. dust-free areas and keep them in their boxes For example: until installation . • Wear in the crankshaft and cylinder walls shows For more Information • Clean couplers and hose tips. Be sure to clean up as a high concentration of iron fragments. call 800-942-0500 • hydraulic connections and wipe off the hose tips • Copper indicates serious bearing wear. before attaching and after detaching . • Contaminants like water, fuel and antifreeze can • Clean parts. Parts left out in the open or un- be found during testing. sealed attract dust. Wash exposed parts with a A report detailing the contents of your engine cleaning solvent. It's also a good idea to flush the oil will be sent after the analysis, as well as an indi- hydraulic system after repairs. cation of any problems discovered. Your dealer can These procedures are usually aU it takes to recommend a course of action to remedy these keep your hydraulics running smoothly and effi- problems. Source: Massey Ferguson, Farm Profit. --- ,-- NIOSH warns: improper hitching to tractors can be fatal A ccording to the National Institute for in Agricultural Communities program. Sixteen of time farmer was fatally injured when his 1950-model • Carefully select the hitching point to a tractor. Occupational Safety and Health these incidents resulted in death. Improperly' hitch- tractor overturned to the rear while pulling down a • Don't alter the drawbar by raising or (NIOSH), farmers and others who use ing equipment or material for towing caused the . downed tree. He suffered multiple trauma with a shortening it. tractors are at risk for severe injury or death if prop- rollovers in 60 percent of these incidents. Environ- fractured neck and jaw. The tow chain used to pull • Never attach the load directly to the axle. er hitching methods are not used when towing or mental circumstances such as muddy conditions, the tree had been hitched above the drawbar of the • Never use a two- or three-point hitch as a pulling objects with tractors. wet ground, snow-covered, hilly or uneven terrain tractor. The tractor was not equipped with RaPS. single-point hitch instead of the drawbar. In a recent article in the Centers for Disease may have contributed to some of the incidents . On January 3, 1994, a 42-year old female farmer • If the load attaches by a single point, attach il Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality "These figures are particularly tragic because died from chest injuries when a 1970-model tractor only to the drawbar. Weekly Report, NIOSH warned that improperly attach- we know that proper hitching and RaPS on tractors she was using to pull a loaded pickup truck out of • Ensure that the tractor operator is familiar ing a tow chain to a point above the tractor's drawbar would have prevented most, if not all of these inju- snow overturned to the rear. The tow chain had been with safe use of the equipment. can cause tractors to suddenly flip backward. These ries and deaths," said NIOSH Director, Dr. linda attached at the top link connection of the tractor's • Select a strong tow chain with a length suffi- rear rollovers often result in injury or death. Rosenstock. "We must work together to decrease the three point hitch. The tractor did not have a RaPS. cient to allow adequate stopping distance On October 29, 1994, a 13-year old male sus- toll oEtractor related incidents on America's farms." On June 22,1996, a 29-year old male died between the towed object and the towing tained severe fatal head trauma when the 1983- - As the number of people using tractors for from multiple crushing injuries when his 1950- vehicle to avoid collision and rear rollover. model tractor he was using overturned to the rear towing and hauling increases during the winter model tractor flipped over, pinning him under- • Ensure a cleared work area for greater while pulling a felled 18 inch diameter tree that was months, it is important that they are informed of the neath. The operator of the tractor was clearing trees maneuvering. still partially attached at the stump. The tow chain hazards associated with hitching and the proper and brush in the yard of his newly built home. The • Use slow, steady pull. had been hooked directly around the rear axle. The prevention measures. NIOSH requests the assistance tow chain was found to be attached to a six inch • When using a tractor to free an embedded tractor did not have a roll over protective structure of the farming community, media, Cooperative Ex- tree stump, and fastened at the top of the three vehicle, hitch the vehicles front-to-front and (RaPS). tension Service, equipment manufacturers, and point hitch attachment. drive the towing tractor in reverse to minimize Between April 1991 and June 1996,28 incidents dealers to help deliver this important safety message. Steps for prevention the risk of rollover .• of sudden rear rollover of tractors were documented 'lJpical cases • Use farm tractors equipped with RaPS, and wear in New Yorkby NIOSH's Occupational Health Nurses On September 3, 1991, a 71-yearold male part- a safety belt. Technology brings new career opportunities to agriculture T here's good news for high school graduates Custom application is a growing industry as rience with precision agriculture." In addition to Many of the training programs offer paid in- who want careers in agriculture but may not more farmers turn to their local farm supply retail- custom application, students at lincoln Land are also ternships so that students can graduate with actual have a place on the family farm. Career ers for application of a variety of crop products. At trained in business management and communica- work experience. "Our students are required to do opportunities in custom application are booming. the same time, advances in technology have made tions, with an emphasis on customer relations. At 16 weeks worth of internships," explains Lyons. Custom applicators operate sophisticated the job of custom application more complex. The lincoln Land, graduates receive an Associate degree "Many students will end up working in full-time equipment, applying plant food and crop protec- latest trend in application technology is precision in Agri-Fertilizer Operations. positions for the dealerships they interned with." tion products to farm land. According to Alex Eck- agriculture, where variable-rate applications of fertil- Brocksmith says custom application programs Scholarships for students interested in these ert, placement specialist with Farmland Industries izers and crop protection products are guided by aren't limited to students with farm backgrounds. programs are plentiful. Zeneca Ag Products, a lead- Inc., trained, skilled custom applicators are some of computerized rigs getting signals from satellites that "We have some students who don't have any direct ing manufacturer of crop protection products, will the most sought-after people in agriculture today. orbit the earth. farm experience and they are doing very well," she offer twenty $500 scholarships again this year as part Agriculture dealers in the Midwest literally can't get "Custom application has become a prestigious notes. "The new computer technologies are increas- of its "Careers In Precision Agriculture" program. enough of them. profession because of the advanced technologies ing the interest among non-farm students as well as Scholarships and fmancial aid are also available from "Within the Farmland system alone, we are that these applicators are working with," notes those who grew up and worked on farms." many regional co-ops and independent dealerships. seeing a tremendous demand for trained custom Brocksmith. "Wages in this field of agriculture are very "The cooperation and financial support of the applicators," says Eckert. Training programs in custom application are competitive, and students aren't limited to custom chemical and fertilizer industries are what are mak- In response to the growing demand for quali- evolving from the basic agri-business curriculum. application," notes Brocksmith. "They can move ing this program, and others like il, possible," says fied personnel, many community colleges and tech- They offer classes specifically geared toward custom into sales, management, or other positions within Lyons. nical schools in the Midwest now offer training application, related technologies and agronomy. the business. It all depends on what the student is For more information about careers in custom programs specifically geared to custom application. "Our students learn the different aspects of interested in." application, contact Lansing Com~unity College, in According to Susan Brocksmith, Agribusiness custom application before they enter the work According to Farmland's Eckert, a recent Lansing, offering application training with a two- department chair at Vincennes University in Vin- force," says Dick Lyons, an instructor at lincoln Land Farmland survey of 150 CpSfound that 50 per- year agri-business prograffi. Classes include soil cennes, Ind., there are currently more custom appli- Community College in Springfield, III."They have to cent of all department managers started out in systems, weed management, sustainable agricul- cation positions out there than there are graduates. be able to identify weeds and make crop protection custom application or in similar positions. "As a ture, and principles of global positioning systems "The custom application job market is strong and recommendations. They learn about soil fertility, custom applicator, you learn the business from the and precision agriculture. Students are prepared for graduates have their pick of positions," she says. they can read field maps, and they get firsthand expe- ground up. It's a good stepping stone to middle professional licensing exams. Contact Bob Welch at management," he says. (517) 483-9675 .• Scholarships available from Zeneca Ag Products or the second year, Zeneca Ag Products is offer- F ing 20 scholarships to students who will be enrolled in an approved custom application pro- Scholarship winners will be selected based on past records of academic achievement, participation in school and community activities, work experi- Offered exclusively by: gram this fall. Each scholarship is worth S5oo. Any high school graduate who plans to become a pro- fessional applicator is eligible to apply. Applications ence and personal references. For more informa- tion, contact one of these participating schools: Black Hawk Community College in Kewanee, III. Schmidt Farms for the 1997-1998 school year are available from participating schools and must be submitted by Central Community College in Hastings, Neb. Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, Kan. of Auburn June 1. Iowa Western Community College in Council "Custom application is opening many doors 1068 N. Union Rd. Bluffs, Iowa for young people who want to remain in agricul- Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Auburn, MI 48611 ture," says Bill Beutke, senior marketing lead for Zeneca Ag Products. ''The demand for qualified lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, S.D. lansing Community College in lansing, Mich. 517 -622-6705 personnel is so high that many students can receive pay for training, internships during school, and guaranteed jobs after graduation." lincoln land Community College in Springfield, III. Minnesota West Community and Technical 517 -662-2695 College in Jackson, Minn. "We had such a positive response to our Muscatine Community College in Muscatine, Iowa scholarship program last year that we now have Parkland College in Champaign, III. P- 150 mid group I maturity. Excellent white mold fifteen schools participating in the program, up from ten a year ago," says Beutke. Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn. South Central Technical College in Mankato, Minn. resistance. Perfect for soybean - wheat rotation. State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Miss. Vincennes University in Vincennes, Ind .• P-175 late group I maturity. Outstanding yield Taiwan allows foreigners to produce wine and potential and suitable for edible use. tobacco T aiwan has agreed to let foreigners manufacture wine and tobacco on the island, further open- Vice Fmance Minister Wu Chia-sheng said his government would gradually ease its current restric- P-240 mid group II maturity. Exceptional yielding ing its markets in order to join the World Trade tions after revising a law governing tobacco and bean and stands very well. Organization. The agreement was reached during wine monopolies. Currently, Taiwan only allows the latest round of trade talks between Taiwan and imports of foreign wine and tobacco. No timetable the United States. was given for the change.• P-250 mid group II maturity. Drought tolerant. Yield workhorse. March 30, 1997 Weeds need attention on CRPground Novartis Seeds sponsors first-ever C RP acres earmarked for row-crop production will need special auention to weed control Another alternative is to mow CRPfields in early spring, then apply a burndown herbicide $100,000 yield contest prize this spring - even if burndown herbicides were applied in the fall. when regrowth reaches six to eight inches. "There's a double advantage in that you're removing the F or years, corn farmers have piued their crop production skills against the nation's best through the National Corn Growers Association "Even if no one claims the $100,000 prize next year, every farmer with corn borer pressure who uses an insect-protected hybrid wins," Jacoby said. "Fall is the best time to apply a burndown food source for the voles and you're providing con- herbicide to stop the growth of the perennial cover ditions that will enhance the activity of your burn- (NCGA)Corn Yield Contest. Next year, there is In company field trials in 1995 and 1996, un- crop," says Marshal McGlamery, weed scientist with down herbicide," says Murdock. more than just pride on the line - at stake is der heavy corn borer pressure, insect-protected Bt the University of Illinois. "But most CRPground will While translocated herbicides like Touch- $100,000 purse sponsored by Novanis Seeds, Inc. - corn averaged 15- to 20-bushels an acre more than .need another burndown in the spring to get com- down@ or Roundup@ are very effective for fall the largest such prize ever offered by an NCGAcorn unprotected hybrids. As an example, if a producer plete control." applications, Murdock says a contact herbicide like yield contest sponsor. planted Bt corn on 500 acres, the return on invest- If you're no-tilling, a spring burndown also will Gramoxone@ Extra is more effective for spring Growers who enter and win a national first ment could easily exceed $20,000. be needed to control annual weeds, reports David applications. place in the annual competition with one of the Although producers using Bt corn will see Quarles, extension weed specialist with the Universi- "Roundup and Touchdown work beuer in the company's insect-protected corn hybrids are eligi- significant economic benefits most years, the yield ty of Missouri. "There will be residual seed out there fall because all of the plant's food supply is moving ble for the $100,000 bonus. Don Jacoby, vice presi- contest incentive is a one-time bonus offered by waiting to germinate," says Quarles. "Without com- toward the roots, and these herbicides move with dent of sales at Novanis Seeds announced the spe- Novanis Seeds. Any NCGAmember is eligible to petition from the sod, these seeds will stan germinat- it," explains McGlamery. "Contact herbicides like dal incentive during a news conference at the 1997 panicipate in the annual Corn Yield Contest. If ing as soon as it warms up in the spring." Gramoxone Extra are more effective in the spring, Commodity Classic in Tampa Fla. more than one grower wins with a Maximizer or TN Where fall burndown herbicides were applied, when the plant's food supply is moving upward for "We are confident about the insect-protection NK@ Brand Bt hybrid, Novanis Seeds will divide foxtails will be the number one weed problem on topgrowth." technology in our NK@ Brand Bt and Maximizer TN the $100,000 bonus equally among each winner. In ground coming out of CRP this spring, predicts According to Quarles, a tankmix of Gramox- hybrids and we want growers to try them on their. the event that more than five growers win with a Uoyd Murdock, extension agronomist with the one Extra and atrazine is a good spring-time combi- own farms," Jacoby said. "The $100,000 prize is Novanis Seeds insect-protected hybrid, each grower University of Kentucky. Velvetleaf will be a close nation for corn. added encouragement for growers to see just how will take home $20,000. second, according to Quarles. Gordon Harvey, "The Gramoxone auacks from the top," he these new hybrids benefit corn production." Novanis Seeds AG is a leading worldwide agronomist with the University of WISconsin, says explains. "The atrazine, with some rain, goes into the This is the first year that a significant amount research organization that produces and sells corn, growers can also expect to see winter annuals. soil and is absorbed by the roots. It's like hammering of the biotech corn hybrids is available for sale. soybean, alfalfa, sunflower, sorghum, sugar beet, "Besides stopping the growth of the cover the weed from the top and from the bouom." Novanis Seeds hold 65 percent of the seed indus- vegetable and flower seeds .• crop, a fall burndown treatment is also excellent for If there are perennial weeds in the field, tank- try's insect-protecred hybrids. controlling perennial weeds," says Murdock. "So mixing Gramoxone Extra with 2,4-D can help, says your spring burndown is primarily to control annual Murdock. Industry leaders merge to form Novartis weeds, as well as finish off your cover crop." If there is less than 30 percent regrowth from the cover crop, then the spring burndown treat- In test plots at the Greenley Research Center in Novelty, Missouri, a tankmix of Gramoxone Extra, atrazine and 2,4-D provided full-season weed con- N ovanis Crop Protection, Inc., officially formed onJan. 1, was created from the merger of agricultural industry leaders Ciba Crop Protection Novanis Crop Protection lists more than 10 pro- spective products in its development pipeline, with five expected to receive Environmental Protection ment can be applied any time before planting, says trol on corn ground that followed CRP. and Sandoz Agro. Agency (EPA)registration within the next three years. Murdock. But if there is more than 30 percent re- Ifyou're dealing with a tough-to-control pe- Novanis Crop Protection, headquanered in In the turf and ornamental industry, Novanis growth, Murdock recommends applying the spring renniallike quackgrass, though, Harvey recom- Greensboro, N.C., is the nation's largest supplier of is a leader in disease, insect and weed control for burndown at least four weeks prior to planting to mends using Touchdown or Roundup - even in the crop protection products. Based on 1995 results, golf courses, greenhouses, nurseries, sod farms and clear the field of voles. spring. "The most imponant advice I can give is ClBAwas the crop protection leader in the United commercial lawn and landscape companies. 'The damage from voles can be devastating," don't get in too much of a hurry," he says. "To con- States with more than $1.1 billion in product sales. Plans to merge Ciba-Geigy Ltd. And Sandoz says Murdock. "By clearing out their food supply trol quackgrass with Touchdown or Roundup, you The merger with Sandoz strengthens that position, Ltd. Of Basel, Switzerland, were announced in early in the season, you're allowing enough time for will need substantial growth - about eight to ten and provides Novanis with stronger research and March of 1996. Provisional approval of the merger them to move elsewhere to fmd food." inches in the spring. If you apply either product development capabilities than Ciba or Sandoz had by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in December before then, you may not get complete control.. before combining operations. cleared the way for completion of the merger. As a condition for FTC approval, Sandoz Argo 69th Michigan FFA Convention agreed to divest its dicamba and dimethenamid corn herbicides and their mixes. The sale of those . FFA names 1997 leadership contest winners products to BASFalso was finalized in December .• S tate winners in eight leadership contests were names at the 69th Annual State Con- rltYzidoJJ.1JtkJt': vention of the Michigan Association of FFA - held March 3-5 in East Lansing. Teams from eight FFAchapters met in final competition after district and regional eliminations were held in each contest I prior to the convention. Jacqueline Swihan from the Vicksburg FFA Chapter was named the state winner of the Public Speaking Contest, sponsored by the National FFA FLORIDA FARM BUREAU Foundation. She spoke on the preservation of farm- PRODUCTS I land in the state of Michigan. The Greenhand Public Speaking Contest, a contest for freshmen FFAmembers, was won by Super Concentrated Orange Dan Kiesling of the Perry-Morrice FFAChapter. The Parliamentary Procedure Contest, a Juice and Grapefruit Juice! contest involving demonstration of parliamentary abilities to solve an item of business by five- to sev- The Mason FFA Chapter competed in the Ag Forum discussion dur- Famous Southern Fried Pean uts I en-member terms, was won by Montague FFA.The ing the FFA conv.ention probing the topic of farmland preservation. Honey Krunch Peanutsl six FFAmembers panicipating were: Jared Tenrbink, mentary procedure skills, was won by the Cassopolis FFAChapter. Team panicipants Shirley Paulin, Joy Ross, Megan Burgess, Rick were: Amy Abrams, Elizabeth Deubner, Lori Owen, Usa Stevenson, Kandale White, Dirt Squad Citrus Based Hand Ramthun, and Todd Counland. Cassopolis FFAChapter won the Agricultural Ian Salo, and Leyna Dussel. In a contest simulating aJob Interview, Corine Boekeloo of Vicksburg FFAChap- Cleanerl and morel Forum Contest, a group discussion event involving ter was names state winner. This contest was sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau. five to seven FFAmembers working together to Lori Preston of the Region I Branch Area Career Center FFAChapter won the solve an' agricultural problem. The Cassopolis FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Contest. She will represent Michigan in the central team members panicipating in the contest were: region contest next November in Kansas City, Missouri. As state winner, Lori will Beth Smego, Barbie Hartsel, Usa Bates, Jesse Ben- receive $100 from the National FFAFoundation. net, Ed Asmus and Dennis Peterson. In the Demonstration Contest, teams of two of three FFAmembers gave 15 The Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Contest, minute demonstrations on some aspect of agricultural practices. The Laingsburg FFA designed to .teach greenhand FFAmembers parlia- team consisting of Nicole Plotner, Michele Doyle, and Tracy WlZOeremerged as state winners .• State FFA officers elected B rian Preston of the Branch Area Career Center was elected state president of the Michigan Association of FFA.He succeeds Teresa Swamba, of Available in Michigan through the Capac FFAChapter .. Peterson Farms, Inc. (Shelby, MI) Other state officers elected for 1997-98 are: Vice President Darron Birchmeier from New Lothrop, Sec- retary Sheri Greiser from Lowell, Treasurer Leslie Se- ifka from St. Louis, Reponer Kandi Kukar from Co- runna, and Sentinel Nick Ladd from Waldron. Statewide order deadline: Regional state vice presidents are: Region I, Many Smego, Cassopolis; Region II, Kevin Robin- Wednesday, April 30th son,)onesville; Region III, Amanda Moore, Alma; Region W, Brian Kiesling, Perry-Morrice; Region V, Melissa Skully, BeaI City; Region VI, Mary Beth Kline, Alpena .• FFA members from all over Michigan were able to enjoy meeting the 3,000 people who attended the 69th Michigan FFA Convention. DEMeo FIELD SPRAYERS Maturity - 121 days (early group II) Yield - 55 bushels per acre + Mr. Corn Farmer: Are you pleased with the price you pay for seed corn? In 1995BaysideSeed Com was tested in sevendifferentMichigancountiesby ProSOY~and sevendifferentcounty ag agents.Whenthe resu~swere in, BaysideSeedshad the highestactual yield in four of those sevencounties. Soybean Seed When you order seed com for next year, I would like you to think about that. PS 212 Germination 95% Baysidewas tops four times,the entirerest of the Seedcom worldcombinedwas on top threetimes. Considerthat our com costsmuch less than any singlecrosscom in the industry,why would anyonewant to pay more to get less yield? Bayside 1796 had the highestactualyield in three countiesincludingan all timehigh of 216 dry bu. in TuscolaCounty.Bayside86 was the winnerof the OgernawCountyTrials.Also, in ....,... to ..... On 1995, Michigan State Universitytested Bayside 1796 in six mid-Michigancounties • PoIyeIIlyIeneellplicaltri~duaI jetlgblors, S&IIlp, blfleand 16" aanwayWcenlercap • Formed steel trailer wlground c:learance settings of 23" or 29" & adjuslable row spacing • Seeds/lb. 2530 and 1796outyieldedPioneer'sexcellent3751and 3769in all six counties.The aver- • A large & convenient front mountIId step, wort pIItform & safely rd Broad Spectrum, Root Rot Resistance, ages for those six county trials by MichiganState Universityare below: • 3-SedIon eIllctrIc boom cantroIs • Heavy duty PIe cross membet tulle .,White MoldTolerance flt0 Bayside 1796 Yield 165.01 Moisture 20.63 TW 56.58 • Sleek. compact, auto. IMI and IIotatIon boom • Rearward horizontal folditg boom. No vertical Iolding P.O. Box 55 236 Sugar St. A.. fflfS[lo Pioneer 3769 Pioneer 3751 151.60 157.68 19.63 19.00 57.08 56.66 • Sprayers wIlI'Tbumper piston pumps come welec. shut~, c:entrlfugaIlgbtion pump Blissfield, Michigan 49228 ~ Bayside 1796 and all the other Bayside com can be bought (C940184) & PrO shaft in March for $59 per 80,000 kemal bag. • AI booms are compIeIe wittl3l4" high volume plumbing & For a local dealer call: Demeo drip free diaphragm check IIOlZIes spaced at 2fT Toll Free 1-888-PRO-SEED • A clean water tri Is conveniently mounted on -=II spnyer frame • WIllI... ,... II., .... 711.'. w.. DIIICI s,r.,.,,,,,, Lyle Grigg-Bayside Seeds ... an. 3311""" CIIInlI far ,.. _I .......... DIll GlIM. EIIcMc c:.InI. 259 Bowker~d., Munger, MI 48747 Phone: 517-659-2845 or 517-659-3115 ~ Seeds I When MSU tested com in 1996,in SaginawCounty,Baysidehad 7 hybrids that averaged165.1bushels/acre.Anyone of these fine hybridswould do very well for you and would cost only a fractionof what you are payingnow. JOHN DEERE 4250, BAYSIDE SEED C.H.A. Dyno-140hp, corn. All maturities! 4100 hours, very Dairybrand alfalfa. good, $27,750. .Bayside 169 soy 1-616-979-2171. beans. B&MSEED UQUID MANURE 1-517-463-2846 ~estock ~vestock SPREADERS: New and used. (TWO) 4000 GALLON 7200 JOHN DEERE GRAIN WAGON with Balzer, Better-Bilt FOR SALE: AuSa- stainless steel stor- HORTON BAY LLA- PUREBRED BOER SIMMENTAL BULL, 1230 fertilizer cross hydraulic auger, 8 parts. UPS daily. ble seed oats, test age tanks. Dairy MAS is reducing GOATS. MichFlock. three years old, sol- auger. Monitor, ton running gear. Also, grain dryers weight, purity and quality, $2000 each. herd size. Four bred Stud Service availa- id red, good blood- front mounted coult- Good condition! and handling equip- germination tested. Toggenburg dairy females available. ble. lines, semen check- ers. Used 2 years, $1000. ment. Call Duane Basel goats w/grade A Due this spring and 612 North Madison, ed, high quality. 2,000 acres, 1-810-735-4908. Hamilton Distributing at milking equipment. fall. We also have Lapeer, MI48446. 1-517 -423-2343 or 1-810-651-8241. Company 1-517 -734-3694. weanling males. Sold as package. 1-810-667-0169 1-517-263-5352. 1-800-248-8070 1962 Willys wagon, GrinderlMixer Gehl 135 MICHIGAN CERTIFIED Photos sent on re- any time. Case International 21" mill, good con- NEW HOLLAND 273 SEED: Bowers bar- quest. 6-cylinder, 4x4. REGISTEREDMINIA- 1250 feed grinder, dition. $4000. New with thrower, rebuilt ley, Newdak, Prairie Jack & Barbara Danly SIMMENTAL BULLS: 1-616-829-3779. TUREDONKEYS: like new, no scales, Holland super 717 knotters and new oats, Felix soy 06300 Boyne City Purebred red year- $4500. 1968 Inter- beans. Road Breeders, pets, geld- 1962 GLEANER E chopper, 2 heads, pickup teeth, field ling; 7/8 blood black national truck, tan- Charlevoix, MI ings. Nicely built, with variable speed cornheads like new, ready. 1-616-754- B&MSEED 3 year old, and 1/2 dem, 20' steel rack, 49720 very friendly. $450, cylinder. Many im- $3500. Gehl 910 6969. 1-517-463-2846 blood black white wood sides, needs 1-616-582-7473 up. Great for driv- provements, always chopper wagon, tan- yearling. brake work, $2000. SEEDLING TREE Fax 1-616-582-6540 ing, showing, guard stored. Also 13' dem, 12 ton gear, 1-51 7-689-4696. 13 1/2' Case disc, PLANTER: Kasco, 2- animals. Hart-Carter floating good condition, $1200. seat, 3 point hitch. Pygmy goats. head. Orange 2 row $2800. LLAMAS ARE cornhead, both 1-616-784-1676. 1-616-894-6839 or Excellent condition! Acker's Ass-Key Acr~ TEXAS LONGHORNS Used less than 40 GREAT, and now 1-517-547-4418 BULLS: Three year good shape. 616- FOR SALE: #720 1-616-894-5050. they're affordable! acres. $1000 firm. old, solid black and 781-5515. IHC chopper, 2 for- These docile, intelli- A.B. Cook, 1-517- REGISTERED SCOT- a yearling, black 1967 MASSEY FER" age wagons, 3 INTERNATIONAL 589-9590. ANGUS & GELBVlEH: gent animals make and white. beaters with roof Breeding stock. TISH HIGHLAND CAT. GUSON tractor. 180 1486 tractor, cab. wonderful pets for Also, several bred and gear, Gehl mix- START SOD FARM: 5' Free delivery! TLE, breeding stock diesel. Heavy duty Excellent condition! hiking, packing, pic- heifers. er grinder, N H 30 Brillion seeder, 5' Border Collie Stock and semen for sale. Freeman 4000 New tires, field nicking, pulling Diamond 6 Ranch blower, Wic power gang Blitzerd mow- Dogs. Visitors welcome! loader with 2 buck- ready. Must sell! carts, or to just plain 1-616-642-9042 feed cart, 12', 16' ers, Brouwer sad Call today. Call evenings or ets. Very good con- 1-616-588-6084. enjoy. Their wool is 20' silo unloaders. harvester on a 3600 Bordner Farms weekends. dition! Call 1-616- valuable and they Everything good! HARVESTORE manure Ford diesel. Sturgis, MI also make out- 1-517 -543-7979. 754-7378. Charlotte, Michigan Bought new. Ionia, system. 400,000 gal- Retiring. 1-616-651-8353 standing guard ani- TOP QUALITY HOL- 1993 BELARUS 825, 1-616-761-3655. lons. Patz gutter 1-810-949-3111. mals. Call for a visit STEIN breeding age REGISTERED 4x4, cab, Interna- cleaner, left hand today! bulls, from high pro- ANGUS BEEF: TEXAS tional 715 combine, drive, 100' of chain. 1-616-677 -3309. ducing cow family. For Sale: 1974 Model Bulls, heifers and LONG HORNS, plow, disc, planter, Slat to cover 20x38 Ron & Nancy Laferriere. Top AI sires, $800- 6060 Speicher tiling cows with calves . weanlings, heifers, cultivator, sprayer, area. Make an offer. Laferriere llamas $900. machine, $25,000. Performance test- yearling heifers and drill for $18,250 or 10x30 silo to give Marne, Michigan bred cows. Pasch Farms will separate. Make 1974 JD 310 back- away. ed, semen tested. 1-517-644-3519 (Just northwest of 1-616-676-1462. offer or trade for hoe, $14,000. 1974 1-616-794-1118. Free delivery! Call THUST LIQUID Grand Rapids) lake lot property. IHC tractor and Ot- anytime. REGISTERED TEXAS 517 -862-4346 eve- tawa 25 ton lowboy FERTILIZER, $2.60 SHAGBARK YORKSHIRE McKENNEY CATTLE LONGHORNS: Top nings. $4500. Tile trailer JOHN DEERE 12' a gallon, 8-20-4, FARMS HAMPSHIRE BOARS: COMPANY Private quality. and selec- for Maxi coils. off set disc, 16' clay ask about Somerset Alto, Michigan Ready to breed. Treaty Bull Sale, tion! Breeding age 4000 BALES OF $2000. 1-616-527- silo unloader. 222' foliar feed for 1-616-868-6040 Delivery available! April 12, 1997. bulls, guaranteed WHEAT STRAW: 6438. raised paddles alfalfa, potatoes, Robert Harper, 9016 Commercial Angus, 100% calving ease. 16' Vandaye silo VanDale gutter small grains, vege- Exy Avenue, Vicks- FORD NEW HOLLAND Traveler and Rain- Cows, heifers and unloader, Model chain. Used three tables and lawns. FOR CURRENT LIST burg, Michigan, tractors and equip- maker Blood Lines. calves available. Al- 1230 DA. 20' Mag- months. Call Paul, 8am- of available Angus 49097. ment from Symon's Registered Sim- so, lean beef and num silo unloader. 1-616-734-2532. 1pm. Cattle, write: Secre- 1-616-649-2803. in Gaines. For 43 mental, Gelbvieh skulls. 1-517-269-8843 be- 1-517 -4 79-9356. tary, West Michigan years your best JOHN DEERE .j type. The top at our 1-616-945-2153. tween 6-10pm. Angus Breeders, deal for the long bottom, 14" trailer 585 36th Street February, 1996 Calf ALLIS-CHALMERS run! plow for sale. Also, SW, Grand Rapids, crop. Semen tested. 1300 field cultivator. Symon's New Holland 55 M149509. Free delivery 350 Fair condition. Call 1-511-271-8445, side rake. miles. Call for infor- 1-517-851-8106. Gaines 1-517 -669-9376. mation, 1-810-672- Conveniently located LLAMAS: 9676. Paul McKen- North American Sit- ney, 4987 Mush- K AV to all attractions: MICHIGAN CERTIFIED ting Bull and Essex S{ ) t Pigron Forge &: Gatlinburg room Road, Decker, SOYBEAN SEED: Har- bloodlines. Pet MI48426. " " Kitchens" Fireplaces ~ You Can Slill din-91, 94, Conrad-94 Kenwood- BSR-101. Also New- and males and weanling females. Reasona- bly priced! NINE REGISTERED LOG CABINS " Hot Tubs" Large Pool Open Year Round Call Toll Free Save Big Bucks dak certified Call Schmidt Farms of Auburn, oats. 1-517- Call for more infor- mation and visit. 1-517 -645-2719. Polled Hereford breeding age bulls for sale. Optimum IN THE SMOKIES 1-888- 200-0625 for. FREE color brochurt' onlualilY 662-6705 or 1-517- 662-2695. Mil ...... Uamaland Potterville, MI and Rocky Banner blood lines. Rye Hereford Allalla Seedl Farm Rogers City .J()II~S():\1 ~SYSn;;MI 1-617-734-3005 You can pav more lor an allaDa seed but vou 800-550-TRIM (8746) will nOI ael a beDer anana. PledmonteseCattle: Lean, tender, dou- Complete Grain System • Grain Bins • Hopper Bins Find out how we can sell superior varledes Bov ble muscled, good calvin~ ease. Quali- • • Bucket Elevators Millwright Service • Dryer Service • Crane Service and premium seed allow, low prices. GEERSTINSEEDFIRIS Stand Jim Rondy 517-593.3310 Dan Davis 517-224-1323 We trim with a fully hydraulic stand-up chute which offers the ty registered breed- ing stock. Also avail- able, embryos and semen. Redbird F....,. .L~.9:.~ca::~S~='ln • Airstream Auto Dryers • GSI Top Dry call 1-800- uttimate in Cf1N comfort. Each cow is in the chute only ~ min. Lapeer, Michigan Marshall, MI49068 This offers many benefits to the herd and owner, while causing 1-810-667-7389 less stress 101'the cow. References upon request. 1-800-962-149 m HIGAiy F A R M l\l March 30, 1997 Farm News Classified r~ ZFScfoya FARMER BANKRUPTCY IMMIGRATION LAW FARM AUCTION Having retired from farming and rented my farm, the fol- lowing described items will be sold at Public Auction on Grain Merchandiser Throughout the farm located 1 % mi. E. of Freeland, Ml on Freeland Rd. HERITAGE Zeeland Farm Services is seeking an Michigan and Ohio to 3-way stop, then N. on Garfield Rd., past MBS Interna- BUILDING SYSTEMS tional Airport to first farm on north side of airport or 4% 8 0 0 - 6 4 3 - 5 5 5 5 individual to work in our grain office. The Lawrence mi. S. of Auburn, Ml on Garfield Rd. to farm (Saginaw Co.). BUILD IT Y O U R S E L F A N D SAVE ideal individual will have a strong G. Reinhold, Attorney at Law Friday, April 1 1 , 1 9 9 7 30 x 40 x 10 $4,189 50 x 75 x 12 $9,979 40 x 60 x 12 $7,487 60 x 90 x 12 $13,198 background in dealing with customers as 10:00 a . m . 60 x 60 x 12 $9,380 120 x 200 x 14-m2 $47,913 well as beign detail oriented and familiar 810-350-2250 Tractors and Backhoe: White 4-150 4x4 Tractor; White 2-135 Dsl. Tractor, 2793 hrs.; Ford 5000 Dsl. Commercial steel buildings featuring easy bolt up assembly from America's largest distributor. We have over 10,000 standard in general office procedures. This is a fast Tractor; AC WD 45 Tractor, W.F.; Ford 4500 Loader/ sizes of shop, farm, industrial, commercial and mini-warehouse buildings. All arc complete with engineer stamped permit paced environment and the ability to Backhoe, dsl. Combine and Trucks White 8900 drawings, 20 year roof and wall rust warranty. Call us for a free handle multiple functions is requires. dsl. 4x4 Harvest Boss Combine, hydrostat drive, rice information package and a quote on our component parts. Some agricultural knowledge is a plus but FARM AUCTION Having discontinued dairying and rented our farm, the fol- & cane tires, 2700 hrs.; White 6-row N Corn Head; White 18' Grain Platform; White 11' Dummy Head; Mini Warehouse Sale $9,999 we will train the right person. Pleas apply lowing will be sold at Public Auction on the farm located 5 1965 Ford F-600 Single Axle Truck, w/Midwest box 2 0 ' \ 120' \ M I I I 24 units l o m p k ' t c with partitions5 in person or send resume to: mi. East of Hemlock, Ml on M-46 to junction M-52 and M- and hoist; 1981 Ford F-250 Pickup Machinery: IH l i t l i i : H i t t.ilIII(l^.ii. i . i u t Personnel Manager 46, go North on Graham Rd. 2.5 mi. then 1.5 mi. East to 455 8-row Planter; White 378 8-row hyd. fold S-tine 9345 Frost Rd. or 3 mi. South of Freeland. Ml on M-47 then Cultivator with tunnell shields; White 25' hyd. fold up Zeeland Farm Services Danish Tine Field Cultivator w/Buster Bar leveler; 1 mi. West on Tittabawassee Rd., and 2 mi. South on Tho- 2468 84th St, P.O. Box 290 mas Rd. then East vi mi. to farm (Saginaw Co.). Brillion 25' hyd. fold up Crowfoot Packer; White 18' Zeeland, MI 49464 spring fold Wheel Disc; Yetter 8-row 3 pt. Rotary Hoe; Wednesday, April 9, 1997 Innes 835 (red) 6-row center delivery Bean Windrower; FARMERS 10:00 a.m. Innes 570 4-row Bean Windrower; Top Air Mfg. 750 Livestock & commodity prices too low? 5 Tractors and Skidsteer: Ford 7710 MFWD Dsl. Tractor, 3900 gal. Tandem Trailer Sprayer w/60' boom, PTO pump, • Cash flow too slow? hours; Ford 9600 Dsl. Tractor; Ford 8600 Dsl. Tractor Ford elec. cab controls; Brillion 9-shank Soil Saver Trailer • Mortgage payments and bills overwhelming? 5000 Dsl. Tractor Ford 4000 Gas Tractor, w/Ford hyd. loader; Type, w/Buster Bar Leveler; Haulette 28' Tri-Axle Imp. • Want someone who understands lenders? Clark Bobcat 643 Skidsteer, hydro., new Kubota engine, 400 Trailer; Parker 350 bu. Gravity Box on 10-ton gear; hrs. Combine and Heads: JD 7700Turbo Dsl. Combine, posi torque drive, straw chopper, SN 113353; JD 443 4-row N Com McCurdy 160 bu. Gravity Box on gear Many Items I • Want someone to talk to your lender? • Do you understand your options with PA. 116? HATFIELD SPRAYING SERVICE, INC Head; JD 21616' Grain Platform; (Combine and Heads offered separate, then as a package); Wagon gear adapted for grain from Around the Farm: 2 Jewelry Wagons full of Farm Primitives, Antiques and Collectables! Con- I Do you need to restructure your farming business? • Do you need to consider changing your vacation? Call 800-632-0087 platform Trucks: 1976 Ford F-600SingleAxle Truck w/14' grain signed by Neighbor: IH 720 6x16" Auto Spring Re- set Plow; MF 43 Soy/Grain Drill 22 Hoe, dbl. disc open- I We can, we have and we do all of the above. Let us help turn your life around. box and hoist, V-8 gas, 4x2 speed, 25,000 miles; 1972 Chevy C-60 Single Axle Truck w/16' Omaha grain box and hoist, 327 ers; Wilbeck 11 shank Trailer Chisel Plow I L _C2.,L!^M55:?!37- for a quote on V-8,4x2 spd., fresh engine, 12,000 miles ago; 197914' Tan- Terms: Cash or Good Check Day of Sale SPRING FERTILIZING dem Axle Livestock Trailer, bumper hitch. Machinery: JD 7000 8-row Plateless Planter, dry fert., cross auger; JD 1010 24.5' Ron Krauss, O w n e r For i n f o r m a t i o n , call 517-695-9074 by AIR hyd. fold Field Cultivator w/time leveler; Ford 5x18" semi mtd. Plows; M&W 1921 8-row flat fold Rotary Hoe, 3 pt.; MF 52018' f=* SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. 27 years experience spring fold Wheel Disc; Kewanee 12' Cultimulcher; Miller 8-row <^-==>Jim & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers, Clare, Michigan S-fjne Rigid Cultivator; Speedy 4-row front mt. Bean Pullers; 0*=^ 517/386-2252 or 9694 - Fax 517/386-2246 Real Estate - GPS equipped - Heath 1050 4-row Bean Windrower Leon 10' Universal Fit Real Estate Hatfield Spraying Service, Inc. Dozer Blade, underslung; 3 pt. back hoe attachment w/self- ~ Nunica, Michigan ~ contained hyd. unit; Kilbros 350 Gravity Box on 8-ton gear; MF 1050 Grinder/Mixer 27,000 watt Ag-Tronic 3 pt. Generator; 120 ACRE FARM: GORGEOUS REMOD- Hedlund MartinTandemAxle Side Throw Manure Spreader (HD Business & Newago County. 4- ELED FARM HOUSE Help Wanted bedroom home with reconditioning) Many Farm-Related Items Legal Services w i t h a c r e a g e . Just pool. Excellent soil, outside Big Rapids. For Display Terms: Cash or Good Check Day of Sale 9 5 % tillable. Build- Fireplace, outbuild- Dogs & Puppies i n g s in A - 1 c o n d i - ings, much more. Advertising H u g h e s F a r m s I N D I V I D U A L S for EXPERIENCED tion! $169,900. Call $189,900. custom harvesting For information, call Doug Hughes 517-479-3661 Mark W e n t l a n d , operation. Texas Michigan agribusi- Call Mark W e n t - Information < f^\ SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. through Montana, ness attorneys with BIG RAPIDS REALTY land, AKC BRITTANY PUPS. 2* e 5pJim & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers, Clare, Michigan 1-616-796-7856 Champion bred. Ex- Call: fr"^ 517/386-2252 or 9694 - Fax 517/386-2246 1997 season. Must farm backgrounds. BIG RAPIDS REALTY be c l e a n , h o n e s t , Knowledge and ex- 1-616-796-7856 cellent hunting S.W. MICH: 80 acre stock! Whelped Josh Merchant hard working with perience in all farm irrigated w h o l e s a l e farm background. areas; restructure, January 10, 1997. nursery. Growers of Orange or liver col- 800-292-2680 1-402-364-2468. stray voltage, bank- trees, shrubs, and ruptcy, estate plan- ors available. Call 1- Ext: 6543 Ponies/Horses Ponies/Horses ning. EAST SIDE: perennials. Com- 810-367-3825. Thomas J . Budzyn- plete set up with Real Estate Agricultural house, three barns, ski, 43777 Grose- all machinery equip- Wanted M I C H I G A N FARM N E W S Services beck Highway, Mt. B E A U T I F U L GRAY FREE HOME DELIV- ment, and market- Clemens, Michigan. Place your Arabian stallion for ERYISimply the 48036. ing systems. Great sale. E l e v e n years best! Complete FARM DRAINAGE AND location for thirty BUYING FARM LAND advertising with old, extremely ver- Horse Feed. ELITE EARTHWORK: 1-810-463-5253. y e a r s . 1.35 million and recreational us and see the satile, trained Eng- Laser Construction. WEST SIDE: dollars, terms avail- + , 1 0 % or 1 2 % . property throughout lish and Western. Dealer inquiries Surface drainage, R o b e r t A. S t a n i h a , able to qualified results! Produces Typey welcome! For infor- farm lagoons, water 40 W e s t S h e r i d a n , buyers. northwest Michigan. Call R o n McGregor 800-292-2680, foals, good disposi- mation or delivery, retention basins, Fremont, Michigan, Heartland at 1-616-943-7709 tion, 1/2 brother to building pads, ac- 49412. ext6543 Mathie Energy Supply 1-616-924-3760. Management for details. National Champion Co., Inc. cess roads, drive- Services. a n d g r a n d s o n of 1-8OO-467-7340 ways. 1-616-637-2625 Ferzon. 1-517-833- T o d d Haynes 7821. C a r s o n City FARMS AND LAND FACTORY CLEARANCE Hiiiii'Jiiiimiii Having discontinued farming, the following will be sold at 517-584-3265 INVENTORY MUST BE SOLD! throughout Michi- gan, and recreational. agricultural public auction on the farm located 2 mi. south of Napoleon, Ml Main Dairy Machinery A u c t i o n Business & STEEL BUILDINGS L a r g e parcels pre- on M-50 then west on Krego Rd. 1Vimi. Having discontinued dairy farming, the following will be sold at SUPER HEAVY STEEL ferred. W e have and north ^ mi. to 8293 Giles Rd. (Jackson Co.) public auction on the farm located 3 mi. west of Winn, Ml on Legal Services buyers! 25X30(2 LEFT) 40X50IUEFT) 50X100I1LEFT) Tuesday, April 15,1997 Blanchard Rd., then 1/4 mi. south on Woodruff Rd. & turn east on 30X4013 LEFT) 4 2 X 6 4 (2 LEFT) Call D a n VanVal- 10:30 a . m . Ward to end of road to farm. (Isabella Co.) METAL ROOF COAT- kenburg, Rural - Tractors: JD 8430 4x4 dsl. tractor, cab, quad range, 3 pt. 1000 Wednesday, April 16, 1997 INGS: Heavy fibered UP T O 4 0 % OFF!!! Property Specialist. pto, 3 outlets, 18.4x34R tires and duals, complete rebuild in 1994 10:00 a.m or w h i t e roof c o a t - 20 Year Warranty Faust Real Estate JD 730 dsl. tractor, new 18.4x38 tires, rebuilt in 1990, SN 7316808 -Tractors and Skid Steer 1991 Case/IH 7130 MFWDDsl.Trac- ings. H.J. B u t z i n . United Steel Span, Inc. Adrian - Combine and Heads: JD 8820 4x4 turbo dsl. combine, 150 tor, 1540 hrs., cab, air, AM/FM, 3 outlets, 1000 PTO, powershift, Call anytime, early 1-517-263-8666 20.8x42 tires & axle duals, full set of front wts., 1 owner, sharp!; 800-951-5669 hrs. on rebuitl engine and cab, hydro, 30.5Lx32 tires, feeder house or late. IH 1466 Dsl. Tractor; IH 1466 Dsl. Tractor; IH 966 Dsl. Tractor Ask for Regional Manager reverser SN 3464609; JD 220 20' flex platform SN 442611; JD 1-517-777-9815. 643 6-row N com head, SN 336936; KHbros grain headed cart IH 856 Dsl. Tractor; JD 4010 Dsl. Tractor; Case 1845C Dsl. Skid Steer, 2335 hrs. low profile wheels; (all of the above will sell separate); JD 7000 -Combine and Heads: 1981 IH1460Axial Flow Combine, 2WD, 12-rowfront fold planter, 30" rows, deluxe monitor, liquid fert.; JD 1644 hrs., 1 owner, SN 023681; IH 963 6-row N com head; IH 7000 6-row no-till planter, 30" rows, liquid fert., insecticides; Great Plains solid stand 15 no-tilt drill, 15', pun type drill hitch; JD 694 15' rigid grain platform - Vehicles and Dozer 1975 Chevy C-65 Live Tandem Truck w/ DICK 6-row planter, new tires; Brady 3850 3' hyd. fold field cultivator Hoekstra 18' metal box and twin post hoist, 454 V-8 gas, 5x4 ALW00D w/buster bar leveter, Landdl 19-shank hyd. fold chisel plow, trailer spd., al new brakes in1996!; 1988GMC1500 Sierra; 1967 Dodge type; JD 1600 chisel plow; IH 7-shank chisel plow w/gauge Charger, 2 dr., 1 owner, Tri-axle Implement Trailer, grate deck, wheels, 3 pt.; JD F145 4x16" semi mtd. plows, new bottoms; JD tongue hitch; 1952 AC HD 9 Dsl. Dozer w/12' Wade (runs) Wick 125 4x16" plows; (2) JD BWF 22'manual fold discs; JD BWF16' - Hay and Forage Equipment: IH 1500 14' self-propelled disc 4-parts; JD F13016' hyd. lift transport drag; JD C-1014' 3 haybine, dsl. cab, hydrostat; New Holland 900 forage chopper, Buildings 3-row N com head, T hay pickup head, elec. cab controls, tan- pt. field cultivator; JD C-11 16" 3 pt. field cultivator; JD RG-4 4- dem axle; 1992 New Holland 144 windrower/converter, pull type; Dealer row cultivator; JD RG-8 8-row cultivator; JD FB 15 hoe grain 10 wheel 3 pt. 2 into 1 hayrake;3 Badger self-unloading forage drill; JD FB8 17 hoe grain drill; Brillion 10' 4" axle transport wagons on tandem axle gears; New Holland self-unloading for- curtipacken JD 505 5' 3 pt brush mower; Land Price 8' HD angle age wagon on tandem axfe gear; 1992 Statewide 16' metal cattle 202 Pearl back Wade; JD 953 running gear, 2 New Holland tandem axle feeder on gear, 1990 new Holland 308,2400 gal. side discharge Charlotte manure spreaders 4-parts manure spreader, tandem axle,flotationtires; New Holland 680 - Truck: 1979 Chevy C-30 dually pickup, V-8, auto, new rubber tandem axle manure spreader, slush gate; Case/IH 600 silo Ml 48813 - Shop and Farm-related Kerns: Set of 18.4x38 axle duals; st. blower Winpower 50 kw. PTO 3 ph. generator, used very little steel 200 gal. saddle tanks, univ. fit; 200 gal. field sprayer; NH 3 applicator, 3,500 gal. ploy tanks; Pacer 5 HP transfer pump; 2" - Machinery: (2) IH 400 Cycle 6-row planters w/dbl. hitch frame for 12-row appi.; 1991 Case/IH 496 21 Vi' hyd. fold wheel disc, Wick Columns Are Office transfer hose; 200" of HD welding cable; 6,18.4x34 tires; weld- ing steel; good quantity of new and used nuts and bolts; gear good cond.; IH 700 6x16' on land auto spring reset plow - Consigned by Neighbor: IH 966 Dsl. Tractor w/Leon hyd. loader and mat. bucket; (2) Simon planing 16' dump wagons on Guaranteed For 50 Years. (517) 543-0996 reduction motor and other elect, motrs; 3,200 gal. fuel tanks w/ Knowles 10-ton gear w/mktwest hoist; 1978 New Holland 479 9" Wick pressure-treated columns integrity. And these colored panels 12 volt pumps; roll of 5/8* cable; pc. of 7/8" cable; misc. scrap haybine; JD 6 bottom plow; 250 gal. above-grd. fuel tank; 18' are backed for 50 years against are tough, full-hard base steel. iron; wagon full of misc. farm items too numerous to mention! Athens disc; United 500 gal. 45' field sprayer, hay thrower rack decay and insect damage. That That's why we sell Wick buildings. Home Terms: Cash or good check day of sale. No items removed made out of sucker rod; hoe; JD 10" hd. disc; IH 16' finish rise w/ gives you an idea of how Wick To learn more about strong JD cyrl.; Gehl 260 hay rake tedder, New Idea 150 bu. manure (616) from premises until settled for. Not responsible for accidents. sorB3d6r buildings are made. Wick buildings, contact us today. Lunch available. Porta jon on site. They're constructed with roof 623-8780 Terms: Cash or good check day of sale. and wall steel screw-fastened for O a m e s Haller, Prop. 8293 Giles Rd., Napoleon, Ml 49261 M a i n Dairy I n c . Lewis and Chad Main, Props. added strength and structural far) Wick Fax For info, call 517-536-5208 For info, call 517-561-5255 v l l / Buildings' (517) f^) SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. f~) SYKORA AUCTION SERVICE, INC. ' ^ - d ^ J i m & Scott Sykora, Auctioneers, Clare, Michigan er and area code word • HUNTING LEASE Lease financing 2 3 4 WANTED: Courte- ous, mature hunters for equipment 5 6 7 8 with experience leasing Southern in vehicles & Regardless of 9 10 11 12 Michigan farm land seek property for buildings credit history, 13 14 1997 -1998 hunting 15 16 season. Will pay call for same- you to help control • 100% tax deductible day approval. 17 18 19 20 nuisance deer. Ref- erences available. • fixed payments 1-517 -676-0486. 21 22 23 24 • min advance payment Ce.CASH 2S 26 27 28 Minerai Owners G •• /OII: Investor ~ ~ FAST! interested in pur- chasing, producing royalty income for TEIMARKINc. www.telmark.com CommonPoint 29 30 31 32 immediate cash. 33 34 3S 36 Prefer Antrim gas. 800-451-3322 Mortgage Other formations considered. Circulation over 46,000 In State of MichIgan. Call Jay, 1-800-968- 7645. 1-800-968-2221 L- ------------------~ News for Farmowners from Farm Bureau Insurance Why not the best Will your farm stay in the Prevent skid-steer loader Farm Bureau Insurance insurance for your farm? family after your death? accidents honors scholar-athletes Farm Bureau Mutual adds 21 coverage improvements W hat will happen to your farm or business after you're gone? Will it have to be sold to S kid-steer loaders are particulariy useful to many farmers because of their small size and A record number of outstanding high school seniors in Michigan — nearly 3,000 — applied M ichigan's best selling farm protection pro gram, the Farmowners policy from Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Michigan, has pay taxes and bills? Will it stay in the family? You can make sure your farm or business con- tinues into the next generation with an estate plan, exceptional maneuverability. But their buckets and lift arms have been known to cause serious injuries and death. Here are recommendations to help pre- for 1996-97 Scholar-Athlete Awards, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. The Michigan High School Athletic Associa- upgraded its coverages 21 ways. one of the most important — and often most ne- vent skid steer loader accidents: tion, which administers the scholarship program, This is one of the biggest overall coverage im- glected — parts of any family business. • Follow the manufacturer's warnings and instruc- then assembled a committee of educators from provements in the policy's history, giving Michigan "If you've worked all your life to build your farm tions for safe mounting and dismounting. Mount around the state to review the applications and farmers more thorough protection than ever before. or business, you want to make sure it stays intact and the loader only when the lift arms and bucket are select the 24 scholarship recipients. The 21 improvements range from expanded in the family after your death," say Farm Bureau In- flat on the ground. And before leaving the loader This year's winners of $1,000 scholarships coverage for newly acquired farm machinery and surance estate planning specialists. "Nothing will ac- seat, remember to lower the lift arms and bucket from Farm Bureau Insurance are ... livestock to emergency road service for farm ma- complish this as effectively as an estate plan." to the ground; turn the engine off; and engage Fall sports chinery and twice as much coverage as before for An estate plan puts everything in order and on the parking brake. Jessica Jenkins, Livonia Churchill, girls basketball debris removal. paper, making sure your wishes for your farm or • Use the controls from the operator's position. Nathan Hoffman, Allegan, boys cross country Farm Bureau Mutual has long been Michigan's business are carried out. Life insurance is an impor- • Do not use controls as grab handles. Marjorie Kathryn Brooks, Westland John Glenn, leading farm insurer, dating back to I960 when it tant pan of an estate plan, because it guarantees • Inspect control interlocks, safety belts, safety girls cross country introduced the first Farmowners policy in the nation. that your family will have the money needed to pay bars, ROPS, and side screens. Maintain them Jonathan Leigh West, Warren Lincoln, football The policy offers Michigan farmers custom- off estate taxes and bills and keep things going. properly, and never modify or bypass them. Jason Hartman, Wyoming Park, boys golf ized protection, fast claims service, and agents who Every year, many Michigan farm families are • Do not perform maintenance or service under a Jason Coplen, Warren Macomb Christian, boys soccer know and understand the needs of today's farmer. forced to sell the family farm because they had no raised lift arm or bucket unless an approved lift Katherine Kowalski, Troy, girls swimming and diving It's the kind of service you would expect from the estate plans. arm support is in place. When an operator can- Amy Eleanor LaGuire, St. Johns, girls tennis only insurance company in Michigan owned and A farm is a legacy and Farm Bureau Insurance not engage lift arm supports directly from the Winter sports controlled by Michigan farmers. can show you how to pass it on. You owe it to your- operator's seat, a second person should engage Mark Edward Swart, Holland, boys basketball As Michigan's number one farm insurer, Farm self and your family to begin your estate planning now. them—and should be sure to stay clear of the Melissa Charnesky, Rochester, girls competitive cheer Bureau Mutual has a goal: to protect even more Farm Bureau Insurance, a statewide leader in raised lift arms and bucket while doing so. Katherine Fix, Grand Rapids West Catholic, girls quality farm operations in 1997. farm estate planning, has been working with Michi- • Make sure all operators read and understand the gymnastics Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today gan farm families for nearly 50 years. operating and service procedures specified in Brian Crawford, Clio, ice hockey to find out more about Michigan's best farm insur- the manual and on the machine's safety signs. Brian Sanford Matchett, Elk Rapids, boys skiing ance protection. When you work hard to run a qual- Susan Corbin, Saginaw Heritage, girls skiing ity farm operation, make sure you protect it with Protect yourself in the sun Jeffrey Phillip Patton, Saginaw Heritage, boys quality coverage ... the Farmowners policy from Farm Bureau Mutual. A lmost all of the more than 500,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are sun- related. The American Cancer Society offers this • Remember that you're not fully protected in the shade. Rays bound from all directions- sand, water, and patio floors. swimming and diving Kerri Wendling, New Lothrop, girls volleyball Edward Ball, Grosse Point North, wrestling advice for the times when you'll be out in the sun: • Don't count on being safe on a cloudy day or Career opportunities • Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a m and under water. The sun's burning power pene- Spring sports Michael Newsted, Blissfield, baseball D o you know someone who has an outgoing personality and a strong desire to succeed? Your local Farm Bureau Insurance agency 3 p.m. • Wear cool and loose-fitting clothing to cover as trates clouds, and the rays can up to three feet below the surface of the water. Kari Lynne Prochazka, Flushing, girls golf Nikki Johnson, Lansing Catholic Central, girls soccer much of your skin as possible. Wear a wide- • Avoid sun reflectors, sun lamps, and tanning Kim Grotenhuis, Hamilton, softball manager may be looking for a career-minded per- brimmed hat, too. parlors. Edward Chung, Okemos, boys tennis son in your area. • Apply a sun screen with a sun protection fac- • Request skin exams as part of your regular Adam Homolka, New Buffalo, boys track Contact your local agency manager to learn tor (SPF) of at least 15 to exposed areas. checkups, and self-examine your skin regularly. Stephanie Jo Barker, Traverse City, girls track more about a career as an agent with Farm Bureau Insurance. ~l r We would like to hear from you. YOU'VE SEEN THE BILLBOARDS Please let us know if you'd like information about: • A Free Insurance Review ] Passing On Your Farm • Farmowners Insurance • Life Insurance • Annuities INSURANT • Our video Farm Safety: The People Factor UP TO DATS? Other FARM BUREAU IRANCE You may also want more information about: • Workers Disability Compensation Insurance • RCAP — The Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program • Long-Term Care Protection I FARM BUREAU • Disability Income Protection ® INSURANCE • Multi-Peril Crop Insurance • Health Insurance from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Free for you: Our billboards are bigger than life. D Wood Heat: The Safe Way So is the service you'll get from our agents. For top service for life, farm, home, auto, business and retirement insurance, see your Name Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. Address City/Zip FARM BUREAU INSURANCE Mail to: Fax to: MAKING YOUR FUTURE MORE PREDICTABLE Farm Bureau Insurance 517-323-6615 Communications Department Post Office Box 30400 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7900 Now SEE YOUR AGENT L J